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FINAL EGARIZED VERSION 08-06-2004 9:15 a.m.

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

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

For the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004

OR

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

For the transition period from ____________________ to ____________________

Commission File Number 0-2648

HNI Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Iowa
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

42-0617510
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

P. O. Box 1109, 414 East Third Street
Muscatine, Iowa 52761-0071
(Address of principal executive offices)

52761-0071
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 563/264-7400

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all required reports 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       X                     NO                    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).      YES      X            NO                 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date.

Class
Common Shares, $1 Par Value

Outstanding at July 3, 2004
57,488,249



HNI Corporation and SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page

Item 1.    Financial Statements (Unaudited)

           

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
July 3, 2004, and January 3, 2004


3-4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Three Months Ended July 3, 2004, and June 28, 2003


5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

Six Months Ended July 3, 2004, and June 28, 2003

6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended July 3, 2004, and June 28, 2003


7

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

8-16

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of
               Financial Condition and Results of Operations


17-22

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

23

PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2.     Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

24

Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

25

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

26

SIGNATURES

27

EXHIBIT INDEX

28



PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.     Financial Statements (Unaudited)

HNI Corporation and SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Jul. 3,
2004
(Unaudited)

Jan. 3,
2004

ASSETS

(In thousands)

CURRENT ASSETS

  Cash and cash equivalents
  Short-term investments
  Receivables
  Inventories (Note C)
  Deferred income taxes
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets

$    74,667
3,339
236,104
70,411
14,244
      13,359

$  138,982
65,208
181,459
49,830
14,329
     12,314

     Total Current Assets

412,124

462,122

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, at cost

  Land and land improvements
  Buildings
  Machinery and equipment
  Construction in progress

24,865
229,916
500,662
      15,153

23,065
211,005
495,901
      9,865


  Less accumulated depreciation

770,596
    449,636

739,836
  427,468

     Net Property, Plant, and Equipment

320,960

312,368

GOODWILL

202,462

192,086

OTHER ASSETS

   83,880

    55,250

     Total Assets

$  1,019,426

$ 1,021,826

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



HNI Corporation and SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

Jul. 3,
2004
(Unaudited)

Jan. 3,
2004

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands, except share and per share value data)

CURRENT LIABILITIES

  Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  Income taxes
  Note payable and current maturities of long-term
    debt
  Current maturities of other long-term obligations

$   214,472
19,446

491
        4,257

$  211,236
5,958

26,658
      1,964

    Total Current Liabilities

238,666

245,816

LONG-TERM DEBT

2,571

2,690

CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS

1,252

1,436

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

27,380

24,262

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

38,842

37,733

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

  Capital Stock:
  Preferred, $1 par value, authorized
  2,000,000 shares, no shares outstanding





  Common, $1 par value, authorized
  200,000,000 shares, outstanding -
  2004 - 57,488,249 shares;
  2003 - 58,238,519 shares


57,488


58,239

  Paid-in capital
  Retained earnings
  Accumulated other comprehensive income

617
652,524
                86

10,324
641,732
          (406)

    Total Shareholders' Equity

710,715

709,889

    Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

$  1,019,426

$ 1,021,826

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



HNI Corporation and SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Jul. 3,
2004

Jun. 28,
2003

(In thousands, except share
and per share data)

Net Sales
Cost of products sold
  Gross Profit
Selling and administrative expenses
  Restructuring and impairment charges

  Operating Income
Interest income
Interest expense
  Income Before Income Taxes
Income taxes
  Net Income

$  508,605
           324,984
183,621
142,579
                  215

40,827
324
                  204
40,947
             15,121
$  25,826

$  406,793
          260,367
146,426
    112,979
              2,265

31,182
563
                 712
31,033
            10,861
$   20,172

Net income per common share - basic

 $0.45 

$0.35

Average number of common shares outstanding - basic

57,943,191

58,142,937

Net income per common share - diluted

$0.44

$0.35

Average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

58,377,864

58,467,617

Cash dividends per common share

$0.14

$0.13

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



HNI Corporation and SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

 

 

Six Months Ended

Jul. 3,
2004

Jun. 28,
2003

(In thousands, except share
and per share data)

Net Sales

$  972,642

$  798,764

Cost of products sold

619,259

513,208

 Gross Profit

353,383

285,556

Selling and administrative expenses

277,159

227,405

Restructuring and impairment charges

735

2,265

 Operating Income

75,489

55,886

Interest income

1,049

1,384

Interest expense

574

1,798

 Income Before Income Taxes

75,964

55,472

Income taxes

27,727

19,415

 Net Income

$  48,237

$  36,057

Net income per common share - basic

$0.83

$0.62

Average number of common shares outstanding - basic

58,091,706

58,230,106

Net income per common share - diluted

$0.82

$0.62

Average number of common shares outstanding - diluted

58,535,640

58,514,390

Cash dividends per common share

$0.28

$0.26

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

HNI Corporation and SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended

Jul. 3,
2004

Jun. 28,
2003

(In thousands)

