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HNI Corporation

hni · NYSE Industrials
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Ticker hni
Exchange NYSE
Sector Industrials
Industry Business Equipment & Supplies
Employees 7600
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FY2018 Annual Report · HNI Corporation
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 HNI Corporation
2018 Annual Report

Values We Believe

Our values distinguish us in the way we look at things and the way we work. 
Driving our success is a set of unique and strongly aligned principles and 
processes enthusiastically shared by our members. They define our distinctive 
personality, and stand at the center of our corporate Vision.

Our success depends on rapid continuous improvement, member engagement, 
individual and collective integrity, and innovation in everything we do. 
We relentlessly pursue the following longstanding commitments:

Our Social 
Responsibility

WE WILL

-  Be a preferred provider 
of products and services.

-  Create long-term value 

for shareholders.

- Be a great place to work.

- Be a responsible global citizen.

- Grow profitably.

HNI members are deeply committed to 
positive change through a simple, clear 
purpose of making things better every day.  
We will conduct our business to improve 
the well-being of our society, 
environment, and community. 

2   | 2018 Annual Report

Our Path Forward

Strategic Objectives
Lead through operational excellence  
and best total cost

Provide a convenient buying experience 
that is effortless for our customers

Deliver unparalleled value in our products 
and services

Execution Priorities 
Drive growth in our core markets

Enhance brand equity and extend  
distribution capability

Increase profits through market expansion, 
both domestically and internationally

Capital Allocation
Invest capital in the business to drive 
incremental returns

Pursue value enhancing acquisitions

Return capital to shareholders

- Maintain and grow quarterly dividend

- Repurchase shares to offset dilution

-  Additional opportunistic share  

repurchase

HNI Corporation

   |   1

Letter to Shareholders

Dear Shareholders: Our team of dedicated 
members accomplished a significant amount 
during 2018. The results of our efforts continue  
to build the long-term value of your investment. 
The opportunities in front of us remain plentiful 
and we are optimistic about our capabilities to 
grow profits and sales in the coming years. 

During the year, we successfully launched our new enterprise resource 
planning system as part of our Business Systems Transformation 
initiative. BST is a critical enabler to our future—providing a foundation 
to more effortlessly serve our customers, adapt to changing market 
needs, and enable greater operational efficiency. We finalized large-
scale transformations of our operational network—a multi-year effort 
which reduced our structural cost and improved our best total cost 
position. We also made strong progress adapting our supplies-driven 
office furniture business to new market dynamics. All of these actions 
will enable us to drive greater long-term value.

While improving our long-term foundation, we also delivered solid 
sales and profit growth despite significant inflationary headwinds. 
Demand for office furniture improved this year, and our leading brands 
and products allowed us to take advantage of a stronger market. Our 
supplies-driven and contract furniture businesses performed well with 
solid organic growth. Our hearth business delivered another year of 
record profit with solid sales growth in both new construction and 
remodel/retrofit. 

During the year, I was honored to be appointed by the HNI Board of Directors to lead our 
team into the future. At the end of 2018, and after 26 years with the company, including 
the last 14 as Chairman, President and CEO, Stan Askren elected to retire. I feel fortunate 
to have had the benefit of Stan’s mentorship during my 20 years with the company. During 
that time, I have worked assignments across multiple disciplines including strategy, sales, 
marketing, and product development, including my most recent assignment as President 
of our Office Furniture segment. In these roles I have been intimately involved in setting 
our strategy and priorities. While our corporate strategy will continue to evolve over time, 
you should not expect my appointment to cause any large shifts in our strategy or culture.

2   |   2018 Annual Report 

Strategic priorities
Our strategic priorities are centered around two key pillars. First, we will strengthen our 
focus on operational excellence and delivering best total cost to our customers. Second, 
we will continue to adapt our business to offer products that meet our customers’ evolving 
needs, including the need to be the most convenient customer experience for office 
furniture or hearth products.

We remain an organization driven by the tenets of lean manufacturing. We live every  
day through Rapid Continuous Improvement and view all problems as opportunities. This 
mindset of constructive discontent permeates our culture and is the fuel that drives us to 
improve daily. When paired with our recent investments in support systems, technology, 
and manufacturing capability, we are left with a powerful vehicle that drives unparalleled 
value to our customers.

We are focused on transforming the end-to-end customer experience, making the buying 
process effortless for our customers. The research and specification processes can be  
challenging and complex. We are continuing to make investments in areas such as digital 
marketing, data analytics, and fulfillment. We will continue to simplify a complicated 
process, making the customers’ experience faster, easier, and more cost effective.

Execute our vision
We remain excited about the growth prospects in our core markets. As we proceed on our 
journey of simplifying the customer buying experience, our value proposition will resonate 
deeper in the marketplace. This will continue building brand equity with our distributors, 
dealers and end consumers. Finally, we will continue to expand our addressable markets 
by growing internationally, expanding the hearth market and building out some exciting 
domestic opportunities in e-commerce.

Shareholder capital
Our views on managing shareholder capital remain unchanged. We will invest on an 
on-going basis where we can increase shareholder value. We are committed to our 
dividend. HNI has paid a quarterly dividend for more than 60 years, never missed and 
never cut. We will continue this important tradition and grow our dividend over time.  
We will repurchase shares as an additional way to return capital with the goal to at least 
offset dilution from new share issuance. Finally, we will continuously invest in the 
business, both in our current operations, and through acquisition.

Looking forward
I am excited by the opportunities ahead. Our member owner culture is powerful and we 
will continue to nurture and enhance a culture focused on continuous improvement, 
customer responsiveness, and overall value creation for all stakeholders. We have strong 
market positions in good markets. Our members are talented and highly engaged. I would 
like to thank our members for their dedication and hard work throughout 2018. To our 
shareholders, I thank you for the trust you have placed in us at HNI. We remain committed 
to driving long-term value and look forward to delivering on the opportunities in front of us.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Lorenger
President and Chief Executive Officer

HNI Corporation

   |   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 products 
and services, 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.

4   | 2018 Annual Report

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.

HNI Corporation

   |  5

Financial Summary

Amounts in millions, except for per share

Income Statement Data 

 Net sales 

 Non-GAAP gross profit* 

 Non-GAAP gross margin* 

 Selling and administrative expenses 

 Non-GAAP net income attributable to HNI Corporation*  

2018 

2017  

CHANGE

2,257.9 

$   2,175.9 

3.8%

837.3 

$  

811.3

37.1% 

691.1 

106.7 

$  

$  

37.3%

671.8

88.1 

21.1%

$  

$  

$  

$  

$2,258m

Net Sales

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

4.7% 

4.1%

 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 (excluding cash) 

Other Data

 Capital expenditures (including capitalized software)  

 Cash flow from operations 

 Weighted-average shares outstanding—diluted 

*See GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation below

2.41 

1.17 

1.97 

22.3%

1.13

$203m

EBITDA

$   1,401.8 

$   1,391.6

$  

249.4 

$  

240.0

$  

$  

$  

$  

30.7% 

35.0%

562.9 

$  

514.1

21.4 

12.5

63.7 

186.4 

44,328 

$  

$  

127.4

133.1

44,840

$147m

Free Cash Flow

$51mCash Dividends

GAAP amount  

% of net sales 

Adjustments 

Restructuring charges 

Impairment charges 

Transition costs

Valuation allowance of long-term note receivable

Loss on sale, disposal, and license of assets

Tax Legislation

Non-GAAP amount

% of Net Sales 

2018

2017

GROSS 
PROFIT 

NET 
INCOME 

EARNINGS
PER SHARE

GROSS 
PROFIT 

NET 
INCOME 

EARNINGS
PER SHARE

$ 

835.0  $  

93.4  $  2.11

$ 

784.0  $  

89.9  $  2.00

37.0%  

4.1%

36.0% 

4.1%

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

—  $  

1.7  $  0.04

—  $  

9.9  $  .022

2.3  $  

1.7  $  0.04

—  $  

—  $  —

—  $  

—  $ 

 —

—  $  

—  $     —

837.3  $   106.7  $  2.41

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

10.3  $  

10.9  $  0.25

—  $  

13.9   $  0.31

17.0  $  

11.2   $  0.25

—  $  

9.8   $  0.22

—  $  

(2.7)   $ (0.06)

—  $  

(44.8)  $  (1.00)

811.3  $  

88.1   $  1.97 

37.1% 

 4.7% 

37.3% 

4.1% 

6   |   2018 Annual Report 

 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 29, 2018

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 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 June 30, 2018 was $1,159,656,498 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 1, 2019, was 43,492,622.

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 7, 
2019 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

3

Page

4

10

16

16

16

17

18

19

20

21

32

32

32

33

33

34

34
34

34

34

35

36

37

38

39

41

46

 
 
 
 
 
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 2018, the 
Corporation had net sales of $2.3 billion, of which $1.7 billion or 76 percent was attributable to office furniture products and $0.6 
billion or 24 percent was attributable to hearth products.  See "Note 17. 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, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Dubai, Taiwan, and Singapore.  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")

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 improved 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.  Members 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 5. Acquisitions and Divestitures", and "Note 17. Reportable Segment Information".

Industry

According to the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association ("BIFMA"), North American 2018 sales of office 
and institutional furniture grew 5 percent from 2017 levels.  North American 2017 sales of office and institutional furniture grew 2 
percent from 2016 levels.

4

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 29, 2018, the Corporation employed approximately 8,900 persons, 8,700 of whom were full-time and 200 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 architectural products.  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.

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®
Lamex®
HNI India®

5

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®
Vermont Castings®
PelPro®
Stellar HearthTM

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®, Monessen®, and Stellar HearthTM are brand leaders in the two largest segments 
of the home fireplace market: gas and wood fireplaces.  The Corporation is a 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 a market leader in wood and pellet-burning stoves with its Quadra-Fire®, Harman®, Vermont Castings®, and PelPro®
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.

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

2018

2017

2016

$

33,420

$

31,846

$

28,089

As of December 29, 2018, the Corporation owned 164 U.S. and 152 foreign patents with expiration dates through 2042 and had 
applications pending for 19 U.S. and 46 foreign patents.  In addition, the Corporation holds 185 U.S. and 422 foreign trademark 
registrations and has applications pending for 23 U.S. and 15 foreign trademarks.

6

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 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.

The Corporation also makes export sales through HNI International 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 2018, the Corporation's five largest customers represented approximately 22 percent of its consolidated net sales.  No single 
customer accounted for 10 percent or more of the Corporation’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2018.  The substantial purchasing 
power exercised by large customers may adversely affect the prices at which the Corporation can successfully offer its products.

7

The Corporation has an order backlog, which will be filled in the ordinary course of business. The order backlog includes orders 
that might be cancelable for a period of time and almost all orders will be fulfilled within one year.  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 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$ 2,257,895

$ 2,175,882

$

181,522

$

202,255

8.0%

9.3%

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.

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 

8

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, ensures its commitment to being a sustainable enterprise, and 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 2019 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 29,  2018,  December 30,  2017,  and 
December 31, 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 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," 
"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 the Corporation's products; general economic and 
market conditions in the United States and internationally; industry and competitive conditions; the consolidation and concentration 
of the Corporation's customers; the Corporation's reliance on its network of independent dealers; changes in trade policy; changes 
in raw material, component, or commodity pricing; market acceptance and demand for the Corporation's new products; changing 
legal, regulatory, environmental, and healthcare conditions; the risks associated with international operations; the potential impact 
of product defects; the various restrictions on the Corporation's financing activities; an inability to protect the Corporation's intellectual 
property; impacts of 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 

9

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, the Corporation's business, operating results, cash flows, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Unfavorable  economic  and  industry  factors  could  adversely  affect  the  Corporation's  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 homebuilding industry and the hearth 
products market could decrease demand for hearth products and have additional adverse effects on operating results.

