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HNI Corporation

hni · NYSE Industrials
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Ticker hni
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Sector Industrials
Industry Business Equipment & Supplies
Employees 7600
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FY2017 Annual Report · HNI Corporation
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HNI Corporation
2017 Annual Report

Market Leading
Value Creation

Our beliefs drive our actions and our actions drive our 
outcomes. Whether we succeed or fail depends on 
what we believe and how we act on those beliefs.

Integrity is Everything
We believe integrity is everything. We believe 
intensely in treating members, customers, shareholders 
and suppliers with integrity and respect, because 
doing so will ultimately create differentiation and 
greater return for our company. Integrity is being 
honest and upfront with people and doing what we 
say we will do.

Constructive Discontent
We believe in spending less time talking about what 
we do well and more examining what we can do 
better. We are always looking for a better way, which 
means we are in a constant state of transformation. 
We are never satisfied with the status quo because 
no matter how well we do, we can always improve.

Making a Difference in Our Community  
and the Environment
We believe in the importance of working to better  
our communities.

Collective Gain
Our members (employees) create value for share- 
holders by creating value for our customers. When we 
do that, everyone—customers, investors, members, 
suppliers, communities—wins. That’s collective gain.

More, Better, Faster, for Less
What do customers want? The same thing you want 
when you are a customer. More, better, faster, for 
less. You want to be treated well, and you want it to 
be easy. Our success and survival depend on 
providing more than great products at a fair price.

Leaders Serve Every Member  
and Every Customer
We believe the company’s leadership exists for its 
members and customers, not vice-versa. Our leaders’ 
job is to engage our members and customers to 
share their ideas, and, more important, leaders must 
act on those ideas.

Pride Without Pretense
Members at HNI are humbly confident. Real,  
down to earth. Not arrogant. We are proud of our  
accomplishments, but we hate pretense. Members 
are confident enough to lead the way forward, but 
humble enough to stop, listen, adapt and improve. 
We demand excellence of ourselves and others, but 
we are open, honest and straightforward.

HNI Corporation   |   2017 Annual Report   |   1

Letter to Shareholders

Dear Shareholders: 2017 was a year of transition. We confronted 

multiple challenges—some planned and some not. We dealt with 

rapid and significant change in our markets. We took on large-scale 

transformations involving our operational network, fulfillment  

models, business portfolio, product offerings, and enterprise  

system. It was a difficult year, but we responded to our challenges, 

made investments, and positioned our businesses to better deliver 

long-term profitable growth in a new and dynamic environment. 

Strengthening Our Positions
Our multi-year effort to reduce structural cost  
has put us in a position to drive new levels of 
productivity and take advantage of improving 
market demand. We continued to adapt our  
product portfolio to the changing office, which  
is becoming less formal, more open, and 
increasingly collaborative. We advanced our 
Business Systems Transformation initiative and 
successfully switched over to the new enterprise 
system in early 2018. This project has been one 
of our most significant undertakings and is a 
critical enabler to long-term value creation. 

Our supplies-driven office furniture business 
experienced significant change during the year. 
We saw an acceleration of channel shifts that 
have been steadily taking place for some time. 
Our large customers are seeking more efficient 
engagement and direct fulfillment models. 
Accordingly, we stepped up our investments 
during the year to broaden our service  
capabilities. Our scale, brands, products,  
and services are unmatched in the supplies- 
driven market. We continue to strengthen our 
leading position and long-term partnerships 
with the strongest resellers.

Our contract office furniture and hearth  
businesses have strong momentum. In contract 
office furniture, we’re winning across multiple 
fronts by strengthening distribution, expanding 
our product offering, and delivering customer 
value. Our hearth business is the clear leader  
in its market, generating record profits in 2017. 
Our unmatched position with home builders  
and homeowners puts us in a unique position  
to drive long-term value creation.

Clear Path for Long-term Value Creation 
We believe significant profit and sales growth 
opportunities exist in our core businesses. In all 
of our businesses, customers are increasingly 
seeking more for their money and a more 
convenient purchasing experience. As part of 
our long-term strategy, we are positioning to 
dramatically lower the effort required to buy  
our products—making the whole process more 
convenient for sellers and customers. We will 
also be the best cost producer in the markets 
we serve. Our commitment to operational 
excellence allows us to deliver greater value to 
customers. Our split and focus business model 
offers the best opportunity to serve our core 
customers and market segments with brands 
tuned and tailored to their needs. 

2   |   2017 Annual Report   |   HNI Corporation

Defined by Our Culture
Our strong member owner culture defines  
who we are and what we do. Our culture  
drives our core beliefs, our beliefs drive actions, 
and our actions drive outcomes. We remain 
committed to our unique culture that continues 
to stand the test of time and sets us apart from 
the competition.

Thank You
We greatly appreciate the continued trust  
placed in us by our customers and shareholders.  
I would like to thank our members for their 
dedication and hard work through a challenging 
year. We remain committed to delivering long 
term value and look forward to delivering on the 
opportunities in front of us.

Looking Ahead with Confidence
In 2018, we will continue profitable growth.  
We have momentum in our markets and expect 
sales growth across our businesses. We will 
conclude our restructurings and deliver record 
core productivity improvements and structural 
cost reductions. 

We remain a strong company with leading 
market positions and the financial capacity  
to aggressively pursue profitable growth for  
our shareholders. I anticipate 2018 will be a 
good year for HNI.

Sincerely,

Stan A. Askren
Chairman, President and  

Chief Executive Officer

HNI Corporation   |   2017 Annual Report   |   3   

Office 
Furniture

HNI is a leading global office furniture company. Our brands 
are among the strongest, most widely known and respected  
in our industry. The depth and breadth of our brands, the 
scale and capability of our manufacturing and the strength of 
our distribution enables us to provide the best office furniture 
solutions to meet the needs of every customer—from the 
largest multinational organizations to the local entrepreneur.

Market Leading
Breadth & Depth

Hearth
Products

Wherever there is warmth and the welcome glow from a  
fireplace or heating stove, chances are it’s an HNI brand.   
We are the world’s leader in hearth products.  Our hearth  
brands are the strongest, most respected in the industry  
and include a full array of gas, electric, wood and biomass  
burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, facings and accessories.

4   |   2017 Annual Report   |   HNI Corporation

HNI Corporation   |   2017 Annual Report   |   5   

Financial Summary

Amounts in thousands, except for per share

Income Statement Data 

 Net sales 

 Non-GAAP gross profit* 

 Non-GAAP gross margin* 

2017 

2016  

CHANGE

$  2,175,882 

$  2,203,489 

(1.3%)

$   811,279 

$   849,649

37.3% 

38.6%

 Selling and administrative expenses 

$   671,831 

$   667,744

 Non-GAAP net income attributable to HNI Corporation*  

$  

88,145 

$   119,190 

(26.0%)

 Non-GAAP net income as a % of net sales* 

4.1% 

5.4%

 Per common share: 

Non-GAAP net income attributable to HNI Corporation—diluted*  

Cash dividends 

Balance Sheet Data

 Total assets 

 Long-term debt 

 Debt/capitalization ratio 

 HNI Corporation’s shareholders’ equity  

 Working capital 

Other Data

1.97 

1.13 

2.62 

(24.9%)

1.09

$  1,391,550 

$  1,330,234

$   240,000 

$   180,000

35.0% 

29.9%

$   514,068 

$   500,603

$  

(823) 

(30,432)

 Capital expenditures (including capitalized software)  

$   127,391 

$   119,584

 Cash flow from operations 

$   133,149 

$   223,362

 Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 

  44,839,813 

 45,502,219

*GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation

GAAP amount  

% of net sales 

Adjustments 

Restructuring charges 

Impairment charges 

Charitable donation of building 

Transition costs

Valuation allowance of long-term note receivable

Non-recurring gain

(Gain) loss on sale, disposal, and license of assets

Tax Legislation

Non-GAAP amount

% of Net Sales 

2017

2016

GROSS 
PROFIT 

NET 
INCOME 

EARNINGS
PER SHARE

GROSS 
PROFIT 

NET 
INCOME 

EARNINGS
PER SHARE

$  783,988  $   89,795  $  2.00

$  835,013  $   85,577  $  1.88

36.0%   

4.1%

37.9% 

  3.9%

$  10,327  $   10,939  $  0.25

$ 

$ 

—  $   13,861  $  0.31

—  $  

—  $  —

$  16,964  $   11,225  $  0.25

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

—  $   9,842  $  0.22

—  $  

— 

  —

—  $  

(2,686)  $ (0.06)

—  $  (44,831)  $ (1.00)

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

5,302  $   6,995  $  0.16

—  $   3,836  $  0.08

—  $   2,920   $  0.06

9,334  $   6,199   $  0.14

—  $  

—   $  —

—  $   (1,356)   $ (0.03)

—  $   15,019   $  0.33

—  $  

—  $  —

$  811,279  $   88,145  $  1.97

$  849,649  $  119,190   $  2.62

37.3% 

 4.1% 

38.6% 

5.4% 

6   |   2017 Annual Report   |   HNI Corporation

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017

OR

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

Commission File Number: 1-14225

HNI Corporation

Iowa
(State of Incorporation)

42-0617510
(I.R.S. Employer No.)

600 East Second Street
P. O. Box 1109
Muscatine, Iowa 52761-0071
(563) 272-7400

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

Common Stock, $1 Par Value

New York Stock Exchange

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
YES 

 NO 

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 

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 

 NO 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive 
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES 

 NO 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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, a smaller reporting 
company,  or  an  emerging  growth  company.  See  the  definitions  of  "large  accelerated  filer,"  "accelerated  filer,"  "smaller  reporting 
company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company 

   Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for 
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.     

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
YES 

 NO 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of July 1, 2017 was $1,434,431,574 based on 
the New York Stock Exchange closing price for such shares on that date, assuming for purposes of this calculation that all 10 percent 
holders and all directors and executive officers of the Registrant are affiliates.

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock, as of February 2, 2018, was 43,246,359.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 8, 
2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III.

HNI Corporation and Subsidiaries

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

Mine Safety Disclosures

Table I - Executive Officers of the Registrant

PART II

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8.

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

Item 10.

Item 11.
Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

Item 15.

Item 16.

Signatures

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Controls and Procedures

Other Information

PART III

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder 
Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

PART IV

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

Form 10-K Summary

Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Financial Statements

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Page

4

10

16

17

17

17

18

19

20

21

31

31

31

32

32

33

33
33

33

33

34

35

36

37

38

40

45

Item 1.  Business

General

PART I

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.  Office furniture products include panel-based and freestanding furniture systems, seating, 
storage, and tables.  These products are sold primarily through a national system of independent dealers, wholesalers, and office 
product distributors but also directly to end-user customers and federal, state, and local governments.  Hearth products include a full 
array of gas, wood, and pellet burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, facings, and accessories.  These products are sold through a national 
system of independent dealers and distributors, as well as Corporation-owned distribution and retail outlets.  In fiscal 2017, the 
Corporation had net sales of $2.2 billion, of which $1.7 billion or 76 percent was attributable to office furniture products and $0.5 
billion or 24 percent was attributable to hearth products.  See "Note 16. Reportable 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, China, Hong Kong, India, Taiwan, Mexico, and Dubai.  See "Item 2. Properties" 
for additional related discussion.

Eight operating units, marketed under various brand names, participate in the office furniture industry.  These operating units include:  

The HON Company LLC ("HON")
Allsteel Inc. ("Allsteel")
Maxon Furniture Inc. ("Maxon")
The Gunlocke Company LLC ("Gunlocke")
Hickory Business Furniture, LLC (''HBF'')
OFM LLC ("OFM")
HNI Hong Kong Limited (''Lamex'')
HNI Office India Limited ("HNI India") - formerly BP Ergo Limited

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

The Corporation has been committed to systematically eliminating waste through its process improvement approach known as Rapid 
Continuous  Improvement  (''RCI''),  which  focuses  on  streamlining  design,  manufacturing,  and  administrative  processes.  The 
Corporation's RCI program has contributed to increased productivity, lower costs, improved product quality, enhanced workplace 
safety, and shorter average lead times.

The  Corporation's  product  development  efforts  are  focused  on  developing  and  providing  relevant  and  differentiated  solutions, 
delivering 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 has 
the opportunity to own stock in the Corporation through a number of stock-based plans, including a member stock purchase plan 
and a profit-sharing retirement plan.  These ownership opportunities drive a unique level of commitment to the Corporation’s success 
throughout the workforce.  Member's own approximately 6 percent of the Corporation's stock.

For further financial-related information with respect to acquisitions, divestitures, operating segment information, restructuring, and 
the Corporation’s operations in general, refer to "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations" in Part II of this report and the following sections in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements: "Note 1. Nature 
of Operations", "Note 4. Acquisitions and Divestitures", and "Note 16. Reportable Segment Information".

4

Industry

According to the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association ("BIFMA"), North American 2017 sales of office 
and institutional furniture grew 2 percent from 2016 levels.  North American 2016 sales of office and institutional furniture grew 2 
percent from 2015 levels.

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

The supplies-driven channel, in which the Corporation is a leader, primarily represents smaller orders of office furniture purchased 
by  small/medium businesses.    Sales  in  this  channel are  driven  on  the  basis  of  price,  quality,  selection, speed,  and  reliability of 
delivery.  Office products dealers, wholesalers, and national office product distributors are the primary distribution channels in this 
market.

The Corporation also competes in the 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.

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 shareholder value.  The components of this growth 
strategy are to introduce new products, build brand equity, provide outstanding customer satisfaction, strengthen the distribution 
network, 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 and using the insights gained to refine branding, selling, marketing, and 
product development.  The Corporation also pursues opportunities in potential growth drivers related to its core business, such as 
vertical markets or new distribution models.

Employees/Members

As of December 30, 2017, the Corporation employed approximately 9,600 persons, 9,100 of whom were full-time and 500 of whom 
were temporary personnel.  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 systems and seating across a range of price 
points.  The Corporation's portfolio includes panel-based and freestanding furniture systems and complementary products such as 
seating, storage, tables, and relocatable architectural walls.  The Corporation offers a complete line of office panel system products 
and freestanding desks, bookshelves, and credenzas in order to meet the needs of a wide spectrum of organizations.  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'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.

5

To meet the demands of various markets, the Corporation's products are sold primarily under the Corporation's brands:

HON®
Allsteel®
Maxon®
Gunlocke®
HBF®
OFM®
basyx®  by HON
Lamex®
HNI India®

Hearth Products
The Corporation is North America’s largest manufacturer and marketer of prefabricated fireplaces, hearth stoves, and related products.  
These products are primarily for the home and are sold under the following widely recognized brands:

Heatilator®
Heat & Glo®
Majestic®
Monessen®
Quadra-Fire®
Harman StoveTM
Vermont Castings®
PelProTM

The Corporation’s line of hearth products includes a full array of gas, wood, and pellet burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, facings, 
and accessories.  Heatilator®, Heat & Glo®, Majestic®, and Monessen® are brand leaders in the two largest segments of the home 
fireplace market: gas and wood fireplaces.  The Corporation is the leader in "direct vent" fireplaces, which replaces the chimney-
venting system used in traditional fireplaces with a less expensive vent through the roof or an outer wall.  In addition, the Corporation 
is the market leader in wood and pellet-burning stoves with its Quadra-Fire®, Harman StoveTM, Vermont Castings®, and PelProTM
product lines, which provide home heating solutions using renewable fuels.  See "Intellectual Property" below for additional details.

Manufacturing

The Corporation manufactures office furniture in Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Carolina, China, and India.  The Corporation 
manufactures hearth products in Iowa, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

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, zinc, castings, lumber, veneer, particleboard, 
fabric, paint, lacquer, hardware, glass, plastic products, and shipping cartons.

Since its inception, the Corporation has focused on making its manufacturing facilities and processes more flexible while reducing 
cost, eliminating waste, and improving product quality.  The Corporation applies the principles of RCI and a lean manufacturing 
philosophy leveraging 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, processing times, square footage, inventory levels, product costs, and delivery times, while improving 
quality and enhancing member safety.  The Corporation's RCI process involves members, customers, and suppliers.  Manufacturing 
also  plays  a  key  role  in  the  Corporation's  concurrent  product  development process  in  order  to  design  new  products  for  ease  of 
manufacturability.

6

Product Development

The Corporation's product development efforts are primarily focused on developing relevant and differentiated end-user solutions 
focused on quality, aesthetics, style, sustainable design, and reduced manufacturing costs.  The Corporation accomplishes this through 
improving existing products, extending product lines, applying ergonomic research, improving manufacturing processes, leveraging 
alternative materials, and providing engineering support to its operating units.  The Corporation conducts its product development 
efforts at both the corporate and operating unit levels.  The Corporation invested in product development as follows (in thousands):

Product development investments

Intellectual Property

2017

2016

2015

$

31,846

$

28,089

$

31,103

As of December 30, 2017, the Corporation owned 181 U.S. and 187 foreign patents with expiration dates through 2040 and had 
applications pending for 20 U.S. and 59 foreign patents.  In addition, the Corporation holds 169 U.S. and 446 foreign trademark 
registrations and has applications pending for 28 U.S. and 15 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 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 applies for trademark protection for brands and products when it believes the expense of doing so is justified.  The 
Corporation actively protects trademarks it believes have significant value.  The Corporation believes neither the loss of any individual 
trademark nor the loss of the Corporation's trademarks in the aggregate would materially or adversely affect the Corporation's business 
as a whole, except for HON, Allsteel, Heat & Glo, and Heatilator.

Sales and Distribution: Customers

The  Corporation  sells  its  office  furniture  products  through  five  principal  distribution  channels.  The  first  channel,  consisting  of 
independent,  local  office  products  dealers,  specializes  in  the  sale  of  office  furniture  and  office  furniture  systems  to  business, 
government, education, and health care entities.

The second distribution channel is comprised of national office product distributors that sell furniture and office supplies through a 
national network of dealerships and sales offices.  These distributors also sell through on-line and retail office products stores.

The third distribution channel involves the Corporation having the lead selling relationship with the end-user.

The fourth distribution channel is comprised of wholesalers serving as distributors of the Corporation's products to independent 
dealers and national office products distributors.  Wholesalers maintain inventory of standard product lines for resale to the various 
independent dealers and national office products distributors.

The fifth distribution channel is comprised of 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 variable performance compensation.

Independent office products dealers, national wholesalers, and national office product distributors market their products over the 
Internet and through catalogs periodically published and distributed to existing and potential customers.

7

The Corporation also makes export sales through HNI Export to independent office furniture dealers and wholesale distributors 
serving  select  foreign  markets.  Distributors  are  principally  located  in  the  Middle  East,  Mexico,  Latin  America,  and  the 
Caribbean.  Through Lamex and HNI India, the Corporation manufactures and distributes office furniture directly to end-users and 
through independent dealers and distributors in Asia, primarily China and India.