Net Cash Flows From (To) Operating Activities:
  Net income
  Noncash items included in net income:
    Depreciation and amortization
    Other postretirement and post employment
       benefits
    Deferred income taxes
    Loss on sales, retirements and impairments of
       property, plant and equipment
    Stock issued to retirement plan
    Other - net
Net increase (decrease) in non-cash operating
       assets and liabilities
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
  Net cash flows from (to) operating activities


              $   48,237 

                  33,464

                       939
                       929

                       550
                    5,990
                    1,641

                 (40,251)
                    4,473
                  55,972  


$    36,057 

33,729 

1,086 
1,470 

2,138 
4,678 
1,586 

(28,430)
                 2,171 
          54,485 

Net Cash Flows From (To) Investing Activities:
  Capital expenditures
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and
     equipment
  Capitalized software
  Acquisition spending

  Additional purchase consideration
  Short-term investments - net
  Long-term investments - net
      Net cash flows from (to) investing activities


                 (13,226)
 
                       465  
                   (2,543)
                 (85,488)

                            - 
                   61,869
                      (185)
                 (39,108)


               (23,694)
       
   1,558 
   (659)
                         -

                 (5,710) 
                   8,056                    9,288  
                (11,161)

Net Cash Flows From (To) Financing Activities:
  Purchase of HNI Corporation common stock
  Payments of note and long-term debt
  Proceeds from sales of HNI Corporation
     common stock
  Dividends paid
    Net cash flows from (to) financing activities


                  (43,749)
                  (26,469)
                     5,337   
                  (16,298)
                  (81,179)


               (21,512)
               (18,641)
                  1,138 
               (15,182)
               (54,197)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and
  cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 
                 (64,315)
                138,982


(10,873)
   139,165 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

            $    74,667

$  128,292 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.



HNI Corporation and SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
July 3, 2004

Note A.  Basis of Presentation

The Company changed its name, with the approval of its shareholders, from HON INDUSTRIES Inc. to HNI Corporation effective May 5, 2004.  The Company believes that changing its name will allow it to accomplish three important goals as it moves forward with its strategy of managing multiple distinct and independent brands:  1) create a corporate identity that clearly represents who it is today - the parent company for many of the leading brand name companies in the office furniture and hearth markets; 2) establish a corporate brand that better reflects the Corporation's strategic growth program - - product line extensions, market expansion, and strategic acquisitions; and 3) eliminate the confusion in the marketplace, resulting from the use of "HON" in both the corporate name and in the name of its largest operating company, and clarify the ownership of our other operating companies and their relationship with The HON Company.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the six-month period ended July 3, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending January 1, 2005.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2004.

Note B. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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.  The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (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.


Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

(In thousands)

Jul. 3,
2004

Jun. 28,
2003

Jul. 3,
2004

Jun. 28, 
2003

Net income, as reported

$  25,826

$  20,172

$   48,237  

$  36,057

Deduct: Total stock-based employee
  compensation expense determined
  under fair value based method for
  all awards, net of related tax effects


(708)  




(949)    

    


    (1,357)




  (1,521)  

Pro forma net income

 $  25,118 

$  19,223

   $  46,880 

$  34,536

Earnings per share:
  Basic - as reported
  Basic - pro forma
  Diluted - as reported
  Diluted - pro forma


$0.45
$0.43
$0.44
$0.43


$0.35
$0.33
$0.35
$0.33


$0.83
$0.81
$0.82
$0.80


$  0.62 
$  0.59 
$  0.62 
$  0.59 

Note C.  Inventories

The Company values approximately 89% of its inventory at the lower of cost or market by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.

(In thousands)

Jul. 3, 2004
(Unaudited)

Jan. 3, 2004

Finished products

$    47,357

$     31,407

Materials and work in process

      35,346

      28,287

LIFO allowance

(12,292)

(9,864)

  $   70,411 

$    49,830

 

Note D.  Comprehensive Income and Shareholders' Equity

The Company's comprehensive income for the first six months of 2004 was $492,000 and consisted of changes in unrealized holding gains or losses on equity securities available-for-sale under SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities".



