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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549


FORM 10-K/A

Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-K

(Mark One)  

ý

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

For the fiscal year ended January 3, 2004

OR

o

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

Commission File Number 0-2648


         
HNI Corporation
(formerly HON INDUSTRIES Inc.)
An Iowa Corporation       IRS Employer No. 42-0617510
    414 East Third Street
P. O. Box 1109
Muscatine, IA 52761-0071
563/264-7400
   

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

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


        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.             

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act) Yes ý    No o

        The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, as of June 28, 2003, was: $1,335,211,493 assuming all 5% holders are affiliates.

        The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock, as of February 20, 2004, was: 58,239,877.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

        Portions of the registrant's Proxy Statement dated March 19, 2004, for the May 4, 2004, Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

        Index of Exhibits is located on Page 63.





EXPLANATORY NOTE

        HNI Corporation (formerly HON INDUSTRIES Inc.) (the "Company") is filing this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A (this "Amendment") to amend the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2004 (the "Annual Report"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2004. This Amendment is being filed to conform the format of the certification of the principal executive officer and of the principal financial officer included in Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 and previously filed with the Annual Report to current form requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This Amendment also includes as Exhibit 24 a power of attorney incorporated by reference to the Annual Report. This Amendment speaks as of the original filing date of the Annual Report, and except for such exhibits, no other changes to the Annual Report, including the financial statements filed as a part of this report, are being made by means of this filing.



ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
  Page
PART I

Item 1.

Business

 

3

Item 2.

Properties

 

10

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

 

12

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

12

 

Table I—Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

13

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

14

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data—Eleven-Year Summary

 

15

Item 7.

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

 

17

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

25

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

26

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

26

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

 

26

PART III

Item 10.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

27

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

 

27

Item 12.

Securities Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

28

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

28

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

28

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

 

29

Signatures

 

31

Financial Statements

 

33

Financial Statement Schedules

 

62

Index of Exhibits

 

63

2



ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

        HON INDUSTRIES Inc. (the "Company") is an Iowa corporation incorporated in 1944. The Company is a provider of office furniture and hearth products. Approximately 74% of fiscal year 2003 net sales were in office furniture and 26% in hearth products. A broad office furniture product offering is sold to dealers, wholesalers, warehouse clubs, retail superstores, end-user customers, and federal and state governments. Dealer, wholesaler, and retail superstores are the major channels based on sales. Hearth products include wood-, pellet-, gas-burning and electric factory-built fireplaces, fireplace inserts, stoves, gas logs, and accessories. These products are sold through a national system of dealers, wholesalers, large regional contractors, and Company-owned retail outlets. In fiscal 2003, the Company had net sales of $1.8 billion, of which approximately $1.3 billion was attributable to office furniture products and $0.5 billion was attributable to hearth products. Please refer to Operating Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about operating segments.

        The Company is organized into a corporate headquarters and operating units with offices, manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and sales showrooms in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. See Item 2. Properties, for additional related discussion. Five operating units, marketing under various brand names, participate in the office furniture industry. These operating units include: The HON Company, Allsteel Inc., Maxon Furniture Inc., The Gunlocke Company L.L.C., and Holga Inc. Each of these operating units provides products which are sold through various channels of distribution and segments of the industry. On January 5, 2004, the Company finalized the acquisition of Paoli, Inc., a leading provider of wood case goods and seating.

        Hearth & Home Technologies Inc. (previously Hearth Technologies Inc.) was created in October 1996 with the acquisition of Heat-N-Glo Fireplace Products, Inc. and its subsequent integration with the Company's Heatilator operation. On February 20, 1998, the Company acquired Aladdin Steel Products, Inc., a manufacturer of stoves and inserts. On February 29, 2000, the Company completed the acquisition of two leading hearth products distributors, American Fireplace Company (AFC) and the Allied Group (Allied). AFC and Allied have been integrated under the trade name Fireside Hearth & Home. Fireside Hearth & Home sells, installs, and services a broad range of gas- and wood-burning fireplaces as well as fireplace mantels, surrounds, facings, and other accessories.

        HON International Inc. markets select products manufactured by the other various HON INDUSTRIES operating units outside the United States and Canada. It also operates foreign business development offices in Singapore, Japan, and Mexico.

        Since its inception, the Company has been committed to improvement in manufacturing and in 1992 introduced its process improvement approach known as Rapid Continuous Improvement ("RCI") which focuses on streamlining design, manufacturing, and administrative processes. The Company's RCI program, in which most members participate, has contributed to increased productivity, lower manufacturing costs, improved product quality, and workplace safety. In addition, the Company's RCI efforts enable it to offer short average lead times, from receipt of order to delivery and installation, for most of its products.

        The Company distributes its products through an extensive network of independent office furniture dealers, office products dealers, wholesalers and retailers. The Company is a supplier of office furniture to the largest nationwide chains of office products dealers, or "national supply dealers," which include Boise Cascade Corporation; Corporate Express Inc., A Buhrmann Company; Office Depot Business

3



Services Group; and Staples Commercial Advantage. The Company is also a supplier to the Office Depot, Staples, and Office Max superstores.

        The Company's product development efforts are focused on developing and providing solutions that deliver quality, aesthetics, style, and are focused on reducing the cost to manufacture existing products.

        An important element of the Company's success has been its member-owner culture, which has enabled it to attract, develop, retain, and motivate skilled, experienced and efficient members. Each of the Company's eligible members own stock in the Company through a number of stock-based plans, including a member stock purchase plan and a profit-sharing retirement plan, which drives a unique level of commitment to the Company's success throughout the entire workforce. In addition, most production members are eligible for incentive bonuses.

        For further financial-related information with respect to acquisitions, restructuring, and Company operations in general, refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and the following captions included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which are filed as part of this report: Nature of Operations, Business Combinations, and Operating Segment Information.

Industry

        According to the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association ("BIFMA"), U.S. office furniture industry shipments are estimated to be approximately $8,505,000,000 in 2003, a decrease of 4.3% compared to 2002, which was a 19.0% decrease from 2001 levels. The Company believes that the decrease was due to lower corporate profits and prevailing economic conditions.

        The U.S. office furniture market consists of two primary segments—the project or contract segment and the commercial segment. The project segment has traditionally been characterized by sales of office furniture and services to large corporations, such as for new office facilities, relocations, or department or office redesigns, which are frequently customized to meet specific client and designer preferences. Project furniture is generally purchased through office furniture dealers who typically prepare a custom-designed office layout emphasizing image and design. The selling process is often complex and lengthy and generally has several manufacturers competing for the same projects.

        The commercial segment of the market, in which the Company is a leader, primarily represents smaller orders of office furniture purchased by businesses and home office users on the basis of price, quality, selection, and quick delivery. Office products dealers, wholesalers and retailers, such as office products superstores, are the primary distribution channels in this market segment. Office furniture and products dealers publish periodic catalogs that display office furniture and products from various manufacturers.

        The Company also competes in the domestic hearth industry, where it is a market leader. Hearth products are typically purchased by builders during the construction of new homes and homeowners during the renovation of existing homes. Both types of purchases involve seasonality with retrofit activity being concentrated in the September to December time frame. Distribution is primarily accomplished through independent dealers, who may buy direct from the manufacturer or from an intermediate distributor. The Company sells approximately 70% of its products to the new construction/builder channel.

Growth Strategy

        The Company's strategy is to build on its position as a leading manufacturer of office furniture and hearth products in North America. The components of this growth strategy are to introduce new products, build brand equity, continually reduce costs, provide outstanding customer satisfaction by

4



focusing on the end-user, strengthen the distribution network, respond to global competition, pursue complementary strategic acquisitions, and enter markets not currently served.

Employees/Members

        As of January 3, 2004, the Company employed approximately 8,900 persons, 8,500 of who were members and 400 of who were temporary personnel. The Company employed approximately 300 members who were members of unions. The Company believes that its labor relations are good.

Products and Solutions

Office Furniture

        The Company designs, manufactures, and markets a broad range of office furniture in four basic categories: (i) storage, including vertical files, lateral files, pedestals, and high density filing; (ii) seating, including task chairs, executive desk chairs, conference/training chairs, and side chairs; (iii) office systems (typically modular and moveable workspaces with integrated work surfaces, space dividers, and lighting); and (iv) desks and related products, including tables, bookcases, and credenzas. The Company's products are sold under the Company's brands—HON®, Allsteel®, Maxon®, Gunlocke®, Paoli® and Holga®.

        The following is a description of the Company's major product categories and product lines:

Storage

        The Company offers a variety of storage options designed either to be integrated into the Company's office systems products or to function as freestanding furniture in office applications. The Company sells most of its freestanding storage through independent office products and office furniture dealers, nationwide chains of office products dealers, wholesalers, office products superstores, warehouse clubs, and mail order distributors.

Seating

        The Company's seating line includes chairs designed for all types of office work. The chairs are available in a variety of frame colors, coverings, and a wide range of price points. Key customer criteria in seating includes superior design, ergonomics, aesthetics, comfort, and quality.

Office Systems

        The Company offers a complete line of office panel systems products in order to meet the needs of a wide spectrum of organizations. Systems may be used for team work settings, private offices and open floor plans, and are typically modular and movable workspaces composed of adjustable partitions, work surfaces, desk extensions, storage cabinets and electrical lighting systems which can be moved, reconfigured and reused within the office. Panel systems offer a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional drywall office construction. A typical installation of office panels often includes associated sales of seating, storage, and accessories.

        The Company offers whole office solutions, movable panels, storage units, and work surfaces that can be installed easily and reconfigured to accommodate growth and change in organizations. The Company also offers consultative selling and design services for its office system products.

Desks and Related Products

        The Company's collection of desks and related products include stand-alone steel, laminate and wood furniture items, such as desks, bookshelves, credenzas and mobile desking, and are available in a

5


range of designs and price points. The Company's desks and related products are sold to a wide variety of customers from those designing large office configurations to small retail and home office purchasers. The Company offers a variety of tables designed for use in conference rooms, private offices, training areas, team work settings and open floor plans.

Hearth Products

        The Company is the largest U.S. manufacturer and marketer of metal prefabricated fireplaces and related products, primarily for the home, which it sells under the widely recognized Heatilator®, Heat-N-Glo®, and Quadra-Fire® brand names.

        The Company's line of hearth products includes electric, wood-, pellet-, and gas-burning fireplaces and stoves, fireplace inserts, chimney systems, and related accessories. Heatilator® and Heat-N-Glo® are brand leaders in the two largest segments of the home fireplace market: vented-gas and wood fireplaces. The Company is the leader in "direct vent" fireplaces, which replace the chimney-venting system used in traditional fireplaces with a less expensive vent through an outer wall. See Business—Intellectual Property for additional details.

Manufacturing

        The Company manufactures office furniture in Alabama, California, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, and Monterrey, Mexico. The Company manufactures hearth products in Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington.

        The Company purchases raw materials and components from a variety of suppliers, and generally most items are available from multiple sources. Major raw materials and components include coil steel, bar stock, castings, lumber, veneer, particleboard, fabric, paint, lacquer, hardware, plastic products, and shipping cartons.

        Since its inception, the Company has focused on making its manufacturing facilities and processes more flexible while at the same time reducing costs and improving product quality. In 1992, the Company adopted the principles of RCI, which focus on developing flexible and efficient design, manufacturing and administrative processes that remove excess cost. To achieve flexibility and attain efficiency goals, the Company has adopted a variety of production techniques including cellular manufacturing, focused factories, just-in-time inventory management, value engineering, business simplification, and 80/20 principles. The application of the RCI process has increased productivity by reducing set-up and processing times, square footage, inventory levels, product costs and delivery times, while improving quality and enhancing member safety. The Company's RCI process involves production and administrative employees, management, customers and suppliers. The Company has facilitators, coaches and consultants dedicated to the RCI process and strives to involve all members in the RCI process. In addition, the Company has organized a group that designs, fabricates, tests and installs proprietary manufacturing equipment. Manufacturing also plays a key role in the Company's concurrent product development process that primarily seeks to design new products for ease of manufacturability.

Product Development

        The Company's product development efforts are primarily focused on developing end-user solutions that are sensitive to quality, aesthetics, style, and on reducing the cost to manufacture existing products. The Company accomplishes this through improving existing products, extending product lines, applying ergonomic research, improving manufacturing processes, applying alternative materials and providing engineering support and training to its operating units. The Company conducts its product development efforts at both the corporate and operating unit level. At the corporate level, the staff at the Company's Stanley M. Howe Technical Center, working in conjunction with operating staff, seeks breakthrough developments in product design, manufacturability and materials usage. At the operating unit level, development efforts are focused on achieving incremental improvements in product features

6



and manufacturing processes. The Company invested approximately $25.8 million, $25.8 million and $21.4 million, in product development during fiscal 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively, and has budgeted in excess of $28 million for product development in fiscal 2004.

Intellectual Property

        As of January 3, 2004, the Company owned 263 U.S. and 221 foreign patents and had applications pending for 75 U.S. and 104 foreign patents. In addition, the Company holds 154 U.S. and 233 foreign trademark registrations and have applications pending for 26 U.S. and 50 foreign trademarks.

        The Company's principal office furniture products do not require frequent technical changes. The majority of the Company's office furniture patents are design patents which expire at various times depending on the patent's date of issuance. The Company believes that neither any individual office furniture patent nor the Company's office furniture patents in the aggregate are material to the Company's business as a whole.

        The Company's patents covering its hearth and home products, protect various technical innovations and expire at various times, depending upon each patent's date of filing. While the acquisition of patents reflects Hearth & Home Technologies Inc.'s position in the market as an innovation leader, the Company believes that neither any individual hearth and home product's patent nor the Company's hearth and home patents in the aggregate are material to the Company's business as a whole.

        The Company applies for patent protection when it believes the expense of doing so is justified, and the Company believes that the duration of its registered patents is adequate to protect these rights. The Company also pays royalties in certain instances for the use of patents on products and processes owned by others.

        The Company actively protects its trademarks that it believes have significant value.

Sales and Distribution: Customers

        In 2003, the Company's ten largest customers represented approximately 36% of its consolidated net sales. The substantial purchasing power exercised by large customers may adversely affect the prices at which the Company can successfully offer its products. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain its customer relationships as consolidation of its customers occur.

        The Company today sells its products through six principal distribution channels. The first channel, independent, local office furniture and office products dealers, specialize in the sale of a broad range of office furniture and office furniture systems, mostly to small- and medium-sized businesses, branch offices of large corporations, and home office owners.

        The second distribution channel comprises nationwide chains of office products dealers, or "national supply dealers," including Boise Cascade Corporation; Corporate Express Inc., A Buhrmann Company; Office Depot Business Services Group; and Staples Commercial Advantage. Many of the independent dealers and national supply dealer locations assist their customers with the evaluation of office space requirements, systems layout and product selection, and design and office solution services provided by professional designers.

        The third distribution channel, corporate accounts, is where the Company has the direct selling relationship with the end-user. Installation is normally provided through a dealer.

        The fourth distribution channel, wholesalers, serve as distributors of the Company's products to independent dealers, national supply dealers and superstores. The Company sells to the nation's largest wholesalers, United Stationers and S.P. Richards, as well as to regional wholesalers. Wholesalers maintain inventory of standard product lines for resale to the various retailers. They also special order

7



products from the Company in customer-selected models and colors. The Company's wholesalers maintain warehouse locations throughout the United States, which enable the Company to make its products available for rapid delivery to retailers anywhere in the country. One customer, United Stationers, accounted for approximately 13% of the Company's consolidated net sales in 2003, and 14% in 2002 and 2001.