A deterioration of economic conditions in the Corporation's key international markets, including China and India, could have adverse 
effects on the Corporation's international office furniture sales and operating results.

Deteriorating economic conditions could affect the Corporation's business significantly, including: reduced demand for products; 
insolvency of independent dealers resulting in increased provisions for credit losses; insolvency of key suppliers resulting in product 
delays; inability of customers to obtain credit to finance purchases of products; and decreased customer demand, including order 
delays or cancellations.

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

Both the office furniture and hearth products industries are highly competitive.  Many of the Corporation's 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 the top competitors have an installed base of products that can be a source of 
significant future sales through repeat and expansion orders.  The Corporation's main competitors manufacture products with strong 
acceptance in the marketplace and are capable of developing products that have a competitive advantage, which could make it difficult 
to win new business.

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

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

The Corporation sells products through multiple distribution channels, which primarily include independent dealers, national dealers, 
and wholesalers.  Within these distribution channels, there has been, and may continue to be, consolidation.  The Corporation relies 
on distribution partners to provide a variety of important specification, installation, and after-market services to customers.  Some 
distribution partners may terminate their relationship with the Corporation at any time and for any reason.  The Corporation has 

10

experienced demand shift to direct fulfillment, reducing two-step distribution by wholesale partners.  The ability to provide increased 
direct fulfillment and/or the loss or termination of a significant number of reseller relationships could cause difficulties in marketing 
and distributing products, resulting in a decline in sales, which may adversely affect the business, operating results, or financial 
condition.

Evolving trade policy between the United States and other countries may have an adverse effect on the Corporation's business and 
results of operations.

The Corporation has a global supply chain for raw materials and components used in office furniture and hearth products.  Recent 
steps taken by the United States government to adopt a new approach to trade policy and in some cases to apply tariffs on certain 
products and materials, such as steel, could potentially disrupt the existing supply chains and impose additional costs on the business, 
including costs with respect to raw materials and components upon which the business depends.  The increased costs could lower 
profit margins as the Corporation may not be able to pass on the additional costs by increasing the prices of its products, and its 
business and results of operations may be adversely affected.

In addition, certain foreign governments have imposed retaliatory tariffs on goods that their countries import from the United States.  
Changes in U.S. trade policy could result in one or more foreign governments adopting responsive trade policies that make it more 
difficult or costly for the Corporation to do business in or import products from those countries.

The Corporation cannot predict the extent to which the United States or other countries will impose quotas, duties, tariffs, taxes or 
other similar restrictions upon the import or export of raw materials or products in the future, nor can we predict future trade policy 
or the terms of any renegotiated trade agreements and their impact on the business.  The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, 
the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies has the potential to 
adversely impact demand for products, costs, customers, suppliers, and the U.S. economy, which in turn could have a material adverse 
effect on the business, operating results and financial condition.

The Corporation's 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 costs of sales, profitability, and ability to meet customers' demand.  The Corporation sources commodities, 
raw materials, and components from domestic and international suppliers for both the 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  volatility  or  supply  interruptions  in  the 
future.  Profit margins could be adversely affected if commodity, raw material, and component costs remain high or escalate further, 
and the Corporation is 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 customers.

The Corporation relies primarily on third-party freight and transportation providers to deliver products to customers.  Increasing 
demand for freight providers and a shortage of qualified drivers may cause delays in shipments and increase the cost to ship its 
products, which may adversely affect profitability.  Additionally, the Corporation imports and exports 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 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 sales and profitability.

The Corporation's efforts to introduce new products to meet customer and workplace demands may not be successful, which could 
limit sales growth or cause its sales to decline.

To meet the changing needs of customers and keep pace with market trends, the Corporation regularly introduces 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 uncontrollable factors.  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.  The Corporation may face difficulties if it cannot 
successfully align itself 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 originally anticipated, limiting sales growth or causing sales to decline.

11

The Corporation may not be able to successfully integrate and manage its acquired businesses and alliances.

One of the Corporation's growth strategies is to supplement its organic growth through acquisitions and strategic alliances.  The 
benefits of acquisitions or alliances may take more time than expected to develop or integrate into 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 leverage and debt service requirements 
to pay the acquisition purchase prices, which could in turn restrict the ability to access additional capital when needed or 
to pursue other important elements of the 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 the financial results.

The Corporation's ability to grow through future acquisitions will depend, in part, on the availability of suitable acquisition candidates 
at an acceptable price, the 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  the  business,  operating  results,  or 
financial condition.

The Corporation may need to take additional impairment charges related to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, which 
would adversely affect the 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 the Corporation's business where goodwill or intangible assets, or declines in the market value of equity, may result in impairment 
charges, which would adversely affect the results of operations.

The Corporation is subject to extensive environmental regulation and has exposure to potential environmental liabilities.

Through the past and present operation and ownership of manufacturing facilities and real property, the Corporation is 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 capital expenditures, earnings, 
or competitive position to date; however, compliance with current laws or more stringent laws or regulations which may be imposed  
in the future, stricter interpretation of existing laws or discoveries of contamination at the Corporation's real property sites which 
occurred prior to ownership, or the advent of environmental regulation may require additional expenditures in the future, some of 
which may be material.

Increasing healthcare costs could adversely affect the Corporation's business, operating results, and financial condition.

The Corporation provides healthcare benefits to the majority of its members and is self-insured.  Healthcare costs have continued to 
rise over time, which increases the annual spending on healthcare and could adversely affect the business, operating results, and 
financial condition.

The Corporation's international operations expose it to risks related to conducting business in multiple jurisdictions outside the 
United States.

The Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells products in international markets, including China and India and plans to continue 
to grow internationally.  The Corporation primarily sells products and reports the financial results in U.S. dollars; however, increased 
business in countries outside the United States creates exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.  Paying 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 profits.  In the future, any foreign currency appreciation relative to the U.S. dollar would increase expenses that are 

12

 
denominated in that currency.  Additionally, as the Corporation reports currency in the U.S. dollar, the 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 among certain countries.  If the Corporation is unable 
to provide financial support to the international operations in a timely manner, business, operating results, and financial condition 
could be adversely affected.

The Corporation periodically reviews foreign currency exposure and evaluates whether it should enter into hedging transactions.

The Corporation's 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 the 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 the Corporation's 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.

Restrictions imposed by the terms of the Corporation's debt agreements may limit operating and financial flexibility.

The Corporation's credit facility and other financing arrangements may limit the ability to finance operations, service debt, or engage 
in other business activities that may be in its interests.  Specifically, the debt agreements may restrict its ability to incur additional 
indebtedness, create or incur certain liens with respect to any properties or assets, engage in lines of business substantially different 
than those currently conducted by us, sell, lease, license, or dispose of any assets, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, make 
certain restricted payments or take certain restricted actions, and enter into certain sale-leaseback arrangements.  The debt agreements 
also require the Corporation to maintain certain financial covenants.

The failure to comply with the obligations under the debt agreements may result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, 
may cause accelerated repayment of the indebtedness under the agreements.  The Corporation cannot be certain it will have sufficient 
funds available to pay any accelerated repayments or will have the ability to refinance accelerated repayments on favorable terms 
or at all.

Costs related to product defects could adversely affect the Corporation's profitability.

The Corporation incurs 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.  The Corporation uses chemicals 
and materials in products and includes components in products from external suppliers, which are believed to be safe and appropriate 
for their designated use; however, harmful effects may become known, which could subject the Corporation 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.  Incorrect estimates or any significant increase in the rate of product defect expenses could have a material adverse effect on 
operations.

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

The Corporation's capital requirements depend on many factors, including its need for capital improvements, tooling, new product 
development, and acquisitions.  To the extent existing capital is insufficient to meet these requirements and cover any losses, we 
may need to raise additional funds through financings or curtail its growth and reduce its assets.  Future borrowings or financings 

13

may not be available under the credit facility or otherwise in an amount sufficient to enable the Corporation to pay its debt or meet 
its liquidity needs.

Any equity or debt financing, if available, could have unfavorable terms.  In addition, financings could result in dilution to shareholders 
or the securities may have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of the Corporation's common stock.  If the need for 
capital arises because of significant losses, the occurrence of these losses may make it more difficult to raise the necessary capital.

The Corporation's 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.

The  Corporation  derives  a  portion  of  its  revenue  from  sales  to  various  U.S.  federal,  state,  and  local  government  agencies  and 
departments.  The 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.  This  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.

The Corporation's 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 either for their convenience or if we default by failing to perform under the terms of the applicable contract.  A termination 
arising out of default could expose the Corporation to liability and impede its 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 the Corporation were found to not be a responsible supplier 
or to have committed fraud or certain criminal offenses, it could be suspended or debarred from all further federal, state, or local 
government contracting.

The Corporation relies on information technology systems to manage numerous aspects of the business and a disruption or failure 
of these systems could adversely affect business, operating results, and financial condition.

The Corporation relies upon information technology networks and systems to process, transmit, and store electronic information, as 
well as to manage numerous aspects of the 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 business 
operations and strategy.  These networks and systems, despite security and precautionary measures, are vulnerable to natural events 
and malicious activity.  Though the Corporation attempts to detect and prevent these incidents, it may not be successful.  In addition, 
the  Corporation  is  subject  to  data  privacy  and  other  similar  laws  in  various  jurisdictions.    If  the  Corporation  is  the  target  of  a 
cybersecurity attack, computer virus, physical or electronic break-in or similar disruption resulting in unauthorized disclosure of 
sensitive data of customers, suppliers, and employees, the Corporation may be required to undertake costly notification procedures.  
The Corporation may also be required to expend significant additional resources to protect against the threat of security breaches or 
to alleviate problems, including reputational harm and litigation, caused by any breaches.  Any disruption of information technology 
networks or systems, or access to or disclosure of information stored in or transmitted by systems, could result in legal claims and 
damages and loss of intellectual property or other proprietary information.

The Corporation's results of operations and earnings may not meet guidance or expectations.

The Corporation provides public guidance on the 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 other public filings and public statements, and is based necessarily on assumptions made at the time we provide 
such guidance.  The guidance may not always be accurate.  If, in the future, the results of operations for a particular period do not 
meet its guidance or the expectations of investment analysts or if the Corporation reduces its guidance for future periods, the market 
price of common stock could decline significantly.

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

The Corporation's Articles of Incorporation give the 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 

14

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 common stock, thereby having a potentially adverse effect on the market price of common stock.

The Corporation's Board of Directors is divided into three classes.  The Corporation's classified Board, along with other provisions 
of the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and Iowa corporate law, could make it more difficult for a third party to 
acquire the Corporation or remove the Corporation's directors by means of a proxy contest, even if doing so would be beneficial to 
shareholders.  Additionally, the Corporation 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 the shareholders.

An inability to protect the Corporation's intellectual property could have a significant impact on the business.

The Corporation attempts to protect its 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, 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, the Corporation has limited protections, if any, for its 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 
pending or contemplated applications.  In addition, not all of the Corporation's products are covered by patents or similar intellectual 
property protections.  It is also possible that patents, copyrights, trademarks, and service marks may be challenged, invalidated, 
canceled, narrowed, or circumvented.