 

Note E.  Earnings Per Share

 

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

Three Months Ended

Six months Ended

Jul. 3, 2004

Jun. 28, 2003

Jul. 3, 2004

Jun. 28, 2003

Numerators:
Numerator for both
   basic and diluted EPS
   net income (in thousands)

 $   25,826

 $ 20,172

 


$48,237

$36,057

Denominators:
Denominator for basic EPS
   weighted-average common
   shares outstanding

57,943,191

58,142,937

58,091,706




58,230,106

Potentially dilutive shares
   from stock option plans

434,673

      324,680

443,934


284,284

Denominator for diluted EPS

58,377,864

58,467,617

58,535,640

58,514,390

Earnings per share - basic

$0.45

$0.35

$0.83

$0.62

Earnings per share - diluted

$0.44

$0.35

$0.82

$0.62

Certain exercisable and non-exercisable stock options were not included in the computation of diluted EPS at July 3, 2004 and June 28, 2003, because the option prices were greater than the average market prices for the applicable periods.  The number of stock options outstanding, which met this criterion for the three and six months ended July 3, 2004, was 328,900 with a range of per share exercise prices of $39.72 - $42.98 and 20,000 with a range of per share exercise prices of $42.49 - $42.98, respectively.  The number of stock options outstanding, which met this criterion for the three and six months ended June 28, 2003, was 20,000 with a per share exercise price of $32.22 and 30,000 with a range of per share exercise prices of $28.25 - $32.22, respectively.

Note F. Restructuring Reserve

During 2003 the Company closed two office furniture facilities located in Milan, Tennessee and Hazleton, Pennsylvania and consolidated production into other U.S. manufacturing locations.  In connection with those shutdowns, the Company incurred $0.5 million of current period charges during the quarter ended July 3, 2004.  The Company reduced a previously recorded restructuring reserve for the shutdown of its Milan, Tennessee facility by approximately $0.3 million during the second quarter 2004.  The reduction was due to the fact that the Company was able to exit a lease with the lessor at more favorable terms than previously estimated.  The following is a summary of changes in restructuring accruals during the second quarter of 2004:

(In thousands)

Severance

Facility
Exit Costs
& Other

Total

Accrual balance,
April 3, 2004

       $  139  

     $    315

      $  454

Restructuring charges

             42  

           445

          487

Restructuring credit

-     

    (272)   

        (272)    

Cash payments

            (88)    

        (488)   

     (576)    

Accrual balance,
July 3, 2004

        $    93    

$  -          

     $   93   

Note G.  Business Combinations

On January 5, 2004, the Company acquired certain assets of Paoli, Inc., a subsidiary of Klaussner Furniture Industries, Inc.  The results of Paoli's operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date.  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. 

The aggregate purchase price was $81.0 million and was paid in cash.  The following table summarizes (in thousands) the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.

            Current assets                                       $27,304
            Property, plant and equipment                 26,455
            Intangible assets                                      26,330 
            Goodwill                                                   9,046
            Total assets acquired                               89,135
            Current liabilities                                        8,147
            Net assets acquired                               $80,988

 

Of the $26.3 million of acquired intangible assets, $18.3 million was assigned to registered trademarks that are not subject to amortization.  The remaining $8.0 million of acquired intangible assets have a weighted-average useful life of approximately 15 years with amortization recorded based on the projected cash flow associated with the respective intangible assets existing relationships.  The intangible assets that make up that amount include customer relationships of $5.4 million (19-year weighted-average useful life), patents and proprietary technology of $2.4 million (8-year weighted-average useful life), and other assets of $0.2 million (3-year weighted-average useful life).

The $9.0 million of goodwill was assigned to the office furniture segment and is all deductible for income tax purposes.

Assuming the acquisition of Paoli Inc. had occurred on December 29, 2002, the beginning of the Company's 2003 fiscal year, instead of the actual date reported above, the Company's pro forma consolidated net sales would have been $430 million for the second quarter of 2003 and $846 million for the six months ended June 28, 2003.  Pro forma consolidated net income for second quarter 2003 and for the six months ended June 28, 2003 would have been $22.1 million or $0.38 per diluted share and $38.9 million or $0.66 per diluted share, respectively.

The Company also completed the acquisition of Hearth and Home Distributors of Delaware, Inc., a small hearth distributor, on January 5, 2004 for a purchase price of $4.5 million, which was paid in cash.  The following table summarizes (in thousands) the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. 

            Current assets                                       $   526
            Property, plant and equipment                      91
            Intangible assets                                      2,554
            Goodwill                                                 1,330
            Total assets acquired                               4,501
            Current liabilities                                             1
            Net assets acquired                               $4,500

 

The intangible assets primarily are customer relationships and have an estimated useful life of 10 years.  The $1.3 million of goodwill was assigned to the hearth products segment and is all deductible for income tax purposes. 

