Knoll Inc
Annual Report 2018

Plain-text annual report

2018 Annual Report Dear Fellow Stockholders: 2018, our 80th anniversary year, ended on an especially strong note with a record in both fourth quarter shipments and year-end sales. Net sales for 2018 were $1,302.3 million, an increase of 15% from 2017. Results include the North American roll out of Copenhagen-based Muuto, the affordable luxury Scandinavian design company acquired in early 2018 that expands our offering of ancillary products. Operating profit for the year increased 43% to $115.2 million, compared to operating profit of $80.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. We were especially pleased with our industry leading levels of profitability in a year where external forces challenged our margins; we achieved our strongest adjusted EPS performance in the fourth quarter of 2018. The Knoll proposition that good modern design has an impact on the quality, well-being, productivity and happiness of the way people live and work remains as relevant today as it did during the years that Hans and Florence Knoll pioneered concepts in workplace and residential space planning and built a global brand. I encourage you to visit the Archive at knoll.com, which offers a continuous celebration of the connections between the people, products and events that have shaped Knoll and set the standard for the future. Today, the value of our constellation of design-driven brands— from Knoll Office to DatesWeiser; Muuto to HOLLY HUNT, and KnollTextiles to FilzFelt—is more relevant than ever as the boundaries between how we work and live are closer than ever before. Together, the constellation of brands gives us the singular ability to solve our clients’ requirements like no one else. The proof: some of our most contemporary client environments, across all sectors, celebrate the dynamic relationship between classic KnollStudio designs by Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and the recently introduced Rockwell Unscripted by Rockwell Group, renowned for creating places where people want to be. In short, the “resimercialization” of the workplace and the blending of accompanying products, complemented by innovative materials and finishes, is an environment tailor-made for Knoll. To this end, we are continuing to expand our range of flexible products, including adjustable height desks, simple work chairs and the Rockwell Unscripted Creative Wall platform, to serve the most inspiring interiors. The evidence of our enhanced relevance is this past year’s growing number of clients and dollars spent on Knoll designs in addition to the fact that we monetized the interest to generate both improved and industry-leading levels of profitability. We are encouraged that our total Workplace sales, which includes our Office products as well as Lifestyle products sold into workplace settings grew by 13% in 2018 versus prior year, significantly exceeding the 2018 4.7% industry growth reported by BIFMA, the not-for-profit trade association for business and institutional furniture manufacturers. Steps to address our manufacturing capabilities complement marketplace activity. Our supply chain reinvention efforts and continuous improvement initiatives continue to yield positive near-term results. Looking forward, we have an exciting roadmap for the years ahead to build a leaner more efficient Knoll as we reduce excess capacity, prune older, less profitable designs and better leverage our global supply chain. Our business in Europe had another record year of sales and profits as the Knoll Europe team continued to elevate the KnollStudio brand and showcase new products. Knoll Europe’s presentation at the January 2019 Cologne International Furniture Fair represented the ongoing strategy to expand and elevate our dealer presence. We remain committed to four strategic initiatives that drive us: + Targeting underpenetrated and emerging ancillary categories and markets for growth + Expanding our reach into residential and decorator channels around the world + Maximizing office segment profitability and growth + Leveraging technology to expand our market visibility and improve our efficiency It’s about a lot more than products and culture that have helped Knoll thrive over the past 80 years, and that’s the 3,500 associates around the world and our dealer partners. I want to thank them for their commitment to our mission and thank our clients, architects, designers and design enthusiasts who come to Knoll to allow us to help them shape the environments where they live and work. In closing, I also want to pay tribute to Florence Knoll, design pioneer and our guiding light, who died in January of 2019. Her influence on the “total design” sensibility of Knoll cannot be overstated. She viewed design as a problem-solving activity. As both a design director and executive, she was a trailblazer for women in the design and business professions. She remains an inspiration to all of us. Her standards will always be something we at Knoll measure ourselves and our work against. Andrew Cogan Chairman and CEO Knoll, Inc. This annual report contains forward-looking statements that are based on numerous assumptions about future events and conditions which may prove to be inaccurate. See “Forward-Looking Statements” beginning on page 26 of this 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 31, 2018 OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File No. 001-12907 KNOLL, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 13-3873847 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 1235 Water Street East Greenville, PA 18041 (215) 679-7991 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number including area code of principal executive offices) SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: Title of each class Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share Name of exchange on which registered New York Stock Exchange SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: NONE Indicate by check mark if the issuer is a well-known seasoned issuer (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.) No Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Yes 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 is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company Yes Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) No As of June 30, 2018, the aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1,035,238,941 based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. As of February 25, 2019, there were 49,762,067 shares (including 934,357 shares of non-voting restricted shares) of the Registrant's common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report on Form 10-K to the extent stated therein. Item Page TABLE OF CONTENTS Business 1. 1A. Risk Factors 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 2. 3. 4. Properties Legal Proceedings Mine Safety Disclosures PART I PART II Market For Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Selected Financial Data Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 5. 6. 7. 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 8. 9. 9A. Controls and Procedures 9B. Other Information Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures PART III 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 11. 12. 13. Executive Compensation Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 15. 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules Form 10-K Summary Signatures PART IV 2 3 12 21 21 22 22 23 25 26 39 40 80 80 82 82 82 82 82 82 83 86 87 ITEM 1. BUSINESS General PART I Knoll, Inc. (“Knoll,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our”) is a leading global manufacturer of commercial and residential furniture, accessories and coverings, including textiles, felt and leather. Our constellation of design-driven brands coupled with our perspectives on space planning allow our clients to create inspired modern interiors. Simply stated, we provide the furnishings to bring the beauty and benefits of modern design to the way we live and work. Our businesses represent a diversified portfolio that responds to evolving trends and performs throughout business cycles, sharing reputations for high-quality and sophistication. To the architects and designers we work with, to our clients in the commercial, education, healthcare and government sectors, and to the many consumers we reach, Knoll represents a commitment to innovative solutions and an unmatched heritage of modern design. How people live and work is constantly being reshaped by changing technology and lifestyle trends. Our founders, Hans and Florence Knoll, believed in the power of design to enhance people’s lives. Since our founding over 80 years ago, Knoll has won a place in iconic settings and in museums worldwide, earning numerous design honors and awards. Today, we have an unsurpassed collection of classic products to introduce, and reintroduce, as well as groundbreaking new designs. We leverage strong relationships with contemporary furniture and industrial designers, and a reputation that attracts talented new designers. We focus on two distinct “to-the-trade” specifier markets, workplace and residential. Workplace, the largest portion of our business, is where we see strategic opportunities through the expansion of underpenetrated categories and ancillary markets. At the same time, in the residential market, we are expanding further into consumer and decorator channels worldwide leveraging our experience with products that cross-over between the office and the home. We reach customers primarily through a broad network of independent dealers and distribution partners, our direct sales force, our showrooms, home design shops and our online presence. We manage our business through our reportable segments: Office and Lifestyle. All unallocated costs are included within Corporate. The Office segment includes a complete range of workplace products that address diverse workplace planning paradigms in North America and Europe. These products include: office systems furniture, seating, storage, tables, desks and KnollExtra® accessories. The Lifestyle segment includes KnollStudio®, HOLLY HUNT®, DatesWeiser, Muuto®, KnollTextiles®, Spinneybeck® (including Filzfelt®), and Edelman® Leather. KnollStudio products, which are distributed in North America and Europe, include iconic seating, lounge furniture, side, café and dining chairs as well as conference, training, dining and occasional tables, lighting, rugs, textiles, high-quality fabrics, felt, leather and related architectural products. The Lifestyle segment products represent an important part of our workplace business. The Corporate function represents the accumulation of unallocated costs relating to shared services and general corporate activities including, but not limited to, legal expenses, acquisition expenses, certain finance, human resources, administrative and executive expenses and other expenses that are not directly attributable to an operating segment. Dedicated, direct selling, general and administrative expenses of the segments are included within segment operating profit. As we continue to grow both organically and through acquisitions, the central support of the Corporate function will evolve and grow as well. For further information regarding our segments see the section below, and Note 21 in the accompanying financial statements. Strategy We draw on our constellation of businesses to provide products and designs that meet the needs of our customers. Our offerings range from our classic signature pieces to our ancillary products which include the Rockwell Unscripted® collection by The Rockwell Group and the product portfolio of our most recent acquisition of Muuto; from dramatic fabrics, to Filzfelt architectural products for acoustical control. We solve a variety of needs for each customer, and our goal for each engagement is to maximize the opportunity from the start. To that end, we deploy strategic programs to better synchronize our workplace and residential teams and resources to deliver a single compelling customer experience. We also continue to invest in technology for our dealer partners to make it easier to do business with Knoll. Our growth strategy also focuses on specific international markets where we can significantly build our share, such as Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and selected underpenetrated areas across the globe where there is a concentration of discerning clients. 3 Office Segment Maximizing the sales growth and profitability of Office, our largest segment, has been a continuing priority. With respect to growth in our Office segment, a variety of initiatives will contribute to making this growth possible: broadening our products portfolio including those in the Lifestyle segment; enhancing strategic sales coverage, including a focus on global accounts; and strengthening our Knoll dealer distribution network. At the same time, we aim to increase profitability through operational improvements and investments in our infrastructure. Our lean manufacturing initiative, combined with continued modernization of our facilities, is allowing us to progressively deliver on this goal. The commercial market has shifted dramatically in the last decade. As clients are readdressing the relationship between individual and collaborative workspaces, they are reducing the footprint of individual workstations and investing in more ancillary furniture. Knoll is committed to maintaining our leadership in open floor-plan workspaces and private offices, while inventing and innovating new ways for people to work. Our constellation of businesses positions us well to deliver in the evolving work environment, where people choose how and where they work throughout the day, as the traditional boundaries between residential and workplace products blur, and the importance of a total environment outshines any one particular element. We are looking beyond traditional office product categories - systems, task seating and storage - to furniture for activity spaces and the in-between spaces where people meet. We believe that our success in our traditional office products gives us an advantage throughout the workplace. As we design new products suited to flexible spaces, we are also responding to demands at different price points with different materials and finishes. Our Rockwell Unscripted™ collection received enthusiastic recognition at the 2018 NeoCon® national industry trade show for addressing the idea of a hospitality work experience. Rockwell Unscripted brings a sense of theater and play to the workplace, putting people at the center of the work life experience and creating a warm and welcoming place where people want to be. Our k.TM bench collection also received national industry recognition at the 2018 NeoCon conference for its straightforward and adaptable concept which delivers a clean, compact workstation solution with intuitive adjustments and people centered design. With the evolution from individual workstations to collaborative spaces and ancillary products, Knoll is not only expanding the breadth of our offerings through our constellation of brands but also strengthening our presence in the marketplace. We are continuing to partner with our dealers to ensure our customers understand that Knoll provides not just systems or workstations and work chairs but rather a complete family of complementary ancillary products. Together, we are meeting the demands of our customers while capturing more of their total spend and elevating the profitability of our engagements. This approach has served as a catalyst for dealers to invest in their spaces. Their showrooms are becoming extensions of our own, offering not just product showcases but places to find new integrated workplace solutions from all of Knoll. Dealers help people to understand workplace needs and planning capabilities, and Knoll is providing more of the training and education that helps them add value and increase their profits when they sell Knoll. Our principal Knoll Office product lines, described below, include systems furniture, seating, storage, tables, desks and KnollExtra ergonomic accessories. The Office segment comprised approximately 60.1% of our sales in 2018, 63.8% of our sales in 2017, and 66.0% of our sales in 2016. Systems Furniture Our office systems furniture encompasses a range of architect and designer-oriented products at different price levels, with a variety of planning models and product features. Systems furniture comprises integrated panels or table desks, work surfaces and storage units, power and data systems, and lighting. Many of these components can be moved, re-configured and re-used to create flexible, space-efficient work environments, tailored to each organization's business objectives with wide range of laminates, paints, veneers and textiles. Knoll systems can adapt to virtually any office environment, from team spaces to private executive offices. Through product line enhancements for clients to add to their installations, and through integration with other Knoll lines, we maximize the long-term value of their investment in Knoll. Knoll systems furniture product lines include these panel, technology wall and desk-based planning models: • • • • • • Rockwell Unscripted® Antenna® Workspaces AutoStrada® Currents® Dividends Horizon® Reff® Profiles 4 Seating We constantly research and assess the general office seating market, and develop work chairs that enhance Knoll’s reputation for ergonomics, aesthetics, comfort and value. The result is an increasingly innovative, versatile seating collection consistent with the Knoll brand. Clients evaluate work chairs based on ergonomics, aesthetics, comfort, quality and affordability - all Knoll strengths. We offer market leading, high quality office chairs at a range of price points, performance levels and materials. Our principal seating product lines include: • • • • • • Chadwick ™ LIFE® Generation by Knoll® MultiGeneration by Knoll® ReGeneration by Knoll® Remix™ Files and Storage Our files and storage products, featuring the Template®, Calibre® and Series 2™ product lines, are designed with unique features to maximize storage capabilities throughout the workplace. Our core files and storage products consist of lateral files, mobile pedestals and other storage units, bookcases and overhead cabinets. The range of files and storage augments our product offering, allowing clients to address all of their office furniture needs with us, especially in competitive bid situations where Knoll systems, seating, tables and desks have been specified. The breadth of the product line also enables our dealers to offer stand-alone products to businesses that have smaller storage requirements. Files and storage are available in a wide range of sizes, configurations and colors, which can be integrated with other manufacturers' stand-alone furniture. In addition, some elements of the product line can be configured as freestanding furniture in private offices or open-plan environments. Our principal storage product lines include: • • • • • Anchor™ Calibre® Series 2™ Template® Rockwell Unscripted® Desks and Tables We offer collections of adjustable tables as well as meeting, conference, training, dining, stand-alone and table desks. Our Tone™, Upstart® and Antenna® Simple Tables product lines include adjustable, work, meeting, conference and training tables. In 2014, we introduced Tone, a comprehensive collection of height-adjustable tables compatible with the Dividends Horizon, Antenna Workspaces, and Reff Profiles systems. Tone features a wide range of support and adjustment options that integrate seamlessly with Knoll open plan, private office and activity spaces furniture, or are used independently to create flexible work areas. We also expanded the Reff Profiles product line with a series of meeting tables. Our k. bench and k. stand products offer height-adjustable tables, which are easy to specify, assemble and use, offer an expanded price point option for today's office needs. KnollExtra® KnollExtra offers accessories that complement Knoll office furniture products, including technology support accessories, desktop organizational tools, lighting and storage. KnollExtra integrates technology comfortably into the workplace, with flat panel monitor supports and central processing unit holders that deliver adjustability and save space. The Sapper Monitor Arm Collection, designed by renowned industrial designer Richard Sapper, offers a clean, modern solution to technology challenges in the modern workplace; the collection is now in the permanent collection of New York's Museum of Modern Art. KnollExtra also includes marker boards, free-standing and mounted LED lighting and other technology support for the changing workplace. 5 Lifestyle Segment The Lifestyle segment includes KnollStudio, HOLLY HUNT, DatesWeiser, Muuto, KnollTextiles, Spinneybeck (including Filzfelt), and Edelman Leather. KnollStudio products, which are distributed primarily in North America and Europe, include iconic seating, lounge furniture, side, café and dining chairs as well as conference, training, dining and occasional tables. HOLLY HUNT is known for high quality residential furniture, lighting, rugs, textiles and leathers. In addition, HOLLY HUNT also includes Vladimir Kagan Design Group, a renowned collection of modern luxury furnishings. DatesWeiser, known for its sophisticated meeting and conference tables and credenzas, sets a standard for design, quality and technology integration. The KnollTextiles, Spinneybeck|FilzFelt, and Edelman Leather businesses provide a wide range of customers with high-quality fabrics, felt, leather and related architectural products. The acquisition of Muuto rounds out the Lifestyle segment with its ancillary products and affordable luxury furnishings, which includes seating, lounge furniture, dining and occasional tables, lighting and accessories. These various offerings make the Lifestyle segment an all encompassing “resimercial”, high performance workplace, from uber-luxury living spaces to affordable luxury residential living. KnollStudio Drawing upon Knoll's iconic heritage, KnollStudio works with today's most innovative thinkers to bring exceptional modern design to the home and office. The Company focuses on both classic and contemporary designs, bringing cutting-edge concepts to both residential and corporate audiences. For eighty years, Knoll has worked with celebrated architects and designers from around the world, including Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer, Harry Bertoia, Eero Saarinen, Isamu Noguchi, Warren Platner, Frank Gehry, Maya Lin and Richard Schultz, among others. Many of their designs have remained in production since their initial launch, while others have been mined from the archives and re-imagined in recent years for a modern audience. In this tradition, KnollStudio continues to collaborate with innovative contemporary designers and architects including David Adjaye, Mark Krusin and Marc Newson, to create future classics for residential and commercial markets. Signature KnollStudio designs display elevated detailing, artistry and comfort, across price points, and often draw designers and customers into the larger Knoll constellation of brands. Moving forward, KnollStudio has a multi-year strategy to build its classics portfolio by mining its archive and adding new finishes, as well as to grow its contemporary collections for both home and office with innovative designs by the new voices of today. Our principal KnollStudio product lines include seating, lounge furniture, side, café and dining chairs as well as conference, training and occasional tables. While KnollStudio® designs represent different viewpoints and eras, they all embrace a modernist aesthetic. As a result, designers can integrate our ensemble of products into harmonious and inspiring settings furnished entirely with Knoll products. With the trend towards residentially-inspired workplaces, KnollStudio products have gained cross-over appeal between residential and workplace settings. The company employs distinct distribution strategies to grow both workplace and residential businesses. The KnollStudio contract sales force continues to expand in size and reach, with a focus on corporate projects, hotels and restaurants, as well as government and educational institutions. To grow its residential channel, KnollStudio has expanded its audience in recent years through the branded flagship Knoll Home Design Shop in New York City and Los Angeles Home Design Shop, as well as the knoll.com website, which reach retail consumers and designers alike. Additionally, the company continues to invest in the Knoll Space retail sales program, which brings consumers the best of Knoll furnishings for their home and home office, through more than 50 specialty retailers and e-tailers, with collectively more than 90 locations in the United States and Canada. HOLLY HUNT As both a premier provider and distributor of furnishings, lighting, textiles and leathers, HOLLY HUNT significantly expands our reach into the high-end, "to-the-trade" residential marketplace. Our strategy continues to focus on premium product category expansion and optimizing best-in-class client and operational service levels across domestic, international, and digital trade channels. KnollStudio - Europe In addition to our presence in North America, the KnollStudio business is represented by three monobrand showrooms in Paris, London and Milan and through exclusive retailers. The KnollStudio Europe offerings consist of products that balance seating, tables and desks with a domestic look that also works perfectly in executive offices and modern classics that epitomize elegance and fine craftsmanship, through the distinctive, emblematic details of Knoll style. Our presence in the European market pursues the Company’s objective of offering design, innovation, functional excellence and quality, and extending our reach into all markets through an intensive network of selected dealers. 6 DatesWeiser Our Lifestyle segment includes DatesWeiser which designs, produces, and showcases high-end contemporary conference room and client-facing furniture for the workplace. DatesWeiser's customers tend to be within the elite professional services markets. DatesWeiser's product offerings specialize in solutions to meet the needs of signature business interiors. KnollTextiles Our Lifestyle segment includes KnollTextiles, which continues to extend its distribution to reach new customers, notably through a KnollTextiles showroom in New York City's Decoration & Design building, Knoll consumer retail spaces in New York City and Los Angeles and through the knolltextiles.com website. KnollTextiles products appeal to contract, hospitality, healthcare and residential clients and we offer a full range of products, from upholstery to drapery and from wallcovering to healthcare curtains. Our KT Collection of upholstery marries classic modern design for everyday use, in a range of high- performance patterns and textures at an affordable price. The company continues to win awards for its design excellence including Best of NeoCon® awards and best product awards from leading design publications. Spinneybeck | FilzFelt Our Lifestyle segment includes Spinneybeck/FilzFelt which is expanding from being just a supplier of raw material to being a provider of finished products. The same trends that have been transforming KnollOffice workspaces have created new opportunities for architectural products that offer flexible space divider panels and acoustic control. Spinneybeck has evolved from being an upholstery leather company to being a natural materials company that provides architects and interior designers with architectural and acoustic solutions. Filzfelt 100% wool felt, offered in 63 colors, meets the demand for new and renewable materials, and offers unique properties as an architectural and sound absorbing product. Now we provide not only felt panels, but also the track systems to hang them on, and are exploring innovative new uses of easy-to-install cork tiles for walls or ceilings. Finished architectural products such as these offer the opportunity for more large-scale orders than does upholstery alone. Edelman Leather Our Lifestyle segment includes Edelman Leather which offers beautiful, natural leathers for the global design community. Edelman is a "to-the-trade" supplier and goes to market by leveraging eight branded showrooms and sales representation around the world. Edelman successfully expanded beyond leather coverings by offering rug furnishings through its distribution partner Ruckstuhl, and in 2016 added Kyle Bunting, a unique Texas manufacturer of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind rugs. Edelman is also developing new leather coverings for the hospitality business, offering quality within the financial constraints of today’s hotels and restaurants. Muuto The acquisition of Muuto in January 2018 added a resimercial, design-driven provider of affordable luxury furniture, lighting and accessories for the workplace and home to our Lifestyle segment. Muuto is rooted in Scandinavian design traditions characterized by enduring aesthetics, functionality, craftsmanship and an honest expression. Muuto products pair seamlessly with the range of modern Knoll designs, offering an expanded breadth and depth of affordable luxury products that reflect today's evolving workstyles and trends in residential design, with particular appeal to a younger generation of architects, designers and clients seeking a homier, more relaxed aesthetic. Muuto's principal furniture product lines include: • • • • • Outline Series Nerd Series The Dots Series Fiber Chairs Visu Chairs The Lifestyle segment represented approximately 39.9% of our sales in 2018, 36.2% of our sales in 2017, and 34.0% of our sales in 2016. 7 Product Design and Development Our design philosophy and modern perspective reflects a historical commitment to partnering with preeminent industrial designers and architects to commercialize products that meet evolving workplace and residential needs. By combining designers' creative vision with our commitment to innovative materials and technologically advanced processes, we continue to cultivate brand loyalty among target clients. Our enviable history of nurturing the design process fosters strong, lasting relationships that attract the world's leading designers. In addition, these collaborations are consistent with our commitment to a lean organization and incentive-based compensation, by utilizing a variable royalty-based fee as opposed to the fixed costs typically associated with a larger in-house design staff. Our broad range of research, which explores the connection between workspace design and human behavior, health and performance, and the quality of the user experience, drives our product development initiatives. Our most recent research identified a new way to think about space, referred to as Immersive Planning, and contributed to the development of our most recent product launch in the Office segment - Rockwell Unscripted. In addition, our Office and Lifestyle segments product development relies upon a New Product Commercialization Process to ensure quality and consistency of our methodology, reducing product development cycle time without sacrificing quality objectives. We use Pro/ENGINEER® solids modeling tools and rapid prototyping technology to compress development cycles and to improve responsiveness to special requests for customized solutions. Working closely with the designers during the early phases of development provides critical focus to yield the most viable products, balancing innovative modern design with practical function. Cross-functional teams are employed for all major development efforts with dedicated leaders who facilitate a seamless flow into manufacturing while aggressively managing cost and schedule opportunities. Increasingly, total environmental impact is factored into product material and manufacturing process decisions. Sales and Distribution We generate workplace sales with our direct sales force and through a network of independent dealers, who jointly market and sell our products. We generally rely on these independent dealers to also provide a variety of important specification, installation and after-market services to our clients. Our dealers generally operate under short-term (one to three year), non- exclusive agreements. Our residential sales products are sold by our own internal sales force through a network of showrooms, as well as through a network of independent retailers. Our workplace clients are typically Fortune 1000 companies, governmental agencies and other medium-to-large sized organizations in a variety of industries including financial, legal, technology, entertainment, accounting, education, government, healthcare and hospitality. Our direct sales force and independent dealers in North America work in close partnership with clients and design professionals to specify distinctive work environments. Our direct sales representatives, in conjunction with the independent dealers, sell to and call directly on key clients. Our independent dealers also call on many other medium and small sized clients to provide seamless sales support and client service. We estimate that we have an installed base of office systems of over $11.9 billion, which provides a strong platform for recurring and add-on sales. “Installed base” refers to the amount of office systems product we have sold in North America during the previous fifteen years. We have aligned our sales force to target strategic areas of opportunity to include global accounts, healthcare, higher education and others. We have also placed sales representatives and technical specialists into certain dealerships to support programs such as Knoll Essentials, which is described below. We expanded our sales force to cover a more dispersed market which has shifted to include increased small to mid-size projects and fewer large projects. In addition to coordinating sales efforts with the sales representatives, our dealers generally handle project management, installation and maintenance for client accounts after the initial product selection and sale. Although many of these dealerships also carry products of other manufacturers, they have agreed not to act as dealers for our principal direct competitors. We have not experienced significant dealer turnover. Our dealers' substantial commitment to understanding our product lines, and their strong relationships with us, serve to discourage dealers from changing vendor affiliations. We are not significantly dependent on any one dealer, the largest of which accounted for approximately 4.8%, 4.6%, and 3.5%, of our North American sales in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. As part of our commitment to building relationships with our dealers, we offer the Knoll Essentials program. Knoll Essentials is a catalog program developed in response to dealer requests for a consolidated, user-friendly selling tool for day- to-day systems, seating, storage, and accessory products. The Knoll Essentials program includes dealer incentives to sell our products. We also employ a dedicated team of dealer sales representatives to work with our dealerships. Sales to U.S. and state and local government agencies, respectively, aggregated approximately 3.5% and 4.6%, respectively, of our consolidated sales in 2018. The U.S. government typically can terminate or modify any of its contracts with us either for its convenience or if we default by failing to perform under the terms of the applicable contract. 