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

Hearth & Home sells its fireplace and stove products through independent 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.

In fiscal 2017, the Corporation's five largest customers represented approximately 24 percent of its consolidated net sales.  No single 
customer accounted for 10 percent or more of the Corporation’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2017.  The substantial purchasing 
power exercised by large customers may adversely affect the prices at which the Corporation can successfully offer its products.

The Corporation has an order backlog, which will be filled in the ordinary course of business.  Order backlog in dollars and in terms 
of percentage of net sales was as follows (in thousands):

Net sales

Order backlog

Percent of net sales

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$ 2,175,882

$ 2,203,489

$

202,255

$

175,732

9.3%

8.0%

The Corporation’s products are typically manufactured and shipped within a few weeks following receipt of order or later upon 
customer request.  Therefore, the dollar amount of the Corporation’s order backlog is not considered by management to be a leading 
indicator of the Corporation’s expected sales in any particular fiscal period.

Competition

The Corporation is a leading global office furniture manufacturer and is North America's largest manufacturer and marketer of 
fireplaces.

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 tailored customer 
service.  The Corporation competes with large office furniture manufacturers, which cover a substantial portion of the North America 
market share in the contract-oriented office furniture market, including manufacturers 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.,  Krueger  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 against a broad range of manufacturers, including Travis Industries Inc., Innovative Hearth 
Products, Wolf Steel Ltd. (Napoleon), and FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd. (Regency).

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

8

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 normal inflation primarily through productivity improvements combined 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, information technology, and RCI programs.  These investments 
collectively focus on business simplification and increasing productivity, which help 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.  The use of LIFO ensures changing material and labor costs are recognized 
in reported income and pricing decisions.

Environmental

The Corporation is subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations governing the 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 substantially compliant with all of the 
various regulations applicable to its business, there can be no assurance requirements will not change in the future or 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 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 environmental objective is to reduce and, when practical, eliminate the human and ecosystem impacts of 
materials and manufacturing processes.

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 increasingly knowledgeable 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.

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 financially material capital expenditures will 
be required during fiscal 2018 for environmental control facilities.  In management’s judgment, 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, material science, or 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 December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 
2016 is discussed in ''Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II of 
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 information on the Corporation's website is not, and shall not be, deemed to be a part hereof 
or incorporated into this or any of the Corporation's other filings with 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 report to the extent they are not statements of historical or present fact, including statements as to plans, outlook, 
objectives, and future financial performance, are "forward-looking" statements, within the meaning of Section 21 of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Words, such as "anticipate," "believe," 

9

"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 "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 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 but not limited 
to: the levels of office furniture needs and housing starts; overall demand for our products; general economic and market conditions 
in the United States and internationally; industry and competitive conditions; the consolidation and concentration of our customers; 
our reliance on our network of independent dealers; changes in raw material, component, or commodity pricing; market acceptance 
and demand for our new products; our ability to successfully execute our business software system implementation; our ability to 
achieve desired results from closures and structural cost reduction initiatives; our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits from 
integrating our acquired businesses and alliances; changing legal, regulatory, environmental, and healthcare conditions; the risks 
associated with international operations; the potential impact of product defects; the various restrictions on our financing activities; 
an inability to protect our intellectual property; the impact of recent tax legislation; force majeure events outside the Corporation’s 
control; and other risks as described under the heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors," as well as others that the Corporation may consider 
not material 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 have a material effect on 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 report should be carefully considered.  If any of the following risks 
occur, our business, operating results, cash flows, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Unfavorable economic and industry factors could adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition.

Office furniture industry sales are impacted by a variety of macroeconomic factors including service-sector employment levels, 
corporate profits, small business confidence, commercial construction, and office vacancy rates.  Industry factors, including 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 sales are impacted by a variety of macroeconomic factors 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.  Deterioration of economic conditions or a slowdown in the recovery in the homebuilding industry 
and the hearth products market could decrease demand for our hearth products and have additional adverse effects on our operating 
results.  Additionally, the decline in oil and other fuel prices has negatively impacted demand for pellet stoves and we expect demand 
to remain soft in the pellet business while oil and other fuel prices remain low.

Economic growth remains solid in our key international markets, including China and India.  A deterioration of economic conditions 
in those markets could have adverse effects on our international office furniture sales and operating results.

Deteriorating economic conditions could affect our business significantly, including: reduced demand for products; insolvency of 
our independent 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; and decreased customer demand, including order delays 
or cancellations.

10

The office furniture and hearth products industries are highly competitive and, as a result, we may not be successful in winning new 
business.

Both the office furniture and hearth products industries are highly competitive.  Many of our competitors in both industries offer 
similar products.  Competitive factors include price, delivery and service, product design, product quality, strength of dealers and 
other distributors, and relationships with customers and key influencers, including architects, designers, home-builders, and facility 
managers.  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.  Our main competitors manufacture products with strong acceptance in the marketplace 
and are capable of developing products that have a competitive advantage over our products, which could make it difficult for us to 
win new business.

In both the office furniture and hearth products industries, we face price competition from our competitors and from new market 
entrants  who  primarily  manufacture  and  source  products  from  lower  cost  countries.  Price  competition  impacts  our  ability  to 
implement price increases or, in some cases, even maintain prices, which could lower our profit margins and adversely affect our 
future financial performance.

Changes in industry dynamics, including demand and order patterns from our customers, distribution changes, or the loss of a 
significant number of dealers, could adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition.

We sell our products through multiple distribution channels, which primarily includes independent dealers, national dealers, and 
wholesalers.  Within these distribution channels, there has been, and may continue to be, consolidation.  We rely on distribution 
partners  to  provide  a  variety  of  important  specification,  installation,  and  after-market  services  to  our  customers.  Some  of  our 
distribution partners may terminate their relationships with us at any time and for any reason.  We have experienced demand shift 
to direct fulfillment, reducing two-step distribution that was previously provided by wholesale partners.  Our ability to provide 
increased direct fulfillment and/or the loss or termination of a significant number of reseller 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 profitability may be adversely affected by increases in raw material and commodity costs as well as transportation and shipping 
challenges.

Fluctuations in the price, availability, and quality of the commodities, raw materials, and components used in manufacturing could 
have an adverse effect on our costs of sales, profitability, and our ability to meet customers' demand.  We source commodities, raw 
materials, and components from domestic and 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, 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 rely primarily on third-party freight and transportation providers to deliver our products to customers.  Increasing demand for 
freight providers and a shortage of qualified drivers may cause delays in our shipments and increase the cost to ship our products, 
which may adversely affect our profitability.  Additionally, we import and export products and components, primarily using container 
ships, which load and unload through North American ports.  Port-caused delays in the shipment or receipt of products and components, 
including labor disputes, could cause delayed receipt of our products and components.  These delays could cause manufacturing 
disruptions, increased expense resulting from alternate shipping methods, or the inability to meet customer delivery expectations, 
which may adversely affect our sales and profitability.

11

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

To meet the changing needs of our customers and keep pace with market trends, we regularly introduce new office furniture and 
hearth products.  The introduction of new products requires the coordination of the design, manufacturing, and marketing of the 
products, which may be affected by factors beyond our control.  The design and engineering of certain new products can take up to 
a year or more, and further time may be required to achieve client acceptance.  We may face difficulties 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 and our customers' needs.  Accordingly, the launch of a product may be later or less successful 
than we originally anticipated, limiting our sales growth or causing our sales to decline.

Our implementation and use of a new business software system, and accompanying transformation of our business processes, could 
result in problems that could negatively impact our business and results of operations.

We are engaged in a multi-year, broad-based program, which we refer to as business systems transformation ("BST").  The BST 
initiative includes the introduction of a new software system along with process changes and new ways to work, which simplify and 
streamline our business processes.  In 2016 and 2017, we implemented BST across several of our smaller operating companies.  The 
remaining in-scope domestic office furniture operations switched over to the new system on February 1, 2018.  At this early stage 
of  implementation,  there  can  be  no  assurance  issues  relating  to  BST  will  not  occur,  including  compatibility  issues,  integration 
challenges and further delays, and higher than expected implementation costs.  While not experienced to date, BST may not function 
properly or deliver the projected benefits, which could significantly disrupt our business, including our ability to provide quotes, 
process orders, ship products, invoice customers, process payments, generate management and financial reports, and otherwise run 
our business.

Our continuing activities to reduce structural costs may result in customer disruption, may distract management from other activities, 
and may not achieve the desired results.

As part of our commitment to taking structural cost out of our business, we regularly close, reconfigure, or transform manufacturing 
and distribution facilities.  Over the past several years, we have closed a number of facilities in the United States and internationally.  
We have implemented, and will continue to implement, restructuring actions to transform our business and reduce our manufacturing 
footprint.  These actions may take longer than anticipated, prove costlier than expected, and may distract management from other 
activities.  If we do not fully realize the expected benefits of our restructuring activities, our financial condition and ability to meet 
customer needs could be negatively affected.

We may not be able to successfully integrate and manage our acquired businesses and alliances.

One of our growth strategies is to supplement our organic growth through acquisitions and strategic alliances.  The benefits of 
acquisitions or alliances may take more time than expected to develop or integrate into our operations.  In addition, acquisitions and 
alliances involve a number of risks, including:

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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;
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 financial results.

Our  ability  to  grow  through  future  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 the 
acquisitions.  Any potential acquisition may not be successful and could adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial 
condition.

12

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

Goodwill and other acquired intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually and 
when an event occurs or circumstances change making it reasonably possible an impairment may exist.  Poor performance in portions 
of our business where we have goodwill or intangible assets, or declines in the market value of our equity, may result in impairment 
charges, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

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

Through our past and present operation and ownership by us of manufacturing facilities and real property, we 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 
hazardous substances.  Compliance with environmental regulations has not had a material effect 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.

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

We provide healthcare benefits to the majority of our members and are self-insured.  Healthcare costs have continued to rise over 
time, which increases our annual spending on healthcare and could adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial 
condition.

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

We manufacture, market, and sell our products in international markets, including China and India.  We plan to continue to grow 
internationally.  We primarily sell our products and report our financial results in U.S. dollars; however, our increased business in 
countries outside the United States 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.

Further, certain countries have complex regulatory systems that impose administrative and legal requirements, which make managing 
international operations more difficult, including approvals to transfer funds into certain countries.  If we are unable to provide 
financial support to our international operations in a timely manner, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be 
adversely affected.

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:

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

social and political turmoil, official corruption, and civil and labor unrest;
restrictive government actions, including 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;
the need to comply with multiple and potentially conflicting laws and regulations, including environmental and corporate 
laws and regulations;
the failure of our compliance programs and internal training to prevent violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 
and similar anti-bribery laws;
preference for locally branded products and laws and business practices favoring local competition;
less effective protection of intellectual property and increased possibility of loss due to cyber-theft;
unfavorable business conditions or economic instability in any particular country or region;
infrastructure disruptions;
potentially conflicting cultural and business practices;
difficulty in obtaining distribution and support; and
changes to border taxes or other international tax reforms.

13

 
Restrictions imposed by the terms of our credit facility may limit our operating and financial flexibility.

Our credit facility and other financing arrangements may limit our ability to finance operations, service debt, or engage in other 
business activities that may be in our interests.  Specifically, our credit facility may 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 credit 
facility also requires us to maintain certain financial covenants.

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

Costs related to product defects could adversely affect our profitability.

We incur various expenses related to product defects, including product warranty costs, product recall and retrofit costs, and product 
liability costs.  These expenses relative to product sales vary and could increase.  We use chemicals and materials in our products 
and include components in our products from external suppliers, which we believe are safe and appropriate for their designated use; 
however, harmful effects may become known, which could subject us to litigation and significant losses.  We maintain reserves for 
product defect-related costs but cannot be certain these reserves will be adequate to cover actual claims.  We also purchase insurance 
coverage and maintain a reserve for our self-insured losses based upon estimates and actuarial assumptions, but we cannot be certain 
insurance would cover all losses related to product claims.  Incorrect estimates or any significant increase in the rate of our product 
defect expenses could have a material adverse effect on operations.

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 our need for 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.  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, could have terms unfavorable to us.  In addition, financings could result in dilution to our 
shareholders or the securities may have rights, preferences, and privileges 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 sales to the U.S. federal, state, and local governments are subject to uncertain future funding levels and federal, state, and local 
procurement laws and are governed by restrictive contract terms; any of these factors could limit current or future business.

We derive a 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 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, which have recently experienced 
downward pressure and, in the case of the federal budget, are subject to uncertainty.

Our contracts with 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 not be a responsible supplier or to have committed fraud or 
certain criminal offenses, we could be suspended or debarred from all further federal, state, or local government contracting.

14

We rely on information technology systems to manage numerous aspects of our business and a disruption or failure of these systems 
could adversely affect our business.

We rely upon information technology networks and systems to process, transmit, and store electronic information, as well as to 
manage numerous aspects of our business and provide information to management.  Additionally, we collect and store sensitive data 
of our customers, suppliers, and employees in data centers and on information technology networks.  The secure operation of these 
information technology networks and the processing and maintenance of this information is critical to our business operations and 
strategy.  These networks and systems, despite security and precautionary measures, are vulnerable to natural events and malicious 
activity.  Though we attempt to detect and prevent these incidents, we may not be successful.  Any disruption of our information 
technology networks or systems, or access to or disclosure of information stored in or transmitted by our systems, could result in 
legal claims and damages and loss of intellectual property or other proprietary information.

Our results of operations and earnings may not meet guidance or expectations.

We provide public guidance on our expected results of operations for future periods.  This guidance is comprised of forward-looking 
statements subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and 
in our other public filings and public statements, and is based necessarily on assumptions we make at the time we provide such 
guidance.  Our guidance may not always be accurate.  If, in the future, our results of operations for a particular period do not meet 
our guidance or the expectations of investment analysts or if we reduce our guidance for future periods, the market price of our 
common stock could decline significantly.

Iowa law and provisions in our charter documents may have the effect of preventing or hindering a change in control and adversely 
affecting the market price of our common stock.

Our Articles of Incorporation give our Board of Directors the authority to issue up to two million shares of preferred stock and to 
determine the rights and preferences of the preferred stock without obtaining shareholder approval.  The existence of this preferred 
stock could make it more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Corporation by means of a tender offer, merger, 
proxy contest, or otherwise.  Furthermore, this preferred stock could be issued with other rights, including economic rights, senior 
to our common stock, thereby having a potentially adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes.  Our classified Board, along with other provisions of our Articles of Incorporation 
and Bylaws and Iowa corporate law, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or remove our directors by means of 
a proxy contest, even if doing so would be beneficial to our shareholders.  Additionally, we may, in the future, adopt measures (such 
as a shareholder rights plan or "poison pill") that could have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing an unsolicited takeover, 
even if such a change in control were at a premium price or favored by a majority of unaffiliated shareholders.  These measures may 
be adopted without any further vote or action by our shareholders.

An inability to protect our intellectual property could have a significant impact on our business.

We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights, both in the United States and in foreign countries, through a combination of 
patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret laws, as well as licensing agreements and third-party nondisclosure and assignment 
agreements.  Because of the differences in foreign trademark, copyright, patent, and other laws concerning proprietary rights, our 
intellectual property rights do not generally receive the same degree of protection in foreign countries as they do in the United States.  
In some parts of the world, we have limited protections, if any, for our intellectual property.  The degree of protection offered by the 
claims of the various patents, copyrights, trademarks, and service marks may not be broad enough to provide significant proprietary 
protection or competitive advantages to us, and patents, copyrights, trademarks, or service marks may not be issued on our pending 
or contemplated applications.  In addition, not all of our products are covered by patents or similar intellectual property protections.  
It is also possible that our patents, copyrights, trademarks, and service marks may be challenged, invalidated, canceled, narrowed, 
or circumvented.

In the past, certain of our products have been copied and sold by others.  We try to enforce our intellectual property rights, but we 
have to make choices about where and how we pursue enforcement and where we seek and maintain intellectual property protection.  
In many cases, the cost of enforcing our rights is substantial, and we may determine that the costs of enforcement outweigh the 
potential benefits.

15

If third parties claim that we infringe upon their intellectual property rights, we may incur liabilities and costs and may have to 
redesign or discontinue an infringing product.

We face the risk of claims that we have infringed upon third parties’ intellectual property rights.  Companies operating in our industry 
routinely seek patent protection for their product designs, and many of our principal competitors have large patent portfolios.  Prior 
to launching major new products in our key markets, we normally evaluate existing intellectual property rights.  However, our 
competitors and suppliers may have filed for patent protection which is not, at the time of our evaluation, a matter of public knowledge.  
Our efforts to identify and avoid infringing upon third parties’ intellectual property rights may not always be successful.  Any claims 
of patent or other intellectual property infringement, even those without merit, could be expensive and time consuming to defend; 
cause us to cease making, licensing, or using products that incorporate the challenged intellectual property; require us to redesign, 
re-engineer, or re-brand our products or packaging, if feasible; or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements in order to 
obtain the right to use a third party’s intellectual property.

Natural disasters, acts of God, force majeure events, or other catastrophic events may impact the Corporation's production capacity 
and, in turn, negatively impact profitability.

Natural disasters, acts of God, force majeure events, or other catastrophic events, including severe weather, military action, terrorist 
attacks, power interruptions, and fires, could disrupt operations and likewise, the ability to produce or deliver our products.  Several 
of our production facilities, members, and key management are located within a small geographic area in eastern Iowa and a natural 
disaster or catastrophe in the area could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations and business conditions.  Further, 
several of our production facilities are single-site manufacturers of certain products, and an adverse event affecting any of those 
facilities  could  significantly  delay  production  of  certain  products  and  adversely  affect  our  operations  and  business  conditions.  
Members are an integral part of our business and events including an epidemic could reduce the availability of members reporting 
for work.  In the event we experience a temporary or permanent interruption in our ability to produce or deliver product, revenues 
could be reduced, and business could be materially adversely affected.  In addition, any continuing disruption in our computer system 
could adversely affect our ability to receive and process customers' orders, manufacture products and ship products on a timely basis, 
and could adversely affect relations with customers, potentially resulting in reduction in orders from customers or loss of customers.  
We maintain insurance to help protect us from costs relating to some of these events, but it may not be sufficient or paid in a timely 
manner in the event we suffer such an event.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

16

Item 2.  Properties

The Corporation maintains its corporate headquarters in Muscatine, Iowa, and conducts operations at locations throughout the United 
States, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Dubai, and Taiwan, which house manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations 
and offices, totaling an aggregate of approximately 10.0 million square feet.  Of this total, approximately 2.9 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
Cedartown, Georgia

Dongguan, China

Hickory, North Carolina

Lake City, Minnesota

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

Muscatine, Iowa

Muscatine, Iowa

Muscatine, Iowa

Muscatine, Iowa

Nagpur, India

Wayland, New York

Approximate
Square Feet
550,000

1,007,716

206,316

241,500

400,000

288,006

250,000

272,900

578,284

810,000

237,800

355,135

716,484

Owned or
Leased
Owned

Owned

Owned

Owned

Leased

Owned

Owned

Owned

Owned

Owned

Owned

Owned

Owned

Description of Use
Manufacturing office furniture (1)

Manufacturing office furniture (1)

Manufacturing office furniture

Manufacturing fireplaces

Warehousing office furniture

Manufacturing fireplaces (1)

Manufacturing fireplaces (1)

Manufacturing office furniture

Manufacturing office furniture (1)

Manufacturing office furniture (1)

Manufacturing office furniture

Manufacturing office furniture

Manufacturing office furniture (1)

(1)  Also includes a regional warehouse/distribution center

Other facilities total approximately 3.8 million square feet, of which approximately 2.5 million square feet are leased.  Approximately 
2.2 million square feet are used for the selling, manufacturing, and distribution of office furniture, approximately 1.4 million square 
feet are used for the selling, manufacturing, and distribution of hearth products, and approximately 0.2 million square feet are used 
for corporate administration.