Note H. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The table below summarizes amortizable definite-lived intangible assets as of July 3, 2004 and January 3, 2004, which are reflected in Other Assets in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets:

(In thousands)

Jul. 3, 2004

Jan. 3, 2004

Patents

 $  18,820

$   16,450

Customer relationships and other

     34,290

     26,076

Less:  accumulated amortization

(18,613)

     (16,671)

 

 $  34,497 

$   25,855

 

Aggregate amortization expense for the three and six months ended July 3, 2004 and June 28, 2003 was $1.0 million and $1.9 million, and $0.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively.  Amortization expense is estimated to decrease from  $3.9 to $2.0 million per year over the next five years.


The Company also owns trademarks with a net carrying amount of $26.4 million and $8.1 million as of July 3, 2004 and January 3, 2004, respectively.  The trademarks are deemed to have indefinite useful lives because they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill since January 3, 2004, are as follows by reporting segment:

(In thousands)

Office
Furniture

Hearth
Products


Total

Balance as of January 3, 2004

$43,611

$148,475

$192,086

Goodwill acquired during period

9,046

1,330

10,376

Balance as of July 3, 2004

$  52,657

$  149,805

$ 202,462

In accordance with SFAS No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", 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 previously evaluated its goodwill for impairment and has determined that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds their carrying value so no impairment of goodwill was recognized.  The increase in goodwill of $10.4 million relates to the acquisitions completed during the first quarter.  See Business Combination footnote for further information. 

Note I.  Product Warranties

The Company issues certain warranty policies on its furniture and hearth products that provide for repair or replacement of any covered product or component that fails during normal use because of a defect in design, 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 during the period:

                                                                                        Six Months Ended

(In thousands)

Jul. 3, 

2004

Jun.28,

2003

Balance at beginning of period
Accrual assumed from acquisition
Accruals for warranties issued during the period
Accrual related to pre-existing warranties
Settlements made during the period

$  8,926
      646
    5,417
       650
      (5,415)  

$   8,405
     - 
     3,874
       103
      (4,020)  

Balance at end of period

$ 10,224 

$  8,362

Note J.  Postretirement Health Care

In accordance with the interim disclosure requirements of revised SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and other Postretirement Benefits," the following table sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost included in the Company's income statement for:

Six Months Ended

(In thousands)

Jul. 3,
2004

Jun. 28,
2003

Service cost

  $      142

$     125

Interest cost

       533

553

Expected return on plan assets

(145)  

-

Amortization of transition obligation

       290

290

Amortization of prior service cost

       115

115

Net periodic benefit cost

$     935

$  1,083

  

                     

Note K.  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 distributor chain partners, which has been extended.  The maximum financial exposure assumed by the Company as a result of this arrangement is currently $2.8 million of which over 79% 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 $15 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 $7.3 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 remaining are $2.4 million in 2004, and $4.9 million in 2005.

The Company has guaranteed a contractual lease obligation of an independent contract furniture dealership.  The lease term expires in the fourth quarter of 2004.  As of April 3, 2004, the remaining unpaid lease payments subject to this guarantee totaled approximately $28,000.  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.

Note L. New Accounting Standards

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 was effective at the end of the first interim period ending after March 15, 2004.  The Company adopted FIN 46R on April 3, 2004, and it did not have an impact on the Company's financial statements.

In May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003" ("FSP 106-2"). FSP 106-2 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2004.  Therefore, in accordance with FSP 106-2, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation or net period postretirement benefit cost included in the consolidated financial statements do not reflect any amount associated with the subsidy because the Company is unable to conclude whether the benefits provided by the plan are actuarially equivalent to the Medicare Part D benefit under the Act.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the Act and will adopt FSP 106-2 in the third quarter of 2004.

Note M.  Business Segment Information

Management views the Company as being in two business segments: office furniture and hearth products with the former being the principal business segment.

The office furniture segment manufactures and markets a broad line of metal and wood commercial and home office furniture which includes file cabinets, desks, credenzas, chairs, storage cabinets, tables, bookcases, freestanding office partitions and panel systems, and other related products.  The hearth product segment manufactures and markets a broad line of manufactured gas-, pellet- and wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, fireplace inserts, and chimney systems principally for the home.

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 cost of the Company's corporate operations, interest income, and interest expense.  The increase in unallocated corporate expenses compared to prior year is due to costs and investment in corporate resources related to the Company's strategy and growth initiatives.  Management views interest income and expense as corporate financing costs and not as a business segment cost.  In addition, management applies one effective tax rate to its consolidated income before income taxes so income taxes are not reported or viewed internally on a segment basis.