8 Our residential sales are sold through a global network of showrooms and independent dealers. Our clients range from “to the trade” professionals, such as interior designers, to individual consumers. Our products and knowledgeable sales force have generated strong brand recognition and loyalty among architects, designers and corporate facility managers, all of whom are key decision-makers in the furniture purchasing process. Our strong relationships with architects and design professionals help us stay abreast of key workplace and residential furniture trends and position us to better meet the changing needs of clients. Manufacturing and Operations Our global supply chain manufactures and assembles products to specific customer orders and operates all facilities under a philosophy of continuous improvement and lean manufacturing. Our Office Segment is supported by operational and administrative facilities in Canada, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The Lifestyle Segment is supported by sites in Connecticut, Illinois, Italy, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. In addition, we utilize many third parties to produce a variety of our Office and Lifestyle designs. We continue to look for ways to ensure that our manufacturing capabilities match our supply chain strategy providing the most value for Knoll. The root of our continuous improvement efforts lies in the philosophy of lean manufacturing that drives operations. As part of this philosophy, we partner with suppliers who can facilitate efficient and often just-in-time deliveries, allowing us to manage our raw materials inventory. We also utilize “Kaizen” work groups in the plants to develop best practices to minimize scrap, time and material waste at all stages of the manufacturing process. The involvement of employees at all levels ensures an organizational commitment to lean and efficient manufacturing operations. These projects improved customer responsiveness, quality and significantly improve productivity. Raw Materials and Suppliers In addition to the continued focus on enhancing the efficiency of the manufacturing operations, we also seek to reduce costs through our global sourcing effort. We have capitalized on raw material and component cost savings available through lower cost global suppliers. This broader view of potential sources of supply has enhanced our leverage with domestic supply sources, and we have been able to reduce cycle times by extracting improvements from all levels throughout the supply chain. The purchasing function in North America is centralized at the East Greenville facility for Office, KnollStudio North America, and Textiles. This centralization, and the close relationships with our primary suppliers, has enhanced our ability to realize purchasing economies of scale and implement “just-in-time” inventory practices. Steel, lumber, paper, paint, plastics, laminates, particleboard, veneers, glass, fabrics, leathers, upholstery filling material, aluminum extrusions and castings are used in our manufacturing process. The purchasing function for KnollStudio Europe is based in Italy, Muuto is based in Denmark, Holly Hunt is based in Illinois, Edelman is based in Connecticut, Spinneybeck and DatesWeiser are based in New York. Both domestic and overseas suppliers of these materials are selected based upon a variety of factors, with the price and quality of the materials and the supplier's ability to meet delivery requirements being primary factors in such selection. We do not generally enter into long-term supply contracts and, as a result, we can be vulnerable to fluctuations in the prices for these materials. No supplier is the only available source for a particular component or raw material. However, because of the specialization involved with some of our components, it can take a significant amount of time, money and effort to move to an alternate source. Backlog As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the company's backlog of unfilled orders was $249.7 million and $220.5 million, respectively. We expect that substantially all the orders comprising the backlog at December 31, 2018, will be filled during the next fiscal year. Many orders received by the Company are reflected in the backlog for only a short period while other orders specify delayed shipments and are carried in our backlog for up to one year. Accordingly, the amount of the backlog at any particular time does not necessarily indicate the level of net sales for a particular succeeding period. Competition The markets in which we compete are highly competitive. We compete on the basis of (i) product design, including performance, ergonomic and aesthetic features; (ii) product quality and durability; (iii) relationships with clients, architects and designers; (iv) strength of dealer and distributor network; (v) on-time delivery and service performance; (vi) commitment to environmental standards by offering products that help clients achieve LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified facilities and minimize environmental impact; and (vii) price. We estimate that our share of the North American workplace market in 2018 and 2017 was 7.5% and 7.4%, respectively. 9 Some of our workplace competitors, especially those in North America, are larger and have significantly greater financial, marketing, manufacturing and technical resources than us. Our most significant competitors in primary markets are Herman Miller, Inc., Steelcase, Inc., Haworth, Inc. and, to a lesser extent, Teknion Corporation and Allsteel, Inc., an operating unit of HNI Corporation. These competitors have a substantial volume of furniture installed at businesses throughout North America, providing a continual source of demand for further products and enhancements. Moreover, the products of these competitors have strong acceptance in the marketplace. Despite our competitors' strength in the marketplace, we believe that we have been able to compete successfully in the markets to date. Competition in the residential sector is much more fragmented than in the workplace market. Our Lifestyle businesses serve the mid-to high-end of the market, but compete against many companies, none of which has a dominant market share. Patents and Trademarks We consider securing and protecting our intellectual property rights to be important to the business. We own approximately 55 active U.S. utility patents on various components used in our products and systems and approximately 120 active U.S. design patents. We also own approximately 320 patents in various foreign countries. The scope and duration of our patent protection varies throughout the world by jurisdiction and by individual product. In particular, patents for individual products extend for varying periods of time according to the date a patent application is filed, the date a patent is granted and the term of patent protection available in the jurisdiction granting the patent (generally 20 years from the date of filing in the U.S., for example). We believe that the duration of the applicable patents we are granted is adequate relative to the expected lives of our products. We own approximately 77 trademark registrations in the U.S., including registrations to the following trademarks, as well as related stylized depictions of the Knoll word mark: Knoll®, KnollExtra®, Knoll Luxe®, KnollStudio®, KnollTextiles®, Good Design Is Good Business®, Antenna®, Autostrada®, Calibre®, Currents®, Dividends®, Edelman® Leather, Modern Always®, Propeller®, Reff®, Sapper XYZ®, Spinneybeck® Leather, Toboggan®, Generation by Knoll®, Regeneration by Knoll®, MultiGeneration by Knoll®, Remix®, Rockwell Unscripted®, HighLine®, HOLLY HUNT®, GREAT OUTDOORS A HOLLY HUNT COLLECTION® , VLADIMIR KAGAN® and MUUTO®. We also own approximately 386 trademarks registered in foreign countries. The scope and duration of our trademark protection varies throughout the world, with some countries protecting trademarks only as long as the mark is used, and others requiring registration of the mark and the payment of registration (generally ten years from the date of filing in the U.S., for example). In order to protect the indefinite duration, we make filings to continue registration of our trademarks. In October 2004, we received registered trademark protection in the United States for five iconic furniture designs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-the Barcelona Chair, the Barcelona Stool, the Barcelona Couch, the Barcelona Table and the Flat Bar Brno Chair. This protection recognizes the renown of these designs and reflects our commitment to ensuring that when architects, furniture retailers, businesses and individuals purchase a Ludwig Mies van der Rohe design, they are acquiring the authentic product, manufactured in accordance with the designer's historic specifications. Barcelona® is a registered trademark in the U.S., Canada and European Community owned by Knoll, Inc. 10 Environmental Matters We believe that we are substantially in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for the protection of the environment and the health and safety of our employees based upon existing facts presently known to us. Compliance with federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations relating to the discharge of substances into the environment, the disposal of hazardous wastes and other related activities has had and will continue to have an impact on our operations, but has, since 1990, been accomplished without having a material adverse effect on our operations. There can be no assurance that such laws and regulations will not change in the future or that we will not incur significant costs as a result of such laws and regulations. We have trained staff responsible for monitoring compliance with environmental, health and safety requirements. Our goal is to reduce and, wherever possible, eliminate the creation of hazardous waste in our manufacturing processes. While it is difficult to estimate the timing and ultimate costs to be incurred due to uncertainties about the status of laws, regulations and technology, based on information currently known to management, we do not expect environmental costs or contingencies to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, competitive position, or cash flows. The operation of manufacturing plants entails risks in these areas, however, and we cannot be certain that we will not incur material costs or liabilities in the future which could adversely affect our operations. We have been identified as a potentially responsible party pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, or “CERCLA,” for remediation costs associated with waste disposal sites previously used by us. CERCLA can impose liability for costs to investigate and remediate contamination without regard to fault or the legality of disposal and, under certain circumstances, liability may be joint and several resulting in one responsible party being held responsible for the entire obligation. Liability may also include damages for harm to natural resources. The remediation costs and our allocated share at some of these CERCLA sites are unknown. We may also be subject to claims for personal injury or contribution relating to CERCLA sites. We reserve amounts for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. Knoll is committed to using materials and technology efficiently to conserve natural resources, developing energy-efficient processes; diverting waste generated by our operations and products; and protecting the health and safety of our associates and communities. Products that contribute to sustainable development include our GREENGUARD Children & Schools(SM) certified Generation and Remix families of chairs; and our BIFMA Level 3 certified Dividends Horizon and Antenna Workspace products. Each year we issue an Environmental Health & Safety Annual Report which tracks our pursuit of sustainability across all Knoll businesses. Employees As of December 31, 2018, we employed a total of 3,541 people, consisting of 1,869 hourly and 1,672 salaried employees. The Grand Rapids, Michigan plant is the only unionized plant within North America and has an agreement with the Carpenters Union, Local 1615, of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Affiliate of the Carpenters Industrial Council (the “Union”), covering approximately 187 hourly employees or 5.3% of the Company's labor force. The Collective Bargaining Agreement was entered into on May 1, 2018 and expires in April 2022. From time to time, there have been unsuccessful efforts to unionize at our other North American locations. We believe that relations with our employees are good. Nonetheless, it is possible that our employees may continue attempts to unionize. Certain workers in the facilities in Italy are also represented by unions. Available Information Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports are made available free of charge through the “Investor Relations” section of our website at www.knoll.com, as soon as practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 11 ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS RISK FACTORS Risks Related to our Business Our product sales are tied to corporate spending and service-sector employment, which are outside of our control. Our sales and/or growth in sales would be adversely affected by a recessionary economy characterized by decreased corporate spending and service-sector employment. Our sales are significantly impacted by the level of corporate spending primarily in North America, which, in turn, is a function of the general economic environment. In a recessionary economy, business confidence, service-sector employment, corporate cash flows and residential and non-residential commercial construction decrease, which typically leads to a decrease in demand for furniture and our other products. In addition, a recessionary economy may also result in saturation of the market by “just new” used office systems, leading to a decrease in demand for new office environments. Sales of office systems, which have historically accounted for almost half of our revenues, represent longer term and higher cost investments for our clients. As a result, sales of office systems are more severely impacted by decreases in corporate spending than sales of seating, ancillary products, coverings, studio products, and demand for office systems typically takes longer to respond to an economic recovery. Geopolitical uncertainties, terrorist attacks, acts of war, natural disasters, increases in energy and other costs or combinations of such and other factors that are outside of our control could at any time have a significant effect on the economy, and, therefore, our business. The occurrence of any of these or similar events in the future could result in downward pressure on the economy, which we would expect to cause demand for our products to decline and competitive pricing pressures to increase. Weakness in the economy or uncertainty in the financial markets may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, as well as the financial soundness of our customers and suppliers. Weakness in the economy or uncertainty in the financial markets may inhibit our ability to access capital and could be restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to access financial markets. In addition, interest rate fluctuations, financial market volatility or credit market disruptions may negatively affect our customers' and our suppliers' abilities to obtain credit to finance their businesses on acceptable terms. As a result, our customers' needs and abilities to purchase our products or services may decrease, and our suppliers may increase their prices, reduce their output or change their terms of sale. If our customers' or suppliers' operating and financial performance deteriorates, or if they are unable to make scheduled payments or obtain credit, our customers may not be able to pay, or may delay payment of, accounts receivable owed to us, and our suppliers may restrict credit or impose different payment terms on us. Any inability of customers to pay us for our products and services, or any demands by suppliers for different payment terms, may adversely affect our earnings and cash flow. We may have difficulty increasing or maintaining our prices as a result of price competition, which could lower our profit margins. Our competitors may develop new product designs that give them an advantage over us in making future sales. We compete with our competitors on the basis of, among other things, price and product design. Since our competitors offer products that are similar to ours, we face significant price competition from our competitors, particularly in the Office segment. This price competition impacts our ability to implement price increases or, in some cases, maintain prices, which could lower our profit margins. Additionally, our competitors may develop new product designs that achieve a high level of customer acceptance, which could give them a competitive advantage over us in making future sales. Our efforts to introduce new products that meet customer and workplace requirements may not be successful, which could limit our sales growth or cause our sales to decline. To keep pace with workplace trends, such as changes in workplace design and increases in the use of technology, and with evolving regulatory and industry requirements, including environmental, health, safety and similar standards for the workplace and for product performance, we must periodically introduce new products. The introduction of new products requires the coordination of the design, manufacturing and marketing of such products, which may be affected by factors beyond our control. The design and engineering of certain of our new products can take up to a year or more and further time may be required to achieve client acceptance. In addition, we may face difficulties in introducing new products if we cannot successfully align ourselves with independent architects and designers who are able to design, in a timely manner, high-quality products consistent with our image. Accordingly, the launch of any particular product may be later or less successful than originally anticipated by us. Difficulties or delays in introducing new products or lack of customer acceptance of new products could limit our sales growth or cause our sales to decline. 12 We may not be able to manage our business effectively if we are unable to retain our experienced management team or recruit other key personnel. The success of our business is highly dependent upon our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and upon the ability of our senior management and other key employees to implement our business strategy. We believe there are only a limited number of qualified executives in the industry in which we compete. The loss of the services of key members of our management team could harm our efforts to successfully implement our business strategy. We are dependent on the pricing and availability of raw materials and components, and price increases and unavailability of raw materials and components could lower sales, increase our cost of goods sold and reduce our profits and margins. We require substantial amounts of raw materials, which we purchase from outside sources. Steel, plastics, wood-related materials, and leather are the main raw materials used in our products. The prices and availability of raw materials are subject to change or curtailment due to, among other things, the supply of, and demand for, such raw materials, changes in laws or regulations, including duties and tariffs, suppliers' allocations to other purchasers, interruptions in production by raw materials or component parts suppliers, changes in currency exchange rates and worldwide price levels. We can be significantly impacted by price increases in these raw materials. Although no supplier is the only available source for a particular component or raw material, some of our products and components are extremely specialized and, therefore, it can take a significant amount of time and money to move from one supply source to another. Any failure to obtain raw materials and components on a timely basis, or any significant delays or interruptions in the supply of raw materials or components, could prevent us from being able to produce products ordered by our clients in a timely fashion, which could have a negative impact on our reputation and our dealership network, and could cause our sales to decline. We are affected by the cost of energy and increases in energy prices could reduce our margins and profits. The profitability of our operations is sensitive to the cost of energy through our transportation costs, the cost of petroleum- based materials, like plastics, and the cost of operating our manufacturing facilities. Energy costs have been volatile in recent years due to changes in global supply and demand. Although we have been successful in countering energy price increases, primarily through our global sourcing initiatives and continuous improvement programs, we have not been able to offset these costs entirely. We rely upon independent furniture dealers, and a loss of a significant number of dealers could affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We rely on a network of independent dealers for the joint marketing of our products to small and mid-sized accounts, and to assist us in the marketing of our products to large accounts, particularly in the Office segment. We also rely upon these dealers to provide a variety of important specification, installation and after-market services to our clients. Our dealers operate, generally, under short-term, non-exclusive agreements. There is nothing to prevent our dealers from terminating their relationships with us. In addition, individual dealers may not continue to be viable and profitable and may suffer from the lack of available credit. While we are not significantly dependent on any single dealer, our largest dealer accounted for 4.8% of our North American sales in 2018; if dealers go out of business or are restructured, we may suffer losses as they may not be able to pay us for products previously delivered to them. The loss of a dealer relationship could also negatively affect our ability to maintain market share in the affected geographic market and to compete for and service clients in that market until a new dealer relationship is established. Establishing a viable dealer in a market can take a significant amount of time and resources. The loss or termination of a significant dealer or a significant number of dealer relationships could cause significant difficulties for us in marketing and distributing our products, resulting in a decline in our sales. Currently, one of our largest clients is the U.S. government, a relationship that is subject to uncertain future funding levels and federal procurement laws and requires restrictive contract terms; any of these factors could curtail current or future business. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we derived approximately 3.5% and 4.6% of our revenue from sales to U.S. and state and local government agencies, respectively. Our ability to compete successfully for and retain business with the U.S. government is highly dependent on cost-effective performance and compliance with complex procurement laws. Historically, federal procurement laws required government agencies to purchase furniture products from Federal Prison Industries, Incorporated. If these or similar laws would be re-instituted, it would make it more difficult for us to sell our furniture to agencies and departments of the U.S. government. 13 In addition, the U.S. government typically can terminate or modify its contracts with us either for its convenience or if we default by failing to perform under the terms of the applicable contract. A termination arising out of our default could expose us to liability and impede our ability to compete in the future for contracts and orders. Furthermore, if we were found to have committed fraud or certain criminal offenses, we could be suspended or debarred from all further government contracting. Given the significance of our governmental business, we are sensitive to decreases in governmental spending. Federal, state and local government budgets have experienced deficits recently and are under significant pressure to reduce spending. These spending pressures have resulted in, and may continue to result in, decreased furniture spending, which has negatively impacted (and may continue to negatively impact) our governmental sales. Our efforts to diversify our sources of revenue may not be effective and may expose us to new risks. Historically, the majority of our revenues were derived from the sales of office systems in North America. We have pursued a strategy to diversify our sources of revenue and reduce our dependence on North American office system sales by, for example, growing our seating, international, ancillary and lifestyle businesses. While we believe that this strategy enables us to better maintain and grow our sales and profitability during cyclical ups and downs in the industry, there can be no assurance that this diversification strategy will be effective in achieving these goals. Our diversification strategy involves the continued expansion of our lifestyle businesses, and business growth internationally, which may expose us to business risks that we have not experienced. We also may incur significant costs in pursuing our diversification strategy, and those costs may not be fully offset by increased revenues associated with new business lines. We operate with leverage, and a significant amount of cash will be required to service our indebtedness. Restrictions imposed by the terms of our indebtedness may limit our operating and financial flexibility. As of December 31, 2018, we had total consolidated outstanding debt of approximately $465.3 million under our credit facility. On January 22, 2018, we amended and extended our existing credit facility ("Existing Credit Facility"), dated May 20, 2014, with a new $750.0 million credit facility maturing on January 23, 2023, consisting of a revolving commitment in the amount of $400.0 million, a US Dollar term loan commitment in the amount of $250.0 million, and a multicurrency term loan commitment of €81.7 million. The Amended Credit Agreement ("Amended Credit Agreement") also includes an option to increase the size of the credit facility or incur incremental term loans by up to an additional $250.0 million, subject to the satisfaction of certain terms and conditions. The Amended Credit Agreement is described in more detail in "Capital Resources and Liquidity" under Item 7 as well as in Note 13, Indebtedness to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. At December 31, 2018, if we were to borrow the maximum available to us under Existing Credit Facility and those of our foreign subsidiaries, we would have total consolidated outstanding debt of approximately $725.6 million. The high level of our indebtedness could have important consequences to holders of our common stock, given that: • a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to fund scheduled payments of principal and debt service and will not be available for other purposes; • our ability to obtain additional debt financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, research and development or acquisitions may be limited by the terms of our credit facility; and • the terms of our credit facility also impose other operating and financial restrictions on us, which could limit our flexibility in reacting to changes in our industry or in economic conditions generally. Our Amended Credit Agreement prevents us and our subsidiaries from incurring any additional indebtedness other than (i) borrowings under our existing credit facility; (ii) certain types of indebtedness that may be incurred subject to aggregate dollar limitations identified in the credit facility, including, without limitation, purchase money indebtedness and capital lease obligations, indebtedness incurred in connection with a permitted acquisition, and loans obtained through an expansion of the facility, all of which cannot exceed $250.0 million at any time, and (iii) other types of indebtedness that are not limited to specific dollar limitations, such as indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business and unsecured, subordinated indebtedness. The aggregate amount of indebtedness that we may incur pursuant to these exceptions is further limited by the financial covenants in our credit facility and, therefore, will depend on our future results of operations and cannot be determined at this time. As a result of the financial covenants, our capacity under our credit facility could be reduced if our trailing consolidated EBITDA (as defined by our credit agreement) declines due to deteriorating market conditions or poor performance. Furthermore, although we may incur unlimited amounts of certain types of indebtedness, subject to compliance with these financial covenants, the amount of indebtedness that we may be able to incur will depend on the terms on which such types of debt financing are available to us, if available at all. 14 As a result of the foregoing, we may be prevented from engaging in transactions that might further our growth strategy or otherwise be considered beneficial to us. A breach of any of the covenants in our credit facility could result in a default thereunder. If payments to the lenders under our credit facility were to be accelerated, our assets could be insufficient to repay in full the indebtedness under our credit facility and our other liabilities. Any such acceleration could also result in a foreclosure on all or substantially all of our subsidiaries' assets, which would have a negative impact on the value of our common stock and jeopardize our ability to continue as a going concern. We may require additional capital in the future, which may not be available or may be available only on unfavorable terms. Our capital requirements depend on many factors, including capital improvements, tooling, information technology upgrades and new product development. To the extent that our existing capital is insufficient to meet these requirements and cover any losses, we may need to raise additional funds through financings or curtail our growth and reduce our assets. Any equity or debt financing, if available at all, may be on terms that are not favorable to us. Equity financings could result in dilution to our stockholders, and the securities may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to those of our common stock. If our need for capital arises because of significant losses, the occurrence of these losses may make it more difficult for us to raise the necessary capital. An inability to protect our intellectual property could have a significant impact on our business. We attempt to protect our intellectual property rights, both in the United States and in foreign countries, through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, as well as licensing agreements and third-party nondisclosure and assignment agreements. Because of the differences in foreign trademark, copyright, patent and other laws concerning proprietary rights, our intellectual property rights do not generally receive the same degree of protection in foreign countries as they do in the United States. In some parts of the world, we have limited protections, if any, for our intellectual property. Our ability to compete effectively with our competitors depends, to a significant extent, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our intellectual property. The degree of protection offered by the claims of the various patents, copyrights, trademarks and service marks may not be broad enough to provide significant proprietary protection or competitive advantages to us, and patents, copyrights, trademarks or service marks may not be issued on our pending or contemplated applications. In addition, not all of our products are covered by patents or similar intellectual property protections. It is also possible that our patents, copyrights, trademarks and service marks may be challenged, invalidated, canceled, narrowed or circumvented. In the past, certain of our products have been copied and sold by others. We try to enforce our intellectual property rights, but we have to make choices about where and how we pursue enforcement and where we seek and maintain intellectual property protection. In many cases, the cost of enforcing our rights is substantial, and we may determine that the costs of enforcement outweigh the potential benefits. If we are unable to maintain the proprietary nature of our intellectual property with respect to our significant current or proposed products, our competitors may be able to sell copies of our products, which could adversely affect our ability to sell our original products and could also result in competitive pricing pressures, which may negatively affect our profitability. If third parties claim that we infringe upon their intellectual property rights, we may incur liabilities and costs and may have to redesign or discontinue an infringing product. We face the risk of claims that we have infringed upon third parties' intellectual property rights. Companies operating in our industry routinely seek patent protection for their product designs, and many of our principal competitors have large patent portfolios. Prior to launching major new products in our key markets, we normally evaluate existing intellectual property rights. However, our competitors may have filed for patent protection which is not, at the time of our evaluation, a matter of public knowledge. Our efforts to identify and avoid infringing upon third parties' intellectual property rights may not be successful. Any claims of patent or other intellectual property infringement, even those without merit, could (i) be expensive and time consuming to defend; (ii) cause us to cease making, licensing or using products that incorporate the challenged intellectual property; (iii) require us to redesign, reengineer, or rebrand our products or packaging, if feasible; or (iv) require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements in order to obtain the right to use a third party's intellectual property. 