Item 1A Risk Factors
The following risk factors and other information included in this report should be carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face; others, either unforeseen or currently deemed not material, may
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also have a negative impact on our Company. If any of the following occurs, our business, operating results, cash flows, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
Business and Knoll Acquisition Related Risks
We may not be successful in implementing and managing our growth strategy.
We have established a growth strategy for the business based on a changing and evolving world. Through this strategy, we are focused on taking advantage of the changing composition of the office floor plate, the greater desire for customization from our customers, new technologies, and trends towards urbanization and working from home.
While we have confidence that our strategic plan reflects opportunities that are appropriate and achievable, and that we have anticipated and will manage the associated risks, there is the possibility that the strategy may not deliver the projected results due to inadequate execution, incorrect assumptions, sub-optimal resource allocation, or changing customer requirements.
To meet our goals, we believe we will be required to continually invest in the research, design, and development of new products and services, and there is no assurance that such investments will have commercially successful results.
Certain growth opportunities may require us to invest in acquisitions, alliances, and the startup of new business ventures. These investments, if available, may not perform according to plan and may involve the assumption of business, operational, or other risks that are new to our business.
Future efforts to expand our business within developbtability may impact our ability to compete for business. It may also put the availability and/or value of our capital investments within these regions at risk. These expansion efforts expose us to operating environments with complex, changing, and in some cases, inconsistently-applied legal and regulatory requirements. Developing knowledge and understanding of these requirements poses a significant challenge, and failure to remain compliant with them could limit our ability to continue doing business in these locations.
Pursuing our strategic plan in new and adjacent markets, as well as within developing economies, will require us to find effective new channels of distribution. There is no assurance that we can identify or otherwise develop these channels of distribution.
We may be unable to successfully integrate Knoll into our business and realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Knoll.
The success of the acquisition of Knoll will depend, in part, on our ability to successfully combine and integrate the businesses of Herman Miller and Knoll, and realize the anticipated benefits, including synergies, cost savings, innovation opportunities and operational efficiencies from the acquisition. The success of the acquisition also will depend on the Company doing so in a manner that does not materially disrupt existing customer, payer, dealer, supplier, employee and other stakeholder relations nor result in decreased revenues due to losses of, or decreases in orders by, customers and payers. If we are unable to achieve these objectives within the anticipated time frame, or at all, the anticipated benefits may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected, and the value of our common stock may decline.
The integration of the two companies may result in material challenges, including, without limitation:
•the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business concerns and performance shortfalls at one or both of the companies as a result of the devotion of management’s attention to the transaction and related integration work;
•managing a larger and more complex combined business;
•maintaining employee morale, retaining key management and other employees and the possibility that the integration process and potential organizational changes may adversely impact the ability to maintain employee relationships;
•retaining existing business and operational relationships, including customers, dealers, suppliers, employees and other counterparties, as may be impacted by contracts containing consent and/or other provisions that may be triggered by the transaction, and attracting new business and operational relationships;
•the integration process not proceeding as expected, including due to a possibility of faulty assumptions or expectations regarding the integration process or Herman Miller’s or Knoll’s operations;
•consolidating corporate, administrative and compliance infrastructures and eliminating duplicative operations;
•coordinating geographically separate organizations, including in international markets with differing business, legal and regulatory climates;
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•unanticipated issues in integrating information technology, communications and other systems; and
•unforeseen expenses, costs, liabilities or delays associated with the acquisition or the integration.
Many of these factors will be outside of our control, and any one of them could result in delays, increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues or synergies and diversion of management’s time and energy, which could materially affect MillerKnoll’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
The actual integration may result in additional and unforeseen expenses, and the anticipated benefits of the integration plan may not be realized on a timely basis, if at all.
In connection with the acquisition of Knoll, we incurred significant additional indebtedness, which has increased our interest expense and could adversely affect us, including by decreasing our business flexibility.
The consolidated long-term debt of MillerKnoll as of May 28, 2022 was $1.38 billion. As a result of our acquisition of Knoll, we substantially increased our indebtedness, which has increased our interest expense and could have the effect, among other things, of reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions. We have also incurred various costs and expenses associated with such indebtedness. The amount of cash required to pay interest on our increased indebtedness levels and thus the demands on our cash resources will be greater than the amount of cash flows previously required to service our indebtedness. The increased levels of indebtedness could also reduce funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, and other general corporate purposes and may create competitive disadvantages for MillerKnoll relative to other companies with lower debt levels. If we do not achieve the expected benefits and cost savings from the acquisition, or if the financial performance of the combined company does not meet current expectations, then our ability to service our indebtedness may be adversely impacted.