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


Reportable segment data reconciled to the consolidated financial statements for the three and six month periods ended July 3, 2004, and June 28, 2003, is as follows:

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

(In thousands)

Jul. 3,
2004

Jun. 28,
2003

Jul. 3,
2004

Jun. 28,
2003

Net Sales:
  Office furniture
  Hearth products


$      384,678
       123,927


$  303,959
      102,834


$  734,349
     238,293


$   598,826 
       199,938 

$       508,605  

$  406,793

$  972,642

 $   798,764 

Operating Profit:
  Office furniture
    Operations before restructuring charges
    Restructuring and impairment charges
       Office Furniture - net
  Hearth products
    Total operating profit
  Unallocated corporate expense
    Income before income taxes



$        37,402 
            (215)
           37,187 
           15,564 
           52,751 
          (11,804)
 $       40,947  



$      29,581
         (2,265)
       27,316
        10,554
        37,870
         (6,837)
$      31,033  

 

 $  69,583
          (735)
      68,848
      26,203
      95,051
     (19,087)
  $  75,964 



   $   54,774 
         (2,265)
        52,509 
        16,368 
        68,877 
       (13,405)
    $  55,472  

Depreciation & Amortization Expense:
  Office furniture
  Hearth products
  General corporate

 
$       11,166
            3,447
             1,539   $      16,152

 
$   12,994
        3,311
        1,142
 $  17,447

 
$  22,842
       7,631
        2,991
 $  33,464


$    24,487 
6,957 
        2,285 
$    33,729 

Capital Expenditures (including capitalized software):
  Office furniture
  Hearth products
  General corporate



 $         4,248
             4,200
             1,231 $          9,679

 

$      5,373
          3,127 
          1,364  
 $      9,864

 

$     7,539
         6,543 
         1,687 
 $   15,769



$        9,926
          9,674
           4,753
 $      24,353

As of
Jul. 3,
2004

As of
Jun. 28, 
2003

Identifiable Assets:
  Office furniture
  Hearth products
  General corporate




$    536,533
319,758
       163,135
$1,019,426


$  468,411
309,882
     190,703
$  968,996

Note N.  Subsequent Events

 

Subsequent to the end of second quarter, the Company finalized its acquisitions of Omni Remanufacturing, Inc., a panel systems remanufacturer and office services company; and Edward George Company, a Midwest hearth products distributor and its affiliate, Wisconsin Fireplace Systems, for a combined purchase price of $47 million in cash. 



Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
             Operations

 

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.

During the second quarter, the Company continued to experience strong growth in both its office furniture and hearth products segments due to an improving economy and market share gain.  On January 5, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of Paoli Inc. a leading provider of wood case goods and seating.  Sales from Paoli contributed approximately one-third of the growth in the office furniture segment.  The Company also had an increase in sales due to customer purchases being made in advance of communicated price increases that will take effect later this year.

The Company's net income increased to $25.8 million for second quarter 2004 compared to $20.2 million for the same period last year.  Net income per share was $0.44 per diluted share compared to $0.35 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2003, an increase of 25.7 percent.  The Company increased its annual effective tax rate for 2004 to 36.5 percent during the second quarter compared to 36.0 percent in first quarter 2004 and 35.0 percent in 2003 due to increased state taxes and a reduced benefit from federal and state tax credits.  This resulted in an effective tax rate for the second quarter 2004 of 36.9 percent.

The Company continues to invest in building its brands.  During the second quarter the Company invested an incremental $5 million in its brand building and selling initiatives.

The Company experienced increased steel costs of approximately $12 million and other material costs of approximately $3 million during the second quarter when compared to the same quarter last year, which offset productivity improvements and the effect of leveraging fixed costs over higher volumes.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.  We continually evaluate our accounting policies and estimates.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on a variety of other assumptions believed to be reasonable in order to make judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  A summary of the more significant accounting policies that require the use of estimates and judgments in preparing the financial statements is provided in the Company's 10-K report for the year ended January 3, 2004.  During the first six months of fiscal 2004, there was no material change in the accounting estimates and assumptions previously disclosed.

Results of Operations

The following table presents changes in the results of operations for the periods indicated.

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

(In thousands)

Jul. 3, 2004 &
Jun. 28, 2003

Jul. 3, 2004 &
Jun. 28, 2003

Net Sales

$ 101,812  

25.0% 

$ 173,878 

21.8%   

Cost of products sold

     64,617  

     24.8  

 106,051

   20.7

Selling & administrative expenses

     29,600  

     26.2

    49,754

   21.9

Restructuring & impairment charges

(2,050)   

    -90.5

(1,530)  

 -67.5

Interest Income

(239)   

    -42.5

(335)  

 -24.2

Interest Expense

(508)   

    -71.3

(1,224)  

 -68.1

Income Taxes

      4,260

     39.2

      8,312

   42.8

Net Income

      5,654

     28.0

    12,180

   33.8

Net sales for the second quarter increased 25.0 percent to $508.6 million, compared to $406.8 million for the same quarter last year.  The Company experienced strong growth in both its office furniture and hearth products segments.  On January 5, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of Paoli Inc. a leading provider of wood case goods and seating.  Sales from Paoli accounted for approximately $26 million or one-fourth of the revenue increase for the quarter.  The Company also had an increase in sales of approximately $21 million due to customer purchases being made in advance of communicated price increases that will take effect later this year.

