HNI CORP
For the period ended Dec 28, 2024. Filed Feb 25, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 25, 2025
HNI$47.26-2.2%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-30; filed 2024-02-27.
0000048287-24-000080
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-28; filed 2025-02-25.
0000048287-25-000084
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 114 previous paragraphs and 111 current paragraphs.
63 unchanged; 37 reworded; 11 added; 14 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (11)
Current report
Increasing health care costs could adversely affect the Corporation’s business, operating results, and financial condition.
Current report
The Corporation is subject to currency risk in its international operations.
Current report
The Corporation's information technology systems, processes, and sites may suffer interruptions, security incidents, or failures that may affect its ability to conduct its business and cause significant damage to its reputation.
Current report
The Corporation’s operations rely upon certain key information technology systems, which are dependent on services provided by third parties and provide critical data connectivity, information, and services for internal and external users. These interactions include, among others, ordering and managing materials from suppliers, risk management activities, converting raw materials to finished products, inventory management, shipping products to customers, processing transactions, summarizing and reporting results of operations, human resources benefits and payroll management, complying with regulatory, legal and tax requirements, and other processes necessary to manage the business. Increased information technology security and social engineering threats and more sophisticated cyber crime, including advanced persistent threats, pose potential risks to the security of the Corporation’s information technology systems, networks, and services, as well as the confidentiality, availability and integrity of the Corporation’s third-party and employee data.
Current report
The frequency, sophistication and unpredictability of cybersecurity events globally have increased, and can be acute during times of geopolitical tension or instability between countries or when the Corporation makes changes to its information technology systems or implements new ones. The Corporation has been subjected in the past, and may be subjected in the future, to incidents including phishing, e-mails purporting to come from vendors making payment requests, malware, and communications from look-alike corporate domains, as well as security-related risks resulting from the Corporation’s use of third-party software and services. The use of generative artificial intelligence is increasing the sophistication and effectiveness of these types of social engineering attacks. Future data security incidents could compromise or lead to the loss of material confidential, proprietary or otherwise protected information, seize, destroy or corrupt data, or otherwise disrupt the Corporation’s operations or affect its customers or other stakeholders.
Current report
Insider or employee cyber and security threats are also a significant concern for all companies, including the Corporation. Despite the Corporation’s substantial investment in physical and technological security measures, employee training and contractual precautions, the Corporation’s information technology networks and infrastructure (or those of the Corporation’s third-party vendors and other service providers) are potentially vulnerable to unauthorized access to data, loss of access to systems or breaches of confidential information due to criminal conduct, attacks by hackers, employee or insider malfeasance or human error.
Current report
Although the Corporation has put in place security measures to protect itself against cyber-based attacks and disaster recovery plans for its critical systems that are designed to protect its data and customer data and to prevent data loss and other security incidents, these security measures cannot provide absolute security. In some cases, it is difficult to anticipate, detect or identify indicators of such incidents and assess the damage caused by the incidents. In addition, a failure to promptly disclose such material incidents as required by law may result in additional financial or regulatory consequences.
Current report
If the Corporation’s information technology systems are breached, damaged, or cease to function properly due to any number of causes, such as catastrophic events, power outages, security incidents, or cyber-based attacks, and if the Corporation’s cybersecurity response plans and disaster recovery and its cyber incident response plans do not effectively mitigate the risks on a timely basis, the Corporation may encounter significant disruptions that could interrupt its ability to manage its operations, cause loss of valuable data, and damage its reputation. Any such incidents also could subject the Corporation to government investigations or private litigation. These factors may adversely impact the Corporation’s revenues, operating results, and financial condition. The Corporation could also experience delays in reporting its financial results.
Current report
The third-party data management providers and other vendors upon which the Corporation relies may have or develop security problems or security vulnerabilities which may also affect the Corporation’s systems or data. A data security or privacy breach of the Corporation’s systems or other form of cyber-based attack may occur in the future. In addition, the Corporation uses external vendors to perform security assessments on a periodic basis to review and assess its information security. The Corporation utilizes this information to audit itself, monitor the security of its technology infrastructure, and assess whether and how to prioritize the allocation of scarce resources to protect data and systems. These security assessments and audits may not identify or appropriately categorize relevant risks or result in the protection of its computer networks against security intrusions. Although the Corporation requires its third-party vendors contractually to maintain a level of security that is acceptable to it and work closely with key vendors to address potential and actual security concerns and attacks, all confidential, proprietary, or personal information may not be protected on their systems.
Current report
Regardless of whether incidents result from an attack on the Corporation directly or on third-party vendors upon which the Corporation relies, the costs to address the foregoing security problems and security vulnerabilities before or after a cybersecurity incident could be significant. Remediation efforts may not be successful or timely and could result in interruptions, delays or cessation of service and loss of existing or potential customers that may impede the Corporation’s manufacturing, sales, or other critical functions. Breaches of its security measures and the unapproved dissemination of proprietary information or sensitive or confidential data about the Corporation, its employees, its customers or other third parties could expose the Corporation, its employees, and customers or other affected third parties to a risk of loss or misuse of this information.
Removed paragraphs (14)
Previous report
The future results of the Corporation may be adversely impacted if the Corporation does not effectively manage its expanded operations following the completion of the merger with Kimball International.
Previous report
The combined company incurred substantial expenses related to the completion of the merger of the Corporation with Kimball International and expects to continue to incur substantial expenses relating to their integration.
Previous report
Uncertainties associated with the merger with Kimball International may cause a loss of management personnel and other key employees, and the Corporation may have difficulty attracting and motivating management personnel and other key employees, which could adversely affect the future business and operations of the Corporation after the completion of the merger.