There are no major encumbrances on Corporation-owned properties.  Refer to the Property, Plant, and Equipment section in "Note 
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" for related cost, accumulated depreciation, and net book value data.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

The Corporation is involved in various 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, cash flows, or on the Corporation’s quarterly or annual operating results when resolved in a future period.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

17

Table I

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Name
Julie M. Abramowski

Age
42

Family

Relationship Position

None

Vice President, Corporate
Controller

Position
Held Since
2015

Stan A. Askren

57

None

Vincent P. Berger

45

None

Chairman of the Board
Chief Executive Officer
President
Director
President, The HON 
Company

Executive Vice President, 
HNI Corporation
President, Hearth & 
Home Technologies

Steven M. Bradford

Marshall H. Bridges

60

48

None

None

Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and
Secretary

Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

2004
2004
2003
2003
2017

2018

2016

2015

2018

Other Business Experience During
Past Five Years
Director, Financial Reporting 
(2014-2015);
Director, Financial Planning and 
Analysis, Leveraged Furniture 
Operations (2013-2014);
Corporate Controller, The HON 
Company (2007-2013)

Senior Vice President, Sales and 
Operations, Hearth & Home 
Technologies (2014-2016);
Senior Vice President, Operations, 
Hearth & Home Technologies 
(2011-2014)

Vice  President,  General  Counsel  and 
Secretary (2008-2015)

Vice  President  and  Chief  Financial 
Officer (2017-2018);
Vice President, Finance, HNI Contract 
Furniture Group (2014-2017);
Vice  President,  Finance, Allsteel  Inc. 
(2010-2014)

Jeffrey D. Lorenger

52

None

President, Office
Furniture, HNI
Corporation

2017          Executive Vice President, HNI 

Corporation (2014-2017);
President, HNI Contract Furniture 
Group (2014-2017);
President, Allsteel Inc. (2008-2014)

Vice President, Member and
Community Relations, Allsteel Inc.
(2009-2014)

Senior Vice President and Chief 
Financial Officer (2015-2017);
Vice President and Chief Financial 
Officer (2008-2015)

Donna D. Meade

Kurt A. Tjaden

52

54

None

None

Vice President, Member
and Community Relations

President, HNI 
International
Senior Vice President, 
HNI Corporation

2014

2017

2015

18

 
PART II

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

The Corporation’s common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the trading symbol HNI.  As 
of year-end 2017, the Corporation had 6,220 shareholders of record.

EQ  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: EQ Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 
64874, St. Paul, MN 55164-0854, or 800-468-9716.

Information regarding historical sale prices of and dividends paid on the Corporation's common stock is presented in the Investor 
Information section, which follows the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, filed as part of this report and is incorporated 
herein by reference.

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  57  percent  of  prior  year  earnings.  Future  dividends  are  dependent  on  future  earnings,  capital  requirements,  and  the 
Corporation’s financial condition, and are declared in the sole discretion of the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:

The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017:

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

Average Price 
Paid per Share
(or Unit)

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

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

— $

— $

162,000

$

162,000

—

—

37.26

— $

— $

162,000

$

162,000

84,045,144

84,045,144

78,008,673

Period

10/01/17 - 10/28/17

10/29/17 - 11/25/17

11/26/17 - 12/30/17

Total

(1) No shares were purchased outside of a publicly announced plan or program.

The Corporation repurchases shares under previously announced plans authorized by the Board as follows:

•  Corporation's share purchase program ("Program") announced November 9, 2007, providing share repurchase authorization 
of $200,000,000 with no specific expiration date, with an increase announced November 7, 2014, providing additional share 
repurchase authorization of $200,000,000 with no specific expiration date.

•  No repurchase plans expired or were terminated during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, nor do any plans exist under which 
the Corporation does not intend to make further purchases.  The Program does not obligate the Corporation to purchase any 
shares and the authorization for the Program may be terminated, increased, or decreased by the Board at any time.

19

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data - Five Year Summary

(In thousands, except share and per share data)
Operating Results

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Net Sales

$ 2,175,882

$ 2,203,489

$ 2,304,419

$ 2,222,695

$ 2,059,964

Gross Profit as a Percentage of Net Sales

36.0%

37.9%

36.8%

35.3%

34.7%

Net Income Attributable to HNI Corporation
Net Income Attributable to HNI Corporation as
a Percentage of Net Sales

$

89,795

$

85,577

$

105,436

$

61,471

$

63,683

4.1%

3.9%

4.6%

2.8%

3.1%

Share and Per Share Data (Basic and Dilutive)
Net Income Attributable to HNI Corporation –
basic
Net Income Attributable to HNI Corporation –
diluted
Cash Dividends
Average Number of Common Shares
Outstanding – basic
Average Number of Common Shares
Outstanding – diluted

$

$

$

2.05

2.00

1.13

$

$

$

1.93

1.88

1.09

$

$

$

2.38

2.32

1.045

$

$

$

1.37

1.35

0.99

$

$

$

1.41

1.39

0.96

43,839,004

44,413,941

44,285,298

44,759,716

45,250,665

44,839,813

45,502,219

45,440,653

45,578,872

45,956,280

Financial Position

Current Assets

Current Liabilities

Working Capital

Total Assets

$

488,880

$

433,041

$

489,703
(823)
$ 1,391,550

$

$

463,473
(30,432)
$ 1,330,234

$

438,370

$

455,559

$

$

$

435,900

2,470

$ 1,263,925

$

457,333
(1,774)
$ 1,239,334

$

$

$

$

433,228

411,584

21,644

$ 1,134,705

Percent Return on Beginning Assets Employed

5.8%

10.6%

13.2%

9.9%

9.8%

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations $

240,000

$

514,068

$

$

180,000

500,603

$

$

185,000

476,954

$

$

197,736

414,587

$

$

150,197

436,328

17.7%

17.5%

23.7%

14.4%

14.9%

Shareholders’ Equity
Percent Return on Average Shareholders’
Equity

2014 reflects a 53-week year.

Reflects VCG acquisition beginning in Q4 2014, OFM acquisition in Q1 2016, and Artcobell divestiture on December 31, 2016.

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.  See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and the Forward-Looking Statements section 
within "Item 1. Business" for further information.

Overview

The  Corporation  has  two  reportable  segments: office  furniture  and  hearth  products.  The  Corporation  is  a  leading  global  office 
furniture manufacturer and the leading manufacturer and marketer of hearth products.  The Corporation utilizes a split and focus, 
decentralized business model to deliver value to customers via various brands and selling models.  The Corporation is focused on 
growing its existing businesses while seeking out and developing new opportunities for growth.

2017  was  a  year  of  transition.   The  Corporation  dealt  with  rapid  and  significant  market  changes  while  taking  on  large-scale 
transformations of the operational network, fulfillment models, and the business portfolio.  The Corporation believes the investments 
have positioned the business to drive new levels of productivity and take advantage of improving market demand.  The Corporation’s 
most significant investment, the Business Systems Transformation ("BST") initiative, is a key enabler for long-term value creation.  
Final implementation stages of BST began in February 2018.  Other initiatives around operational transformations progressed well 
and are delivering a more stable network while lowering costs.  The Corporation remains committed to driving long-term profitable 
growth through productivity improvements and strong financial returns on investments.

Net sales for 2017 were $2,176 million, a decrease of 1.3 percent, compared to net sales of $2,203 million in 2016.  The change was 
driven by a decrease in sales in the office furniture segment, partially offset by an increase in sales in the hearth products segment.  
The acquisitions and divestitures of small office furniture companies resulted in a net decrease in sales of $92.2 million compared 
to 2016.

Net income attributable to the Corporation in 2017 was $89.8 million, an increase of 4.9 percent, compared to net income of $85.6 
million in 2016.  The increase was primarily driven by the one-time tax benefit of $44.8 million related to new tax legislation, lower 
incentive based compensation, and the impact of stock price change on deferred compensation.  These factors were partially offset 
by strategic investments, input cost inflation, unfavorable product mix, higher restructuring and transition costs, $20.9 million of 
goodwill and intangible impairment charges primarily due to the closure of the Paoli office furniture brand, and a $10.3 million
valuation allowance of a long-term note receivable.

Results of Operations

The following table presents certain key highlights from the results of operations (in thousands):

Net sales
Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling and administrative expenses
(Gain) loss on sale, disposal, and license of
assets
Restructuring and impairment charges

Operating income

Interest expense, net

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss) attributable to the non-
controlling interest

Net income attributable to HNI
Corporation

$

2017

2,175,882
1,391,894

783,988

671,831

(1,949)

37,416

76,690

(6,078)

70,612

% Change
from 2016

2016

% Change
from 2015

2015

(1.3)% $
1.7 %

2,203,489
1,368,476

(4.4)% $
(6.1)%

2,304,419
1,457,021

(6.1)%

0.6 %

(108.6)%

240.0 %

(42.6)%

27.1 %

(45.2)%

835,013

667,744

22,572

11,005

133,692
(4,781)
128,911

43,273

(1.5)%

(0.7)%

(11,675.4)%

(6.7)%

(18.3)%

(26.5)%

(18.0)%

(16.4)%

847,398

672,125

(195)

11,792

163,676

(6,506)

157,170

51,764

(19,286)

(144.6)%

103

68.9 %

61

(303.3)%

(30)

$

89,795

4.9 % $

85,577

(18.8)% $

105,436

21

 
Net Sales

For 2017, consolidated net sales decreased 1.3 percent or $27.6 million to $2,175.9 million compared to $2,203.5 million in 2016.  The 
change was driven by a decrease in sales in the office furniture segment, partially offset by an increase in sales in the hearth products 
segment.  Office furniture segment sales were down due to a decline in the supplies-driven business combined with a $92.2 million
negative net impact of acquisitions and divestitures of small office furniture companies.  This decrease in office furniture was partially 
offset by an increase in the North American contract business.  The hearth products segment saw an increase in the new construction 
business due to growth in single family housing and an increase in the retail business due to growth in pellet appliance demand.

For  2016,  consolidated  net  sales  decreased  4.4  percent  or  $100.9  million  to  $2,203.5  million  compared  to  $2,304.4  million  in 
2015.  The change was driven by a decrease in sales across both the office furniture and hearth products segments.  Office furniture 
segment sales were down due to strategic portfolio moves and a challenging market environment, partially offset by a $27.2 million 
positive net impact of acquisitions and divestitures of small office furniture companies.  The hearth products segment saw mixed 
results as solid growth in new construction was more than offset by declines in the retail business due to comparatively low energy 
prices and unseasonably warm weather.

Gross Profit Margin

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 190 basis points in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily driven by input cost inflation,  
unfavorable product mix, and higher restructuring and transition costs, partially offset by higher sales volume and the impact of 
divestitures.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 110 basis points in 2016 compared to 2015 primarily driven by strong 
operational performance, favorable material cost and productivity, and price realization, partially offset by lower volume.

Cost of sales in 2017 included $10.3 million of restructuring costs and $17.0 million of transition costs related to the previously 
announced  closures  of  the  hearth  manufacturing  facilities  in  Paris,  Kentucky  and  Colville, Washington  and  the  office  furniture 
manufacturing facility in Orleans, Indiana and structural realignments in China and between office furniture facilities in Muscatine, 
Iowa.  Specific items incurred include accelerated depreciation and production move costs.

Cost  of  sales  in  2016  included  $5.3  million  of  restructuring  costs  and  $9.3  million  of  transition  costs  related  to  the  previously 
announced closures of the hearth manufacturing facility in Paris, Kentucky and the office furniture manufacturing facility in Orleans, 
Indiana and structural realignments in China and between office furniture facilities in Muscatine, Iowa.  Specific items incurred 
include accelerated depreciation and production move costs.

Cost of sales in 2015 included $0.8 million of restructuring costs and $4.7 million of transition costs related to previously announced 
closures and structural realignments in the office furniture segment and acquisition integration and the decision to exit a small line 
of business within the hearth products segment.  Specific items incurred include accelerated depreciation and production move costs.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily driven by strategic investments, partially offset 
by lower incentive based compensation, the impact of divestitures, and the impact of stock price change on deferred compensation.  
In 2016, the Corporation also recorded a $2.0 million nonrecurring gain on a litigation settlement and $4.4 million of accelerated 
depreciation in conjunction with the charitable donation of a building.  Selling and administrative expenses increased in 2016 compared 
to 2015 due to strategic investments 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 "Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and "Note 6. Goodwill and Other 
Intangible Assets" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the comparative expense 
levels for these items.

Gain/Loss on Sale, Disposal, and License of Assets

The Corporation recorded a net $1.9 million gain in 2017, which included a $6.0 million nonrecurring gain from the sale and license 
of an intangible asset, a $0.8 million gain on the sale of a closed facility, and a $4.8 million loss on the disposal of a manufacturing 
facility, in addition to other gains and losses incurred in the ordinary course of business.  The Corporation realized a non-cash loss 
of $22.6 million in 2016 related to the sale of Artcobell, a K-12 education furniture company, in addition to other gains and losses 
incurred in the ordinary course of business.

22

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

In  2017,  the  Corporation  recorded  $6.2  million  of  restructuring  costs  due  to  the  previously  announced  closures  of  the  hearth 
manufacturing facilities in Paris, Kentucky and Colville, Washington and the office furniture manufacturing facility in Orleans, 
Indiana.

In  2016,  the  Corporation  recorded  $5.2  million  of  restructuring  costs  as  part  of  selling  and  administrative  expenses  due  to  the 
previously  announced  closures  of  the  Paris,  Kentucky  hearth  manufacturing  facility  and  Orleans,  Indiana  office  furniture 
manufacturing facility.

In 2015, the Corporation recorded $0.5 million of restructuring costs as part of selling and administrative expenses related primarily 
to previously announced closures.

The Corporation recorded $20.9 million, $5.8 million, and $11.2 million of goodwill and intangible asset impairments in 2017, 2016, 
and 2015, respectively, related to reporting units in the office furniture segment.  These impairment charges are the result of current 
and projected market conditions and product and operational transformation.  The impairment charge in 2017 also includes the impact 
of closing the Paoli office furniture brand.  See "Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for more information on goodwill and intangible asset impairments.

In 2017, the Corporation recorded a $10.3 million valuation allowance of a long-term note receivable.  See "Note 4. Acquisitions 
and Divestitures" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Operating Income

For 2017, operating income decreased 42.6 percent or $57.0 million to $76.7 million compared to $133.7 million in 2016.  The 
change was primarily driven by the impairment charges recorded in conjunction with the closure of the Paoli office furniture brand, 
the valuation allowance recorded against a long-term note receivable, strategic investments, and input cost inflation, partially offset 
by higher sales volume, lower incentive based compensation, and the impact of stock price change on deferred compensation.

For 2016, operating income decreased 18.3 percent or $30.0 million to $133.7 million compared to $163.7 million in 2015.  The 
change was primarily driven by the non-cash loss on the sale of Artcobell and lower volume, partially offset by strong operational 
performance and cost reductions.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes reflected an effective tax rate as follows:

Effective tax rate

2017

2016

2015

(27.3)%

33.6%

32.9%

The decrease in the current year effective tax rate is primarily driven by the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act").  The 
effective tax rate of the Corporation without the Act would have been 36.2 percent for the year.  The increased rate for the year 
without the Act is primarily driven by the establishment of valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets partially offset by the 
benefits of new treatment for equity based compensation under ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment 
Accounting, and a permanent deduction for a charitable contribution of property.  The effective tax rate was higher in 2016 than 2015
primarily due to the one-time release of tax contingency reserves for personal goodwill in 2015.  See Recently Adopted Accounting 
Standards in "Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further 
information about ASU No. 2016-09.  See "Note 8. Income Taxes" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further 
information relating to income taxes.

Net Income Attributable to HNI Corporation

Net income attributable to the Corporation was $89.8 million or $2.00 per diluted share in 2017 compared to $85.6 million or $1.88
per diluted share in 2016 and $105.4 million or $2.32 per diluted share in 2015.

23

Office Furniture

The following table presents certain key highlights from the results of operations in the office furniture segment (in thousands):

Net sales

Operating profit

2017

$

$

1,660,723

50,176

% Change
from 2016

2016

% Change
from 2015

2015

(2.5)% $

1,703,885

(4.2)% $

1,777,804

(57.3)% $

117,397

(14.1)% $

136,593

Net sales in 2017 for the office furniture segment decreased 2.5 percent or $43.2 million to $1,660.7 million compared to $1,703.9 
million in 2016.  Sales were down due to a decline in the supplies-driven business combined with the net impact of acquisitions and 
divestitures of small office furniture companies, which was a net decrease in sales of $92.2 million.  This decrease was partially 
offset by an increase in the North American contract business.

Net sales in 2016 for the office furniture segment decreased 4.2 percent or $73.9 million to $1,703.9 million compared to $1,777.8 
million in 2015.  The Corporation experienced a decline in the contract business while the supplies-driven business remained flat 
due to strategic portfolio moves and a soft market.  This decrease was partially offset by the net impact of acquisitions and divestitures 
of small office furniture companies, which was a net increase in sales of $27.2 million.

Operating profit as a percentage of net sales was 3.0 percent in 2017, 6.9 percent in 2016, and 7.7 percent in 2015.  The decrease in 
operating margin for 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily driven by unfavorable product and business mix, input cost inflation, 
strategic  investments,  and  higher  restructuring  and  transition  costs,  including  the  impairment  of  goodwill  and  intangible  assets 
primarily relating to the closure of the Paoli office furniture brand.  These factors were partially offset by higher sales volume, lower 
incentive based compensation, and the impact of divestitures.  The decrease in operating margin for 2016 compared to 2015 was 
primarily driven by lower volume, strategic investments, and the impacts of the sale of Artcobell, previously announced closures, 
and impairments of goodwill and other intangibles.  These factors were partially offset by strong operational performance, favorable 
material costs and productivity, and cost reductions.