The indebtedness incurred in connection with the acquisition of Knoll contains various covenants that impose restrictions on us that may affect our ability to operate our business. These include both affirmative and negative covenants that, subject to certain significant exceptions, restrict the ability of us and certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things, incur liens on our property, incur additional indebtedness, enter into sale and lease-back transactions, make loans, advances, or other investments, make non-ordinary course asset sales, declare or pay dividends or make other distributions with respect to equity interests, and/or merge or consolidate with any other person or sell or convey certain assets to any one person. In addition, the definitive documentation governing such indebtedness contains a financial maintenance covenant that will require us to maintain a certain leverage ratio at the end of each fiscal quarter. Our ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by events beyond our control. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could accelerate our repayment obligations under such indebtedness.
In addition, we may be required to raise substantial additional financing to fund working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, or other general corporate requirements. Our ability to arrange additional financing will depend on, among other factors, our financial position and performance, as well as prevailing market conditions and other factors beyond our control. There is no assurance we will be able to obtain such additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all.
Uncertainties associated with the acquisition of Knoll may cause a loss of management personnel and other key employees.
MillerKnoll is dependent on the experience and industry knowledge of its officers and other key employees to execute its business plans. Our success will depend in part upon our ability to retain certain key management personnel and employees, including those who joined us as part of the Knoll acquisition. Our employees may experience uncertainty about their roles in light of the acquisition and our strategic plan, which may have an adverse effect on our ability to attract or retain key management and other key personnel.
We have incurred and may continue to incur significant costs in connection with the integration of Knoll, which may be in excess of those we anticipate.
We have incurred and expect to continue to incur a number of non-recurring fees and costs associated with combining the operations of Herman Miller and Knoll and achieving desired synergies. These costs and expenses include those related to formulating and implementing integration plans, including facilities and systems consolidation costs and employment-related costs. Although we expect that the elimination of duplicative costs, as well as the realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses, should allow us to offset integration-related costs over time, this net benefit may not be achieved in the near term, or at all.
Macroeconomic and Workplace Trends Related Risks
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Adverse economic and industry conditions could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Customer demand within the contract office furniture and retail furnishings industries is affected by various macroeconomic factors with general corporate profitability, service sector employment levels, new office construction rates, and existing office vacancy rates being among the most influential factors. History has shown that declines in these measures can have an adverse effect on overall office furniture demand. Additionally, factors and changes specific to our industry, such as developments in technology, governmental standards and regulations, and health and safety issues, can influence demand.
The markets in which we operate are highly competitive and we may not be successful in winning new business.
We are one of several companies competing for new business within the office furniture industry. Many of our competitors offer similar categories of products, including office seating, systems and freestanding office furniture, casegoods, storage products, as well as residential, education and healthcare furniture solutions. Although we believe that our innovative product design, functionality, quality, depth of knowledge, and strong network of distribution partners differentiate us in the marketplace, increased market pricing pressure and other factors could make it difficult for us to win new business with certain customers and within certain market segments at acceptable profit margins.
The retail furnishings market is highly competitive. We compete with national and regional furniture retailers, mail order catalogs and online retailers focused on home furnishings. We compete with these and other retailers for customers, suitable retail locations, vendors, qualified employees and management personnel. Some of our competitors have significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we possess. This may result in these competitors being quicker at important metrics such as adapting to changes, devoting greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products, generating greater national brand recognition, or adopting more aggressive pricing and promotional policies, including free shipping offers. In addition, increased catalog mailings and/or digital marketing campaigns by our competitors may adversely affect response rates to our own marketing efforts. As a result, increased competition may adversely affect our future financial performance.
Our business presence outside the United States exposes us to certain risks that could negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We have significant manufacturing and sales operations in the United Kingdom, which represents our largest marketplace outside the United States. The transitional exit of the U.K. from European Union membership (commonly known as “Brexit”) could disrupt and create uncertainty with respect to our business in that region, including by affecting our relationships with current and future customers, suppliers, employees, and other of our business relationships. Furthermore, concerns exist relating to potential tariffs and customs regulations and the potential for short term logistics disruption as any such changes are implemented. This will impact both our suppliers and customers, including distributors, and could result in product delays and inventory issues. Further uncertainty in the marketplace also brings risk to accounts receivable and could result in delays in collection and greater bad debt expense. There also remains a risk for the value of the British Pound and/or the Euro to further deteriorate, reducing the purchasing power of customers in these regions and potentially undermining the financial health of the Company's suppliers and customers in other parts of the world.
We also have manufacturing operations in China, India, Italy, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. Additionally, our products are sold internationally through controlled subsidiaries or branches in Canada, Denmark, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Australia, China (including Hong Kong), India, Brazil, and other European countries. The Company's products are offered in Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and the Asia/Pacific region primarily through dealers and retail channels.
Doing business internationally exposes us to certain risks, many of which are beyond our control and could potentially impact our ability to design, develop, manufacture, or sell products in certain countries. These factors include, without limitation, political, social, and economic conditions; global trade conflicts and trade policies; legal and regulatory requirements; labor and employment practices; cultural practices and norms; natural disasters; security and health concerns; protection of intellectual property; and changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
In some countries, the currencies in which we import and export products can differ. Fluctuations in the rate of exchange between these currencies could negatively impact our business and our financial performance. Additionally, tariff and import regulations, international tax policies and rates, and changes in U.S. and international monetary policies may have an adverse impact on results of operations and financial condition.