Gross margins for the quarter increased to 36.1 percent from 36.0 percent for the same quarter last year.  Included in gross margin for the second quarter of 2003 was $1.6 million of accelerated depreciation of machinery and equipment related to facility shutdowns reducing margins by 0.4 percentage points.  The Company experienced increases in steel costs of approximately $12 million, and other material costs of approximately $3 million that offset productivity improvements and the effect of leveraging fixed costs over higher volumes.

Total selling and administrative expenses, excluding restructuring charges, for the quarter were 28.0 percent of net sales compared to 27.8 percent for the same quarter last year.  Included in second quarter 2004 were incremental investments of approximately $5 million in brand building and selling initiatives, increased freight and distribution costs of $8 million due to volume, rate increases and fuel surcharges, selling and administrative costs of new acquisitions of $8 million, and increased consulting and other costs associated with growth initiatives at the corporation level of $4 million.

During the second quarter of 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 those shutdowns, the Company incurred $0.2 million of net restructuring charges during the second quarter of 2004 and $2.3 million of restructuring charges during the same quarter last year.

The Company's annual effective tax rate for 2004 increased to 36.5 percent during the second quarter compared to 36.0 percent in first quarter 2004 and 35.0 percent in 2003 due to increased state taxes and a reduced benefit from federal and state tax credits.  This resulted in an effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2004 of 36.9 percent.  The Company currently expects the effective tax rate to remain at 36.5 percent in 2004.

Net income was $25.8 million compared to $20.2 million in the same period in 2003, an increase of 28.0 percent.  Net income per share was $0.44 per diluted share compared to $0.35 per diluted share in second quarter 2003, an increase of 25.7 percent.

For the first six months of 2004, consolidated net sales increased 21.8 percent to $972.6 million compared to $798.8 million in 2003.  Paoli accounted for approximately $51 million or 6.4 percentage points of the increase.  Gross margins year-to-date increased to 36.3 percent compared to 35.7 percent last year.  Included in 2003 gross margins was $1.6 million of accelerated depreciation related to facility shutdowns, which reduced margins 0.2 percentage points.  Increased steel and other material costs in 2004 partially offset productivity improvements and the effect of leveraging fixed costs over higher volumes.  Net income was $48.2 million or $0.82 per diluted share compared to $36.1 million or $0.62 per diluted share in 2003, an increase of 33.8 percent.

Office Furniture

For the second quarter, net sales for the office furniture segment increased 26.6 percent to $384.7 million from $304.0 million for the same quarter last year.  Second quarter 2004 sales were positively impacted by approximately $21 million of customer purchases made in advance of price increases.  In addition the Paoli acquisition accounted for approximately 8.5 percentage points of the increase in office furniture sales.  The remaining increase was driven by continued improvement in the economy and the industry and market share gains by all of the Company's brands.  Operating profit prior to unallocated corporate expenses increased to $37.2 million compared to $27.3 million in 2003.  Operating profit as a percent of net sales increased to 9.7 percent versus 9.0 percent in 2003.  Included in second quarter 2004 results were $0.2 million of net restructuring charges and included in second quarter 2003 results were $1.6 million of accelerated depreciation and $2.3 million of restructuring charges related to plant shutdowns.  The increase in operating profit is a result of increased volumes, new products, and benefits received from restructuring initiatives and the rapid continuous improvement program, offset by increased freight expense and material costs including steel in addition to continued investments in brand building and selling initiatives.  Net sales on a year-to-date basis increased 22.6 percent to $734.3 million compared to $598.8 million.  Operating profit as a percent of sales increased to 9.4 percent compared to 8.8 percent in 2003. 