Previous report
The Corporation is dependent on the experience and industry knowledge of its management personnel and other key employees to execute its business plans. The success of the Corporation after the completion of the merger with Kimball International depends in part upon the ability of the Corporation to attract, motivate and retain key management personnel and other key employees. Current and prospective employees of the Corporation may experience uncertainty about their roles within the combined company, which may have an adverse effect on the ability of the Corporation to attract, motivate or retain management personnel and other key employees. In addition, no assurance can be given that the Corporation will be able to attract, motivate or retain management personnel and other key employees of the Corporation to the same extent that the Corporation and Kimball International have previously been able to attract or retain their own employees prior to the merger.
Previous report
The merger with Kimball International may result in a loss of customers, distributors, suppliers, vendors, landlords and other business partners and may result in the termination of existing contracts.
Previous report
Some of the customers, distributors, suppliers, vendors, landlords and other business partners of Kimball International may terminate or scale back their current or prospective business relationships with the Corporation. Some customers may not wish to source a larger percentage of their needs from a single company or may feel that the Corporation is too closely allied with one of its former competitors. If relationships with customers, distributors, suppliers, vendors, landlords and other business partners are adversely affected by the merger, or if the Corporation loses the benefits of the contracts of Kimball International, the Corporation’s business and financial performance could suffer.
Previous report
The combined company has significantly more indebtedness than the indebtedness of the Corporation prior to the merger.
Previous report
Upon completion of the merger, the Corporation incurred approximately $390.2 million in additional indebtedness and as of December 30, 2023 has consolidated indebtedness of approximately $435.8 million, up from $207.9 million before the merger. The increased indebtedness of the combined company in comparison to that of the Corporation on a historical basis may have the effect, among other things, of reducing the flexibility of the Corporation to respond to changing business and economic conditions and increasing borrowing costs.
Previous report
If the Corporation incurs additional indebtedness in future periods, the risks related to the substantial indebtedness of the Corporation after the completion of the merger may intensify.
Previous report
The market price of the Corporation’s common stock after the merger may be affected by factors different from those affecting the price of the Corporation’s common stock before the merger with Kimball International.
Previous report
As the businesses of the Corporation and Kimball International are different, the results of operations as well as the price of the Corporation’s common stock may be affected by factors different from those factors that affected the Corporation before the merger. Following the transaction, the Corporation faces additional risks and uncertainties that the Corporation or Kimball International may not have previously been exposed to as independent companies.
Previous report
Increasing healthcare costs could adversely affect the Corporation’s business, operating results, and financial condition.
Previous report
The Corporation relies on information technology systems to manage numerous aspects of the business and a disruption or failure of these systems could adversely affect business, operating results, and financial condition.
Previous report
The Corporation relies upon information technology networks and systems to process, transmit, and store electronic information, as well as to manage numerous aspects of the business and provide information to management. Additionally, the Corporation collects and stores sensitive data of its customers, suppliers, and members in data centers and on information technology networks. The secure operation of these information technology networks, and the processing and maintenance of this information is critical to business operations and strategy. These networks and systems, despite security and precautionary measures, are vulnerable to, 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. The Corporation has, and may in the future, face unauthorized attempts by hackers seeking to harm the Corporation or, as a result of industrial espionage or ransomware, to penetrate the Corporation’s network security and gain access to its systems, steal intellectual or other proprietary data, including design, sales or personally identifiable information, introduce malicious software, or interrupt the Corporation’s internal systems, manufacturing or distribution. Though the Corporation attempts to detect and prevent these incidents, it may not be successful. In addition, the Corporation is subject to data privacy and other similar laws in various jurisdictions. If the Corporation is the target of a cybersecurity attack, computer virus, physical or electronic break-in or similar disruption resulting in unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data of customers, suppliers, and members, the Corporation may be required to undertake costly notification procedures. The Corporation may also be required to expend significant additional resources to protect against the threat of security breaches or to alleviate problems, including reputational harm and litigation, caused by any breaches. Any disruption of information technology networks or systems, or access to or disclosure of information stored in or transmitted by systems, could result in legal claims and damages and loss of intellectual property or other proprietary information.
Reworded paragraphs (37)
Previous wording
The following risk factors and other information included in this report should be carefully considered. If any of the following risks occur, the Corporation’s business, operating results, cash flows, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Current wording
The following risk factors and other information included in this report should be carefully considered. If any of the following risks occur, the Corporation’s business, operating results, cash flows, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Other factors not currently known to the Corporation or that it currently considers to be immaterial also may adversely affect its business, operating results, cash flows, or financial condition.
Previous wording
Workplace, health care, and hospitality furnishings industry sales are impacted by a variety of macroeconomic factors including service-sector employment levels, corporate profits, business confidence, commercial construction, office vacancy rates, and new hospitality refurbishment rates. Industry factors, including corporate restructuring, technology changes, corporate relocations, health and safety concerns, including ergonomic considerations, and the globalization of companies also influence workplace furnishings industry revenues. In addition, adoption of hybrid working models following the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant decrease in worker attendance at their office location. Despite office re-entry in many markets, office occupancy levels remain below historic levels. Lower office occupancy levels have had and could continue to have an adverse impact on the demand for workplace furnishings.
Current wording
Workplace, health care, and hospitality furnishings industry sales are subject to risks resulting from a variety of macroeconomic factors including service-sector employment levels, corporate profits, business confidence, commercial construction, office vacancy rates, and new hospitality refurbishment rates. Industry factors, including corporate restructuring, technology changes, corporate relocations, health and safety concerns, including ergonomic considerations, and the globalization of companies also influence workplace furnishings industry revenues. In addition, adoption of hybrid working models has resulted in a significant decrease in worker attendance at their office locations. Despite office re-entry in many markets, office occupancy levels remain below historic levels. Lower office occupancy levels have had and could continue to have an adverse impact on the demand for workplace furnishings.