In connection with the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the U.S. government has imposed enhanced export controls on certain products and sanctions on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia. MillerKnoll is not fulfilling any existing orders or accepting new orders from Russia or Belarus at this time. As a safety measure, we have also stopped taking new
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orders and fulfilling orders in Ukraine. This region represents a small portion of our International Contract business, and we do not rely on any material goods from suppliers in these regions. While we do not have manufacturing facilities or offices in the region, we have historically sold products to two dealers in Ukraine, two in Russia, and two in Belarus. Fiscal year 2022 and 2021 annualized revenues from these countries were approximately $6.4 million and $5.7 million, respectively.
Further escalation of geopolitical tensions could have a broader impact that expands into other markets where we do business, which could adversely affect our business and/or our supply chain, business partners or customers in the broader region. The continued conflict in that region, as well as the current and additional international sanctions against Russia, are likely to further increase the cost of various supplies, particularly for petroleum based products. The impact from this conflict, as well as the international sanctions, cannot be predicted or anticipated with any reasonable degree of certainty, including the impact on the Company.
A sustained downturn in the economy could adversely impact our access to capital.
The disruptions in the global economic and financial markets during 2007 to 2009 adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets, at times reducing the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole. Conditions such as these could re-emerge in the future. Accordingly, our ability to access the capital markets could be restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to access those markets, which could have an adverse impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. The resulting lack of available credit, increased volatility in the financial markets and reduced business activity could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, our ability to take advantage of market opportunities and our ability to obtain and manage our liquidity. In addition, the cost of debt financing and the proceeds of equity financing may be materially and adversely impacted by these market conditions. The extent of any impact would depend on several factors, including our operating cash flows, the duration of tight credit conditions and volatile equity markets, our credit capacity, the cost of financing, and other general economic and business conditions. Our credit agreements contain performance covenants, such as a limit on the ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and limits on subsidiary debt and incurrence of liens. Although we believe none of these covenants is currently restrictive to our operations, our ability to meet the financial covenants can be affected by events beyond our control.
Disease outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could have an adverse impact on the Company's operations and financial results.
From time to time, various disease outbreaks may adversely impact our business, consolidated results of operations and financial condition, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has had such an adverse impact. The Company has global manufacturing facilities, suppliers, dealers and customers. Therefore, COVID-19, as well as measures taken by governmental authorities and other organizations and individuals to limit the spread of this virus, may continue to interfere to varying degrees with the ability of our employees, suppliers and other business providers to carry out their assigned tasks or supply materials at ordinary levels of performance relative to the conduct of our business. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant percentage of the traditional office workforce to work away from their office location and the extent to which this will become a more permanent trend is uncertain. It is reasonable to assume, at least in the near-term, that this will have an adverse impact on the demand for office furniture and related products. This has in the past caused, and may continue to cause, us to materially curtail certain of our business operations, and has had and could continue to have, a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flow.
Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Distribution Related Risks
Tariffs imposed by the U.S. government could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
The imposition of tariffs by the U.S. government on various products imported from certain countries, as well as countering tariffs on the export of U.S. goods, has had, and will likely continue to have, an adverse impact on our business, including as a result of increased costs for certain of our raw materials and increasing the costs for certain products that we export to other countries. Accordingly, these tariffs and the possibility of broader trade conflicts stemming from the tariffs could negatively impact our business in the future. The tariffs on imports, most notably imports from China, has impacted the cost of steel, a key commodity that we consume in producing products. Given the significance of steel costs to our direct materials costs, we closely monitor trade tensions between the U.S. and China. The potential impact to our direct material costs due to tariffs on Chinese imports is somewhat limited, however, as purchases of direct materials (mainly component parts and products manufactured by third parties) from China represented an estimated 3% of our consolidated cost of sales for fiscal 2022. Going
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forward, continued or increased tariffs could negatively impact our gross margin and operating performance. These factors also have the potential to significantly impact global trade and economic conditions in many of the regions where we do business.
Disruptions in the supply of raw and component materials could adversely affect our manufacturing and assembly operations.
We rely on outside suppliers to provide on-time shipments of the various raw materials and component parts used in our manufacturing and assembly processes. The timeliness of these deliveries is critical to our ability to meet customer demand. Disruptions in this flow of delivery may have a negative impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
In fiscal year 2022, the price of steel was impacted by shortages and disruptions in the steel industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These disruptions have not had a significant impact on our ability to manufacture and supply products to our customers, but they have negatively impacted the cost of procuring such materials. In the short-term, significant increases in raw material, commodity and other input costs can be difficult to offset with price increases because of existing contractual commitments with our customers. As a result, our gross margins can be adversely affected in the short-term by significant increases in these costs. If we are not successful in passing along higher commodity and other input costs to our customers over the long-term because of competitive pressures, our profitability could be negatively impacted.