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

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

The Corporation faces the risk of claims that it has infringed upon third parties’ intellectual property rights.  Companies operating 
in our industry routinely seek patent protection for their product designs, and many of the principal competitors have large patent 
portfolios.  Prior to launching major new products in the key markets, we normally evaluate existing intellectual property rights.  
However, competitors and suppliers may have filed for patent protection which is not, at the time of the evaluation, a matter of public 
knowledge.  The Corporation's 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 the Corporation to cease making, licensing, or using products that incorporate the challenged 
intellectual property; require the Corporation to redesign, re-engineer, or re-brand the products or packaging, if feasible; or require 
the Corporation 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 products.  Several of 
the Corporation's 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 the 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 the operations and 
business conditions.  Members are an integral part of the 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 
the Corporation's computer system could adversely affect the 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.

15

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

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, Taiwan, and Singapore, which house manufacturing, distribution, and 
retail operations and offices, totaling an aggregate of approximately 8.7 million square feet.  Of this total, approximately 3.0 million
square feet are leased.

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

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

Location
Cedartown, Georgia

Dongguan, China

Garland, Texas

Hickory, North Carolina

Lake City, Minnesota

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

Muscatine, Iowa

Muscatine, Iowa

Muscatine, Iowa

Muscatine, Iowa

Nagpur, India

Wayland, New York

Approximate
Square Feet
550,000

Owned or
Leased
Owned

373,000

211,000

206,000

242,000

400,000

378,000

273,000

578,000

810,000

238,000

355,000

716,000

Leased

Leased

Owned

Owned

Leased

Owned

Owned

Owned

Owned

Owned

Owned

Owned

Description of Use
Manufacturing office furniture (1)

Manufacturing office furniture (1)

Warehousing office furniture

Manufacturing office furniture

Manufacturing fireplaces

Warehousing office furniture

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 3.4 million square feet, of which approximately 2.0 million square feet are leased.  Approximately 
2.1 million square feet are used for the selling, manufacturing, and distribution of office furniture, approximately 1.1 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.  For 
more  information  regarding  legal  proceedings,  see  "Note  16.  Guarantees,  Commitments,  and  Contingencies"  in  the  Notes  to 
Consolidated Financial Statements, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

16

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

17

Table I

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Name
Julie M. Abramowski

Age
43

Family

Relationship Position

None

Vice President, Corporate
Controller

Position
Held Since
2015

Vincent P. Berger

46

None

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

Steven M. Bradford

Marshall H. Bridges

61

49

None

None

Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and
Secretary
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Brandon B. Bullock

41

None

President, The HON
Company

2018

2016

2015

2018

2018

Jeffrey D. Lorenger

53

None

President and Chief
Executive Officer

2018

Donna D. Meade

Brandon T. Sieben

Kurt A. Tjaden

53

47

55

None

Vice President, Member
and Community Relations

2014

None

President, Allsteel, Inc.

2015

None

President, HNI 
International
Senior Vice President, 
HNI Corporation

2017

2015

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)

Advanced Development and 
Innovation Leader, Whirlpool 
Corporation (2017-2018);
Global Platform Leader and General 
Manager, Microwaves, Hong Kong, 
Whirlpool Corporation (2016-2017);
General Manager, Air and Water 
Platforms, Whirlpool Corporation 
(2014-2016);
Director Sales, Kitchen Appliances, 
Whirlpool Corporation (2013-2014)

President, Office Furniture, HNI 
Corporation (2017 - 2018)
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)

Vice President of Sales, Allsteel, Inc.
(2014-2015); President, Paoli
(2009-2014)

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

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 2018, the Corporation had 5,639 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.

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  53  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 2018:

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

$

$

$

100,000

95,000

191,399

386,399

40.42

38.51

35.74

$

$

$

100,000

95,000

191,399

386,399

59,082,846

55,424,766

48,584,890

Period

09/30/18 - 10/27/18

10/28/18 - 11/24/18

11/25/18 - 12/29/18

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:

•  The  Corporation's  share  purchase  program  ("Program")  announced  November  9,  2007,  providing  share  repurchase 
authorization of $200,000,000 with no specific expiration date, with increases announced November 7, 2014 and February 
13, 2019, providing additional share repurchase authorizations each of $200,000,000 with no specific expiration date.
•  No repurchase plans expired or were terminated during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, 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

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Net Sales

$ 2,257,895

$ 2,175,882

$ 2,203,489

$ 2,304,419

$ 2,222,695

Gross Profit as a Percentage of Net Sales

37.0%

36.0%

37.9%

36.8%

35.3%

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

$

93,377

$

89,795

$

85,577

$

105,436

$

61,471

4.1%

4.1%

3.9%

4.6%

2.8%

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

$

$

$

2.14

2.11

1.17

$

$

$

2.05

2.00

1.13

$

$

$

1.93

1.88

1.09

$

$

$

2.38

2.32

1.045

$

$

$

1.37

1.35

0.99

43,639,003

43,839,004

44,413,941

44,285,298

44,759,716

44,327,602

44,839,813

45,502,219

45,440,653

45,578,872

Financial Position

Current Assets

Current Liabilities

Working Capital

Total Assets

531,883

$

488,880

$

433,041

$

$

$

434,308

97,575

$ 1,401,844

$

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

$

$

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

$

$

$

$

438,370

435,900

2,470

$

$

$

455,559

457,333

(1,774)

$ 1,263,925

$ 1,239,334

Percent Return on Beginning Assets Employed

9.2%

5.8%

10.6%

13.2%

9.9%

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations $

249,355

$

562,933

$

$

240,000

514,068

$

$

180,000

500,603

$

$

185,000

476,954

$

$

197,736

414,587

17.3%

17.7%

17.5%

23.7%

14.4%

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, Artcobell divestiture in Q4 2016, and Paoli closure 
in Q1 2018.

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 a leading manufacturer and marketer of hearth products.  The Corporation utilizes a split and focus with 
leverage, 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.

Net sales for 2018 were $2,258 million, an increase of 3.8 percent, compared to net sales of $2,176 million in 2017.  The change 
was driven by an increase in sales in both the office furniture and hearth products segments.  Office furniture segment sales increased 
in both the supplies-driven and contract businesses which were partially offset by a $57.6 million negative net impact of closing and 
divesting small office furniture companies.

Net income attributable to the Corporation in 2018 was $93.4 million compared to net income of $89.8 million in 2017.  The change 
was primarily driven by lower restructuring, transition, and impairment charges, improved price realization, productivity and cost 
savings, and the impact of closing and divesting small office furniture companies.  These factors were partially offset by input cost 
inflation, the amortization and implementation costs from the Business System Transformation initiative, strategic investments, and 
higher incentive based compensation. 

21

 
Results of Operations

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

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

—

(100.0 )%

Net sales

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Selling and administrative expenses

Restructuring and impairment charges

Operating income

Interest expense, net

Income before income taxes

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

Net income attributable to HNI Corporation

$

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

Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income attributable to HNI Corporation

Net Sales

2018

Change

2017

Change

2016

$ 2,257,895

3.8 % $ 2,175,882

(1.3 )% $ 2,203,489

1,422,857

835,038

691,140

2.2 %

6.5 %

2.9 %

15,725

128,173

9,448

118,725

(58.0 )%

67.1 %

55.4 %

68.1 %

25,399

(231.7 )%

1,391,894

783,988

671,831
(1,949)
37,416

76,690

6,078

70,612
(19,286)

1.7 %

(6.1 )%

0.6 %

(108.6 )%

240.0 %

(42.6 )%

27.1 %

(45.2 )%

(144.6 )%

1,368,476

835,013

667,744

22,572

11,005

133,692

4,781

128,911

43,273

(51)
93,377

(149.5 )%

4.0 % $

103
89,795

68.9 %
4.9 % $

61
85,577

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

37.0

30.6

—

0.7

5.7

1.1

4.1

100 bps

-30 bps

10 bps

-100 bps

220 bps

200 bps

— bps

36.0

30.9
(0.1)
1.7

3.5
(0.9)
4.1

-190 bps

60 bps

-110 bps

120 bps

-260 bps

-290 bps

20 bps

37.9

30.3

1.0

0.5

6.1

2.0

3.9

Consolidated net sales for 2018 increased 3.8 percent or $82.0 million compared to the prior year.  The change was driven by an 
increase in both the office furniture and hearth products segments.  Office furniture segment sales increased in both the supplies-
driven and contract businesses which were partially offset by a $57.6 million negative net impact of closing and divesting small 
office furniture companies.  The hearth products segment saw increases in both the new construction and retail businesses.

Consolidated net sales for 2017 decreased 1.3 percent or $27.6 million compared to 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.  The decrease in office furniture sales was partially offset by an increase in the 
contract business.  The hearth products segment saw an increase in both the new construction and retail businesses. 

Gross Profit

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 100 basis points in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily driven by lower restructuring 
and transition costs, improved price realization, productivity and cost savings, partially offset by input cost inflation.   

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.

22

Cost of sales in 2018 included  $2.3 million of transition costs related to the previously announced closures of the hearth manufacturing 
facilities in Paris, Kentucky and Colville, Washington, the office furniture manufacturing facility in Orleans, Indiana, and structural 
realignments in China.  Specific items incurred include production move costs.

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.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 30 basis points in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily driven 
by increased efficiency and the impact of closing and divesting small office furniture companies, partially offset by the amortization 
and implementation costs from the Business System Transformation initiative, strategic investments, and higher incentive based 
compensation. 

Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 60 basis points 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 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 7. 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.

Restructuring and Impairment Charges

Restructuring and impairment charges as a percentage of net sales decreased 100 basis points in 2018 compared to 2017 driven by 
lower charges incurred in connection with previously announced closures.

In 2018, the Corporation recorded $2.3 million of restructuring charges and $0.4 million of impairment charges primarily 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  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 due to the previously announced closures of the Paris, Kentucky 
hearth manufacturing facility and Orleans, Indiana office furniture manufacturing facility.

The Corporation recorded $14.9 million, $20.9 million, and $5.8 million of goodwill, intangible and long-lived asset impairments 
in 2018, 2017, and 2016, 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 

23

includes the impact of closing the Paoli office furniture brand.  See "Note 7. 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.  In 2018, the Corporation 
recovered $1.8 million against this note receivable.  See "Note 5. Acquisitions and Divestitures" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements for more information.

Operating Income

For 2018, operating income increased 67.1 percent or $51.5 million to $128.2 million compared to $76.7 million in 2017.  The change 
was primarily driven by lower restructuring, transition, and impairment charges, improved price realization, productivity and cost 
savings, and the impact of closing and divesting small office furniture companies.  These factors were partially offset by input cost 
inflation, the amortization and implementation costs from the Business System Transformation initiative, strategic investments, and 
higher incentive based compensation. 

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.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $3.7 million in 2018 compared to 2017.  Higher interest rates and increased amortization of debt costs 
drove approximately $2.2 million of the increase.  In 2017, the Corporation capitalized approximately $1.5 million of interest costs 
related to the Business Systems Transformation initiative.  Capitalization of interest ceased during the third quarter of 2017, driving 
a relative increase in current year interest expense.