        The fifth distribution channel is retail stores, which include office products superstores such as Office Depot, Office Max, and Staples and warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club.

        The sixth distribution channel consists of government-focused dealers that sell the Company's products to federal, state and local government offices.

        The Company's office furniture sales force consists of regional sales managers, salespersons, and firms of independent manufacturers' representatives who collectively provide national sales coverage. Sales managers and salespersons are compensated by a combination of salary and incentive bonus.

        Office products dealers, national wholesalers and retailers market their products over the Internet and through catalogs published periodically. These catalogs are distributed to existing and potential customers. The Company believes that the inclusion of the Company's product lines in customer catalogs and e-business offers strong potential for increased sales of the listed product items due to the exposure provided.

        The Company also makes export sales through HON International Inc. to office furniture dealers and wholesale distributors serving select foreign markets. Distributors are principally located in Latin America and the Caribbean. Sales outside of the United States and Canada represented approximately 1% of net sales in fiscal 2003.

        Limited quantities of select finished goods inventories built to order awaiting shipment are at the Company's principal manufacturing plants and at its various distribution centers.

        Hearth & Home Technologies Inc. sells its fireplace and stove products through dealers, distributors and Company-owned retail outlets. The Company has a field sales organization of regional sales managers, salespersons, and firms of independent manufacturers' representatives.

        As of January 3, 2004, the Company had an order backlog of approximately $94.1 million which will be filled in the ordinary course of business within the first few weeks of the current fiscal year. This compares with $87.1 million as of December 28, 2002, and $93.9 million as of December 29, 2001. Backlog, in terms of percentage of net sales, was 5.4%, 5.1%, and 5.2%, for fiscal years 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. The Company's products are manufactured and shipped within a few weeks following receipt of order. The dollar amount of the Company's order backlog is therefore not considered by management to be a leading indicator of the Company's expected sales in any particular fiscal period.

        For a discussion of the seasonal nature of the Company's sales, see Operating Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Competition

        The office furniture industry is highly competitive, with a significant number of competitors offering similar products. The Company competes by emphasizing its ability to deliver compelling value products and unsurpassed customer service. In executing this strategy, the Company has two significant classes of competitors. First, the Company competes with numerous small- and medium-sized office furniture manufacturers that focus on more limited product lines and/or end-user segments and include Global Furniture Inc. (a Canadian company); Kimball Office Furniture Co.; Chromcraft; and Teknion (a Canadian company), as well as global imports. Second, the Company competes with the large office furniture manufacturers which control a substantial portion of the market share in the project-oriented

8



office furniture market, such as Steelcase Inc.; Haworth, Inc.; Herman Miller, Inc.; and Knoll, Inc. Products and brands offered by these project-oriented office furniture market participants have strong acceptance in the market place and have developed, and may continue to develop product designs to compete with the Company. The Company also faces significant price competition from its competitors and may encounter competition from new market entrants. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully in its markets in the future.

        Hearth products, consisting of prefabricated fireplaces and related products, are manufactured by a number of national and regional competitors. The Company competes primarily against other large manufacturers which include CFM Majestic Inc. (a Canadian company) and Lennox Industries Inc.

        Both office furniture and hearth products compete on the basis of performance, quality, price, and complete and on-time delivery to the customer, and customer service and support. The Company believes that it competes principally by providing compelling value products designed to be among the best in their price range for product quality and performance, superior customer service, and short lead-times. This is made possible, in part, by the Company's significant on-going investment in product development, highly efficient and low cost manufacturing operations, and an extensive distribution network.

        The Company is one of the largest office furniture manufacturers in the United States, and believes that it is the largest provider of furniture to small and medium sized workplaces. The Company is also the largest manufacturer and marketer of fireplaces in the United States.

        For further discussion of the Company's competitive situation, refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Effects of Inflation

        Certain business costs may, from time to time, increase at a rate exceeding the general rate of inflation. The Company's objective is to offset the effect of inflation on its costs primarily through productivity increases in combination with certain adjustments to the selling price of its products as competitive market and general economic conditions permit.

        Investments are routinely made in modernizing plants, equipment, support systems, and for RCI programs. These investments collectively focus on business simplification and increasing productivity which helps to offset the effect of rising material and labor costs. Ongoing cost control disciplines are also routinely employed. In addition, the last-in, first-out (LIFO) valuation method is used for most of the Company's inventories, which ensures the changing material and labor costs are recognized in reported income; and more importantly, these costs are recognized in pricing decisions.

Environmental

        The Company is subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations governing discharges of air and water; the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous or solid waste materials; and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances. Although the Company believes it is in material compliance with all of the various regulations applicable to its business, there can be no assurance that requirements will not change in the future or that the Company will not incur material costs to comply with such regulations. The Company has trained staff responsible for monitoring compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements. The Company's environmental professionals work with responsible personnel at each manufacturing facility, the Company's environmental legal counsel, and consultants on the management of environmental, health and safety issues. The Company's ultimate goal is to reduce and, when practical, eliminate the creation of hazardous waste in its manufacturing processes.

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        Compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations has not had a material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position of the Company to date. The Company does not anticipate that financially material capital expenditures will be required during fiscal year 2004 for environmental control facilities. It is management's judgment that compliance with current regulations should not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. However, the uncertainty of new environmental legislation and technology in this area makes it impossible to know with confidence.

Business Development

        The development of the Company's business during the fiscal years ended January 3, 2004, December 28, 2002, and December 29, 2001, is discussed in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Available Information

        Information regarding the Company's annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports, will be made available, free of charge, at the Company's internet website at www.honi.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such reports with or furnishes them to the Securities and Exchange Commission.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

        The Company maintains its corporate headquarters in Muscatine, Iowa, and conducts its operations at locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico which house manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations and offices totaling an aggregate of approximately 8.2 million square feet. Of this total, approximately 1.7 million square feet are leased, including approximately 0.3 million square feet under a capital lease.

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

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        The Company's principal manufacturing and distribution facilities (100,000 square feet in size or larger) are as follows:

Location
  Approximate
Square Feet

  Owned or
Leased

  Description of Use
Cedartown, Georgia   547,014   Owned   Manufacturing nonwood casegoods office furniture(1)

Chester, Virginia

 

382,082

 

Owned/ Leased(2)

 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods office furniture(1)

Colville, Washington

 

125,000

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing stoves

Florence, Alabama

 

308,763

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods office furniture

Kent, Washington

 

189,062

 

Leased

 

Manufacturing systems office furniture

Lake City, Minnesota

 

235,000

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing metal prefabricated fireplaces(1)

Louisburg, North Carolina

 

176,354

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing wood casegoods office furniture

Monterrey, Mexico

 

105,000

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing nonwood seating and systems office furniture

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

 

288,006

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing metal prefabricated fireplaces(1)

Muscatine, Iowa

 

286,000

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods office furniture

Muscatine, Iowa

 

578,284

 

Owned

 

Warehousing office furniture(1)

Muscatine, Iowa

 

236,100

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods office furniture

Muscatine, Iowa

 

630,000

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods and systems office furniture(1)

Muscatine, Iowa

 

237,800

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing nonwood office seating

Muscatine, Iowa

 

127,400

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods office furniture

Owensboro, Kentucky

 

311,575

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing wood office seating

Salisbury, North Carolina

 

129,000

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing systems office furniture

South Gate, California

 

520,270

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing nonwood casegoods office furniture(1)

Wayland, New York

 

716,484

 

Owned

 

Manufacturing wood casegoods and seating office furniture(1)

(1)
Also includes a regional warehouse/distribution center

(2)
A capital lease

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        Other Company facilities, under 100,000 square feet in size, are located in various communities throughout the United States and Canada. These facilities total approximately 1,369,000 square feet with approximately 436,000 square feet used for the manufacture and distribution of office furniture and approximately 933,000 square feet for hearth products. Of this total, approximately 843,000 square feet are leased. In addition, the Company has two facilities that have been vacated. One is marketed for sale and the other is a leased facility. The Company also leases sales showroom space in office furniture market centers in several major metropolitan areas.

        The Company has a 10,000 square foot leased facility in Wilmington, North Carolina, which is subleased.

        There are no major encumbrances on Company-owned properties. Refer to the Property, Plant, and Equipment note in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for related cost, accumulated depreciation, and net book value data.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        The Company is involved in various kinds of disputes and legal proceedings that have arisen in the course of its business, including pending litigation, preferential payment claims in customer bankruptcies, environmental remediation, taxes, and other claims. The Company currently has a claim for approximately $7.6 million pending against it arising out of the bankruptcy of a customer filed in 2001. The Company was named a critical vendor by the bankruptcy court and, accordingly, was paid in full for all outstanding receivables. The claim alleges that the Company received preferential payments from the customer during the ninety days before the customer filed for bankruptcy protection. The claim was brought in February 2003. The Company has recorded an accrual with respect to this contingency, in an amount substantially less than the full amount of the claim, which represents the best estimate within the range of likely exposure and intends to vigorously defend against the claim. Given the nature of this claim, it is possible that the ultimate outcome could differ from the recorded amount. It is our opinion, after consultation with legal counsel, that additional liabilities, if any, resulting from these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, although such matters could have a material effect on our quarterly or annual operating results and cash flows when resolved in a future period.


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        None.

12



PART I, TABLE I
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
January 3, 2004

Name
  Age
  Family
Relationship

  Position
  Position
Held Since

  Other Business Experience
During Past Five Years

Jack D. Michaels   66   None   Chairman of the Board Chief Executive Officer Director   1996
1991
1990
  President (1990—2003)

Stanley A. Askren

 

43

 

None

 

President
Director

 

2003
2003

 

Executive Vice President (2001-03); President, (1999-03), Allsteel Inc.; Group Vice President (1998-99), The HON Company

Peter R. Atherton

 

51

 

None

 

Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

 

2001

 

Manager, Manufacturing and Business Process Lab (1996-01), General Electric Company

David C. Burdakin

 

48

 

None

 

Executive Vice President
President, The HON Company

 

2001
2000

 

President, HON Group (1999), Group Vice President, Steel Casegoods (1998-99), The HON Company

Jerald K. Dittmer

 

46

 

None

 

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

2001

 

Vice President, Finance (2000-01); Group Vice President, Seating and Wood (1999-00), Vice President, Strategic Planning (1999), Vice President and General Manager, Oak Steel and Mt. Pleasant Plants (1998-99), The HON Company

Melinda C. Ellsworth

 

45

 

None

 

Vice President, Treasurer and Investor Relations

 

2002

 

Vice President, International Finance & Treasury (1998-02), Sunbeam Corporation

Tamara S. Feldman

 

43

 

None

 

Vice President, Financial Reporting

 

2001

 

Assistant Controller, (1994-01)

Jeffrey D. Fick

 

42

 

None

 

Vice President, Member and Community Relations

 

1997

 

 

Malcolm C. Fields

 

42

 

None

 

Vice President and Chief Information Officer

 

2000

 

Vice President, Information Technology (1998-00), The HON Company

Robert D. Hayes

 

60

 

None

 

Vice President, Business Analysis and General Auditor

 

2001

 

Vice President, Internal Audit (1999-01); Vice President and Controller (1997-99), The HON Company

James I. Johnson

 

55

 

None

 

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

 

1997

 

 

13



PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        The Company's common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), trading symbol HNI. As of year-end 2003, the Company had 6,416 stockholders of record.

        Computershare Investor Services, L.L.C., Chicago, Illinois, serves as the Company's transfer agent and registrar of its common stock. Shareholders may report a change of address or make inquiries by writing or calling: Computershare Investor Services, L.L.C., P.O. Box 1689, Chicago, IL 60690-1689 or telephone 312/588-4991.

        Common Stock Market Prices and Dividends (Unaudited) and Common Stock Market Price and Price/Earnings Ratio (Unaudited) are presented in the Investor Information section which follows the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of this report.

        The Company expects to continue its policy of paying regular quarterly cash dividends. Dividends have been paid each quarter since the Company paid its first dividend in 1955. The average dividend payout percentage for the most recent three-year period has been 32% of prior year earnings. Future dividends are dependent on future earnings, capital requirements, and the Company's financial condition.

        The following table provides information as of January 3, 2004, about the Company's securities which may be issued under the Company's equity-based compensation plans.

Plan Category

  Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights

  Weighted Average
Exercise
Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and
Rights

  Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance

Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders   1,469,250   $24.15   2,515,707
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders      

14



ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA—ELEVEN-YEAR SUMMARY

 
  2003
  2002(a)
  2001
 
Per Common Share Data (Basic and Dilutive)                    
  Income before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes—basic   $ 1.69   $ 1.55   $ 1.26  
  Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes—basic              
  Net Income—basic     1.69     1.55     1.26  
  Net Income—diluted     1.68     1.55     1.26  
  Cash Dividends     .52     .50     .48  
  Book Value—basic     12.19     11.08     10.10  
  Net Working Capital—basic     3.71     1.82     1.52  
   
 
 
 
Operating Results (Thousands of Dollars)                    
  Net Sales   $ 1,755,728   $ 1,692,622   $ 1,792,438  
  Cost of Products Sold     1,116,513     1,092,743     1,181,140  
  Gross Profit     639,215     599,879     611,298  
  Interest Expense     2,970     4,714     8,548  
  Income Before Income Taxes     150,931     140,554     116,261  
  Income Before Income Taxes as a % of Net Sales     8.60 %   8.30 %   6.49 %
  Federal and State Income Taxes   $ 52,826   $ 49,194   $ 41,854  
  Effective Tax Rate     35.0 %   35.0 %   36.0 %
  Income before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes   $ 98,105   $ 91,360   $ 74,407  
  Net Income     98,105     91,360     74,407  
  Net Income as a % of Net Sales     5.59 %   5.40 %   4.15 %
  Cash Dividends and Share Purchase Rights Redeemed   $ 30,299   $ 29,386   $ 28,373  
  Addition to (Reduction of) Retained Earnings     54,001     55,176     36,759  
  Net Income Applicable to Common Stock     98,105     91,360     74,407  
  % Return on Average Shareholders' Equity     14.46 %   14.74 %   12.76 %
  Depreciation and Amortization   $ 72,772   $ 68,755   $ 81,385  
   
 
 
 
Distribution of Net Income                    
  % Paid to Shareholders     30.88 %   32.16 %   38.13 %
  % Reinvested in Business     69.12 %   67.84 %   61.87 %
   
 
 
 
Financial Position (Thousands of Dollars)                    
  Current Assets   $ 462,122   $ 405,054   $ 319,657  
  Current Liabilities     245,816     298,680     230,443  
  Working Capital     216,306     106,374     89,214  
  Net Property, Plant, and Equipment     312,368     353,270     404,971  
  Total Assets     1,021,826     1,020,552     961,891  
  % Return on Beginning Assets Employed     14.69 %   14.83 %   12.04 %
  Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations   $ 4,126   $ 9,837   $ 80,830  
  Shareholders' Equity     709,889     646,893     592,680  
  Retained Earnings     641,732     587,731     532,555  
  Current Ratio     1.88     1.36     1.39  
   
 
 
 
Current Share Data                    
  Number of Shares Outstanding at Year-End     58,238,519     58,373,607     58,672,933  
  Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding During Year—basic     58,178,739     58,789,851     59,087,963  
  Number of Shareholders of Record at Year-End     6,416     6,777     6,694  
   
 
 
 
Other Operational Data                    
  Capital Expenditures (Thousands of Dollars)   $ 34,842   $ 25,885   $ 36,851  
  Members (Employees) at Year-End     8,926     8,828     9,029 (b)
   
 
 
 

(a)
Per SFAS No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," the Company has ceased recording of goodwill and indefinite-lived Intangible amortization.