In 2017, the office furniture segment recorded $11.6 million of restructuring costs and $13.7 million of transition costs associated 
with the previously announced closure of the office furniture manufacturing facility in Orleans, Indiana and structural realignments 
in  China  and  between  office  furniture  facilities  in  Muscatine,  Iowa.    Specific  items  incurred  include  severance,  accelerated 
depreciation, and production move costs.  Of these charges, $21.5 million was included in cost of sales.  The office furniture segment 
also recorded a loss of $4.8 million related to the disposal of a manufacturing facility and $20.9 million of goodwill and intangible 
asset impairments related to reporting units in the office furniture segment, of which $16.1 million of the goodwill and intangible 
asset impairment charges related to the closure of the Paoli office furniture brand.

In 2016, the office furniture segment recorded $5.1 million of restructuring costs and $7.1 million of transition costs associated with 
the previously announced closure of the office furniture manufacturing facility in Orleans, Indiana and structural realignments in 
China  and  between  office  furniture  facilities  in  Muscatine,  Iowa.    Specific  items  incurred  include  accelerated  depreciation  and 
production move costs.  Of these charges, $9.2 million was included in cost of sales.  The office furniture segment also recorded a 
non-cash loss of $22.6 million related to the sale of Artcobell, a K-12 education furniture company, and $5.8 million of goodwill 
and intangible impairments related to a reporting unit in the office furniture segment.

In 2015, the office furniture segment recorded $0.4 million of restructuring costs and $3.3 million of transition costs related to 
previously announced closures and structural realignments.  Of these charges, $3.3 million was included in cost of sales.  The office 
furniture segment also recorded $11.2 million of goodwill and intangible impairments related to a reporting unit in the office furniture 
segment.

24

Hearth Products

The following table presents certain key highlights from the results of operations in the hearth products segment (in thousands):

Net sales

Operating profit

2017

$

$

515,159

83,649

% Change
from 2016

2016

% Change
from 2015

2015

3.1% $

499,604

(5.1)% $

526,615

19.6% $

69,960

(10.5)% $

78,162

Net sales in 2017 for the hearth products segment increased 3.1 percent or $15.6 million to $515.2 million compared to $499.6 million
in 2016.  The change was driven by an increase in the new construction business due to growth in single family housing and an 
increase in the retail business due to an increase in pellet appliance demand.

Net sales in 2016 for the hearth products segment decreased 5.1 percent or $27.0 million to $499.6 million compared to $526.6 
million in 2015.  Sales in new construction grew as the housing market continued to recover but were offset by declines in the retail 
business due to unseasonably warm weather and comparatively low energy prices.

Operating profit as a percentage of sales was 16.2 percent in 2017, 14.0 percent in 2016, and 14.8 percent in 2015.  The increase in 
operating margin in 2017 compared to 2016 was primarily driven by structural cost reductions, higher volume, and nonrecurring 
gains.  These factors were partially offset by higher restructuring and transition costs.  The decrease in operating margin in 2016 
compared to 2015 was primarily driven by restructuring and transition costs related to the previously announced closure of the hearth 
manufacturing  facility  in  Paris,  Kentucky,  lower  volume,  and  higher  freight  costs.   These  factors  were  partially  offset  by  price 
realization, strong operational performance, favorable material cost and productivity, and cost reductions.

In 2017, the hearth products segment recorded $4.9 million of restructuring costs and $3.3 million of transition costs associated with 
the previously announced closures of the hearth manufacturing facilities in Paris, Kentucky and Colville, Washington.  Specific items 
incurred include severance, accelerated depreciation, and production move costs.  Of these charges, $5.8 million was included in 
cost of sales.  The hearth products segment also recorded a $6.0 million nonrecurring gain from the sale and license of an intangible 
asset and a $0.8 million gain on the sale of a closed facility.

In 2016, the hearth products segment recorded $5.5 million of restructuring costs and $2.2 million of transition costs associated with 
the previously announced closure of the Paris, Kentucky hearth manufacturing facility.  Specific items incurred include severance, 
accelerated depreciation, and production move costs.  Of these charges, $5.5 million was included in cost of sales.

In 2015, the hearth products segment recorded $0.9 million of restructuring costs and $1.4 million of transition costs related to 
acquisition integration and the decision to exit a small line of business.  Of these charges, $2.2 million was included in cost of sales.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow – Operating Activities
Cash generated from operating activities in 2017 totaled $133.1 million compared to $223.4 million generated in 2016.  The decrease 
was driven by lower operating profits and working capital changes.  Changes in working capital balances resulted in a $29.4 million
use of cash in 2017 compared to a $17.4 million source of cash in the prior year.  Cash generated from operating activities in 2015
totaled $173.4 million and changes in working capital balances resulted in a $28.1 million use of cash.

The use of cash related to working capital changes in 2017 was primarily driven by strategic investments in inventory and lower 
incentive compensation accruals.

The source of cash related to working capital changes in 2016 was primarily driven from lower accounts receivable of $11.2 million
due to sales timing and higher accounts payable and accrued expense balances of $11.1 million due to timing of payments.  This was 
partially offset by uses of cash for strategic investments in inventory.

The  Corporation  places  special  emphasis  on  management  and  control  of  working  capital,  including  accounts  receivable  and 
inventory.  Management believes recorded trade receivable valuation allowances at the end of 2017 are adequate to cover the risk 
of potential bad debts.  Allowances for non-collectible trade receivables, as a percent of gross trade receivables, totaled 0.7 percent, 
0.9 percent, and 1.7 percent at the end of fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.  The Corporation’s inventory turns were 
8.9, 11.6, and 11.6, for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

25

Cash Flow – Investing Activities
Capital expenditures, including capitalized software, were $127.4 million in 2017, $119.6 million in 2016, and $115.0 million in 
2015.  These expenditures continue to focus on machinery, equipment, and tooling required to support new products, continuous 
improvements, and cost savings initiatives in manufacturing processes, as well as the implementation of new integrated information 
systems to support business systems transformation.  The Corporation anticipates capital expenditures for 2018 to total $75 million
to $85 million, primarily related to new products and operational process improvements driven by rapid continuous improvement.

In 2016, the investing activities reflected a net cash outflow of $34.3 million related to the acquisition of OFM, an office furniture 
company, and also a small office furniture dealership that offered strategic value to the Corporation.  Refer to "Note 4. Acquisitions 
and Divestitures" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Cash Flow – Financing Activities
Long-Term Debt - The Corporation maintains a revolving credit facility as the primary source of committed funding from which the 
Corporation finances its planned capital expenditures, strategic initiatives, and seasonal working capital needs.  Cash flows included 
in financing activities represent periodic borrowings and repayments under the revolving credit facility.  See "Note 7. Long-Term 
Debt" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Dividend - The Corporation is committed to maintaining and/or modestly growing the quarterly dividend.  Cash dividends declared 
and paid per share are as follows (in dollars):

Common shares

2017

2016

2015

$

1.130

$

1.090

$

1.045

The last quarterly dividend increase was from $0.275 to $0.285 per common share effective with the June 1, 2017 dividend payment 
for shareholders of record at the close of business on May 19, 2017.  The average dividend payout percentage for the most recent 
three-year period has been 57 percent of prior year earnings or 26 percent of prior year cash flow from operating activities.

Stock Repurchase - The Corporation’s capital strategy related to stock repurchase is focused on offsetting the dilutive impact of 
issuances for various compensation related matters.  The Corporation may elect to opportunistically purchase additional shares based 
on excess cash generation and/or share price considerations.  During 2017, the Corporation repurchased 1,462,936 shares of its 
common stock at a cost of approximately $58.9 million, or an average price of $40.25 per share.  As of  December 30, 2017, there 
was a payable of $1.4 million reflected in "Accounts payable and accrued expenses" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets relating to 
shares repurchased but not yet settled.  The Board authorized $200 million on November 9, 2007 and an additional $200 million on 
November 7, 2014 for repurchases of the Corporation’s common stock.  As of December 30, 2017, approximately $78.0 million of 
this authorized amount remained unspent.  During 2016, the Corporation repurchased 1,082,938 shares of its common stock at a cost 
of approximately $55.8 million, or an average price of $51.55 per share.  During 2015, the Corporation repurchased 550,000 shares 
of its common stock at a cost of approximately $26.7 million, or an average price of $48.47 per share.

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $25.4 million at the end of 2017 compared to $38.6 million at the end of 
2016 and $32.8 million at the end of 2015.  These funds, coupled with cash flow from future operations, borrowing capacity under 
the existing credit agreement, and the ability to access capital markets, are expected to be adequate to fund operations and satisfy 
cash flow needs for at least the next twelve months.  As of the end of 2017, $6.1 million of cash was held overseas and considered 
permanently reinvested.  If such amounts were repatriated, it could result in additional foreign withholding and state tax expense to 
the Corporation.  The Corporation does not believe treating this cash as permanently reinvested will have any impact on the ability 
of the Corporation to meet its obligations as they come due.

26

Contractual Obligations

The following table discloses the Corporation's obligations and commitments to make future payments, by period, under contracts 
(in thousands):

Long-term debt obligations, including
estimated interest (1)
Operating lease obligations

Purchase obligations (2)

Other long-term obligations (3)

Less than
1 Year

1 – 3
Years

3 – 5
Years

More than
5 Years

Total

$

43,737

$

12,408

$

240,517

$

— $

29,135

55,180

2,927

41,967

—

7,726

23,135

—

4,682

19,481

—

25,122

296,662

113,718

55,180

40,457

Total

$

130,979

$

62,101

$

268,334

$

44,603

$

506,017

(1)  Interest has been included for all debt at the fixed or variable rate in effect as of December 30, 2017, as applicable.  See 
"Note 7. Long-Term Debt" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.  The Corporation has 
classified $36.6 million of long-term debt as current because the Corporation expects, but is not required, to repay this 
portion of debt in 2018.

(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, liability for unrecognized tax liabilities, 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.  Other long-term obligations of $32.9 million, primarily insurance allowances and long-term warranty, are 
not included in the table above due to the Corporation's inability to predict their timing.

Litigation and Uncertainties

See  "Note  15.  Guarantees,  Commitments,  and  Contingencies"  in  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  further 
information.

Looking Ahead

Management remains optimistic about the office furniture and hearth markets and the Corporation's long-term prospects.

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.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Corporation does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future 
material effect on the Corporation's financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, 
or capital resources.

27

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, 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 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 
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.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles
The  Corporation  evaluates  its  goodwill  for  impairment  on  an  annual  basis  during  the  fourth  quarter  or  whenever  indicators  of 
impairment exist.  Asset impairment charges associated with the Corporation’s goodwill impairment testing are discussed in "Note 
6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Corporation reviews goodwill at the reporting unit level within its office furniture and hearth products operating segments.  These 
reporting  units  constitute  components  for  which  discrete  financial  information  is  available  and  regularly  reviewed  by  segment 
management.  The accounting standards for goodwill permit entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more 
likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to 
perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test.  If the quantitative test is required, the Corporation estimates the fair value of its 
reporting units.  In estimating the fair value, the Corporation relies on an average of the income approach and the market approach.  
In the income approach, 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.  In the market approach, the Corporation utilizes the guideline company method, which 
involves calculating valuation multiples based on operating data from guideline publicly-traded companies.  These multiples are 
then applied to the operating data for the reporting units and adjusted for factors similar to those used in the discounted cash flow 
analysis.  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.  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.

Assessing the fair value of goodwill includes, among other things, making key assumptions for estimating future cash flows and 
appropriate market multiples.  These assumptions are subject to a high degree of judgment and complexity.  The Corporation makes 
every effort to estimate future cash flows as accurately as possible with the information available at the time the forecast is developed.  
However, changes in assumptions and estimates may affect the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, and could result in an 
impairment charge in future periods.  Factors that have the potential to create variances in the estimated fair value of the reporting 
unit include, but are not limited to, economic conditions in the U.S. and other countries where the Corporation has a presence, 
competitor  behavior,  the  mix  of  product  sales,  commodity  costs,  wage  rates,  the  level  of  manufacturing  capacity,  the  pricing 
environment, and currency exchange fluctuations.  In addition, estimates of fair value are impacted by estimates of the market-
participant derived weighted average cost of capital.

Additionally, the Corporation compares the estimated aggregate fair value of its reporting units to its overall market capitalization.

The Corporation also evaluates the fair value of indefinite-lived trade names on an annual basis during the fourth quarter or whenever 
an indication of impairment exists.  The estimate of the fair value of the trade names is 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.

28

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.

The key to recoverability of goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles, and long-lived assets is the forecast of economic conditions 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 global economic 
improvement, the 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 it may change the revenue and cash flow projections of certain reporting 
units, which may require the recording of additional asset impairment charges.

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.  Any asset impairment charges associated with the Corporation’s restructuring 
activities are discussed in "Note 3. Restructuring and Impairment Charges" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Self-Insurance
The Corporation is primarily 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 and the related liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  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.

Income Taxes
The Corporation uses an asset and liability method to account for income taxes.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities 
are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying values 
of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets are also recorded with respect to net operating 
losses and other tax attribute carry-forwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for 
the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  Valuation allowances are established when, based 
on currently available information, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.  The 
effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the income of the period that includes the enactment 
date.

The ultimate recovery of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the amount and timing of future taxable income and other factors, 
such as the taxing jurisdiction in which the asset is to be recovered.  Significant judgment is applied to determine if, and the extent 
to which, valuation allowances should be recorded against deferred tax assets.  Although the Corporation believes the approach to 
estimates  and  judgments  as  described  herein  is  reasonable,  actual  results  could  differ  and  they  may  be  exposed  to  increases  or 
decreases in income taxes that could be material.

The Corporation recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return only if 
it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities based on the technical merits 
of the position.  The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit 
that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  Interest and penalties related to unrecognized 
tax benefits are reported as interest expense and operating expense, respectively.

The Corporation applies the intra-period tax allocation rules to allocate income taxes among continuing operations, discontinued 
operations, other comprehensive income (loss), and additional paid-in capital when they meet the criteria as prescribed in the guidance.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law, making significant changes to the Internal Revenue 
Code.  Under the Act, a corporation’s foreign earnings accumulated under legacy tax laws are deemed repatriated.  The Corporation 
will continue to evaluate its ability to assert indefinite reinvestment to determine recognition of a deferred tax liability for other items 
such as Section 986(c) currency gain/loss, foreign withholding, and state taxes.  The Corporation currently provides for taxes that 

29

may be payable if undistributed earnings of overseas subsidiaries were to be remitted to the United States, except for earnings it 
considers to be permanently reinvested.  See "Note 8. Income Taxes" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further 
information.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  The new standard will 
replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP.  The core principle of the ASU requires companies to reevaluate 
when revenue is recorded on a transaction based upon newly defined criteria, either at a point in time or over time as goods or services 
are delivered.  The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows 
arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and estimates, and changes in those estimates.  The FASB has 
recently  issued ASU  No.  2016-08,  Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers:  Principal  versus Agent  Considerations, ASU  No. 
2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, and ASU No. 2016-12, 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Narrow Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients to provide further clarification and 
guidance.  The new standard becomes effective for the Corporation in fiscal 2018, and allows for both retrospective and modified-
retrospective methods of adoption.  The Corporation will adopt the standard in fiscal 2018 using the modified-retrospective method, 
which requires the new guidance to be applied prospectively to revenue transactions completed on or after the effective date.  Given 
the nature of the Corporation's revenue transactions, the new guidance will not have a material impact on the Corporation's results 
of operations or financial position.  All necessary changes required by the new standard, including those to the Corporation's accounting 
policies, controls, and disclosures, have been identified and implemented as of the beginning of fiscal 2018.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases.  The new standard requires lessees to recognize most leases, including 
operating leases, on-balance sheet via a right of use asset and lease liability.  Changes to the lessee accounting model may change 
key balance sheet measures and ratios, potentially affecting analyst expectations and compliance with financial covenants.  The new 
standard becomes effective for the Corporation in fiscal 2019, but may be adopted at any time, and requires a modified-retrospective 
transition.  The Corporation is currently evaluating the effect the standard will have on consolidated financial statements and related 
disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.  The new standard 
replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses by 
requiring consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information and is intended to provide financial statement 
users with more useful information about expected credit losses on financial instruments.  The new standard becomes effective for 
the Corporation in fiscal 2020 and requires a cumulative effect adjustment in retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of 
adoption.  The Corporation is currently evaluating the effect the standard will have on consolidated financial statements and related 
disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash 
Payments.  The new standard provides classification guidance on eight cash flow issues including debt prepayment, settlement of 
zero-coupon bonds, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlements of insurance 
claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, and distributions received from equity method 
investees.  The new standard becomes effective for the Corporation in fiscal 2018.  The Corporation anticipates the standard will 
not have a material effect on consolidated statements of cash flows.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic 
Postretirement Benefit Cost.  The new standard requires an entity with defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans to present 
the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item or items as other compensation 
costs arising from services rendered by employees during the period.  All other components of net periodic benefit cost will be 
presented outside of operating income, if a subtotal is presented.  The new standard is to be applied retrospectively to each period 
presented and becomes effective for the Corporation in fiscal 2018.  The Corporation anticipates the standard will not have a material 
effect on consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

30

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 variable interest debt obligations.  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.

As of December 30, 2017, the Corporation had $267.5 million of debt outstanding under the Corporation's $400 million revolving 
credit facility, which bore variable interest based on one month LIBOR.  As of December 30, 2017, the Corporation had an interest 
rate swap agreement in place to fix the interest rate on $150 million of the Corporation's revolving credit facility.  The Corporation's 
interest  rate  risk  not  covered  by  the  interest  rate  swap  agreement  was  $117.5  million  of  variable  rate  debt  outstanding  as  of 
December 30, 2017.

The Corporation monitors market interest rate risk exposures using a sensitivity analysis.  The Corporation's sensitivity analysis 
estimates the exposure to market interest rate risk sensitive instruments assuming a hypothetical 1 percent change in interest rates 
on $117.5 million unhedged variable rate debt.  If interest rates were to increase or decrease by 1 percent, the corresponding increase 
or decrease, as applicable, in interest expense on variable rate debt would increase or decrease, as applicable, future earnings and 
cash flows by approximately $1.2 million per year.

This analysis does not consider the effect of any change in overall economic activity that could impact interest rates.  Further, in the 
event of an increase in interest rates of significant magnitude, the Corporation may take actions to further mitigate exposure to the 
change.  However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, this analysis assumes 
no changes in the financial structure.

