HNI (HNI) 10-K2020 FY Annual report

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant as of June 27, 2020 was $955,478,789 based on the New York Stock Exchange closing price for such shares on that date, assuming for purposes of this calculation that all 10 percent holders and all directors and executive officers of the Registrant are affiliates.

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock, as of February 5, 2021, was 42,935,871.

Portions of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 24, 2021 are incorporated by reference into Part III.

HNI Corporation (the ''Corporation'', ''we'', ''us'', or ''our'') is an Iowa corporation incorporated in 1944.  The Corporation is a provider of workplace furnishings and residential building products.  Workplace furnishings include furniture systems, seating, storage, tables, and architectural products. These products are sold primarily through a national system of independent dealers, office product distributors, e-Commerce retailers, and wholesalers but also directly to end-user customers and federal, state, and local governments.  Residential building products include a full array of gas, wood, electric, and pellet-fueled fireplaces, inserts, stoves, facings, and accessories.  These products are sold through a national system of independent dealers and distributors, as well as Corporation-owned installing distribution and retail outlets.  In fiscal 2020, the Corporation had net sales of $2.0 billion, of which $1.4 billion or 70 percent was attributable to workplace furnishing products and $0.6 billion or 30 percent was attributable to residential building products.

The Corporation is organized into a corporate headquarters and operating units with offices, manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and sales showrooms in the United States, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Dubai, Taiwan, and Singapore.  See "Item 2. Properties" for additional related discussion.

The Corporation’s workplace furnishings segment includes several operating units, marketed under various brand names, that participate in the office furniture industry. These units include:

The Corporation’s residential building products segment includes the Hearth & Home Technologies LLC (''Hearth & Home'') operating unit. This unit, which participates in the hearth products industry, manufactures and markets products under various brand names. The retail and distribution brand for this operating unit is Fireside Hearth & Home.

For further information with respect to acquisitions, divestitures, operating segment information, and the Corporation’s operations in general, refer to "Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II of this report and the following sections in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements: "Note 1. Nature of Operations", "Note 4. Acquisitions", and "Note 16. Reportable Segment Information".

The Corporation competes in the office furniture and hearth products markets principally by providing compelling value products designed to be among the best in their price range for product quality, performance, superior customer service, and short lead-times. This is made possible, in part, by the Corporation's on-going investment in brands, research and development, efficient manufacturing operations, and extensive distribution network.

The United States office furniture market consists of two primary channels — the contract channel and the small- and medium-sized business ("SMB") channel. The primary end-users for both channels are business customers. Increasingly during 2020, driven by the remote work environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a portion of the Corporation's sales were to consumers utilizing the products in a work-from-home office environment. These sales were conducted through both the contract and SMB channels.

The contract channel has traditionally been characterized by sales of office furniture and services to large corporations, primarily for new office facilities, relocations, or office redesigns. Sales to the contract channel are frequently customized to meet specific client and architect/designer preferences. End users generally purchase through independent office furniture dealers who prepare

a custom-designed office layout emphasizing image and design. The selling process is complex, lengthy, and generally has several manufacturers competing for the same projects.

The SMB channel, in which the Corporation is a market leader, primarily represents smaller orders of office furniture that are less likely to involve an architect or designer. Sales in this channel are driven on the basis of price, quality, selection, speed, and reliability of delivery. Independent dealers, national office product distributors, e-Commerce retailers, and wholesalers are the primary distribution channels in this market.

The office furniture industry is highly competitive, with a significant number of competitors offering similar products. The Corporation competes by emphasizing its ability to deliver compelling value products, solutions, and a high level of tailored customer service. The Corporation competes with large office furniture manufacturers, which cover a substantial portion of the North America market share in the contract-oriented office furniture market. Competitors include manufacturers such as Steelcase, Inc., Haworth, Inc., Herman Miller, Inc., Knoll, Inc., The Global Group, Kimball International, Inc., Krueger International, Inc., and Teknion Corporation, as well as global importers. The Corporation faces significant price competition from its competitors and may encounter competition from new market entrants.

The Corporation also competes in the hearth products industry, where it is the market leader. Hearth products are typically purchased by builders during the construction of new homes and homeowners during the renovation of existing homes. Both types of purchases involve seasonality with remodel/retrofit activity being particularly concentrated in the September to December timeframe. Distribution is primarily through independent and company-owned dealers, installing distributors, and retail outlets.

The hearth products industry is also highly competitive, with products manufactured by a number of national and regional competitors. The Corporation competes against a broad range of manufacturers, including Travis Industries, Inc., Innovative Hearth Products, Wolf Steel Ltd. (Napoleon), and FPI Fireplace Products International Ltd. (Regency).

The Corporation's strategy is to build on its position as a leading manufacturer of workplace furnishings and residential building products.

The foundation of the Corporation’s strategy continues to be its distinct member-owner culture which has enabled HNI to attract, develop, retain, and motivate skilled, experienced, and efficient member-owners (i.e., employees), and which drives a unique level of commitment to the Corporation’s success. The Corporation aims to leverage this culture to enable profitable growth by focusing members’ efforts on the following three pillars:

Management believes that the skillful execution of these strategic initiatives will support robust organic sales growth, margin expansion, improved returns, and strong free cash flow, and position the Corporation for continued success.

To meet the demands of various markets, the Corporation's products are sold primarily under the Corporation's brands:

The Corporation sells its products through various distribution channels. A summary of each channel is as follows:

The Corporation's workplace furnishings sales force consists of sales managers, salespersons, and independent manufacturers' representatives who collectively provide national sales coverage. Sales managers and salespersons are compensated by a combination of salary and variable performance compensation.