(b)
Includes acquisitions completed during year.

15


2000
  1999
  1998
  1997
  1996
  1995
  1994
  1993
 
$ 1.77   $ 1.44   $ 1.72   $ 1.45   $ 1.13   $ .67   $ .87   $ .69  
                              .01  
  1.77     1.44     1.72     1.45     1.13     .67     .87     .70  
  1.77     1.44     1.72     1.45     1.13     .67     .87     .70  
  .44     .38     .32     .28     .25     .24     .22     .20  
  9.59     8.33     7.54     6.19     4.25     3.56     3.17     2.83  
  1.09     1.52     1.19     1.53     .89     1.07     1.27     1.23  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ 2,046,286   $ 1,800,931   $ 1,706,628   $ 1,362,713   $ 998,135   $ 893,119   $ 845,998   $ 780,326  
  1,380,404     1,236,612     1,172,997     933,157     679,496     624,700     573,392     537,828  
  665,882     564,319     533,632     429,556     318,639     268,419     272,606     242,498  
  14,015     9,712     10,658     8,179     4,173     3,569     3,248     3,120  
  165,964     137,575     170,109     139,128     105,267     65,517     86,338     70,854  
  8.11 %   7.64 %   9.97 %   10.21 %   10.55 %   7.34 %   10.21 %   9.08 %
$ 59,747   $ 50,215   $ 63,796   $ 52,173   $ 37,173   $ 24,419   $ 31,945   $ 26,216  
  36.0 %   36.5 %   37.50 %   37.50 %   35.31 %   37.27 %   37.00 %   37.00 %
$ 106,217   $ 87,360   $ 106,313   $ 86,955   $ 68,094   $ 41,098   $ 54,393   $ 44,638  
  106,217     87,360     106,313     86,955     68,094     41,098     54,156     45,127  
  5.19 %   4.85 %   6.23 %   6.38 %   6.82 %   4.60 %   6.43 %   5.78 %
$ 26,455   $ 23,112   $ 19,730   $ 16,736   $ 14,970   $ 14,536   $ 13,601   $ 12,587  
  79,762     64,248     86,583     37,838     33,860     18,863     13,563     17,338  
  106,217     87,360     106,313     86,955     68,094     41,098     54,156     45,127  
  19.77 %   18.14 %   25.20 %   27.43 %   29.06 %   20.00 %   28.95 %   26.35 %
$ 79,046   $ 65,453   $ 52,999   $ 35,610   $ 25,252   $ 21,416   $ 19,042   $ 16,631  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  24.91 %   26.46 %   18.56 %   19.25 %   21.98 %   35.37 %   25.11 %   27.89 %
  75.09 %   73.54 %   81.44 %   80.75 %   78.02 %   64.63 %   74.89 %   72.11 %

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ 330,441   $ 316,556   $ 290,329   $ 295,150   $ 205,527   $ 194,183   $ 188,810   $ 188,419  
  264,868     225,123     217,438     200,759     152,553     128,915     111,093     110,759  
  65,273     91,433     72,891     94,391     52,974     65,268     77,717     77,660  
  454,312     455,591     444,177     341,030     234,616     210,033     177,844     157,770  
  1,022,470     906,723     864,469     754,673     513,514     409,518     372,568     352,405  
  19.63 %   16.94 %   23.74 %   28.27 %   25.93 %   17.91 %   24.72 %   22.14 %
$ 128,285   $ 124,173   $ 135,563   $ 134,511   $ 77,605   $ 42,581   $ 45,877   $ 45,916  
  573,342     501,271     462,022     381,662     252,397     216,235     194,640     179,553  
  495,796     416,034     351,786     265,203     227,365     193,505     174,642     161,079  
  1.25     1.41     1.34     1.47     1.35     1.51     1.70     1.70  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  59,796,891     60,171,753     61,289,618     61,659,316     59,426,530     60,788,674     61,349,206     63,351,692  
  60,140,302     60,854,579     61,649,531     59,779,508     60,228,590     60,991,284     62,435,450     64,181,088  
  6,563     6,737     5,877     5,399     5,319     5,479     5,556     4,653  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$ 59,840   $ 71,474   $ 149,717   $ 85,491   $ 44,684   $ 53,879   $ 35,005   $ 27,541  
  11,543 (b)   10,095     9,824 (b)   9,390 (b)   6,502 (b)   5,933     6,131     6,257  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Per SFAS No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," the Company has ceased recoding of goodwill and indefinite-lived Intangible amortization.

(b)
Includes acquisitions completed during year.

16



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion of the Company's historical results of operations and of its liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and related notes.

Overview

        The Company has two reportable core operating segments: office furniture and hearth products. The Company is the second largest office furniture manufacturer in the United States and the nation's leading manufacturer and marketer of gas- and wood-burning fireplaces.

        From 2000 to 2003, the office furniture industry experienced an unprecedented three-year decline due to the challenging economic environment. In 2003, this decline negatively impacted the Company's office furniture segment. In contrast, the housing market was at record high levels during 2003, which positively impacted the Company's hearth segment. The Company outperformed its peers in both segments in which it competes. The Company gained market share by providing strong brands, innovative products and services and greater value to its end-users. Fiscal 2003 also included an extra week of activity due to the Company's 52/53-week fiscal year.

        Net sales were $1.8 billion in 2003 as compared to $1.7 billion in 2002. The increase in net sales reflects the 9% increase in the hearth segment and the additional week of business activity. In 2003 and 2002 the Company recorded restructuring charges and accelerated depreciation related to the closure and consolidation of office furniture facilities totaling $15.2 million and $3.0 million respectively. Gross margins increased to 36.4% in 2003 from 35.4% in 2002 due to benefits from restructuring initiatives and its rapid continuous improvement program, new products, and increased price realization. The Company also invested aggressively in brand building and selling initiatives in 2003. Net income was $98.1 million or $1.68 per diluted share in 2003 as compared to $91.4 million or $1.55 per diluted share in 2002.

        The Company generated $141.3 million in cash flow from operating activities and increased its cash position, including short-term investments, by $48.6 million to $204.2 million. The Company paid dividends of $30.3 million and repurchased $21.5 million of its common stock, while investing $35.7 million in net capital expenditures and repaying $20.2 million of debt.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

General

        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon the Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Senior management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of these estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

        An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the financial statements.

17



Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect its more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

        Fiscal year end—The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest December 31. Fiscal year 2003, the year ended January 3, 2004, contained 53 weeks while fiscal year 2002, the year ended December 28, 2002 and fiscal year 2001, the year ended December 29, 2001 contained 52 weeks. A 53-week year occurs approximately every sixth year.

        Revenue recognition—Revenue is normally recognized upon shipment of goods to customers. In certain circumstances revenue is not recognized until the goods are received by the customer or upon installation and customer acceptance based on the terms of the sale agreement. Revenue includes freight charged to customers; related costs are included in selling and administrative expense. Rebates, discounts, and other marketing program expenses directly related to the sale are recorded as a reduction to net sales. Marketing program accruals require the use of management estimates and the consideration of contractual arrangements subject to interpretation. Customer sales that reach certain award levels can affect the amount of such estimates, and actual results could differ from these estimates. Future market conditions may require increased incentive offerings, possibly resulting in an incremental reduction in net sales at the time the incentive is offered.

        Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable—The allowance for receivables is based on several factors including overall customer credit quality, historical write-off experience and specific account analysis that project the ultimate collectibility of the account. As such, these factors may change over time causing the reserve level to adjust accordingly.

        When it is determined that a customer is unlikely to pay, a charge is recorded to bad debt expense in the income statement and the allowance for doubtful accounts is increased. When it becomes certain the customer cannot pay, the receivable is written off by removing the accounts receivable amount and reducing the allowance for doubtful accounts accordingly.

        At January 3, 2004, there was approximately $192 million in outstanding accounts receivable and $11 million recorded in the allowance for doubtful accounts to cover all potential future customer non-payments. However, if economic conditions deteriorate significantly or one of our large customers were to declare bankruptcy, a larger allowance for doubtful accounts might be necessary. The allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $10 million and $17 million at year end 2002 and 2001, respectively.

        Inventory valuation—The Company values 96% of its inventory by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Additionally, the Company evaluates inventory reserves in terms of excess and obsolete exposure. This evaluation includes such factors as anticipated usage, inventory turnover, inventory levels and ultimate product sales value. As such, these factors may change over time causing the reserve level to adjust accordingly.

        Long-lived assets—Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment as events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that the amount of the asset reflected in the Company's balance sheet may not be recoverable. An estimate of undiscounted cash flows produced by the asset, or the appropriate group of assets, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. The estimates of future cash flows involve considerable management judgment and are based upon assumptions about future operating performance. The actual cash flows could differ from management's estimates due to changes in business conditions, operating performance, and economic conditions. Asset impairment charges associated with the Company's restructuring activities are discussed in the Restructuring Related Charges note.

        The Company's continuous focus on improving the manufacturing process tends to increase the likelihood of assets being replaced; therefore, the Company is constantly evaluating the expected useful lives of its equipment which can result in accelerated depreciation. Additionally, the Company recorded

18



losses on the disposal of assets in the amount of $1 million and $5 million in 2003 and 2002, respectively, as a result of its rapid continuous improvement initiatives.

        Goodwill and other intangibles—In accordance with the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 142, the Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment on an annual basis based on values at the end of third quarter or whenever indicators of impairment exist. The Company has evaluated its goodwill for impairment and has determined that the fair value of the reporting units exceeded their carrying value, so no impairment of goodwill was recognized. Goodwill of approximately $192 million is shown on the consolidated balance sheet as of the end of fiscal 2003.

        Management's assumptions about future cash flows for the reporting units require significant judgment and actual cash flows in the future may differ significantly from those forecasted today. We believe our assumptions used in discounting future cash flows would have no impact on the reported carrying amount of goodwill. The estimated future cash flow for any reporting unit could be reduced by 50% without decreasing the fair value to less than the carrying value.

        The Company also determines the fair value of an indefinite lived trademark on an annual basis or whenever indication of impairment exist. The Company has evaluated its trademark for impairment and has determined that the fair market value of the trademark exceeds its carrying value, so no impairment was recognized. The carrying value of the trademark was approximately $8 million at the end of fiscal 2003.

        Self-insurance reserves—The Company is partially self-insured for general liability, product liability, workers' compensation, and certain employee health benefits. The general, product, and workers' compensation liabilities are managed using a wholly owned insurance captive; the related liabilities are included in the accompanying financial statements. The Company's policy is to accrue amounts in accordance with the actuarially determined liabilities. The actuarial valuations are based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions for such matters as claims, medical costs, and changes in actual experience could cause these estimates to change in the near term.

        Stock-based compensation—The Company accounts for its stock option plan using Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," which results in no charge to earnings when options are issued at fair market value. SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" issued subsequent to APB No. 25 and amended by SFAS No. 148 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure" defines a fair value based method of accounting for employee stock options but allows companies to continue to measure compensation cost for employee stock options using the intrinsic value based method described in APB No. 25.

        The Company has no immediate plans at this time to voluntarily change its accounting policy to the fair value based method; however, the Company continues to evaluate this alternative. In accordance with SFAS No. 148, the Company has been disclosing in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements the impact on net income and earnings per share had the fair value based method been adopted. If the fair value method had been adopted net income for 2003, 2002, and 2001 would have been $3 million, $2.2 million, and $1.4 million lower than reported and earnings per share would have been reduced approximately $0.06, $0.04 and $0.02 per diluted share, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        See the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements including the respective expected dates of adoption and effects on results of operations and financial conditions.

19



Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth the percentage of consolidated net sales represented by certain items reflected in the Company's statements of income for the periods indicated.

Fiscal

  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Net sales   100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of products sold   63.6   64.6   65.9  
   
 
 
 
Gross profit   36.4   35.4   34.1  
Selling and administrative expenses   27.4   26.8   25.9  
Restructuring related charges   0.5   0.2   1.3  
   
 
 
 
Operating income   8.5   8.4   6.9  
Interest income (net)   0.1   (0.1 ) (0.4 )
   
 
 
 
Income before income taxes   8.6   8.3   6.5  
Income taxes   3.0   2.9   2.3  
   
 
 
 
Net income   5.6 % 5.4 % 4.2 %
   
 
 
 

Net Sales

        Net sales increased 3.7% in 2003 and decreased 5.6% in 2002. The increase in 2003 was due to the extra week in 2003 as a result of the Company's 52/53-week fiscal year and strong performance in the hearth products segment. The decrease in 2002 was due to the decline in the office furniture market due to unstable economic conditions and the deletion of less profitable product lines in the hearth products segment.

Gross Profit

        Gross profit as a percent of net sales improved 1.0 percentage point in 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 and 1.3 percentage points in 2002 as compared to 2001. The improvement in both periods was a result of the continued net benefits of rapid continuous improvement, restructuring initiatives, business simplification, new products, and improved price realization. Included in 2003 gross profit was $6.7 million of accelerated depreciation, which reduced gross profits 0.4 percentage points. The Company expects to mitigate any future increases in material costs through various initiatives, including alternative materials and suppliers and its rapid continuous improvement program.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

        Selling and administrative expenses, excluding restructuring charges, increased 5.8% in 2003 and decreased 2.2% in 2002. The increase in 2003 was due to additional investment of approximately $14 million in brand building and selling initiatives, and increased freight costs of $7 million due to rate increases, fuel surcharges and volume. The decrease in 2002 was due to no longer amortizing goodwill and certain other intangible assets of approximately $9 million and lower overall sales volume, offset by increased investment in brand equity building and new product development of approximately $7 million, and increased incentive compensation of which approximately $4 million was for a debenture earn out related to a prior acquisition.

        Selling and administrative expenses include freight expense for shipments to customers, product development costs, and amortization expense of intangible assets. The Selling and Administrative Expenses note included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements provides further information regarding the comparative expense levels for these major expense items.

20



Restructuring Charges

        During 2003, the Company closed two office furniture facilities and consolidated production into other U.S. manufacturing locations to increase efficiencies, streamline processes and reduce overhead costs. The two facilities were located in Hazleton, Pennsylvania and Milan, Tennessee. In connection with the closures, the Company recorded $15.7 million of pre-tax charges or $0.17 per diluted share. These charges included $6.7 million of accelerated depreciation of machinery and equipment which was recorded in cost of sales, $3.4 million of severance and $5.6 million of facility exit, production relocation, and other costs which were recorded as restructuring costs. A total of 316 members were terminated and received severance due to these shutdowns. The closures are substantially complete. The Company anticipates additional costs of $0.3 to $0.5 million during the first quarter of 2004 related to these closures.

        The Hazleton, Pennsylvania facility is an owned facility and has been reclassified to current assets as it is currently being held as available for sale. It is included in the "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" in the January 3, 2004, condensed consolidated balance sheet at its carrying value of $2.1 million. The Milan, Tennessee facility is a leased facility that is no longer being used in the production of goods. The restructuring expense for 2003 included $1.4 million of costs that will continue to be incurred under the lease contract reduced by estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably obtained.