Previous wording
Residential building products industry sales are impacted by a variety of macroeconomic factors including housing starts, housing inventory, home sales, overall employment levels, interest rates, home affordability, consumer confidence, energy costs, disposable income, and changing demographics. Industry factors, such as technology changes, health and safety concerns, and environmental regulation, including indoor air quality standards, also influence residential building products industry revenues. Deterioration of economic conditions or a slowdown in the homebuilding industry and the hearth products market could decrease demand for residential building products and have additional adverse effects on operating results.
Current wording
Residential building products industry sales are impacted by a variety of macroeconomic factors including housing starts, housing inventory, home sales, overall employment levels, interest rates, home affordability, consumer confidence, energy costs, disposable income, and changing demographics. Such sales are also subject to risks associated with industry factors such as technology changes, health and safety concerns, and environmental regulation, including indoor air quality standards. Deterioration of economic conditions or a slowdown in the homebuilding industry and the hearth products market could decrease demand for the Corporation's residential building products and have additional adverse effects on operating results.
Previous wording
Deteriorating economic conditions, which may be caused by uncertainties and volatility in the financial markets, rising or sustained inflation and interest rates, and potential economic recessions, could affect the Corporation’s business significantly, including reduced demand for products, insolvency of independent dealers resulting in increased provisions for credit losses, insolvency of key suppliers resulting in product delays, inability of customers to obtain credit to finance purchases of products, and decreased customer demand, including order delays or cancellations. In a recessionary economy, business confidence, service-sector employment, corporate cash flows, and residential and non-residential commercial construction often decrease, which typically leads to a decrease in demand for workplace furnishings and residential building products.
Current wording
Deteriorating economic conditions, which may be caused by uncertainties and volatility in the financial markets, rising or sustained inflation and interest rates, and potential economic recessions, could affect the Corporation’s business significantly by contributing to reduced demand for the Corporation's products, insolvency of independent dealers resulting in increased provisions for credit losses, insolvency of key suppliers resulting in product delays, inability of customers to obtain credit to finance purchases of products, and decreased customer demand, including order delays or cancellations. In a recessionary economy, business confidence, service-sector employment, corporate cash flows, and residential and non-residential commercial construction often decrease, which typically leads to a decrease in demand for workplace furnishings and residential building products.
Previous wording
In both the workplace furnishings and residential building products industries, the Corporation faces price competition from competitors and from new market entrants who may manufacture and source products from lower cost countries. Price competition impacts the Corporation’s ability to implement price increases or, in some cases, even maintain prices, which could lower profit margins and adversely affect future financial performance.
Current wording
In both the workplace furnishings and residential building products industries, the Corporation faces price competition from competitors and from new market entrants who may manufacture and source products from lower cost countries. Price competition impacts the Corporation’s ability to implement price increases or, in some cases, maintain prices, which could lower profit margins and adversely affect future financial performance.
Previous wording
Consolidation among the Corporation’s customers may result in a smaller number of total customers, but an increase in large customers whose size and purchasing power give them increased leverage that may result in, among other things, decreases in average selling prices. In addition, further consolidations may lead to fluctuations in revenue, increases in costs to meet demands of large customers, and pressure to accept onerous contract terms, and the Corporation’s business, financial condition, and operating results could be harmed.
Current wording
Consolidation among the Corporation’s customers may result in a smaller number of total customers and an increase in large customers whose size and purchasing power give them increased bargaining power that may result in, among other impacts, decreases in average selling prices. In addition, the Corporation’s business, financial condition, and operating results could be harmed by further consolidations, which may lead to fluctuations in revenue, increases in costs to meet demands of large customers, and pressure to accept disadvantageous contract terms.
Previous wording
The Corporation sells products through multiple distribution channels, which primarily include independent dealers, national dealers, wholesalers, sales representatives, and eCommerce. Within these distribution channels, there has been, and may continue to be, consolidation. The Corporation relies on distribution partners to provide a variety of important specification, installation, and after-market services to customers. Some distribution partners may terminate their relationship with the Corporation at any time and for any reason. Loss or termination of a significant number of reseller relationships could cause difficulties in marketing and distributing products, resulting in a decline in sales, which may adversely affect the Corporation’s business, operating results, or financial condition.
Current wording
The Corporation sells products through multiple distribution channels, which primarily include independent dealers, national dealers, wholesalers, sales representatives, and eCommerce. These distribution channels have experienced significant consolidation, which may continue in future periods. The Corporation relies on distribution partners to provide a variety of important specification, installation, and after-market services to customers. Some distribution partners may terminate their relationship with the Corporation at any time and for any reason. Loss or termination of a significant number of reseller relationships could cause difficulties in marketing and distributing products, resulting in a decline in sales, which may adversely affect the Corporation’s business, operating results, or financial condition.
Previous wording
The Corporation has a global supply chain for products used in workplace furnishings and residential building products. Actions taken by the United States government to apply tariffs on certain products could have long-term impacts on existing supply chains. The situation could impact the competitive environment depending on the severity and duration of current and future policy changes. This may manifest in additional costs on the business, including costs with respect to products upon which the business depends. Increased costs could further lower profit margins as the Corporation may be challenged in effectively increasing the prices of its products, and its business and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Current wording
The Corporation has a global supply chain for products used in workplace furnishings and residential building products. Actions taken by the United States government to impose tariffs on certain products could have long-term impacts on existing supply chains. The situation could impact the competitive environment depending on the severity and duration of current and future policy changes. The imposition of tariffs may result in additional costs on the business, including costs with respect to products upon which the business depends. Increased costs could further lower profit margins as the Corporation may be challenged in effectively increasing the prices of its products, and its business and results of operations may be adversely affected.
Previous wording
The Corporation cannot predict the extent to which the United States or other countries will impose quotas, duties, tariffs, taxes, or other similar restrictions upon the import or export of products in the future, nor can the Corporation predict future trade policy or the terms of any renegotiated trade agreements and their impact on the business. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for products, costs, customers, suppliers, and the United States economy, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, operating results, and financial condition.