The Corporation also makes export sales through HNI International to independent office furniture dealers and wholesale distributors serving select foreign markets. Distributors are principally located in the Middle East, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Through Lamex and HNI India, the Corporation manufactures and distributes office furniture directly to end-users and through independent dealers and distributors in Asia, primarily China and India.

Hearth & Home sells its products through independent dealers, distributors, and Corporation-owned installing distribution and retail outlets. The Corporation has a field sales organization of sales managers, salespersons, and independent manufacturers' representatives.

In fiscal 2020, the Corporation's five largest customers represented approximately 22 percent of its consolidated net sales. No single customer accounted for 10 percent or more of the Corporation’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2020, and management does not consider the Corporation's operations or financial performance to be dependent on any individual customer.  The substantial purchasing power exercised by large customers may adversely affect the prices at which the Corporation can successfully offer its products.

The Corporation manufactures workplace furnishings in Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Carolina, China, and India. The Corporation manufactures hearth products in Iowa, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.

The Corporation purchases raw materials, components, and finished goods from a variety of suppliers, and most items are generally available from multiple sources. Major raw materials include coil steel, aluminum, zinc, castings, lumber, veneer, particleboard, textiles, paint, hardware, glass, plastic products, shipping cartons, foam, and fiberglass.

Since its inception, the Corporation has focused on making its manufacturing facilities and processes more flexible while reducing cost, eliminating waste, and improving product quality. The Corporation applies the principles of RCI and a lean manufacturing philosophy leveraging the creativity of its members to eliminate and reduce costs. The application of RCI has increased productivity by reducing set-up, processing times, square footage, inventory levels, product costs, and delivery times, while improving quality and enhancing member safety. The Corporation's RCI process involves members, customers, and suppliers. Manufacturing also plays a key role in the Corporation's concurrent research and development process in order to design new products for ease of manufacturability.

As of January 2, 2021, the Corporation owned 101 United States and 122 foreign patents with expiration dates through 2042 and had applications pending for 25 United States and 43 foreign patents.  In addition, the Corporation holds 183 United States and 397 foreign trademark registrations and has applications pending for 9 United States and 11 foreign trademarks.  The Corporation believes neither any individual workplace furnishings patent nor the Corporation's workplace furnishings patents in the aggregate are material to the Corporation's business as a whole.

The Corporation’s patents covering its hearth products protect various technical innovations.  While the acquisition of patents reflects Hearth & Home’s position in the market as an innovation leader, the Corporation believes neither any individual hearth product patent nor the Corporation’s hearth product patents in the aggregate are material to the Corporation’s business as a whole.

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

The Corporation is subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations governing the use of materials and substances in products, the management of wastes resulting from use of certain material, the emission of pollutants from its operations, and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances used in the past.  Although the Corporation believes it is compliant with the various regulations applicable to its business, there can be no assurance requirements will not change in the future or the Corporation will not incur material costs to comply with such regulations.  The Corporation has trained staff responsible for monitoring compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements.  The Corporation’s staff works with responsible personnel at each manufacturing facility, the Corporation’s legal counsel, and consultants on the management of environmental, health, and safety issues.  The Corporation’s environmental objective is to reduce and, when practical, eliminate the human and ecosystem impacts of materials and manufacturing processes.

The Corporation has expanded its Corporate Social Responsibility commitment and has become a signatory to the UN Global compact, joined RE100 and committed to 100 percent renewable electricity annually by 2030, and set aggressive science-based carbon emission reduction goals aligned with the 2015 Paris Agreement. To support these goals, the Corporation has established metrics to divert waste from landfill, reduce energy use, and lower greenhouse gas emissions from its operations. The Corporation is also committed to reducing the impacts of its product through evaluations of design and development, and suppliers and supply chain performance.  Integrating these sustainable objectives into core business systems is consistent with the Corporation’s vision, ensures its commitment to being a sustainable enterprise, and remains a priority for all members.

Compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations has not had a material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position of the Corporation to date and is not expected to have material effect in the near future.  Although, there is no assurance, and environmental requirements or technology could change.

The Corporation strives to attract exceptional talent to its workforce while integrating diversity and inclusion principles in its hiring and retention process.

An important element of the Corporation's success has been its member-owner culture, which has enabled it to attract, develop, retain, and motivate skilled, experienced, and talented members. An important part of the Corporation's member-owner culture is fostering a safe, respectful, fair, and inclusive environment that promotes diversity and inclusion. Each of the Corporation's eligible members has the opportunity to own stock in the Corporation through a number of stock-based plans, including a member stock purchase plan and a profit-sharing retirement plan. These ownership opportunities drive a unique level of commitment to the Corporation’s success throughout the workforce. Members own approximately 6 percent of the Corporation's stock through these plans.

As of January 2, 2021, the Corporation employed approximately 7,700 persons, 7,500 of whom were full-time and 200 of whom were temporary personnel.