Income Taxes

The following table summarizes the Corporation's income tax provision (in thousands):

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense (benefit)

Effective tax rate

2018

118,725

25,399

2017

70,612

(19,286)

$

$

$

$

2016

128,911

43,273

$

$

21.4%

(27.3)%

33.6%

The increase in the current year effective tax rate was primarily driven by a prior year reduction to the Corporation's deferred income 
taxes  related  to  the Tax  Cuts  and  Jobs Act  enacted  in  December  2017  (the  "Act"),  which  resulted  in  a  re-measurement  of  the 
Corporation's deferred tax assets and liabilities at the new federal statutory rate of 21 percent.  Excluding the effects of the Act, the 
Corporation's effective tax rate for 2017 would have been 36.2 percent.  The decreased 2018 rate compared to the 2017 rate excluding 
the  effect  of  the Act  was  primarily  driven  by  the  federal  statutory  tax  rate  decreasing  from  35  percent  to  21  percent  for  2018.  
Additionally, the 2018 effective tax rate benefited from the release of valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets.  The 
effective tax rate was lower for 2017 compared to 2016 primarily driven by the re-measurement of the Corporation's deferred tax 
assets and liabilities as a result of the Act.  The 2017 effective tax rate of 36.2 percent excluding the effect of the Act would have 
been higher than the 33.6 percent effective tax rate for 2016 primarily because of the establishment of valuation allowances on certain 
deferred tax assets in 2017, 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.  
See "Note 9. 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 $93.4 million or $2.11 per diluted share in 2018 compared to $89.8 million or $2.00
per diluted share in 2017 and $85.6 million or $1.88 per diluted share in 2016.

24

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

Operating profit %

2018

Change

2017

Change

2016

$ 1,706,092

$

79,323

2.7% $ 1,660,723

(2.5%)

$ 1,703,885

58.1% $

50,176

(57.3%)

$

117,397

4.6%

160 bps

3.0%

-390 bps

6.9%

Net sales in 2018 for the office furniture segment increased 2.7 percent or $45.4 million compared to 2017.  Sales increased in both 
the supplies-driven and contract businesses.  The sales increase was partially offset by a decrease of $57.6 million from the impact 
of closing and divesting small office furniture companies.

Net sales in 2017 for the office furniture segment decreased 2.5 percent or $43.2 million compared to 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 caused a net decrease in sales of $92.2 million.  This decrease was partially offset by an increase in the contract 
business.

Operating profit as a percentage of net sales increased 160 basis points in 2018 compared to 2017.  The increase was primarily driven 
by lower restructuring, impairment and transition charges, along with improved price realization, productivity and cost savings, and 
the impact of closing and divesting small office furniture companies.  These factors were partially offset by input cost inflation, 
amortization and implementation costs from the Business Systems Transformation initiative, and strategic investments.

Operating profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 390 basis points in 2017 compared to 2016.  The decrease 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.  

In 2018, the office furniture segment recorded $1.5 million of restructuring costs and $1.6 million of transition costs primarily 
associated with the previously announced closure of the office furniture manufacturing facility in Orleans, Indiana and structural 
realignments in China.  Specific items incurred include severance, production move costs, and final facility closing costs.  Of these 
charges, $1.6 million was included in cost of sales.  The office furniture segment also recorded impairments of $14.9 million of 
goodwill and long-lived assets related to reporting units in the segment.

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. 

25

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

Operating profit %

2018

551,803

91,367

$

$

Change

2017

Change

2016

7.1% $

515,159

3.1% $

499,604

9.2% $

83,649

19.6% $

69,960

16.6%

40 bps

16.2%

220 bps

14.0%

Net sales in 2018 for the hearth products segment increased 7.1 percent or $36.6 million compared to 2017.  The change was driven 
by an increase in both the new construction and retail businesses.

Net sales in 2017 for the hearth products segment increased 3.1 percent or $15.6 million compared to 2016.  The change was driven 
by an increase in both the new construction and retail businesses.

Operating profit as a percentage of net sales increased 40 basis points in 2018 compared to 2017.  The increase in operating profit 
was primarily driven by higher volume, productivity and cost savings, and improved price realization.  These factors were partially 
offset by input cost inflation and higher incentive based compensation.  

Operating profit as a percentage of net sales increased 220 basis points in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily driven by structural cost 
reductions, higher volume, and nonrecurring gains.  These factors were partially offset by higher restructuring and transition costs.

In 2018, the hearth products segment recorded $0.8 million of restructuring and $0.4 million of impairment charges along with $0.6 
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 an impairment charge from the sales of the closed manufacturing facility 
in Paris, Kentucky, severance, production move costs, and final facility closing costs.  Of these charges, $0.6 million was included 
in cost of sales. 

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.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow – Operating Activities
Operating activities were a source of $186.4 million of cash in 2018 compared to a source of $133.1 million cash in 2017.  The higher 
cash generation compared to the prior year was primarily due to improved earnings and changes in working capital timing, driven 
by lower accounts receivable and higher accrued expenses.  Changes in working capital balances resulted in a $10.7 million use of 
cash in 2018 compared to a $29.4 million use of cash in the prior year.  Cash generated from operating activities in 2016 totaled 
$223.4 million and changes in working capital balances resulted in a $17.4 million source of cash.

The use of cash related to working capital changes in 2018 was primarily driven by timing of accounts payable balances at year end.

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  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 2018 are adequate to cover the risk 
of potential bad debts.  Allowances for non-collectible trade receivables, as a percent of gross trade receivables, totaled 1.5 percent, 
0.7 percent, and 0.9 percent at the end of fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.  The Corporation’s inventory turns were 
9.1, 8.9, and 11.6, for fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

26

Cash Flow – Investing Activities
Capital expenditures, including capitalized software, were $63.7 million in 2018, $127.4 million in 2017, and $119.6 million in 
2016.  These expenditures are primarily focused on machinery, equipment, and tooling required to support new products, continuous 
improvements, and cost savings initiatives in manufacturing processes.  The decline compared to the prior year is primarily due to 
the completion of the Corporation's operational transformations and the launch of Business Systems Transformation initiative which 
included an integrated information system.  The Corporation anticipates capital expenditures for 2019 of $65 million to $75 million, 
primarily related to new products and operational process improvements driven by rapid continuous improvement.

Real Estate Transaction – In the first quarter of 2018, the Corporation entered into a sale-leaseback transaction, selling a manufacturing 
facility and subsequently leasing back a portion of the facility for a term of 10 years.  The net proceeds from the sale of the facility 
of $16.9 million are reflected in "Proceeds from sale and license of property, plant, equipment, and intangibles" in the Consolidated 
Statements of Cash Flows.  In accordance with ASC 840, Leases, the gain on sale of the facility is deferred and will be amortized 
as a reduction to rent expense evenly over the term of the lease.  See "Note 4. Restructuring and Impairment Charges" in the Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

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.

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.  During the second quarter 
of 2018, the Corporation issued $100 million of private placement notes.  The proceeds were used to repay outstanding borrowings 
under the revolving credit facility.  See "Note 8. Long-Term Debt" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further 
information.

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

Common shares

2018

2017

2016

$

1.17

$

1.13

$

1.09

The last quarterly dividend increase was from $0.285 to $0.295 per common share effective with the June 1, 2018 dividend payment 
for shareholders of record at the close of business on May 18, 2018.  The average dividend payout percentage for the most recent 
three-year period has been 53 percent of prior year earnings or 28 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.  The Board authorized $200 million on November 9, 2007 and an 
additional $200 million each on November 7, 2014 and February 13, 2019 for repurchases of the Corporation’s common stock.  As 
of December 29, 2018, approximately $48.6 million of this authorized amount remained unspent.  The following table summarizes 
shares repurchased and settled by the Corporation (in thousands, except share and per share data):

Shares repurchased

Average price per share

Cash purchase price

Purchases unsettled as of quarter end

Prior year purchases settled in current year
Shares repurchased per cash flow

2018

2017

2016

755,221

1,462,936

1,082,938

38.96

$

40.25

51.55

(29,424) $
354
(1,382)
(30,452) $

(58,887) $
1,382

—
(57,505) $

(55,825)

—

—
(55,825)

$

$

$

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $78.1 million at the end of 2018 compared to $25.4 million at the end of 
2017 and $38.6 million at the end of 2016.  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 

27

cash flow needs for at least the next twelve months.  Additionally, based on current earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and 
amortization  generation,  the  Corporation  can  access  the  full  remaining  $300  million  of  borrowing  capacity  available  under  the 
revolving credit facility and maintain compliance with applicable covenants.  As of the end of 2018, $9.3 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.

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

$

10,332

$

19,165

$

165,515

$

112,706

$

307,718

24,387

66,592

4,764

31,574

7,792

7,486

15,310

3,924

3,462

10,469

3,633

19,482

81,740

81,941

35,194

Total

$

106,075

$

66,017

$

188,211

$

146,290

$

506,593

(1)  Interest has been included for all debt at the fixed or variable rate in effect as of December 29, 2018, as applicable.  See 

"Note 8. Long-Term Debt" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information. 

(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 $42.3 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  16.  Guarantees,  Commitments,  and  Contingencies"  in  the  Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  further 
information.

Looking Ahead

Management remains optimistic about the long-term prospects in the office furniture and hearth markets.  Management believes the 
Corporation continues to compete well and remains confident the investments made in the business will continue to generate strong 
returns for shareholders.

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.

28

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 
7. 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.  
Additionally, the Corporation compares the estimated aggregate fair value of its reporting units to its overall market capitalization.

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.

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.

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.

29

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 profit, 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 4. 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.  Certain risk exposures are 
mitigated through the use of independent third party stop loss insurance coverages.  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.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

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.   The  new  standard  becomes  effective  for  the 
Corporation in fiscal 2019 and requires a modified-retrospective transition approach.  The Corporation has selected a technology 
tool to assist with the accounting and disclosure requirements of the new standard.  The Corporation will adopt the standard in fiscal 
2019 using the modified-retrospective transition approach.  All necessary changes required by the new standard, including those to 
the Corporation's accounting policies, business process, systems, controls, and disclosures, have been identified and are in process 
of implementation as of the beginning of fiscal 2019.  The Corporation expects to select practical expedients.  The Corporation is in 
process of completing a review of the impact of the new standard and estimates the right of use assets and lease liabilities to increase 
the assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The impact of the new standard will also recognize the gain on the 
sale leaseback  directly to the cumulative effect.  The net cumulative effect adjustment will be recorded upon adoption in 2019.

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 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.  The new standard 
improves  the  financial  reporting  of  hedging  relationships  to  better  portray  the  economic  results  of  an  entity's  risk  management 
activities in its financial statements and make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting 
guidance through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation 
of hedge results.  The new standard becomes effective for the Corporation in fiscal 2019.  For cash flow and net investment hedges 
existing at the date of adoption, entities will apply the new guidance using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative 
effect adjustment in retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption.  Presentation and disclosure requirements are 
applied prospectively.  The Corporation anticipates the standard will not have a material effect on consolidated financial statements 
and related disclosures.

30

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive 
Income.  The new standard allows entities to reclassify certain stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income 
to retained earnings resulting from the Act.  The standard also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects.  The new 
standard becomes effective for the Corporation in fiscal 2019.  The standard should be applied either in the period of adoption or 
retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Act 
is recognized.  The Corporation anticipates the standard will not have a material effect on consolidated financial statements and 
related disclosures.

31

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 29, 2018, the Corporation had $150 million of debt outstanding under the Corporation's $450 million revolving 
credit facility, which bore variable interest based on one month LIBOR.  As of December 29, 2018, 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.  As of December 29, 
2018 the Corporation had no borrowings on the revolving credit facility in excess of the amount covered by the interest rate swap 
agreement.  The Corporation expects to utilize additional borrowings over the course of the year which will be subject to the  variable 
borrowings rate as defined.

The Corporation monitors market interest rate risk exposures.  As the Corporation holds no borrowings subject to variable interest 
rate exposure as of December 29, 2018 there is not current exposure given the current borrowings outstanding.  The impacts of any 
hypothetical  changes  in  interest  rates  will  be  directly  correlated  to  any  necessary  future  borrowings  above  the  current  levels 
outstanding.