Current wording
The Corporation cannot predict the extent to which the United States or other countries will impose quotas, duties, tariffs, taxes, or other similar restrictions upon the import or export of products in the future, nor can the Corporation predict future trade policy or the terms of any renegotiated trade agreements and their impact on the business. The adoption and expansion of trade restrictions, the occurrence of a trade war, or other governmental action related to tariffs or trade agreements or policies has the potential to adversely impact demand for products, costs, customers, suppliers, and the United States economy, which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, operating results, and financial condition.
Previous wording
Fluctuations in the price and availability of commodities, raw materials, components, and finished goods could have an adverse effect on costs of sales, profitability, and ability to meet customers’ demand. The Corporation sources commodities, raw materials, components, and finished goods from domestic and international suppliers. From both domestic and international suppliers, the cost and availability of commodities, raw materials, components, and finished goods including steel have been significantly affected in recent years by, among other things, changes in global supply and demand, the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in laws and regulations (including tariffs and duties), changes in exchange rates and worldwide price levels, inflationary forces, natural disasters, labor disputes, military action, terrorism, and political unrest or instability. These factors could lead to price volatility or supply interruptions in the future. Profit margins could be adversely affected if commodity, raw material, component, and finished good costs increase and the Corporation is either unable to offset such costs through strategic sourcing initiatives and continuous improvement programs or, as a result of competitive market dynamics, unable to pass along a portion of the higher costs to customers.
Current wording
Fluctuations in the price and availability of commodities, raw materials, components, and finished goods could have an adverse effect on costs of sales, profitability, and ability to meet customers’ demand. The Corporation sources commodities, raw materials, components, and finished goods from domestic and international suppliers. From both domestic and international suppliers, the cost and availability of commodities, raw materials, components, and finished goods including steel have been significantly affected in recent years by, among other things, changes in global supply and demand, changes in laws and regulations (including tariffs and duties), changes in exchange rates and worldwide price levels, inflationary forces, natural disasters, labor disputes, military action, terrorism, and political unrest or instability. These factors could lead to price volatility or supply interruptions in the future. Profit margins could be adversely affected if commodity, raw material, component, and finished good costs increase and the Corporation is either unable to offset such costs through strategic sourcing initiatives and continuous improvement programs or, as a result of competitive market dynamics, unable to pass along a portion of the higher costs to customers.
Previous wording
The Corporation relies primarily on third-party freight and transportation providers to deliver products to customers. Increasing demand for freight providers and a shortage of qualified drivers has caused delays and may cause future delays in shipments and increase the cost to ship its products, which may adversely affect profitability. The Corporation also imports and exports products and components, primarily using container ships, which load and unload through North American ports. Capacity-related and/or port-caused delays in the shipment or receipt of products and components, including labor disputes, have caused and could cause delayed receipt of products and components, which may adversely affect sales and profitability.
Current wording
The Corporation relies primarily on third-party freight and transportation providers to deliver products to customers. Increasing demand for freight providers and a shortage of qualified drivers have caused delays and may cause future delays in shipments and increase the cost to ship its products, which may adversely affect profitability. The Corporation also imports and exports products and components, primarily using container ships, which load and unload their cargoes through North American ports. Capacity-related and/or port-caused delays in the shipment or receipt of products and components, including labor disputes, have caused and could cause delayed receipt of products and components, which may adversely affect sales and profitability.
Previous wording
The long-term effects of global climate change could present both physical risks and transition risks (such as regulatory, supply chain, or technology changes), which could be widespread and unpredictable. These changes over time could affect the availability and cost of raw materials, commodities, and energy (including utilities), which in turn may impact the Corporation’s ability to procure goods or services required for the operation of the Corporation’s business at the quantities and levels the Corporation requires. Additionally, the Corporation has facilities located in areas that may be impacted by the physical risks of climate change, including flooding, and faces the risk of losses incurred as a result of physical damage to its facilities and inventory as well as business interruption caused by such events. Furthermore, periods of extended inclement weather or associated flooding may inhibit construction activity utilizing the Corporation’s products and delay shipments of products to customers. The Corporation uses natural gas, diesel fuel, gasoline and electricity in its operations, all of which could face increased regulation as a result of climate change or other environmental concerns. The increased prevalence of global climate issues may result in new regulations that negatively impact the Corporation, including regulations limiting emissions from, or restricting the use of wood, coal, natural gas, or other fuel sources in, fireplaces and heating appliances, which may impair the Corporation’s ability to market and sell those products. Any such events could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s costs or results of operations.
Current wording
The long-term effects of global climate change could present both physical risks and transition risks (such as regulatory, supply chain, or technology changes), which could be widespread and unpredictable. These changes over time could affect the availability and cost of raw materials, commodities, and energy (including utilities), which in turn may impact the Corporation’s ability to procure goods or services required for the operation of the Corporation’s business at the quantities and levels the Corporation requires. Additionally, the Corporation has manufacturing and distribution facilities located in areas that may be impacted by the physical risks of climate change, including flooding, and faces the risk of losses incurred as a result of physical damage to its facilities and inventory as well as business interruption caused by such events. Furthermore, periods of extended inclement weather or associated flooding may inhibit construction activity utilizing the Corporation’s products and delay shipments of products to customers. The Corporation uses natural gas, diesel fuel, gasoline, and electricity in its operations, all of which could face increased regulation as a result of climate change or other environmental concerns. The increased prevalence of global climate issues may result in new regulations that could negatively impact the Corporation, including regulations limiting emissions from, or restricting the use of wood, coal, natural gas, or other fuel sources in, fireplaces and heating appliances, which may impede the Corporation’s ability to market and sell those products. Any such events could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s costs or results of operations.