Statements in this report to the extent they are not statements of historical or present fact, including statements as to plans, outlook, objectives, and future financial performance, are "forward-looking" statements, within the meaning of Section 21 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "confident," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "hope," "intend," "likely," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," and variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Corporation’s actual results in the future to differ materially from expected results. The most significant factors known to the Corporation that may adversely affect the Corporation’s business, operations, industries, financial position, or future financial performance are described later in this report under the heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors." The Corporation cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date made, and to recognize forward-looking statements are predictions of future results, which may not occur as anticipated. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results due to the risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this report, including but not limited to: the duration and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on people and the economy; the levels of office furniture needs and housing starts; overall demand for the Corporation's products; general economic and market conditions in the United States and internationally; industry and competitive conditions; the consolidation and concentration of the Corporation's customers; the Corporation's reliance on its network of independent dealers; changes in trade policy; changes in raw material, component, or commodity pricing; market acceptance and demand for the Corporation's new products; changing legal, regulatory, environmental, and healthcare conditions; the risks associated with international operations; the potential impact of product defects; the various restrictions on the Corporation's financing activities; an inability to protect the Corporation's intellectual property; impacts of tax legislation; force majeure events outside the Corporation’s control; and other risks as described under the heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors," as well as others that the Corporation may consider not material or does not anticipate at this time. The risks and uncertainties described in this report, including those under the heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors," are not exclusive and further information concerning the Corporation, including factors that potentially could have a material effect on the Corporation’s financial results or condition, may emerge from time to time.

The Corporation assumes no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The Corporation advises you, however, to consult any further disclosures made on related subjects in future quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with or furnished to the SEC.

The following risk factors and other information included in this report should be carefully considered.  If any of the following risks occur, the Corporation's business, operating results, cash flows, or financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Workplace furnishings industry sales are impacted by a variety of macroeconomic factors including service-sector employment levels, corporate profits, small business confidence, commercial construction, and office vacancy rates. Industry factors,

including corporate restructuring, technology changes, corporate relocations, health and safety concerns, including ergonomic considerations, and the globalization of companies also influence workplace furnishings industry revenues. In addition, stay-at-home orders, travel restrictions, and other measures taken to limit spread of COVID-19 have resulted in a significant decrease in worker attendance at their office location, leading to an adverse impact on the demand for workplace furnishings.

Residential building products industry sales are impacted by a variety of macroeconomic factors including housing starts, housing inventory, overall employment levels, interest rates, home affordability, consumer confidence, energy costs, disposable income, and changing demographics. Industry factors, such as technology changes, health and safety concerns, and environmental regulation, including indoor air quality standards, also influence residential building products industry revenues. Deterioration of economic conditions or a slowdown in the homebuilding industry and the hearth products market could decrease demand for residential building products and have additional adverse effects on operating results.

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

Deteriorating economic conditions could affect the Corporation's business significantly, including: reduced demand for products; insolvency of independent dealers resulting in increased provisions for credit losses; insolvency of key suppliers resulting in product delays; inability of customers to obtain credit to finance purchases of products; and decreased customer demand, including order delays or cancellations. In a recessionary economy, business confidence, service-sector employment, corporate cash flows and residential and non-residential commercial construction often decrease, which typically leads to a decrease in demand for workplace furnishings and residential building products.

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

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

Consolidation among the Corporation's customers may result in a smaller number of large customers whose size and purchasing power give them increased leverage that may result in, among other things, decreases in average selling prices. In addition, further consolidations may lead to fluctuations in revenue, increases in costs to meet demands of large customers, and pressure to accept onerous contract terms, and the Corporation's business, financial condition, and operating results could be harmed.

The Corporation sells products through multiple distribution channels, which primarily include independent dealers, national dealers, wholesalers, and e-Commerce.  Within these distribution channels, there has been, and may continue to be, consolidation. The Corporation relies on distribution partners to provide a variety of important specification, installation, and after-market services to customers.  Some distribution partners may terminate their relationship with the Corporation at any time and for any reason.  Loss or termination of a significant number of reseller relationships could cause difficulties in marketing and distributing products, resulting in a decline in sales, which may adversely affect the business, operating results, or financial condition.

In addition, individual dealers may not continue to be viable and profitable and may suffer from the lack of available credit. While the Corporation is not significantly dependent on any single dealer, if dealers go out of business or are restructured, the Corporation may suffer losses as they may not be able to pay the Corporation for products previously delivered to them. The adverse economic and operational effects of COVID-19 increase these risks.

The loss of a dealer relationship could also negatively affect the Corporation's ability to maintain market share in the affected geographic market and to compete for and service clients in that market until a new dealer relationship is established. Establishing a viable dealer in a market can take a significant amount of time and resources. The loss or termination of a significant dealer or a substantial number of dealer relationships could cause significant difficulties for the business in marketing and distributing the Corporation's products, resulting in a decline in sales.

The Corporation has a global supply chain for raw materials and components used in workplace furnishings and residential building products. Actions taken by the United States government to apply tariffs on certain products and materials, could have long-term impacts on existing supply chains. The situation could impact the competitive environment depending on the severity and duration of current and future policy changes. This may manifest in additional costs on the business, including costs with respect to raw materials and components upon which the business depends. The increased costs have lowered and could further lower profit margins as the Corporation may be challenged in effectively increasing the prices of its products, and its business and results of operations may be adversely affected.

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

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

Fluctuations in the price, availability, and quality of the commodities, raw materials, and components could have an adverse effect on costs of sales, profitability, and ability to meet customers' demand.  The Corporation sources commodities, raw materials, and components from domestic and international suppliers for both the workplace furnishings and residential building products.  From both domestic and international suppliers, the cost, quality, and availability of commodities, raw materials, and components, including steel, have been significantly affected in recent years by, among other things, changes in global supply and demand, The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in laws and regulations (including tariffs and duties), changes in exchange rates and worldwide price levels, natural disasters, labor disputes, terrorism, and political unrest or instability.  These factors could lead to further price volatility or supply interruptions in the future.  Profit margins could be adversely affected if commodity, raw material, and component costs remain high or escalate further, and the Corporation is either unable to offset such costs through strategic sourcing initiatives and continuous improvement programs or, as a result of competitive market dynamics, unable to pass along a portion of the higher costs to customers.