For information related to the Corporation’s long-term debt, refer to "Note 8. Long-Term Debt" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements.  For information related to the Corporation's interest rate swap, refer to "Note 11. 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 and/or tariffs 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 a 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.

32

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure 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 Securities and Exchange Commission'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 disclosure.

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, the 
Corporation's management carried out an evaluation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange 
Act Rules 13a – 15(e) and 15d – 15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  As of December 29, 
2018, based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded these disclosure controls 
and procedures are effective.  

Changes in Internal Controls
The Corporation has been engaged in a multi-year, broad-based program, which is referred to as business systems transformation 
("BST").  The BST initiative includes the introduction of a new software system along with related process changes intended to 
simplify and streamline the Corporation's business processes.  In the first quarter of 2018, the Corporation implemented BST in the 
majority of the domestic office furniture operations.  The implementation resulted in business and operational changes in areas 
including order management, production scheduling, pricing, shipping, purchasing, and general accounting.  These changes required 
some  modifications  to  the  Corporation's  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  during  fiscal  year  2018.    Except  for  the  BST 
implementation, there have been no changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal year ended 
December 29, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial 
reporting.

Management's Report on 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

None.

33

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 7, 2019 (the "2019 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 2019 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Code of Ethics

The information under the caption "Code of Business Conduct and Ethics" of the 2019 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 2019 Proxy Statement is 
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The  information  under  the  captions  "Executive  Compensation"  and  "Director  Compensation"  of  the  2019  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 2019 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 2019 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 2019 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

34

 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 
2018 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 29, 2018, December 
30, 2017, and December 31, 2016
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 29, 2018, December 30, 2017, and 
December 31, 2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 29, 2018, December 30, 2017, 
and December 31, 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

Page

38

39
41

42

44

45

46
74

(2)   Financial Statement Schedules

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)

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)

Second 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 August 7, 2018)

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated April 20, 2018, among HNI Corporation, as borrower, 
certain domestic subsidiaries of HNI Corporation, as guarantors, certain lenders 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 April 24, 2018)

Note Purchase Agreement, dated May 31, 2018, among HNI Corporation and the purchasers named therein 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 31, 
2018)

Guaranty Agreement, dated May 31, 2018, made by each of the guarantors named therein (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 31, 2018)

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)*

Amended Form of HNI Corporation 2007 Stock-Based Compensation Plan Stock Option Award Agreement 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 22, 
2018)*

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)*

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)*
Amended form of HNI Corporation 2017 Stock-Based Compensation Plan Stock Option Award Agreement 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 22, 
2018)*

35

 
 
 
(10.9)

(10.10)

(10.11)

(10.12)

(10.13)

(10.14)

(10.15)

(10.16)

(10.17)

(10.18)

(10.19)

(10.20)

(10.21)

(21)

(23.1)

(31.1)

(31.2)

(32.1)

101

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)*
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  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 Change In Control Employment Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 29, 2018)*
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)*
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)*
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)*
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 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)*
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)*
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)*
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)*
Consulting Agreement between HNI Corporation and Quiet Trail Investments, LLC, dated November 7, 
2018  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  the  Registrant's  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  filed 
November 9, 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  29,  2018  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 (v) Notes 
to Consolidated Financial Statements

* 
+ 

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

Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary

None.

36

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 26, 2019

By:

/s/ Jeffrey D. Lorenger

HNI Corporation

Name:  Jeffrey D. Lorenger
Title:    President and Chief Executive Officer

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 Jeffrey D. Lorenger 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/ Jeffrey D. Lorenger

Jeffrey D. Lorenger

/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

President and CEO, Principal Executive
Officer, and Director

February 26, 2019

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

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Chairman

Director

Director

Director

37

February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019

February 26, 2019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 29, 
2018.  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 29, 2018, HNI Corporation maintained effective internal control 
over financial reporting.

The effectiveness of HNI Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2018 has been audited by KPMG 
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which appears herein.

February 26, 2019

38

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 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash 
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 29, 2018, and the related notes (collectively, the "consolidated 
financial statements").  We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 29, 2018, 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 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the 
years in the three-year period ended December 29, 2018, 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 29, 
2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note 2. to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for revenue 
recognition in 2018 due to the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers".

Basis for Opinions

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 

39

regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a 
material effect on the financial statements.

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

/s/ KPMG LLP

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

Chicago, Illinois
February 26, 2019

40

Financial Statements

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

Year Ended

2018

2017

2016

$

2,257,895

$

2,175,882

$

2,203,489

1,422,857

1,391,894

1,368,476

835,038

691,140

—

15,725

128,173

579

10,027

118,725

25,399

93,326
(51)
93,377

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

$

89,795

$

85,577

43,639,003

43,839,004

44,413,941

2.14

$

2.05

$

1.93

44,327,602

44,839,813

45,502,219

2.11

$

2.00

$

$

1.88

(1,510)

(103)

339

1,460

186

85,824

61

1,219
(27)
(463)
660

1,389

91,287

103

$

91,184

$

85,763

(3,004) $
(24)
2,701

339

12

93,338
(51)
93,389

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 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

Comprehensive income attributable to HNI Corporation

$

$

$

$

$

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

41

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 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

76,819

$

1,327

255,207

157,178

41,352

531,883

28,377

290,263

565,884

28,443

912,967

528,034

384,933

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

463,290

490,892

1,569

193

20,169

21,264

$

1,401,844

$

1,391,550

42

 
 
 
 
 
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 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

428,865

$

450,128

679

4,764

434,308

36,648

2,927

489,703

249,355

240,000

72,767

70,409

82,155

76,861

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

—

—

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

  December 29, 2018 - 43,582 shares

  December 30, 2017 - 43,354 shares

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Total HNI Corporation shareholders' equity

Non-controlling interest

Total Equity

43,582

43,354

18,041

504,909
(3,599)
562,933

7,029

467,296

(3,611)

514,068

326

509

563,259

514,577

Total Liabilities and Equity

$

1,401,844

$

1,391,550

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

43

 
 
 
 
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

$

44,158

$

4,407

$ 433,575

$

(5,186) $

345

$

477,299

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

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

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

$

Comprehensive income:

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

Change in ownership of non-
controlling interest
Cash dividends; $1.170 per share

Common shares – treasury:

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

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

93,377

—

(43)
(51,085)

(755)

(24,033)

(4,636)

983

35,045

—

Balance, December 29, 2018

$

43,582

$

18,041

$ 504,909

$

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

44

—

186

—

—

—

—
(5,000) $

—

1,389

—

—

—

—
(3,611) $

—

12

—

—

—

—
(3,599) $

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

(51)

—

(132)
—

—

—

93,326

12

(175)

(51,085)

(29,424)

36,028

326

$

563,259

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
Amortization of deferred gain on sale leaseback transaction
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

2018

2017

2016

$

93,326

$

89,898

$

85,638

74,788

1,767

7,317

—

3,197

16,264
(400)
(1,336)

(10,729)
2,236

186,430

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

(55,648)

(109,243)

(93,425)

23,767
(8,048)
(2,850)
(2,676)
3,100

1,135
(41,220)

(352,727)
323,075
(51,085)
(30,452)
19,606
(156)
—
(91,739)

53,471

23,348

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

$

76,819

$

23,348

$

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

36,312

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

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HNI Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 29, 2018

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  17. 
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, primarily China and India.

Fiscal year-end – The Corporation follows a 52/53-week fiscal year, which ends on the Saturday nearest December 31.  Fiscal year 
2018 ended on December 29, 2018, fiscal year 2017 ended on December 30, 2017, and fiscal year 2016 ended on December 31, 
2016.  The financial statements for fiscal years 2018, 2017, and 2016 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 29, 2018

December 30, 2017

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

—

76,819

1,327

—

10,677

—

—

23,348

2,015

—

10,479

—

$

76,819

$

1,327

$

10,677

$

23,348

$

2,015

$

10,479

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

Amortized cost basis of debt securities

46

December 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

12,202

$

12,660

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):

Balance at
beginning of
period

Adjustments
to allowance

$

$

$

1,904

2,140

4,287

$

$

$

2,440

$

846
$
(357) $

Amounts
written off,
net of
recoveries
and other
adjustments
477

1,082

1,598

Divestitures

Balance at
end of period

$

$

$

— $

— $

192

$

3,867

1,904

2,140

Year ended December 29, 2018

Year ended December 30, 2017

Year ended December 31, 2016

Inventories
The Corporation values its inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Inventories included in the Consolidated Balance 
Sheets consisted of the following (in thousands):

Finished products

Materials and work in process

Last-in,first-out ("LIFO") allowance

Total inventories

December 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

$

97,398

$

101,715

94,161
(34,381)
157,178

81,202

(27,234)

$

155,683

Inventory valued by the LIFO costing method

81.40%

83.36%

During 2018, 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 decreased cost of goods sold by approximately $0.5 million in 2018.  There was no LIFO decrement in 2017.  If the FIFO 
method had been in use, inventories would have been $34.4 million and $27.2 million higher than reported as of December 29, 2018 
and December 30, 2017, respectively.

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

2018

2017

$

51,063

$

56,494

$

2016

57,171

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 4. Restructuring and Impairment Charges" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

47

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 
7. 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.  
This estimated fair value is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit and an impairment is recorded if the estimate is less 
than the carrying value.  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.

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 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

221,395

$

235,577

52,227

28,300

36,529

13,892

76,522

47,277

30,884

41,751

13,121

81,518

$

428,865

$

450,128

Product Warranties
The Corporation issues certain warranty policies on its office 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

2018

2017

$

15,388

$

15,250

$

—

22,697

233
(22,868)
15,450

$

—

20,075

194
(20,131)
15,388

$

$

2016

16,227

(538)

20,055

604

(21,098)

15,250

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.

48

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

December 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

$

9,455

5,995

15,450

$

$

9,524

5,864

15,388

Revenue Recognition
The Corporation implemented ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), at the beginning of fiscal 
2018 using the modified-retrospective method, which required 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 did 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.  See "Note 3. Revenue from Contracts with Customers" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
for policy elections and further information.

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,  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

2018

2017

$

33,420

$

31,846

$

2016

28,089

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

2018

2017

2016

$

134,190

$

119,096

$

115,157

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 12. 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 elected 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 $34.5 million of accumulated earnings considered 
permanently reinvested in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Canada as of December 29, 2018.  The Corporation believes the tax 
costs  on  accumulated  unremitted  foreign  earnings  would  be  approximately  $0.02  million  if  the  amounts  were  not  considered 
permanently reinvested.  See "Note 9. Income Taxes" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
49

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

2018

2017

2016

$

93,377

$

89,795

$

85,577

43,639

689

44,328

43,839

1,001

44,840

$

$

2.14

2.11

$

$

2.05

2.00

$

$

44,414

1,088

45,502

1.93

1.88

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

1,507,870

809,420

416,142

2018

2017

2016

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.  Certain risk exposures are mitigated through the use of independent third party stop loss insurance coverages.  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 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

30,227

$

27,591

The Corporation’s policy is to accrue amounts in accordance with the actuarially determined liabilities.  The actuarial valuations are 
based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events.  Changes in assumptions for such matters as 
legal actions, medical cost inflation, and magnitude of change in actual experience development could cause these estimates to change 
in the future.