For information related to the Corporation’s long-term debt, refer to "Note 7. Long-Term Debt" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements.  For information related to the Corporation's interest rate swap, refer to "Note 10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive 
Income (Loss) and Shareholders’ Equity" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Corporation currently does not 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.  The market price of plastics and textiles, in particular, are sensitive to the cost of oil and natural gas.  The cost of 
wood particleboard has been impacted by continued industry downsizing of production capacity as well as increased volatility in 
input and transportation costs.  All of these materials are impacted increasingly by global market pressure.  The Corporation works 
to offset these increased costs through global sourcing initiatives, product re-engineering, and price increases on its products.  Margins 
have been negatively impacted in the past 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 and are incorporated herein by reference.

The Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) follows the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part 
of this report and are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

31

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 
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 
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 the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, the 
Corporation's management has 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 the end of the period covered by this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K.  As of December 30, 2017, and, based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer have concluded these controls and procedures are effective.  There have not been any changes in the Corporation’s internal 
control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2017 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, and management's annual report is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9B.  Other Information

As previously reported on the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Corporation on January 9, 2018, Jerald K. Dittmer, Senior 
Vice President of Strategic Development, HNI Corporation, notified the Corporation of his intent to retire effective February 16, 
2018.  The Corporation entered into an agreement with Mr. Dittmer (the "Agreement") on February 16, 2018, which will become 
effective February 23, 2018, if not revoked before then.

The Agreement  provides  Mr.  Dittmer  is  entitled  to  receive  a  lump  payment  equal  to  39  weeks  of  base  salary,  less  applicable 
withholdings and deductions, as consideration for commitments including (a) an agreement not to compete with the Corporation or 
solicit business contacts or employees of the Corporation for one year following his retirement, and (b) a release of claims relating 
to his employment with or separation from the Corporation.

Any interests held by Mr. Dittmer in any compensation or benefit plan in which Mr. Dittmer participates will be distributed to him 
in accordance with the terms of those plans and applicable law.

The foregoing description of the Agreement is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Agreement itself, 
a copy of which is attached as an exhibit to this Form 10-K as Exhibit 10.25 and is incorporated by reference herein.

32

 
Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

PART III

The information under the caption "Proposal No. 1 - Election of Directors" of the Corporation's Definitive Proxy Statement on 
Schedule 14A for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 8, 2018 (the "2018 Proxy Statement") is incorporated herein 
by reference.  For information with respect to executive officers of the Corporation, see "Table I - Executive Officers of the Registrant" 
included in Part I of this report.

Information relating to the identification of the audit committee and audit committee financial expert of the Corporation is contained 
under the caption "Board Committees" of the 2018 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Code of Ethics

The information under the caption "Code of Business Conduct and Ethics" of the 2018 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by 
reference.

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

The information under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" of the 2018 Proxy Statement is 
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The  information  under  the  captions  "Executive  Compensation"  and  "Director  Compensation"  of  the  2018  Proxy  Statement  is 
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

The information under the captions "Security Ownership" and "Equity Compensation Plan Information" of the 2018 Proxy Statement 
is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The  information  under  the  captions  "Corporate  Governance  and  Board  Matters"  and  ''Policy  for  Review  of  Related  Person 
Transactions'' of the 2018 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information under the caption "Fees Incurred for KPMG LLP" of the 2018 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

33

 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 
2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K 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 Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 30, 2017, December 
31, 2016, and January 2, 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and 
January 2, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, 
and January 2, 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

Investor Information (Unaudited)

(2)   Financial Statement Schedules

Page

37

38
40

41

43

44

45
70

72

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

(3.1)

(3.2)

(10.1)

(10.2)

(10.3)

(10.4)

(10.5)

(10.6)

(10.7)

(10.8)

(10.9)

(10.10)

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of HNI Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
3.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 2010)
Amended  and  Restated  By-laws  of  HNI  Corporation  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  3.1  to  the 
Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 15, 2018)
HNI Corporation 2017 Stock-Based Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the 
Corporation's Form S-8 filed May 9, 2017)*
2017 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors of HNI Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
4.4 to the Registrant’s Form S-8 filed May 9, 2017)*
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)*
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)*
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 January 19, 2017)*
HNI  Corporation  Supplemental  Income  Plan  (f/k/a  HNI  Corporation  ERISA  Supplemental  Retirement 
Plan), as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed February 22, 2010)*
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  2017  Equity  Plan  for  Non-Employee  Directors  of  HNI  Corporation  Participation Agreement 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended September 30, 2017)*
Form  of  HNI  Corporation  2017  Stock-Based  Compensation  Plan  Stock  Option  Award  Agreement 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended September 30, 2017)*
Form of HNI Corporation 2017 Stock-Based Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended September 30, 2017)*

34

 
 
(10.11)

(10.12)

(10.13)

(10.14)

(10.15)

(10.16)

(10.17)

(10.18)

(10.19)

(10.20)

(10.21)

(10.22)

(10.23)

(10.24)

(10.25)

(21)

(23.1)
(31.1)

(31.2)

(32.1)

101

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, including all schedules and exhibits, dated as of June 9, 
2015, by and among HNI Corporation, as Borrower, certain domestic subsidiaries of HNI Corporation, as 
Guarantors, certain lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative 
Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 
12, 2015
First Amendment  to  Second Amended  and  Restated  Credit Agreement,  dated  as  of  January  6,  2016 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 
11, 2016)
HNI Corporation Long-Term Performance Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Appendix C to 
the Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC March 23, 2015)*
HNI  Corporation  2007  Stock-Based  Compensation  Plan,  as  amended  (incorporated  by  reference  to 
Appendix A to the Corporation's Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC March 23, 2015)*
2007 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors of HNI Corporation, as amended (incorporated by reference 
to Appendix D to the Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC March 23, 2015)*
Form  of  2007  Equity  Plan  for  Non-Employee  Directors  of  HNI  Corporation  Participation Agreement 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended January 2, 2010)*
Form  of  HNI  Corporation  2007  Stock-Based  Compensation  Plan  Stock  Option  Award  Agreement 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended July 4, 2009)*
Form of HNI Corporation 2007 Stock-Based Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended April 4, 2009) (for restricted stock unit awards granted in 2009)*
Form of HNI Corporation 2007 Stock-Based Compensation Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended April 3, 2010) (for restricted stock unit awards granted in 2010)*
HNI Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2015)*
HNI Corporation Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.2 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 4, 2015)*
HNI Annual Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Corporation's 
Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC March 23, 2015)*
Form  of  HNI  Corporation  Executive  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  Deferral  Election  Agreement 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended January 2, 2010)*
Form  of  HNI  Corporation  Directors  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  Deferral  Election  Agreement 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended January 2, 2010)*
Agreement between HNI Corporation and Jerald K. Dittmer, dated February 16, 2018*+

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+
The following materials from HNI Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
December  30,  2017  are  formatted  in  XBRL  (eXtensible  Business  Reporting  Language)  and  filed 
electronically herewith: (i) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (ii) Consolidated Balance 
Sheets; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Equity; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (iv) Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements

* 
+ 

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.
Filed or furnished herewith.

Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary

None.

35

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 23, 2018

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/ Marshall H. Bridges
Marshall H. Bridges

/s/ Mary A. Bell
Mary A. Bell

/s/ Miguel M. Calado
Miguel M. Calado

/s/ Cheryl A. Francis
Cheryl A. Francis

/s/ Mary K. W. Jones
Mary K. W. Jones

/s/ John R. Hartnett
John R. Hartnett

/s/ Larry B. Porcellato
Larry B. Porcellato

/s/ Abbie J. Smith
Abbie J. Smith

/s/ Brian E. Stern
Brian E. Stern

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

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

February 23, 2018

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

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Lead Director

Director

Director

Director

36

February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018

February 23, 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 controls may become inadequate because of changes in 
conditions, or 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  December 30, 
2017.  Management based this assessment on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in Internal 
Control  –  Integrated  Framework  (2013)  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  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, as of December 30, 2017, HNI Corporation maintained effective internal control 
over financial reporting.

The effectiveness of HNI Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2017 has been audited by KPMG 
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which appears herein.

February 23, 2018

37

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
HNI Corporation:

Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  of  HNI  Corporation  and  subsidiaries  (the  "Company")  as  of 
December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows 
for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 30, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the "consolidated financial 
statements").  We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2017, based on 
criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position 
of the Company as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the 
years in the three-year period ended December 30, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also in 
our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 
2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control 
over  financial  reporting,  and  for  its  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  included  in  the 
accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 
the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based 
on our audits.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and 
the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether 
due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of 
the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.  Such 
procedures  included  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  regarding  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the  consolidated  financial 
statements.  Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as 
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.  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.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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 (1) pertain 
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets 
of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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.

38

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.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015.

Chicago, Illinois
February 23, 2018

39

Financial Statements

HNI Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

Net sales

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling and administrative expenses

(Gain) loss on sale, disposal, and license of assets

Restructuring and impairment charges

Operating income

Interest income

Interest expense

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest

Net income attributable to HNI Corporation

Average number of common shares outstanding – basic

Net income attributable to HNI Corporation per common share – basic

Average number of common shares outstanding – diluted

Net income attributable to HNI Corporation per common share – diluted

Foreign currency translation adjustments

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net of tax

Change in pension and post-retirement liability, net of tax

Change in derivative financial instruments, net of tax

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Comprehensive income

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest

Year Ended

2017

2016

2015

$

2,175,882

$

2,203,489

$

2,304,419

1,391,894

1,368,476

1,457,021

783,988

671,831
(1,949)
37,416

76,690

297

6,375

70,612
(19,286)
89,898

103

835,013

667,744

22,572

11,005

133,692

305

5,086

128,911

43,273

85,638

61

847,398

672,125

(195)

11,792

163,676

395

6,901

157,170

51,764

105,406

(30)

$

$

$

$

89,795

$

85,577

$

105,436

43,839,004

44,413,941

44,285,298

2.05

$

1.93

$

2.38

44,839,813

45,502,219

45,440,653

$

$

2.00

1,219
(27)
(463)
660

1,389

91,287

103

1.88

$

2.32

(1,510) $
(103)
339

1,460

186

85,824

61

(1,901)

(39)

1,256

873

189

105,595

(30)

Comprehensive income attributable to HNI Corporation

$

91,184

$

85,763

$

105,625

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

40

HNI Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

Assets

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Short-term investments

Receivables

Inventories

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Total Current Assets

Property, Plant, and Equipment:

Land and land improvements

Buildings

Machinery and equipment

Construction in progress

Less accumulated depreciation

Net Property, Plant, and Equipment

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Deferred Income Taxes

Other Assets

Total Assets

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

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

23,348

$

2,015

258,551

155,683

49,283

488,880

28,593

306,137

556,571

39,788

931,089

540,768

390,321

36,312

2,252

229,436

118,438

46,603

433,041

27,403

283,930

528,099

51,343

890,775

534,330

356,445

490,892

511,419

193

719

21,264

28,610

$

1,391,550

$

1,330,234

41

 
 
 
 
 
HNI Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except par value)

Liabilities and Equity

Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Current maturities of long-term debt

Current maturities of other long-term obligations

Total Current Liabilities

Long-Term Debt

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Deferred Income Taxes

Equity:

HNI Corporation shareholders' equity:

 Capital Stock:

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

450,128

$

425,046

36,648

2,927

489,703

34,017

4,410

463,473

240,000

180,000

70,409

75,044

76,861

110,708

Preferred stock - $1 par value, authorized 2,000 shares, no shares outstanding

—

—

Common stock - $1 par value, authorized 200,000 shares, outstanding:

  December 30, 2017 - 43,354 shares;

  December 31, 2016 - 44,079 shares

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Total HNI Corporation shareholders’ equity

Non-controlling interest

Total Equity

43,354

44,079

7,029

467,296
(3,611)
514,068

—

461,524

(5,000)

500,603

509

406

514,577

501,009

Total Liabilities and Equity

$

1,391,550

$

1,330,234

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

42

 
 
 
 
HNI Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Equity
(In thousands, except per share data)

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Non-
controlling
Interest

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

$

44,166

$

867

$ 374,929

$

(5,375) $

(86) $

414,501

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

105,436

—

(461)
(46,329)

—

189

—

—

(30)

105,406

—

461

—

189

—

(46,329)

(26,657)

Balance, January 3, 2015

Comprehensive income:

Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax
Change in ownership of non-
controlling interest

Cash dividends; $1.045 per share

Common shares – treasury:

Shares purchased
Shares issued under Members’
Stock Purchase Plan and stock
awards, net of tax
Balance, January 2, 2016

Comprehensive income:

Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax

Change in ownership of non-
controlling interest
Cash dividends; $1.090 per share

Common shares – treasury:

Shares purchased
Shares issued under Members’
Stock Purchase Plan and stock
awards, net of tax

(550)

(26,107)

542

29,647

—

—

$

44,158

$

4,407

$ 433,575

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

85,577

—

(89)
(48,495)

(1,082)

(45,699)

(9,044)

1,003

41,292

—

Balance, December 31, 2016

$

44,079

$

— $ 461,524

$

Comprehensive income:

Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss),
net of tax

Change in ownership of non-
controlling interest
Cash dividends; $1.130 per share

Common shares – treasury:

Shares purchased
Shares issued under Members’
Stock Purchase Plan and stock
awards, net of tax

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

89,795

—

—
(49,557)

(1,463)

(22,958)

(34,466)

738

29,987

—

Balance, December 30, 2017

$

43,354

$

7,029

$ 467,296

$

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

43

—
(5,186) $

—

30,189

345

$

477,299

—

186

—

—

—

—
(5,000) $

—

1,389

—

—

—

—
(3,611) $

61

—

—

—

—

—

85,638

186

(89)

(48,495)

(55,825)

42,295

406

$

501,009

103

89,898

—

—

—

—

—

1,389

—

(49,557)

(58,887)

30,725

509

$

514,577

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HNI Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)

Net Cash Flows From (To) Operating Activities:

Net income

Non-cash items included in net income:

Depreciation and amortization

Other post-retirement and post-employment benefits

Stock-based compensation

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

Deferred income taxes
(Gain) loss on sale, retirement, license, and impairment of long-lived
assets and intangibles, net
Other – net

Net increase (decrease) in operating assets and liabilities, net of
acquisitions and divestitures
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

Net cash flows from (to) operating activities

Net Cash Flows From (To) Investing Activities:

Capital expenditures
Proceeds from sale and license of property, plant, equipment, and
intangibles
Capitalized software

Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired

Purchase of investments

Sales or maturities of investments

Other – net

Net cash flows from (to) investing activities

Net Cash Flows From (To) Financing Activities:

Payments of note and long-term debt and other financing

Proceeds from long-term debt

Dividends paid

Purchase of HNI Corporation common stock

Proceeds from sales of HNI Corporation common stock

Withholding related to net share settlements of equity based awards

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

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

2017

2016

2015

$

89,898

$

85,638

$

105,406

72,872

1,592

7,750

—
(33,606)

30,892
(1,949)

(29,409)
(4,891)
133,149

68,947

1,643

8,141
(2,713)
20,495

28,868

4,523

17,430
(9,610)
223,362

57,564

1,856

9,097

(1,581)

15,257

12,463

(1,216)

(28,075)

2,581

173,352

(109,243)

(93,425)

(82,610)

9,009
(18,148)
(898)
(3,451)
3,197

1,510
(118,024)

(274,343)
339,337
(49,557)
(57,505)
14,224
(245)
—
(28,089)

(12,964)
36,312

1,055
(26,159)
(34,302)
(8,724)
8,619
(90)
(153,026)

(594,547)
611,986
(48,495)
(55,825)
21,596

—

2,713
(62,572)

7,764

28,548

$

23,348

$

36,312

$

2,201

(32,356)

—

(3,660)

3,550

—

(112,875)

(455,222)

448,449

(46,329)

(26,657)

12,276

(171)

1,581

(66,073)

(5,596)

34,144

28,548

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

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HNI Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 30, 2017

Note 1.  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  "Note  16. 
Reportable Segment Information" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.  Office furniture products 
include panel-based and freestanding furniture systems, seating, storage, and tables.  These products are sold primarily through a 
national system of independent dealers, wholesalers, and office product distributors but also directly to end-user customers and 
federal, state, and local governments.  Hearth products include a full array of gas, wood, and pellet burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, 
facings, and accessories.  These products are sold through a national system of independent 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 through its export subsidiary to a limited number of markets outside North America, 
principally the Middle East, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean.  The Corporation also manufactures and markets office 
furniture in Asia and India.

Fiscal year-end – The Corporation follows a 52/53-week fiscal year, which ends on the Saturday nearest December 31.  Fiscal year 
2017 ended on December 30, 2017, fiscal year 2016 ended on December 31, 2016, and fiscal year 2015 ended on January 2, 2016.  
The financial statements for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015 are on a 52-week basis.  A 53-week year occurs approximately every 
sixth year.

Note 2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and transactions of the Corporation and its subsidiaries.  Intercompany 
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments
Cash and cash equivalents generally consist of cash and money market accounts.  The fair value approximates the carrying value 
due to the short duration of the securities.  These securities have original maturity dates not exceeding three months.  The Corporation 
has short-term investments with maturities of less than one year and investments with maturities greater than one year included in 
"Other Assets"  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets.  Management  classifies  investments  in  marketable  securities  at  the  time  of 
purchase and reevaluates such classification at each balance sheet date.  Debt securities, including government and corporate bonds, 
are classified as available-for-sale and stated at current market value with unrealized gains and losses included as a separate component 
of equity, net of any related tax effect.  The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses on the trade 
date.

Cash, cash equivalents, and investments consisted of the following (in thousands):

December 30, 2017

December 31, 2016

Cash and cash
equivalents

Short-term
investments

Long-term
investments

Cash and cash
equivalents

Short-term
investments

Long-term
investments

Available-for-sale
securities:

Debt securities

Cash and money market
accounts
Total

—

23,348

2,015

—

10,479

—

—

36,312

2,252

—

10,033

—

$

23,348

$

2,015

$

10,479

$

36,312

$

2,252

$

10,033

45

The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis of the debt securities (in thousands):

Amortized cost basis of debt securities

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

12,660

$

12,445

Immaterial unrealized gains and losses are recorded in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in the Consolidated Balance 
Sheets for these debt securities.