Hearth Products

For the second quarter, net sales for the hearth products segment increased 20.5 percent to $123.9 million from $102.8 million for the same quarter last year.  This growth is attributable to strong housing starts, growth in market share in all channels, innovative new proprietary product introductions, as well as a price increase.  Operating profit prior to unallocated corporate expenses was $15.6 million compared to $10.6 million in the same quarter last year.  Operating profit as a percent of net sales increased to 12.6 percent versus 10.3 percent for 2003.  Improved profitability was the result of leveraging fixed costs over a higher sales volume, a stronger mix of sales through owned distribution, and price increases partially offset by higher steel and freight costs.  Net sales on a year-to-date basis increased 19.2 percent to $238.3 million compared to $199.9 million.  Operating profit as a percent of sales increased to 11.0 percent compared to 8.2 percent in 2003.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of July 3, 2004, cash and short-term investments were $78.0 million compared to $204.2 million at year-end 2003.  Cash flow from operations for the first six months increased to $56.0 million compared to $54.5 million last year due to improved operating results.  Trade receivables and inventory levels have increased from year-end due to the Paoli acquisition and increased volume.  Cash flow and working capital management continue to be a major focus of management to ensure the Company is poised for growth.

Net capital expenditures, including capitalized software, for the first six months of 2004 were $15.8 million versus $24.4 million in 2003 and were primarily for tooling and equipment for new products.  The first six months of 2003 included funding for the purchase of a previously leased hearth products plant.  Cash from operations funded these investments.

The Company completed the acquisition of Paoli Inc. and a small hearth distributor for a total of $85.5 million.  The Company paid off $26.1 million of convertible debentures related to a previous hearth acquisition during the first quarter of 2004.  The Company has received approximately $5.3 million of proceeds from issuance of its stock due to the exercise of previously vested stock options and the Company's member stock ownership plan.

The Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash divided of $0.14 per share on its common stock on May 4, 2004, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 14, 2004.  It was paid on June 1, 2004.

For the six months ended July 3, 2004, the Company repurchased 1,124,300 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $43.7 million.  On May 4, 2004, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $100 million for the Company's share repurchase program.  As of July 3, 2004, $97.6 million remained unspent.

On August 2, 2004, the Board of Directors declared a $0.14 per common share cash dividend to shareholders of record on August 12, 2004 to be paid on September 1, 2004.

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 distributor chain partners, which was extended.  The maximum financial exposure assumed by the Company as a result of this arrangement totals $2.8 million of which over 79% 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 $15 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 $7.3 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 remaining are $2.4 million in 2004, and $4.9 million in 2005.

The Company has guaranteed a contractual lease obligation of an independent contract furniture dealership.  The lease term expires in the fourth quarter of 2004.  As of April 3, 2004, the remaining unpaid lease payments subject to this guarantee totaled approximately $28,000.  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.

Looking Ahead

Management believes that its volumes will remain strong for the remainder of the year.  The Company has implemented selective price increases that will become effective during the third quarter. 

The Company's greatest challenge will be the impact of rising steel costs.  The steel market is very volatile.  Management believes that steel prices are trending up and continues to work aggressively to offset the rising costs through various initiatives including sourcing and material utilization.

Due to the Company's 52/53-week fiscal year, third quarter 2003 included an extra week than third quarter 2004.

Subsequent to the end of second quarter, the Company finalized its acquisitions of Omni Remanufacturing, Inc., a panel systems remanufacturer and office services company; and Edward George Company, a Midwest hearth products distributor and its affiliate, Wisconsin Fireplace Systems, for a combined purchase price of $47 million in cash.  The two acquisitions account for combined annual sales of about $75 million and have comparable margins to our existing operations.

The Company continues its focus on creating long-term shareholder value by growing its businesses through aggressive investment in building brands, enhancing its strong member-owner culture and remaining focused on its rapid continuous improvement programs to build best total cost.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this report that are not strictly historical, including statements as to plans, objectives, and future financial performance, are "forward-looking" statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause the Company's actual results in the future to differ materially from expected results.  These risks include, among others: the Company's ability to realize financial benefits from (a) its price increases, (b) its cost containment and business simplification initiatives, (c) its investments in new products and brand building, and (d) its investments in distribution and rapid continuous improvement; lower than expected demand for the Company's products due to uncertain political and economic conditions and lower industry growth than expected; competitive pricing pressure from foreign and domestic competitors; higher than expected material costs; and other factors described in the Company's annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K and 10-Q. 
   



Item 4.  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 July 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 their 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 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 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.




PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2.      Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

                 (E) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

                  The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during the second quarter ended July 3, 2004.

Period

(a) Total Number of  Shares (or Units) Purchased (1)

(b) Average
price Paid
per Share or
Unit

(c) Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs

(d) Maximum Number (or
     Approximate Dollar
     Value) of Shares (or
   Units) that May Yet be
      Purchased Under the
        Plans or Programs

4/4/04 - 5/1/04



-


-


$24,826,855.88

5/2/04 - 5/29/04


252,400


$38.67


252,400


$115,067,694.72

5/30/04-
7/3/04


430,700


$40.65


430,700


$97,559,440.76

Total

683,100

$39.92

683,100

$97,559,440.76

(1)       No shares were purchased outside of a publicly announced plan or program.