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

50

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

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606).  The new standard replaces 
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 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 Corporation 
implemented the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 using the modified-retrospective method, which required 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 did 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.  See "Note 3. Revenue from 
Contracts with Customers" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

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 Corporation implemented the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.  This standard did not have a material 
effect on the consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory.  The new standard 
requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory when the transfer 
occurs.  The Corporation implemented the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.  This standard did not have a material 
effect on the consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business.  The new standard amends ASC 805, 
Business Combinations.  This ASU provides a new framework for determining whether transactions should be accounted for as 
acquisitions (or disposals) of a group of assets or of a business.  The Corporation implemented the new standard in the first quarter 
of fiscal 2018 on a prospective basis.  The standard did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements or related 
disclosures.

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 post-retirement 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 Corporation implemented the new standard in the first quarter 
of  fiscal  2018  and  it  was  applied  retrospectively to  each  period  presented.   This  standard  did  not  have  a  material  effect  on  the 
consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

Note 3.  Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Corporation implemented ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), at the beginning of fiscal 
2018 using the modified-retrospective method, which required 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 did 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.

51

Disaggregation of Revenue
Revenue from contracts with customers disaggregated by sales channel and by segment is as follows (in thousands):

Supplies-driven channel

Contract channel

Hearth

Net sales

Segment

Office Furniture

Office Furniture

Hearth Products

December 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

904,292

$

801,800

551,803

836,733

823,990

515,159

$

2,257,895

$

2,175,882

The majority of revenue presented as "Net sales" in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income is the result of contracts 
with customers.  All other sources of revenue are not material to the Corporation's results of operations.

Sales by channel type are subject to similar economic factors and market conditions regardless of the channel under which the product 
is sold.  See “Note 17. Reportable Segment Information” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information 
about operating segments.

Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities
In addition to trade receivables, the Corporation has contract assets consisting of funds paid to certain office furniture dealers in 
exchange for their multi-year commitment to market and sell the Corporation’s product.  These dealer investments are amortized 
over the term of the contracts and recognized as a reduction of revenue.  For contracts less than one year, the Corporation has elected 
the practical expedient to recognize incremental costs to obtain a contract as an expense when incurred.  The Corporation has contract 
liabilities consisting of deferred revenue and rebate and marketing program liabilities.

Contract assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

Trade receivables (1)

Contract assets (current) (2)

Contract assets (long-term) (3)

Contract liabilities (4)

December 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

$

$

$

259,075

529

2,188

44,858

$

$

$

$

260,455

300

2,350

54,527

The index below indicates the line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets where contract assets and contract liabilities are reported:

(1)   "Receivables"
(2)   "Prepaid expenses and other current assets"
(3)   "Other Assets"
(4)   "Accounts payable and accrued expenses"

52

Changes in contract asset and contract liability balances during the year ended December 29, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

Contract assets recognized

Reclassification of contract assets to contra revenue

Contract asset impairment
Contract liabilities recognized and recorded to contra revenue as a result of performance
obligations satisfied
Contract liabilities paid

Cash received in advance and not recognized as revenue
Reclassification of cash received in advance to revenue as a result of performance
obligations satisfied
Impact of business combination

Net change

Contract
assets
increase
(decrease)

Contract
liabilities
(increase)
decrease

$

2,100
(483)
(1,550)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

67

$

(127,454)
132,909
(54,167)

58,304

77

9,669

$

$

Due to the short term nature of our contract liabilities, all contract liabilities as of December 30, 2017 were recognized as revenue 
during the three months ended March 31, 2018.  For the full year ended December 29, 2018, the Corporation recognized revenue of 
$12.5 million in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income related to contract liabilities as of December 30, 2017.

Performance Obligations
The Corporation recognizes revenue for sales of office furniture and hearth products at a point in time following the transfer of 
control of such products to the customer, which typically occurs upon shipment of the product.  In certain circumstances, transfer of 
control to the customer does not occur until the goods are received by the customer or upon installation and/or customer acceptance, 
depending on the terms of the underlying contracts.  Contracts typically have a duration of less than one year and normally do not 
include a significant financing component.  Generally, payment is due within 30 days of invoicing.

Significant Judgments
The Corporation uses significant judgment throughout the year in estimating the reduction in net sales driven by rebate and marketing 
programs.  Judgments made include expected sales levels and utilization of funds.  However, this judgment factor is significantly 
reduced at the end of each year when sales volumes and the impact to rebate and marketing programs are known and recorded as 
the programs typically don't extend multiple years.

Accounting Policies and Practical Expedients Elected
The Corporation elected to use the modified-retrospective method of adopting the new standard on revenue recognition.  The new 
standard has been applied to all contracts not completed as of December 30, 2017, the end of the Corporation’s fiscal 2017.  The 
impact of the Corporation's transition adjustment for the new revenue recognition guidance was not material to the Corporation's 
results of operations or financial position.  The additional disclosures required as a result of adopting the new revenue recognition 
guidance were material to the Corporation's financial statements.

The Corporation elected the following accounting policies as a result of adopting the new standard on revenue recognition:

Shipping  and  Handling Activities  - The  Corporation  has  elected  to  apply  the  accounting  policy  election  permitted  in ASC 
606-10-25-18B, which allows an entity to account for shipping and handling activities that occur after control is transferred as 
fulfillment activities.  The Corporation accrues for shipping and handling costs at the same time revenue is recognized, which 
is in accordance with the policy election.  When shipping and handling activities occur prior to the customer obtaining control 
of the good(s), they are considered fulfillment activities rather than a performance obligation and the costs are accrued for as 
incurred.

Sales Taxes - The Corporation has elected to apply the accounting policy election permitted in ASC 606-10-32-2A, which allows 
an entity to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price all taxes assessed by a governmental authority associated 
with the transaction, including sales, use, excise, value-added, and franchise taxes (collectively referred to as sales taxes).  This 
allows the Corporation to present revenue net of these certain types of taxes.

These policies have been applied consistently to all revenue transactions.

53

The Corporation has elected the following practical expedients as a result of adopting the new standard on revenue recognition:

Incremental Costs of Obtaining a Contract - The Corporation has elected the practical expedient permitted in ASC 340-40-25-4, 
which permits an entity to recognize incremental costs to obtain a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization 
period will be less than one year.  The Corporation will apply this practical expedient when the requirements to apply it are met.

Significant Financing Component - The Corporation has elected the practical expedient permitted in ASC 606-10-32-18, which 
allows an entity to not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if a 
contract has a duration of one year or less.  As the Corporation's contracts are typically less than one year in length, consideration 
will not be adjusted.

Remaining Performance Obligation - The Corporation's backlog orders are typically cancelable for a period of time and almost 
all of our contracts have an original duration of one year or less.  As a result, we have elected the practical expedient not to 
disclose our remaining performance obligation.  The backlog disclosed is typically fulfilled within one or two quarters.

These accounting policies and practical expedients have been applied consistently to all revenue transactions.

Note 4.  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

$

$

$

2018

— $

2,325

$

15,200
(1,800)
15,725

$

$

2017

10,327

6,205

20,947

10,264

2016

5,302

5,229

5,776

—

$

37,416

$

11,005

Restructuring costs in 2018 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.  Impairment charges 
include the impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets for office furniture companies and an impairment charge from the sale of 
the  closed  manufacturing  facility  in  Paris,  Kentucky.   The  Corporation  also  recovered  a  portion  of  a  long-term  note  receivable 
previously impaired.

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.

See "Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on 
goodwill and long-lived asset impairments.

See "Note 5. Acquisitions and Divestitures" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on  the valuation 
allowance of a long-term note receivable.

54

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):

Severance
Costs

Facility Exit
Costs & Other

Total

Restructuring allowance as of January 2, 2016

$

206

$

15

$

Restructuring charges

Cash payments

Restructuring allowance as of December 31, 2016

Restructuring charges

Cash payments

Restructuring allowance as of December 30, 2017

Restructuring charges

Cash payments

Restructuring allowance as of December 29, 2018

$

3,883
(1,385)
2,704

1,436
(2,797)
1,343

355
(1,562)
136

$

1,346
(1,361)
—

4,769
(4,253)
516

1,970
(2,336)
150

$

221

5,229

(2,746)

2,704

6,205

(7,050)

1,859

2,325

(3,898)

286

Real Estate Transaction
As part of the Corporation's continued efforts to drive efficiency and simplification, the Corporation entered into a sale-leaseback 
transaction in the first quarter of 2018, selling a manufacturing facility and subsequently leasing back a portion of the facility for a 
term of 10 years.  The net proceeds from the sale of the facility of $16.9 million are reflected in "Proceeds from sale and license of 
property, plant, equipment, and intangibles" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  In accordance with ASC 840, Leases, 
the $5.1 million gain on the sale of the facility was deferred and is being amortized as a reduction to rent expense evenly over the 
term of the lease.  As of December 29, 2018, the current portion of the deferred gain is $0.5 million and included within "Accounts 
payable and accrued expenses" and the long-term portion of the deferred gain is $4.2 million and included within "Other Long-Term 
Liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The transaction did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Statements of 
Comprehensive Income.

Note 5.  Acquisitions and Divestitures

In the third quarter of 2018, the Corporation acquired a small hearth products company resulting in a preliminary goodwill valuation 
of $3.4 million.  The remaining assets and liabilities recorded in the third quarter of 2018 were not material to the Corporation's 
financial statements.  The Corporation will finalize the allocation of the purchase price over the next few quarters based on the final 
purchase price and fair value adjustments.

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 10 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, for which 
impact is not material to the Corporation's financial statements.

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.  The Corporation is 
not required to make any payments and recorded an immaterial recovery in the fourth quarter of 2018.

55

Note 6.  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 7.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

2018

2017

2016

$

$

$

$

9,882

11,465

$

$

6,236

13,733

$

$

6,644

23,120

$
5,895
(2,497) $

(10,370) $
(237) $

3,599

603

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

Total goodwill and other intangible assets

December 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

$

270,788

$

163,714

28,788

279,505

182,186

29,201

463,290

$

490,892

56

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

Balance as of December 31, 2016

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Net goodwill balance as of December 31, 2016

Impairment losses

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Impairment loss due to closure of an office furniture brand

Balance as of December 30, 2017

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Net goodwill balance as of December 30, 2017

Goodwill acquired during the year

Impairment losses

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Balance as of December 29, 2018

Goodwill

Accumulated impairment losses

Net goodwill balance as of December 29, 2018

Office
Furniture

Hearth
Products

Total

$

$

137,889
(30,246)
107,643

183,199
(143)
183,056

$

321,088

(30,389)

290,699

(4,838)
(44)
(6,312)

128,657
(32,208)
96,449

—
(12,168)
(12)

—

—

—

183,199
(143)
183,056

3,463

—

—

(4,838)

(44)

(6,312)

311,856

(32,351)
279,505

3,463

(12,168)

(12)

128,645
(44,376)
84,269

$

186,662
(143)
186,519

$

315,307

(44,519)

$

270,788

The increases in goodwill relate to completed acquisitions.  See "Note 5. 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.

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 29, 2018

Gross

Accumulated
Amortization

Net

Gross

December 30, 2017

Accumulated
Amortization

Patents

$

40

$

34

$

6

$

40

$

26

$

Net

14

132,313

5,503

44,356

170,274

7,564

103,840

49,561

2,721

65,688

120,713

4,843

38,152

167,105

7,564

106,090

34,792

2,061

61,734

$

281,718

$

118,004

$

163,714

$

280,799

$

98,613

$

182,186

57

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

2018

17,109

6,615

$

$

$

$

2017

9,389

6,989

$

$

2016

4,722

7,055

The occurrence of events such as acquisitions, dispositions, or impairments may impact future amortization expense.  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

2019

23.8

$

2020

22.9

$

2021

21.6

$

2022

19.2

$

2023

16.9

$

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 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

28,788

$

29,201

As a result of the required annual impairment assessment performed in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Corporation did not record 
any 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.