Receivables
The allowance for doubtful accounts is developed based on several factors including overall customer credit quality, historical write-
off experience, and specific account analyses projecting the ultimate collectability of the account.  As such, these factors may change 
over time causing the allowance level to adjust accordingly.  The following table summarizes the change in the allowance for doubtful 
accounts (in thousands):

Year ended December 30, 2017

Year ended December 31, 2016

Year ended January 2, 2016

Balance at
beginning of
period

$

$

$

2,140

4,287

5,096

Adjustments
to Allowance
846
$
$
(357) $
$
1,394

$

$

Amounts
written off,
net of
recoveries
and other
adjustments
1,082

Divestitures
$

— $

Balance at
end of period
1,904

1,598

2,203

$

$

192

$

— $

2,140

4,287

Inventories
The Corporation values its inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value with approximately 83 percent and 79 percent valued 
by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") costing method as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

(In thousands)

Finished products

Materials and work in process

LIFO allowance

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

$

101,715

$

81,202
(27,234)
155,683

71,223

71,375

(24,160)

$

118,438

During 2016, inventory quantities were reduced at certain reporting units.  This reduction resulted in a liquidation of LIFO inventory 
quantities carried at higher or lower costs prevailing in prior years as compared with the cost of current year purchases, the effect of 
which increased cost of goods sold by approximately $0.05 million in 2016.  There was no similar LIFO decrement in 2017 and 
2015.  If the FIFO method had been in use, inventories would have been $27.2 million and $24.2 million higher than reported as of 
December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

The increase in finished products inventory is primarily due to investments in direct fulfillment capabilities and production leveling 
related to higher volume.

Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment are carried at cost.  Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.  Major 
improvements that materially extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized.  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.  Total depreciation expense was as follows (in thousands):

Depreciation expense

2017

2016

$

56,494

$

57,171

$

2015

46,512

46

 
Long-Lived Assets
The Corporation evaluates long-lived assets for indicators of impairment as events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that 
an impairment risk may be present.  The judgments regarding the existence of impairment are based on business and market conditions, 
operational performance, and estimated future cash flows.  If the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired, an 
impairment charge is recorded to adjust the asset to its estimated fair value.  Asset impairment charges associated with the Corporation’s 
long-lived assets are discussed in "Note 3. Restructuring and Impairment Charges" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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.  Asset impairment charges associated with the Corporation’s goodwill impairment testing are discussed in "Note 
6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and were as follows (in thousands):

Trade accounts payable

Compensation

Profit sharing and retirement expense

Marketing expenses

Freight

Other accrued expenses

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

235,577

$

201,810

32,582

30,884

41,751

13,121

96,213

47,280

32,335

41,963

14,251

87,407

$

450,128

$

425,046

Product Warranties
The Corporation issues certain warranty policies on its furniture and hearth products that provide for repair or replacement of any 
covered product or component that fails during normal use because of a defect in design, materials, or workmanship.  Allowances 
have been established for the anticipated future costs associated with the Corporation's warranty programs.

A warranty allowance is determined by recording a specific allowance for known warranty issues and an additional allowance for 
unknown claims expected to be incurred based on historical claims experience.  Actual claims incurred could differ from the original 
estimates, requiring adjustments to the allowance.  Activity associated with warranty obligations was as follows (in thousands):

Balance at beginning of period

Accruals settled from divestiture

Accruals for warranties issued during period
Adjustments related to pre-existing warranties

Settlements made during the period

Balance at end of period

2017

$

15,250

$

—

20,075
194
(20,131)
15,388

$

$

2016

16,227
(538)
20,055
604
(21,098)
15,250

$

$

2015

16,719

—

19,995
(334)

(20,153)

16,227

The current and long-term portions of the allowance for the estimated settlements are included within "Accounts payable and accrued 
expenses" and "Other Long-Term Liabilities", respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The following table summarizes 
when these estimated settlements are expected to be paid (in thousands):

Current - in the next twelve months

Long-term - beyond one year

47

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

$

9,524

5,864

15,388

$

$

6,959

8,291

15,250

Revenue Recognition
Sales of office furniture and hearth products are generally recognized when title transfers and the risks and rewards of ownership 
have passed to customers.  Typically, title and risk of ownership transfer when the product is shipped.  In certain circumstances, title 
and  risk  of  ownership  do  not  transfer  until  the  goods  are  received  by  the  customer  or  upon  installation  and  customer 
acceptance.  Revenue includes freight charged to customers; related costs are recorded in selling and administrative expense.  Rebates, 
discounts, and other marketing program expenses 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  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  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 and recorded in "Selling and administrative expenses" on the Consolidated 
Statements of Comprehensive Income were as follows (in thousands):

Product development costs

2017

2016

$

31,846

$

28,089

$

2015

31,103

Freight Expense
Freight expense on shipments to customers were recorded in "Selling and administrative expenses" on the Consolidated Statements 
of Comprehensive Income as follows (in thousands):

Freight expense

2017

2016

2015

$

119,096

$

115,157

$

133,384

Stock-Based Compensation
The Corporation measures the cost of employee services in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair 
value of the award and recognizes cost over the requisite service period.  See "Note 11. Stock-Based Compensation" in the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Income Taxes
The Corporation uses an asset and liability approach that takes into account guidance related to uncertain tax positions and 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 differences between the tax bases 
of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Act") was signed into law, making significant changes to the Internal 
Revenue Code.  In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income 
("GILTI") provisions of the Act.  The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible 
assets of foreign corporations.  The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or treating 
any taxes on GILTI inclusions as a period cost are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election.  Effective in 
the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Corporation will elect to treat any potential GILTI inclusions as a period cost, as no material 
impact is projected from GILTI inclusions and any deferred taxes related to any inclusion would not be material.  Also under the 
Act, a corporation’s foreign earnings accumulated under legacy tax laws are deemed repatriated.  The Corporation will continue to 
evaluate its ability to assert indefinite reinvestment to determine recognition of a deferred tax liability for other items such as Section 
986(c) currency gain/loss, foreign withholding, and state taxes.  There were approximately $33.6 million of accumulated earnings 
considered permanently reinvested in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Canada as of December 30, 2017.  The Corporation believes 
the tax costs on accumulated unremitted foreign earnings would be approximately $0.2 million if the amounts were not considered 
permanently reinvested.

See "Note 8. Income Taxes" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

48

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 stock options, restricted stock units, and common stock equivalents under the Corporation's deferred compensation 
plans 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):

Numerator:

Numerator for both basic and diluted EPS attributable to HNI Corporation
net income
Denominators:

Denominator for basic EPS weighted- average common shares outstanding

Potentially dilutive shares from stock-based compensation plans

Denominator for diluted EPS

Earnings per share – basic

Earnings per share – diluted

2017

2016

2015

$

89,795

$

85,577

$

105,436

43,839

1,001

44,840

44,414

1,088

45,502

$

$

2.05

2.00

$

$

1.93

1.88

$

$

44,285

1,156

45,441

2.38

2.32

The weighted-average common stock equivalents presented above do not include the effect of the common stock equivalents in the 
table below because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Common stock equivalents excluded because their inclusion would be anti-
dilutive

2017

2016

2015

809,420

416,142

493,202

The Corporation implemented ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, in the first quarter 
of fiscal 2017, which had an immaterial impact on the number of potentially dilutive shares from stock-based compensation plans 
for the year ended December 30, 2017.  See "Recently Adopted Accounting Standards" below for more information regarding the 
implementation of ASU No. 2016-09.

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  consolidated  financial  statements  and 
accompanying notes.  The critical areas requiring use of management estimates relate to goodwill and intangibles, accruals for self-
insured medical claims, workers’ compensation, legal contingencies, general liability and auto insurance claims, valuation of long-
lived assets, and estimates of income taxes.  Other significant areas requiring use of management estimates relate to allowance for 
doubtful  accounts,  inventory  allowances,  marketing  program  accruals,  warranty  accruals,  and  useful  lives  for  depreciation  and 
amortization.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Self-Insurance
The Corporation is primarily 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 
and the related liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows (in thousands):

General, auto, product, and workers' compensation liabilities

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

27,591

$

26,526

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.

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 "Selling and administrative expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

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

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  The new standard 
is intended to simplify accounting for share-based employment awards to employees.  Changes include: all excess tax benefits/
deficiencies should be recognized as income tax expense/benefit; entities can make elections on how to account for forfeitures; and 
cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity 
on the cash flow statement.  The Corporation implemented the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.  The primary impact 
of implementation was the recognition of excess tax benefits in the Corporation's provision for income taxes rather than paid-in 
capital beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2017.  Excess tax benefits will be recorded in the operating section of the Consolidated 
Statements of Cash Flows on a prospective basis.  Prior to fiscal 2017, the tax benefits or shortfalls were recorded in financing cash 
flows.  The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares in the financing section had 
no impact to any of the periods presented in the Corporation's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows since such cash flows have 
historically been presented as a financing activity.  The ongoing impact of the new standard resulted in the recognition of excess tax 
benefits in the Corporation's provision for income taxes of $1.5 million as a net tax benefit for the year ended December 30, 2017.  
Prior to the adoption of this standard, those amounts would have been recognized as an adjustment to "Additional paid-in capital" 
in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  See "Note 8. Income Taxes" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further 
information.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.  The new standard is intended to simplify 
the subsequent measurement of inventory by requiring inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value rather 
than the previous guidance of measuring inventory at the lower of cost or market.  The Corporation implemented the new standard 
in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.  As the Corporation previously calculated net realizable value when measuring inventory at the 
lower of cost or market, this standard did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350).  The new standard is to simplify 
the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating the step 2 requirement.  Instead, an entity will perform its annual or interim goodwill 
impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount.  The standard is effective for fiscal 2020, 
but the Corporation has early adopted the standard in 2017.  The Corporation performed its annual test for goodwill impairment 
during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 under the guidance of this standard.  See "Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in 
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

50

Note 3.  Restructuring and Impairment Charges

Restructuring costs, goodwill and long-lived asset impairments, and a valuation allowance recorded in the Consolidated Statements 
of Comprehensive Income are as follows (in thousands):

Cost of sales - accelerated depreciation

Restructuring charges

Goodwill and long-lived asset impairments

Valuation allowance of long-term note receivable

Restructuring and impairment charges

$

$

2017

10,327

6,205

20,947

10,264

$

$

2016

5,302

5,229

5,776

—

2015

792

551

11,241

—

37,416

$

11,005

$

11,792

$

$

$

Restructuring costs in 2017, which include accelerated depreciation recorded in "Cost of sales" in the Consolidated Statements of 
Comprehensive Income, were primarily incurred as part of the previously announced closures of the hearth manufacturing facilities 
in Paris, Kentucky and Colville, Washington and the office furniture manufacturing facility in Orleans, Indiana.  As of December 30, 
2017, the estimated fair value of the Paris, Kentucky hearth manufacturing facility of $4.6 million was classified as held for sale and 
is included in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Restructuring costs in 2016, which include accelerated depreciation recorded in "Cost of sales" in the Consolidated Statements of 
Comprehensive  Income,  were  primarily  incurred  as  part  of  the  previously  announced  closures  of  the  Paris,  Kentucky  hearth 
manufacturing facility and the Orleans, Indiana office furniture manufacturing facility.

Restructuring costs in 2015, which include accelerated depreciation recorded in "Cost of sales" in the Consolidated Statements of 
Comprehensive Income, were primarily incurred as part of the Corporation's decision to exit a line of business within the hearth 
products segment and the remaining costs relating to the closures of three office furniture manufacturing facilities announced in 
2014.

See "Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on 
goodwill and long-lived asset impairments.

See "Note 4. Acquisitions and Divestitures" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on  the valuation 
allowance of a long-term note receivable.

The accrued restructuring expenses are expected to be paid in the next twelve months and are included in "Accounts payable and 
accrued expenses" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The following is a summary of changes in restructuring accruals (in thousands):

Restructuring allowance as of January 3, 2015

Restructuring charges

Cash payments

Restructuring allowance as of January 2, 2016

Restructuring charges

Cash payments

Restructuring allowance as of December 31, 2016

Restructuring charges

Cash payments

Restructuring allowance as of December 30, 2017

Severance
Costs

Facility Exit
Costs & Other

Total

$

$

1,213
(704)
(303)
206

3,883
(1,385)
2,704

1,436
(2,797)
1,343

$

— $

1,255
(1,240)
15

1,346
(1,361)
—

4,769
(4,253)
516

$

$

1,213

551

(1,543)

221

5,229

(2,746)

2,704

6,205

(7,050)

1,859

51

Note 4.  Acquisitions and Divestitures

OFM
On January 29, 2016, the Corporation acquired OFM, an office furniture company, with annual sales of approximately $30 million
at a purchase price of $34.1 million, net of cash acquired, in an all cash transaction.  The Corporation finalized the allocation of the 
purchase price during fourth quarter 2016.  There were $15 million of intangible assets other than goodwill associated with this 
acquisition with estimated useful lives ranging from three to ten years with amortization recorded on a straight-line basis based on 
the projected cash flow associated with the respective intangible assets.  There was $14 million of goodwill associated with this 
acquisition.  The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.

Office Furniture Dealerships
As part of the Corporation's ongoing business strategy, it continues to acquire and divest small office furniture dealerships.  There 
was no change to Goodwill in 2017 as a result of this activity.  Goodwill increased approximately $2 million in 2016 as a result of 
this activity.

Artcobell
The Corporation completed the sale of substantially all the assets of ArtcoBell Corporation ("Artcobell"), a K-12 education furniture 
business, on December 31, 2016.  A pre-tax non-cash charge of approximately $23 million and a $10 million long-term note receivable, 
which was included in "Other Assets" in the Corporation's Consolidated Balance Sheets in Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2016, were recorded in relation to the sale.  Artcobell had been included as part of the Corporation's office furniture 
segment.  As of December 30, 2017, a valuation allowance was recorded against the long-term note receivable.

Note 5.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The  Corporation's  cash  payments  for  interest,  income  taxes,  and  non-cash  investing  and  financing  activities  are  as  follows  (in 
thousands):

Cash paid for:

  Interest paid, net of capitalized interest

  Income taxes paid

Changes in accrued expenses due to:

  Purchases of property and equipment

  Purchases of capitalized software

Note 6.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

2017

2016

2015

$

$

$

$

6,236

13,733

$

$

6,644

23,120

(10,370) $
(237) $

3,599

603

$

$

$

$

7,066

28,252

(327)

(2,806)

Goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets  included  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  consisted  of  the  following  (in  thousands):

Goodwill

Definite-lived intangible assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

$

279,505

$

182,186

29,201

290,699

182,666

38,054

490,892

$

511,419

52

Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting segment, are as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of January 2, 2016

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Net goodwill balance as of January 2, 2016

Goodwill acquired during the year

Impairment losses

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Balance as of December 31, 2016

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Net goodwill balance as of December 31, 2016

Goodwill acquired during the year

Impairment losses

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Balance as of December 30, 2017

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Net goodwill balance as of December 30, 2017

Office
Furniture

Hearth
Products

Total

$

$

121,964
(27,370)
94,594

183,199
(143)
183,056

15,928
(2,876)
(3)

137,889
(30,246)
107,643

—
(11,150)
(44)

—

—

—

183,199
(143)
183,056

—

—

—

$

305,163

(27,513)

277,650

15,928

(2,876)

(3)

321,088

(30,389)
290,699

—

(11,150)

(44)

137,845
(41,396)
96,449

$

183,199
(143)
183,056

$

321,044

(41,539)

$

279,505

The increases in goodwill relate to completed acquisitions.  See "Note 4. Acquisitions and Divestitures" in the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements for further information.  The decreases in goodwill in the office furniture segment were due to impairment 
charges, which are described below.

Paoli - On December 6, 2017, the Corporation made the decision to discontinue the Paoli office furniture brand.  The manufacturing 
of Paoli branded products will cease in the first quarter of 2018.  The Corporation made this decision as part of continued efforts to 
drive efficiency and simplification, delivering increased value to its shareholders.  As a result of this decision, the Corporation 
recorded a $6.3 million goodwill impairment charge, an $8.3 million impairment charge related to an indefinite-lived trade name, 
and a $1.5 million impairment charge related to a definite-lived customer list.  These impairment charges reduced the total amount 
of Paoli's goodwill and other intangible assets to $0 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 30, 2017.

Annual Goodwill Impairment Assessment - As a result of the required annual impairment assessment performed in the fourth quarter 
of 2017, the Corporation determined the fair value of a reporting unit within the office furniture segment was below its carrying 
value.  The decline in the estimated fair value of this reporting unit was primarily driven by reducing long-term margin expectations 
for the reporting unit.  The projections used in the impairment model reflected management's assumptions regarding revenue growth 
rates, economic and market trends, cost structure, investments required for operational transformation, and other expectations about 
the anticipated short-term and long-term operating results of the reporting unit.  The Corporation assumed a discount rate of 13.5 
percent, near term growth rates ranging from 7 percent to 10 percent, and a terminal growth rate of 3 percent.  Based on the quantitative 
analysis,  the  Corporation  recorded  a  $4.8  million  goodwill  impairment  charge  in  2017.   There  was  $19.6  million  net  goodwill 
remaining in the reporting unit as of December 30, 2017.  Holding other assumptions constant, a 100 basis point increase in the 
discount rate would result in a $3.3 million decrease in the estimated fair value of the reporting unit.  Holding other assumptions 
constant, a 100 basis point decrease in the long-term growth rate would result in a $1.4 million decrease in the estimated fair value 
of the reporting unit.  Prior to the goodwill impairment assessment, the Corporation completed a qualitative review of long-lived 
assets for all asset groups to determine if events or changes in circumstances indicated that the carrying amount of each asset group 

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
may not be recoverable (if a "triggering event" existed).  Based on this review, the Corporation tested the recoverability of the long-
lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, in certain asset groups where a triggering event existed, and 
found no impairments, except for the $1.5 million impairment charge to remove the Paoli definite-lived customer list asset, based 
on the closure of this office furniture brand.

Based on the results of the annual impairment test, the Corporation concluded that no other goodwill impairment existed apart from 
the impairment charges discussed above.  For all other reporting units included in the annual quantitative impairment test, the estimated 
fair value is significantly in excess of the carrying value.