        During 2002, the Company recorded a pretax charge of approximately $5.4 million due to the shutdown of an office furniture facility in Jackson, Tennessee. A total of 125 members were terminated and received severance due to this shutdown. During the second quarter of 2003, a restructuring credit of approximately $0.6 million or $0.01 per diluted share was taken back into income relating to this charge. This was due to the fact that the Company was able to exit a lease with the lessor at more favorable terms than previously estimated.

        During the second quarter of 2001, the Company recorded a pretax charge of $24 million or $0.26 per diluted share for a restructuring plan that involved consolidating physical facilities, discontinuing low-volume product lines, and reductions of workforce. Included in the charge was the closedown of three of its office furniture facilities located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania; Tupelo, Mississippi; and Santa Ana, California. Approximately 500 members were terminated and received severance due to the closedown of these facilities. During the second quarter of 2002, a restructuring credit of approximately $2.4 million was taken back into income relating to this charge. This was mainly due to the fact that the Company was able to exit a lease with a lessor at more favorable terms than originally estimated and the Company's ability to minimize the number of members terminated as compared to the original plan.

Operating Income

        Operating income increased 5% in 2003 and 16% in 2002, respectively. The increase in 2003 is due to the additional week, strong sales volume in the hearth segment, and improved gross margins in both segments, offset by increased restructuring charges due to additional plant closures and consolidations, increased investment in brand building and selling initiatives, and increased freight costs. The increase in 2002 was due to a $24 million restructuring charge in 2001 compared to a $3 million restructuring charge in 2002 and goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles amortization of $9 million incurred in 2001 that is not included in 2002 due to a change in accounting standards.

Net Income

        Net income increased 7% in 2003 and 23% in 2002, respectively. Net income in 2003 was favorably impacted by increased interest income due to increased investments and decreased interest expense due to reduction in debt. Net income in 2002 was favorably impacted by a decrease in interest expense and a decrease in the effective tax rate to 35% in 2002 from 36% in 2001 due to tax benefits associated with various federal and state tax credits. The Company anticipates that its tax rate will increase to 36% in 2004 due to increased state taxes and a reduced benefit from federal and state tax credits. Net income per diluted share increased by 8% to $1.68 in 2003 and by 23% to $1.55 in 2002, respectively. Due to the appreciation in the Company's stock price, outstanding options had a dilutive impact of $0.01 per share in 2003.

21


Office Furniture

        Office furniture comprised 74% of consolidated net sales for 2003 and 76% of consolidated net sales for 2002 and 2001. Net sales for office furniture increased 2% in 2003 and decreased 6% in 2002. The increase in 2003 is due to the increased week from the Company's 52/53-week fiscal year. The office furniture industry has experienced an unprecedented three-year decline in shipments. The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association (BIFMA) reported 2003 shipments down over 5% and 2002 shipments down 19%. The Company's estimated share of the market based on reported office furniture shipments increased to 15.3% in 2003 compared to 14.4% in 2002 and 12.4% in 2001. This increase was achieved by providing strong brands, innovative products and services and greater value to end-users.

        Operating profit as a percent of sales was 10.0% in 2003, 10.2% in 2002, and 8.2% in 2001. Included in 2003 were $15.2 million of net pre-tax charges related to the closure of two office furniture facilities which impacted operating margins by 1.1 percentage points. Included in 2002 were $3.0 million of restructuring charges which impacted operating margins by 0.2 percentage points and 2001 included $22.5 million of restructuring charges which impacted operating margins by 1.7 percentage points. The increase in operating margins is due to increased gross profit from the benefits of restructuring initiatives, rapid continuous improvement program and increased price realization, offset by additional investments in brand building and selling initiatives and increased freight expense.

Hearth Products

        Hearth products sales increased 9% in 2003 and decreased 3% in 2002, respectively. The growth in 2003 was attributable to strong housing starts, growth in market share in both the new construction and retail channels, strengthening alliances with key distributors and dealers, as well as focused new product introductions. The decrease in 2002 was mainly due to pruning out less profitable product lines.

        Operating profit as a percent of sales in 2003 was 12.1% compared to 10.8% and 9.2% in 2002 and 2001, respectively. The improved profitability in 2003 was the result of leveraging fixed costs over a higher sales volume and increased sales through company-owned distribution offset by increased freight costs and higher labor costs from increased use of overtime and temporary labor to meet record level of demand. The increase in 2002 was mainly due to discontinuance of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible amortization of approximately $7 million due to the adoption of SFAS No.142.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        During 2003, cash flow from operations was $141.3 million, which along with funds from stock option exercises under employee stock plans, provided the funds necessary to meet working capital needs, invest in capital improvements, repay long-term debt, repurchase common stock and pay increased dividends.

        Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $204.2 million at the end of 2003 compared to $155.5 million at the end of 2002 and $78.8 million at the end of 2001. The Company used approximately $80 million of cash to acquire Paoli, Inc. on January 5, 2004. These remaining funds, coupled with cash from future operations and additional long-term debt, if needed, are expected to be adequate to finance operations, planned improvements, and internal growth. The Company is not aware of any known trends or demands, commitments, events, or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to result in its liquidity increasing or decreasing in any material way.

        The Company places special emphasis on the management and reduction of its working capital with a particular focus on trade receivables and inventory levels. The success achieved in managing receivables is in large part a result of doing business with quality customers and maintaining close communication with them. Trade receivables at year-end 2003 were virtually unchanged from the prior year. Trade receivable days outstanding have averaged approximately 37 to 38 days over the past three

22



years. The Company's inventory turns were 23, 23, and 18 for 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. Increased imports of raw materials and finished goods may negatively affect inventory turns in the future but the Company is constantly looking for ways to add efficiency to its supply chain. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses is due to timing of vendor and marketing program payments and the payment of additional purchase consideration and debenture earn out related to a prior acquisition. The Company also funded the retiree medical portion of its postretirement benefit obligation in 2003.

Investments

        The Company has investments in investment grade equity and debt securities. Management classifies investments in marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such classification at each balance sheet date. Equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at current market value with unrealized gains and losses included as a separate component of equity, net of any related tax effect. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity and are stated at amortized cost. A table of holdings as of year-end 2003 and 2002 is included in the Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments note included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Capital Expenditure Investments

        Capital expenditures were $34.8 million in 2003, $25.9 million in 2002, and $36.9 million in 2001. Expenditures during 2003, 2002, and 2001 have been consistently focused on machinery and equipment needed to support new products, process improvements, and cost savings initiatives. Expenditures in 2003 also included the purchase from a related party of a previously leased hearth products plant for $3.6 million.

Acquisitions

        During 2001, the Company completed the acquisition of three small hearth products distributors for a total purchase price of approximately $7.6 million. The acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method, and the results of the three distributors have been included in the Company's financial statements since the date of acquisition.

        On January 5, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of Paoli, Inc., a provider of wood case goods and seating, for approximately $80 million. The acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method.

Long-Term Debt

        Long-term debt, including capital lease obligations, was 1% of total capitalization at January 3, 2004, 2% at December 28, 2002, and 12% at December 29, 2001. The reductions in long-term debt during 2003 and 2002 were due to the retirement of Industrial Revenue Bonds. The Company does not expect future capital resources to be a constraint on planned growth. Additional borrowing capacity of $136 million, less amounts used for designated letters of credit, is available through a revolving bank credit agreement in the event cash generated from operations should be inadequate to meet future needs. Certain of the Company's credit agreements include covenants that limit the assumption of additional debt and lease obligations. The Company has been, and currently is, in compliance with the covenants related to the debt agreements.

23



Contractual Obligations

        The following table discloses the Company's obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts:

 
  Payments Due by Period
(In thousands)

  Total
  Less than
1 year

  1 - 3
years

  4 - 5
years

  After
5 years

Long-term debt   $ 28,933   26,243   212   95   2,383
Capital lease obligations     2,338   523   799   426   590
Operating leases     50,750   13,012   19,166   9,510   9,062
Transportation service contract     9,650   4,794   4,856    
Other long-term obligations     11,893   4,289   1,430   914   5,260
   
 
 
 
 
Total   $ 103,564   48,861   26,463   10,945   17,295
   
 
 
 
 

        Other long-term obligations includes $2,959,000 earn-out on convertible debentures included in current liabilities, $69,000 of financial guarantees with customers, and $8,865,000 of payments included in long-term liabilities, due to members who are participants in the Company's salary deferral program.

Cash Dividends

        Cash dividends were $0.52 per common share for 2003, $0.50 for 2002, and $0.48 for 2001. Further, the Board of Directors announced a 7.7% increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.13 to $0.14 per common share effective with the March 1, 2004, dividend payment for shareholders of record at the close of business February 20, 2004. The previous quarterly dividend increase was from $0.125 to $0.13, effective with the February 28, 2003, dividend payment for shareholders of record at the close of business on February 21, 2003. A cash dividend has been paid every quarter since April 15, 1955, and quarterly dividends are expected to continue. The average dividend payout percentage for the most recent three-year period has been 32% of prior year earnings.

Common Share Repurchases

        During 2003, the Company repurchased 762,300 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $21.5 million, or an average price of $28.22 per share. During 2002, the Company repurchased 614,580 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $15.7 million, or an average price of $25.60 per share. During 2001, the Company repurchased 1,472,937 shares at a cost of approximately $35.1 million, or an average price of $23.80 per share.

Litigation and Uncertainties

        The Company has contingent liabilities that have arisen in the course of its business, including pending litigation, preferential payments claims in customer bankruptcies, environmental remediation, taxes and other claims. The Company currently has a claim for approximately $7.6 million pending against it arising out of the bankruptcy of a customer filed in 2001. The Company was named a critical vendor by the bankruptcy court and, accordingly, was paid in full for all outstanding receivables. The claim alleges that the Company received preferential payments from the customer during the ninety days before the customer filed for bankruptcy protection. The claim was brought in February 2003. The Company has recorded an accrual with respect to this contingency, in an amount substantially less than the full amount of the claim, which represents the best estimate within the range of likely exposure and intends to vigorously defend against the claim. Given the nature of this claim, it is possible that the ultimate outcome could differ from the recorded amount. It is our opinion, after consultation with legal counsel, that additional liabilities, if any, resulting from these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, although such matters could have a material effect on our quarterly or annual operating results and cash flows when resolved in a future period.

24



Looking Ahead

        The Company is encouraged by indications that the economy is recovering and is cautiously optimistic that the office furniture industry will begin to rebound in the second half of 2004. Global Insight, BIFMA's forecasting consultant, increased its estimate for the industry shipment growth from 2.4% to 5.6% in 2004 with first quarter flat and improving as the year progresses.

        The hearth segment is impacted by the housing market, which may experience a slight decline from record high levels, but is expected to remain at healthy levels. Management believes its strong brand recognition and new innovative product introductions in addition to strengthening distribution will allow it to grow its hearth segment.

        On January 5, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of Paoli, Inc., a leading provider of wood case goods and seating. The Company intends to continue to build on Paoli's strong position in the market and excellent selling capabilities while leveraging its lean enterprise practices to achieve greater cost efficiencies and improved customer performance.

        The Company's strategy is to grow its business through aggressive investment in building its brands, enhancing its strong member-owner culture and remaining focused on its rapid continuous improvement program to continue to build best total cost. The Company plans to reinvest a large portion of its cost savings from plant consolidations and its rapid continuous improvement program to continue to build brands, product solutions, and selling models.

        Because of the following factors, as well as other variables affecting the Company's operating results, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        The Company has no material financial exposure to the various financial instrument market risks covered under this rule. Currently, the Company has no derivative financial instruments or off-balance

25



sheet financing arrangements. For information related to the Company's long-term debt, refer to the Long-Term Debt disclosure in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of this report.

        We are subject to interest rate risk on our investment portfolio. In 2003, an interest rate movement of 10% from our actual 2003 weighted-average interest rate would not have had a significant effect on the value of our interest sensitive investments, financial position, results of operations and cash flows as 63% of the investment portfolio are investments with maturities of 90 days or less.


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

        The financial statements listed under Item 15(a)(1) and (2) are filed as part of this report.

        The Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations follows the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of this report.


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        The Company dismissed Arthur Andersen LLP, its independent auditors, effective May 7, 2002.

        The reports of Arthur Andersen LLP on the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or principle. In connection with its audit for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001 and through May 7, 2002, there were no disagreements with Arthur Andersen LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure.

        The Company engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as its new independent auditor effective with the dismissal of its former auditors. During the Company's two most recent fiscal years and prior to appointment, there were no consultations with the newly engaged auditors with regard to either the application of accounting principles as to any specific transaction, either completed or proposed; the type of audit opinion that would be rendered on the Company's financial statements; or any matters of disagreement with the former auditors.

        The Company's Audit Committee recommended and the Company's Board of Directors approved management's recommendation to change auditors.


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        Under the supervision and with the participation of management, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of the Company have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of January 3, 2004, and, based on their evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective. There were no significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of the evaluation. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act as recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

        Disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

26



PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        The information under the caption "Election of Directors" of the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference. For information with respect to executive officers of the Company, see Part I, Table I "Executive Officers of the Registrant."

Audit Committee Financial Expert

        The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that each of Cheryl A. Francis, Chair of the Audit Committee, and Audit Committee members Dennis J. Martin and Ronald V. Waters, III, is an audit committee financial expert as defined by Item 401(h) of Regulations S-K of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and is independent within the meaning of Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A of the Exchange Act.

Audit Committee

        The Company has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The members of the Audit Committee are Cheryl A. Francis, (Chair), Dennis J. Martin, and Ronald V. Waters, III.

Code of Ethics

        The Company has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers, and members. The Code of Conduct is available on the Company's website at http://www.honi.com/corporategovernance. Shareholders may request a free copy of the Code of Conduct from:

Corporate Governance Guidelines

        The Company has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available on the Company's website at http://www.honi.com/corporategovernance/governance_guidelines.htm. Shareholders may request a free copy of the Corporate Governance Guidelines from the address and phone number set forth above under "Code of Ethics."

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

        The information under the caption "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" of the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The information under the captions "Election of Directors" and "Executive Compensation" of the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.

27




ITEM 12. SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        The information under the captions "Election of Directors" and "Beneficial Owners of Common Stock" of the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.

        See Part II, Item 5 of the report for information regarding "Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans."


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        The information under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" of the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

        The information under the caption "Fees Incurred for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP" of the Company's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 4, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.

28



PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

        (a)   (1)    Financial Statements

 
  Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Report of Independent Auditors   33

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended January 3, 2004; December 28, 2002; and December 29, 2001

 

35

Consolidated Balance Sheets—January 3, 2004; December 28, 2002; and December 29, 2001;

 

36

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended
January 3, 2004; December 28, 2002; and December 29, 2001

 

37

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended January 3, 2004; December 28, 2002; and December 29, 2001

 

38

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

39

Investor Information

 

60
Schedule II   Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years Ended
January 3, 2004; December 28, 2002; and December 29, 2001
  62

        (b)   Reports on Form 8-K

29


        (c)   Exhibits

Exhibit

   
(3ii ) By-Law

(21

)

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

(23

)

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

(31.1

)

Certification of the CEO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(31.2

)

Certification of the CFO Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(32.1

)

Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(99C

)

Forward Looking Statements

30



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    HNI Corporation
(formerly HON INDUSTRIES Inc.)