The Corporation relies primarily on third-party freight and transportation providers to deliver products to customers. Increasing demand for freight providers and a shortage of qualified drivers may cause delays in shipments and increase the cost to ship its products, which may adversely affect profitability. The Corporation also imports and exports products and components, primarily using container ships, which load and unload through North American ports. Capacity-related and/or port-caused delays in the shipment or receipt of products and components, including labor disputes, could cause delayed receipt of products and components. While these risks are ever present, the COVID-19 pandemic has and continues to cause such delays, leading to manufacturing disruptions, increased expense from current and alternate shipping methods, or the inability to meet customer delivery expectations, which may adversely affect sales and profitability.

The Corporation believes that establishing and maintaining good brand and name recognition and a good reputation is critical to its business. In certain parts of the market, promotion and enhancement of the Corporation's name and brands will depend on the effectiveness of marketing and advertising efforts and on successfully providing design-driven, innovative, and high-quality products and superior services. If customers do not perceive the Corporation's products and services to be design-driven, innovative and of high quality, its reputation, brand and name recognition could suffer, which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's business.

To meet the changing needs of customers and keep pace with market trends and evolving regulatory and industry requirements, including environmental, health, safety, and similar standards for the workplace and for product performance, the Corporation regularly introduces new workplace furnishings and residential building products.  The introduction of new products requires the coordination of the design, manufacturing, and marketing of the products, which may be affected by uncontrollable factors.  The design and engineering of certain new products varies but can extend beyond a year; further time may be required to achieve client acceptance.  The Corporation may face difficulties if it cannot successfully align itself with independent architects, home-builders, and designers who are able to design, in a timely manner, high quality products consistent with the Corporation's image and customers' needs.  Accordingly, the launch of a product may be later or less successful than originally anticipated, limiting sales growth or causing sales to decline.

A novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and subsequently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has surfaced in all regions around the world, and preventative measures taken to contain or mitigate the outbreak have caused, and are continuing to cause, business slowdown or shutdown in affected areas and significant economic disruption both globally and in the United States. Such economic disruption has resulted and is expected to continue to result in a decrease in demand for workplace furnishings, and in turn create a material negative impact on the Corporation’s business, sales, financial condition, and results of operations. Other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic may include, but are not limited to:

In addition, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation’s members could adversely impact the Corporation’s sales and operations. At this point, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to impact the Corporation’s results is uncertain and depends on future developments, which are highly uncertain, cannot be predicted and could be material.

Natural disasters, acts of God, force majeure events, or other catastrophic events, including severe weather, military action, terrorist attacks, power interruptions, and fires, could disrupt operations and likewise, the ability to produce or deliver products. Several of the Corporation's production facilities, members, and key management are located within a small geographic area in eastern Iowa located near the Mississippi River, and a natural disaster or catastrophe in the area, such as flooding or severe storms, could have a significant adverse effect on the results of operations and business conditions. Further, several of the Corporation's production facilities are single-site manufacturers of certain products, and an adverse event affecting any of those facilities could significantly delay production of certain products and adversely affect operations and business conditions. Members are an integral part of the business and events including an epidemic such as COVID-19 have reduced, and could

negatively impact, the availability of members reporting for work. In the event the Corporation experiences a temporary or permanent interruption in its ability to produce or deliver product, revenues could be reduced, and business could be materially adversely affected. In addition, any continuing disruption in the Corporation's computer system could adversely affect the ability to receive and process customers' orders, procure materials, manufacture products and ship products on a timely basis, which could adversely affect relations with customers and potentially reduce customer orders from customers or result in the loss of customers.

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

One of the Corporation's growth strategies is to supplement its organic growth through acquisitions and strategic alliances. The benefits of acquisitions or alliances may take more time than expected to develop or integrate into operations. In addition, acquisitions and alliances involve a number of risks, including:

The Corporation's ability to grow through future acquisitions will depend, in part, on the availability of suitable acquisition candidates at an acceptable price, the ability to compete effectively for these acquisition candidates, and the availability of capital to complete the acquisitions.  Any potential acquisition may not be successful and could adversely affect the business, operating results, or financial condition.

Goodwill and other acquired intangible assets with indefinite lives are recorded at fair value at the time of acquisition and are not amortized, but reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change making it reasonably possible an impairment may exist.  In evaluating the potential for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, the Corporation makes assumptions regarding future operating performance, business trends and market and economic performance, and the Corporation’s sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors. If the Corporation experiences disruptions in its business, unexpected significant declines in operating results, a divestiture of a significant component of its business, declines in the market value of equity, or other factors causing the Corporation's goodwill or intangible assets to be impaired, the Corporation could be required to recognize additional non-cash impairment charges, which would adversely affect the results of operations. See "Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" for information on impairment charges recorded in 2020.

 

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

The Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells products in international markets, including China and India.

The Corporation's international sales and operations are subject to a number of additional risks, including:

These risks may be elevated given the current uncertainties around the impact of the global pandemic; ongoing disputes and increased tensions related to global trade, particularly involving the U.S. and China; and complexities with foreign regulatory environments including the decreased ability of U.S. regulators to exercise oversight of subsidiaries of U.S. companies based in certain international jurisdictions.