Definite-lived intangible assets
The table below summarizes amortizable definite-lived intangible assets, which are reflected in "Goodwill and Other Intangible 
Assets" in the Corporation’s Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

December 30, 2017

Gross

Accumulated
Amortization

Net

Gross

December 31, 2016

Accumulated
Amortization

Patents

$

40

$

26

$

14

$

18,645

$

18,623

$

Software
Trademarks and trade
names
Customer lists and other
Net definite lived
intangible assets

167,105

7,564
106,090

34,792

2,061
61,734

132,313

5,503
44,356

149,587

7,564
117,789

25,792

1,401
65,103

$

280,799

$

98,613

$

182,186

$

293,585

$

110,919

$

182,666

Net

22

123,795

6,163
52,686

Amortization expense is reflected in "Selling and administrative expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
and was as follows (in thousands):

Capitalized software

Other definite-lived intangibles

2017

9,389

6,989

$

$

2016

4,722

7,055

$

$

2015

3,482

7,570

$

$

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 (in millions):

Amortization expense

2018

23.0

$

2019

21.9

$

2020

21.0

$

2021

20.2

$

2022

17.2

$

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

Indefinite-lived intangible assets
The Corporation also owns certain intangible assets, which are deemed to have indefinite useful lives because they are expected to 
generate cash flows indefinitely.  These indefinite-lived intangible assets are reflected in "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in 
the Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

Trademarks and trade names

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

29,201

$

38,054

In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Corporation recorded an impairment charge of $8.3 million to remove the Paoli trade name asset, 
based on the closure of this office furniture brand.  As a result of the required annual impairment assessment performed in the fourth
quarter of 2017, the Corporation did not record any other impairment charges related to indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Sale and License of an Intangible Asset
In the third quarter of 2017, the Corporation recorded a $6.0 million nonrecurring gain from the sale and license of an intangible 
asset, which had a zero carrying value.  This nonrecurring gain is reflected in "(Gain) loss on sale, disposal, and license of assets" 
in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

54

Note 7.  Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt is as follows (in thousands):

Revolving credit facility with interest at a variable rate (2017 - 2.7%; 2016 - 1.8%)

$

267,500

$

214,000

2017

2016

Other amounts

Total debt

Less: Current maturities of long-term debt

Long-term debt

9,148

276,648

36,648

17

214,017

34,017

$

240,000

$

180,000

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

Maturities of long-term
debt

$

36,648

$

— $

— $

240,000

$

— $

—

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

The Corporation’s revolving credit facility under the current credit agreement was entered into January 6, 2016 and matures January 
6, 2021.  The Corporation deferred the debt issuance costs related to the credit agreement, which are classified as assets, and is 
amortizing them over the term of the credit agreement.  The current portion of $0.4 million, which is to be amortized over the next 
twelve months, is reflected in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The long-term portion 
of $0.7 million is reflected in "Other Assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 30, 2017, there was $267.5 million outstanding under the $400 million revolving credit facility of which $240 
million  was  classified  as  long-term  since  the  Corporation  does  not  expect  to  repay  the  borrowings  within  a  year.    Because  the 
Corporation expects, but is not required, to repay the remaining $27.5 million in 2018, it is classified as current.

The revolving credit facility under the credit agreement is the primary source of committed funding from which the Corporation 
finances its planned capital expenditures and strategic initiatives, such as acquisitions, repurchases of common stock, and certain 
working capital needs.

The credit agreement contains a number of covenants.  Non-compliance with covenants in the credit agreement could prevent the 
Corporation from being able to access further borrowings under the revolving credit facility, require immediate repayment of all 
amounts outstanding with respect to the revolving credit facility, and/or increase the cost of borrowing.

Certain covenants require maintenance of financial ratios as of the end of any fiscal quarter, including:

• 

• 

a consolidated interest coverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of not less than 4.0 to 1.0, based upon the ratio 
of (a) consolidated EBITDA for the last four fiscal quarters to (b) the sum of consolidated interest charges; and
a consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of not greater than 3.5 to 1.0, based upon the ratio of (a) 
the quarter-end consolidated funded indebtedness to (b) consolidated EBITDA for the last four fiscal quarters.

The most restrictive of the financial covenants is the consolidated leverage ratio requirement of 3.5 to 1.0.  Under the credit agreement, 
consolidated 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.  As of December 30, 2017, 
the Corporation was below the maximum allowable ratio and was in compliance with all of the covenants and other restrictions in 
the credit agreement.  The Corporation expects to remain in compliance over the next twelve months.

55

Note 8.  Income Taxes

Significant components of the provision for income taxes, including those related to non-controlling interest, are as follows (in 
thousands):

Current:

Federal

State

Foreign

Current provision

Deferred:

Federal

State

Foreign

Deferred provision

Total income tax expense

2017

2016

2015

$

9,501

$

18,963

$

27,768

3,408

789

13,698

(35,914)
2,552

378
(32,984)
(19,286) $

3,740

1,450

24,153

18,167

2,533
(1,580)
19,120

43,273

$

5,258

1,713

34,739

15,348

2,217

(540)

17,025

51,764

$

The differences between the actual tax expense and tax expense computed at the statutory U.S. federal tax rate are explained as 
follows (in thousands):

Federal statutory tax expense

State taxes, net of federal tax effect

Credit for increasing research activities

Deduction related to domestic production activities

Valuation allowance

Federal rate adjustment to deferred taxes

Equity based compensation

Change in uncertain tax positions

Foreign income tax rate differential

Other – net

Total income tax expense

2017

2016

$

24,678

$

45,098

$

2,197
(3,407)
(1,537)
4,232
(45,386)
(1,544)
(163)
2,094
(450)
(19,286) $

3,874
(3,808)
(2,243)
231

—

—

117

845
(841)
43,273

$

$

2015

55,020

4,269

(3,320)

(3,320)

565

—

—

(1,344)

1,074

(1,180)

51,764

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law, making significant changes to the Internal Revenue 
Code.  Changes include, but are not limited to, a corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after 
December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time 
transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017.  The Corporation has 
calculated its best estimate of the impact of the Act in its year-end income tax provision in accordance with its understanding of the 
Act and guidance available as of the date of this filing and as a result has recorded $44.8 million as an additional income tax benefit 
in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was enacted.  The amount related to the remeasurement of certain 
deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future was a $45.4 million benefit.  
The one-time transition tax is based on the Corporation's total post-1986 earnings and profits ("E&P") that were previously deferred 
from U.S. income taxes.  The Corporation recorded a provisional amount for the one-time transition tax liability for all of its foreign 
subsidiaries, resulting in an increase in income tax expense of $0.1 million.  The Corporation has not yet completed its calculation 
of the total post-1986 E&P for these foreign subsidiaries.  Further, the transition tax is based, in part, on the amount of those earnings 
held in cash and other specified assets.  This amount may change when the Corporation finalizes the calculation of post-1986 foreign 
E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and finalize the amounts held in cash or other specified assets.  The provisional 
amount related to other tax legislation changes from the Act is an additional $0.5 million of tax expense.

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118") was issued to address the application of U.S. GAAP in the reporting period that 
includes December 22, 2017 in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed 
(including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act.  In accordance 
with SAB 118, the Corporation has determined that the $45.4 million of the deferred tax benefit recorded in connection with the 
remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and the $0.1 million of current tax expense recorded in connection with 
the transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate as 
of December 30, 2017.  Additional work is necessary to do a more detailed analysis of historical foreign earnings as well as potential 
correlative adjustments.  Any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded to current tax expense in the quarter of fiscal 
2018 when the analysis is complete.

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.

Significant components of the Corporation’s deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows (in thousands):

2017

2016

Deferred Taxes

Allowance for doubtful accounts

Compensation

Inventory differences

Marketing accrual

Stock-based compensation

Accrued post-retirement benefit obligations

Vacation accrual

Warranty accrual

Net operating loss carryforward

Charitable contributions carryforward

Other – net

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred income

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Prepaids

Tax over book depreciation

Total deferred tax liabilities

Valuation allowance

Total net deferred tax liabilities

Long-term net deferred tax assets

Long-term net deferred tax liabilities

Total net deferred tax liabilities

$

2,679

$

5,618

2,541

1,653

8,224

6,896

2,577

3,737

6,534

2,839

6,372

$

49,670
(4,330)
(53,255)
(5,862)
(54,227)
(117,674) $
(8,664)
(76,668) $

495

16,684

3,977

1,458

11,607

10,106

4,153

5,725

5,820

—

7,224

67,249

(5,716)

(87,146)

(9,271)

(70,946)

(173,079)

(4,159)

(109,989)

193
(76,861)
(76,668) $

719

(110,708)

(109,989)

$

$

$

$

The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is as follows (in thousands):

Year ended December 30, 2017

Year ended December 31, 2016

Year ended January 2, 2016

Balance at
beginning of
period

Charged to
expenses

Adjustments
to balance
sheet

Balance at
end of period

$

$

$

4,159

3,978

3,413

$

$

$

4,505

231

565

$

$

$

— $
(50) $
— $

8,664

4,159

3,978

The current year increase in the valuation allowance of $4.5 million primarily relates to a foreign tax net operating loss and a domestic 
deferred tax asset recorded during the period that would give rise to a capital loss.

57

 
 
 
 
As of December 30, 2017, the Corporation had approximately $0.2 million of U.S. state tax net operating losses and $2.3 million of 
U.S. state tax credits, which expire over the next twenty years.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

Balance at beginning of period

Increases in positions taken in a prior period

Decreases in positions taken in a prior period

New positions taken in a current period

Decrease due to settlements

Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations

Balance at end of period

2017

$

3,043

$

—
(45)
569
(363)
(680)
2,524

$

2016

2,858

86

—

792

(560)

(133)

$

3,043

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, which would impact the Corporation’s effective tax rate, if recognized, was $2.5 million
as of December 30, 2017 and $3.0 million as of December 31, 2016.

As of December 30, 2017, 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 statutes of limitation.  It is not 
expected any of the changes will be material individually, or in total, to the results or financial position of the Corporation.

The Corporation recognized interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits  in interest expense and  penalties in  operating 
expenses consistent with the recognition of these items in prior reporting periods.  Interest, penalties, and benefits recognized in the 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income were as follows (in thousands):

Interest, penalties, and (benefits)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

January 2,
2016

$

(25) $

70

$

(66)

The Corporation recorded a liability for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the Consolidated Statements 
of Comprehensive Income as follows (in thousands):

Liability related to unrecognized tax benefits

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

183

$

208

Tax years 2014 through 2016 remain open for examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS").  The Corporation is currently 
under examination in various state jurisdictions, of which years 2013 through 2016 remain open to examination.

Deferred income taxes are provided to reflect differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts 
in the financial statements.  Under the Act, a corporation’s foreign earnings accumulated under legacy tax laws are deemed repatriated.  
The tax on those deemed repatriated earnings is no longer indefinitely deferred but may be paid over eight years.  This is a one-time 
transition tax.  The Corporation will continue to evaluate its ability to assert indefinite reinvestment to determine recognition of a 
deferred tax liability for other items such as Section 986(c) currency gain/loss, foreign withholding, and state taxes.  There were 
approximately $33.6 million of accumulated earnings considered permanently reinvested in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and 
Canada as of December 30, 2017.  The Corporation believes the tax costs on accumulated unremitted foreign earnings would be 
approximately $0.2 million if the amounts were not considered permanently reinvested.

58

 
Note 9.  Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments

For recognition purposes, on a recurring basis, the Corporation is required to measure at fair value its marketable securities, derivative 
financial  instruments,  variable-rate  debt  obligations,  and  deferred  stock-based  compensation.  The  marketable  securities  are 
comprised of money market funds, government securities, and corporate bonds.  When available, the Corporation uses quoted market 
prices to determine fair value and classifies such measurements within Level 1.  Where market prices are not available, the Corporation 
makes use of observable market-based inputs (prices or quotes from published exchanges and indexes) to calculate fair value using 
the market approach, in which case the measurements are classified within Level 2.

Financial instruments measured at fair value were as follows (in thousands):

Balance as of December 30, 2017

Cash and cash equivalents (including money market
funds) (1)
Government securities (2)

Corporate bonds (2)

Derivative financial instruments (3)

Variable-rate debt obligations (4)

Deferred stock-based compensation (5)

Balance as of December 31, 2016

Cash and cash equivalents (including money market
funds) (1)
Government securities (2)

Corporate bonds (2)

Derivative financial instruments (3)

Variable-rate debt obligations (4)

Deferred stock-based compensation (5)

Fair value as of
measurement
date

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

Significant 
other 
observable 
inputs
(Level 2)

Significant 
unobservable 
inputs
(Level 3)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

23,348

6,345

6,149

3,354

267,500

8,885

36,312

6,268

6,017

2,309

214,000

12,203

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

23,348

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

6,345

6,149

3,354

267,500

8,885

$

$

$

$

$

36,312

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

6,268

6,017

2,309

214,000

12,203

$

$

$

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

The index below indicates the line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets where the financial instruments are reported:

(1)   "Cash and cash equivalents"
(2)   Current portion - "Short-term investments"; Long-term portion - "Other Assets"
(3)   Current portion - "Prepaid expenses and other current assets"; Long-term portion - "Other Assets"
(4)   Current portion - "Current maturities of long-term debt"; Long-term portion - "Long-Term Debt"
(5)   Current portion - "Current maturities of other long-term obligations"; Long-term portion - "Other Long-Term Liabilities"

59

Note 10.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders’ Equity

The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the changes in accumulated 
other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):

Foreign 
Currency
Translation 
Adjustment

$

2,223

Unrealized 
Gains
(Losses) on 
Marketable 
Securities
37

$

Pension and 
Post-retirement
Liabilities

Derivative 
Financial
Instruments

Accumulated 
Other
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)

$

(6,763) $

(872) $

(5,375)

Balance as of January 3, 2015

Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
Tax (expense) or benefit
Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income, net of tax

(1,901)

—

—

Balance as of January 2, 2016

$

322

$

Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
Tax (expense) or benefit
Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income, net of tax

(1,510)

—

—

Balance as of December 31, 2016

$

(1,188) $

Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
Tax (expense) or benefit
Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income, net of tax

Balance as of December 30, 2017

$

Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to equity.

1,219

—

—

31

$

(60)
21

—
(2) $

(158)
55

—
(105) $

(6)
(21)

1,975
(718)

—
(5,506) $

(1,188)
433

1,627

— $

499
(160)

1,317
(485)

—
(5,167) $

628

1,460

$

(733)
270

714
(263)

209

2,120

$

(1,174)

(264)

1,627

(5,186)

148

(590)

628

(5,000)

1,194

(14)

209

(3,611)

—
(132) $

—
(5,630) $

Interest Rate Swap
In March 2016, the Corporation entered in to an interest rate swap transaction to hedge $150 million of outstanding variable rate 
revolver borrowings against future interest rate volatility.  Under the terms of the interest rate swap, the Corporation pays a fixed 
rate of 1.29 percent and receives one month LIBOR on a $150 million notational value expiring January 2021.  As of December 30, 
2017, the fair value of the Corporation's interest rate swap was an asset of $3.4 million, which is reflected in "Other Assets" in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The change in value of the interest rate swap is reported net of tax as $2.1 million in "Accumulated 
other comprehensive income (loss)" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table details the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):

Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Components
Derivative financial instruments

Interest rate swap

Affected Line Item in the Statement
Where Net Income is Presented

2017

2016

2015

Interest income or (expense)

Tax (expense) or benefit

Net of tax

$

$

$

$

(330) $
121
(209) $

— $

—
— $

(993) $
365
(628) $

— $

—
— $

—

—

—

(2,562)

935
(1,627)

Diesel hedge

Selling and administrative expenses

Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to profit.

Tax (expense) or benefit
Net of tax

60

During 2017, shareholders approved the 2017 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors of HNI Corporation (the "2017 Director 
Plan") to replace the expired 2007 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors of HNI Corporation (the "2007 Director Plan" and 
together with the 2017 Director Plan, the "Director Plans").  Under the 2017 Director Plan, 300,000 shares of common stock were 
registered for issuance to participating Directors.  After approval of the 2017 Director Plan, no awards were granted under the 2007 
Director Plan.  The 2017 Director Plan permits the Corporation to issue to its non-employee directors options to purchase shares of 
Corporation  common  stock,  restricted  stock  or  restricted  stock  units  of  the  Corporation,  and  awards  of  Corporation  common 
stock.  The 2017 Director 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.  Common stock was issued under the Director Plans as 
follows:

Director Plan issued common stock

2017

27,196

2016

24,352

2015

20,146

Dividend
Cash dividends declared and paid per share for each year were as follows (in dollars):

Common shares

2017

2016

$

1.130

$

1.090

$

2015

1.045

During 2017, shareholders approved the HNI Corporation Members' Stock Purchase Plan (the "2017 MSPP") to replace the expired 
2007 Members' Stock Purchase Plan (the "2007 MSPP" and together with the 2017 MSPP, the "MSPPs").  Under the 2017 MSPP, 
800,000 shares of common stock were registered for issuance to participating members.  After approval of the 2017 MSPP, no awards 
were granted under the 2007 MSPP.  Under the 2017 MSPP, rights to purchase stock are granted on a quarterly basis to all participating 
members who customarily work 20 hours or more per week and for five months or more in any calendar year.  The price of the stock 
purchased under the MSPP is 85 percent of the closing price on the exercise date.  No member may purchase stock under the MSPP 
in an amount which exceeds a maximum fair value of $25,000 in any calendar year.  The following table provides the details of stock 
under the MSPPs:

Shares of common stock issued

Average price per share

2017

74,694

2016

75,098

$

29.01

$

31.11

$

2015

73,874

32.18

An additional 743,284 shares were available for issuance under the 2017 MSPP as of December 30, 2017.

The Corporation has entered into change in control employment agreements with certain officers.  According to the agreements, a 
change in control occurs when a third person or entity becomes the beneficial owner of 20 percent 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 Repurchase
The par value method of accounting is used for common stock repurchases.  During 2017, the Corporation repurchased 1,462,936
shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $58.9 million, or an average price of $40.25 per share.  As of December 30, 
2017, there was a payable of $1.4 million reflected in "Accounts payable and accrued expenses" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets 
relating to shares repurchased but not yet settled.  As of December 30, 2017, approximately $78.0 million of the Corporation's Board 
of Directors' current repurchase authorization remained unspent.  During 2016, the Corporation repurchased 1,082,938 shares of its 
common stock at a cost of approximately $55.8 million, or an average price of $51.55 per share.  During 2015, the Corporation 
repurchased 550,000 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $26.7 million, or an average price of $48.47 per share.

61

Note 11.  Stock-Based Compensation

Under the Corporation’s 2017 Stock-Based Compensation Plan (the "Plan"), effective May 9, 2017, 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 2017, no future awards were granted under the Corporation’s 2007 Stock-
Based Compensation Plan, but all outstanding awards previously granted under that plan shall remain outstanding in accordance 
with their terms.  As of December 30, 2017, there were approximately 3.4 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 units awarded 
under the Plan are 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.

The Corporation measures the cost of employee services in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair 
value of the award and recognizes cost over the requisite service period.

Compensation  cost  charged  against  operations  for  the  Plan  and  the  2017  MSPP  described  in  "Note  10. Accumulated  Other 
Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders' Equity" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements was as follows (in 
thousands):

Compensation cost

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

January 2,
2016

$

7,750

$

8,141

$

9,097

The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for share-based compensation arrangements was as follows (in 
thousands):

Income tax benefit

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

January 2,
2016

$

2,581

$

2,809

$

3,086

The stock-based compensation expense for the following year-end dates were estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes 
option-pricing model with the following assumptions by grant year:

Expected term

Expected volatility (weighted-average)

Expected dividend yield (weighted-average)

Risk-free interest rate (weighted-average)

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

January 2,
2016

6 years

38.07%

2.36%

2.17%

6 years

38.96%

3.30%

1.41%

6 years

43.54%

1.94%

1.69%

Expected volatilities were 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 calculation method based on daily frequency for the prior six
years.  The Corporation used the current dividend yield as there are no plans to substantially increase or decrease its dividends.  The 
Corporation used historical exercise experience to determine the expected term.  The risk-free interest rate was selected based on 
yields from treasury securities as published by the Federal Reserve equal to the expected term of the options.