Date: June 25, 2004

 

By:

/s/  Stan A. Askren      

Stan A. Askren
President and CEO

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
  Title
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  Stan A. Askren      
Stan A. Askren
  President and CEO,
Principal Executive Officer,
and Director
  June 25, 2004

/s/  Jerald K. Dittmer      

Jerald K. Dittmer

 

Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer, and
Principal Accounting Officer

 

June 25, 2004

/s/  Jack D. Michaels      

Jack D. Michaels

 

Chairman and Director

 

June 25, 2004

            *

Gary M. Christensen

 

Director

 

June 25, 2004

            *

Cheryl A. Francis

 

Director

 

June 25, 2004

            *

Dennis J. Martin

 

Director

 

June 25, 2004
         

31



            *

Joseph Scalzo

 

Director

 

June 25, 2004

            *

Abbie J. Smith

 

Director

 

June 25, 2004

            *

Richard H. Stanley

 

Director

 

June 25, 2004

            *

Brian E. Stern

 

Director

 

June 25, 2004

            *

Ronald V. Waters, III

 

Director

 

June 25, 2004

*
Jack D. Michaels, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K on behalf of each of the above-named directors of HNI Corporation (formerly HON INDUSTRIES Inc.), pursuant to a power of attorney executed on behalf of each such director and incorporated herein by reference to pages 31 and 32 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2004.

By:

 

/s/  Jack D. Michaels      

Jack D. Michaels, Attorney-in-fact

 

 

 

 

32



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders,
HNI Corporation (formerly HON INDUSTRIES Inc.):

        In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of HNI Corporation (formerly HON INDUSTRIES Inc.) and its subsidiaries at January 3, 2004 and December 28, 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the fiscal years ended January 3, 2004 and December 28, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. The financial statements of the Company as of December 29, 2001, and for the fiscal year then ended, prior to the adjustments discussed in the Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets note, were audited by other independent accountants who have ceased operations. Those independent accountants expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements in their report dated February 1, 2002.

        As disclosed in the Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets note, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets upon adoption of the accounting guidance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, on December 30, 2001.

        As discussed above, the financial statements of HNI Corporation (formerly HON INDUSTRIES Inc.), as of December 29, 2001, and for the period then ended, were audited by other independent accountants who have ceased operations. As described in the Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets note, these financial statements have been revised to include the transitional disclosures required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (Statement) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which was adopted by the Company as of December 30, 2001. We audited the transitional disclosures described in the Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets note. In our opinion, the transitional disclosures for 2001 in the Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets note are appropriate. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2001 financial statements of the Company other than with respect to such disclosures and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2001 financial statements taken as a whole.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 6, 2004

33


Predecessor Auditor (Arthur Andersen LLP) Opinion

        The following report is a copy of a report previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP and has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP. In 2002, the corporation adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS No. 142). As discussed in the Goodwill and Intangible Assets note, the company has presented the transitional disclosures for 2001 required by SFAS No. 142. The Arthur Andersen LLP report does not extend to these changes to the 2001 consolidated financial statements. The adjustments to the 2001 consolidated financial statements were reported on by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as stated in their report appearing herein.

Report of Independent Auditors

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of HON INDUSTRIES Inc.

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 29, 2001, December 30, 2000*, and January 1, 2000*, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of the fiscal years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 29, 2001, December 30, 2000*, and January 1, 2000*, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three fiscal years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 1, 2002


*
The December 30, 2000 and January 1, 2000 consolidated financial statements are not required to be presented in the 2003 annual report.

34


HON INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Amounts in thousands, except for per share data)

For the Years

  2003
  2002
  2001
Net sales   $ 1,755,728   $ 1,692,622   $ 1,792,438
Cost of products sold     1,116,513     1,092,743     1,181,140
   
 
 
Gross profit     639,215     599,879     611,298
Selling and administrative expenses     480,744     454,189     464,206
Restructuring related charges     8,510     3,000     24,000
   
 
 
Operating income     149,961     142,690     123,092
   
 
 
Interest income     3,940     2,578     1,717
Interest expense     2,970     4,714     8,548
   
 
 
Income before income taxes     150,931     140,554     116,261
Income taxes     52,826     49,194     41,854
   
 
 
Net income   $ 98,105   $ 91,360   $ 74,407
   
 
 
Net income per common share—basic   $ 1.69   $ 1.55   $ 1.26
   
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding—basic     58,178,739     58,789,851     59,087,963
   
 
 
Net income per common share—diluted   $ 1.68   $ 1.55   $ 1.26
   
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted     58,545,353     59,021,071     59,210,049
   
 
 

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

35


HON INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in thousands of dollars and shares except par value)

As of Year-End

  2003
  2002
  2001
Assets                  
Current Assets                  
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 138,982   $ 139,165   $ 78,838
  Short-term investments     65,208     16,378    
  Receivables     181,459     181,096     161,390
  Inventories     49,830     46,823     50,140
  Deferred income taxes     14,329     10,101     14,940
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     12,314     11,491     14,349
   
 
 
    Total Current Assets     462,122     405,054     319,657
Property, Plant, and Equipment     312,368     353,270     404,971
Goodwill     192,086     192,395     214,337
Other Assets     55,250     69,833     22,926
   
 
 
    Total Assets   $ 1,021,826   $ 1,020,552   $ 961,891
   
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                  
Current Liabilities                  
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 211,236   $ 252,145   $ 216,184
  Income taxes     5,958     3,740     6,112
  Note payable and current maturities of long-term debt     26,658     41,298     6,715
  Current maturities of other long-term obligations     1,964     1,497     1,432
   
 
 
    Total Current Liabilities     245,816     298,680     230,443
Long-Term Debt     2,690     8,553     79,570
Capital Lease Obligations     1,436     1,284     1,260
Other Long-Term Liabilities     24,262     28,028     18,306
Deferred Income Taxes     37,733     37,114     39,632
Commitments and Contingencies                  
Shareholders' Equity                  
Preferred stock—$1 par value                  
  Authorized: 2,000                  
  Issued: None                  
Common stock—$1 par value     58,239     58,374     58,673
  Authorized: 200,000                  
  Issued and outstanding 2003—58,239; 2002—58,374; 2001—58,673                  
Additional paid-in capital     10,324     549     891
Retained earnings     641,732     587,731     532,555
Accumulated other comprehensive income     (406 )   239     561
   
 
 
  Total Shareholders' Equity     709,889     646,893     592,680
   
 
 
  Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   $ 1,021,826   $ 1,020,552   $ 961,891
   
 
 

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

36


HON INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Amounts in thousands)

 
  Common
Stock

  Additional
Paid-in
Capital

  Retained
Earnings

  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

  Total
Shareholders'
Equity

 
Balance, December 30, 2000   $ 59,797   $ 17,339   $ 495,796   $ 410   $ 573,342  
Comprehensive Income:                                
  Net income                 74,407           74,407  
  Other comprehensive income                       151     151  
Comprehensive income                             74,558  
Cash dividends                 (28,373 )         (28,373 )
Common shares — treasury:                                
  Shares purchased     (1,473 )   (24,311 )   (9,275 )         (35,059 )
  Shares issued under Members' Stock Purchase Plan and stock awards     349     7,863                 8,212  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 29, 2001     58,673     891     532,555     561     592,680  
Comprehensive income:                                
  Net income                 91,360           91,360  
  Other comprehensive income (loss)                       (322 )   (322 )
Comprehensive income                             91,038  
Cash dividends                 (29,386 )         (29,386 )
Common shares — treasury:                                
  Shares purchased     (614 )   (8,324 )   (6,798 )         (15,736 )
  Shares issued under Members' Stock Purchase Plan and stock awards     315     7,982                 8,297  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 28, 2002     58,374     549     587,731     239     646,893  
Comprehensive income:                                
  Net income                 98,105           98,105  
  Other comprehensive income (loss)                       (645 )   (645 )
Comprehensive income                             97,460  
Cash dividends                 (30,299 )         (30,299 )
Common shares — treasury:                                
  Shares purchased     (762 )   (6,945 )   (13,805 )         (21,512 )
  Shares issued under Members' Stock Purchase Plan and stock awards     627     16,720                 17,347  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 3, 2004   $ 58,239   $ 10,324   $ 641,732   $ (406 ) $ 709,889  
   
 
 
 
 
 

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

37


HON INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in thousands)

For the Years

  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Net Cash Flows From (To) Operating Activities:                    
  Net income   $ 98,105   $ 91,360   $ 74,407  
  Noncash items included in net income:                    
    Depreciation and amortization     72,772     68,755     81,385  
    Other postretirement and postemployment benefits     2,166     2,246     1,757  
    Deferred income taxes     (3,314 )   2,321     6,962  
    Loss on sales, retirements and impairments of property, plant and equipment     5,415     8,976     16,200  
    Stock issued to retirement plan     4,678     5,750      
    Other — net     391     2,613     109  
  Changes in working capital, excluding acquisition and disposition:                    
    Receivables     1,006     (19,414 )   47,897  
    Inventories     (3,004 )   2,348     35,048  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,508     2,431     (1,661 )
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses     (35,288 )   37,857     (26,149 )
    Income taxes     2,218     (2,370 )   (5,957 )
  Increase (decrease) in other liabilities     (5,379 )   (482 )   (2,198 )
   
 
 
 
      Net cash flows from (to) operating activities     141,274     202,391     227,800  
   
 
 
 
Net Cash Flows From (To) Investing Activities:                    
  Capital expenditures     (34,842 )   (25,885 )   (36,851 )
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment     1,808          
  Capitalized software     (2,666 )   (65 )   (1,757 )
  Additional purchase consideration     (5,710 )       (8,748 )
  Short-term investments — net     (49,326 )   (16,377 )    
  Purchase of long-term investments     (5,742 )   (22,493 )    
  Sales or maturities of long-term investments     15,000          
  Other — net         924     343  
   
 
 
 
      Net cash flows from (to) investing activities     (81,478 )   (63,896 )   (47,013 )
   
 
 
 
Net Cash Flows From (To) Financing Activities:                    
  Purchase of HON INDUSTRIES common stock     (21,512 )   (15,736 )   (35,059 )
  Proceeds from long-term debt     761     825     36,218  
  Payments of note and long-term debt     (20,992 )   (35,967 )   (87,365 )
  Proceeds from sale of HON INDUSTRIES common stock     12,063     2,096     9,449  
  Dividends paid     (30,299 )   (29,386 )   (28,373 )
   
 
 
 
      Net cash flows from (to) financing activities     (59,979 )   (78,168 )   (105,130 )
   
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (183 )   60,327     75,657  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     139,165     78,838     3,181  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year     138,982     139,165     78,838  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:                    
  Cash paid during the year for:                    
    Interest   $ 3,408   $ 5,062   $ 8,646  
    Income taxes   $ 53,855   $ 48,598   $ 40,916  
   
 
 
 

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

38


HON INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Nature of Operations

        HON INDUSTRIES Inc., with its subsidiaries (the "Company"), is a provider of office furniture and hearth products. Both industries are reportable segments; however, the Company's office furniture business is its principal line of business. Refer to the Operating Segment Information note for further information. Office furniture products are sold through a national system of dealers, wholesalers, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, retail superstores, end-user customers, and to federal and state governments. Dealer, wholesaler, and retail superstores are the major channels based on sales. Hearth products include electric, wood-, pellet-, and gas-burning factory-built fireplaces, fireplace inserts, stoves, and gas logs. These products are sold through a national system of dealers, wholesalers, large regional contractors, and Company-owned retail outlets. The Company's products are marketed predominantly in the United States and Canada. The Company exports select products to a limited number of markets outside North America, principally Latin America and the Caribbean, through its export subsidiary; however, based on sales, these activities are not significant.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Fiscal Year-End

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

        The Company follows a 52/53 week fiscal year which ends on the Saturday nearest December 31. Fiscal year 2003 ended on January 3, 2004; 2002 ended on December 28, 2002; and 2001 ended on December 29, 2001. The financial statements for fiscal year 2003 are based on a 53-week period, fiscal years 2002 and 2001 are on a 52-week basis.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments

        Cash and cash equivalents generally consist of cash, money market accounts, and debt securities. These securities have original maturity dates not exceeding three months from date of purchase. The Company has short-term investments with maturities of less than one year and also has investments with maturities greater than one year that are included in Other Assets on the consolidated balance sheet. Management classifies investments in marketable securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such classification at each balance sheet date. Equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at current market value with unrealized gains and losses included as a separate component of equity, net of any related tax effect. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity and are stated at amortized cost. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses on the trade date. Short-term investments include municipal bonds, money market preferred stock and U.S. treasury notes. Long-term investments include U.S. government securities, municipal bonds, certificates of deposit and asset-and mortgage-backed securities.

39



        At January 3, 2004 and December 28, 2002, cash, cash equivalents and investments consisted of the following (cost approximates market value):

 
  2003
  2002
(In thousands)

  Cash and
cash
equivalents

  Short-term
investments

  Long-term
investments

  Cash and
cash
equivalents

  Short-term
investments

  Long-term
investments

Held-to-maturity securities                                    
Municipal bonds   $ 31,000   $   $ 2,396   $ 82,300   $ 1,900   $ 5,396
U.S. government securities                         11,995
Certificates of deposit             400             400
   
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities                                    
U.S. treasury notes         4,259             3,478    
Money market preferred stock                     11,000    
Asset and mortgage-backed securities         60,949     12,835             7,098
   
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and money market accounts     107,982             56,865        
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total   $ 138,982   $ 65,208   $ 15,631   $ 139,165   $ 16,378   $ 24,889
   
 
 
 
 
 

        The 2001 cash and cash equivalents generally consisted of cash and commercial paper.

Receivables

        Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,859,000, $9,570,000, and $16,576,000 for 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. The allowance for receivables is developed based on several factors including overall customer credit quality, historical write-off experience and specific account analyses that project the ultimate collectibility of the account. As such, these factors may change over time causing the reserve level to adjust accordingly.

Inventories

        The Company values 96% of its inventory by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. Additionally, the Company evaluates its inventory reserves in terms of excess and obsolete exposures. This evaluation includes such factors as anticipated usage, inventory turnover, inventory levels and ultimate product sales value. As such, these factors may change over time causing the reserve level to adjust accordingly.

Property, Plant, and Equipment

        Property, plant, and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation has been computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives: land improvements, 10 - 20 years; buildings, 10 - 40 years; and machinery and equipment, 3 - 12 years.

Long-Lived Assets

        Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment as events or changes in circumstances occur indicating that the amount of the asset reflected in the Company's balance sheet may not be recoverable. An estimate of undiscounted cash flows produced by the asset, or the appropriate group of assets, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. The estimates of future cash flows involve considerable management judgment and are based upon assumptions about expected future operating performance. The actual cash flows could differ from management's estimates due to changes in business conditions, operating performance, and economic conditions. Asset impairment charges connected with the Company's restructuring activities are discussed in the Restructuring Related Charges note. These assets included real estate, manufacturing equipment and

40



certain other fixed assets. The Company's continuous focus on improving the manufacturing process tends to increase the likelihood of assets being replaced; therefore, the Company is constantly evaluating the expected lives of its equipment and accelerating depreciation where appropriate. The Company recorded losses on the disposal of assets in the amount of approximately $1 million and $5 million during 2003 and 2002, respectively as a result of its rapid continuous improvement initiatives.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment on an annual basis based on values at the end of third quarter or whenever indicators of impairment exist. The Company has evaluated its goodwill for impairment and has determined that the fair value of reporting units exceeds their carrying value, so no impairment of goodwill was recognized. Management's assumptions about future cash flows for the reporting units requires significant judgment and actual cash flows in the future may differ significantly from those forecasted today.