Increases in the market prices of manufacturing materials may negatively affect our profitability.
The costs of certain manufacturing materials used in our operations are sensitive to shifts in commodity market prices, including the impact of the U.S. and retaliatory tariffs. In particular, the costs of steel, plastic, aluminum components, and particleboard are sensitive to the market prices of commodities such as raw steel, aluminum, crude oil, lumber, and resins. Increases in the market prices of these commodities due to the recent ban on Russian oil imports as a result of the current war between Russia and Ukraine may have an adverse impact on our profitability if we are unable to offset them with strategic sourcing, continuous improvement initiatives or increased prices to our customers.
Disruptions within our dealer network could adversely affect our business.
Our ability to manage existing relationships within our network of independent dealers is crucial to our ongoing success. Although the loss of any single dealer would not have a material adverse effect on the overall business, our business within a given market could be negatively impacted by disruptions in our dealer network caused by the termination of commercial working relationships, ownership transitions, or dealer financial difficulties.
If dealers go out of business or restructure, we may suffer losses because they may not be able to pay for products already delivered to them. Also, dealers may experience financial difficulties, creating the need for outside financial support, which may not be easily obtained. In the past, we have, on occasion, agreed to provide direct financial assistance through term loans, lines of credit, and/or loan guarantees to certain dealers. Those activities increase our financial exposure.
A continued shortage of qualified labor could negatively affect our business and materially reduce earnings.
We have experienced shortages of qualified labor across our operations. Outside suppliers that we rely on have also experienced shortages of qualified labor. The future success of our operations depends on our ability, and the ability of third parties on which we rely, to identify, recruit, develop and retain qualified and talented individuals in order to supply and deliver our products. Any shortage of qualified labor could have a negative impact on our business. Employee recruitment, development and retention efforts that we or such third parties undertake may not be successful, which could result in a shortage of qualified individuals in future periods. Any such shortage could decrease our ability to effectively produce and meet customer demand. Such a shortage would also likely lead to higher wages for employees (or higher costs to purchase the services of such third parties) and a corresponding reduction in our results of operations. In the current operating environment, we are experiencing a shortage of qualified labor in certain geographies, particularly with plant production workers, resulting in increased costs from certain temporary wage actions, such as hiring and referral bonus programs. A continuation of such shortages for a prolonged period of time could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.
Financial Related Risks
We are subject to risks associated with self-insurance related to health benefits.
We are self-insured for our health benefits and maintain per employee stop loss coverage; however, we retain the insurable risk at an aggregate level. Therefore unforeseen or catastrophic losses in excess of our insured limits could have a material adverse
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effect on the Company’s financial condition and operating results. See Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s retention level.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges may adversely affect our operating results.
We have a substantial amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, primarily trademarks, on our balance sheet. We test the goodwill and intangible assets for impairment both on an annual basis and when events occur or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of the reporting unit or intangible asset may be below its carrying amount. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to inherent uncertainties and changes in estimates and assumptions regarding actual and forecasted revenue growth rates, operating margins, and discount rates. Declines in market conditions, a trend of weaker than anticipated financial performance for our reporting units, declines in projected revenue for our trademarks, a decline in our share price for a sustained period of time, an increase in the market-based weighted average cost of capital, or a decrease in royalty rates, among other factors, are indicators that the carrying value of our goodwill or indefinite-life intangible assets may not be recoverable. We may be required to record a goodwill or intangible asset impairment charge that, if incurred, could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.
Impairment of long-lived assets may adversely affect our operating results.
Our long-lived asset groups are subject to an impairment assessment when certain triggering events or circumstances indicate that their carrying value may be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds our estimate of future undiscounted cash flows of the operations related to the asset group, an impairment is recorded for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset group. The results of these tests for potential impairment may be adversely affected by unfavorable market conditions, our financial performance trends, or an increase in interest rates, among other factors. If as a result of the impairment test we determine that the fair value of any of our long-lived asset groups is less than its carrying amount, we may incur an impairment charge that could have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.
Costs related to product defects could adversely affect our profitability.
We incur 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. We maintain reserves for product defect-related costs based on estimates and our knowledge of circumstances that indicate the need for such reserves. We cannot, however, be certain that these reserves will be adequate to cover actual product defect-related claims in the future. Any significant increase in the rate of our product defect expenses could have a material adverse effect on operations.
General Risks
We are subject to risks and costs associated with protecting the integrity and security of our systems and confidential information.
We collect certain customer-specific data, including credit card information, in connection with orders placed through our eCommerce websites, direct-mail catalog marketing program, and retail studios. For these sales channels to function and develop successfully, we and other parties involved in processing customer transactions must be able to transmit confidential information, including credit card information and other personal information regarding our customers, securely over public and private networks. Third parties may have or develop the technology or knowledge to breach, disable, disrupt or interfere with our systems or processes or those of our vendors. While we believe we take reasonable steps to protect the security and confidentiality of the information we collect, we cannot guarantee that our security measures will effectively prevent others from obtaining unauthorized access to our information and our customers’ information. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to systems change frequently and are not often recognized until after they have been launched.