62

 
 
 
The following table summarizes the changes in outstanding stock options:

Outstanding as of January 3, 2015

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited or Expired

Outstanding as of January 2, 2016

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited or Expired

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited or Expired

Outstanding as of December 30, 2017

Number of
Shares

3,335,445

350,038
(302,635)
(24,525)
3,358,323

877,277
(609,663)
(121,602)
3,504,335

537,795
(446,817)
(33,029)
3,562,284

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
29.93
$

51.54

30.22

39.14

32.09

32.18

30.52

52.24

31.68

46.61

25.55

40.81

34.63

$

$

$

A summary of the Corporation’s non-vested stock options and changes during the year are presented below:

Non-vested as of December 31, 2016

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Non-vested as of December 30, 2017

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

11.12

14.41

11.02

12.19

12.05

Shares

2,162,157

$

537,795
(731,085)
(33,029)
1,935,838

$

As of December 30, 2017, there was $3.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards, 
which the Corporation expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years.  Information about stock options expected 
to vest or currently exercisable is as follows:

Expected to vest

Exercisable

December 30, 2017

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

Number

1,819,673

1,626,446

$

$

39.31

28.97

Weighted-
Average 
Remaining 
Service 
Period
(years)

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value
($000s)

7.8

3.7

$

$

5,900

16,440

63

 
 
Other information for the last three years is as 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

Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

January 2,
2016

$

$

$

$

$

8,057

7,270

11,418

2,423

14.41

$

$

$

$

$

7,206

11,985

18,609

4,142

8.80

$

$

$

$

$

5,554

6,412

9,145

2,111

18.45

The Corporation has occasionally issued restricted stock units ("RSUs") to executives, managers, and key personnel.  The RSUs vest 
at  the  end  of  three  years  after  the  grant  date.  No  dividends  are  accrued  on  the  RSUs.  The  share-based  compensation  expense 
associated with the RSUs is based on the quoted market price of HNI Corporation shares on the date of grant less the discounted 
present value of dividends not received on the shares and is amortized using the straight-line method from the grant date through 
the vesting date.

The following table summarizes the changes in outstanding RSUs:

Outstanding as of January 3, 2015

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding as of January 2, 2016

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 30, 2017

Number of
Shares

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

26,026

$

23,000
(10,526)
—

38,500

$

25,000

—
(3,000)
60,500

—
(18,500)
(5,000)
37,000

$

$

27.76

51.54

21.19

—

43.77

32.06

—

51.54

38.54

—

35.36

51.54

38.38

As of December 30, 2017, there was $0.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs, which the Corporation expects 
to recognize over a weighted-average period of 0.7 year.  The total value of shares vested was as follows (in thousands):

Value of shares vested

2017

654

$

2016

— $

2015

223

$

64

 
The following table details deferred compensation, which is a combination of cash and stock, and the affected line item in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets where deferred compensation is presented (in thousands):

Current maturities of other long-term obligations

Other long-term liabilities

Total deferred compensation

Total fair-market value of deferred compensation

Note 12.  Retirement Benefits

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

$

$

719

11,581

12,300

8,885

$

$

$

876

15,104

15,980

12,203

The Corporation has a defined contribution retirement plan covering substantially all employees.

The Corporation's annual contribution to the plan is based on employee eligible earnings.  A portion of the contribution is also based 
on results of operations, and a portion is contributed in the form of common stock of the Corporation.  The following table reconciles 
the annual contribution (in thousands):

Stock contribution

Other contribution

Total annual contribution

Note 13.  Post-Retirement Health Care

2017

7,327

23,834

31,161

$

$

2016

7,170

25,349

32,519

$

$

2015

6,828

22,268

29,096

$

$

Guidance on employers’ accounting for other post-retirement plans requires recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status on 
the balance sheet.  Under this guidance, gains and losses, prior service costs and credits, and any remaining transition amounts under 
previous guidance not yet recognized through net periodic benefit cost are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income 
(loss), net of tax effects, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.  Also, the measurement date – the date 
at which the benefit obligation and plan assets are measured – is required to be the Corporation’s fiscal year-end.  The following 
table sets forth the activity and reporting location of the benefit obligation and plan assets (in thousands):

65

Change in benefit obligation

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

Service cost

Interest cost

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

Funded Status of Plan

Amounts recognized in the Statement of Financial Position consist of:

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (before tax) consist
of:

Actuarial (gain) loss

Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (before tax):

Amount disclosed at beginning of year

Actuarial (gain) loss

Amortization of transition amount

Amount disclosed at end of year

Estimated future benefit payments are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal 2018

Fiscal 2019

Fiscal 2020

Fiscal 2021

Fiscal 2022

Fiscal 2023 – 2027

Expected contributions are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal 2018

2017

2016

$

21,153

$

20,884

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

741

825
(1,003)
1,217

22,933

$

— $

—

1,003

—
(1,003)

— $
(22,933) $

735

846

(1,017)

(295)

21,153

—

—

1,017

—

(1,017)

—

(21,153)

1,050

21,883

$

$

1,034

20,119

3,565

$

2,373

2,373

$

1,217
(25)
3,565

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,730

(295)

(62)

2,373

1,050

1,056

1,067

1,085

1,122

6,206

$

1,050

The discount rate is set at the measurement date to reflect the yield of a portfolio of high quality, fixed income debt instruments.  The 
discount rate used was as follows:

Discount rate

2017

3.5%

2016

4.0%

2015

4.2%

66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Corporation's payment for these benefits is a fixed subsidy per the plan; therefore, healthcare trend rates have no impact on the 
Corporation’s cost.  There were no funds designated as plan assets.  A discount rate of 3.5 percent was used to determine net periodic 
benefit costs for 2018.  The following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit costs (in thousands):

Service cost

Interest cost

Amortization of net (gain) loss

Net periodic post-retirement benefit cost (income)

Note 14.  Leases

2018

853

789

125

1,767

$

$

The Corporation leases certain showrooms, office space, warehouse and plant facilities and equipment.  Commitments for minimum 
rentals under non-cancelable leases are as follows (in thousands):

2018

2019
2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total minimum lease payments

$

Operating
Leases

29,135

24,018
17,949

13,883

9,252

19,480

$

113,717

There are no capitalized leases as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Rent expense was as follows (in thousands):

Rent expense

2017

2016

$

32,158

$

35,288

$

2015

33,970

There was no contingent rent expense under operating leases for the years 2017, 2016, and 2015.

Note 15.  Guarantees, Commitments, and Contingencies

The Corporation utilizes letters of credit and surety bonds in the amount of $18 million to back certain insurance policies and payment 
obligations.  The Corporation utilizes trade letters of credit and banker's acceptances in the amount of $4 million to guarantee certain 
payments to overseas suppliers.  The letters of credit, bonds, and banker's acceptances reflect fair value as a condition of their 
underlying purpose and are subject to competitively determined fees.

The Corporation initiated litigation in Iowa on August 15, 2017 against the purchasers of Artcobell for amounts owed in connection 
with the sale of Artcobell.  Artcobell initiated litigation against the Corporation in Texas on June 14, 2017 regarding a dispute arising 
after the sale of Artcobell, for which the Corporation believes it has strong legal and factual defenses.  The Corporation intends to 
vigorously prosecute the Iowa action and defend the Texas action.

The Corporation has contingent liabilities which have arisen in the ordinary course of its business, including liabilities relating to 
pending litigation, environmental remediation, taxes, and other claims.  It is the Corporation's opinion that liabilities, if any, resulting 
from these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial condition, cash flows, or on the 
Corporation's quarterly or annual operating results when resolved in a future period.

67

Note 16.  Reportable Segment Information

Management views the Corporation as being in two reportable segments based on industries: office furniture and hearth products, 
with the former being the principal segment.

The aggregated 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 a reportable 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.

Reportable segment data reconciled to the Corporation's consolidated financial statements was as follows for continuing operations 
(in thousands):

68

Net Sales:

Office furniture

Hearth products

Total

Income Before Income Taxes:

Office furniture (a)
Hearth products (b)
General corporate

Total

Depreciation and Amortization Expense:

Office furniture

Hearth products

General corporate

Total

Capital Expenditures (including capitalized software):

Office furniture

Hearth products

General corporate

Total

Identifiable Assets:

Office furniture

Hearth products

General corporate

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2017

2016

2015

1,660,723

515,159

2,175,882

$

$

1,703,885

499,604

2,203,489

$

$

1,777,804

526,615

2,304,419

50,176

$

117,397

$

136,593

83,649
(63,213)
70,612

$

69,960
(58,446)
128,911

78,162

(57,585)

$

157,170

48,435

$

45,088

$

42,415

10,109

14,328

12,486

11,373

8,430

6,719

72,872

$

68,947

$

57,564

79,458

$

65,944

$

17,356

30,577

11,217

42,423

64,850

11,078

39,038

127,391

$

119,584

$

114,966

821,767

$

749,145

$

347,189

222,594

340,494

240,595

739,915

341,813

182,197

$

1,391,550

$

1,330,234

$

1,263,925

(a)  Included in operating profit for the office furniture segment are pretax charges of $32.5 million, $10.9 million, and $11.6 

million, for closing of facilities and impairment charges in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

(b)  Included in operating profit for the hearth products segment are pretax charges of $4.9 million and $5.5 million for closing 

facilities in 2017 and 2016, and $0.9 million related to exiting a line of business in 2015.

The Corporation's net sales by product category were as follows (in thousands):

Systems and storage

Seating

Other

Hearth products

2017

2016

2015

$

1,069,518

$

1,072,518

$

1,140,369

536,501

54,704

515,159

539,839

91,528

499,604

561,392

76,043

526,615

$

2,175,882

$

2,203,489

$

2,304,419

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

In the opinion of the Corporation’s management, the following 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 state fairly the financial results set forth herein.  Results of operations for any previous quarter are not necessarily 
indicative of results for any future period.

The following tables present certain unaudited quarterly financial information for each of the past 8 quarters (in thousands, except 
per share data):

Net sales

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling and administrative expenses

(Gain) loss on sale, disposal, and license of assets

Restructuring and impairment charges

Operating income (loss)

Interest income

Interest expense

Income (loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the non-controlling
interest

Net income attributable to HNI Corporation

Average number of common shares outstanding - basic
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation per common
share – basic
Average number of common shares outstanding - diluted
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation per common
share – diluted

$

$

$

As a Percentage of Net Sales:

Net sales

Gross profit

Selling and administrative expenses

(Gain) loss on sale, disposal, and license of assets

Restructuring and impairment charges

Operating income (loss)

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income attributable to HNI Corporation

2017

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

$

477,667

$

514,485

$

599,455

$

584,275

303,944

173,723

163,666

—

2,123

7,934

71

1,046

6,959

2,178

4,781

(56)
4,837

329,733

184,752

162,684

—

419

21,649

325

1,347

20,627

6,771

13,856

8

378,211

221,244

169,547
(6,805)
783

57,719

71

1,835

55,955

18,624

37,331

60

380,006

204,269

175,934

4,856

34,091

(10,612)

(170)

2,147

(12,929)

(46,859)

33,930

91

$

13,848

$

37,271

$

33,839

44,050,040

44,178,287

43,682,805

43,444,885

0.11

45,452,664

0.11

$

$

0.31

45,305,547

0.31

$

$

0.85

44,479,117

0.84

$

$

0.78

44,153,300

0.77

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

36.4

34.3

—

0.4

1.7

0.5

1.0

35.9

31.6

—

0.1

4.2

1.3

2.7

36.9

28.3
(1.1)
0.1

9.6

3.1

6.2

35.0

30.1

0.8

5.8

(1.8)

(8.0)

5.8

70

 
 
 
 
Net sales

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling and administrative expenses

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

Restructuring and impairment charges

Operating income

Interest income

Interest expense

Income before income taxes

Income taxes

Net income

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to the non-controlling
interest

Net income attributable to HNI Corporation

Average number of common shares outstanding - basic
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation per common
share – basic
Average number of common shares outstanding - diluted
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation per common
share – diluted

As a Percentage of Net Sales:

Net sales

Gross profit

Selling and administrative expenses

(Gain) loss on sale of assets

Restructuring and impairment charges

Operating income

Income taxes

Net income attributable to HNI Corporation

2016

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

$

501,037

$

536,538

$

584,629

$

581,285

315,326

185,711

165,106

—

1,086

19,519

78

1,874

17,723

5,881

11,842

(1)
11,843

44,258,357

0.27

45,039,918

0.26

$

$

$

327,618

208,920

162,320
(1)
572

46,029

63

1,131

44,961

15,934

29,027

(2)
29,029

44,431,198

0.65

45,632,284

0.64

$

$

$

$

$

$

363,075

221,554

169,535
(40)
399

51,660

80

1,091

50,649

16,837

33,812

(1)
33,813

362,457

218,828

170,783

22,613

8,948

16,484

84

990

15,578

4,621

10,957

65

$

10,892

44,547,375

44,418,833

0.76

45,844,566

0.74

$

$

0.25

45,587,997

0.24

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

37.1

33.0

—

0.2

3.9

1.2

2.4

38.9

30.3

—

0.1

8.6

3.0

5.4

37.9

29.0

—

0.1

8.8

2.9

5.8

37.6

29.4

3.9

1.5

2.8

0.8

1.9

71

 
 
 
 
Investor Information

Common Stock Market Prices and Dividends
(Unaudited)

2017

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Total Dividends Paid

2016

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter
4th Quarter

Total Dividends Paid

2015

1st Quarter

2nd Quarter

3rd Quarter

4th Quarter

Total Dividends Paid

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

High

56.94

48.32

41.60

43.42

High

39.59

48.50

56.96
56.91

High

56.47

57.74

52.52

47.68

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

Low

44.27

37.32

34.60

31.16

Low

29.84

38.30

39.30
37.24

Low

38.01

46.19

41.29

35.53

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Dividends
per Share

0.275

0.285

0.285

0.285

1.130

Dividends
per Share

0.265

0.275

0.275
0.275

1.090

Dividends
per Share

0.250

0.265

0.265

0.265

1.045

Common Stock Market Price and Price/Earnings Ratio
(Unaudited)

Market Price

High

56.94 $

56.96 $

57.74 $

52.90 $

40.73 $

Low

31.16

29.84

35.53

31.00

28.28

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Diluted 
Earnings
per Share

2.00

1.88

2.32

1.35

1.39

 Year

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Price / Earnings Ratio

High

Low

28

30

25

39

29

Five Year Average

30

16

16

15

23

20

18

72

Performance Graph

(cid:30)(cid:22)(cid:27)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:13)(cid:15)(cid:19)(cid:22)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:22)(cid:8)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:15)5(cid:5):;(cid:5)(cid:26)(cid:13)(cid:6)(cid:30)(cid:12)(cid:27)(cid:12)"(cid:26)(cid:16)(cid:15)5(cid:5)(cid:6)<(cid:5)(cid:16)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:14)

HNI Corporation

S&P 500

OFIG*

$275

$250

$225

$200

$175

$150

$125

$100

$75

2012

2013

2014

Annual Return 

HNI Corporation 
S&P 500 
OFIG* 

2012 

$100 
$100 
$100 

2013 

$140 
$134 
$137 

2015

2014 

$183 
$153 
$143 

2016

2017

2015 

$134 
$155 
$133 

2016 

$213 
$174 
$180 

2017

$151
$211
$181

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Board of Directors

Stan A. Askren 
Chairman, President and  
Chief Executive Officer,  
HNI Corporation

Mary A. Bell
Retired Vice President,  
Building Construction  
Products Division,   
Caterpillar Inc.

Miguel M. Calado
Chairman and President,  
WY Group

Cheryl A. Francis
Co-Chairman, Corporate  
Leadership Center

John R. Hartnett 
Executive Vice President,  
Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Mary K. W. Jones 
Senior Vice President and General  
Counsel, Deere & Company

Larry B. Porcellato* 
Former Chief Executive Officer,
The Homax Group, Inc.

Abbie J. Smith 
Chaired Professor,  
University of Chicago Booth  
School of Business

Brian E. Stern 
Director,  
Starboard Capital Partners, LLC  
and Former Senior Vice  
President, Xerox Corporation

Ronald V. Waters, III 
Former Director, President  
and Chief Executive Officer,  
LoJack Corporation

*Lead Director

HNI Corporation Officers  
and Company Executives

Investor  Information

Stan A. Askren
Chairman, President and  
Chief Executive Officer

Julie M. Abramowski
Vice President, 
Corporate Controller

Vincent P. Berger 
Executive Vice President, and 
President, Hearth & Home  
Technologies

Steven M. Bradford
Senior Vice President, 
General Counsel and Secretary

Marshall H. Bridges
Senior Vice President and  
Chief Financial Officer

Cooper V. Evans
Vice President,
Internal Audit

Jack D. Herring
Treasurer, Director of  
Finance and Investor  
Relations

Jeffrey D. Lorenger 
President, Office Furniture, 
HNI Corporation

Donna D. Meade
Vice President,  
Member and Community  
Relations

Timothy R. Summers
Senior Vice President,  
Operations,Procurement,  
and Logistics,
HNI Office Furniture

Kurt A. Tjaden
Senior Vice President,  
and President, 
HNI International

Fiscal 2018  
Quarter-End Dates
1st Quarter: March 31
2nd Quarter: June 30
3rd Quarter: September 29
4th Quarter: December 29

Annual Meeting
The Corporation’s annual   
shareholders’ meeting will  
beheld at 10:30 a.m. on  
Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at the  
HNI Corporate Headquarters.

Form 10-K Report
Financial information can be  
accessed on the Corporation’s  
website at www.hnicorp.com.

Corporate Headquarters 
and Investor Relations
HNI Corporation
600 East Second Street 
Muscatine, IA 52761-0071 
Telephone: 563.272.7400 
Investor Relations Email:  
investorrelations@hnicorp.com

Independent Registered  
Public Accounting Firm
KPMG LLP
Suite 5500
200 East Randolph Street 
Chicago, IL 60601 

Common Stock
HNI Corporation common stock 
trades on the New York Stock  
Exchange (NYSE) under the  
symbol: HNI.

Transfer Agent
Shareholders may report a change  
of address or make inquiries by  
writing or calling:

EQ Shareowner Services 
1110 Centre Point Curve 
Suite 101
Mendota Heights, MN 55120 
Telephone: 800.468.9716
www.shareowneronline.com

HNI Corporation   |   2017 Annual Report   |      

www.hnicorp.com

HNI Corporation   |   600 East Second Street   |   Muscatine, Iowa 52761