Previous wording
The Corporation has experienced shortages of qualified labor across its operations. Outside suppliers that the Corporation relies upon have also experienced shortages of qualified labor. The success of the Corporation’s operations depends on its ability, and the ability of third parties upon which the Corporation relies, to identify, recruit, develop, and retain qualified and talented individuals in order to supply and deliver the Corporation’s products. A shortage of qualified labor could have a negative effect on the Corporation’s business. Member recruitment, development, and retention efforts may not be successful, which could result in a shortage of qualified individuals in future periods. Any such shortage could decrease the Corporation’s ability to effectively produce workplace furnishings and residential building products and meet customer demand. Such a shortage would also likely lead to higher wages for employees (or higher costs to purchase the services of such third parties) and a corresponding reduction in the Corporation’s results of operations. A shortage of qualified labor in certain geographies, particularly with plant production workers, could result in increased costs from certain temporary wage actions, such as hiring and referral bonus programs. Such shortages for a prolonged period of time could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s operating results.
Current wording
The success of the Corporation’s operations depends on its ability, and the ability of third parties upon which the Corporation relies, to identify, recruit, develop, and retain qualified and talented individuals in order to supply and deliver the Corporation’s products. The Corporation has experienced shortages of qualified labor across its operations. Outside suppliers that the Corporation relies upon have also experienced shortages of qualified labor. Current and future shortages of qualified labor could have a negative effect on the Corporation’s business. Member recruitment, development, and retention efforts may not be successful, which could result in a shortage of qualified individuals in future periods. Any such shortage could decrease the Corporation’s ability to effectively produce workplace furnishings and residential building products and meet customer demand. Such a shortage would also likely lead to higher wages for members (or higher costs to purchase the services of such third parties) and a corresponding reduction in the Corporation’s profitability. A shortage of qualified labor in certain geographies, particularly where plant production workers are employed, could result in increased costs from certain temporary wage actions, such as hiring and referral bonus programs. Such shortages for a prolonged period could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s operating results.
Previous wording
The Corporation’s strategy is partially based on growth through acquisitions or strategic alliances. Failure to properly identify, value, and manage acquisitions or alliances may negatively affect the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Current wording
Failure to properly identify, value, and manage acquisitions or strategic alliances in accordance with the Corporation's strategy may negatively affect the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Previous wording
One of the Corporation’s growth strategies is to supplement its organic growth through acquisitions and strategic alliances, which may include transactions with other manufacturers of workplace furnishings and residential building products or distributors of workplace furnishings and residential building products. The Corporation may not be successful in identifying suitable acquisition or alliance opportunities, prevailing against competing potential acquirers, negotiating appropriate acquisition terms, obtaining financing, completing proposed acquisitions or alliances, or expanding into new markets or product categories. If the Corporation fails to effectively identify, value, consummate, or manage any acquired company, it may not realize the potential growth opportunities or achieve the financial results anticipated at the time of the acquisition or alliance. An acquisition or alliance could also adversely impact the Corporation’s operating performance or cash flow due to, among other things, the issuance of acquisition-related debt, pre-acquisition assumed liabilities, undisclosed facts about the business, or acquisition expense. The Corporation’s ability to grow through future acquisitions will depend, in part, on the availability of suitable acquisition candidates at an acceptable price, the ability to compete effectively for these acquisition candidates, and the availability of capital to complete the acquisitions. Any potential acquisition may not be successful and could adversely affect the Corporation’s business, operating results, or financial condition.
Current wording
One of the Corporation’s growth strategies is to supplement its organic growth through acquisitions and strategic alliances, which may include transactions with other manufacturers of workplace furnishings and residential building products or distributors of workplace furnishings and residential building products. The Corporation may not be successful in identifying suitable acquisition or alliance opportunities, prevailing against competing potential acquirers, negotiating appropriate acquisition terms, obtaining financing, completing proposed acquisitions or alliances, or expanding into new markets or product categories. If the Corporation fails to effectively identify, value, consummate, or manage any acquired company, it may not realize the potential growth opportunities or achieve the financial results anticipated at the time of the acquisition or alliance. An acquisition or alliance could also adversely impact the Corporation’s operating performance or cash flow due to, among other things, the issuance of acquisition-related debt, pre-acquisition assumed liabilities, undisclosed facts about the business, or acquisition expense. Any of such risks could adversely affect the Corporation’s business, operating results, or financial condition.
Previous wording
The Corporation may not achieve the intended benefits of its recent merger with Kimball International.
Current wording
The Corporation may not achieve the intended benefits of its merger with Kimball International.
Previous wording
There can be no assurance that the Corporation will be able to successfully integrate Kimball International’s assets or otherwise realize the expected benefits of the transaction (including operating and other cost synergies). Difficulties in integrating Kimball International into the Corporation may result in the Corporation performing differently than expected, in operational challenges, in the failure to realize anticipated run-rate cost synergies and efficiencies in the expected time frame or at all, or in the difficulty or failure of utilizing available U.S. tax attributes, in which case the merger may not be accretive to earnings per share, may not improve the Corporation’s balance sheet position, may not enhance the Corporation’s ability to de-lever and may not generate additional free cash flow due to reduced cash tax payments. The integration of the two companies may result in material challenges, including the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business concerns; retaining key management and other employees; retaining or attracting business and operational relationships; the possibility of faulty assumptions underlying expectations regarding the integration process and associated expenses; consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures and eliminating duplicative operations; coordinating geographically separate organizations; unanticipated issues in integrating information technology, communications and other systems; as well as potential unknown liabilities, or unforeseen expenses relating to integration.
Current wording
The Corporation may not be able to successfully integrate Kimball International’s assets or otherwise realize the expected benefits of the merger transaction (including operating and other cost synergies). Difficulties in integrating Kimball International into the Corporation may result in the Corporation performing differently than expected, in operational challenges, in the failure to realize anticipated run-rate cost synergies and efficiencies in the expected periods or at all, or in the difficulty or failure of utilizing available U.S. tax attributes. In such a case, the acquisition may not be accretive to earnings per share, may not improve the Corporation’s balance sheet position, may not enhance the Corporation’s ability to de-lever and may not generate additional free cash flow due to reduced cash tax payments.