Impairment Analysis
As a result of the required annual impairment assessment performed in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Corporation determined the 
fair value of a reporting unit within the office furniture segment was below its carrying value.  This reporting unit had triggering 
events in both the second and third quarters of 2018 due to lower projected operating results, and was tested with interim quantitative 
impairment tests that resulted in no impairment either time.  In the fourth quarter of 2018, a further decline in the estimated fair value 
of this reporting unit was primarily driven by reduced long-term margin expectations and resulted in an impairment.  The projections 
used in the impairment model reflected management's assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, economic and market trends, 
cost structure, investments required for product enhancements, and other expectations about the anticipated short-term and long-
term operating results of the reporting unit.  The Corporation assumed a discount rate of 14 percent, near term growth rates ranging 
from 1 percent to 6 percent, and a terminal growth rate of 3 percent.  Based on the quantitative analysis, the Corporation recorded a 
$12.2 million goodwill impairment charge in 2018, which is reflected in "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in the Corporation's 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.  There was $7.5 million net goodwill remaining in the reporting unit as of December 29, 2018.  Holding 
other assumptions constant, a 100 basis point increase in the discount rate would result in a $2.3 million decrease in the estimated 
fair value of the reporting unit.  Holding other assumptions constant, a 50 basis point decrease in the long-term growth rate would 
result in a $0.5 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 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 a certain asset groups where a triggering events existed, and found no impairments.  
Trigger events were noted in these certain asset groups in the second and third quarters of 2018 and no impairments were found.

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.

58

Note 8.  Long-Term Debt

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

Revolving credit facility with interest at a variable rate 
(December 29, 2018 - 3.5%; December 30, 2017 - 2.7%)

Fixed rate notes due in 2025 with an interest rate of 4.22%

Fixed rate notes due in 2028 with an interest rate of 4.40%

Other amounts

Deferred debt issuance costs

Total debt

Less: Current maturities of long-term debt

Long-term debt

2018

2017

$

150,000

$

267,500

50,000

50,000

679
(645)
250,034

679

—

—

9,148

—

276,648

36,648

$

249,355

$

240,000

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

Maturities of long-term
debt

$

679

$

— $

— $

— $

150,000

$

100,000

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Thereafter

As of December 29, 2018, the Corporation’s revolving credit facility borrowings were under the credit agreement entered into on 
April 20, 2018 with a scheduled maturity of April 20, 2023.  This Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement replaces the 
previously executed Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated January 6, 2016.  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 is the amount to be amortized over the next twelve months based on the current credit 
agreement and is reflected in "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The long-term portion 
of $1.5 million is reflected in "Other Assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 29, 2018, there was $150 million outstanding under the $450 million revolving credit facility.  The entire amount 
drawn under the revolving credit facility is considered long-term as the Corporation assumes no obligation to repay any of the amounts 
borrowed in the next twelve months.

In addition to cash flows from operations, the revolving credit facility under the credit agreement is the primary source of daily 
operating capital for the Corporation and provides additional financial capacity for capital expenditures and strategic initiatives, such 
as acquisitions and repurchases of common stock.

In addition to the revolving credit facility, the Corporation also has $100 million of borrowings outstanding under private placement 
note agreements entered into on May 31, 2018.  Under the agreements, the Corporation issued $50 million of seven-year fixed rate 
notes with an interest rate of 4.22 percent, due May 31, 2025, and $50 million of ten-year fixed rate notes with an interest rate of 
4.40 percent, due May 31, 2028.  The Corporation deferred the debt issuance costs related to the private placement note agreements, 
which are classified as a reduction of long-term debt in accordance with ASU No. 2015-03, and is amortizing them over the terms 
of the private placement note agreements.  The deferred debt issuance costs do not reduce the amount owed by the Corporation under 
the terms of the private placement note agreements.  As of  December 29, 2018 the debt issuance costs balance of $0.6 million is  
reflected in "Long-Term Debt" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

The credit agreement and private placement notes both contain financial and non-financial covenants.  The covenants under both 
are substantially the same.  Non-compliance with covenants under the agreements could prevent the Corporation from being able to 
access further borrowings, require immediate repayment of all amounts outstanding, and/or increase the cost of borrowing.

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.

59

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 items that increase or decrease net income.  As of December 29, 2018, 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 with all of the covenants and other restrictions in the credit agreement over the next 
twelve months.

Note 9.  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

2018

2017

2016

$

15,663

$

9,501

$

18,963

4,877

936

21,476

4,002

1,320
(1,399)
3,923

$

25,399

$

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

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

2018

2017

$

24,943

$

24,678

$

3,997
(3,950)
—
(1,141)
—
(666)
766

124

1,326

$

25,399

$

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

2016

45,098

3,874

(3,808)

(2,243)

231

—

—

117

845

(841)

43,273

On December 22, 2017, the Act 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 percent to 21 percent 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.

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 determined as of the end of fiscal 2017, 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 
60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
reasonable estimate as of December 30, 2017.  Additional work was necessary to complete a more detailed analysis of historical 
foreign earnings as well as potential correlative adjustments.  Subsequent adjustments to these amounts, which were not material, 
were recorded to current tax expense in the third quarter of 2018 when the analysis was completed.

During the third quarter of 2018, the 2017 federal income tax return was completed resulting in a $0.5 million detriment related to 
the reversal of net deferred tax liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future as a result of tax reform 
rate changes.  The Corporation finalized its calculation of the full impact of the Act on its 2017 federal income tax return during the 
third quarter of 2018.

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):

2018

2017

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

$

897

$

6,419

2,498

1,260

8,456

5,500

2,783

3,761

4,790

712

12,702

$

49,778
(4,707)
(52,468)
(6,536)
(59,500)
(123,211) $
(7,153)
(80,586) $

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)

1,569
(82,155)
(80,586) $

193

(76,861)

(76,668)

$

$

$

$

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

Year ended December 29, 2018

Year ended December 30, 2017

Year ended December 31, 2016

Balance at
beginning of
period

Charged to
expenses

Adjustments
to balance
sheet

Balance at
end of period

$

$

$

8,664

4,159

(839)
4,505

3,978

$

231

$

(672) $
— $
(50) $

7,153

8,664

4,159

The current year decrease in the valuation allowance of $1.5 million primarily relates to a partial release of valuation allowances 
related to a foreign net operating loss utilization, an increase of other foreign tax net operating loss and a partial release of a previously 

61

 
 
 
 
recorded domestic deferred tax asset recorded that would give rise to a capital loss.  The adjustment to the balance sheet relates to 
a change in foreign tax rate on certain foreign deferred tax assets.

As of December 29, 2018, the Corporation had approximately $0.5 million of U.S. state tax net operating losses and $2.2 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

2018

$

2,524

$

262

—

529
(9)
(369)
2,937

$

2017

3,043

—

(45)

569

(363)

(680)

$

2,524

The amount of unrecognized tax benefits, which would impact the Corporation's effective tax rate, if recognized, was $2.9 million 
as of December 29, 2018 and $2.5 million as of December 30, 2017.

As of December 29, 2018, 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 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

92

$

(25) $

70

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 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

275

$

183

Tax years 2015 through 2017 remain open for examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS").  The Corporation is currently 
under examination in various state jurisdictions, of which years 2014 through 2017 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.  There were approximately $34.5 million of accumulated earnings considered permanently reinvested in China, Hong 
Kong, Singapore, and Canada as of December 29, 2018.  The Corporation believes the tax costs on accumulated unremitted foreign 
earnings would be approximately $0.02 million if the amounts were not considered permanently reinvested.

62

 
Note 10.  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  and  fixed-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 29, 2018

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

Corporate bonds (2)
Derivative financial instruments (3)

Variable-rate debt obligations (4)

Fixed-rate debt obligations (4)

Deferred stock-based compensation (5)

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)

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)

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

76,819

7,384

4,620
3,797

150,000

100,000

7,857

23,348

6,345

6,149

3,354

267,500

8,885

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

76,819

$

— $

— $

— $
— $

— $

— $

— $

7,384

4,620
3,797

150,000

100,000

7,857

$

$
$

$

$

$

23,348

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

6,345

6,149

3,354

267,500

8,885

$

$

$

$

$

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

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"

63

Note 11.  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), net of tax, as applicable (in thousands):

Balance as of January 2, 2016

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

Foreign 
Currency
Translation 
Adjustment

$

322

(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 (loss), net of tax

Balance as of December 30, 2017

$

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

1,219

—

—

31

$

(3,004)

—

—

Balance as of December 29, 2018

$

(2,973) $

Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to equity.

Unrealized 
Gains
(Losses) on 
Marketable 
Securities
$

Pension and 
Post-retirement
Liabilities

Derivative 
Financial
Instruments

Accumulated 
Other
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)

(2) $

(5,506) $

— $

(5,186)

(158)
55

—
(105) $

(6)
(21)

499
(160)

1,317
(485)

—
(5,167) $

628

1,460

$

(733)
270

—
(132) $

—
(5,630) $

(31)
7

3,531
(830)

—
(156) $

—
(2,929) $

(799)
2,459

$

714
(263)

209

2,120

$

1,488
(350)

148

(590)

628

(5,000)

1,194

(14)

209

(3,611)

1,984

(1,173)

(799)

(3,599)

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 29, 
2018, the fair value of the Corporation's interest rate swap was an asset of $3.8 million, which is reflected in "Other Assets" in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The unrecognized change in value of the interest rate swap is reported net of tax as $2.5 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

2018

2017

2016

Interest (expense) or income

Tax (expense) or benefit

Net of tax

$

$

1,045
(246)
799

$

$

(330) $
121
(209) $

(993)

365

(628)

Amounts in parentheses indicate reductions to profit.

In May 2017, the Corporation registered 300,000 shares of its common stock under its 2017 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors 
of HNI Corporation (the "2017 Director Plan").  The 2017 Director Plan replaced the 2007 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors 
of HNI Corporation (the "2007 Director Plan" and together with the 2017 Director Plan, the "Director Plans").  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.  

64

Common stock was issued under the Director Plans as follows:

Director Plan issued shares of common stock

2018

27,745

2017

27,196

2016

24,352

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

Common shares

2018

1.17

$

2017

1.13

$

2016

1.09

$

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

2018

74,020

2017

74,694

$

32.19

$

35.22

$

2016

75,098

37.77

An additional 673,013 shares were available for issuance under the 2017 MSPP as of December 29, 2018.

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 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.  The following table summarizes shares repurchased 
and settled by the Corporation (in thousands, except share and per share data):  

Shares repurchased

Average price per share

Cash purchase price

Purchases unsettled as of quarter end

Prior year purchases settled in current year

Shares repurchased per cash flow

2018

2017

2016

755,221

1,462,936

1,082,938

38.96

$

40.25

51.55

(29,424) $
354
(1,382)
(30,452) $

(58,887) $
1,382

—
(57,505) $

(55,825)

—

—

(55,825)

$

$

$

As of December 29, 2018, approximately $48.6 million of the Corporation's Board of Directors' current repurchase authorization 
remained unspent. 

65

Note 12.  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 29, 2018, there were approximately 2.6 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 stock-based compensation expense at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and recognizes 
expense over the employees' requisite service periods.  Stock-based compensation expense is the cost of stock options and time-
based restricted stock units issued under the shareholder approved stock-based compensation plans and shares issued under the 
shareholder approved member stock purchase plans.