15 We could be required to incur substantial costs to comply with environmental requirements. Violations of, and liabilities under, environmental laws and regulations may increase our costs or require us to change our business practices. Our past and present ownership and operation of manufacturing plants are subject to extensive and changing federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to discharges to air, water and land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and the cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substances. As a result, we are involved from time to time in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries relating to environmental matters and could become subject to fines or penalties related thereto. We cannot predict what environmental legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future, how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist. Compliance with more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may require additional expenditures by us, some of which may be material. We have been identified as a potentially responsible party pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, or CERCLA, for remediation costs associated with waste disposal sites previously used by us. In general, CERCLA can impose liability for costs to investigate and remediate contamination without regard to fault or the legality of disposal and, under certain circumstances, liability may be joint and several, resulting in one party being held responsible for the entire obligation. Liability may also include damages for harm to natural resources. The remediation costs and our allocated share at some of these CERCLA sites are unknown. We may also be subject to claims for personal injury or contribution relating to CERCLA sites. We reserve amounts for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. We are subject to potential labor disruptions, which could have a significant impact on our business. Certain of our employees located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Italy are represented by unions. The collective bargaining agreement for our Grand Rapids location expires April 26, 2022. We have also had attempts to unionize our other North American manufacturing locations, which to date have been unsuccessful. We have experienced a number of brief work stoppages at our facilities in Italy as a result of national and local issues. While we believe that we have good relations with our workforce, we may experience work stoppages or other labor problems in the future, and further unionization efforts may be successful. Any prolonged work stoppage could have an adverse effect on our reputation, our vendor relations and our dealership network. Moreover, because substantially all of our products are manufactured to order, we do not carry finished goods inventory that could mitigate the effects of a prolonged work stoppage. Product defects could adversely affect our results of operations. Our customers may encounter product defects that could potentially arise in the course of our development of new products or due to manufacturing problems. If product defects do arise, we could incur product warranty costs, product liability costs and costs associated with recalling and repairing defective products. While we maintain a reserve for our product warranty costs based on estimates of the costs that may be incurred under the warranties on all of our products, our actual warranty costs may exceed this reserve, resulting in a need to increase the amounts accrued for warranty costs. We also maintain product liability and other insurance coverage that we believe to be generally in accordance with industry practices, but our insurance coverage does not extend to field visits to repair, retrofit or replace defective products, or to product recalls. As a result, our insurance coverage may not be adequate to protect us fully against substantial claims and costs that may arise from product defects, particularly if we have a large number of defective products that we must repair, retrofit, replace or recall. Sales of our products could be adversely affected by excessive warranty claims, product recalls and adverse perceptions of product quality. As a result of these factors, product defects could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. We may be vulnerable to the effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations, which could increase our expenses. We primarily sell our products and report our financial results in U.S. dollars, but we generate some of our revenues and pay some of our expenses in other currencies. Paying our expenses in other currencies can result in a significant increase or decrease in the amount of those expenses in U.S. dollar terms, which affects our profits. In the future, any foreign currency appreciation relative to the U.S. dollar would increase our expenses that are denominated in that currency. Additionally, as we report currency in the U.S. dollar, our financial position is affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where we have operations relative to the strength of the U.S. dollar. The principal foreign currencies in which we conduct business are the Canadian dollar, the Euro, and the Danish Krone. Approximately 18.1% of our revenues in 2018 and 28.5% of our cost of goods sold in 2018 were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. From time to time, we review our foreign currency exposure and evaluate whether we should hedge our exposure. 16 Pension costs or funding requirements could increase at a higher-than-anticipated rate. We administer two defined benefit pension plans, which hold significant amounts of equity securities. Changes in interest rates or other plan assumptions or in the market value of plan assets could affect the funded status of our pension plans. This could cause volatility in our benefits costs which could increase future funding requirements of our pension plans and have a negative impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Our future funding obligations also are affected by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA”), which established certain required funding targets. Volatility in the economic environment and/or a decline in the equity markets could cause the value of investment assets held by our pension plans to decline. As a result, we may be required to increase the amount of our cash contributions to our pension plans in order to meet the funding level requirements of the PPA. If we fail to protect the integrity and security of our information technology systems and confidential information, it could adversely affect our business. We rely upon information technology networks and systems to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage numerous aspects of our business and provide information to management. We also receive certain customer-specific data, including credit card information, in connection with orders placed through our various businesses, including our e- commerce websites and our retail store. The secure operation of these information technology systems, and the processing and maintenance of this information, is critical to our business operations and strategy. These systems are vulnerable to, among other things, damage and interruption from power loss or natural disasters, computer system and network failures, loss of telecommunications services, physical and electronic loss of data, security breaches, hackers and employee misuse. We may face unauthorized attempts by hackers seeking to harm us or, as a result of industrial espionage, to penetrate our network security and gain access to our systems, steal intellectual or other proprietary data, including design, sales or personally identifiable information, introduce malicious software or interrupt our internal systems, manufacturing or distribution. Though we attempt to prevent and detect these incidents, we may not be successful. Any disruption of our information technology systems, or access to or disclosure of information stored in or transmitted by our systems, could result in legal claims and damages, loss of intellectual property or other proprietary information (including customer data), disrupt operations, result in competitive disadvantage and damage our reputation, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. In addition, states and the federal government are increasingly enacting laws and regulations to protect consumers against identity theft. Also, as our business expands globally, we are subject to data privacy and other similar laws in various foreign jurisdictions. If we are the target of a cybersecurity attack resulting in unauthorized disclosure of our customer data, we may be required to undertake costly notification procedures. Compliance with these laws will likely increase the costs of doing business. Further, if we fail to implement appropriate safeguards or to detect and provide prompt notice of unauthorized access as required by some of these laws, we could be subject to potential claims for damages and other remedies, which could harm our business. We are in the process of implementing a new enterprise resource planning system, and problems with the design or implementation of this system could interfere with our business and operations. We are engaged in a multi-year implementation of a new global enterprise resource planning system (ERP). The ERP is designed to accurately maintain the company's books and records and provide information to the company's management team important to the operation of the business. The company's ERP has required, and will continue to require, the investment of significant human and financial resources. We may not be able to successfully implement the ERP without experiencing delays, increased costs and other difficulties. If we are unable to successfully design and implement the new ERP system as planned, our financial positions, results of operations and cash flows could be negatively impacted. We may not be able to successfully integrate acquired businesses, which may result in an inability to realize the anticipated benefits of our acquisitions. One of our key operating strategies is to selectively pursue acquisitions. We have made a number of acquisitions in the past and we expect that a portion of our future growth may come from such transactions. We evaluate potential acquisitions on an ongoing basis. However, we may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates at prices we consider attractive. Further, our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses could be negatively impaired because of difficulties, costs and delays that may include: • Negative impacts on employee morale and performance as a result of job changes and reassignments; • Unforeseen difficulties, costs or complications in integrating the companies' operations, which could lead to us not achieving the synergies we anticipate; • Unanticipated incompatibility of systems and operating methods; • Resolving possible inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies, business cultures and compensation structures; 17 • The diversion of management's attention from ongoing business concerns and other strategic opportunities; • Unforeseen difficulties in operating acquired business in parallel with similar businesses that we operated previously; • Unforeseen difficulties in operating businesses we have not operated before; • Unanticipated difficulty of integrating multiple acquired businesses simultaneously; • The retention of key employees and management of acquired businesses; • The coordination of geographically separate organizations; • The coordination and consolidation of ongoing and future research and development efforts; and • Possible tax costs or inefficiencies associated with integrating the operations of a combined company. In connection with any acquisition that we make, there may be liabilities that we fail to discover or that we inadequately assess. Acquired entities may not operate profitably or result in improved operating performance. Additionally, we may not realize anticipated synergies. If our acquisitions perform poorly, our business and financial results could be adversely affected. Tax matters, including the changes in corporate tax rates, disagreements with taxing authorities and imposing of new taxes could impact our results of operations and financial condition. Our effective tax rates, and tax payments, could be affected by numerous factors, including but not limited to entry into new geographies, changes to our existing business and operations, acquisitions, changes in our stock price, changes in our deferred tax assets and liabilities and the related valuation, and changes in relevant tax, accounting, and other laws, regulations, administrative practices, principles, and interpretations. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") which represents a significant overhaul of the U.S. federal tax code. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including but not limited to reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The Tax Act requires judgments to be made in interpretation of the provisions of the Tax Act and significant estimates in the related calculations. The Department of Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service, and other standard-setting bodies have not implemented all relevant regulations or issued substantive guidance to-date; therefore, these standard-setting bodies could interpret or issue guidance on how provisions of the Tax Act will be applied that may differ from our current interpretation. See Note 18, Income Taxes, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 for further discussion of the Tax Act. We need to comply with new, evolving or revised tax laws and regulations. The enactment of or increases in tariffs, or other changes in application or interpretation of the Tax Act, or on specific products that we sell or with which our products compete, may have an adverse effect on our business or on results of operations. Any attempt by the Administration to withdraw from or materially modify NAFTA and certain other international trade agreements could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. A significant portion of our business activities are conducted in foreign countries, including Canada and Mexico. The current Administration has made comments suggesting that certain existing international trade agreements may change. At this time, it remains unclear what the current Administration will or will not do with respect to these international trade agreements. If the Administration takes action to withdraw from or materially modify certain international trade agreements, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. The implementation of tariffs and export controls on our products may have a material impact on our business. Our global business operations and supply chain may be disrupted by any additional tariffs imposed on our products. Between July and September 2018, the U.S. Trade Representative imposed additional duties, ranging from 10% to 25% on a variety of goods imported from China that will potentially be subjected to a 10% tariff until 2019, when the tariffs will increase to 25%. As a result of operational changes, we do not expect that the increase in these tariffs will have a significant impact on our business, supply chain, operations or financial results. However, if the United States increases the amount of these tariffs or adds additional items to the list of products subject to tariff, tariffs could materially adversely affect our business, financial results and operations. In addition to the increased tariffs imposed by the United States, China has implemented additional retaliatory tariffs on products made in the United States. While these tariffs currently do not materially impact us, if China increases its tariffs or places additional tariffs or other nations impose tariffs on our products, it could materially adversely affect our business, financial results and operations. 18 Risks Related to Our Common Stock Our corporate documents and Delaware law contain provisions that could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company. Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition involving us that our stockholders may consider favorable. For example, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock. Without stockholder approval, the board of directors has the authority to attach special rights, including voting and dividend rights, to this preferred stock. With these rights, preferred stockholders could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us. In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides for a staggered board of directors, whereby directors serve for three-year terms, with approximately one-third of the directors coming up for reelection each year. Having a staggered board will make it more difficult for a third party to obtain control of our board of directors through a proxy contest, which may be a necessary step in an acquisition of us that is not favored by our board of directors. We are also subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Under these provisions, if anyone becomes an “interested stockholder,” we may not enter into a “business combination” with that person for three years without special approval, which could discourage a third party from making a takeover offer and could delay or prevent a change of control. For purposes of Section 203, “interested stockholder” means, generally, someone owning 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock or an affiliate of ours that owned 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock during the past three years, subject to certain exceptions as described in Section 203. Upon any change in control, the lenders under our credit facility would have the right to require us to repay all of our outstanding obligations under the facility. Our stock price may be volatile, and your investment in our common stock could suffer a decline in value. There has been significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of equity securities, which may be unrelated to the financial performance of the companies issuing the securities. These broad market fluctuations may negatively affect the market price of our common stock. You may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price at which you purchased them due to fluctuations in the market price of our common stock caused by changes in our operating performance or prospects and other factors. Some specific factors that may have a significant effect on our common stock market price include: • actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results or future prospects, including actual or perceived fluctuations in the demand for our products; • our announcements or our competitors' announcements of new products; • the public's reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC; • strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic investments, or restructurings; • new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business; • changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; • changes in our growth rates or our competitors' growth rates; • our inability to raise additional capital; • conditions of our industry as a result of changes in financial markets or general economic conditions, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism and responses to such events; • trading volumes in Knoll common stock; • sales of common stock by us or members of our management team; and • changes in stock market analyst recommendations or earnings estimates regarding our common stock, other comparable companies or our industry generally. 19 Our corporate documents provide, subject to certain exceptions, that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees. Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty, any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our Amended and Restated Bylaws, or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision in our Amended and Restated Bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition. 20 ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None ITEM 2. PROPERTIES We operate over 4.2 million square feet of facilities, including manufacturing plants, warehouses and sales offices. Of these facilities, we own approximately 2.5 million square feet and lease approximately 1.8 million square feet. The location, square footage, and use of the facilities as of December 31, 2018 are shown below. Owned Locations East Greenville, Pennsylvania Square Footage (in thousands) Use 735 Corporate Headquarters, Manufacturing, Warehouses, and Administration Grand Rapids, Michigan 607 Manufacturing, Distribution, and Administration Toronto, Canada 386 Manufacturing, Distribution, Warehouses, and Muskegon, Michigan Foligno, Italy Administration 367 Manufacturing and Administration 259 Manufacturing, Distribution, Warehouses, and Administration Reportable Segment Office and Lifestyle Office Office Office Office and Lifestyle Graffignana, Italy 108 Manufacturing, Distribution, Warehouses, and Office Paris, France Administration 7 Sales Offices Leased Locations Square Footage (in thousands) Use Miscellaneous Showrooms 424 Sales Offices Allentown, Pennsylvania 290 Warehouse, Distribution Office and Lifestyle Reportable Segment Office and Lifestyle Office and Lifestyle LeGrange Highlands, Illinois 210 Warehouse, Distribution (Holly Hunt Enterprises Lifestyle Toronto, Canada Ringsted, Sjaelland Muskegon, Michigan Buffalo, New York New Milford, Connecticut Getzville, New York Knoll, Europe—various locations 180 Manufacturing, Warehouses, Distribution and Administration 150 Warehouse, Distribution (Muuto, Inc.) 105 Manufacturing Office Lifestyle Office 89 Manufacturing and Administration (DatesWeiser) Lifestyle 55 Manufacturing and Administration (Edelman Lifestyle Leather) Manufacturing and Administration (Spinneybeck) Lifestyle 45 41 Sales Offices, Administration, and Warehouses Lifestyle East Greenville, Pennsylvania 40 Warehouses, Distribution Office and Lifestyle Chicago, Illinois Dallas, Texas Chicago, Illinois 34 Warehouse, Distribution (Holly Hunt Enterprises) Lifestyle 30 Warehouse, Distribution (Holly Hunt Enterprises) Lifestyle 26 Administration (Holly Hunt Enterprises) Lifestyle Lifestyle Copenhagen, Hovenstaden 17 Administration (Muuto, Inc.) Clifton, New Jersey 13 Warehouse, Distribution (Holly Hunt Enterprises) Lifestyle We believe that our plants and other facilities are sufficient for our needs for the foreseeable future. 21 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS From time to time, we are subject to litigation or other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Based upon information currently known to us, we believe the outcome of such proceedings will not have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 22 PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Market Information and Dividend Policy Our common stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) since December 14, 2004, the date of our initial public offering, under the symbol “KNL.” As of December 31, 2018, there were approximately 248 stockholders of record of our common stock. Performance Graph The following line graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and with the cumulative total return of a peer group of companies selected by us for the period commencing on December 31, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2018. Our share price at the beginning of the measurement period is $18.31 per share. The graph and table assume that $100 was invested on December 31, 2013 in each of our common stock, the stock of our peer group, and the S&P 500 Index, and that all dividends were reinvested. Our peer group is made up of six publicly-held companies, Herman Miller, Inc., Steelcase, Inc., HNI Corp, Kimball International Inc., Interface Inc., and Movado Group Inc. The stock performance on the graph below does not necessarily indicate future price performance. $100 invested on 12/31/13 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending December 31. Knoll, Inc. S&P 500 Peer Group _______________________________________________________________________________ 12/14 155.54 117.27 189.67 12/15 141.44 123.37 170.15 12/13 100.00 100.00 100.00 12/16 215.52 128.93 224.32 12/17 183.01 159.40 232.10 12/18 134.76 171.11 193.60 * The performance graph and the related chart should not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, unless we specifically incorporate the performance graph by reference therein. 23 Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during the three months ended December 31, 2018. On August 17, 2005, our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program (the “Options Proceeds Program”), whereby they authorized us to purchase shares of our common stock in the open market using the cash proceeds received by us upon exercise of outstanding options. On February 2, 2006, our board of directors approved an additional stock repurchase program, pursuant to which we are authorized to purchase up to $50.0 million of our common stock in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. On February 4, 2008, our board of directors expanded this previously authorized $50.0 million stock repurchase program by an additional $50.0 million. Period October 1, 2018 - October 31, 2018 November 1, 2018 - November 30, 2018 December 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018 Total (2) Average Price Paid Per Share — $ $ 23.48 Total Number of Shares Purchased — 911 911 Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs — — — — Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(1) $ $ $ 32,352,413 32,352,413 32,352,413 _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) There is no limit on the number or value of shares that may be purchased by us under the Options Proceeds Program. Under our $50.0 million stock repurchase program, which was expanded by an additional $50.0 million in February 2008, we are only authorized to spend an aggregate of $100.0 million on stock repurchases. Amounts in this column represent the amounts that remain available under the $100.0 million stock repurchase program as of the end of the period indicated. There is no scheduled expiration date for the Option Proceeds Program or the $100.0 million stock repurchase program, but our Board of Directors may terminate either program in the future. (2) In October 2018, 2,000 shares of outstanding restricted stock vested. Concurrently with the vesting, 911 shares were forfeited by the holders of the shares to cover applicable taxes paid on the holders’ behalf by the Company. 24 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The selected consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 are derived from our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The selected consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 and as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 are derived from our audited financial statements not included in this Form 10-K. Sales Net earnings Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders Per Share Data: Earnings per share: Basic Diluted Cash dividends declared per share: Working capital Total assets Total long-term debt, including current portion Total liabilities Total equity Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income Data Years Ended December 31, (dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 $ 1,050,294 $ 1,104,442 $ 1,164,292 $ 1,132,892 $ 1,302,272 $ $ $ $ $ 46,585 46,585 0.98 0.97 0.48 $ $ $ $ $ 65,948 65,963 1.38 1.36 0.51 $ $ $ $ $ 82,114 82,084 1.71 1.68 0.60 $ $ $ $ $ 80,192 80,163 1.66 1.63 0.60 $ $ $ $ $ 73,255 73,248 1.51 1.49 0.60 Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: As of December 31, 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 (in thousands) $ 80,045 $ 92,732 $ 54,435 $ 55,190 $ 58,837 868,943 258,000 665,725 213,218 853,803 219,718 598,329 255,474 858,613 218,383 549,144 309,469 861,041 191,048 502,312 358,729 1,226,949 461,083 840,439 386,510 25 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations provides an account of our financial performance and financial condition that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements. Forward-looking Statements This annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements, principally in the sections entitled “Business,” “Risk Factors,” “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Statements and financial discussion and analysis contained in this Form 10- K that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to us, based on our current beliefs as well as assumptions made by us and information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. This includes, without limitation, our statements and expectations regarding any current or future recovery in our industry, our publicly announced plans for increased capital and investment spending to achieve our long-term revenue and profitability growth goals, our integration of acquired businesses, and our expectations with respect to leverage. Although we believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions, any or all of which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: the risks described in Item 1A and in Item 7A of this annual report on Form 10-K; changes in the financial stability of our clients or the overall economic environment, resulting in decreased corporate spending and service sector employment; changes in relationships with clients; the mix of products sold and of clients purchasing our products; the success of new technology initiatives; changes in business strategies and decisions; competition from our competitors; our ability to recruit and retain an experienced management team; changes in raw material prices and availability; restrictions on government spending resulting in fewer sales to the U.S. government, one of our largest customers; our debt restrictions on spending; our ability to protect our patents, copyrights and trademarks; our reliance on furniture dealers to produce sales; lawsuits arising from patents, copyrights and trademark infringements; violations of environmental laws and regulations; potential labor disruptions; adequacy of our insurance policies; the availability of future capital and the cost of borrowing; the overall strength and stability of our dealers, suppliers, and customers; access to necessary capital; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses; the success of our design and implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system; and currency rate fluctuations. The factors identified above are believed to be important factors but not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Unpredictable or unknown factors could also have material adverse effects on us. All forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as required under the Federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we undertake no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Overview We design, manufacture, market and sell high-end commercial and residential furniture, accessories, textiles, fine leathers and designer felt for the workplace and residential markets, as well as modern outdoor furniture. We work with clients to create inspired modern interiors. Our design-driven businesses share a reputation for high-quality and sophistication offering a diversified product portfolio that endures throughout evolving trends and performs throughout business cycles. Our products are targeted at the middle to upper-end of the market where we reach customers primarily through a broad network of independent dealers and distribution partners, our direct sales force, our showrooms, and our online presence. Business Highlights During the last decade we have diversified our sources of revenue among our varying operating segments. During 2018, these efforts to diversify our sources of revenue into higher margin Lifestyle categories both organically and through acquisitions like Muuto, combined with efforts to improve the profitability of our Office segment, are led to growth and margin expansion. We believe we are well positioned to continue to build on these initiatives and benefit from the trend to more social and hospitality- based workplaces in 2019 and beyond. Our efforts to diversify our sources of revenue among our operating segments has not detracted from our continued focus on growing and improving the operating performance of our Office segment. We are looking beyond the traditional office product categories of systems, task seating and storage, to furniture that supports activity areas and the in-between spaces where people meet. We believe that our success in traditional office products gives us an advantage throughout the workplace. Our Rockwell Unscripted collection, as well as Muuto offerings, encompass every product category ranging from seating and lounge to 26 architectural walls and storage. These offerings address the needs of organizations that seek alternatives to the traditional workspace, and are substantially additive to our current product portfolio. In addition to these initiatives, we aim to increase profitability through operational improvements and investments in our physical and technological infrastructure. We also remained committed to building a more efficient and responsive customer centric service culture and technology infrastructure across our organization. Our capital expenditures are reflective of this commitment as we continued to invest in the business through technology infrastructure upgrades, continued investments in our manufacturing facilities focusing on lean initiatives and showroom presence. Results of Operations Comparison of Consolidated Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 Net Sales Gross profit Operating profit Pension settlement charge Interest expense Other expense (income), net Income tax expense Net earnings Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders: Basic Diluted Statistical Data Gross profit % Operating profit % Net Sales Year Ended December 31, 2018 vs. 2017 2018 2017 $ Change % Change (Dollar in thousands) $ 1,302,272 $ 1,132,892 $ 169,380 481,524 115,193 5,735 20,911 (9,604) 24,896 73,255 73,248 414,579 80,537 2,162 7,483 (7,700) (1,600) 80,192 80,163 66,945 34,656 3,573 13,428 (1,904) 26,496 (6,937) (6,915) 15.0 % 16.1 % 43.0 % 165.3 % 179.4 % 24.7 % (1,656.0)% (8.7)% (8.6)% $ $ 1.51 1.49 $ $ 1.66 1.63 $ $ (0.15) (0.14) (9.0)% (8.6)% 37.0% 8.8% 36.6% 7.1% Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $1,302.3 million, an increase of $169.4 million, or 15.0%, from sales of $1,132.