Additionally, the Corporation primarily sells products and reports the financial results in United States dollars; however, increased business in countries outside the United States creates exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.  Paying expenses in other currencies can result in a significant increase or decrease in the amount of those expenses in terms of United States dollars, which may affect profits.  In the future, any foreign currency appreciation relative to the United States dollar would increase expenses that are denominated in that currency.  Additionally, as the Corporation reports currency in the United States dollar, the financial position is affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where the Corporation has operations relative to the strength of the United States dollar.

Further, certain countries have complex regulatory systems that impose administrative and legal requirements, which make managing international operations more difficult, including approvals to transfer funds among certain countries. If the Corporation is unable to provide financial support to the international operations in a timely manner, business, operating results, and financial condition could be adversely affected.

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

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

The Corporation's contracts with government entities are subject to various statutes and regulations that apply to companies doing business with the government.  The United States government, as well as state and local governments, can typically terminate or modify their contracts either for their convenience or if the Corporation defaults by failing to perform under the terms of the applicable contract.  A termination arising out of default could expose the Corporation to liability and impede its ability to compete in the future for contracts and orders with agencies and departments at all levels of government.  Moreover, the Corporation is subject to investigation and audit for compliance with the requirements governing government contracts, including requirements related to procurement integrity, export controls, employment practices, the accuracy of records, and reporting of costs.  If the Corporation were found to not be a responsible supplier or to have committed fraud or certain criminal offenses, it could be suspended or debarred from all further federal, state, or local government contracting.

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

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

Through the past and present operation and ownership of manufacturing facilities and real property, the Corporation is subject to extensive and changing federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, both domestic and abroad, including those relating to discharges in air, water, and land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste, and the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances.  In addition, the increased prevalence of global climate issues may result in new regulations that may negatively impact the Corporation. Compliance with environmental regulations has not had a material effect on capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position to date; however, compliance with current laws or more stringent laws or regulations which may be imposed in the future, stricter interpretation of existing laws or discoveries of contamination at the Corporation's real property sites which occurred prior to ownership, or the advent of environmental regulation may require additional expenditures in the future, some of which may be material.

The Corporation incurs various expenses related to product defects, including product warranty costs, product recall and retrofit costs, and product liability costs.  These expenses relative to product sales vary and could increase.  The Corporation uses chemicals and materials in products and includes components in products from external suppliers, which are believed to be safe and appropriate for their designated use; however, harmful effects may become known, which could subject the Corporation to litigation and significant losses. The Corporation maintains reserves for product defect-related costs but there can be no certainty

these reserves will be adequate to cover actual claims.  Incorrect estimates or any significant increase in the rate of product defect expenses could have a material adverse effect on operations.

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

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

At this time the Corporation cannot predict the future impact of a departure from LIBOR as a reference rate; however, if future rates based upon the successor rate (or a new method of calculating LIBOR) are higher than LIBOR rates as currently determined, it may have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation's capital requirements depend on many factors, including its need for capital improvements, tooling, research and development, and acquisitions. To the extent existing capital and future cash flows are insufficient to meet these requirements and cover any losses, the Corporation may need to raise additional funds through financings or curtail its growth and reduce the Corporation's assets. Future borrowings or financings may not be available under the credit facility or otherwise in an amount sufficient to enable the Corporation to pay its debt or meet its liquidity needs.

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

The Corporation maintains its corporate headquarters in Muscatine, Iowa, and conducts operations at locations throughout the United States, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Dubai, Taiwan, and Singapore, which house manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations and offices, totaling an aggregate of approximately 8.5 million square feet.  Of this total, approximately 2.9 million square feet are leased.

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

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

Other facilities total approximately 3.4 million square feet, of which approximately 2.1 million square feet are leased. Approximately 2.1 million square feet are used for the selling, manufacturing, and distribution of workplace furnishings, approximately 1.2 million square feet are used for the selling, manufacturing, and distribution of residential building products, and approximately 0.1 million square feet are used for corporate administration.

There are no major encumbrances on Corporation-owned properties.  Refer to the Property, Plant, and Equipment section in "Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" for related cost, accumulated depreciation, and net book value data.

The Corporation is involved in various disputes and legal proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of its business, including pending litigation, environmental remediation, taxes, and other claims.  It is the Corporation’s opinion, after consultation with legal counsel, that liabilities, if any, resulting from these matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition, cash flows, or on the Corporation’s quarterly or annual operating results when resolved in a future period. For more information regarding legal proceedings, see "Note 15. Guarantees, Commitments, and Contingencies" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

The Corporation’s common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the trading symbol HNI.  As of January 2, 2021, the Corporation had 5,533 shareholders of record.

EQ Shareowner Services, St. Paul, Minnesota, serves as the Corporation’s transfer agent and registrar of its common stock.  Shareholders may report a change of address or make inquiries by writing or calling: EQ Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 64874, St. Paul, MN 55164-0854, or 800-468-9716.

The Corporation expects to continue its policy of paying regular quarterly cash dividends.  Dividends have been paid each quarter since the Corporation paid its first dividend in 1955.  The average dividend payout percentage for the most recent three-year period has been 53 percent of prior year earnings.  Future dividends are dependent on future earnings, capital requirements, and the Corporation’s financial condition, and are declared in the sole discretion of the Board.

The Corporation did not repurchase any of its shares during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

The Corporation repurchases shares under previously announced plans authorized by the Board. The Corporation's share purchase program ("Program") announced November 9, 2007, provided a share repurchase authorization of $200,000,000 with no specific expiration date, with increases announced November 7, 2014 and February 13, 2019, providing additional share repurchase authorizations each of $200,000,000 with no specific expiration date. As of January 2, 2021, $158.3 million was authorized and available for the repurchases of shares by the Corporation. The Program does not obligate the Corporation to purchase any shares and the authorization for the Program may be terminated, increased, or decreased by the Board at any time. No repurchase plans expired or were terminated during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, and no plans are currently in place under which further purchases are not intended.