Previous wording
The Corporation’s business is significantly larger than the pre-merger size of either the Corporation’s or Kimball International’s respective businesses. The Corporation’s ability to successfully manage this expanded business will depend, in part, upon management’s ability to design and implement strategic initiatives that address not only the integration of two independent stand-alone companies, but also the increased scale and scope of the combined business with its associated increased costs and complexity. There can be no assurances that the combined company will be successful or that it will realize the expected operating efficiencies, cost savings and other benefits currently anticipated from the merger.
Current wording
The Corporation’s business is significantly larger than the pre-merger size of either the Corporation’s or Kimball International’s respective businesses. The Corporation’s ability to successfully manage this expanded business depends, in part, upon management’s ability to design and implement strategic initiatives that address not only the integration of two independent stand-alone companies, but also the increased scale and scope of the combined business with its associated increased costs and complexity. The Corporation's financial performance may be adversely affected if the combined company does not effectively manage its expanded operations.
Previous wording
In connection with the merger and ongoing integration efforts, the combined company incurred and is expected to continue to incur substantial expenses. There are a large number of processes, policies, procedures, operations, technologies and systems that must be integrated, potentially including purchasing, accounting and finance, sales, payroll, pricing, revenue management, marketing and benefits. The substantial majority of these costs are non-recurring expenses related to the merger (including financing of the merger), facilities and systems consolidation. The Corporation may incur additional costs to maintain employee morale and to attract, motivate or retain management personnel and other key employees. The Corporation and Kimball International also incurred transaction fees and costs related to formulating integration plans for the combined business, and the execution of these plans may lead to additional unanticipated costs. These incremental transaction- and merger-related costs may exceed the savings the combined company expects to achieve from the elimination of duplicative costs and the realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses, particularly in the near term and in the event there are material unanticipated costs.
Current wording
In connection with the merger and ongoing integration efforts, the combined company incurred and is expected to continue to incur substantial expenses. There are a large number of processes, policies, procedures, operations, technologies, and systems that must be integrated, including purchasing, accounting and finance, sales, payroll, pricing, revenue management, marketing and benefits. The substantial majority of these costs are non-recurring expenses related to the merger (including financing of the transaction), facilities and systems consolidation. These incremental transaction- and merger-related costs may exceed the savings the combined company expects to achieve from the elimination of duplicative costs and the realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses, particularly in the near term and in the event there are material unanticipated costs.
Previous wording
The Corporation recorded $272.8 million of goodwill and other intangible assets in connection with the merger with Kimball International, and as of December 30, 2023, the Corporation’s goodwill and other intangible assets of $651.9 million represented approximately 34 percent of its total consolidated assets. Goodwill and other acquired intangible assets with indefinite lives are recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition and are not amortized, but reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change making it reasonably possible an impairment may exist. In evaluating the potential for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, the Corporation makes assumptions regarding future operating performance, business trends and market and economic performance, and the Corporation’s sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors. If the Corporation experiences disruptions in its business, unexpected significant declines in operating results, a divestiture of a significant component of its business, declines in the market value of equity, or other factors causing the Corporation’s goodwill or intangible assets to be impaired, the Corporation could be required to recognize additional non-cash impairment charges, which would adversely affect the results of operations. See "Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for information on impairment charges.
Current wording
Goodwill and other acquired intangible assets with indefinite lives are recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition and are not amortized, but reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change making it reasonably possible an impairment may exist. In evaluating the potential for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, the Corporation makes assumptions regarding future operating performance, business trends and market and economic performance, and the Corporation’s sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors. If the Corporation experiences disruptions in its business, unexpected significant declines in operating results, a divestiture of a significant component of its business, declines in the market value of equity, or other factors causing the Corporation’s goodwill or intangible assets to be impaired, the Corporation could be required to recognize additional non-cash impairment charges, which would adversely affect the results of operations.
Previous wording
The Corporation provides healthcare benefits to the majority of its members and is self-insured. Healthcare costs have continued to rise over time, which increases the annual spending on healthcare and could adversely affect the Corporation’s business, operating results, and financial condition.
Current wording
The Corporation provides health care benefits to the majority of its members and is self-insured. Health care costs have continued to rise over time, which increases the annual spending on health care and could adversely affect the Corporation’s business, operating results, and financial condition.
Previous wording
The Corporation’s international sales and operations are subject to a number of additional risks, including:
Current wording
Its international sales and operations are subject to a number of additional risks, including:
Previous wording
•changes in labor laws and regulations affecting the ability to hire, retain, or dismiss employees;
Current wording
•changes in labor laws and regulations affecting the ability to hire, retain, or dismiss members;
Previous wording
•the failure of the Corporation’s compliance programs and internal training to prevent violations of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-bribery laws;
Current wording
•the failure of the Corporation’s compliance programs and internal training to prevent violations of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws;
Previous wording
These risks may be elevated given the current uncertainties around the impact of the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, ongoing disputes and increased tensions related to global trade, and complexities with foreign regulatory environments including the decreased ability of United States regulators to exercise oversight of subsidiaries of United States companies based in certain international jurisdictions.
Current wording
These risks may be elevated given the current uncertainties regarding the impact of the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, ongoing disputes and increased tensions related to global trade, and complexities with foreign regulatory environments including the decreased ability of United States regulators to exercise oversight of subsidiaries of United States companies based in certain international jurisdictions.
Previous wording
Additionally, although the Corporation primarily sells products and reports the financial results in United States dollars, increased business in countries outside the United States creates exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Paying expenses in other currencies can result in a significant increase or decrease in the amount of those expenses in terms of United States dollars, which may affect profits. In the future, any foreign currency appreciation relative to the United States dollar would increase expenses that are denominated in that currency. Additionally, as the Corporation reports currency in the United States dollar, the financial position is affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where the Corporation has operations relative to the strength of the United States dollar.