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Net sales for the Office segment were $782.0 million during the year ended 2018, an increase of $59.0 million, or 8.2% compared to the year ended 2017. Newer workplace platforms and ancillary products experienced significant sales growth complemented by modestly increased legacy product sales. Net sales for the Lifestyle segment were $520.3 million during the year ended 2018, an increase of 26.9% compared with the year ended 2017. This increase was primarily driven by the inclusion of eleven months of sales from Muuto as well as increased volume in contract markets within our Lifestyle businesses. Gross Profit Gross profit for 2018 was $481.5 million, an increase of $66.9 million, or 16.1%, from gross profit of $414.6 million in 2017. During the year ended 2018, gross margin increased to 37.0% from 36.6% in the year ended 2017. The increase in gross margin was primarily the result of favorable margins from the Muuto acquisition combined with increased volume driving fixed cost leverage and favorable net price realization. Operating Profit Operating profit for 2018 was $115.2 million, an increase of $34.7 million, or 43.0%, from operating profit of $80.5 million for 2017. Operating profit as a percentage of sales increased from 7.1% in 2017 to 8.8% in 2018. 27 Operating expenses were $366.3 million for the year ended 2018, or 28.1% of net sales, compared to $334.0 million, or 29.5%of net sales, for the year ended 2017. The increase in operating expenses was related primarily to incremental operating expenses from the acquisition of Muuto, increased warehousing and showroom investments, and additional incentive compensation due to greater profitability. Operating expenses also included $1.9 million of acquisition-related expenses related to the Muuto transaction and restructuring charges of $2.6 million related to the supply chain optimization initiative, organizational realignment and headcount rationalization in the office segment that will result in greater operational efficiency and control. Additionally, as a result of adopting ASU 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), we reclassified $1.4 million and $7.4 million of net periodic benefit income from operating expense to other income on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ending December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Pension Settlement Charge In 2018, the Company incurred $5.7 million of pension settlement charges related to the purchase of annuities for certain pension plan retirees as well as cash payments from lump sum elections. In 2017, the Company incurred of $2.2 million of pension settlement charges related to cash payments from lump sum elections. Interest Expense Interest expense for 2018 was $20.9 million, an increase of $13.4 million from $7.5 million for 2017. The increase in interest expense was due primarily to additional debt from the Muuto acquisition and higher interest rates during 2018. During 2018 and 2017, the Company's weighted average interest rates were approximately 3.6% and 2.4%, respectively. Other Income, net Other income in 2018 was $9.6 million compared to $7.7 million in 2017. Other income during the year ended 2018 was primarily related to foreign exchange gains and net periodic benefit income from the Company's pension and other post- employment benefit plans. Other income during the year ended 2017 was primarily related to net periodic benefit income from the Company's pension and other post-employment benefit plans and foreign exchange losses. Income Tax (Benefit) Expense The effective tax rate for the year ended 2018 was 25.4%, up from (2.0)% in the year ended 2017. The effective tax rate in 2018 is reflective of a significantly reduced corporate Federal statutory rate of 21%. The effective tax rate for the year ended 2017 was primarily impacted by the one-time re-measurement benefit of $26.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 resulting from the impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”) being signed into law in December of 2017. The mix of pretax income and the varying effective tax rates in the countries and states in which we operate directly affects our consolidated effective tax rate. Comparison of Consolidated Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 Sales Gross profit Operating profit Pension settlement charge Interest expense Other income, net Income tax expense Net earnings Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders: Basic Diluted Statistical Data Gross profit % Operating profit % Year Ended December 31, 2017 vs. 2016 2017 2016 $ Change % Change (Dollar in thousands) $ 1,132,892 $ 1,164,292 $ (31,400) 414,579 80,537 2,162 7,483 (7,700) (1,600) 80,192 80,163 445,976 130,508 — 5,405 (2,435) 45,424 82,114 82,084 (31,397) (49,971) 2,162 2,078 (5,265) (47,024) (1,922) (1,921) (2.7)% (7.0)% (38.3)% 100.0 % 38.4 % 216.2 % (103.5)% (2.3)% (2.3)% $ $ 1.66 1.63 $ $ 1.71 1.68 $ $ (0.05) (0.05) (2.9)% (3.0)% 36.6% 7.1% 38.3% 11.2% 28 Net Sales Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $1,132.9 million, a decrease of $31.4 million, or 2.7%, from sales of $1,164.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was largely due to a $45.9 million decrease in Office sales driven by volume declines in both government and commercial sales, primarily in the first half of the year. The decrease in Office segment sales was partially offset by an increase in Lifestyle sales. The increase in the Lifestyle segment was due primarily to growth from HOLLY HUNT and Knoll Europe, as well as incremental sales from a full year of DatesWeiser acquired in December of 2016. Gross Profit Gross profit for 2017 was $414.6 million, a decrease of $31.4 million, or 7.0%, from gross profit of $446.0 million in 2016. During 2017, gross margin decreased to 36.6% from 38.3% in 2016. This decrease was due primarily to lower fixed-cost leverage resulting from lower volume in the Office segment, as well as higher commodity inflation. Operating Profit Operating profit for 2017 was $80.5 million, a decrease of $50.0 million, or 38.3%, from operating profit of $130.5 million for 2016. Operating profit as a percentage of sales decreased from 11.2% in 2016 to 7.1% in 2017. Operating expenses for 2017 were $334.0 million, or 29.5% of sales, compared to $315.5 million, or 27.1% of sales, for 2016. In addition to selling, general and administrative expenses, operating expenses for 2017 included an asset impairment of $16.3 million, restructuring charges of $2.2 million, and acquisition costs of $0.5 million. The remaining decrease of $2.5 million was primarily related to lower incentive compensation due to decreased profitability, partially offset by increased sales headcount. Pension Settlement Charge In 2017, the Company incurred of $2.2 million of pension settlement charges related to cash payments from lump sum elections. Interest Expense Interest expense for 2017 was $7.5 million, an increase of $2.1 million from interest expense of $5.4 million for 2016. The increase in interest expense was due primarily to a higher average outstanding debt balance, and increased interest rates during 2017. During 2017 and 2016, the Company's weighted average interest rates were approximately 2.4% and 2.0%, respectively. Other Income, net Other income in 2017 was $7.7 million compared to other income of $2.4 million in 2016. Other income in 2017 was related primarily to net periodic benefit income from the Company's pension and other post-employment benefit plans offset in part by foreign exchange losses that resulted from the revaluation of intercompany balances between our U.S. and foreign entities in both 2017 and 2016. Income Tax Expense The effective tax rate for 2017 was (2.0)% compared to 35.6% for 2016. The primary driver of the lower effective tax rate in 2017 was a $26.6 million benefit resulting from the impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Act") being signed into law in December of 2017. Additional factors impacting the rate included the vesting of a large quantity of equity awards during the first quarter of 2017, and the reversal in the third quarter of 2017 of a valuation allowance against certain foreign jurisdiction deferred tax assets. In addition, our effective tax rate is directly affected by the mix of pretax income and the varying effective tax rates in the countries and states in which we operate. Segment Reporting The Company manages our business through our reportable segments: Office and Lifestyle. All unallocated expenses are included within Corporate. The Office segment includes a complete range of workplace products that address diverse workplace planning paradigms in North America and Europe, while the Lifestyle segment includes high quality residential furniture, ancillary products and affordable luxury furnishings for high performance workplaces, as well as uber-luxury living spaces to affordable-luxury residential living. See Item 1 Business contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the business segments. The comparisons of segment results found below present our segment information with Corporate costs excluded from operating segment results. 29 Comparison of Segment Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 SALES Office Lifestyle Corporate Knoll, Inc. OPERATING PROFIT Office Lifestyle Corporate Knoll, Inc. (1) Year Ended December 31, 2018 vs. 2017 2018 2017 $ Change % Change (Dollar in thousands) $ $ $ $ 782,020 $ 722,984 $ 520,252 — 1,302,272 50,382 89,097 (24,286) $ $ 409,908 — 1,132,892 28,233 76,406 (24,102) $ $ 59,036 110,344 — 169,380 22,149 12,691 (184) 115,193 $ 80,537 $ 34,656 8.2% 26.9% —% 15.0% 78.5% 16.6% 15.1% 43.0% _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) The Company does not allocate interest expense or other (income) expense, net to the reportable segments. Office Net sales for the Office segment in 2018 were $782.0 million, an increase of $59.0 million, or 8.2%, when compared with 2017. The increase in the Office segment was due primarily to strong volume growth in new workplace platforms and ancillary products, as well as strategic price increases implemented in 2018. Operating profit for the Office segment in 2018 was $50.4 million, an increase of $22.1 million, or 78.5%, when compared with 2017. The increase in operating profit for the Office segment was due primarily to increased sales volume. Lifestyle Net sales for the Lifestyle segment in 2018 were $520.3 million, an increase of $110.3 million, or 26.9%, when compared with 2017. This increase was driven by the inclusion of Muuto acquired late in January 2018 as well as higher sales volume across our Lifestyle businesses. Operating profit for the Lifestyle segment in 2018 was $89.1 million, an increase of $12.7 million, or 16.6%, when compared with 2017 due primarily to the inclusion of eleven months of Muuto and increased warehousing and showroom investments. Corporate Corporate costs in 2018 were $24.3 million, an increase of $0.2 million, or 15.1%, when compared with 2017. The increase was driven by higher spending on consulting services and acquisition-related costs which were offset by lower employee benefit costs during 2018. 30 Comparison of Segment Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 SALES Office Lifestyle Corporate Knoll, Inc. OPERATING PROFIT Office Lifestyle Corporate Knoll, Inc. (1) Year Ended December 31, 2017 vs. 2016 2017 2016 (Dollar in thousands) $ Change % Change $ $ $ $ 722,984 $ 768,873 $ 409,908 — 1,132,892 28,233 76,406 (24,102) $ $ 395,419 — 1,164,292 72,134 80,597 (22,223) $ $ (45,889) 14,489 — (31,400) (43,901) (4,191) (1,879) 80,537 $ 130,508 $ (49,971) (6.0)% 3.7 % — % (2.7)% (60.9)% (5.2)% 15.1 % (38.3)% _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) The Company does not allocate interest expense or other (income) expense, net to the reportable segments. Office Net sales for the Office segment in 2017 were $723.0 million, a decrease of $45.9 million, or 6.0%, when compared with 2016. This decrease in the Office segment for the year was due to decline in volume, primarily in the first half of the year. Operating profit for the Office segment in 2017 was $28.2 million, a decrease of $43.9 million, or 60.9%, when compared with 2016. The decrease in operating profit was primarily due to infrequent charges of $21.2 million which includes a $16.3 million asset impairment charge, a $2.2 million pension settlement change, a $2.2 million restructuring charge and acquisition costs of $0.5 million. Lifestyle Net sales for the Lifestyle segment in 2017 were $409.9 million, an increase of $14.5 million, or 3.7%, when compared with 2016. The increase in the Lifestyle segment was driven by growth from HOLLY HUNT® and Knoll Europe, incremental sales from a full year of DatesWeiser and continued year-over-year growth from Spinneybeck FilzFelt particularly in the architectural space. Operating profit for the Lifestyle segment in 2017 was $76.4 million, a decrease of $4.2 million, or 5.2%, when compared with 2016. Corporate Corporate costs in 2017 were $24.1 million, a decrease of $1.9 million, or 15.1%, when compared with 2016. The decrease was driven primarily by reduced costs associated with employee benefits and incentive compensation expense in 2017. 31 Foreign and Domestic Operations Our principal manufacturing operations and markets are in North America, and we also have manufacturing operations and markets in Europe. Our sales to clients and net property, plant and equipment are summarized by geographic areas below. Sales are attributed to the geographic areas based on the origin of sale. 2018 Sales Property, plant, and equipment, net 2017 Sales Property, plant, and equipment, net 2016 United States Canada Europe Other Consolidated $ 1,066,810 $ 37,299 $ 197,401 $ 762 $ 1,302,272 172,653 26,876 15,424 — 214,953 $ 977,669 $ 52,894 $ 100,233 $ 2,096 $ 1,132,892 157,805 29,307 13,518 — 200,630 Sales $ 1,031,920 $ 36,813 $ 93,420 $ 2,139 $ 1,164,292 Property, plant, and equipment, net 157,856 26,452 12,776 — 197,084 Liquidity and Capital Resources The following table highlights certain key cash flows and capital information pertinent to the discussion that follows: Cash provided by operating activities Capital expenditures, net Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired Cash used in investing activities Purchase of common stock for treasury Proceeds from credit facilities Repayment of credit facilities Proceeds from term loan Repayment of term loans Payment of dividends Proceeds from issuance of common stock Cash (used in) provided by financing activities 2018 2017 2016 (in thousands) $ 108,208 $ 103,734 $ 104,295 (40,289) (307,983) (348,272) (4,411) 490,500 (383,000) 350,247 (177,937) (29,984) 64 239,804 (40,587) — (40,587) (10,950) 310,000 (338,000) — — (30,193) 601 (74,542) (40,105) (18,456) (58,561) (5,464) 377,500 (379,500) — — (29,217) 2,847 (38,834) We have historically funded our business through cash generated from operations, supplemented by debt borrowings. Available cash is primarily used for our working capital needs, ongoing operations, capital expenditures, the payment of quarterly dividends, and the repurchase of shares. Our investment in capital expenditures shows our commitment to improving our operating efficiency, innovation and modernization, showroom investment, new product tooling, manufacturing equipment and technology infrastructure. During 2018, we made annual dividend payments of $0.60 per share, returning $30.0 million of cash to our shareholders. 32 Cash provided by operating activities was $108.2 million, $103.7 million, and $104.3 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of $73.3 million of net income and $55.7 million of various non-cash charges, including $35.3 million of depreciation and amortization, $9.1 million of stock-based compensation and a $4.8 million provision for deferred income taxes, offset in part by $20.8 million of unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities primarily driven by growth in accounts receivable and inventory as a result of growth in sales and ramping up inventory for our current order backlog. For the year ended December 31, 2017, cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of $80.2 million of net income and $38.0 million of various non-cash charges, including $26.6 million of depreciation and amortization, a $16.3 million asset impairment charge, and $9.6 million of stock-based compensation , offset in part by $14.5 million of unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities primarily driven by a $26.6 million benefit in current and deferred income taxes as a result of the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act. For the year ended December 31, 2016, cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of $82.1 million of net income and $69.0 million of various non- cash charges, including $26.0 million of deferred taxes driven by discretionary pension funding, $23.0 million of depreciation and amortization, and $10.5 million of stock based compensation, offset by $46.8 million of unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities primarily driven by our discretionary pension plan contribution during the year of $53.2 million. Investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 included the purchase of Muuto for $308.0 million, net of cash acquired. In addition, during 2018, we used $40.3 million of cash for capital expenditures. During 2017, we used $40.6 million of cash for capital expenditures. During 2016, we spent $40.1 million and $18.5 million of cash for capital expenditures and the purchase of businesses, respectively. The capital expenditures are reflective of our commitment to enhance and modernize our sales, manufacturing and information technology infrastructure. Acquisitions are reflective of our strategy of building our global capabilities as a singular resource for high-design workplaces and homes. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we amended and extended our Existing Credit Facility. The proceeds from our term loans and revolving credit facilities under our Amended Credit Agreement were $350.2 million and $490.5 million, respectively. Borrowings under our term loans and our revolving credit facilities were used to finance a portion of the Muuto acquisition, repay the outstanding balance on the term loans of our Existing Credit Facility of $165.0 million, and to fund our working capital needs. Additionally, we paid $30.0 million of cash to fund dividend payments to our shareholders, $4.4 million of cash for the repurchase of shares used to offset the cost of employee tax withholdings, and $5.7 million of fees related to the issuance of the Amended Credit Facility, of which $4.7 million was capitalized as deferred financing fees and $1.0 million was expensed as a loss on extinguishment. During 2017, we used cash of $74.5 million to fund dividend payments to shareholders of $30.2 million, $28.0 million of repayments net of re-borrowings under our revolving credit facilities, $10.9 million for share repurchases associated with the repurchase of shares used to offset the cost of employee tax withholdings, and $6.0 million of a contingent purchase price payment related to an earn-out for the HOLLY HUNT acquisition in 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2016 we used cash of $38.8 million to fund dividend payments to shareholders of $29.2 million, $5.5 million for share repurchases associated with the repurchase of shares used to offset the cost of employee tax withholdings, and $5.0 million of a contingent purchase price payment related to the earn-out for the HOLLY HUNT acquisition. As of December 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants and conditions in our Amended Credit Agreement. We believe that existing cash balances and internally generated cash flows, together with borrowings available under our credit facility, will be sufficient to fund working capital needs, capital spending requirements, debt service requirements and dividend payments for at least the next twelve months. Future debt payments may be paid out of cash flows from operations, from future refinancing of our debt or from equity issuance. On January 23, 2018, we amended and extended our Existing Credit Facility, dated May 20, 2014, with a new $750.0 million credit facility maturing on January 23, 2023. We use our credit facility in the ordinary course of business to fund our working capital needs and investments and, at times, make significant borrowings and repayments under the facility depending on our cash needs and availability at such time. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement may be repaid at any time, but no later than January 23, 2023. The Amended Credit Agreement requires that we comply with two financial covenants, consolidated leverage ratio, defined as the ratio of total indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our credit agreement) and consolidated interest coverage ratio, defined as the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our credit agreement) to our consolidated interest expense. Our consolidated leverage ratio cannot exceed 4.25 to 1 and our consolidated interest coverage ratio must be a minimum of 3.0 to 1. However, because of the financial covenant mentioned above, our capacity under our credit facility could be reduced if our trailing consolidated EBITDA (as defined by our credit agreement) declines due to deteriorating market conditions or poor performance. We are also required to comply with various other affirmative and negative covenants including, without limitation, covenants that prevent or restrict our ability to pay dividends, engage in certain mergers or acquisitions, make certain investments or loans, incur future indebtedness, engage in sale-leaseback transactions, alter our capital structure or line of business, prepay subordinated indebtedness, engage in certain transactions with affiliates and sell stock or assets. 33 Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Long-term debt (a) Operating leases Purchase commitments Pension and other post-employment benefit plan obligations (b) Other liabilities (c) Total * Payments Due by Period Less than 1 year 1 to 3 years 3 to 5 years More than 5 years $ 26,162 $ 67,869 $ 434,930 $ — $ 26,427 4,287 301 750 42,940 1,923 — — 32,287 1,587 — — 38,778 108 — — Total 528,961 140,432 7,905 301 750 $ 57,927 $ 112,732 $ 468,804 $ 38,886 $ 678,349 _______________________________________________________________________________ (a) Contractual obligations for long-term debt and short-term borrowings include principal and interest payments. Interest payments have been computed based on an estimated variable interest as of December 31, 2018. The estimated variable interest rate is based on the company's expected consolidated leverage ratio and the forecasted LIBOR rate for each period presented. The computation of interest, as included in the above table, is based on our Amended Credit Facility. (b) Due to the uncertainty of future cash outflows, contributions to the pension and other post-employment benefit plans subsequent to 2019 have been excluded from the table above. (c) Other liabilities consists of contingent payouts due to DatesWeiser, which is based on the future performance of the businesses. * Due to the uncertainty of future cash outflows, uncertain tax positions have been excluded from the table above. Environmental Matters Our past and present business operations and the past and present ownership and operation of manufacturing plants on real property are subject to extensive and changing federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to discharges to air, water and land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and the cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substances. As a result, we are involved from time-to-time in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries relating to environmental matters and could become subject to fines or penalties related thereto. We cannot predict what environmental legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future, how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist. Compliance with more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may require additional expenditures by us, some of which may be material. We have been identified as a potentially responsible party pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) for remediation costs associated with waste disposal sites that we previously used. The remediation costs and our allocated share at some of these CERCLA sites are unknown. We may also be subject to claims for personal injury or contribution relating to CERCLA sites. We reserve amounts for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We do not currently have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special-purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, we do not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange-traded contracts. As a result, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in these relationships. Critical Accounting Policies The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from such estimates. We believe that the critical accounting policies that follow are those policies that require the most judgment, estimation and assumption in preparing our consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition Revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were recognized under ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, (ii) delivery occurred or services were rendered, (iii) the price was fixed or determinable and (iv) collectability was reasonably assured. 34 ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was adopted for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. Per the new standard, we determine revenue recognition by applying the following steps: (i) identify the contract with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations and (v) recognize revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied. We recognize revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. Our primary performance obligation to our customers is the delivery of products. Control of the products sold typically transfers to the customer upon shipment or delivery depending on the shipping terms of the underlying contract. Each customer contract sets forth the transaction price for the products and services purchased under that arrangement. Some customer arrangements include variable consideration, such as volume rebates, some of which depend upon the customers meeting specified performance criteria, such as a purchasing level over a period of time. We use judgment to estimate the most likely amount of variable consideration at each reporting date. When estimating variable consideration, we apply judgment when considering the probability of whether a reversal of revenue could occur and only recognize revenue subject to this constraint. We use historical customer return data as a basis of estimation for customer returns and records the reduction of sales at the time revenue is recognized. Customer returns have historically not been significant. We may receive deposits from customers before revenue is recognized, thus resulting in the recognition of a contract liability (customer deposits). Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling of products are included in sales and the related costs we incur for shipping and handling are included in cost of sales. If shipping activities are performed after a customer obtains control of a product, we account for shipping and handling as an activity to fulfill the promise to transfer the product to the customer. We exclude from the measurement of the transaction price all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and that we collect from a customer. Practical Expedients Elected in adopting ASC 606 Incremental Costs of Obtaining a Contract - We have elected the practical expedient permitted in ASC 340-40-25-4, which permits us to recognize incremental costs to obtain a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period will be less than one year. Significant Financing Component - We have elected the practical expedient permitted in ASC 606-10-32-18, which allows us 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 our contracts are typically less than one year in length, consideration will not be adjusted. Our contracts generally include a standard payment term of 30 days, consequently there is no significant financing component within our contracts. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our clients and dealers to make required payments. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends. We evaluate the past-due status of our trade receivables based on contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, additional allowances may be required. Accounts receivable are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts when we determine that the likelihood of recovery is remote, and we no longer intend to expend resources to attempt collection. Inventory Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. We reserve inventory that, in our judgment, is impaired or obsolete. Obsolescence may be caused by the discontinuance of a product line, changes in product material specifications, replacement products in the marketplace and other competitive influences. Goodwill and Intangible Assets We record the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired as goodwill. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment at least annually, as of October 1, and whenever events or circumstances occur indicating that a possible impairment may have been incurred. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. 35 We assess whether goodwill impairment exists using both the qualitative and quantitative assessments. The qualitative assessment involves determining whether events or circumstances exist that indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If based on this qualitative assessment we determine it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment, a quantitative assessment is performed to determine whether a goodwill impairment exists at the reporting unit. We compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value and if the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, the difference is recorded as an impairment loss. We estimate the fair value of its reporting units using a combination of the fair values derived from both the income approach and the market approach. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections are based on our estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into consideration industry and market conditions. The discount rate used to determine the present value of future cash flows is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business- specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the business's ability to execute on the projected cash flows. The market approach estimates fair value based on market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit. We assess whether indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment exists using both the qualitative and quantitative assessments. The qualitative assessment involves determining whether events or circumstances exist that indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If, based on this qualitative assessment, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount or if we elect not to perform a qualitative assessment, a quantitative assessment is performed to determine whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment exists. We test the indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by comparing the carrying value to the fair value based on current revenue projections of the related operations, under the relief from royalty method. Any excess of the carrying value over the amount of fair value is recognized as an impairment. Any such impairment would be recognized in full in the reporting period in which it has been identified. Based on the results of the annual impairment test as of October 1, 2018, we determined there were no indications of impairment for goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets. Business Combinations The purchase price of an acquired company is allocated between tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the acquired business based on their estimated fair values with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill. The results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in our operating results from the dates of acquisition. Warranty We generally offer a warranty for our products. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the product. We estimate the costs that may be incurred under our warranties and record a liability in the amount of such costs at the time product revenue is recognized. Factors that affect our warranty liability include historical product-failure experience and estimated repair costs for identified matters. We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty liabilities and adjust the amounts as necessary. Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits We sponsor two defined benefit pension plans and two other post-employment benefit plans (“OPEB”). Several statistical and other factors, which attempt to anticipate future events, are used in calculating the expense and liability related to the plans. Key factors include assumptions about the expected rates of return on plan assets, discount rates, and health care cost trend rates. We consider market and regulatory conditions, including changes in investment returns and interest rates, in making these assumptions. We determine the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets based on aggregating the expected rates of return for each component of the plan's asset mix. We use historic plan asset returns combined with current market conditions to estimate the rate of return. The expected rate of return on plan assets is a long-term assumption and generally does not change annually. The discount rate reflects the market rate for high-quality fixed income debt instruments as of our annual measurement date and is subject to change each year. Holding all other assumptions constant, a one-percentage-point increase or decrease in the assumed rate of return on plan assets would decrease or increase 2018 net periodic pension expense by approximately $2.6 million. Likewise, a one-percentage-point increase or decrease in the discount rate would increase or decrease 2018 net periodic pension expense by approximately $0.1 million or $0.7 million, respectively. 36 Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are recognized over the expected remaining lifetime of the plan participants. Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses arise from several factors, including experience and assumption changes with respect to the obligations and from the difference between expected returns and actual returns on plan assets. These unrecognized gains and losses are systematically recognized as a change in future net periodic pension expense in accordance with the appropriate accounting guidance relating to defined benefit pension and OPEB plans. We utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of this component by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. Key assumptions that we use in determining the amount of the obligation and expense recorded for OPEB, under the appropriate accounting guidance, include the assumed discount rate and the assumed rate of increases in future health care costs. In estimating the health care cost trend rate, we consider actual health care cost experience, future benefit structures, industry trends and advice from our actuaries. We assume that the relative increase in health care costs will generally trend downward over the next several years, reflecting assumed increases in efficiency and cost-containment initiatives in the health care system. For purposes of measuring the benefit obligation associated with the Company's OPEB plans as of December 31, 2018, as well as the assumed rate for 2019, a 6.50% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed and a 9.00% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered prescription drug benefits was assumed. The rate was then assumed to decrease to an ultimate rate of 4.50% for 2025 and thereafter for both the medical plan and prescription drug plan and thereafter for the benefit obligation. Increasing the assumed health care cost trend by one-percentage-point in each year would increase the benefit obligation as of December 31, 2018 by a minimal amount and increase the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for 2018 by a minimal amount. Decreasing the assumed health care cost trend rate by one percentage point in each year would decrease the benefit obligation as of December 31, 2018 by a minimal amount and decrease the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for 2018 by a minimal amount. In accordance with the appropriate accounting guidance, we recognize in our consolidated balance sheet the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation) of our defined benefit pension and OPEB plans. To record the unfunded status of our plans, we recorded an additional liability and an asset and an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. The actuarial assumptions we use in determining our pension and OPEB retirement benefits may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates, or longer or shorter life spans of participants. While we believe that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect our financial position or results of operations. Commitments and Contingencies We establish reserves for the estimated cost of environmental and legal contingencies when such expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. A significant amount of judgment is required to estimate and quantify our ultimate exposure in these matters. We engage outside experts as deemed necessary or appropriate to assist in the evaluation of exposure. From time to time, as information becomes available regarding changes in circumstances for ongoing issues as well as information regarding emerging issues, our potential liability is re-assessed and reserve balances are adjusted as necessary. Revisions to our estimates of potential liability, and actual expenditures related to commitments and contingencies, could have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position. Taxes We account for income taxes in accordance with the appropriate accounting guidance relating to income taxes, which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. The appropriate accounting guidance also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be recognized. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including but not limited to reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The Tax Act requires judgments to be made in interpretation of the provisions of the Tax Act and significant estimates in the related calculations. The Department of Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service, and other standard-setting bodies have not implemented all relevant regulations or issued substantive guidance to-date; therefore, they could interpret or issue guidance on how provisions of the Tax Act will be applied that is different from our current interpretation. 37 Furthermore, on December 22, 2017, SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”) that allows registrants to record provisional amounts during a measurement period, which is not to extend beyond one year. Accordingly, amounts recorded may require further adjustments due to evolving analysis and interpretations of law and regulations, including interpretations of how accounting for income taxes should be applied. Consistent with SAB 118, we were able to make reasonable estimates and we incorporated provisional amounts for the impact of the Tax Act at December 31, 2017. Required adjustments to provisional amounts have been incorporated into our December 31, 2018 figures in accordance with the measurement period guidelines in SAB 118. At December 31, 2018, our deferred tax liabilities of $112.4 million exceeded deferred tax assets of $25.9 million by $86.5 million. At December 31, 2017, deferred tax liabilities of $82.7 million exceeded deferred tax assets of $28.1 million by $54.6 million. The increase in deferred tax liabilities is primarily related to acquisition accounting. Our deferred tax assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017 of $25.9 million and $28.1 million, respectively, are net of valuation allowances of $4.8 million. We have recorded the valuation allowance primarily for net operating loss carryforwards in foreign tax jurisdictions where we have incurred historical tax losses from operations or acquired tax losses through acquisition, and have determined that it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized. We evaluate on an ongoing basis the realizability of our deferred tax assets and adjust the amount of the allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization include our forecast of future taxable income and our assessment of available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance relating to uncertainty in income taxes. Accordingly, we report a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. Derivative Financial Instruments From time to time, we enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts to manage our exposure to foreign exchange rates. In 2018, the company entered into an interest rate swap agreement to manage its exposure to interest rate changes and its overall cost of borrowing. The company's interest rate swap agreement was entered into to exchange variable rate interest payments for fixed rate payments over the life of the agreement without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts. The notional amount of the interest rate swap agreement is used to measure interest to be paid or received and does not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We recognize derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and measures those instruments at fair value. Changes in the fair value of such contracts are reported in earnings as a component of “Other (income) expense, net.” Stock-Based Compensation We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant- date fair value of the award. We recognize compensation expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period. Compensation expense relating to restricted stock units that are subject to performance conditions is recognized if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. Expense is adjusted as forfeitures occur. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units, excluding market-based restricted stock units is based upon the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of the market-based restricted stock units is estimated at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which requires management to make certain assumptions based on both historical and current data. These awards vest based upon the performance of our stock price relative to a peer group. The assumptions included in the model include, but are not limited to, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility of our and the peer group's stock prices, and dividend yield. The risk- free rate is based upon the applicable U.S. Treasury Note rate. Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of our stock prices. The dividend yield is based on our historical data. 38 ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK During the normal course of business, we are routinely subjected to market risk associated with interest rate movements and foreign currency exchange rate movements. Interest rate risk arises from our debt obligations. Foreign currency exchange rate risk arises from our non-U.S. operations and purchases of inventory from foreign suppliers. We also have risk in our exposure to certain materials and transportation costs. Steel, leather, wood products and plastics are all used in our products. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we estimated that materials inflation was approximately $6.9 million and transportation inflation was approximately $7.9 million. During 2017, we estimated that materials and transportation inflation were approximately $6.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively. We continue to work to offset price increases in raw materials and transportation through our global sourcing initiatives, cost improvements and price increases to our products. Interest Rate Risk We have variable rate debt obligations that are denominated in U.S. dollars. A change in interest rates will impact the interest costs incurred and cash paid on the variable rate debt. During 2018 and 2017, our weighted average interest rates were approximately 3.6% and 2.4%, respectively. The following table summarizes our market risks associated with our debt obligations as of December 31, 2018. For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related average interest rates by year of maturity. Variable interest rates presented for variable-rate debt represent the average interest rates on our credit facility borrowings as of December 31, 2018. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt approximates its carrying value, as the variable rate debt and the associated terms are comparable to market terms as of the balance sheet date. The weighted-average interest rate is a floating rate as described in Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which at December 31, 2018 was 3.79%. An increase in our weighted-average interest rate of 1%, adjusted for our interest rate swap, would increase annual interest expense by approximately $1.6 million during 2019, $1.9 million during 2020, $2.2 million during 2021 and $2.6 million during 2022 due to the step-down of the notional amount of our interest rate swap for each of those periods. See footnote 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion. We will continue to review our exposure to interest rate fluctuations and evaluate whether we should manage such exposure through derivative transactions. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk We manufacture our products in the United States, Canada and Italy, and sell our products primarily in those markets as well as in other European countries. Our foreign sales and certain expenses are transacted in foreign currencies. Our production costs, profit margins and competitive position are affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where we manufacture or purchase goods relative to the strength of the currencies in countries where our products are sold. Additionally, as our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, our financial position is affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where we have operations relative to the strength of the U.S. dollar. The principal foreign currencies in which we conduct business are the Canadian dollar, Danish krone and the Euro. Approximately 18.1% and 12.6% of our revenues in 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 28.5% and 25.9% of our cost of goods sold in 2018 and 2017, respectively, were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations resulted in $2.0 million of translation gains and $1.8 million of translation losses for 2018 and 2017, respectively. From time to time, we enter into foreign currency hedges to manage our exposure to foreign exchange rates. The terms of these contracts are typically less than a year. Changes in the fair value of such contracts are reported in earnings in the period the value of the contract changes. The net gain or loss upon settlement and the change in fair value of outstanding contracts is recorded as a component of other expense (income). 39 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Knoll, Inc. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Knoll, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 26, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the 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 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 financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP We have served as the Company's auditor since 1996. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania February 26, 2019 40 KNOLL, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Customer receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,724 and $4,039, respectively Inventories Prepaid expenses Other current assets Total current assets Property, plant, and equipment, net Goodwill Intangible assets, net Pension asset Other noncurrent assets Total Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt Accounts payable Other current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term debt Deferred income taxes Post-employment benefits other than pensions Pension liability Other noncurrent liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingent liabilities Equity: Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 65,778,891 shares issued and 49,431,178 shares outstanding (including 725,252 non-voting restricted shares and net of 16,347,713 treasury shares) at December 31, 2018 and 65,460,014 shares issued and 49,339,552 shares outstanding (including 841,610 non-voting restricted shares and net of 16,120,462 treasury shares) at December 31, 2017 Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total Knoll, Inc. stockholders' equity Noncontrolling interests Total equity Total Liabilities and Equity December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 $ 1,560 $ 2,203 120,157 170,549 25,624 13,725 331,615 214,953 320,759 353,946 4,245 1,431 86,687 144,945 29,272 15,163 278,270 200,630 142,113 238,581 — 1,447 $ 1,226,949 $ 861,041 $ 17,185 $ 126,748 128,845 272,778 443,898 86,497 3,301 13,930 20,035 10,000 108,922 104,158 223,080 181,048 54,671 3,575 21,671 18,267 840,439 502,312 494 58,770 395,434 (68,394) 386,304 206 386,510 $ 1,226,949 $ 493 54,455 347,304 (43,774) 358,478 251 358,729 861,041 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 41 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) KNOLL, INC. Sales Cost of sales Gross profit Selling, general, and administrative expenses Restructuring charges Write-off of property, plant, and equipment Operating profit Pension settlement charge Interest expense Other income, net Income before income tax expense Income tax expense (benefit), net Net earnings Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders: Basic Diluted Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: Basic Diluted Net earnings Other comprehensive income (loss): Unrealized loss on interest rate swap, net of tax Pension and other post-employment liability adjustment, net of tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Foreign currency translation adjustment on long term intercompany notes Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Years ended December 31, 2018 $ 1,302,272 2017 $ 1,132,892 2016 $ 1,164,292 820,748 481,524 363,717 2,614 — 115,193 5,735 20,911 (9,604) 98,151 24,896 73,255 7 718,313 414,579 315,586 2,150 16,306 80,537 2,162 7,483 (7,700) 78,592 (1,600) 80,192 29 718,316 445,976 315,468 — — 130,508 — 5,405 (2,435) 127,538 45,424 82,114 30 73,248 $ 80,163 $ 82,084 1.51 1.49 $ $ 1.66 1.63 $ $ 1.71 1.68 $ $ $ 48,657,015 48,422,558 48,093,294 49,218,193 49,160,492 48,919,108 $ 73,255 $ 80,192 $ 82,114 (1,250) 2,645 (13,140) (8,114) (19,859) 53,396 7 — (5,239) 4,868 — (371) 79,821 29 — (6,573) 488 — (6,085) 76,029 30 Comprehensive income attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders $ 53,389 $ 79,792 $ 75,999 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 42 KNOLL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (dollars in thousands, except per share data) Common Stock Additional Paid-In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Knoll, Inc. Stockholders' Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 488 $ 47,165 $ 244,947 $ (37,318) $ 255,282 $ 192 $ 255,474 Net earnings Other comprehensive loss Shares issued for consideration: Exercise of stock options Shares issued under stock incentive plan Shares issued to Board of Directors in lieu of cash Stock-based compensation Cash dividend ($0.60 per share) Purchase of common stock — — 2 3 — — — (2) — — 2,770 (3) 75 10,603 — (5,462) 82,084 — — — — (134) (29,886) — — (6,085) — — — — — — 82,084 (6,085) 2,772 — 75 10,469 (29,886) (5,464) 30 — — — — — — — 82,114 (6,085) 2,772 — 75 10,469 (29,886) (5,464) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 491 $ 55,148 $ 297,011 $ (43,403) $ 309,247 $ 222 $ 309,469 Net earnings Other comprehensive loss Shares issued for consideration: Exercise of stock options Shares issued under stock incentive plan Shares issued to Board of Directors in lieu of cash Stock-based compensation Cash dividend ($0.60 per share) Purchase of common stock — — — 7 — (1) — (4) — — 472 (3) 125 9,659 — (10,946) 80,163 — — — — — (29,870) — — (371) 80,163 (371) — — — — — — 472 4 125 9,658 (29,870) (10,950) 29 — — — — — — — 80,192 (371) 472 4 125 9,658 (29,870) (10,950) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 493 $ 54,455 $ 347,304 $ (43,774) $ 358,478 $ 251 $ 358,729 Net earnings Adoption of ASU 2018-02 Other comprehensive loss Shares issued for consideration: Shares issued under stock incentive plan Shares issued to Board of Directors in lieu of cash Stock-based compensation Cash dividend ($0.60 per share) Purchase of common stock Other — — — 3 — — — (2) — — — (1) 62 8,646 — (4,392) — 73,248 4,761 — — — — (29,879) — — — (4,761) (19,859) — — — — — — 73,248 — (19,859) 2 62 8,646 (29,879) (4,394) — 7 73,255 — — (19,859) — — — — — 2 62 8,646 (29,879) (4,394) (52) (52) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 494 $ 58,770 $ 395,434 $ (68,394) $ 386,304 $ 206 $ 386,510 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 43 KNOLL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (dollars in thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net earnings Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation Amortization expense (including deferred financing fees) Provision (benefit) for deferred taxes Loss on extinguishment of debt Change in fair value of acquisition related contingent consideration Inventory obsolescence Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment Unrealized foreign currency losses Stock-based compensation Non-cash write-off of property, plant and equipment Bad debt and customer claims Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: Customer receivables Inventories Accounts payable Current income taxes Prepaid and other current assets Other current liabilities Other noncurrent assets and liabilities Cash provided by operating activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Capital expenditures Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired Cash used in investing activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from revolving credit facility Repayment of revolving credit facility Proceeds from term loans Repayment of term loans Payment of financing fees Payment of fees related to debt extinguishment Payment of dividends Proceeds from the issuance of common stock Purchase of common stock for treasury Contingent purchase price payment Cash provided by (used in) financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid for interest Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 $ 73,255 $ 80,192 $ 82,114 25,493 9,841 4,846 1,445 (350) 1,654 2,667 533 9,211 278 123 (24,977) (16,173) 12,455 2,621 (3,513) 11,386 (2,587) 108,208 (40,289) (307,983) (348,272) 490,500 (383,000) 350,247 (177,937) (4,652) (1,023) (29,984) 64 (4,411) — 239,804 (383) (643) 2,203 1,560 $ 22,749 3,954 (19,634) — — 1,882 212 1,297 9,658 16,306 1,616 (5,500) (4,045) 12,120 (7,011) (3,350) (4,813) (1,899) 103,734 (40,587) — (40,587) 310,000 (338,000) — — — — (30,193) 601 (10,950) (6,000) (74,542) 3,744 (7,651) 9,854 2,203 $ 19,071 3,954 26,016 — — 2,376 5 827 10,469 — 6,303 26,591 (2,157) 4,591 (6,871) (13,815) (3,430) (51,749) 104,295 (40,105) (18,456) (58,561) 377,500 (379,500) — — — — (29,217) 2,847 (5,464) (5,000) (38,834) (1,238) 5,662 4,192 9,854 18,334 $ 7,605 $ 5,228 $ $ See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 44 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Description of the Business Knoll, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Knoll”) are engaged in the design, manufacture, market and sale of high-end furniture products and accessories, for both workplace and residential markets, as well as modern outdoor furniture. The Company is also engaged in the sale of fine leather, textiles, and felt, focusing on the middle to high-end segments of the market. The Company primarily operates in the United States (“U.S.”), Canada and Europe, and sells its products through a broad network of independent dealers and distribution partners, through a direct sales force, through its showrooms, and online. Basis of Presentation The Company follows accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). The FASB establishes accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants, which the Company is required to follow. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), which serves as a single source of authoritative non-SEC accounting and reporting standards to be applied by non-governmental entities. All amounts are presented in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and any partially-owned subsidiaries that the Company has the ability to control. Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of the Company's European subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements, and are presented on a one-month lag, with the exception of Muuto, to allow for the timely preparation of consolidated financial information. The effect of this lag in presentation is not material to the consolidated financial statements. Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from such estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly-liquid investments with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. Revenue Recognition Revenue for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were recognized under ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, (ii) delivery occurred or services were rendered, (iii) the price was fixed or determinable and (iv) collectability was reasonably assured. ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was adopted for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. Per the new standard, the Company determines revenue recognition by applying the following steps: (i) identify the contract with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations and (v) recognize revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied. The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. The Company's primary performance obligation to its customers is the delivery of products. Control of the products sold typically transfers to the customer upon shipment or delivery depending on the shipping terms of the underlying contract. Each customer contract sets forth the transaction price for the products and services purchased under that arrangement. Some customer arrangements include variable consideration, such as volume rebates, some of which depend upon the customers meeting specified performance criteria, such as a purchasing level over a period of time. The Company uses judgment to estimate the most likely amount of variable consideration at each reporting date. When estimating variable consideration, the Company 45 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 applies judgment when considering the probability of whether a reversal of revenue could occur and only recognize revenue subject to this constraint. The Company uses historical customer return data as a basis of estimation for customer returns and records the reduction of sales at the time revenue is recognized. Customer returns have historically not been significant. The Company may receive deposits from customers before revenue is recognized, thus resulting in the recognition of a contract liability (customer deposits). Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling of products are included in sales and the related costs incurred by the Company for shipping and handling are included in cost of sales. If shipping activities are performed after a customer obtains control of a product, the Company applies a policy election to account for shipping and handling as an activity to fulfill the promise to transfer the product to the customer. The Company applies an accounting policy election to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price all taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction and collected by the Company from a customer. Practical Expedients Elected in adopting ASC 606 Incremental Costs of Obtaining a Contract - The Company 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. Significant Financing Component - The Company 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 Company’s contracts are typically less than one year in length, consideration will not be adjusted. The Company’s contracts generally include a standard payment term of 30 days, consequently there is no significant financing component within its contracts. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for losses associated with accounts receivable balances that are estimated to be uncollectible. The allowance is determined through an analysis of the aging of accounts receivable and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends. The Company evaluates the past-due status of its customer receivables based on the contractual terms of sale. If the financial condition of the Company's customers were to deteriorate, additional allowances may be required. Accounts receivable and corresponding allowance for doubtful accounts are written off when the Company determines that the likelihood of recovery is remote and the Company no longer intends to expend resources to attempt collection. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value and include material, labor and overhead. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method. The Company adjusts for inventory that it believes is impaired or obsolete. Obsolescence occurs as the result of several factors, including the discontinuance of a product line, changes in product material specifications, replacement products in the marketplace and other competitive influences. Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The useful lives are as follows: Category Useful Life (in years) Leasehold improvements (1) Buildings Building improvements Office equipment Software Machinery and equipment Various 45-60 10-20 3-10 3-10 4-12 (1) Useful lives for leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the economic lives or the term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Interest on capital projects is capitalized during the construction period. 46 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 The Company reviews the carrying values of its property and equipment for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable based on undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. The factors considered by the Company in performing this assessment include current operating results, business trends affecting the use of certain assets and other economic factors. In assessing the recoverability of the carrying value of property and equipment, the Company must make assumptions regarding future cash flows and other factors. If these estimates or the related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record an impairment loss for these assets. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment at least annually, as of October 1, and more frequently whenever events or circumstances occur indicating that a possible impairment may have been incurred. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives. The Company assesses whether goodwill impairment exists using both the qualitative and quantitative assessments. The qualitative assessment involves determining whether events or circumstances exist that indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If based on this qualitative assessment the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if the Company elects not to perform a qualitative assessment, a quantitative assessment is performed by determining the fair value of the Company's reporting units. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a combination of the fair values derived from both the income approach and the market approach. Under the income approach, the Company calculates the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Cash flow projections are based on management's estimates of revenue growth rates and operating margins, taking into consideration industry and market conditions. The discount rate is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the business's ability to execute on the projected cash flows. The market approach estimates fair value based on market multiples of revenue and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. When performing a qualitative assessment, the Company assesses numerous factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units are less than their respective carrying values. The Company considered factors that would impact the reporting unit fair values as estimated by the market and income approaches used in the last quantitative assessment. The Company reviewed current projections of cash flows and compared these current projections to the projections included in the most recent quantitative assessment, and considered the fact that no new significant competitors entered the marketplace in the industry and that consumer demand for the industry’s products remains relatively constant, if not growing slightly. Also, economic factors during the year did not significantly affect the discount rates used for the valuation of these reporting units. The Company concluded that events occurring since the last quantitative assessment did not have a significant impact on the fair value of each of these reporting units. Therefore, the Company determined that it was not necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test for certain of these reporting units as the fair value of each reporting units appeared to exceed its respective carrying value. 47 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 The Company assesses whether indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment exists using both the qualitative and quantitative assessments. The qualitative assessment involves determining whether events or circumstances exist that indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. If based on this qualitative assessment, the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount or if the Company elects not to perform a qualitative assessment, a quantitative assessment is performed to determine whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment exists. The Company tests the indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment by comparing the carrying value to the fair value based on current revenue projections of the related operations, under the relief from royalty method. Any excess of the carrying value over the amount of fair value is recognized as an impairment. Any such impairment is recognized in the reporting period in which it has been identified. Finite-lived intangible assets such as customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and licenses are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company reviews the carrying values of these assets for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable based on undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. The Company continually evaluates the reasonableness of the useful lives of these assets. Business Combinations The purchase price of an acquired company is allocated between tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the acquired business based on their estimated fair values, with the residual of the purchase price recorded as goodwill. The results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Company's operating results from the date of acquisition. Deferred Financing Fees Financing fees that are incurred by the Company in connection with the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the life of the underlying indebtedness. Deferred financing fees are presented in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as a direct reduction from long-term debt. Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, and are included as a component of selling, general, and administrative expenses. Research and development expenses were $20.1 million for 2018, $19.2 million for 2017, and $21.7 million for 2016. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach, which requires deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates to measure the effect of temporary differences between book and tax bases on recorded assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets, if it is more likely than not some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be recognized. The need to establish valuation allowances against deferred tax assets is assessed quarterly. The Company maintained a valuation allowance primarily for net operating loss carryforwards in foreign tax jurisdictions where the Company has incurred historical tax losses from operations, and has determined that it is more likely than not these deferred tax assets will not be recognized. The primary factors used to assess the likelihood of realization are reversals of taxable temporary timing differences, forecasts of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. The Company evaluates tax positions to determine whether the benefits of tax positions are more likely than not to be sustained upon audit based on the technical merits of the tax position. For tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon audit, the Company recognizes the largest amount of the benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. For tax positions that are not more likely than not to be sustained upon audit, the Company does not recognize any portion of the benefit. If the more likely than not threshold is not met in the period for which a tax position is taken, the Company may subsequently recognize the benefit of that tax position if the tax matter is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires, or if the more likely than not threshold is met in a subsequent period. The Company recognizes income tax-related interest and penalties in income tax expense and accrues for interest and penalties in other noncurrent liabilities. 