Any person who circumvents our security measures could destroy or steal valuable information or disrupt our operations. Any security breach could cause consumers to lose confidence in the security of our information systems, including our eCommerce websites or retail studios and choose not to purchase from us. Any security breach could also expose us to risks of data loss, litigation, regulatory investigations, and other significant liabilities. Such a breach could also seriously disrupt, slow or hinder our operations and harm our reputation and customer relationships, any of which could damage our business.
A security breach includes a third party wrongfully gaining unauthorized access to our systems for the purpose of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, loading corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. These actions may lead to a significant disruption of the Company’s IT systems and/or cause the loss of business and business information resulting in an adverse business impact, including: (1) an adverse impact on future financial results due to theft, destruction, loss misappropriation, or release of confidential data or intellectual property; (2) operational or business delays resulting from
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the disruption of IT systems, and subsequent clean-up and mitigation activities; and (3) negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage with customers, partners or industry peers.
The United States federal and state governments are increasingly enacting laws and regulations to protect consumers against identity theft. Also, as our business expands globally, we are subject to data privacy and other similar laws in various foreign jurisdictions. If we are the target of a cybersecurity attack resulting in unauthorized disclosure of our customer data, we may be required to undertake costly notification procedures. Compliance with these laws will likely increase the costs of doing business. If we fail to implement appropriate safeguards or to detect and provide prompt notice of unauthorized access as required by some of these laws, we could be subject to potential fines, claims for damages and other remedies, which could harm our business.
Due to the political uncertainty and military actions involving Russia, Ukraine, and surrounding regions, we and the third parties upon which we rely may be vulnerable to a currently heightened risk of information technology breaches, computer malware, or other cyber-attacks, including attacks that could materially disrupt our systems and operations, supply chain, and ability to produce, sell and distribute our products.
We are unable to control many of the factors affecting consumer spending. Declines in consumer spending on furnishings could reduce demand for our products.
The operations of our Global Retail segment are sensitive to a number of factors that influence consumer spending, including general economic conditions, consumer disposable income, unemployment, inclement weather, availability of consumer credit, consumer debt levels, conditions in the housing market, interest rates, sales tax rates and rate increases, inflation, and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. Adverse changes in these factors may reduce consumer demand for our products, resulting in reduced sales and profitability.
A number of factors that affect our ability to successfully implement our retail studio strategy, including opening new locations and closing existing studios, are beyond our control. These factors may harm our ability to increase the sales and profitability of our retail operations.
Approximately 33% of the sales within our Global Retail segment are transacted within our retail studios. Additionally, we believe our retail studios have a direct influence on the volume of business transacted through other channels, including our consumer eCommerce and direct-mail catalog platforms, as many customers utilize these physical spaces to view and experience products prior to placing an order online or through the catalog call center. Our ability to open additional studios or close existing studios successfully will depend upon a number of factors beyond our control, including, without limitation:
•general economic conditions;
•identification and availability of suitable studio locations;
•success in negotiating new leases and amending or terminating existing leases on acceptable terms;
•success of other retailers in and around our retail locations;
•ability to secure required governmental permits and approvals;
•hiring and training skilled studio operating personnel; and
•landlord financial stability.
We may incur significant increased costs and become subject to additional potential liabilities under environmental and other laws and regulations aimed at combating climate change.
We expect to incur significant costs as we work to implement our recently-announced 2030 sustainability goals, which include efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, design out waste, and source better materials. We also believe it is likely that the increased focus by the U.S. and other governmental authorities on climate change and other environmental matters will lead to enhanced regulation in these areas, which could also result in increased compliance costs and subject us to additional potential liabilities. The extent of these costs and risks is difficult to predict and will depend in large part on the extent of new regulations and the ways in which those regulations are enforced. We operate and have manufacturing facilities in multiple regions across the globe, and the impact of additional regulations in this area is likely to vary by region. It is possible the costs we incur to comply with any such new regulations and implement our own sustainability goals could be material.
Increasing competition for highly skilled and talented workers could adversely affect our business.
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The successful implementation of our business strategy depends on our ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce. The increasing competition for highly skilled and talented employees could result in higher compensation costs, difficulties in maintaining a capable workforce, and leadership succession planning challenges.
Government and other regulations could adversely affect our business.
Government and other regulations apply to the manufacture and sale of many of our products. Failure to comply with these regulations or failure to obtain approval of products from certifying agencies could adversely affect the sales of these products and have a material negative impact on operating results.
Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments
None
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Item 2 Properties
The Company owns or leases facilities located throughout the United States and several foreign countries. The location, square footage and use of the most significant facilities at May 28, 2022 were as follows:
Owned Locations Square Footage (in Thousands) Use
Zeeland, Michigan 771 Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
East Greenville, Pennsylvania 729 Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Spring Lake, Michigan 583 Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Toronto, Canada 408 Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Muskegon, Michigan 400 Manufacturing, Office
Holland, Michigan 357 Warehouse
Holland, Michigan 293 Manufacturing, Office
Dongguan, China 269 Manufacturing
Foligno, Italy 259 Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Holland, Michigan 238 Office, Design
Sheboygan, Wisconsin 208 Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Melksham, United Kingdom 170 Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Graffignana, Italy 112 Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Leased Locations Square Footage (in Thousands) Use
Alburtis, Pennsylvania 718 Warehouse
Batavia, Ohio 618 Warehouse
Dongguan, China 429 Manufacturing, Office
Ringsted, Denmark 274 Warehouse
Berlin, Germany 220 Warehouse
LeGrange Highlands, Illinois 210 Warehouse
Atlanta, Georgia 180 Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Bangalore, India 105 Manufacturing, Warehouse
The properties above are primarily used in the Company's segments as indicated below:
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Segment Primarily Supported Owned Leased Total
Americas Contract 5 1 6
International Contract 2 2 4
Global Retail — 1 1
Corporate 1 — 1
As of May 28, 2022, the Company operated 70 retail studios (including 35 operating under the DWR brand, 7 under the HAY brand, 22 Herman Miller stores, 2 Muuto stores, 3 Knoll stores and a multi-brand Chicago store) that totaled approximately 586,600 square feet of selling space. The business also operated 3 outlet stores. The Company maintains administrative and sales offices and showrooms in various other locations throughout North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific and Latin America. The Company considers its existing facilities to be in good condition and adequate for its design, production, distribution, and selling requirements.
Item 3 Legal Proceedings
The Company is involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such proceedings and litigation currently pending will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Information About Our Executive Officers
Certain information relating to executive officers of the Company as of May 28, 2022 is as follows:
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Except as discussed below, each of the named officers has served the Company in their current executive position for more than five years.
Ms. Owen joined MillerKnoll, Inc. in 2018 and serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Ms. Owen spent 25 years at The Gap, Inc. where she most recently served as Global President of Banana Republic.
Mr. Baldwin joined MillerKnoll in 2021 and serves as Group President. Prior to the Company's acquisition of Knoll in July 2021, Mr. Baldwin was Chief Operating Officer & President, Workplace at Knoll and also held leadership positions at Kohler Co.
Mr. Groom joined MillerKnoll, Inc. in 2019 and serves as Chief Digital Officer. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Mr. Groom spent six years with The Boston Consulting Group where he was a Principal member of the firm’s Technology Advantage, Retail and Consumer practices.
Mr. Kurburski joined MillerKnoll in 1990 and serves as Chief Technology Officer. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Mr. Kurburski spent time in both the government and private IT sectors.
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Ms. Lyon joined MillerKnoll, Inc. in 2019 and serves as Chief Strategy Officer. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Ms. Lyon spent eleven years with The Boston Consulting Group where she was a Partner and Managing Director leading the firm’s West Coast Consumer and Retail Practice.
Mr. Michael joined MillerKnoll, Inc. in 2017 and serves as President, The Americas. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Mr. Michael held leadership positions at Staples, Ivan Allen Workspace, and Steelcase
Ms. Nicol joined MillerKnoll, Inc. in 2021 and serves as Chief People Officer. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Ms. Nicol worked in HR leadership for Rheem Manufacturing, Ingersoll Rand, Johnson Controls, and Honeywell Aerospace.
Ms. Propst joined MillerKnoll, Inc. in 2020 and serves as President of the Company's Global Retail segment. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Ms. Propst spent seven years at Bed Bath and Beyond where she most recently served as President and Chief Merchandising Officer of One Kings Lanes, as well as Chief Brand Officer for Bed Bath and Beyond.
Ms. Rice joined MillerKnoll, Inc. in 2019 and serves as General Counsel. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Ms. Rice served as Executive Vice President, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Target Corporation as well as Senior Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at General Motors Co.
Mr. Scott joined MillerKnoll, Inc. in 2006 and serves as Chief Manufacturing and Operations Officer. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Mr. Scott spent his career in engineering and manufacturing with Jacobs Suchard Germany, Eurotunnel, and DS Smith Packaging.
Mr. Shethia joined MillerKnoll, Inc. in 2009 and serves as President, International Contract. Throughout his career with the Company, Mr. Shethia has played a key role in developing successful selling relationships with many of Herman Miller’s largest regional and global clients.
Mr. Straker joined MillerKnoll in 2012 and serves as Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Mr. Straker held a variety of design leadership and strategy roles for companies such as Apple, Lowe’s, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, McDonald’s, Nationwide Insurance, SFERRA, Netjets, and the Food Network.
Mr. Veltman joined MillerKnoll, Inc. in 2014 and serves as Senior Vice President - Integration Lead. Prior to joining MillerKnoll, Mr. Veltman worked in finance leadership for BISSELL, Inc. and Ernst & Young.
There are no family relationships between or among the above-named executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the above-named officers pursuant to which any of them was named an officer.
Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable
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PART II
Item 5 Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Share Price, Earnings and Dividends Summary
MillerKnoll, Inc.'s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market System (Symbol: MLKN). As of July 18, 2022, there were approximately 58,000 shareholders of record, including individual participants in security position listings, of the Company's common stock.
Dividends were declared and paid quarterly for fiscal 2022 as approved by the Board of Directors. On April 12, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of 18.75 cents ($0.1875) per share that was paid on July 15, 2022, to shareholders of record on May 28, 2022. While it is anticipated that the Company will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends, the amount and timing of such dividends is subject to the discretion of the Board depending on the Company's future results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and other relevant factors.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company has one share repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors on January 16, 2019, which provides a share repurchase authorization of $250.0 million with no specified expiration date. The approximate dollar value of shares available for purchase under the plan at May 28, 2022 was $220.5 million.
The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during the Company's fourth fiscal quarter ended May 28, 2022:
(1) Amounts are as of the end of the period indicated
The Company may repurchase shares from time to time for cash in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to accelerated share repurchase programs or otherwise in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing and amount of the repurchases will be determined by the Company's management based on their evaluation of market conditions, share price and other factors. The share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
During the period covered by this report, the Company did not sell any shares of common stock that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
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Stockholder Return Performance Graph
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the Company's common stock with that of the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the Nasdaq Composite Total Return for the five-year period ended May 28, 2022. The graph assumes an investment of $100 on May 28, 2017 in the Company's common stock, the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the Nasdaq Composite Total Return, with dividends reinvested.
Information required by this item is also contained in Item 12 of this report.
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Item 6 Selected Financial Data
Year Ended
(In millions, except key ratios and per share data) 2022 2021 2020
Operating Results
(Loss) earnings before income taxes and equity income (8.6) 228.3 (12.9)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (11.9) 332.3 221.8
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (1,172.4) (59.9) (168.1)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 1,039.9 (347.7) 244.0
Common stock repurchased plus cash dividends paid (70.7) (35.4) (63.0)
Key Ratios
Sales growth (decline) 60.1 % (0.9) % (3.1) %
Selling, general, and administrative (1) (2) 30.1 26.1 25.9
Operating earnings (loss) (2) 1.0 9.4 (1.5)
After-tax return on net sales (3) (0.5) 7.3 (0.6)
After-tax return on average assets (4) (0.6) 8.7 (0.8)
After-tax return on average equity (5) (1.7) 23.8 (2.0)
Share and Per Share Data
Earnings (loss) per share-diluted $ (0.37) $ 2.94 $ (0.15)
Cash dividends declared per share 0.75 0.56 0.63
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted 73.2 59.4 58.9
Financial Condition
Interest-bearing debt and related swap agreements (9) 1,355.5 285.7 558.8
(1) Selling, general, and administrative expenses include restructuring expenses in years that are applicable.
(2) Shown as a percent of net sales.
(3) Calculated as net earnings (loss) divided by net sales.
(4) Calculated as net earnings (loss) divided by average assets.
(5) Calculated as net earnings (loss) divided by average equity.
(6) Calculated as total stockholders' equity divided by common shares of stock outstanding.
(7) Calculated using current assets less current liabilities.
(8) Calculated using current assets divided by current liabilities.
(9) Amounts shown include the fair market value of the Company’s interest rate swap arrangement(s).
(10) Calculated as interest-bearing debt and related swap agreements plus stockholders' equity.
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Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the issues discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Refer also to the information provided under the heading "Forward-Looking Statements" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Executive Overview
MillerKnoll is a collective of dynamic brands that comes together to design the world we live in. From the spaces we make that help us live and work better, to how we manufacture our products, to the ways we solve challenges facing our customers and global community, design is our tool for creating positive impact. Our optimism leads us as we redefine modern for the 21st century, shaping a future that’s more sustainable, caring, and beautiful for all people and our planet.
In July 2021, the Company finalized the acquisition of Knoll, Inc. (“Knoll”) in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $1.8 billion. On November 1, 2021, Herman Miller, Inc. changed its name to MillerKnoll, Inc., and the company began trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol MLKN.
MillerKnoll's products are sold internationally through controlled subsidiaries or branches in various countries including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, India, and Brazil. The Company’s products are sold in over 100 countries primarily through independent contract furniture dealers, direct customer sales, owned and independent retailers, direct-mail catalogs, and the Company’s eCommerce platforms.
The Company is globally positioned in terms of manufacturing operations. In North America, manufacturing operations are in Connecticut, Illinois, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin in the United States, as well as Toronto and Mexico City. In Europe, the Company's manufacturing presence is in the United Kingdom and Italy. Manufacturing operations globally also include facilities located in Brazil, Mexico, China, and India. The Company manufactures products using a system of lean manufacturing techniques collectively referred to as the MillerKnoll Performance System (MKPS). For its contract furniture business, MillerKnoll strives to maintain efficiencies and cost savings by minimizing the amount of inventory on hand. Accordingly, production is order-driven with direct materials and components purchased as needed to meet demand. These factors result in a high rate of inventory turns related to our manufactured inventories.
