HNI CORP

Previous 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.

Current wording

Workplace 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 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

The workplace, health care, and hospitality furnishings and residential building products industries are highly competitive and, as a result, the Corporation may not be successful in winning new business.

Current wording

The Corporation may not be successful in winning new business in the highly competitive workplace furnishings and residential building products industries.

Previous wording

The workplace, health care, and hospitality furnishings and residential building products industries are highly competitive. Many of the Corporation’s competitors in both industries offer similar products. Competitive factors include price, delivery and service, brand recognition, product design, product quality, strength of dealers and other distributors, and relationships with customers and key influencers, including architects, designers, home-builders, and facility managers. In both industries, most of the top competitors have an installed base of products that can be a source of significant future sales through repeat and expansion orders. The Corporation’s main competitors manufacture products with strong acceptance in the marketplace and are capable of developing products that have a competitive advantage, which could make it difficult for the Corporation to win new business.

Current wording

The workplace furnishings and residential building products industries are highly competitive. Many of the Corporation’s competitors in both industries offer similar products. Competitive factors include price, delivery and service, brand recognition, product design, product quality, strength of dealers and other distributors, and relationships with customers and key influencers, including architects, designers, home-builders, and facility managers. In both industries, most of the top competitors have an installed base of products that can be a source of significant future sales through repeat and expansion orders. The Corporation’s main competitors manufacture products with strong acceptance in the marketplace and are capable of developing products that have a competitive advantage, which could make it difficult for the Corporation to win new business.

Previous 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.

Current wording

The Corporation sells products through multiple distribution channels, which primarily include independent dealers, national dealers, and sales representatives. 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

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.

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 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

Natural disasters, acts of God, global pandemics or epidemics, force majeure events, or other catastrophic events, including severe weather, military action, terrorist attacks, power interruptions, floods, and fires, could disrupt operations and the ability to produce or deliver products. Some of the Corporation’s production facilities, members, and key management are located within a small geographic area in eastern Iowa located near the Mississippi River, and a natural disaster or catastrophe in the area, such as flooding or severe storms, could have a significant adverse effect on the results of operations and business conditions. Further, several of the Corporation’s production facilities are single-site manufacturers of certain products, and an adverse event affecting any of those facilities could significantly delay production of certain products and adversely affect operations and business conditions. Members are an integral part of the business and events such as those described above could negatively impact the availability of members reporting for work. In the event the Corporation experiences a temporary or permanent interruption in its ability to produce or deliver product, revenues could be reduced, and business could be materially adversely affected. In addition, any continuing disruption in the Corporation’s computer system could adversely affect the ability to receive and process customers’ orders, procure materials, manufacture products and ship products on a timely basis, which could adversely affect relations with customers and potentially reduce customer orders or result in the loss of customers.

Current wording

Natural disasters, acts of God, global pandemics or epidemics, force majeure events, or other catastrophic events, including severe weather, military action, terrorist attacks, power interruptions, floods, and fires, could disrupt operations and the ability to produce or deliver products. Some of the Corporation’s production facilities, members, and key management are located within a small geographic area in eastern Iowa located near the Mississippi River, and a natural disaster or catastrophe in the area, such as flooding or severe storms, could have a significant adverse effect on the Corporation's results of operations and business conditions. Further, several of the Corporation’s production facilities are single-site manufacturers of certain products, and an adverse event affecting any of those facilities could significantly delay production of certain products and adversely affect operations and business conditions. Members are an integral part of the business and events such as those described above could negatively impact the availability of members for work. In the event the Corporation experiences a temporary or permanent interruption in its ability to produce or deliver products, revenues could be reduced, and business could be materially adversely affected. In addition, any continuing disruption in the Corporation’s information technology systems could adversely affect the ability to receive and process customers’ orders, procure materials, manufacture products and ship products on a timely basis, which could adversely affect relations with customers and potentially reduce customer orders or result in the loss of customers.

Previous wording

The Corporation depends significantly on its executive officers and other key personnel. The Corporation’s success is also dependent on keeping pace with technological advancements and adapting services to provide manufacturing capabilities that meet customers’ changing needs. To do so, the Corporation must retain qualified engineering and technical personnel and successfully anticipate and respond to technological changes in a cost effective and timely manner. The Corporation focuses on continuous training, motivation, and development of its members, and it strives to attract and retain qualified personnel. Failure to retain the Corporation’s executive officers and retain and attract other key personnel could adversely affect the Corporation’s business.

Current wording

The Corporation depends significantly on its executive officers and other key personnel. The Corporation’s success is also dependent on keeping pace with technological advancements and adapting services to provide manufacturing capabilities that meet customers’ changing needs. To meet these goals, the Corporation must retain qualified engineering and technical personnel and successfully anticipate and respond to technological changes in a cost effective and timely manner. The Corporation focuses on continuous training, motivation, and development of its members, and it strives to attract and retain qualified personnel. Failure to retain the Corporation’s executive officers and retain and attract other key personnel could adversely affect the Corporation’s business.