48 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Act”), as signed by the President of the United States on December 22, 2017, significantly revised U.S. tax law. The law included significant changes to the U.S. corporate income tax system, including a Federal corporate rate reduction from 35% to 21%, limitations on the deductibility of interest expense and executive compensation, and the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system. As a result in the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $26.6 million, which primarily related to the remeasurement of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities in the U.S. based on the new lower corporate income tax rate and the one-time transition tax. During 2018, the Company finalized the calculations and recorded an additional tax benefit of $1.7 million related to the rate differential on the deferred provision to return. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The Company uses the following valuation techniques to measure fair value for its financial assets and financial liabilities: Level 1 Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market- corroborated inputs which are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 Inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company and its subsidiaries use, as appropriate, a market approach (generally, data from market transactions), an income approach (generally, present value techniques and option-pricing models), and/or a cost approach (generally, replacement cost) to measure the fair value of an asset or liability. These valuation approaches incorporate inputs such as observable, independent market data and/or unobservable data that management believes are predicated on the assumptions market participants would use to price an asset or liability. These inputs may incorporate, as applicable, certain risks such as nonperformance risk, which includes credit risk. Derivative Instruments The Company utilizes derivative instruments to mitigate volatility related to interest rates on certain debt instruments. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company recognizes derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and measures those instruments at fair value. Changes in the fair value of those instruments are initially reported in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) if they qualify for hedge accounting and is subsequently recognized in earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. Derivatives qualify for hedge accounting if they are designated as hedge instruments and if the hedge is highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in the cash flows of the asset or liability hedged. Hedge effectiveness is assessed on a regular basis. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized immediately in current net earnings. Commitments and Contingencies The Company establishes reserves for the estimated cost of environmental, legal and other contingencies when such expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. A significant amount of judgment is required to estimate and quantify the ultimate exposure in these matters. The Company engages outside experts as deemed necessary or appropriate to assist in the evaluation of exposure. From time to time, as information becomes available regarding changes in circumstances for ongoing issues as well as information regarding emerging issues, the potential liability is reassessed and reserve balances are adjusted as necessary. Revisions to the estimates of potential liability, and actual expenditures related to commitments and contingencies, could have a material impact on the results of operations or financial position. Warranty The Company generally offers an assurance-type warranty for its products. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending upon the product sold. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time product revenue is recognized. Factors that affect the Company's warranty liability include historical product-failure experience and estimated repair costs for identified matters. The Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. 49 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 Concentration of Credit Risk The Company's customer receivables are comprised primarily of amounts due from independent dealers and direct customers. The Company monitors and manages the credit risk associated with the individual dealers and direct customers. The independent dealers are responsible for assessing and assuming the credit risk of their customers, and may require their customers to provide deposits or other credit enhancement measures. Historically the Company has had a concentration of federal and local government receivables; however, they carry minimal credit risk. Foreign Currency Translation Results of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates during the year, while assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates as of the balance sheet dates. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses resulting from exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the applicable subsidiary are included in the consolidated statements of operations, within other income, net, in the year in which the gain or loss occurs. Stock-Based Compensation The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The Company recognizes compensation expense using the straight-line method over the vesting period. Compensation expense relating to restricted stock units that are subject to performance conditions is recognized if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. Forfeitures are recognized when they occur. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units, excluding market-based restricted stock units, is based upon the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of the market-based restricted stock units is estimated at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which requires management to make certain assumptions based on both historical and current data. These awards vest based upon the performance of the Company's stock price relative to a peer group. The assumptions included in the model include, but are not limited to, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility of the Company's and the peer group's stock prices, and dividend yield. The risk-free rate is based upon the applicable U.S. Treasury Note rate. Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of the Company's stock prices. The dividend yield is based on the Company's historical data. Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits The Company sponsors two defined benefit pension plans and two other post-employment benefit plans ("OPEB"). Several statistical and other factors, which attempt to anticipate future events, are used in calculating the expense and liability related to the plans. Key factors include assumptions about the expected rates of return on plan assets, discount rates, and health care cost trend rates. The Company considers market and regulatory conditions, including changes in investment returns and interest rates, in making these assumptions. The Company determines the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets based on aggregating the expected rates of return for each component of the plan's asset mix. The Company uses historic plan asset returns combined with current market conditions to estimate the rate of return. The expected rate of return on plan assets is a long-term assumption and generally does not change annually. The discount rate reflects the market rate for high-quality fixed income debt instruments as of the Company's annual measurement date and is subject to change each year. Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses are recognized over the expected remaining lifetime of the plan participants. Unrecognized actuarial gains and losses arise from several factors, including experience and assumption changes with respect to the obligations of the pension and OPEB plans, and from the difference between expected returns and actual returns on plan assets. These unrecognized gains and losses are systematically recognized as a change in future net periodic pension expense in accordance with the appropriate accounting guidance relating to defined benefit pension and OPEB plans. Key assumptions used in determining the amount of the obligation and expense recorded for the OPEB plans include the assumed discount rate and the assumed rate of increases in future health care costs. In estimating the health care cost trend rate, the Company considers actual health care cost experience, future benefit structures, industry trends and advice from its actuaries. The Company assumes that the relative increase in health care costs will generally trend downward over the next several years, reflecting assumed increases in efficiency and cost-containment initiatives in the health care system. 50 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 In accordance with the appropriate accounting guidance, the Company has recognized the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation) of the defined benefit pension and OPEB plans in the consolidated balance sheets. To record the unfunded status of the plans, the Company recorded an additional liability and an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax. Other changes in the benefit obligation including net actuarial loss (gain) and prior service cost (credit) are recognized in other comprehensive income. The actuarial assumptions the Company used in determining the pension and OPEB retirement benefits may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates, or longer or shorter life spans of participants. While the Company believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in assumptions may materially affect the financial position or results of operations. Segment Information The Company has two reportable segments: Office and Lifestyle. The Office reportable segment is comprised of the operations of the Office operating segment. The Lifestyle reportable segment is an aggregation of the Lifestyle, Europe Studio, and Muuto operating segments. All unallocated expenses are included within Corporate. The Office reportable segment includes a complete range of workplace products that address diverse workplace planning paradigms. These products include: systems furniture, seating, storage, tables, desks and KnollExtra® accessories as well as the international sales of our North American Office products. The Lifestyle reportable segment aggregates three operating segments: Lifestyle, Europe Studio and Muuto. Our Lifestyle reportable segment products, which are distributed in North America and Europe, include iconic seating, lounge furniture, side, café and dining chairs as well as conference, training, dining and occasional tables, lighting, rugs, textiles, high-quality fabrics, felt, leather and related architectural products. Corporate costs represent the accumulation of unallocated costs relating to shared services and general corporate activities including, but not limited to, legal expenses, acquisition expenses, certain finance, human resources, administrative and executive expenses and other expenses that are not directly attributable to an operating segment. Dedicated, direct selling, general and administrative expenses of the segments are included within segment operating profit. Management regularly reviews the costs included in the Corporate function, and believes disclosing such information provides more visibility and transparency of how the chief operating decision maker reviews the results for the Company. During 2018, the Company changed the structure of its internal organization that caused the composition of its reportable segments to change. Prior to the reorganization, the Company had three reportable segments: Office, Studio and Coverings. While the Office reportable segment was previously comprised of the operations of the Office operating segment, the Studio and Coverings reportable segments were each comprised of multiple operating segments that had been previously aggregated. Subsequently, these operating segments that previously comprised the Studio and Coverings reportable segments were reorganized and now represent components of the Lifestyle and Europe Studio operating segments. As a result of this change, the Company retrospectively revised prior period results, by segment, to conform to the current period presentation. New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 842, Leases, which supersedes the guidance in ASC 840, Leases. ASC 842 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and the Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective approach. While the Company continues to evaluate the provisions of ASC 842 to determine how it will be affected, the primary effect of adopting the new standard will be to record assets and obligations for current operating leases. Lessees will classify leases as either finance or operating leases and lessors classify all leases as sales-type, direct financing or operating leases. For operating leases, the consolidated statement of operations presentation and expense recognition is similar to that of operating leases under ASC 840 with single lease cost recognized on a straight-line basis. The Company has no financing leases. During 2018, the Company made progress on implementing the new standard which included surveying the Company’s businesses, assessing the Company’s portfolio of leases and compiling a central repository of active leases. The Company evaluated key policy elections and considerations under the standard which the Company will utilize to develop an internal policy to address the new standard requirements. Additionally, the Company selected a lease accounting software solution to support the new reporting requirements and started implementation of the software. While the Company continues to assess the impact on its accounting policies, internal control processes and related disclosures required under the new guidance, the Company expects to record lease liabilities of approximately $133 million, with an offsetting increase to right-of-use assets of approximately $120 million for all leases with an initial term of greater than twelve months regardless of their classification. These conclusions may change as the Company continues to evaluate the new standard or if there are any changes in the Company’s lease portfolio. 51 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 In 2018, the FASB issued clarifying guidance to the topic in ASUs No. 2018-10 and No. 2018-11, which clarified certain aspects of the new leases standard and provided an optional transition method. The Company has elected the package of practical expedients and will adopt utilizing the optional transition method defined within ASU 2018-11 upon adoption on January 1, 2019. The Company did not elect the hindsight expedient. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology for measuring and recognizing credit losses with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements. In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock compensation (Topic 718) which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions resulting from expanding the scope of Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. Some of the areas for simplification apply only to nonpublic entities. The amendments specify that Topic 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor’s own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The amendments also clarify that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not plan to early adopt this ASU but does not believe there will be a material impact to the financial statements as a result of adopting this ASU. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) which modifies the disclosure requirements of fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. For public companies the ASU removes disclosure requirements for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels and the valuation process for Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU modifies the disclosure requirements for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value and clarifies that the measurement uncertainty disclosure is to communicate information about the uncertainty in measurement as of the reporting date. The ASU adds the disclosure requirement for changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not plan to early adopt this ASU and the Company does not believe there will be a material impact to the financial statements as a result of adopting this ASU. Accounting Standards Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, also referred to as ASC 606, which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods therein. The Company adopted the standard as of January 1, 2018. The Company adopted ASC 606 for all open contracts as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method, and applied the guidance to report new disclosures surrounding the Company’s recognition of revenue. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on the financial position of the Company, the results of its operations or its cash flows as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, and the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. There was no cumulative effect of adopting the standard at the date of initial application in retained earnings. The new standard further requires quantitative and qualitative disclosures about the Company’s contracts with customers which have been included within this Form 10-K. 52 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20). The ASU removes the requirements to disclose: amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year, the amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer, related party disclosures about the amount of future annual benefits covered by insurance and annuity contracts and significant transactions between the employer or related parties and the plan, and the effects of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates. The ASU requires disclosure of the explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The amendments in the update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments in this update are required to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. The Company adopted the update in the fourth quarter of 2018 and there is no material impact to the financial statements as a result of adopting this ASU. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). The new standard requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be presented in the same income statement line as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period and the other components of net periodic benefit cost to be presented separately from the income statement lines that include service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income. The Company adopted the new standard for the period beginning January 1, 2018, resulting in no change in presentation of the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost, which has historically been reported in selling, general and administrative expenses along with other employee compensation costs. The retrospective adoption resulted in the Company reclassifying $9.6 million and $5.8 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, of the other components of net periodic benefit cost from Selling, general and administrative to Other income, net. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). The new standard is intended to better align a company’s risk management strategies and financial reporting for hedging relationships. Under the new guidance, more hedging strategies will be eligible for hedge accounting and the application of hedge accounting is simplified. In addition, the new guidance amends presentation and disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted, including the interim periods within those years. The Company early adopted the standard as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) was signed into law. Subsequently, the Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) which provides guidance regarding 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 Tax Act. In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740) which incorporates the provision of SAB 118 into the accounting standards codification. In 2017 in accordance with SAB 118, the Company made a reasonable estimate of the effects on its existing deferred tax balances and one- time transition tax including the impact of the assertion to repatriate foreign earnings, which was anticipated to change as data became available through the tax return preparation process allowing more accurate scheduling of the deferred tax assets and liabilities primarily related to depreciable assets, inventory, employee compensation and commissions. The measurement period ended in the fourth quarter of 2018 in accordance with SAB 118 standards, and the Company finalized its accounting. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). The new standard will allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). The amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statements users. However, because the amendment only relates to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted, including the interim periods within those years. The Company early adopted the standard effective January 1, 2018 and reclassified $4.8 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings related to the Company’s pension and other postretirement liabilities. 53 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 NOTE 3. REVENUE Disaggregation of Revenue The majority of the Company’s revenue presented as “Sales” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income is the result of contracts with customers for the sale of the Company’s products. The Company’s sales by product category were as follows (in thousands): Office Segment Office Systems Seating Files and Storage Ancillary Other Total Office Segment Lifestyle Segment Studio Coverings Total Lifestyle Segment Total Sales Contract Balances Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 $ 435,135 $ 422,681 $ 488,751 128,855 118,454 124,732 91,537 92,372 34,121 90,362 59,487 32,000 85,696 38,150 31,544 $ 782,020 $ 722,984 $ 768,873 410,239 110,013 300,948 108,960 285,885 109,534 $ 520,252 $ 409,908 $ 395,419 $ 1,302,272 $ 1,132,892 $ 1,164,292 The Company has contract assets consisting of Customer receivables in the Consolidated Balance Sheets which represent the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the goods or services rendered to its customers. When the Company receives deposits, the recognition of revenue is deferred and results in the recognition of a contract liability (Customer deposits) presented as a component of Other Current Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequent recognition of revenue and the satisfaction of the contract liability is typically less than one year as the Company’s standard contract is less than one year. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the contract liability related to customer deposits was $37.7 million and $30.5 million, respectively. The Company recognized revenues that were included in the contract liability at the beginning of the current year of $30.5 million. In addition, the Company assumed a contract liability of $1.5 million related to a business combination during the year. 4. ACQUISITIONS On September 9, 2016, Holly Hunt Enterprises, Inc. (“HOLLY HUNT®”) completed the acquisition of Vladimir Kagan Design Group (“Vladimir Kagan”), known for its elegant, mid-century and contemporary designs. The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition was $8.5 million. The purchase price was funded from borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The Company recorded the acquisition of Vladimir Kagan using the acquisition method of accounting and recognized the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair values as of the date of the acquisition. The results of operations of Vladimir Kagan have been included in the Company's Lifestyle segment beginning September 9, 2016. On December 1, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of DatesWeiser Furniture Corporation (“DatesWeiser”), a designer and manufacturer of contemporary wood conference and meeting room furniture. The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition was $11.0 million, plus certain contingent payouts of up to $4.0 million in the aggregate based on the future performance of the business. The purchase price was funded from borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The Company recorded the acquisition of DatesWeiser using the acquisition method of accounting and recognized the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair values as of the date of the acquisition. The results of operations of DatesWeiser have been included in the Company's Lifestyle segment beginning December 1, 2016. The results of Vladimir Kagan and DatesWeiser in 2016, as well as pro forma financial information, have not been presented as the financial impact of these acquisitions are not considered material for the year ended December 31, 2016. 54 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 On January 25, 2018, the Company acquired one hundred percent (100%) of the shares of Muuto Holding ApS and MIE4 Holding 5 ApS, which collectively hold all the business operations of Muuto ApS (“Muuto”). Muuto’s affordable luxury products span commercial and residential applications, adding scale and diversity to the Company’s business. The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition was $307.7 million, net of $7.6 million of cash acquired and subject to certain customary adjustments. The Company recorded the acquisition of Muuto using the acquisition method of accounting and recognized the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The results of operations of Muuto have been included in the Company’s Lifestyle segment beginning January 25, 2018. The Company funded the acquisition with borrowings from the Amended Credit Agreement as well as cash on hand. See Note 13 for information on the Company’s borrowings. The Company recorded acquisition and certain other costs of $5.1 million within selling, general, and administrative expenses in its Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. The amount of sales and net loss that resulted from the acquisition and attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands): Sales Net Income (loss) attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018 $ $ 85,575 (1,305) The following table summarizes the fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulting goodwill as of the January 25, 2018 acquisition date (in thousands): Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date Cash Customer receivables Inventory Other current assets Property, plant, and equipment, net Intangible assets Other non-current assets Total assets acquired Accounts payable Other current liabilities Deferred income taxes Total liabilities assumed Net assets acquired Purchase price Less: Fair value of acquired identifiable assets and liabilities Goodwill $ $ $ $ $ $ 7,605 8,617 11,085 453 1,266 135,600 296 164,922 3,418 10,591 29,919 43,928 120,994 315,313 120,994 194,319 The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets is recorded to goodwill and primarily reflects the assembled workforce and expected synergies. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. 55 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of Muuto’s identifiable intangible assets and their estimated useful lives (in thousands): Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Trade name Finite-lived intangible assets: Wholesale customer relationships Contract customer relationships Copyrights & designs Non-competition agreements Total intangible assets Fair Value as of January 25, 2018 Estimated Useful Life (in years) 66,000 Indefinite 35,800 25,000 7,500 1,300 135,600 15 9 7 3 $ $ Unaudited pro forma information for the Company for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 as if the acquisition had occurred January 1, 2017 is as follows (in thousands): Pro forma sales Pro forma net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018 1,306,420 78,964 $ $ 2017 1,203,158 77,892 $ $ The unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of results of operations that would have been achieved had the acquisition taken place on the date indicated, or the future consolidated results of operations of the Company. The pro forma financial information presented above has been derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of the Company and from the historical consolidated financial statements of Muuto. The pro forma financial information presented above include adjustments for: (1) incremental amortization expense related to fair value adjustments to identifiable intangible assets, (2) incremental interest expense for outstanding borrowings to reflect the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, (3) nonrecurring items, (4) the tax effect of the above adjustments. The pro forma information presented for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 excludes expenses for future payments that are considered compensation for post combination service of $3.2 million, loss on debt extinguishment of $1.4 million, acquisition costs of $1.9 million, and acquisition-related inventory step-up valuation adjustment of $0.9 million, and includes incremental interest expense of $0.1 million and incremental amortization of intangibles of $0.8 million. The income tax impact of these adjustments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was $1.3 million. The pro forma information presented for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 includes incremental amortization of intangibles of $6.6 million, acquisition costs of $1.9 million, future payments that are considered compensation for post combination service of $3.5 million, incremental amortization of deferred financing fees of $1.2 million, incremental interest expense of $1.7 million, and an acquisition-related inventory step-up valuation adjustment of $0.9 million. The income tax impact of these adjustments for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was $4.6 million. The pro forma financial information does not include adjustments for potential future cost savings. 56 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 5. INVENTORIES Information regarding the Company's inventories is as follows (in thousands): Raw materials Work-in-process Finished goods December 31, 2018 2017 $ $ 65,185 8,282 97,082 170,549 $ $ 58,725 6,943 79,277 144,945 6. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, NET Information regarding the Company's property, plant and equipment is as follows (in thousands): Land Leasehold improvements Buildings Office equipment Software Machinery and equipment Construction-in-progress Property, plant and equipment Accumulated depreciation Property, plant, and equipment, net December 31, 2018 2017 $ 11,985 $ 59,604 68,852 19,533 43,436 237,194 52,730 493,334 (278,381) 214,953 $ $ 12,489 54,995 67,465 18,193 40,378 243,939 32,481 469,940 (269,310) 200,630 During 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company capitalized interest of approximately $0.8 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company completed a global design review of the next phases of its enterprise resource planning system implementation. Through this review, the Company identified certain software items that were no longer useful to the future phases of the enterprise resource planning system. As a result, the Company recorded a $16.3 million write-off of capitalized software costs in 2017. 7. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET Information regarding the Company's other intangible assets are as follows (in thousands): December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount Indefinite-lived intangible assets: Tradenames $ 285,529 $ — $ 285,529 $ 225,600 $ — $ 225,600 Finite-lived intangible assets: Customer relationships Copyrights & design Various Total 78,382 6,960 13,510 $ 384,381 $ (18,418) (999) (11,018) (30,435) $ 59,964 5,961 2,492 22,497 — 12,088 353,946 $ 260,185 $ (11,575) — (10,029) (21,604) $ 10,922 — 2,059 238,581 There were no impairment charges recorded relating to goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets during 2018, 2017 or 2016. 57 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 The Company's amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets was $8.9 million, $3.3 million, and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. The expected amortization expense based on the finite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 is as follows (in thousands): 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Estimated Amortization 8,605 $ 8,466 7,960 7,635 7,564 The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment are as follows (in thousands): Balance as of December 31, 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustment Purchase accounting adjustment Balance as of December 31, 2017 Foreign currency translation adjustment Goodwill acquired Balance as of December 31, 2018 8. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES $ Office Segment 35,701 519 — 36,220 (597) — Lifestyle Segment 105,690 $ Total $ 141,391 — 203 105,893 (15,351) 194,594 519 203 142,113 (15,948) 194,594 320,759 $ 35,623 $ 285,136 $ Information regarding the Company's other current liabilities is as follows (in thousands): Accrued employee compensation Customer deposits Warranty Other Other current liabilities December 31, 2018 2017 $ $ 40,568 37,716 9,623 40,938 128,845 $ $ 41,144 30,484 9,174 23,356 104,158 58 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 9. LEASES The Company has commitments under operating leases for certain machinery and equipment as well as manufacturing, warehousing, showroom and other facilities used in its operations. Some of the leases contain renewal provisions and generally require the Company to pay certain operating expenses, including utilities, insurance and taxes, which are subject to escalation. At times the Company enters into lease agreements which contain a provision for cash abatements related to certain leasehold improvements. These abatements are recognized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to rent expense over the lease term. The unamortized portions as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $6.