        The Company also determines the fair value of an indefinite lived trademark on an annual basis or whenever indications of impairment exist. The Company has evaluated its trademark for impairment and has determined that the fair market value of the trademark exceeds its carrying value, so no impairment was recognized.

Product Warranties

        The Company issues certain warranty policies on its furniture and hearth products that provides for repair or replacement of any covered product or component that fails during normal use because of a defect in design, materials or workmanship. A warranty reserve is determined by recording a specific reserve for known warranty issues and an additional reserve for unknown claims that are expected to be incurred based on historical claims experience. Actual claims incurred could differ from the original estimates, requiring adjustments to the reserve. Activity associated with warranty obligations was as follows:

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
 
Balance at the beginning of the period   $ 8,405   $ 5,632  
Accruals for warranties issued during the period     7,907     6,542  
Accrual related to pre-existing warranties     629     2,686  
Settlements made during the period     (8,015 )   (6,455 )
   
 
 
Balance at the end of the period   $ 8,926   $ 8,405  
   
 
 

Revenue Recognition

        Revenue is normally recognized upon shipment of goods to customers. In certain circumstances revenue is not recognized until the goods are received by the customer or upon installation and customer acceptance based on the terms of the sales agreement. Revenue includes freight charged to customers; related costs are in selling and administrative expense. Rebates, discounts, and other marketing program expenses that are directly related to the sale are recorded as a deduction to net sales. Marketing program accruals require the use of management estimates and the consideration of contractual arrangements that are subject to interpretation. Customer sales that reach certain award levels can affect the amount of such estimates and actual results could differ from these estimates.

Product Development Costs

        Product development costs relating to the development of new products and processes, including significant improvements and refinements to existing products, are expensed as incurred. These costs

41



include salaries, contractor fees, building costs, utilities and administrative fees. The amounts charged against income were $25,791,000 in 2003, $25,849,000 in 2002, and $21,415,000 in 2001.

Stock-Based Compensation

        The Company accounts for its stock option plan using Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," whereby stock-based employee compensation is reflected in net income as all options granted under the plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant. SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" issued subsequent to APB No. 25 and amended by SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure" defines a fair value based method of accounting for employees stock options but allows companies to continue to measure compensation cost for employee stock options using the intrinsic value based method described in APB No. 25.

        The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," as amended by SFAS No. 148 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure," to stock-based employee compensation.

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Net income, as reported   $ 98.1   $ 91.4   $ 74.4  
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects     (3.0 )   (2.2 )   (1.4 )
   
 
 
 
Pro forma net income   $ 95.1   $ 89.2   $ 73.0  
   
 
 
 
Earnings per share:                    
  Basic-as reported   $ 1.69   $ 1.55   $ 1.26  
  Basic-pro forma   $ 1.64   $ 1.52   $ 1.24  
 
Diluted-as reported

 

$

1.68

 

$

1.55

 

$

1.26

 
  Diluted-pro forma   $ 1.62   $ 1.51   $ 1.24  

 

        Increase in expense in 2003 is due to accelerated vesting upon the retirement of plan participants.

Income Taxes

        The Company accounts for income taxes under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." This Statement uses an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income taxes are provided to reflect the differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements.

Earnings Per Share

        Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Shares potentially issuable under options and deferred restricted stock have been considered outstanding for purposes of the diluted earnings per share calculation.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The more significant areas requiring the

42



use of management estimates relate to allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, marketing program accruals, warranty accruals, accruals for self-insured medical claims, workers' compensation, legal contingencies general liability and auto insurance claims, and useful lives for depreciation and amortization. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Self-Insurance

        The Company is partially self-insured for general and product liability, workers' compensation, and certain employee health benefits. The general, product, and workers' compensation liabilities are managed using a wholly owned insurance captive; the related liabilities are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company's policy is to accrue amounts in accordance with the actuarially determined liabilities. The actuarial valuations are based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions for such matters as legal actions, medical costs, and changes in actual experience could cause these estimates to change in the near term.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation 46R (FIN 46R), a revision to Interpretation 46 (FIN 46), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities." FIN 46R clarifies some of the provisions of FIN 46 and exempts certain entities from its requirements. FIN 46R is effective at the end of the first interim period ending after March 15, 2004. Entities that have adopted FIN 46 prior to this effective date can continue to apply the provision of FIN 46 until the effective date of FIN 46R. The Company adopted FIN 46 on January 3, 2004 and it did not have an impact on the Company's financial statements.

        The Financial Accounting Standards Board finalized SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity," effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have an impact on the Company's financial statements.

        During 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board finalized SFAS No. 146 "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities" for exit and disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. This Statement requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. The Company applied this Statement to its 2003 restructuring activities which resulted in a charge of $8.5 million during 2003.

        The Financial Accounting Standards Board also issued Interpretation No. 45 "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Other". FIN 45 clarifies the requirements of SFAS No. 5 "Accounting for Contingencies" relating to the guarantor's accounting for and disclosure of the issuance of certain types of guarantees. The provisions for initial recognition and measurement are effective on a prospective basis for guarantees that are issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

        In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a revised SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." In 2003, the Company adopted the revised disclosure requirements of this pronouncement.

Reclassifications

        Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2003 presentation.

43



Restructuring Related Charges

        As a result of the Company's business simplification and cost reduction strategies, the Company closed two office furniture facilities located in Milan, Tennessee and Hazleton, Pennsylvania and consolidated production into other U.S. manufacturing locations. Charges for the closures totaled $15.7 million which consists of $6.7 million of accelerated depreciation of machinery and equipment which was recorded in cost of sales, $3.4 million of severance and $5.6 million of facility exit, production relocation, and other costs which were recorded as restructuring costs. A total of 316 members were terminated and received severance due to these shutdowns. The closures and consolidation are substantially complete.

        The Hazleton, Pennsylvania facility is an owned facility and has been reclassified to current assets as it is currently being held as available for sale. It is included in the "Prepaid expenses and other current assets" in the January 3, 2004, condensed consolidated balance sheet at its carrying value of $2.1 million. The Milan, Tennessee facility is a leased facility that is no longer being used in the production of goods. The restructuring expense for 2003 included $1.4 million of costs that will continue to be incurred under the lease contract reduced by estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably obtained.

        During 2002, the Company recorded a pretax charge of approximately $5.4 million due to the shutdown of an office furniture facility in Jackson, Tennessee. A total of 125 members were terminated and received severance due to this shutdown. During the second quarter of 2003, a restructuring credit of approximately $0.6 million was taken back into income relating to this charge. This was due to the fact that the Company was able to exit a lease with the lessor at more favorable terms than previously estimated.

        During the second quarter of 2001, the Company recorded a pretax charge of $24.0 million or $0.26 per diluted share for a restructuring plan that involved consolidating physical facilities, discontinuing low-volume product lines, and reductions of workforce. Included in the charge was the closedown of three of its office furniture facilities located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania; Tupelo, Mississippi; and Santa Ana, California. Approximately 500 members were terminated and received severance due to the closedown of these facilities. During the second quarter of 2002, a restructuring credit of approximately $2.4 million was taken back into income relating to this charge. This was mainly due to the fact that the Company was able to exit a lease with a lessor at more favorable terms than originally estimated and the Company's ability to minimize the number of members terminated as compared to the original plan.

44



        The following table details the change in restructuring reserve for the last three years:

(In thousands)

  Severance
Costs

  Facility
Termination &
Other Costs

  Asset
Impairment
Write-downs

  Total
 
Restructuring reserve at December 31, 2000   $   $   $   $  
Restructuring charge     3,090     4,710     16,200     24,000  
Cash payments     (2,322 )   (2,761 )       (5,083 )
Charge against assets             (16,200 )   (16,200 )
   
 
 
 
 
Restructuring reserve at December 29, 2001   $ 768   $ 1,949   $   $ 2,717  
Restructuring charge     737     3,328     1,300     5,365  
Restructuring credit     (852 )   (1,513 )       (2,365 )
Cash payments     (653 )   (1,577 )       (2,230 )
Charge against assets             (1,300 )   (1,300 )
   
 
 
 
 
Restructuring reserve at December 28, 2002   $   $ 2,187   $   $ 2,187  
Restructuring charges     3,438     5,622         9,060  
Restructuring credit         (550 )       (550 )
Cash payments     (3,104 )   (6,159 )       (9,263 )
   
 
 
 
 
Restructuring reserve at January 3, 2004   $ 334   $ 1,100   $   $ 1,434  

   
Business Combinations

        During 2001, the Company completed the acquisition of three small hearth product distributors for a total purchase price of approximately $7.6 million. The acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method, and the results of the three distributors have been included in the Company's financial statements since the date of acquisition.

Inventories

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Finished products   $ 31,407   $ 30,747   $ 33,280  
Materials and work in process     28,287     26,266     26,469  
LIFO reserve     (9,864 )   (10,190 )   (9,609 )
   
 
 
 
    $ 49,830   $ 46,823   $ 50,140  
   
 
 
 

Property, Plant, and Equipment

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
Land and land improvements   $ 23,065   $ 21,566   $ 21,678
Buildings     211,005     208,124     212,352
Machinery and equipment     495,901     494,354     494,458
Construction and equipment installation in progress     9,865     10,227     14,247
   
 
 
      739,836     734,271     742,735
Less: allowances for depreciation     427,468     381,001     337,764
   
 
 
    $ 312,368   $ 353,270   $ 404,971
   
 
 

45


Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" on December 30, 2001, the beginning of its 2002 fiscal year. Pursuant to this standard, the Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment on an annual basis based on values at the end of third quarter or whenever indicators of impairment exist. The Company has evaluated its goodwill for impairment and has determined that the fair value of its reporting units exceeds the carrying values and therefore, no impairment of goodwill was recorded. Also pursuant to the standard, the Company has ceased recording of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles amortization in 2002.

        The Company also owns a trademark having a net value of $8.1 million as of January 3, 2004, December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001. The fair value of the trademark exceeds the carrying value of the trademark and thus, no impairment was recorded. The trademark is deemed to have an indefinite useful life because it is expected to generate cash flow indefinitely. The Company ceased amortizing the trademark in 2002.

        The table below summarizes amortizable definite-lived intangible assets, which are reflected in Other Assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheets:

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
Patents   $ 16,450   $ 16,450
Customer lists and other     26,076     26,076
Less: accumulated amortization     16,671     13,980
   
 
Net intangible assets   $ 25,855   $ 28,546
   
 

        Amortization expense for definite-lived intangibles for 2003, 2002, and 2001 was $2,690,100, $2,690,100, and $2,200,200, respectively. Amortization expense is estimated to be approximately $2.7 million per year through 2005, $2.4 million in 2006, $1.2 million in 2007, and $1.0 million in 2008.

        The goodwill at December 29, 2001, included other intangible assets that are required to be accounted for as assets apart from goodwill under SFAS No. 142. The following table summarizes the reclassification:

(In thousands)

  Net Book Value
December 29, 2001

  SFAS 142
Reclassification

  Net book value as
modified for SFAS
No. 142
December 29, 2001

Goodwill   $ 214,337   $ (27,643 ) $ 186,694
Customer lists and other (included in Other Assets)     3,049     19,564     22,613
Trademarks (included in Other Assets)         8,079     8,079
Patents (included in Other Assets)     8,574         8,574
   
 
 
  Total   $ 225,960   $   $ 225,960
   
 
 

46


        The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill since December 29, 2001, are as follows by reporting segment:

(In thousands)

  Office
Furniture

  Hearth
Products

  Total
 
Balance as of December 29, 2001 (after SFAS No. 142 reclassification)   $ 43,611   $ 143,083   $ 186,694  
Goodwill increase during period         5,710     5,710  
Net goodwill disposed of during period         (9 )   (9 )
   
 
 
 
Balance as of December 28, 2002   $ 43,611   $ 148,784   $ 192,395  
   
 
 
 
Adjustment for a prior acquisition         (309 )   (309 )
   
 
 
 
Balance as of January 3, 2004   $ 43,611   $ 148,475   $ 192,086  
   
 
 
 

        The goodwill increase in 2002 relates to additional purchase consideration associated with debentures issued in connection with a prior acquisition. The decrease in goodwill in 2003 is due to an adjustment relating to a prior acquisition.

        The following schedule reports the adjusted net income for the goodwill and indefinite-lived trademark amortization effect:

(In thousands except for per share data)

  2003
  2002
  2001
Reported net income   $ 98,105   $ 91,360   $ 74,407
Add back: Goodwill amortization, net of tax             5,611
Add back: Trademark amortization, net of tax             149
   
 
 
Adjusted net income   $ 98,105   $ 91,360   $ 80,167
   
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:                  
Reported net income   $ 1.68   $ 1.55   $ 1.26
Goodwill & trademark amortization, net of tax               .10
   
 
 
Adjusted net income   $ 1.68   $ 1.55   $ 1.36
   
 
 

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
Trade accounts payable   $ 44,295   $ 66,204   $ 53,660
Compensation     22,803     20,686     13,663
Profit sharing and retirement expense     30,365     26,788     26,020
Vacation pay     13,745     14,095     13,881
Marketing expenses     44,795     59,224     54,861
Casualty self-insurance expense     9,385     10,973     17,189
Other accrued expenses     45,848     54,175     36,910
   
 
 
    $ 211,236   $ 252,145   $ 216,184
   
 
 

47


Long-Term Debt

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
Industrial development revenue bonds, various issues, payable through 2018 with interest at 1.49-5.40% per annum   $ 2,300   $ 7,938   $ 23,995
Convertible debentures payable to individuals, with interest at 5.5% per annum     26,130     40,443     58,074
Other notes and amounts     503     736     3,285
   
 
 
Total debt     28,933     49,117     85,354
Less: current portion     26,243     40,564     5,784
   
 
 
Long-term debt   $ 2,690   $ 8,553   $ 79,570
   
 
 

Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

(In thousands)

2004   $ 26,243
2005     117
2006     95
2007     52
2008     43
Thereafter     2,383

        The convertible debentures are payable to the former owners of businesses that were acquired by the Company. Following the acquisition some of these individuals continued as members of the Company. The convertible debentures are convertible into cash. The debentures contain certain conversion features that are recorded as earned. During 2003 the Company recorded approximately $3 million of appreciation on these debentures.