Intentionally omitted.

The following discussion of the Corporation’s historical results of operations and of its liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Corporation and related notes.  Statements that are not historical are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and the Forward-Looking Statements section within "Item 1. Business" for further information.

The Corporation has two reportable segments: workplace furnishings (formerly office furniture) and residential building products (formerly hearth products).  In the second quarter of 2020, the Corporation rebranded its reportable segments, with no impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures. The Corporation is a leading global designer and provider of commercial furnishings, and a leading manufacturer and marketer of hearth products.  The Corporation utilizes a decentralized business model to deliver value to customers via various brands and selling models.  The Corporation is focused on growing its existing businesses while seeking out and developing new opportunities for growth.

Consolidated net sales for 2020 decreased 13.0 percent compared to the prior year.  The change was due to a 19.5 percent decrease in the workplace furnishings segment, partially offset by a 7.3 percent increase in the residential building products segment. The acquisition of residential building products distributors resulted in a $9.4 million increase compared to 2019.

Net income attributable to the Corporation in 2020 was $41.9 million compared to net income of $110.5 million in 2019. The change was primarily driven by $45.6 million of impairments and costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic disruption and lower workplace furnishings volume, partially offset by net productivity, lower core SG&A, and higher residential building products volume.

On December 31, 2020, the Corporation acquired Design Public Group ("DPG"), a leading e-Commerce distributor of high-design furniture and accessories for the office and home. DPG brings a digitally native organization with skills and capabilities to help the Corporation accelerate its digital and e-Commerce initiatives. DPG's platform will support the Corporation's traditional distribution models and allow for increased reach to a broader consumer group that increasingly purchases furniture online. Due to the timing of the transaction, DPG had no net sales or expenses included in the Corporation's Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for fiscal 2020. DPG's provisional purchase price allocation recorded as of January 2, 2021 is included in the Corporation's workplace furnishings segment. See "Note 4. Acquisitions" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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

Consolidated net sales for 2020 decreased 13.0 percent compared to the prior year.  The change was driven by a decrease in the workplace furnishings segment, partially offset by an increase in the residential building products segment. Included in the 2020 sales results was a $9.4 million favorable impact from acquiring residential building products distributors.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 20 basis points in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily driven by lower workplace furnishings volume, partially offset by net productivity and higher residential building products volume.

Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 150 basis points in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily driven by $6.8 million of one-time costs incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (of which $1.6 million was recorded as a corporate charge) and lower workplace furnishings volume, partially offset by lower core SG&A and freight and distribution productivity.

Selling and administrative expenses include freight expense for shipments to customers, research and development costs, and amortization of intangible assets.  Refer to "Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and "Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the comparative expense levels for these items.

In 2020, the Corporation recorded $38.8 million of impairment charges related to goodwill, intangibles, and other assets in the workplace furnishings segment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic disruption. Refer to "Note 6.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding impairment testing and charges.

In 2019, the Corporation recorded $2.4 million of restructuring costs primarily associated with structural realignments in the workplace furnishings segment.

For 2020, operating income decreased 59.4 percent to $61.4 million compared to $151.3 million in 2019. The change was primarily driven by $45.6 million of impairments and costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic disruption and lower workplace furnishings volume, partially offset by net productivity, lower core SG&A, and higher residential building products volume.

Interest expense, net was $7.0 million and $8.6 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease was due to lower interest rates and reduced borrowings, partially offset by lower interest income.

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

The income tax provision reflects a higher rate in 2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to the non-deductibility of foreign losses for which valuation allowances have been recorded. In addition, there was an asset impairment charge recorded related to foreign operations that was not deductible for tax purposes and which resulted in an increase in the overall tax rate. See "Note 8. Income Taxes" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information relating to income taxes.

Net income attributable to the Corporation was $41.9 million or $0.98 per diluted share in 2020 compared to $110.5 million or $2.54 per diluted share in 2019.

To review commentary for the consolidated and segment-level results of operations comparison of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 with the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018, please refer to Item 7 of our Form 10-K filed February 25, 2020 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or follow the link below:

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

Net sales in 2020 for the workplace furnishings segment decreased 19.5 percent compared to 2019.

Operating profit (loss) as a percentage of net sales decreased 650 basis points in 2020 compared to 2019.  In the current year, the workplace furnishings segment recorded charges of $38.8 million related to the impairment of goodwill, intangibles and other assets and $5.2 million of other costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic disruption. Additionally, segment results decreased compared to the prior year due to lower volume, partially offset by net productivity and lower core SG&A spend.

In 2019, the workplace furnishings segment recorded $2.4 million of restructuring costs and $0.2 million of transition costs primarily associated with structural realignments. Specific items incurred include severance and member relocation costs.

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

Net sales in 2020 for the residential building products segment increased 7.3 percent compared to 2019. Included in the 2020 sales results was a $9.4 million favorable impact from acquiring residential building products distributors.

Operating profit as a percentage of net sales increased 130 basis points in 2020 compared to 2019. The increase was primarily driven by higher volume and favorable price-cost, partially offset by higher variable compensation.

Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled $117.8 million at the end of 2020, compared to $53.2 million at the end of 2019.  These funds, coupled with cash flow from future operations, borrowing capacity under the existing credit agreement, and the ability to access capital markets, are expected to be adequate to fund operations and satisfy cash flow needs for at least the next twelve months.  Additionally, based on current earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization generation, the Corporation can access the full $450 million of borrowing capacity available under the revolving credit facility and maintain compliance with applicable covenants. As of the end of 2020, $3.3 million of cash was held overseas and considered permanently reinvested. If such amounts were repatriated, it could result in additional foreign withholding and state tax expense to the Corporation. The Corporation does not believe treating this cash as permanently reinvested will have any impact on the ability of the Corporation to meet its obligations as they come due.

Operating activities were a source of $214.5 million of cash in 2020, compared to a source of $219.4 million cash in 2019.  The lower cash generation compared to the prior year was primarily due to decreased earnings, partially offset by changes in working capital. Changes in working capital balances resulted in a $24.2 million source of cash in 2020 compared to a $3.3 million use of cash in the prior year.

The Corporation places special emphasis on management and control of working capital, including accounts receivable and inventory.  Management believes recorded trade receivable valuation allowances at the end of 2020 are adequate to cover the risk of potential bad debts.  Allowances for non-collectible trade receivables, as a percent of gross trade receivables, totaled 2.7 percent and 1.3 percent at the end of fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Corporation’s inventory turns were 8.2 and 8.8 for fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Capital expenditures, including capitalized software, were $41.8 million in 2020 and $66.9 million in 2019.  These expenditures are primarily focused on machinery, equipment, and tooling required to support new products, continuous improvements, and cost savings initiatives in manufacturing processes. The Corporation anticipates capital expenditures for 2021 in an estimated range of $55 million to $65 million.

In 2020, the investing activities reflected a net cash outflow of $58.3 million related to the acquisition of Design Public Group and three residential building products distributors. See "Note 4. Acquisitions" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

The last quarterly dividend increase was from $0.295 to $0.305 per common share effective with the June 3, 2019 dividend payment for shareholders of record at the close of business on May 17, 2019.  The average dividend payout percentage for the most recent three-year period has been 53 percent of prior year earnings or 29 percent of prior year cash flow from operating activities.

The following table discloses the Corporation's obligations and commitments to make future payments, by period, under contracts (in thousands):

See "Note 15. Guarantees, Commitments, and Contingencies" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Management continues to anticipate near-term challenges as the Corporation navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic disruption. However, cash flows are anticipated to remain healthy, with net debt levels expected to be stable.

Management remains optimistic about the long-term prospects in the workplace furnishings and residential building products

markets. Management believes the Corporation continues to compete well and remains confident the investments made in the business will continue to generate strong returns for shareholders.

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

An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the financial statements.  Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflects its more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Corporation evaluates its goodwill for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter or whenever indicators of impairment exist.  Asset impairment charges associated with the Corporation’s goodwill impairment testing are discussed in "Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Corporation reviews goodwill at the reporting unit level within its workplace furnishings and residential building products operating segments.  These reporting units constitute components for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by segment management. The accounting standards for goodwill permit entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. If the quantitative test is required, the Corporation estimates the fair value of its reporting units. In estimating the fair value, the Corporation generally relies on an average of the income approach and the market approach. In the income approach, the estimate of fair value of each reporting unit is based on management’s projection of revenues, gross margin, operating costs, and cash flows considering historical and estimated future results, general economic and market conditions, as well as the impact of planned business and operational strategies.  The valuations employ present value techniques to measure fair value and consider market factors.  In the market approach, the Corporation utilizes the guideline company method, which involves calculating valuation multiples based on operating data from guideline publicly-traded companies. These multiples are then applied to the operating data for the reporting units and adjusted for factors similar to those used in the discounted cash flow analysis. Management believes the assumptions used for the impairment test are consistent with those utilized by a market participant in performing similar valuations of its reporting units.  Management bases its fair value estimates on assumptions they believe to be reasonable at the time, but such assumptions are subject to inherent uncertainty.  Actual results may differ from those estimates. Additionally, the Corporation compares the estimated aggregate fair value of its reporting units to its overall market capitalization.

Assessing the fair value of goodwill includes, among other things, making key assumptions for estimating future cash flows and appropriate market multiples. These assumptions are subject to a high degree of judgment and complexity. The Corporation makes every effort to estimate future cash flows as accurately as possible with the information available at the time the forecast is developed. However, changes in assumptions and estimates may affect the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, and could result in an impairment charge in future periods. Factors that have the potential to create variances in the estimated fair value of the reporting unit include, but are not limited to, economic conditions in the United States and other countries where the Corporation has a presence, competitor behavior, the mix of product sales, commodity costs, wage rates, the level of manufacturing capacity, the pricing environment, and currency exchange fluctuations. In addition, estimates of fair value are impacted by estimates of the market-participant derived weighted average cost of capital.

The key to recoverability of goodwill is the forecast of economic conditions and its impact on future revenues, operating profit, and cash flows.  Management’s projection for the United States office furniture and domestic hearth markets and global economic conditions is inherently subject to a number of uncertain factors, such as global economic improvement, the impact and timeframe of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S housing market, credit availability, borrowing rates, and overall consumer confidence.  In the near term, as management monitors the above factors, it is possible it may change the revenue and cash flow projections of certain reporting units, which may require the recording of additional goodwill impairment charges.

In 2020, the Corporation determined that goodwill recorded at three smaller reporting units in the workplace furnishings segment was fully impaired as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic disruption, and thus a material amount of impairment charges was incurred in the aggregate. In 2019, management considered these three reporting units to contain a higher risk of impairment due to the results of previous impairment tests that showed a smaller difference between fair value and carrying value, relative to the Corporation's other reporting units. Furthermore, as discussed in "Note 4. Acquisitions" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Corporation acquired several businesses in the current year, which resulted in a material addition of goodwill. Newly acquired goodwill assigned to a new reporting unit is considered to have a higher valuation risk, relative to goodwill assigned to reporting units which have historically had a large excess of fair value over carrying value.