Current wording
Although the Corporation primarily sells products and reports the financial results in United States dollars, increased business in countries outside the United States creates exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Paying expenses in other currencies can result in a significant increase or decrease in the amount of those expenses in terms of United States dollars, which may affect profits. In the future, any foreign currency appreciation relative to the United States dollar would increase expenses that are denominated in that currency. Additionally, as the Corporation reports currency in the United States dollar, the financial position is affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where the Corporation has operations relative to the strength of the United States dollar.
Previous wording
The Corporation’s contracts with government entities are subject to various statutes and regulations that apply to companies doing business with the government. The United States government, as well as state and local governments, can typically terminate or modify their contracts either for their convenience or if the Corporation defaults by failing to perform under the terms of the applicable contract. A termination arising out of default could expose the Corporation to liability and impede its ability to compete in the future for contracts and orders with agencies and departments at all levels of government. Moreover, the Corporation is subject to investigation and audit for compliance with the requirements governing government contracts, including requirements related to procurement integrity, export controls, employment practices, the accuracy of records, and reporting of costs. If the Corporation were found to not be a responsible supplier or to have committed fraud or certain criminal offenses, it could be suspended or debarred from all further federal, state, or local government contracting.
Current wording
The Corporation’s contracts with government entities are subject to various statutes and regulations that apply to companies doing business with the government. The United States government, as well as state and local governments, can typically terminate or modify their contracts either for their convenience or if the Corporation fails to perform under the terms of the applicable contract. A termination arising out of default could expose the Corporation to liability and impede its ability to compete in the future for contracts and orders with agencies and departments at all levels of government. Moreover, the Corporation is subject to investigation and audit for compliance with the requirements governing government contracts, including requirements related to procurement integrity, export controls, employment practices, the accuracy of records, and reporting of costs. If the Corporation were found to not be a responsible supplier or to have committed fraud or certain criminal offenses, it could be suspended or debarred from all further federal, state, or local government contracting.
Previous wording
Through the past and present operation and ownership of manufacturing facilities and real property, the Corporation is subject to extensive and changing federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, both domestic and abroad, including those relating to discharges in air, water, and land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste, and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances. Compliance with environmental regulations has not had a material effect on capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position to date, but compliance with current laws or more stringent laws or regulations which may be imposed in the future, stricter interpretation of existing laws or discoveries of contamination at the Corporation’s real property sites which occurred prior to ownership, or the advent of environmental regulation may require additional expenditures in the future, some of which may be material.
Current wording
Through the past and present operation and ownership of manufacturing facilities and real property, the Corporation is subject to extensive and changing federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, in the United States and other countries where it operates, including those relating to discharges in air, water, and land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste, and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances. Compliance with environmental regulations has not had a material effect on capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position to date, but compliance with current laws or more stringent laws or regulations which may be imposed in the future, stricter interpretation of existing laws or discoveries of contamination at the Corporation’s real property sites which occurred prior to ownership may require additional expenditures in the future, some of which may be material.
Previous wording
The Corporation attempts to protect its intellectual property rights, both in the United States and in foreign countries, through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret laws, as well as licensing agreements and third-party nondisclosure and assignment agreements. Because of the differences in foreign trademark, copyright, patent, and other laws concerning proprietary rights, intellectual property rights do not generally receive the same degree of protection in foreign countries as they do in the United States. In some countries, the Corporation has limited protections, if any, for its intellectual property. The degree of protection offered by the claims of the various patents, copyrights, trademarks, and service marks may not be broad enough to provide significant proprietary protection or competitive advantages to the Corporation, and patents, copyrights, trademarks, or service marks may not be issued on pending or contemplated applications. In addition, not all of the Corporation’s products are covered by patents or similar intellectual property protections. It is also possible that patents, copyrights, trademarks, and service marks may be challenged, invalidated, canceled, narrowed, or circumvented.
Current wording
The Corporation attempts to protect its intellectual property rights, both in the United States and in other countries, through a combination of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret laws, as well as licensing agreements and third-party nondisclosure and assignment agreements. Because of the differences in foreign trademark, copyright, patent, and other laws concerning proprietary rights, intellectual property rights do not generally receive the same degree of protection in foreign countries as in the United States. In some countries, the Corporation has limited protections, if any, for its intellectual property. The degree of protection offered by the claims of the various patents, copyrights, trademarks, and service marks may not be broad enough to provide significant proprietary protection or competitive advantages to the Corporation, and patents, copyrights, trademarks, or service marks may not be issued on pending or contemplated applications. In addition, not all of the Corporation’s products are covered by patents or similar intellectual property protections. It is also possible that patents, copyrights, trademarks, and service marks may be challenged, invalidated, canceled, narrowed, or circumvented.
Previous wording
In the past, certain products have been copied and sold by others. The Corporation tries to enforce its intellectual property rights, but has to make choices about where and how to pursue enforcement and where to seek and maintain intellectual property protection. In many cases, the cost of enforcing rights is substantial, and the Corporation may determine that the costs of enforcement outweigh the potential benefits.
Current wording
In the past, certain of the Corporation's products have been copied and sold by others. The Corporation tries to enforce its intellectual property rights, but has to make choices about where and how to pursue enforcement and where to seek and maintain intellectual property protection. In many cases, the cost of enforcing rights is substantial, and the Corporation may determine that the costs of enforcement outweigh the potential benefits.
Previous wording
The financing arrangements that the Corporation entered into in connection with the merger with Kimball International contain restrictions and limitations that may, under certain circumstances, significantly impact the Corporation’s ability to operate its business.
Current wording
The financing arrangements of the Corporation contain restrictions and limitations that may, under certain circumstances, significantly impact the Corporation’s ability to operate its business.