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively. Total rent expense for 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $32.1 million, $28.9 million, and $29.8 million, respectively. Future minimum rental payments required, excluding maintenance and other miscellaneous charges, under those operating leases are as follows (in thousands): 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Subsequent years Total minimum lease payments Future Minimum Rental Payments 26,427 $ 23,805 19,135 17,224 15,063 38,778 140,432 $ 10. PENSION AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS The Company has two domestic defined benefit pension plans and two plans providing for other post-employment benefits, including medical and life insurance coverage. One of the pension plans and one of the OPEB plans covered eligible U.S. nonunion employees while the other pension plan and OPEB plan covered eligible U.S. union employees. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for all of these plans. During 2015, the Company approved amendments, effective December 31, 2015, to both the union and nonunion U.S. defined benefit pension plans. The Company also amended its remaining post-employment medical plan in 2015. The amendments eliminated the accrual of future benefits for all participants in the defined benefit pension plans and closed entry to new retirees into the post-employment medical plan. During 2018, the Company contributed $7.9 million in discretionary contributions to the union pension plan and did not contribute to the nonunion pension plan. During 2017, the Company did not make any contributions to the union or nonunion pension plans. During 2016, the Company contributed $9.0 million and $43.0 million in discretionary contributions to the union and nonunion pension plans, respectively. 59 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the related benefit obligation and plan assets related to the benefits provided by the Company (in thousands): Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2018 2017 2018 2017 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of the period $ 295,566 $ 280,193 $ 3,806 $ Expected administrative expenses Interest cost Plan amendments Participant contributions Actuarial (gain) loss Benefits paid Benefits paid related to settlement Loss (gain) related to settlement Administrative expenses paid Projected benefit obligation at end of the period Accumulated benefit obligation at end of the period Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the period Actual return on plan assets Employer contributions Participant contributions Actual expenses paid Benefits paid Benefits paid related to settlement Fair value of plan assets at the end of period Funded status $ $ $ $ $ 940 10,160 — — (26,385) (7,095) (29,480) 893 (984) 243,615 243,615 273,895 (10,306) 7,900 $ $ $ 700 9,455 — — 27,925 (7,617) (11,969) (472) (2,649) 295,566 295,566 263,027 33,103 — — (984) (7,095) (29,480) 233,930 $ (9,685) $ — (2,649) (7,617) (11,969) $ 273,895 (21,671) $ — 120 — 209 (43) (490) — — — $ $ $ 3,602 $ — $ — $ — 281 209 — (490) — — $ (3,602) $ 5,736 — 173 (1,317) 206 (284) (708) — — — 3,806 — — — 502 206 — (708) — — (3,806) The actuarial loss in 2017 was mainly due to approximately a 50 basis point drop in discount rates used to value the projected benefit obligation. The actuarial gain in 2018 was mainly driven by approximately a 70 basis point increase in the discount rates, which lowered the value of the projected benefit obligation. Additionally, each year the plans experienced other sources of gains and losses due to other changes in assumptions and demographic data. Also during 2018, benefits paid related to settlement increased from 2017 due to settling the liability for certain beneficiaries. Also in 2018, the Company contributed $7.9 million to the union plan ($0 in 2017). No employer contributions were made to the nonunion plan in 2017 or 2018. Assumptions used in computing the benefit obligation as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Discount rate Expected return on plan assets Rate of compensation increase Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2018 4.37% - 4.46% 4.60% - 7.10% 2017 2018 2017 3.70 - 3.77% 3.30% - 4.32% N/A 7.10% 2.48 - 3.66% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 60 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 The following table presents the fair value of the Company's pension plan investments as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): Equity Securities U.S. equity securities Non-U.S. equity securities Debt Securities Equity Securities U.S. equity securities Non-U.S. equity securities Debt Securities Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total $ — $ 54,484 $ — $ — 28,036 $ — $ 75,944 $ — $ — 37,042 — — — — 54,484 28,036 151,410 233,930 75,944 37,042 160,909 273,895 Fixed income funds and cash investment funds 121,663 29,747 December 31, 2018 $ 121,663 $ 112,267 $ — $ Fixed income funds and cash investment funds 123,867 37,042 December 31, 2017 $ 123,867 $ 150,028 $ — $ See Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements for the description of the levels of the fair value hierarchy. The following table sets forth the consolidated balance sheets presentation for components relating to the Company's pension and OPEB plans (in thousands): Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of: Noncurrent assets Current liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Net amount recognized Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes: Net actuarial loss Prior service (credit) Net amount recognized Pension Benefits (2) Other Benefits (2) 2018 2017 2018 2017 $ $ $ $ 4,245 $ — (13,930) (9,685) $ — $ — (21,671) (21,671) $ — $ (301) (3,301) (3,602) $ 55,923 — 55,923 $ $ 60,256 — 60,256 $ $ $ 1,043 (2,580) (1,537) $ — (231) (3,575) (3,806) 1,015 (3,310) (2,295) At December 31, 2018, the union pension plan had a fair value of plan assets of $50.6 million and both a projected benefit obligation (PBO) and accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) of $46.4 million, leading to an excess of the fair value of plan assets over the PBO/ABO of $4.2 million. Also at December 31, 2018, the nonunion pension plan had both a PBO and ABO of $197.2 million a fair value of plan assets of $183.3 million, leading to an excess of PBO/ABO over the fair value of plan assets of $13.9 million. The following table sets forth changes in the benefit obligation before income taxes recognized in other comprehensive income for the Company's pension and OPEB plans (in thousands): 61 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 Net actuarial loss (gain) Prior service (credit) Amortization of: Prior service credit Actuarial (loss) gain Loss recognized related to settlement Total recognized in OCI Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2018 2017 2018 2017 $ 2,390 $ 12,794 $ — — (43) $ — (227) (1,400) — (988) (5,735) (4,333) $ — (704) (2,162) 9,928 $ 730 71 — $ 758 $ 1,485 (3) — (145) The following table sets forth the components of the net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Company's pension and OPEB plans (in thousands): Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Expected administrative expenses $ 940 $ 700 $ 1,870 $ — $ — $ 10,160 (17,574) 9,455 (18,444) 9,662 (14,782) — 988 5,735 — 704 2,162 — 492 — 120 — (730) (71) — 173 — (1,485) 3 — — 196 — (1,120) (248) — Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Recognized actuarial loss (gain) Settlement related expense (1) Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ 249 $ (5,423) $ (2,758) $ (681) $ (1,309) $ (1,172) _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) The pension settlement charge for 2018 related to the purchase of annuities for certain plan retirees as well as cash payments for lump sum elections. The pension settlement charge for 2017 related to lump sum elections made by employees affected by the restructuring activities in the second quarter of 2017. Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 were as follows: Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 Discount rate 3.70 - 3.77% 3.80 - 4.25% 4.55 - 4.65% 2.48 - 3.66% 2.35 - 4.20% 2.30 - 4.51% Expected return on plan assets Rate of compensation increase 7.10% N/A 7.10% N/A 7.10% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A The expected long-term rate of return on assets is based on management's expectations of long-term average rates of return to be earned on the investment portfolio. In establishing this assumption, management considers historical and expected returns for the asset classes in which the plan assets are invested. 62 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 For purposes of measuring the benefit obligation associated with the Company's OPEB plans as of December 31, 2018, as well as the assumed rate for 2018 the following rates were assumed to affect the per capita costs of the following covered benefits: Healthcare Prescription drug Benefit obligation Net periodic benefit cost 2018 2027 and thereafter 2018 2025 and thereafter 6.50% 9.00% 4.50% 4.50% 5.60% - 7.20% 10.10% 4.50% 4.50% The Company's pension plans' weighted-average asset allocations as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, by asset category were as follows: Asset Category: Temporary investment funds Equity investment funds Fixed income funds Total Plan Assets at December 31, 2018 2017 3% 35% 62% 100% 1% 41% 58% 100% The Company's pension plans' investment policy includes an asset mix based on the Company's risk posture. The investment policy follows a glide path approach that shifts a higher portfolio weighting to fixed income as the funded status increases. The investment policy states a target allocation based on the plans’ funded status of approximately 35% equity funds and 65% fixed income funds. Inclusion of the fixed income assets is to hedge risk associated with the plans’ liabilities along with providing potential growth through income. These assets should primarily invest in fixed income instruments of the U.S. Treasury and government agencies and investment-grade corporate bonds. The equity fund investments can consist of broadly diversified domestic equity, international equity, fixed income (return seeking), alternative investments, commodities, and real estate assets. The purpose of these assets is to provide the opportunity for capital appreciation, income, and the ability to diversify investments. A mix of mutual funds, ETF’s, and separate accounts are used as the plans' investment vehicles with clearly stated investment objectives and guidelines, as well as offer competitive long-term results. The Company expects to contribute $0.3 million to its OPEB plans in 2019. Currently, no contributions are expected in 2019 for the Company's pension plans. Estimated future benefit payments under the pension and OPEB plans are as follows (in thousands): 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 - 2027 Pension Benefits Other Benefits $ $ 16,919 17,246 17,330 17,366 17,031 79,360 301 254 263 262 263 1,235 The Company also sponsors 401K retirement savings plans for all U.S. associates. Under the 401K retirement savings plans, participants may defer a portion of their earnings up to the annual contribution limits established by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company's total expense under the 401K plans for U.S. employees was $3.9 million for 2018, $5.5 million for 2017 and $9.8 million for 2016. Employees of the Canadian, Belgium, Denmark and United Kingdom operations also participate in defined contribution pension plans sponsored by the Company. The Company's expense related to these plans for 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $1.7 million, $1.0 million, and $1.0 million, respectively. 63 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 11. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Financial Instruments The fair values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy, approximate carrying value due to their short maturities. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, approximates its carrying value, as it is variable rate debt and the terms are comparable to market terms as of the balance sheet dates. Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table represents the assets and liabilities, measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the basis for that measurement (in thousands): Liabilities: Interest rate swap Contingent purchase price payment - DatesWeiser Interest Rate Swap Fair Value as of December 31, 2018 Fair Value as of December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total $ — $ 1,689 $ — $ 1,689 $ — $ — $ — $ — — — 750 750 — — 1,100 1,100 The Company’s interest rate swap is with a counter-party with a credit rating of A- according to S&P and Fitch. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement is based on observable prices as quoted for receiving the variable one month London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) and paying fixed interest rates and therefore were classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Contingent Purchase Price Payment Pursuant to the agreement governing the acquisition of DatesWeiser, the Company may be required to make annual contingent purchase price payments. The payouts are based upon DatesWeiser reaching an annual net sales target, for each year through 2020. The Company classifies this as a Level 3 measurement and is required to remeasure this liability at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of such contingent purchase price payments, totaling $1.1 million, was determined at the time of acquisition based upon net sales projections for DatesWeiser through 2020 and a discount rate of 10%. Excluding the initial recognition of the liability for the contingent purchase price payments and payments made to reduce the liability, any changes in the fair value will be included within selling, general and administrative expenses. During 2018, the Company remeasured the fair value of the liability and recorded a $0.4 million reduction in fair value due to DatesWeiser not meeting the net sales target for 2018. The maximum amount of possible future contingent payments under the agreement as of December 31, 2018 is $4.0 million. There were no additional assets and/or liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018 or 2017. Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis There were no assets and/or liabilities remeasured to fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2018 or 2017 and for the years then ended. 12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS The Company is exposed to interest rate risks related to its business operations. To reduce the interest rate risk the Company uses an interest rate swap contract. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative trading purposes. 64 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 Cash flow hedge To offset the variability of cash flows in interest payments associated with a portion of the Company’s variable rate debt, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract in January 2018 which is designated as a cash flow hedge. The interest rate swap hedges one month LIBOR which effectively converts a portion of the variable-rate debt to a fixed interest rate. The interest rate swap effective date is December 31, 2018 and the maturity date is January 23, 2023. As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s interest rate swap agreement, which hedges certain long-term debt obligations, has an initial notional amount of $300.0 million, which decreases over time by $50 million increments as follows: Period Through December 2019 January 2020 - December 2020 January 2021 - December 2021 January 2022 - December 2022 January 2023 Notional amount outstanding $300 million $250 million $200 million $150 million $100 million The swap contract has a fixed rate of 2.63%. The following table illustrates the location and fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate swap Interest rate swap Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments Derivatives December 31, 2018 Balance Sheet Location Other current liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Fair Value $255 1,434 $1,689 December 31, 2017 Balance Sheet Location Fair Value n/a n/a $0 — $0 The interest rate swap is included at its estimated fair value as an asset or a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet based on a discounted cash flow model using applicable market swap rates and certain assumptions. The fair value of the swap recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) may be recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations if certain terms of the agreement change, are modified or if the loan is extinguished. The Company had no ineffectiveness related to its swap agreement as of December 31, 2018. The Company expects to reclassify in the next twelve months a loss of approximately $0.3 million from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings, as a component of interest expense, related to the Company's interest rate swap based on the borrowing rates at December 31, 2018. 13. INDEBTEDNESS The Company's long-term debt is summarized as follows (in thousands): Balance of revolving credit facility Balance of term loan Total long-term debt Less: Current maturities of long-term debt Less: Deferred financing fees, net Long-term debt December 31, 2018 2017 $ 134,500 $ 330,802 465,302 17,185 4,219 27,000 165,000 192,000 10,000 952 $ 443,898 $ 181,048 At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company's weighted-average interest rates were approximately 3.6% and 2.4%, respectively. 65 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 Credit Facilities The following revolving credit facilities were in place at December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands): December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Expiration Date Capacity Borrowed Letter of Credit Unused capacity Expiration Date Capacity Borrowed Letter of Credit Unused capacity Jan 2023 $ 400,000 $ 134,500 $ 5,167 $ 260,333 May 2019 $ 300,000 $ 27,000 $ 5,367 $ 267,633 At December 31, 2018, borrowings under the revolving credit facility include $2.5 million at a base rate of 6.25% and $132.0 million at a weighted average LIBOR rate of 4.25%. At December 31, 2017, borrowings under the revolving credit facility accrued interest at 2.62%. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 the letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility incurred interest at 1.75% and 1.25%, respectively. On January 23, 2018, the Company completed an amendment to its existing credit facility, dated May 20, 2014 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”), whereby the Existing Credit Agreement was amended and restated in its entirety by the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, among the Company and certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company, as borrowers, and certain domestic and foreign subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, (the “Amended Credit Agreement”). The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a $750.0 million credit facility that matures in five years, consisting of a revolving commitment in the amount of $400.0 million, which may be available in U.S. dollars, Euro, British Pound and other foreign currencies, a U.S. term loan commitment in the amount of $250.0 million and a multicurrency term loan commitment in the amount of €81.7 million. The Amended Credit Agreement also includes an option to increase the size of the revolving credit facility or incur incremental term loans by up to the greater of $250.0 million or 90% of the EBITDA of the Company and its subsidiaries for the four fiscal quarters prior to such increase or additional loan, subject to the satisfaction of certain terms and conditions. The proceeds of the credit facility were used to (1) consummate the Muuto acquisition and, (2) refinance certain indebtedness and will also be used, among other things, for general corporate and operational purposes. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility may be repaid at any time, but no later than the maturity date on January 23, 2023. The Company retains the right to terminate or reduce the size of the revolving credit facility at any time. Borrowings under the term loan facilities amortize in equal quarterly installments equaling 5% per annum, with the remaining borrowings due on the maturity date. Interest on the revolving credit and term loans will accrue, at the Company’s election, at (i) the Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement), plus additional percentage points based on the Company’s leverage ratio or (ii) the Base Rate (a rate based on the higher of (a) the prime rate announced from time-to-time by Bank of America, N.A., (b) the Federal Reserve System’s federal funds rate, plus .50% or (c) the Eurocurrency Rate, plus 1.00%; Base Rate is defined in detail in the Amended Credit Agreement), plus additional percentage points based on the Company’s leverage ratio. At December 31, 2018 the U.S. term loan and multicurrency term loan incurred interest at 4.27% and 1.75%, respectively. At December 31, 2017 the U.S. term loan incurred interest at 2.82%. The Eurocurrency rates used for the U.S. dollar-denominated term loan and the Euro-denominated term loan are one month LIBOR and one month Euribor, respectively. The Amended Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, including without limitation (i) covenants to maintain a minimum specified interest coverage ratio and maximum specified net leverage ratio (or under certain circumstances, a maximum specified net secured leverage ratio), and (ii) covenants that prevent or restrict the Company’s ability to pay dividends, engage in certain mergers or acquisitions, make certain investments or loans, incur future indebtedness, engage in sale-leaseback transactions, alter its capital structure or line of business, prepay subordinated indebtedness, engage in certain transactions with affiliates and sell stock or assets. Repayments under the Amended Credit Agreement can be accelerated by the lenders upon the occurrence of certain events of default, including, without limitation, a failure to pay any principal, interest or other amounts in respect of loans when due, breach by the Company (or its subsidiaries) of any of the covenants or representations contained in the Amended Credit Agreement or related loan documents, failure of the Company (or its material subsidiaries) to pay any amounts owed with respect to other significant indebtedness of the Company or such subsidiary, or a bankruptcy event with respect to the Company or any of its material subsidiaries. The indebtedness incurred under the Amended Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of the Company’s tangible and intangible assets, including, without limitation, the Company’s intellectual property. The Company’s direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries have also guaranteed the obligations of the Company and the foreign borrowers under the Amended Credit Agreement and pledged substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets as security for their obligations under such guarantee. Certain of the Company’s wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries have guaranteed the obligations of the 66 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 foreign borrowers under the Amended Credit Agreement and pledged certain of their assets as security for their obligations under such guarantee. The aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands): 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Thereafter Total Deferred Financing Fees Future minimum debt payments $ $ 17,185 17,184 17,184 17,184 396,565 — 465,302 Deferred financing fees, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $4.2 million and $1.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Amortization expense related to the deferred financing fees, included in interest expense, was $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, and $0.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. In conjunction with terminating the Company's Existing Credit Agreement, $0.4 million in unamortized debt issuance costs and $1.0 million of third party fees related to debt extinguishment were written-off as a loss on extinguishment of debt, recorded as a component of interest expense on the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2018. 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Litigation The Company is currently involved in matters of litigation, including environmental contingencies, arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. Based upon information presently known, management is of the opinion that such litigation, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Collective Bargaining At December 31, 2018, the Company employed a total of 3,541 people. Approximately 8.2% of the total number of employees are represented by unions globally. The Grand Rapids, Michigan Plant is the only unionized plant within North America and has an agreement with the Carpenters Union, Local 1615, of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Affiliate of the Carpenters Industrial Council, covering approximately 187 hourly employees or 5.3% of the labor force. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires April 26, 2022. Approximately 104 workers in Italy, or 2.9% of the labor force, are also represented by state-sponsored unions. The union contracts under which these Italian workers are represented expired in December 2018. The contract is under negotiation and expected to be finalized in 2019. Warranty The Company provides for estimated product warranty expenses, which are included in other current liabilities, when related products are sold. Because warranty estimates are forecasts that are based on the best available information, primarily historical claims experience, future warranty claims may differ from the amounts provided. 67 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. Changes in the warranty reserve are as follows (in thousands): DECEMBER 31, 2018 Balance, beginning of the year Provision for warranty claims Warranty claims incurred Warranties acquired through business acquisition Foreign currency translation adjustment Balance, end of the year 15. STOCK PLANS 2018 2017 2016 9,174 $ 8,906 $ 7,726 (7,898) 611 10 9,623 $ 7,099 (6,735) — (96) 9,174 $ 8,513 6,792 (6,272) — (127) 8,906 $ $ As of December 31, 2018, the Company sponsors three stock incentive plans under which awards denominated or payable in shares, units or options to purchase shares of Knoll common stock may be granted to officers, certain other employees, directors and consultants of the Company. The following table summarizes the Company approved plans, the number of shares authorized to be issued and the number of shares available to be issued as of December 31, 2018: 2010 Stock Incentive Plan 2013 Stock Incentive Plan 2018 Stock Incentive Plan Total available for issuance Authorized for issue Available for issue 2,000,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 56,959 513,399 2,000,000 2,570,358 The Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors, has sole discretion concerning administration of the plans including selection of individuals to receive awards, types of awards, the terms and conditions of the awards and the time at which awards will be granted. 68 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units The Company awards restricted shares and restricted stock units to employees, as well as non-employee directors, under various plans. The restrictions on these awards generally lapse between three and four years from the date of the awards. The Company records expense for restricted shares and restricted stock units awards in an amount equal to the fair market value of the underlying awards on the grant date of the award, over the period the awards lapse. The following table shows the details for each of the 2016, 2017 and 2018 restricted shares and restricted stock units grants: Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value $ Number of restricted shares and restricted stock units 283,000 30,632 163,509 109,000 586,141 277,250 24,488 147,938 98,625 548,301 223,988 37,788 150,009 100,000 511,785 Grant Date 2016 grants Total 2016 grants 2017 grants Total 2017 grants 2018 grants Total 2018 grants $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Vesting 18.69 Cliff - Subject to service conditions 18.28 Graded - Subject to service conditions Vesting Period Three Years Three Years 18.81 Cliff - Subject to service and performance conditions Three Years 12.03 Cliff - Subject to service and market conditions Three Years 22.80 Cliff - Subject to service conditions 22.87 Graded - Subject to service conditions Three - Four Years Three Years 22.77 Cliff - Subject to service and performance conditions Three Years 10.63 Cliff - Subject to service and market conditions Three Years 21.21 Cliff - Subject to service conditions 19.89 Graded - Subject to service conditions Three Years Two Years 21.20 Cliff - Subject to service and performance conditions Three Years 13.87 Cliff - Subject to service and market conditions Three Years The following table summarizes the Company's restricted shares activity during the year: Outstanding at December 31, 2017 Granted Forfeited Vested Outstanding at December 31, 2018 Restricted Shares Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value 841,610 261,776 (20,940) (357,194) 725,252 $ $ 20.41 21.02 22.01 19.62 21.03 The fair value of restricted shares that vested during 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $7.4 million , $9.5 million, $4.9 million, respectively. The Company estimated the fair value of the restricted stock units with market-based vesting conditions using the monte- carlo valuation model. In determining these values, the following weighted-average assumptions were used for the stock units granted during the fiscal years indicated: 69 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 Weighted-average fair value on grant date Assumptions used to compute fair value : Volatility Risk free interest rate Expected term Expected dividend yield 2018 2017 2016 $ 13.87 $ 10.63 $ 12.03 27.3% 2.3% 3 years 2.8% 27.2% 1.6% 27.3% 0.7% 3 years 2.6 years 2.6% 2.3% The following table summarizes the Company's restricted stock units activity during the year: Outstanding at December 31, 2017 Restricted Stock Units - Service Based 15,000 Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value $ 14.04 Restricted Stock Units - Performance Based 327,486 $ Granted Forfeited Vested Expired Outstanding at December 31, 2018 — — — — (15,000) 14.04 — — $ — — 150,009 (16,270) (55,921) — Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value 20.44 21.20 20.05 21.21 — Restricted Stock Units - Market Based 236,708 100,000 (10,845) (503) (55,163) 270,197 $ $ Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value 12.46 13.87 11.84 11.80 14.88 12.46 405,304 $ 20.92 Fair value of restricted stock units that vested during 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $1.4 million, $9.9 million, and $0.0 million, respectively. Stock Options A summary of the status of the Company's options as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2018, is presented below. Number of Options Weighted- Average Grant-Date (Per Share) Weighted- Average Exercise Price (per Share) Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at December 31, 2017 Granted Outstanding at December 31, 2018 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 — $ — $ 20,000 20,000 $ 4.01 4.01 $ — $ — $ — 22.59 22.59 — 4.6 0 $ $ — — The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the KNL market price, less the strike price, as of the end of the period presented, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised in-the-money options as of that date. Total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $0.0 million, $0.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively. No options were exercised during fiscal 2018. Options granted in 2018, 2017 and 2016 had a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $0.1 million, $0.0 million and $0.0 million, respectively. There were no options which vested in 2018 and the total fair value of options vested during 2017 and 2016 were less than $0.1 million, respectively. Total Awards Compensation costs related to stock-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 totaled $9.2 million pre-tax ($6.9 million after-tax), $9.6 million pre-tax ($6.1 million after-tax) and $10.5 million pre-tax ($6.8 million after-tax) respectively, and are included within selling, general, and administrative expenses. At December 31, 2018, the total compensation cost related to non-vested awards not yet recognized equaled $11.8 million for restricted share awards and restricted stock units, with less than $0.1 million costs related to non-vested stock options. The weighted-average remaining period over which the cost is to be recognized is 1.5 years. 70 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 16. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred Stock The Company's Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $1.00 per share. Subject to applicable laws, the Board of Directors is authorized to provide for the issuance of preferred shares in one or more series, for such consideration and with designations, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be determined by the Board of Directors. There was no preferred stock outstanding as of December 31, 2018, 2017 or 2016. Common Stock The following table demonstrates the change in the number of shares of common stock outstanding during the years ended December 2018, 2017, and 2016 (excludes non-voting restricted shares). Shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015 Purchase of common stock Shares issued under stock incentive plan, net of awards surrendered to pay applicable taxes Exercise of stock options Shares issued to Board of Directors in lieu of cash Shares outstanding as of December 31, 2016 Purchase of common stock Shares issued under stock incentive plan, net of awards surrendered to pay applicable taxes Exercise of stock options Shares issued to Board of Directors in lieu of cash Shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017 Shares issued under stock incentive plan, net of awards surrendered to pay applicable taxes Shares issued to Board of Directors in lieu of cash Shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018 Treasury Stock 47,828,079 (123,577) 192,050 202,500 3,276 48,102,328 (17,445) 385,037 22,500 5,522 48,497,942 204,855 3,129 48,705,926 As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company held 16,347,713 and 16,120,462 treasury shares, respectively. The Company records repurchases of its common stock for treasury at cost. 71 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in thousands): Beginning Balance Before-Tax Amount Tax Benefit (Expense) Net-of-Tax Amount ASU 2018-02 Ending Balance December 31, 2016 Pension and other post-employment liability adjustment $ (22,832) $ (10,785) $ 4,212 Foreign currency translation adjustment Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ (37,318) $ (10,297) $ (14,486) 488 — 4,212 December 31, 2017 Pension and other post-employment liability adjustment $ (29,405) $ (9,783) $ 1,025 Foreign currency translation adjustment Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ (43,403) $ (1,396) $ (13,998) 8,387 — 1,025 $ (6,573) $ 488 $ (6,085) $ — $ (29,405) — (13,998) — $ (43,403) $ (8,758) $ 8,387 (371) $ $ — $ (38,163) (5,611) — — $ (43,774) December 31, 2018 Pension and other post-employment liability adjustment Interest rate swap derivative Foreign currency translation adjustment $ (38,163) $ — (5,611) $ 3,575 (1,689) (13,140) (930) $ 2,645 (1,250) 439 — (13,140) $ (4,761) $ (40,279) (1,250) — — (18,751) Foreign currency translation adjustment on long- term intercompany notes — (8,114) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ (43,774) $ (19,368) $ — (8,114) (8,114) (491) $ (19,859) $ (4,761) $ (68,394) — The following reclassifications were made from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the statements of operations (in thousands): Amortization of pension and other post-employment liability adjustments Prior service credits (1) Actuarial losses (1) Loss recognized during settlement Total before tax Tax (benefit) expense Net of tax December 31, 2018 2017 2016 $ $ $ 730 (917) (5,735) (5,922) (1,502) (4,420) $ $ 1,485 (707) (2,162) (1,384) (548) (836) $ 1,120 (244) — 876 312 564 (1) These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. See Note 10 for additional information. 72 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 17. EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share excludes the dilutive effect of common shares that could potentially be issued due to the exercise of stock options and vesting of unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units, and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. At December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company had outstanding stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units, which could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future. The following table sets forth the reconciliation from basic to dilutive average common shares (in thousands): Years ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Numerator: Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders $ 73,248 $ 80,163 $ 82,084 Denominator: Denominator for basic earnings per shares - weighted-average shares 48,657 48,423 48,093 Effect of dilutive securities: Potentially dilutive shares resulting from stock plans Denominator for diluted earnings per share - weighted-average shares Antidilutive equity awards not included in weighted-average common shares— diluted 561 49,218 737 826 49,160 48,919 20 — — Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders: Basic Diluted $ $ 1.51 1.49 $ $ 1.66 1.63 $ $ 1.71 1.68 73 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 18. INCOME TAXES Income before income tax expense consists of the following (in thousands): U.S. operations Foreign operations Total Income tax expense (benefit) is comprised of the following (in thousands): Current: Federal State Foreign Total current Deferred: Federal State Foreign Total deferred Income tax expense (benefit) 2018 67,240 30,911 98,151 2018 4,276 2,101 13,673 20,050 6,297 908 (2,359) 4,846 24,896 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2017 62,609 15,983 78,592 2017 11,712 2,404 3,918 18,034 (20,595) 2,541 (1,580) (19,634) (1,600) $ 2016 107,803 19,735 127,538 2016 11,980 2,840 4,588 19,408 23,814 2,347 (145) 26,016 45,424 $ $ $ $ The following table sets forth the tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities (in thousands): Deferred tax assets December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Accounts receivable, principally due to allowance for doubtful accounts $ (32) $ Inventories Net operating loss carryforwards Accrued pension Stock-based compensation Compensation-related accruals Warranty Obligation for post-employment benefits other than pension Accrued liabilities and other items Gross deferred tax assets Valuation allowance Net deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities: Intangibles Plant and equipment Gross deferred tax liabilities Net deferred tax liabilities 5,939 6,898 2,121 3,722 696 2,055 935 8,350 30,684 (4,789) 25,895 (85,553) (26,839) (112,392) (86,497) $ $ 858 5,939 7,460 5,591 2,972 3,063 1,779 1,312 3,886 32,860 (4,789) 28,071 (58,701) (24,041) (82,742) (54,671) Income taxes paid, net of refunds received, by the Company during 2018, 2017, and 2016, totaled $9.6 million, $22.4 million, and $27.4 million, respectively. 74 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2018, the Company had net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $26.5 million in the United Kingdom, Germany and Brazil. The net operating loss carryforwards may be carried forward indefinitely. The Company regularly evaluates positive and negative evidence as it relates to realizability of deferred tax assets in each jurisdiction. As a result of this analysis, the Company determined that the valuation allowance related to United Kingdom net operating losses should be reversed during 2017 as a history of positive earnings and anticipated future earnings supports the realization of the deferred tax asset. The result of this reversal was an income tax benefit of $2.6 million. The Company still provides a valuation allowance against Germany and Brazil net foreign deferred tax assets (principally the net operating loss carryforwards) due to the uncertainty that they can be realized. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate: Federal statutory tax rate Increase (decrease) in the tax rate resulting from: State taxes, net of federal effect Effect of tax rates of other countries Section 199 deduction Change in contingency reserve Limitation on deduction of officer’s compensation Tax Act Valuation allowance release Other Effective tax rate 2018 21.0 % 2017 35.0 % 2016 35.0 % 2.4 % 0.5 % — % — % 0.4 % (3.2)% — % 4.3 % 25.4 % 5.2 % (1.8)% (0.7)% — % 1.3 % (33.9)% (3.3)% (3.8)% (2.0)% 3.3 % (1.4)% (0.8)% (0.2)% 0.6 % — % — % (0.9)% 35.6 % On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts (“Tax Act”) was enacted into law. The new tax legislation represents a fundamental and dramatic shift in U.S. taxation. The new legislation contains several key tax provisions that will impact the Company, including the reduction of the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The new legislation also includes a variety of other changes, such as a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated accumulated foreign earnings, a limitation on the tax deductibility of interest expense, repeal of the Section 199 domestic production activities deduction, acceleration of business asset expensing, and reduction in the amount of executive pay that could qualify as a tax deduction, among others. ASC 740 requires the Company to recognize the effect of the tax law changes in the period of enactment. The SEC staff issued SAB 118 which allowed the Company to record provisional amounts during a one year measurement period. At December 31, 2017 the Company had not completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Tax Act; however, as described below the Company made a reasonable estimate of the effects on existing deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax. The Company recorded an estimated benefit as a result of the new legislation of $26.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. The revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities at the lower corporate rate of 21% resulted in a benefit of $28.3 million, offset by a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated accumulated foreign earnings of $0.2 million and a withholding tax on distribution of those earnings in the amount of $1.5 million. In accordance with SAB 118, the Company finalized the calculations in 2018 and recorded an additional tax benefit of $1.7 million related to the rate differential on the deferred provision to return. As of December 31, 2018, the accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act have been completed and recorded in the Company’s financial statements and no further provisional measurement period adjustments will be made. As of December 31, 2018, to the extent the Company’s earnings attributable to its foreign subsidiaries are not considered permanently reinvested, a deferred tax liability for the tax consequences of remitting the accumulated earnings has been provided in the financial statements. As of December 31, 2017, the Company provisionally recorded a liability for unremitted earnings. This provisional amount was recorded under SAB 118 and reflected withholding taxes of approximately $1.5 million. Upon further examination in the measurement period provided for in SAB 118, the Company has determined that the previously taxed unremitted earnings can be brought back tax-free. As such, the Company has reversed the deferred tax liability as of December 31, 2018 as a SAB 118 adjustment. With respect to all other non-US foreign subsidiaries, the earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested and therefore a liability has not been provided with respect to those earnings. 75 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company's unrecognized tax benefits during 2018, 2017, and 2016 (in thousands): 2018 2017 2016 Balance, beginning of the year Additions for tax position related to the current year Additions for tax position related to the prior year Decreases for tax position related to the prior year Prior year reductions: Lapse of statute of limitations Settlements Balance, end of the year $ $ 875 125 — — 875 125 — — (125) — (125) — $ 875 $ 875 $ $ 4,407 125 56 (250) (125) (3,338) 875 All of the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate. During 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized no interest and penalties, and in 2016 the Company recognized $0.1 million of interest and penalties. The Company has paid all accrued interest and penalties recognized prior to December 31, 2018, therefore the Company has no accruals for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. As of December 31, 2018, the Company is subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax examination for the tax years 2015 through 2018, and to non-U.S. income tax examination for the tax years 2011 to 2018. In addition, the Company is subject to state and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2014 through 2018. 19. OTHER INCOME, NET The components of other income, net are as follows (in thousands): Foreign exchange losses (gains) Net periodic benefit income Other, net Other income, net Years Ended December 31, 2018 (1,965) $ (7,107) (532) (9,604) $ $ $ 2017 2016 $ 1,781 (9,594) 113 (7,700) $ 3,725 (5,800) (360) (2,435) 76 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 20. QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) The following tables contain selected unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income data for each quarter for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. The quarterly results are as follows (in thousands): 2018 Sales Gross profit Net earnings Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders Earnings per share—Basic Earnings per share—Diluted 2017 Sales Gross profit Net earnings Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year $ 296,559 $ 323,351 $ 327,737 $ 354,625 $ 1,302,272 107,711 15,267 15,259 119,287 13,123 13,124 122,794 20,323 20,323 131,732 24,542 24,542 $ $ 0.31 0.31 $ $ 0.27 0.27 $ $ 0.42 0.41 $ $ 0.50 0.50 $ $ 481,524 73,255 73,248 1.51 1.49 (1) (2) (3) (6) (1) (2) (3) (6) (1) (2) (3) (6) (1) (2) (3) (6) $ 256,820 $ 268,694 $ 291,256 $ 316,122 $ 1,132,892 95,674 15,396 15,404 99,958 12,960 12,938 106,610 19,161 19,132 112,337 32,679 32,693 414,579 80,192 80,163 1.66 1.63 — (4) (5) (6) (4) (5) (6) (4) (5) (6) (4) (5) (6) Earnings per share—Basic Earnings per share—Diluted $ $ 0.32 0.31 $ $ 0.27 0.26 $ $ 0.39 0.39 $ $ 0.67 0.67 $ $ _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) During the second, third and fourth quarters of 2018, the Company recorded pension settlement charges of $4.6 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively. (2) During the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2018, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $0.5 million, $0.8 million, $1.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively within the Office segment related to an organizational realignment that will result in greater operating efficiency and control. (3) During the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2018, the Company recorded acquisition costs of $1.0 million, $0.5 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively related to the acquisition of Muuto. (4) During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded pension settlement charges of $2.2 million and a $16.3 million write-off of property, plant, and equipment. (5) During the second quarter of 2017, Knoll recorded restructuring charges of $2.2 million related to headcount rationalization and modernization of equipment in the Office Segment. (6) The fourth quarters of 2017 and 2018 results include the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and SAB 118 of $26.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively. 77 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 21. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC REGION INFORMATION The tables below present the Company’s segment information (in thousands): SALES Office Lifestyle Corporate Knoll, Inc. INTERSEGMENT SALES (1) Office Lifestyle Corporate Knoll, Inc. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (2) Office Lifestyle Corporate Knoll, Inc. OPERATING PROFIT Office(3) Lifestyle (4) Corporate (4) Knoll, Inc.(5) CAPITAL EXPENDITURES Office Lifestyle Corporate Knoll, Inc. 2018 2017 2016 782,020 $ 722,984 $ 520,252 409,908 — 1,302,272 1,644 10,769 — 12,413 19,760 14,046 595 34,401 50,382 89,097 (24,286) 115,193 31,978 8,982 879 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ — 1,132,892 1,331 10,941 — 12,272 18,334 6,828 887 26,049 28,233 76,406 (24,102) 80,537 32,515 6,700 462 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 768,873 395,419 — 1,164,292 1,877 14,138 — 16,015 14,967 5,565 653 21,185 72,134 80,597 (22,223) 130,508 34,065 7,149 1,481 41,839 $ 39,677 $ 42,695 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) Intersegment sales are presented on a cost-plus basis which takes into consideration the effect of transfer prices between legal entities. (2) Excludes amortization of deferred financing fees. (3) Within the Office segment, Knoll recorded a $16.3 million write-off of property, plant, and equipment during 2017; a $5.7 million and $2.2 million pension settlement charge during 2018 and 2017, respectively; and a $2.6 million and $2.2 million restructuring charge during 2018 and 2017, respectively. (4) Knoll recorded acquisition costs of $0.6 million and $1.3 million related to the acquisition of Muuto within the Lifestyle segment and Corporate, respectively, during 2018. (5) The Company does not allocate interest expense or other (income) expense, net to the reportable segments. Many of the Company's facilities manufacture products for all both reportable segments. Therefore, it is impractical to disclose asset information on a segment basis. 78 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS KNOLL, INC. DECEMBER 31, 2018 The Company markets its products in the United States and internationally, with its principal international markets being Canada and Europe. The table below contains information about the geographical areas in which the Company operates. Sales are attributed to the geographic areas based on the origin of sale, and property, plant, and equipment, net is based on the geographic area in which the asset resides (in thousands): 2018 Sales Property, plant, and equipment, net 2017 Sales Property, plant, and equipment, net 2016 United States Canada Europe Mexico Consolidated $ 1,066,810 $ 37,299 $ 197,401 $ 762 $ 1,302,272 172,653 26,876 15,424 — 214,953 $ 977,669 $ 52,894 $ 100,233 $ 2,096 $ 1,132,892 157,805 29,307 13,518 — 200,630 Sales $ 1,031,920 $ 36,813 $ 93,420 $ 2,139 $ 1,164,292 Property, plant, and equipment, net 157,856 26,452 12,776 — 197,084 79 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES None ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report (December 31, 2018) ("Disclosure Controls"). Based upon the Disclosure Controls evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Disclosure Controls are effective in reaching a reasonable level of assurance that (i) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING Management's annual report on internal control over financial reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes without limitation, maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions, providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements, providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of company assets are made in accordance with management authorization, and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected. Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Our evaluation of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Muuto ApS. (“Muuto”), which was acquired on January 25, 2018, and is included in our 2018 consolidated financial statements and constitutes 26.8% of total assets as of December 31, 2018 and 6.6% and 7.3% of sales and net earnings, respectively, for the year then ended. The Company is currently in the process of integrating Muuto into its internal control over financial reporting process pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Company is evaluating changes to processes, information technology systems and other components of internal controls over financial reporting as part of its ongoing integration activities, and as a result, controls will be periodically changed. The Company believes, however, that it will be able to maintain sufficient controls over its financial reporting throughout this integration process. Based on our assessment, with the exclusion of Muuto, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018. The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. During the period covered by this report, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 80 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Knoll, Inc. Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited Knoll, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Knoll, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria. As indicated in the accompanying Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Muuto, which is included in the 2018 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted 26.8% of total assets as of December 31, 2018 and 6.6% and 7.3% of sales and net earnings, respectively, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Muuto. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2018 consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated February 26, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion The Company’s management is responsible 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 annual report on internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 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/ Ernst & Young LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania February 26, 2019 81 ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The information required by Item 10 relating to directors, director nominees and executive officers of the registrant is incorporated by reference from the information under the captions “Board of Directors,” “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Board Meetings and Committees,” “Code of Ethics,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” contained in our Proxy Statement for our 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”). The information relating to the identification of the audit committee, audit committee financial expert and director nomination procedures of the registrant is incorporated by reference from the information under the caption “Board Meetings and Committees” contained in our Proxy Statement. Our Board of Directors has adopted a code of ethics for all employees. This code is made available free of charge on our website at www.knoll.com. For further information see subsection “Code of Ethics” in our Proxy Statement. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by Item 11 is hereby incorporated by reference from the information under the caption “Executive Compensation” contained in our Proxy Statement. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans Plan Category Equity compensation plans approved by security holders Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders Total Equity Compensation Plan Information As of December 31, 2018 Number of Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options (a) Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options (b) Number of Shares Remaining for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) (c) 20,000 $ — 20,000 22.59 — 2,570,358 — 2,570,358 If there is an expiration, termination, or cancellation of any benefit granted under the plans without the issuance of shares, the shares subject to or reserved for that benefit may again be used for new stock options, rights, or awards of any type authorized under the plans. All other information required by Item 12 is hereby incorporated by reference from the information under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” contained in our Proxy Statement. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information required by Item 13 is hereby incorporated by reference from the information under the captions “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Director Independence” contained in our Proxy Statement. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES The information required by Item 14 is hereby incorporated by reference from the information under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” contained in our Proxy Statement. 82 ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES PART IV (a) Documents filed as part of this Form 10-K: (1) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (ITEM 8) • Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 • Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 • Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 • Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 • Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements • Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (2) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES • Financial Statement Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts is filed with this Form 10-K on page S-1 of this Form 10-K. All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable regulation of the Commission have either been presented in the Company's financial statements or are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted. (3) EXHIBITS Exhibit Number 2.1 (b) 2.2 (g) 3.1 (a) 3.2 (i) Description Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2017, among Knoll Denmark ApS, Maj Invest Equity 4 K/S, B Holding 2005 ApS, KB ApS, Unos ApS and AK Cleemann Holding APS. Securities Purchase Agreement, dated February 3, 2014, among Knoll, Inc., Holly Hunt Enterprises, Inc., HHMI LLC, the Shareholders of Holly Hunt Enterprises, Inc. and the Members of HHMI LLC. Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Knoll, Inc. Amended and Restated By-Laws of Knoll, Inc. 4.1 (m) Form of Stock Certificate. 10.1 (b) Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 23, 2018, by and among Knoll, Inc., certain of the domestic subsidiaries of Knoll, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and an L/C Issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as Joint Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, and certain other lenders and the other lenders party thereto. 10.2 (d)* Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2016, between Knoll, Inc. and Andrew B. Cogan. 10.3 (l)* Amended and Restated Knoll, Inc. 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. 10.4 (o)* Amended and Restated Knoll, Inc. 2013 Stock Incentive Plan 83 Exhibit Number Description 10.5 (e) Amended and Restated Knoll, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan 10.6 (k) Amended and Restated Knoll, Inc. Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan. 10.7 (h)* Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Non-Employee Director Compensation Plan (time vesting). 10.8 (f)* Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (time vesting). 10.9 (f)* Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (time vesting with accelerated performance vesting). 10.10 (f)* Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. 10.11 (p)* Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Agreement under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. 10.12 (n)* 10.13 (c)* 10.14 (c)* 10.15 * 10.16 * 10.17 * Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Agreement under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (enhanced vesting). Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (updated change in control). Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Agreement under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (updated change in control). Form of Performance-Based Stock Unit Agreement under the 2018 Stock Incentive Plan. Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the 2018 Stock Incentive Plan. Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2018 Stock Incentive Plan. 10.18 (a)* Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement. 10.19 (j)* 10.20 (j)* Andrew B. Cogan 2019 Incentive Compensation Letter, dated December 4, 2018. 2019 Incentive Compensation Letter for Named Executive Officers (other than CEO), dated December 4, 2018. 10.21 (i)* Severance Agreement between Company and Charles W. Rayfield. 10.22 (i)* Severance Agreement between Company and Michael A. Pollner. 21.00 23.10 24.10 31.10 31.20 32.10 32.20 Subsidiaries of Knoll, Inc. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Power of Attorney [(included on signature page)]. Certification for Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certification for Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certification for Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Certification for Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002. 84 Exhibit Number 101.00 Description The following materials from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.** _______________________________________________________________________________ * Management Contract or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement required to be identified by Item 15(a) (3) of Form 10-K. ** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) (k) (l) Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-118901), which was declared effective by the Commission on December 13, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 25, 2018. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on May 10, 2017. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 9, 2016. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 9, 2018. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 3, 2014. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 9, 2018. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 10, 2018. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 11, 2010. (m) Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. (n) (o) (p) Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 26, 2013. Incorporated by reference to Knoll, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. 85 ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY None. 86 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 26th day of February 2019. KNOLL, INC. By: /s/ ANDREW B. COGAN Andrew B. Cogan Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each individual whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Andrew B. Cogan and Charles W. Rayfield, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of substitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and all documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated. /s/ ANDREW B. COGAN Andrew B. Cogan /s/CHARLES W. RAYFIELD Charles W. Rayfield /s/ DANIEL W. DIENST Daniel W. Dienst /s/ JEFFREY A. HARRIS Jeffrey A. Harris /s/ RONALD R. KASS Ronald R. Kass /s/ KATHLEEN G. BRADLEY Kathleen G. Bradley /s/ JOHN F. MAYPOLE John F. Maypole /s/ SARAH E. NASH Sarah E. Nash /s/ STEPHEN F. FISHER Stephen F. Fisher /s/ STEPHANIE STAHL Stephanie Stahl /s/ CHRISTOPHER G. KENNEDY Christopher G. Kennedy 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 February 26, 2019 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Knoll, Inc. Chief Financial Officer Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director 87 (This page has been left blank intentionally.) SCHEDULE II KNOLL, INC. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Description Allowance for doubtful accounts: Year ended December 31, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2017 Year ended December 31, 2018 Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets: Year ended December 31, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2017 Year ended December 31, 2018 (In Thousands) Balance at Beginning of Year Additions Charged to Expenses (Income) Charge-Offs Other(1) Balance at End of Year 7,919 8,059 4,039 6,317 6,161 4,789 6,653 (2,203) 123 451 (2,578) — (6,514) (1,839) (454) — — — 1 22 16 (607) 1,206 — 8,059 4,039 3,724 6,161 4,789 4,789 ______________________________________________________________________________ (1) Primarily the impact of currency changes S-1 (This page has been left blank intentionally.) Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer I, Andrew B. Cogan, certify that: (1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Knoll, Inc.; (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; (4) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to material affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and (5) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: February 26, 2019 /s/ Andrew B. Cogan Andrew B. Cogan President and Chief Executive Officer Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer I, Charles W. Rayfield, certify that: (1) I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Knoll, Inc.; (2) Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; (3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; (4) The Registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: (a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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; (c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to material affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and (5) The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: February 26, 2019 /s/ Charles W. Rayfield Charles W. Rayfield Chief Financial Officer Certification of Chief Executive Officer Exhibit 32.1 In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Knoll, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Andrew B. Cogan, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), that to my knowledge: a. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and b. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. February 26, 2019 /s/ Andrew B. Cogan Andrew B. Cogan President and Chief Executive Officer Certification of Chief Financial Officer Exhibit 32.2 In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Knoll, Inc. (the “Company”) for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), Charles W. Rayfield, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), that to my knowledge: a. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and b. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. February 26, 2019 /s/ Charles W. Rayfield Charles W. Rayfield Chief Financial Officer Locations Knoll, Inc. Knoll Office KnollStudio KnollExtra KnollTextiles 1235 Water Street East Greenville, PA 18041 215 679-7991 For showrooms and sales offices: knoll.com DatesWeiser 45 West 21st Street New York, NY 10010 212 727-8555 For showrooms and sales offices: datesweiser.com Edelman Leather 80 Pickett District Road New Milford, CT 06776 860 350-9600 For showrooms and sales offices: edelmanleather.com FilzFelt 425 CrossPoint Parkway Getzville, NY 14068 716 446-2380 For showrooms and sales offices: filzfelt.com Muuto Østergade 36-38 DK-1100 Copenhagen Denmark For showrooms and sales offices: muuto.com HOLLY HUNT 801 West Adams Street # 700, Chicago, IL 60607 312 329-5999 For showrooms and sales offices: hollyhunt.com Spinneybeck 425 CrossPoint Parkway Getzville, NY 14068 716 446-2380 For showrooms and sales offices: spinneybeck.com Corporate Information Officers Andrew B. Cogan Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Charles W. Rayfield Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Christopher M. Baldwin President and Chief Operating Officer, Knoll Office Benjamin A. Pardo Executive Vice President and Director of Design David L. Schutte Executive Vice President, Lifestyle Michael A. Pollner Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Secretary Roxanne B. Klein Senior Vice President, Human Resources Executive Offices Knoll, Inc. 1235 Water Street East Greenville, PA 18041 215 679-7991 knoll.com Board of Directors Kathleen G. Bradley Director Andrew B. Cogan Director Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Daniel W. Dienst Director Stephen F. Fisher Director Jeffrey A. Harris Director Ronald R. Kass Director Christopher G. Kennedy Director John F. Maypole Director Sarah E. Nash Director Stephanie Stahl Director Stock Listing New York Stock Exchange Ticker Symbol: KNL Annual Stockholders Meeting The annual meeting of Knoll, Inc. stockholders is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 8:30 Bear Creek Mountain Resort 101 Doe Mountain Lane Macungie, PA 18062 AM Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Ernst & Young, LLP Two Commerce Square Suite 4000 2001 Market Street Philadephia, PA 19103 Transfer Agent and Registrar Computershare Trust Company, N.A. PO Box 43023 Providence, RI 02940-3023 www.computershare.com © 2019 Knoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States. 

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