        Certain of the above borrowing arrangements include covenants which limit the assumption of additional debt and lease obligations. The Company has been and currently is in compliance with the covenants related to these debt agreements. The fair value of the Company's outstanding long-term debt obligations at year-end 2003 approximates the recorded aggregate amount.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
Freight expense for shipments to customers   $ 105,933   $ 98,876   $ 103,489
Amortization of intangible and other assets     4,625     4,317     12,646
Product development costs     25,791     25,849     21,415
Other selling and administrative expenses     344,395     325,147     326,656
   
 
 
    $ 480,744   $ 454,189   $ 464,206
   
 
 

48


Income Taxes

        Significant components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
Current:                  
  Federal   $ 49,721   $ 38,966   $ 32,393
  State     4,159     3,473     2,442
   
 
 
      53,880     42,439     34,835
Deferred     (1,054 )   6,755     7,019
   
 
 
    $ 52,826   $ 49,194   $ 41,854
   
 
 

        A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate is as follows:

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Federal statutory tax rate   35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State taxes, net of federal tax effect   1.8   1.6   1.6  
Credit for increasing research activities   (2.0 ) (1.6 )  
Extraterritorial income exclusion   (0.5 ) (1.0 )  
Other—net   0.7   1.0   (0.6 )
   
 
 
 
Effective tax rate   35.0 % 35.0 % 36.0 %
   
 
 
 

        Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Net long-term deferred tax liabilities:                    
  Tax over book depreciation   $ (28,103 ) $ (34,398 ) $ (38,759 )
  OPEB obligations     182     3,581     3,197  
  Compensation     4,912     3,821     2,519  
  Goodwill     (18,044 )   (14,173 )   (5,550 )
  Other—net     3,320     4,055     (1,039 )
   
 
 
 
Total net long-term deferred tax liabilities     (37,733 )   (37,114 )   (39,632 )
   
 
 
 
Net current deferred tax assets:                    
  Workers' compensation, general, and product liability
accruals
    298     1,517     1,119  
  Vacation accrual     4,754     4,617     4,002  
  Integration accruals             (3,766 )
  Inventory differences     4,343     5,101     1,969  
  Plant closing accruals     528     821     3,302  
  Deferred income     (5,462 )   (3,820 )    
  Warranty accruals     2,886     2,369     1,606  
  Other—net     6,982     (504 )   6,708  
   
 
 
 
Total net current deferred tax assets     14,329     10,101     14,940  
   
 
 
 
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets   $ (23,404 ) $ (27,013 ) $ (24,692 )
   
 
 
 

49


Shareholders' Equity and Earnings Per Share

 
  2003
  2002
  2001
Common Stock, $1 Par Value            
  Authorized   200,000,000   200,000,000   200,000,000
  Issued and outstanding   58,238,519   58,373,607   58,672,933
Preferred Stock, $1 Par Value            
  Authorized   2,000,000   2,000,000   2,000,000
  Issued and outstanding      

        The Company purchased 762,300; 614,580; and 1,472,937 shares of its common stock during 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. The par value method of accounting is used for common stock repurchases. The excess of the cost of shares acquired over their par value is allocated to Additional Paid-In Capital with the excess charged to Retained Earnings.

        The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS):

 
  2003
  2002
Numerators:            
  Numerators for both basic and diluted EPS net income   $ 98,105,000   $ 91,360,000
Denominators:            
  Denominator for basic EPS weighted-average common shares outstanding     58,178,739     58,789,851
Potentially dilutive shares from stock option plans     366,614     231,220
   
 

Denominator for diluted EPS

 

 

58,545,353

 

 

59,021,071
   
 

Earnings per share—basic

 

$

1.69

 

$

1.55
Earnings per share—diluted   $ 1.68   $ 1.55

        Certain exercisable and non-exercisable stock options were not included in the computation of diluted EPS for fiscal year 2003 and 2002, because the option prices were greater that the average market prices for the applicable periods. The number of stock options outstanding, which met this criterion for 2003 was 20,000 with a range of per share exercise prices of $42.49-$42.98 and for 2002 was 30,000 with a range of per share exercise prices of $28.25-$32.22.

        Components of other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following:

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
Foreign currency translation adjustments—net of tax   $ 45   $   $ 109
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on marketable
securities—net of tax
    (690 ) $ (322 )   42
   
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss)   $ (645 ) $ (322 ) $ 151
   
 
 

        In May 1997, the Company registered 400,000 shares of its common stock under its 1997 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors. This plan permits the Company to issue to its non-employee directors options to purchase shares of Company common stock, restricted stock of the Company, and awards of Company stock. The plan also permits non-employee directors to elect to receive all or a portion of their annual retainers and other compensation in the form of shares of Company common stock. During 2003, 2002, and 2001,10,922; 11,958; and 8,662 shares of Company common stock were issued under the plan, respectively.

50



        Cash dividends declared and paid per share for each year are:

(In dollars)

  2003
  2002
  2001
Common shares   $ .52   $ .50   $ .48
   
 
 

        During 2002, shareholders approved the 2002 Members' Stock Purchase Plan. Under the new plan, 800,000 shares of common stock were registered for issuance to participating members. Beginning on June 30, 2002, rights to purchase stock are granted on a quarterly basis to all members who have one year of employment eligibility and work a minimum of 20 hours a week. The price of the stock purchased under the plan is 85% of the closing price on the applicable purchase date. No member may purchase stock under the plan in an amount which exceeds the lesser of 20% of his/her gross earnings or a maximum fair value of $25,000 in any calendar year. During 2003, 79,237 shares of common stock were issued under the plan at an average price of $29.25. During 2002, 47,419 shares of common stock were issued under the plan at an average price of $22.58. An additional 673,344 shares were available for issuance under the plan at January 3, 2004. This plan replaced the 1994 Members' Stock Purchase Plan. Under this plan, during 2002 and 2001, 43,388 shares at an average price of $23.63 and 85,385 shares at an average price of $20.51 were issued, respectively.

        The Company has a shareholders' rights plan which will expire August 20, 2008. The plan becomes operative if certain events occur involving the acquisition of 20% or more of the Company's common stock by any person or group in a transaction not approved by the Company's Board of Directors. Upon the occurrence of such an event, each right entitles its holder to purchase an amount of common stock of the Company with a market value of $400 for $200, unless the Board authorizes the rights be redeemed. The rights may be redeemed for $0.01 per right at any time before the rights become exercisable. In certain instances, the right to purchase applies to the capital stock of the acquirer instead of the common stock of the Company. The Company has reserved preferred shares necessary for issuance should the rights be exercised.

        The Company has entered into change in control employment agreements with corporate officers and certain other key employees. According to the agreements, a change in control occurs when a third person or entity becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the Company's common stock or when more than one-third of the Company's Board of Directors is composed of persons not recommended by at least three-fourths of the incumbent Board of Directors. Upon a change in control, a key employee is deemed to have a two-year employment with the Company, and all his or her benefits are vested under Company plans. If, at any time within two years of the change in control, his or her position, salary, bonus, place of work, or Company-provided benefits are modified, or employment is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause or by the key employee for good reason, as such terms are defined in the agreement, then the key employee is entitled to receive a severance payment equal to two times annual salary and the average of the prior two years' bonuses.

Stock-Based Compensation

        Under the Company's 1995 Stock-Based Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective November 10, 2000, the Company may award options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock and grant other stock awards to executives, managers, and key personnel. The Plan is administered by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Restricted stock awarded under the plan is expensed ratably over the vesting period of the awards. Stock options awarded to employees under the Plan must be at exercise prices equal to or exceeding the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Stock options are generally subject to four-year cliff vesting and must be exercised within 10 years from the date of grant.

        The weighted-average fair value of options granted during 2003, 2002, and 2001 estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model was $10.74, $11.74, and $9.70, respectively.

51



The fair value of 2003, 2002, and 2001 options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the following assumptions: dividend yield of 1.2% to 2.1%, expected volatility of 34.9% to 38.4%, risk-free interest rate of 4.2% to 5.4%, and an expected life of 10 to 12 years depending on grant date.

        The status of the Company's stock option plans is summarized below:

 
  Number of
Shares

  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding at December 30, 2000   918,250   $ 21.89
Granted   266,500     23.39
Exercised   (17,500 )   18.31
Forfeited   (37,000 )   21.57
   
 
Outstanding at December 29, 2001   1,130,250   $ 22.32
Granted   290,000     25.77
Exercised      
Forfeited   (17,000 )   21.69
   
 
Outstanding at December 28, 2002   1,403,250   $ 23.03
Granted   446,500     26.78
Exercised   (362,000 )   23.10
Forfeited   (18,500 )   23.57
   
 
Outstanding at January 3, 2004   1,469,250   $ 24.15
Options exercisable at:          
  January 3, 2004   202,250   $ 25.47
  December 28, 2002   156,250     25.02
  December 29, 2001   105,000     24.86
   
 

        The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options outstanding at January 3, 2004:

Options Outstanding
  Options
Exercisable

Range of
Exercise Prices

  Number
Outstanding

  Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

  Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

  Number
Exercisable
at January 3,
2004

$24.50-$28.25   31,000   2.9 years   $25.71   31,000
  $32.22   20,000   4.1 years   $32.22   20,000
  $23.47   101,250   5.1 years   $23.47   101,250
$18.31-$26.69   411,000   6.6 years   $20.42   50,000
$23.32-$25.27   223,500   7.1 years   $23.41  
$25.75-$25.77   261,000   8.1 years   $25.77  
$25.50-$42.98   421,500   9.2 years   $26.83  

Retirement Benefits

        The Company has defined contribution profit-sharing plans covering substantially all employees who are not participants in certain defined benefit plans. The Company's annual contribution to the defined contribution plans is based on employee eligible earnings and results of operations and amounted to $26,489,000, $23,524,000, and $24,826,000 in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

        The Company sponsors defined benefit plans which include a limited number of salaried and hourly employees at certain subsidiaries. The Company's funding policy is generally to contribute annually the minimum actuarially computed amount. Net pension costs relating to these plans were

52



$176,000; $0; and $0 for 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. The actuarial present value of obligations, less related plan assets at fair value, is not significant.

        The Company also participates in a multiemployer plan, which provides defined benefits to certain of the Company's union employees. Pension expense for this plan amounted to $309,000, $309,000, and $310,000 in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

Postretirement Health Care

        In accordance with the guidelines of revised SFAS No.132, "Disclosures about Pensions and other Postretirement Benefits," the following table sets forth the funded status of the plan, reconciled to the accrued postretirement benefits cost recognized in the Company's balance sheet at:

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Change in benefit obligation                    
  Benefit obligation at beginning of year   $ 17,617   $ 17,351   $ 12,229  
  Service cost     249     398     278  
  Interest cost     1,105     1,091     941  
  Benefits paid     (1,206 )   (1,356 )   (952 )
  Actuarial (gain) or loss     566     133     3,042  
  Current year prior service cost             1,813  
   
 
 
 
  Benefit obligation at end of year   $ 18,331   $ 17,617   $ 17,351  

Change in plan assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Fair value at beginning of year   $   $   $  
  Employer contributions     11,456     1,356     952  
  Benefits paid     (1,206 )   (1,356 )   (952 )
   
 
 
 
  Fair value at end of year   $ 10,250   $   $  

Reconciliation of funded status

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Funded status   $ (8,081 ) $ (17,617 ) $ (17,351 )
  Unrecognized actuarial (gain) or loss     1,105     539     364  
  Unrecognized transition obligation or (asset)     5,361     5,942     6,523  
  Unrecognized prior service cost     1,122     1,352     1,582  
   
 
 
 
  Net amount recognized at year-end   $ (493 ) $ (9,784 ) $ (8,882 )
   
 
 
 

Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position consist of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Accrued benefit liability   $ (493 ) $ (9,784 ) $ (8,882 )
   
 
 
 
  Net amount recognized at year-end, included in Other Liabilities   $ (493 ) $ (9,784 ) $ (8,882 )
   
 
 
 

53


Estimated Future Benefit Payments (In thousands)

  Fiscal 2004   $ 1,133
  Fiscal 2005     1,189
  Fiscal 2006     1,195
  Fiscal 2007     1,217
  Fiscal 2008     1,265
  Fiscal 2009—2013     6,874
   
    $ 12,873
   

Expected Contributions During Fiscal 2004

 

 

 
  Total   $ 1,133
   

Plan Assets—Percentage of Fair Value by Category

 
  2003
 
Equity   0 %
Debt   0 %
Other   100 %
Total   100 %

        The Company invests these funds in high-grade money market instruments. Prior to 2003 the plan was not funded.

        The discount rates at fiscal year-end 2003, 2002, and 2001 were 6.0%, 6.5%, and 6.5%, respectively. The Company payment for these benefits has reached the maximum amounts per the plan; therefore, healthcare trend rates have no impact on company cost.

        In December 2003, the United States enacted into law the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the "Act"). The Act established a prescription drug benefit under Medicare, known as "Medicare Part D," and a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.

        In January 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003" ("FSP 106-1"). The Company has elected to defer accounting for the economic effects of the Act, as permitted by FSP 106-1. Therefore, in accordance with FSP 106-1, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation or net period postretirement benefit cost included in the consolidated financial statements and disclosed above do not reflect the effects of the Act. Specific authoritative guidance on accounting for the federal subsidy is pending. The final issued guidance could require a change to previously reported information.

54


Leases

        The Company leases certain warehouse, plant facilities and equipment. Commitments for minimum rentals under noncancelable leases at the end of 2003 are as follows:

(In thousands)

  Capitalized
Leases

  Operating
Leases

2004   $ 523   $ 13,012
2005     515     10,742
2006     284     8,424
2007     215     5,430
2008     211     4,080
Thereafter     590     9,062
   
 
Total minimum lease payments     2,338   $ 50,750
Less: amount representing interest     487      
   
     
Present value of net minimum lease payments, including current maturities of $415   $ 1,851      
   
     

        Property, plant, and equipment at year-end include the following amounts for capitalized leases:

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
Buildings   $ 3,299   $ 3,299   $ 3,299
Machinery and equipment     196     196     15,805
Office equipment     761        
   
 
 
      4,256     3,495     19,104
Less: allowances for depreciation     2,879     2,514     17,052
   
 
 
    $ 1,377   $ 981   $ 2,052
   
 
 

        Rent expense for the years 2003, 2002, and 2001 amounted to approximately $13,592,000, $13,683,000, and $13,387,000, respectively. Contingent rent expense under both capitalized and operating leases (generally based on mileage of transportation equipment) amounted to $313,000, $787,000, and $869,000 for the years 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

Guarantees, Commitments and Contingencies

        During the second quarter ended June 28, 2003, the Company entered into a one-year financial agreement for the benefit of one of its distribution chain partners. The maximum financial exposure assumed by the Company as a result of this arrangement totals $3 million of which over 75% is secured by collateral. In accordance with the provisions of FIN 45, the Company has recorded the fair value of this guarantee, which is estimated to be less than $0.1 million.

        The Company utilizes letters of credit in the amount of $24 million to back certain financing instruments, insurance policies and payment obligations. The letters of credit reflect fair value as a condition of their underlying purpose and are subject to fees competitively determined.

        The Company is contingently liable for future minimum payments totaling $9.7 million under a transportation service contract. The transportation agreement is for a three-year period and is automatically renewable for periods of one year unless either party gives sixty days written notice of its intent to terminate at the end of the original three-year term or any subsequent term. The minimum payments are $4.8 million in 2004, and $4.9 million in 2005.

55



        The Company has guaranteed a contractual lease obligation of an independent contract furniture dealership. The related term expires in the fourth quarter of 2004. As of January 3, 2004, the remaining unpaid lease payments subject to this guarantee totaled approximately $69,000. In accordance with the provisions of FIN 45, no liability has been recorded as the Company entered into this agreement prior to December 31, 2002.

        The Company has contingent liabilities, which have arisen in the course of its business, including pending litigation, preferential payment claims in customer bankruptcies, environmental remediation, taxes, and other claims. The Company currently has a claim for approximately $7.6 million pending against it arising out of the bankruptcy of a customer filed in 2001. The Company was named a critical vendor by the bankruptcy court and, accordingly, was paid in full for all outstanding receivables. The claim alleges that the Company received preferential payments from the customer during the ninety days before the customer filed for bankruptcy protection. The claim was brought in February 2003. The Company has recorded an accrual with respect to this contingency, in an amount substantially less than the full amount of the claim, which represents the best estimate within the range of likely exposure and intends to vigorously defend against the claim. Given the nature of this claim, it is possible that the ultimate outcome could differ from the recorded amount.