Previous wording
The Corporation incurred significant new indebtedness in connection with its merger with Kimball International. The agreements governing the indebtedness that the Corporation incurred in connection with the merger, including, but not limited to, the Term Loan Credit Agreement may, under certain circumstances, impose significant operating and financial restrictions on the Corporation. Specifically, the debt agreements restrict the Corporation’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create or incur certain liens with respect to any properties or assets, engage in lines of business substantially different than those currently conducted, sell, lease, license, or dispose of certain assets, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, make certain restricted payments or take certain restricted actions, and enter into certain sale-leaseback arrangements. These restrictions may affect the Corporation’s ability to operate its business and may limit the Corporation’s ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise.
Current wording
The agreements governing the indebtedness of the Corporation may, under certain circumstances, impose significant operating and financial restrictions on the Corporation. The debt agreements restrict the Corporation’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create or incur certain liens with respect to any properties or assets, engage in lines of business substantially different than those currently conducted, sell, lease, license, or dispose of certain assets, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, make certain restricted payments or take certain restricted actions, and enter into certain sale-leaseback arrangements. These restrictions may affect the Corporation’s ability to operate its business and may limit the Corporation’s ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise.
Previous wording
In addition, the agreements governing such indebtedness require the Corporation to comply with a consolidated leverage ratio financial covenant and consolidated interest coverage ratio financial covenant. The Corporation’s ability to comply with such covenants will depend on its ongoing financial and operating performance, which in turn will be subject to economic conditions and to financial, market and competitive factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation’s control. The ability to comply with these covenants will also depend on the Corporation’s ability to successfully implement its overall business strategy and realize the anticipated benefits of the merger, including synergies, cost savings, innovation and operational efficiencies.
Current wording
In addition, the agreements governing such indebtedness require the Corporation to comply with a consolidated leverage ratio financial covenant and consolidated interest coverage ratio financial covenant. The Corporation’s ability to continue to comply with these financial covenants will depend on its ongoing financial and operating performance, which in turn will be subject to economic conditions and to financial, market and competitive factors, many of which are beyond the Corporation’s control. The ability to comply with these covenants will also depend on the Corporation’s ability to successfully implement its overall business strategy and realize anticipated synergies, cost savings, innovation, and operational efficiencies.
Previous wording
Various risks, uncertainties and events beyond the Corporation’s control could affect its ability to comply with the covenants contained in its financing agreements. Failure to comply with any of the covenants in its existing or future financing agreements could result in a default under those agreements and under other agreements containing cross-default provisions. A default would permit lenders to accelerate the maturity of the debt under these agreements. Under these circumstances, the Corporation might not have sufficient funds or other resources to satisfy all of its obligations. In addition, the limitations imposed by financing agreements on the Corporation’s ability to incur additional debt and to take other actions might significantly impair its ability to obtain other financing. The debt agreements also require the Corporation to maintain certain financial covenants.
Current wording
Various risks, uncertainties and events beyond the Corporation’s control could affect its ability to comply with the covenants contained in its financing agreements. Failure to comply with any of the covenants in its existing or future financing agreements could result in a default under those agreements and under other agreements containing cross-default provisions. A default would permit lenders to accelerate the maturity of the debt under these agreements. Under these circumstances, the Corporation might not have sufficient funds or other resources to satisfy all of its obligations. In addition, the limitations imposed by financing agreements on the Corporation’s ability to incur additional debt and to take other actions might significantly impair its ability to obtain other financing.
Previous wording
Rising interest rates and future increases will likely increase interest cost on the Corporation’s debt and could materially adversely impact the Corporation’s ability to refinance existing debt and limit its acquisition and development activities going forward.
Current wording
Fluctuating interest rates including potential future increases may raise the interest cost on the Corporation’s debt and could materially adversely impact the Corporation’s ability to refinance existing debt and limit its acquisition and development activities going forward.
Previous wording
The U.S. Federal Reserve has raised the benchmark interest rate multiple times during 2023, and there can be no assurances that the rate will not further increase in the future. The agreements governing the indebtedness that the Corporation incurred in connection with the merger and otherwise, including, but not limited to, the Term Loan Credit Agreement, contain interest rates tied to various benchmark rates in effect at any given time, so as interest rates have increased, so has the Corporation’s interest costs for any new debt assumed in connection with the merger and in the normal course of our operations and any additional increases could further increase these costs. This increased cost could make the financing of any acquisition and development activity more costly, as well as lower future period earnings due to higher cost of borrowing.
Current wording
The U.S. Federal Reserve has raised the benchmark interest rate multiple times in recent years, and may increase the rate or slow reductions in the rate in future periods. The agreements governing the indebtedness of the Corporation contain interest rates tied to various benchmark rates in effect at any given time, so as interest rates have increased, so has the Corporation’s interest costs for any new debt assumed in connection with the merger and in the normal course of our operations and any additional increases could further increase these costs. This increased cost could make the financing of any acquisition and development activity more costly, as well as lower future period earnings due to higher cost of borrowing.
Previous wording
The Corporation’s capital requirements depend on many factors, including its need for capital improvements, tooling, research and development, and acquisitions. To the extent existing cash, available borrowings, and cash flows are insufficient to meet these requirements, the Corporation may need to raise additional funds through financings or curtail its growth and reduce the Corporation’s assets. Future borrowings or financings may not be available under the credit facility or otherwise in an amount sufficient to enable the Corporation to pay its debt or meet its liquidity needs.
Current wording
The Corporation’s capital requirements depend on many factors, including its need for capital improvements, tooling, research and development, and acquisitions. To the extent existing cash, available borrowings, and cash flows are insufficient to meet these requirements, the Corporation may need to raise additional funds through financings or curtail its growth and reduce the Corporation’s assets. Future borrowings or financings may not be available under the Corporation's credit facility or otherwise in an amount sufficient to enable the Corporation to pay its debt or meet its liquidity needs.