The company repurchases shares under a previously announced plan authorized by the Board of Directors as follows:

No repurchase plans expired or were terminated during the second quarter, nor do any plans exist under which the company does not intend to make further purchases.



Item 4.      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of HNI Corporation was held on May 4, 2004, for purposes of electing four Directors to the Board of Directors, to change the Corporation's name to HNI Corporation by amending Section 1.01 of the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation, and to update anti-takeover provisions of the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation to be more consistent with current Iowa law.  As of March 5, 2004, the record date for the meeting, there were 58,260,555 shares of common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting.  The first proposal voted upon was the election of four Directors for a term of three years and until their successors are elected and shall qualify.  The four persons nominated by the Company's Board of Directors received the following votes and were elected:


For    


Withheld/ Abstained 


Against 

Three-Year Term:
John A. Halbrook


Dennis J. Martin


Jack D. Michaels


Abbie J. Smith


53,010,135
or 90.99%

51,878,233
or 89.05%

52,529,676
or 90.16%

53,012,409
or 90.99%


362,836
or 0.62%

1,494,739
or 2.57%

843,295
or 1.45%

360,563
or 0.62%


-0-
or 0%

-0-
or 0%

-0-
or 0%

-0-
or 0%

Other Directors whose term of office as a Director continued after the meeting are:  Stan A. Askren, Gary M. Christensen, Cheryl A. Francis, Joseph Scalzo, Richard H. Stanley, Brian E. Stern, and Ronald V. Waters III. 

The second proposal voted upon was the amendment to Section 1.01of the Company's Articles of Incorporation to change the Corporation's name to HNI Corporation.  The proposal was approved with 51,604,825 votes, or 88.58% voting for; 1,334,343 votes, or 2.29% voting against; and 433,804 votes, or 0.74% abstaining.

The third proposal voted upon was to update the anti-takeover provisions of the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation to be more consistent with current Iowa law.  The proposal was approved with 47,349,774 votes, or 81.27% voting for; 731,360 votes, or 1.26% voting against; and 357,271 votes or 0.61% abstaining.



Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

Exhibits. See Exhibit Index.

Reports on Form 8-K:

The Company filed a periodic report on Form 8-K dated April 21, 2004, to furnish the Company's earnings release for the first quarter April 3, 2004.

The Company filed a periodic report on Form 8-K dated May 4, 2004, to furnish the Company's press releases announcing Stan A. Askren as Chief Executive Officer, the change of the name of the Company to HNI Corporation effective May 5, 2004, the election of John A. Halbrook as a member of the Company's Board of Directors of an additional $100 million for the Company's share repurchase program and to provide the Company's Articles of Incorporation as amended at the Annual Shareholders' Meeting held on May 4, 2004.

The Company filed a periodic report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 2004, to furnish the Company's press release relating to signing a purchase agreement to acquire certain assets of Omni Remanufacturing, Inc.



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




Dated: August 6, 2004

HNI Corporation


By:    /s/ Jerald K. Dittmer                              
    Jerald K. Dittmer
    Vice President and Chief Financial
       Officer



EXHIBIT INDEX

(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



Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302

I, Stan A. Askren, President and Chief Executive Officer of HNI Corporation, certify that:

1.  I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of HNI Corporation;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; and

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report; and

4.  The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and we have:
    a.  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly, during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
    b.  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures, and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 
    c.  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.  The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:
    a.  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
    b.  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.


Date:   August 6, 2004

     /s/ Stan A. Askren                                         

Name:  Stan A. Askren
Title:  President and

             Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302

I, Jerald K. Dittmer, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of HNI Corporation, certify that:

1.  I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of HNI Corporation;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report; and

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report; and

4.  The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and we have:
    a.  designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly, during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
    b.  evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures, and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 
    c.  disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and


5.  The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:
    a.  all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
    b.  any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.


Date:    August 6, 2004

     /s/ Jerald K. Dittmer                                        

Name:  Jerald K. Dittmer
Title:  Vice President and Chief Financial
           Officer



(EXHIBIT 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


In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of HNI Corporation (the "Company") for the quarterly period ended July 3, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Stan A. Askren, as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Jerald K. Dittmer, as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:

1.  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



     /s/ Stan A. Askren                                     

Name: Stan A. Askren
Title:  President and

            Chief Executive Officer
Date: August 6, 2004



     /s/ Jerald K. Dittmer                                     

Name:  Jerald K. Dittmer
Title:   Vice President and

             Chief Financial Officer
Date: August 6, 2004

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.