Significant Customer

        One office furniture customer accounted for approximately 13% of consolidated net sales in 2003 and 14% in 2002 and 2001.

Operating Segment Information

        In accordance with SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information," management views the Company as being in two operating segments: office furniture and hearth products, with the former being the principal segment. The office furniture segment manufactures and markets a broad line of metal and wood commercial and home office furniture which includes storage products, desks, credenzas, chairs, tables, bookcases, freestanding office partitions and panel systems, and other related products. The hearth products segment manufactures and markets a broad line of manufactured gas-, pellet-, and wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, fireplace inserts, gas logs, and chimney systems principally for the home.

        The Company's hearth products segment is somewhat seasonal with the third (July-September) and fourth (October-December) fiscal quarters historically having higher sales than the prior quarters. In fiscal 2003, 56% of consolidated net sales of hearth products were generated in the third and fourth quarters.

        For purposes of segment reporting, intercompany sales transfers between segments are not material, and operating profit is income before income taxes exclusive of certain unallocated corporate expenses. These unallocated corporate expenses include the net costs of the Company's corporate operations, interest income, and interest expense. Management views interest income and expense as corporate financing costs and not as an operating segment cost. In addition, management applies an effective income tax rate to its consolidated income before income taxes so income taxes are not reported or viewed internally on a segment basis. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets applicable to the respective industry segments. Corporate assets consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and corporate office real estate and related equipment.

        No geographic information for revenues from external customers or for long-lived assets is disclosed since the Company's primary market and capital investments are concentrated in the United States.

56



        Reportable segment data reconciled to the consolidated financial statements for the years ended 2003, 2002, and 2001 is as follows:

(In thousands)

  2003
  2002
  2001
 
Net sales:                    
Office furniture   $ 1,304,054   $ 1,279,059   $ 1,366,312  
Hearth products     451,674     413,563     426,126  
   
 
 
 
    $ 1,755,728   $ 1,692,622   $ 1,792,438  
   
 
 
 
Operating profit:                    
Office furniture(a)   $ 130,080   $ 130,014   $ 112,405  
Hearth products(a)     54,433     44,852     39,282  
   
 
 
 
Total operating profit     184,513     174,866     151,687  
Unallocated corporate expenses     (33,582 )   (34,312 )   (35,426 )
   
 
 
 
Income before income taxes   $ 150,931   $ 140,554   $ 116,261  
   
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense:                    
Office furniture   $ 54,121   $ 48,546   $ 58,658  
Hearth products     13,599     13,993     20,389  
General corporate(b)     5,052     6,216     2,338  
   
 
 
 
    $ 72,772   $ 68,755   $ 81,385  
   
 
 
 
Capital expenditures:                    
Office furniture   $ 17,619   $ 17,183   $ 29,785  
Hearth products     12,577     6,132     7,149  
General corporate     7,312     2,570     (83 )
   
 
 
 
    $ 37,508   $ 25,885   $ 36,851  
   
 
 
 
Identifiable assets:                    
Office furniture   $ 452,350   $ 494,559   $ 526,712  
Hearth products     303,811     305,326     320,199  
General corporate(b)     265,665     220,667     114,980  
   
 
 
 
    $ 1,021,826   $ 1,020,552   $ 961,891  
   
 
 
 

(a)
Included in operating profit for the office furniture segment are pretax charges of $8.5 million, $3.0 million and $22.5 million for closing of facilities and impairment charges in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Included in operating profit for the hearth products segment is a pretax charge of $1.5 million for closing of facilities and impairment charges in 2001.

(b)
In 2002 the Company's information technologies departments became a shared service at the corporate level. The costs continue to be charged out to the segments, however the assets and related depreciation are now classified as general corporate.

Subsequent Acquisition

        On January 5, 2004, the Company finalized the acquisition of Paoli, Inc., a subsidiary of Klaussner Furniture Industries, Inc. for approximately $80 million in cash. Paoli is a leading provider of wood case goods and seating with well-known brands, broad product offering, and strong independent representative sales and dealer networks. Further details of the transaction will be included in the Company's SEC Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended April 3, 2004.

57



Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

        The following table presents certain unaudited quarterly financial information for each of the past 12 quarters. In the opinion of the Company's management, this information has been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report and includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial results set forth herein. Results of operations for any previous quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period.

(In thousands, except per share data)

  First
Quarter

  Second
Quarter

  Third
Quarter

  Fourth
Quarter

 
Year-End 2003:                          
  Net sales   $ 391,971   $ 406,793   $ 500,091   $ 456,873  
  Cost of products sold     252,841     260,367     316,412     286,893  
   
 
 
 
 
  Gross profit     139,130     146,426     183,679     169,980  
  Selling and administrative expenses     114,426     112,979     127,472     125,867  
  Restructuring related charges (income)         2,265     3,881     2,364  
   
 
 
 
 
  Operating income     24,704     31,182     52,326     41,749  
  Interest income (expense)—net     (265 )   (149 )   617     767  
   
 
 
 
 
  Income before income taxes     24,439     31,033     52,943     42,516  
  Income taxes     8,554     10,861     18,530     14,881  
   
 
 
 
 
  Net income   $ 15,885   $ 20,172   $ 34,413   $ 27,635  
   
 
 
 
 
  Net income per common share—basic   $ .27   $ .35   $ .59   $ .47  
  Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic     58,317     58,143     58,043     58,222  
  Net income per common share—diluted   $ .27   $ .35   $ .59   $ .47  
  Weighted-average common shares outstanding—diluted     58,582     58,468     58,448     58,731  
  As a Percentage of Net Sales                          
  Net sales     100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
  Gross profit     35.5     36.0     36.7     37.2  
  Selling and administrative expenses     29.2     27.8     25.5     27.5  
  Restructuring related charges         0.6     0.8     0.5  
  Operating income     6.3     7.7     10.5     9.1  
  Income taxes     2.2     2.7     3.7     3.3  
  Net income     4.1     5.0     6.9     6.0  
Year-End 2002:                          
  Net sales   $ 399,139   $ 399,299   $ 446,274   $ 447,910  
  Cost of products sold     259,398     256,696     285,996     290,653  
   
 
 
 
 
  Gross profit     139,741     142,603     160,278     157,257  
  Selling and administrative expenses     110,425     111,320     117,274     115,170  
  Restructuring related charges (income)     3,900     (900 )        
   
 
 
 
 
  Operating income     25,416     32,183     43,004     42,087  
  Interest income (expense)—net     (580 )   (710 )   (577 )   (269 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Income before income taxes     24,836     31,473     42,427     41,818  
  Income taxes     8,941     11,330     15,274     13,649  
   
 
 
 
 
  Net income   $ 15,895   $ 20,143   $ 27,153   $ 28,169  
   
 
 
 
 
  Net income per common share—basic and diluted   $ .27   $ .34   $ .46   $ .48  
  Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic     58,777     58,918     59,140     58,546  
                           

58


  As a Percentage of Net Sales                          
  Net sales     100 %   100 %   100 %   100 %
  Gross profit     35.0     35.7     35.9     35.1  
  Selling and administrative expenses     27.7     27.9     26.3     25.7  
  Restructuring related charges     1.0     (.2 )        
  Operating income     6.4     8.1     9.6     9.4  
  Income taxes     2.2     2.8     3.4     3.0  
  Net income     4.0     5.0     6.1     6.3  
Year-End 2001:                          
  Net sales   $ 461,997   $ 444,196   $ 459,352   $ 426,893  
  Cost of products sold     311,711     292,789     298,427     278,213  
   
 
 
 
 
  Gross profit     150,286     151,407     160,925     148,680  
  Selling and administrative expenses     119,050     118,983     114,759     111,414  
  Restructuring related charges         24,000          
   
 
 
 
 
  Operating income     31,236     8,424     46,166     37,266  
  Interest income (expense)—net     (2,700 )   (1,832 )   (1,375 )   (924 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Income before income taxes     28,536     6,592     44,791     36,342  
  Income taxes     10,273     2,373     16,125     13,083  
   
 
 
 
 
  Net income   $ 18,263   $ 4,219   $ 28,666   $ 23,259  
   
 
 
 
 
  Net income per common share—basic and diluted   $ .31   $ .07   $ .48   $ .40  
  Weighted-average common shares outstanding—basic     59,448     59,205     59,048     58,651  
  As a Percentage of Net Sales                          
  Net sales     100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %
  Gross profit     32.5     34.1     35.0     34.8  
  Selling and administrative expenses     25.8     26.8     25.0     26.1  
  Restructuring related charges         5.4          
  Operating income     6.8     1.9     10.1     8.7  
  Income taxes     2.2     0.5     3.5     3.1  
  Net income     4.0     0.9     6.2     5.4  

59


INVESTOR INFORMATION

Common Stock Market Prices and Dividends (Unaudited)
Quarterly 2003 - 2002

2003 by
Quarter

  High
  Low
  Dividends
per Share

1st   $ 29.38   $ 24.65   $ .13
2nd     31.67     27.27     .13
3rd     38.60     30.15     .13
4th     44.12     36.65     .13
   
 
 
Total Dividends Paid   $ .52
               


2002 by
Quarter

  High
  Low
  Dividends
per Share

1st   $ 29.12   $ 24.55   $ .125
2nd     30.85     25.45     .125
3rd     28.67     23.80     .125
4th     29.20     22.88     .125
   
 
 
Total Dividends Paid   $ .500
               

Common Stock Market Price and Price/Earnings Ratio (Unaudited)
Fiscal Years 2003 - 1993

 
  Market Price*
  Diluted
Earnings
per
Share*

  Price/Earnings Ratio
Year

  High
  Low
  High
  Low
2003   44.12   24.65   1.68   26   15
2002   30.85   22.88   1.55   20   15
2001   28.85   19.96   1.26   23   16
2000   27.88   15.56   1.77   16   9
1999   29.88   18.75   1.44   21   13
1998   37.19   20.00   1.72   22   12
1997   32.13   15.88   1.45   22   11
1996   21.38   9.25   1.13   19   8
1995   15.63   11.50   .67   23   17
1994   17.00   12.00   .87   20   14
1993   14.63   10.75   .70   21   15
Eleven-Year Average           21   13

*
Adjusted for the effect of stock splits

60



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
HNI Corporation (formerly HON INDUSTRIES Inc.):

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report dated February 6, 2004 appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A also included an audit of the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K/A (Schedule II). In our opinion, this financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.

The financial statement schedule of HNI Corporation (formerly HON INDUSTRIES Inc.) for the year ended December 29, 2001, was audited by other independent accountants who have ceased operations. Those independent accountants expressed an unqualified opinion on the financial statement schedule in their report dated February 1, 2002.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 6, 2004


Report of Predecessor Auditor (Arthur Andersen LLP) on Financial Statement Schedule

The following report is a copy of a report previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP and has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP. This report applies to supplemental Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the year ended December 29, 2001.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of HON INDUSTRIES Inc.

We have audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the financial statements of HON INDUSTRIES Inc. included in this registration statement and have issued our report thereon dated February 1, 2002. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion o those statements taken as a whole. The amounts included in Schedule II in this Form 10-K are the responsibility of the Company's management and are presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and are not part of the consolidated financial statements. These supporting schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly state in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 1, 2002

61



SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

HON INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

January 3, 2004

COL. A
  COL. B
  COL. C
  COL. D
  COL. E
 
   
  ADDITIONS
   
   
DESCRIPTION

  BALANCE AT
BEGINNING OF
PERIOD

  (1)
CHARGED TO
COSTS AND
EXPENSES

  (2)
CHARGED TO
OTHER
ACCOUNTS
(DESCRIBE)

  DEDUCTIONS
(DESCRIBE)

  BALANCE AT
END OF
PERIOD

(In thousands)

Year ended January 3, 2004:                            
  Allowance for doubtful
accounts
  $ 9,570   $ 3,771     $ 2,482 (A) $ 10,859
   
 
     
 

Year ended December 28, 2002:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Allowance for doubtful
accounts
  $ 16,576   $ 3,327     $ 10,333 (A) $ 9,570
   
 
     
 

Year ended December 29, 2001:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Allowance for doubtful
accounts
  $ 11,237   $ 7,287     $ 1,948 (A) $ 16,576
   
 
     
 

Note A: Excess of accounts written off over recoveries

62


ITEM 14(a)(3) — INDEX OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number

  Description of Document

(3i)   Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 28, 2003

(3ii)

 

By-Laws of the Registrant as amended

(4i)

 

Rights Agreement dated as of August 13, 1998, by and between the Registrant and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Rights Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed August 14, 1998, as amended by Form 8-A/A filed September 14, 1998, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 on Form 8-K filed August 10, 1998

(10i)

 

1995 Stock-Based Compensation Plan, as amended effective November 10, 2000, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2000*

(10ii)

 

1997 Equity Plan for Non-Employee Directors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Registrant's proxy statement dated March 28, 1997, related to the Registrant's Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 13, 1997*

(10iii)

 

Form of Registrant's Change in Control Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994*

(10iv)

 

Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99B to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 1995*

(10v)

 

ERISA Supplemental Retirement Plan of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99C to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 1995*

(10vi)

 

2002 Members Stock Purchase Plan of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Registrant's proxy statement dated March 22, 2002, related to the Registrant's Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on May 6, 2002*

(10vii)

 

Agreement as Consultant and Director, dated November 15, 1995, between the Registrant and Robert L. Katz, incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996*

(10viii)

 

Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002

(10ix)

 

Form of Common Stock Grant Agreement of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10- K/A for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996*

(10x)

 

Form of HON INDUSTRIES Inc. Stock-Based Compensation Plan Stock Option Award Agreement of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996*
     

63



(10xi)

 

Stock Purchase Agreement of the Registrant, dated September 18, 1985, as amended by amendment dated February 11, 1991, between the Registrant and Stanley M. Howe, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xi) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 1998*

(10xii)

 

Real Estate Contract of the Registrant, dated November 15, 1997, between the Registrant and Terrence L. and Loretta B. Mealy, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xii) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 1998

(10xiii)

 

$136,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated May 10, 2002; Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Administrative Agent, The Northern Trust Company, as Syndication Agent, National City Bank of Michigan/Illinois as Documentation Agent, and various lending institutions, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xiii) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2002

(10xiv)

 

HON INDUSTRIES Inc. Profit-Sharing Retirement Plan of the Registrant as amended effective January 1, 2001, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xiv) to the Registrant's Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2001*

(10xv)

 

HON INDUSTRIES Inc. Long-Term Performance Plan of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000*

(16)

 

Letter of Former Accountant, incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Report on Form 8-K dated May 7, 2002

(21)

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

(23)

 

Consent of Independent Accountants

(24)

 

Power of Attorney (incorporated by reference to pages 31 and 32 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2004)

(31.1)

 

Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(31.2)

 

Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(32.1)

 

Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(99A)

 

Executive Bonus Plan of the Registrant as amended and restated on May 1, 2000, incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit filed with the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 1, 2000*

(99B)

 

Executive Deferred Compensation Plan of the Registrant as amended and restated on November 7, 2002, incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2002*

(99C)

 

Forward-Looking Statements

*
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.

64




QuickLinks

EXPLANATORY NOTE
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K TABLE OF CONTENTS
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K PART I
PART I, TABLE I EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT January 3, 2004
PART II
PART III
PART IV
SIGNATURES
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule
Report of Predecessor Auditor (Arthur Andersen LLP) on Financial Statement Schedule
SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS HON INDUSTRIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES January 3, 2004