The Corporation is primarily self-insured or carries high deductibles for general, auto, and product liability, workers’ compensation, and certain employee health benefits. The general, auto, product, and workers’ compensation liabilities are managed via a wholly-owned insurance captive and the related liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain risk exposures are mitigated through the use of independent third party stop loss insurance coverages. The Corporation’s policy is to accrue amounts in accordance with the actuarially determined liabilities. The actuarial valuations are based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions for such matters as the number or severity of claims and magnitude of change in actual experience development could cause these estimates to change in the near term.

During the normal course of business, the Corporation is subjected to market risk associated with interest rate movements.  Interest rate risk arises from variable interest debt obligations. The interest rate swap derivative instruments are held and used by the Corporation as a tool for managing interest rate risk. They are not used for trading or speculative purposes.

As of January 2, 2021, the Corporation had $75 million of debt outstanding under the Corporation's $450 million revolving credit facility, which bore variable interest based on one month LIBOR. As of January 2, 2021, the Corporation had an interest rate swap agreement in place to fix the interest rate on $75 million of the Corporation's revolving credit facility. Under the terms of this interest rate swap, the Corporation pays a fixed rate of 1.42 percent instead of LIBOR. As of January 2, 2021 the Corporation had no borrowings on the revolving credit facility in excess of the amount covered by the interest rate swap agreement. The Corporation may utilize additional borrowings over the course of the year, which will be subject to the variable borrowings rate as defined.

The Corporation monitors market interest rate risk exposures. As the Corporation holds no borrowings subject to variable interest rate exposure as of January 2, 2021, there is not current exposure given the current borrowings outstanding. The impacts of any hypothetical changes in interest rates will be directly correlated to any necessary future borrowings above the current levels outstanding.

For information related to the Corporation’s long-term debt, refer to "Note 7. Long-Term Debt" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  For information related to the Corporation's interest rate swap activity, refer to "Note 10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders’ Equity" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Corporation currently does not have significant foreign currency exposure.

The Corporation is exposed to risks arising from price changes and/or tariffs for certain direct materials and assembly components used in its operations.  The most significant material purchases and cost for the Corporation are for steel, plastics, textiles, wood particleboard, and cartoning.  The market price of plastics and textiles, in particular, are sensitive to the cost of oil and natural gas.  The cost of wood particleboard can be impacted by industry capacity changes as well as changes in input and transportation costs.  All of these materials are impacted increasingly by global market conditions.  The Corporation works to offset these increased costs through global sourcing initiatives, product re-engineering, and price increases on its products. Margins have

been negatively impacted in the past due to the lag between cost increases and the Corporation’s ability to increase its prices.  The Corporation believes future market price increases on its key direct materials and assembly components are likely.  Consequently, it views the prospect of such increases as a risk to the business.

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

None.

Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, the Corporation's management carried out an evaluation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a – 15(e) and 15d – 15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  As of January 2, 2021, based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded these disclosure controls and procedures are effective.  

There have been no changes in the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended January 2, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting and the attestation report of the Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm are included in Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules of this report under the headings "Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting" and "Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm," respectively, and management's annual report is incorporated herein by reference.

In December 2020, the Corporation acquired Design Public Group (see Note 4). Due to the timing of the transaction, management has excluded Design Public Group from the annual assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2021. Design Public Group represents approximately 4 percent of consolidated total assets and none of the consolidated net sales of the Corporation as of and for the year ended January 2, 2021.

The information under the caption "Corporate Governance and Board Matters" of the Corporation's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 24, 2021 (the "2021 Proxy Statement") is incorporated herein by reference.  For information with respect to executive officers of the Corporation, see "Table I - Information about our Executive Officers" included in Part I of this report.

Information relating to the identification of the audit committee and audit committee financial expert of the Corporation is contained under the caption "Directors" of the 2021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information under the caption "Code of Ethics" of the 2021 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

The information under the captions "Executive Compensation" and "Director Compensation" of the 2021 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

The information under the captions "Beneficial Ownership of the Corporation's Stock" and "Equity Compensation Plan Information" of the 2021 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

The information under the caption "Corporate Governance and Board Matters" of the 2021 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

The information under the caption "Audit and Non-Audit Fees" of the 2021 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.  Each Director whose signature appears below authorizes and appoints Jeffrey D. Lorenger as his or her attorney-in-fact to sign and file on his or her behalf any and all amendments and post-effective amendments to this report.

Management of HNI Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  HNI Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  HNI Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting includes those written policies and procedures that:

Internal control over financial reporting includes the controls themselves, monitoring (including internal auditing practices), and actions taken to correct deficiencies as identified.

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

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission guidance allows companies to exclude acquisitions from management's report on internal control over financial reporting for the first year after the acquisition when it is not possible to conduct an assessment. In December 2020, the Corporation acquired Design Public Group (see Note 4). Due to the timing of the transaction, management has excluded Design Public Group from the annual assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2021. Design Public Group represents approximately 4 percent of consolidated total assets and none of the consolidated net sales of the Corporation as of and for the year ended January 2, 2021.

Based on this assessment, management determined, as of January 2, 2021, HNI Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.

The effectiveness of HNI Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2021 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which appears herein.

March 2, 2021

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors

HNI Corporation:

Chicago, Illinois

March 2, 2021