Compensation  cost  charged  against  operations  for  the  Plan  and  the  2017  MSPP  described  in  "Note  11. Accumulated  Other 
Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders' Equity" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements was as follows (in 
thousands):

Compensation cost

December 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

7,317

$

7,750

$

8,141

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

Income tax benefit

December 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

1,582

$

2,581

$

2,809

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 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

5 years

34.12%

2.97%

2.66%

6 years

38.07%

2.36%

2.17%

6 years

38.96%

3.30%

1.41%

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 the historical daily frequency 
for a period of time equal to the expected term.  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.

66

 
 
 
The following table summarizes the changes in outstanding stock options:

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

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited or Expired

Outstanding as of December 29, 2018

Number of
Shares

3,358,323

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

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

788,301
(647,759)
(75,821)
3,627,005

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
32.09
$

32.18

30.52

52.24

31.68

46.61

25.55

40.81

34.63

38.53

26.28

38.36

36.89

$

$

$

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

Non-vested as of December 30, 2017

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Non-vested as of December 29, 2018

Number of
Shares

1,935,838

$

788,301
(646,900)
(75,821)
2,001,418

$

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

12.05

9.72

11.14

11.19

11.46

As of December 29, 2018, there was $3.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards, 
which the Corporation expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years.  Information about stock options expected 
to vest or currently exercisable is as follows:

Expected to vest

Exercisable

December 29, 2018

Number of
Shares

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

1,864,724

1,625,587

$

$

39.92

33.21

Weighted-
Average 
Remaining 
Exercisable 
Period
(years)

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value
($000s)

8.0

4.4

$

$

1,779

5,893

67

 
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 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

December 31,
2016

$

$

$

$

$

7,204

8,917

17,021

1,928

9.72

$

$

$

$

$

8,057

7,270

11,418

2,423

14.41

$

$

$

$

$

7,206

11,985

18,609

4,142

8.80

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 2, 2016

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 30, 2017

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 29, 2018

Number of
Shares

38,500

$

25,000

—
(3,000)
60,500

—
(18,500)
(5,000)
37,000

23,224
(12,000)
(2,500)
45,724

$

$

$

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

43.77

32.06

—

51.54

38.54

—

35.36

51.54

38.38

40.44

51.54

28.90

36.49

As of December 29, 2018, there was $0.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs, which the Corporation expects 
to recognize over a weighted-average period of 1.0 year.  The total value of shares vested was as follows (in thousands):

Value of shares vested

2018

618

$

2017

654

$

2016

—

$

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

68

December 29,
2018

December 30,
2017

$

$

$

2,356

8,729

11,085

7,857

$

$

$

719

11,581

12,300

8,885

 
Note 13.  Retirement Benefits

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

Cash contribution

Total annual contribution

Note 14.  Post-Retirement Health Care

2018

7,174

21,413

28,587

$

$

2017

7,327

23,834

31,161

$

$

2016

7,170

25,349

32,519

$

$

The Corporation offers a fixed subsidy to certain retirees who choose to participate in a third party insurance plan selected by the 
Corporation.    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.  

69

The following table sets forth the activity and reporting location of the benefit obligation and plan assets (in thousands):

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 2019

Fiscal 2020

Fiscal 2021

Fiscal 2022

Fiscal 2023

Fiscal 2024 – 2028

Expected contributions are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal 2019

70

2018

2017

$

22,933

$

21,153

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$

$

853

789
(1,570)
(3,453)
19,552

$

— $

—

1,570

—
(1,570)

— $
(19,552) $

741

825

(1,003)

1,217

22,933

—

—

1,003

—

(1,003)

—
(22,933)

1,057

18,495

$

$

1,050

21,883

(14) $

3,565

$

3,565
(3,453)
(126)
(14) $

$

$

$

$

$

$

2,373

1,217

(25)

3,565

1,056

1,053

1,051

1,065

1,085

5,885

$

1,056

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

2018

4.2%

2017

3.5%

2016

4.0%

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 4.2 percent was used to determine net periodic 
benefit costs for 2019.  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

Note 15.  Leases

2019

680

795

—

1,475

$

$

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):

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Thereafter

Total minimum lease payments

Operating
Leases

$

$

24,387

18,250

13,324

9,082

6,228

10,469

81,740

There are no capitalized leases as of December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017.

Rent expense was as follows (in thousands):

Rent expense

2018

2017

$

31,027

$

32,158

$

2016

35,288

There was no contingent rent expense under operating leases for the years 2018, 2017, and 2016.

As part of the Corporation's continued efforts to drive efficiency and simplification, the Corporation entered into a sale-leaseback 
transaction in the first quarter of 2018, selling a manufacturing facility and subsequently leasing back a portion of the facility for a 
term of 10 years.  The net proceeds from the sale of the facility of $16.9 million are reflected in "Proceeds from sale and license of 
property, plant, equipment, and intangibles" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  In accordance with ASC 840, Leases, 
the $5.1 million gain on the sale of the facility was deferred and is being amortized as a reduction to rent expense evenly over the 
term of the lease.  As of December 29, 2018, the current portion of the deferred gain is $0.5 million and included within "Accounts 
payable and accrued expenses" and the long-term portion of the deferred gain is $4.2 million and included within "Other Long-Term 
Liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The transaction did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Statements of 
Comprehensive Income.

Note 16.  Guarantees, Commitments, and Contingencies

The Corporation utilizes letters of credit and surety bonds in the amount of $24 million to back certain insurance policies and payment 
obligations.  The Corporation utilizes trade letters of credit and banker's acceptances in the amount of $2 million to guarantee certain 

71

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.  On October 9, 2018, the Corporation resolved all claims related to the disputes.  The Corporation is not 
required to make any payments and recorded an immaterial recovery in the fourth quarter of 2018.

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, 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.

Note 17.  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 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 between segments are not material, and operating profit is income before 
income taxes exclusive of certain unallocated corporate expenses.  These unallocated general corporate expenses include the net 
costs of the Corporation’s corporate operations.  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, IT infrastructure, 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.

72

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

Net Sales:

Office furniture

Hearth products

Total

Income Before Income Taxes:

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

Operating income

Interest expense, net

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

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2018

2017

2016

1,706,092

551,803

2,257,895

$

$

1,660,723

515,159

2,175,882

$

$

1,703,885

499,604

2,203,489

79,323

$

50,176

$

117,397

91,367
(42,517)
128,173

9,448

83,649
(57,135)
76,690

6,078

69,960

(53,665)

133,692

4,781

118,725

$

70,612

$

128,911

44,303

$

48,435

$

8,171

22,314

10,109

14,328

74,788

$

72,872

$

47,860

$

79,458

$

8,854

6,982

17,356

30,577

45,088

12,486

11,373

68,947

65,944

11,217

42,423

63,696

$

127,391

$

119,584

797,574

$

821,767

$

352,060

252,210

347,189

222,594

749,145

340,494

240,595

$

1,401,844

$

1,391,550

$

1,330,234

(a)  Included in operating profit for the office furniture segment are pretax charges of $16.4 million, $32.5 million, and $10.9 

million, for closing of facilities and impairment charges in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively.

(b)  Included in operating profit for the hearth products segment are pretax charges of $1.2 million and $4.9 million for closing 

facilities in 2018 and 2017, and $5.5 million related to exiting a line of business in 2016.

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

Systems and storage

Seating

Other

Hearth products

2018

2017

2016

$

1,015,900

$

1,069,518

$

1,072,518

598,722

91,470

551,803

536,501

54,704

515,159

539,839

91,528

499,604

$

2,257,895

$

2,175,882

$

2,203,489

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 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

2018

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

$

505,069

$

543,614

$

611,120

$

598,092

328,150

176,919

171,895

—

1,338
3,686

113

2,337

1,462
(999)
2,461

(49)
2,510

43,359,971

0.06

44,134,142

0.06

$

$

$

$

$

$

342,744

200,870

172,973

—

837
27,060

89

2,718

24,431

5,835

18,596

(1)
18,597

377,789

233,331

179,577

—

128
53,626

80

2,602

51,104

11,197

39,907

—

374,174

223,918

166,695

—

13,422
43,801

297

2,370

41,728

9,366

32,362

(1)

$

39,907

$

32,363

43,665,411

43,822,757

43,707,873

0.43

44,289,662

0.42

$

$

0.91

44,678,824

0.89

$

$

0.74

44,310,574

0.73

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

35.0

34.0

—

0.3

0.7
(0.2)
0.5

37.0

31.8

—

0.2

5.0

1.1

3.4

38.2

29.4

—

—

8.8

1.8

6.5

37.4

27.9

—

2.2

7.3

1.6

5.4

74

 
 
 
 
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 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

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

44,050,040

0.11

45,452,664

0.11

$

$

$

329,733

184,752

162,684

—

419

21,649

325

1,347

20,627

6,771

13,856

8
13,848

44,178,287

0.31

45,305,547

0.31

$

$

$

378,211

221,244

169,547
(6,805)
783

57,719

71

1,835

55,955

18,624

37,331

60
37,271

43,682,805

0.85

44,479,117

0.84

$

$

$

380,006

204,269

175,934

4,856

34,091

(10,612)

(170)

2,147

(12,929)

(46,859)

33,930

91
33,839

43,444,885

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

75

 
 
 
 
250

225

200

175

150

125

100

75

50

25

250

225

200

175

150

125

100

$250

$225

$200

$175

$150

75
$125
50
$100
25

$75

$50

$25

2013

Performance Graph

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Return

HNI Corporation

S&P 500

OFIG*

$250

$225

$200

$175

$150

$125

$100

$75

$50

$25

2013

2014

2015

Annual Return 

HNI Corporation 

S&P 500 

OFIG* 

2013 

$100 

$100 

$100 

2014 

$132 

$114 

$107 

2016

2015 

$96 

$116 

$100 

2017

2018

2016 

$152 

$126 

$136 

2017 

$108 

$158 

$139 

2018

$102

$150

$117

*The Office Furniture Industry Group (OFIG) is a composite peer index constructed by the Corporation weighted by market 
capitalization  and  comprised  of  the  following  companies:  Herman  Miller,  Inc.;  Kimball  International,  Inc.,  Knoll,  Inc.  and 
Steelcase Inc. It is weighted at the beginning of each year according to the market capitalization of its constituents on the last 
trading day of the Corporation’s prior fiscal year. 

Total returns for HNI Corporation, S&P 500 and OFIG are depicted at the end of Corporation’s fiscal years. The total return 
assumes  $100.00  invested  in  each  of  the  Corporation’s  common  stock,  the  S&P  500  and  OFIG  stocks  at  the  end  of  the  
Corporation’s 2013 fiscal year, plus further reinvestment of dividends on the date of divident payment. S&P 500 returns assume 
S&P 500 dividends are paid and reinvested on the last trading day of each of the Corporation’s fiscal quarters.

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

HNI Corporation Officers  
and Company Executives

Investor Information

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

B. Brandon Bullock, III
President, The HON Company

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

Jeffrey D. Lorenger 
President and  
Chief Executive Officer

Donna D. Meade
Vice President,  
Member and Community  
Relations

Brandon T. Sieben
President, Allsteel

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

Fiscal 2019  
Quarter-End Dates
1st Quarter: March 30
2nd Quarter: June 29
3rd Quarter: September 28
4th Quarter: December 28

Annual Meeting
The Corporation’s annual  
shareholders’ meeting will  
beheld at 10:30 a.m. on  
Tuesday, May 7, 2019, 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

Board of Directors

Jeffrey D. Lorenger 
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 
Chairman, HNI Corporation and 
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

HNI Corporation
HNI Corporation

HNI Corporation

600 East Second Street 

Muscatine, Iowa 52761

www.hnicorp.com