Previous 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.

Current wording

As of January 3, 2026, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, net represented approximately 35% of the Corporation's 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 its financial results.

Previous 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.

Current wording

The Corporation provides health care benefits to the majority of its member and Legacy HNI is self-insured. Health care costs have continued to rise significantly over time, which increases the annual spending on health care. Increased health care costs could adversely affect the Corporation’s business, operating results, and financial condition.

Previous 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.

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 regulators to exercise oversight of subsidiaries of United States companies based in certain international jurisdictions.

Previous 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.

Current wording

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 dollars, which may affect profits. In the future, any foreign currency appreciation relative to the dollar would increase expenses that are denominated in that currency. Additionally, as the Corporation reports currency in the 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 dollar.

Previous wording

The Corporation periodically reviews foreign currency exposure and evaluates whether it should enter into hedging transactions. As of the date of this report and for the period presented, the Corporation has not utilized any currency hedging instruments.

Current wording

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

Previous wording

The Corporation derives a portion of its revenue from sales to various United States federal, state, and local government agencies and departments. The ability to compete successfully for and retain business with the United States government, as well as with state and local governments, is highly dependent on cost-effective performance. This government business is highly sensitive to changes in procurement laws, national, international, state, and local public priorities, and budgets at all levels of government, which frequently experience downward pressure and are subject to uncertainty, including the potential for a temporary shutdown of the United States federal government.

Current wording

In fiscal year 2025, the Corporation derived a portion of its revenue from sales to various United States federal, state, and local government agencies and departments. The ability to compete successfully for and retain business with the United States government, as well as with state and local governments, is highly dependent on cost-effective performance. Business pursuant to government contracts is highly sensitive to changes in procurement laws, national, international, state, and local public priorities, and budgets at all levels of government, which frequently experience downward pressure and are subject to uncertainty, including the potential for a temporary shutdown of the United States federal government.

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 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.

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 not to 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

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 wording

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, cause significant damage to its reputation, and expose it to substantial legal liability.

Previous wording

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 wording

Insider or employee cyber and security threats are also a significant concern for 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.

Previous wording

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 wording

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, however, 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.

Previous wording

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 wording

The third-party data management providers and other vendors upon which the Corporation relies may have or develop security problems or security vulnerabilities that 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 protect 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.

Previous wording

The Corporation may not achieve the intended benefits of its merger with Kimball International.

Current wording

The Corporation may not achieve the intended benefits of the acquisition, and the acquisition may disrupt its current plans or operations.

Previous 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.

Current wording

The Corporation may not be able to successfully integrate Steelcase’s assets or otherwise realize the expected benefits of the acquisition (including operating and other cost synergies). Difficulties in integrating Steelcase into the Corporation may result in the combined company 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 acquisition may not be accretive to earnings per share, may not improve the Corporation's balance sheet position, and may not enhance its ability to deliver or 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 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.

Current wording

The size of the Corporation's business is significantly larger than the current size of either HNI’s or Steelcase’s respective businesses prior to the acquisition. 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. The combined company may not be successful or realize the expected operating efficiencies, cost savings and other benefits currently anticipated from the acquisition.

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, 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.

Current wording

The Corporation will incur substantial expenses in connection with the integration of HNI and Steelcase. The expectation of substantial integration expenses reflects in part the many 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 the expenses of the acquisition and the integration of HNI and Steelcase will be non-recurring expenses (including financing of the acquisition) and related to 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. HNI and Steelcase will also incur 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 merger-related costs may exceed the savings the Corporation 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 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.

Current wording

As of January 3, 2026, the Corporation had $1.3 billion of long-term indebtedness, including indebtedness it incurred in connection with its acquisition of Steelcase. The agreements governing such indebtedness 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

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.

Current wording

Fluctuating interest rates including potential future rate 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 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.

Current wording

The United States Federal Reserve Board has adjusted 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 frequently provides public guidance on the expected results of operations for future periods. This guidance comprises forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other public filings and public statements, and is based necessarily on assumptions made at the time the Corporation provides such guidance. The guidance may not always be accurate. If, in the future, the results of operations for a particular period do not meet its guidance or the expectations of investment analysts or if the Corporation reduces its guidance for future periods, the market price of its common stock could decline significantly.

Current wording

The Corporation frequently provides public guidance on its expected results of operations for future periods. This guidance constitutes forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties described in this annual report on Form 10-K and in other public filings and public statements, and is necessarily based on assumptions made at the time the Corporation provides such guidance. The guidance may not always be accurate. If, in the future, the results of operations for a particular period do not meet the Corporation's guidance or the expectations of investment analysts, or if the Corporation reduces its guidance for future periods, the market price of its common stock could decline significantly.

Previous wording

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

Current wording

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

Previous wording

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

Current wording

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