A key element of the Company's manufacturing strategy is to limit fixed production costs by sourcing component parts from strategic suppliers. This strategy has allowed the Company to increase the variable nature of its cost structure, while retaining proprietary control over those production processes that the Company believes provide a competitive advantage. As a result of this strategy, the Company's manufacturing operations are largely assembly-based.
A key element of the Company's growth strategy is to scale the Global Retail business through the Company's Design Within Reach ("DWR"), HAY, and Herman Miller retail operations. The Global Retail business provides a channel to bring MillerKnoll's iconic and design-centric products to retail customers, along with other proprietary and third-party products, with a focus on modern design. The Company continues to transform its Global Retail business through store expansion & fleet optimization, which will be complemented by continued focus on assortment expansion (including proprietary and exclusive products), the launch of new eCommerce sites and ongoing digital optimization of existing eCommerce sites and marketing programs.
The Company is comprised of various operating segments as defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The operating segments are determined on the basis of how the Company internally reports and evaluates financial information used to make operating decisions. The Company has identified the following segments:
•Americas Contract — Includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of furniture and textile products for work-related settings, including office, healthcare, and educational environments, throughout North America and South America.In addition to the Herman Miller brand, naughtone brand, and the DWR Contract business, this segment includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of high-craft furniture products and textiles including Geiger wood products, Maharam textiles, and Herman Miller Healthcare.
•International Contract — Includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of furniture products, primarily for work-related settings in Europe, the Middle East and Africa ("MEA") and Asia-Pacific including products from Colebrook Bosson Saunders (“CBS”), naughtone, and HAY.
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•Global Retail — Includes the operations associated with the sale of modern design furnishings and accessories direct to consumer sales through eCommerce, DWR stores and outlets, Herman Miller stores, and HAY stores, as well as to third-party retailers.
•Knoll — Includes the global operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of furniture products within the legacy Knoll brands, which includes Knoll, Datesweiser, Edelman Leather, Fully, Holly Hunt, KnollTextiles, Muuto, and Spinneybeck|FilzFelt.
The Company also reports a corporate category consisting primarily of unallocated corporate expenses related to general corporate functions, including, but not limited to, certain legal, executive, corporate finance, information technology, administrative, and acquisition-related costs.
Core Strengths
The Company relies on the following core strengths in delivering solutions to customers:
•Portfolio of Leading Brands and Products - MillerKnoll is a collective of globally recognized design brands known for working with some of the most well-known and respected designers in the world. Combined, the Company represents over 100 years of design research and exploration in service of humanity. Within the industries in which the Company operates, Herman Miller and Knoll, along withColebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, Design Within Reach, Edelman Leather, Fully, Geiger, HAY, Holly Hunt, Maars Living Walls, Maharam, Muuto, naughtone, and Spinneybeck|FilzFelt are acknowledged as leading brands that inspire architects and designers to create their best design solutions. This portfolio has enabled MillerKnoll to connect with new audiences, channels, geographies, and product categories. Leveraging the collective brand equity of MillerKnoll across the lines of business is an important element of the Company's business strategy.
•Problem-Solving Design and Innovation - The Company is committed to developing research-based functionality and aesthetically innovative new products and has a history of doing so, in collaboration with a global network of leading independent designers. The Company believes its skills and experience in matching problem-solving design with the workplace needs of customers provide the Company with a competitive advantage in the marketplace. An important component of the Company's business strategy is to actively pursue a program of new product research, design, and development. The Company accomplishes this through the use of an internal research and engineering staff that engages with third party design resources generally compensated on a royalty basis.
•Operational Excellence - The Company was among the first in the industry to embrace the concepts of lean manufacturing. MKPS provides the foundation for all the Company's manufacturing operations. The Company is committed to continuously improving both product quality and production and operational efficiency. The Company believes these concepts hold significant promise for further gains in reliability, quality, and efficiency.
•Omni-ChannelReach - The Company has built a multi-channel distribution capability that it considers unique. Through contract furniture dealers, direct customer sales, retail stores and studios, eCommerce, and independent retailers, the Company serves contract and residential customers across a range of channels and geographies.
•Global Scale - In addition to its global omni-channel distribution capability, the Company has a global network of designers, suppliers, manufacturing operations, and research and development centers that position the Company to serve contract and residential customers globally. The Company believes that leveraging this global scale will be an important enabler to executing its strategy.
Channels of Distribution
The Company's products and services are offered to most of its customers under standard trade credit terms between 30 and 45 days. For all the items below, revenue is recognized when control transfers to the customer. The Company's products and services are sold through the following distribution channels:
•Independent Contract Furniture Dealers - Most of the Company's product sales are made to a network of independently owned and operated contract furniture dealerships doing business in many countries around the world. These dealers purchase the Company's products and distribute them to end customers. Many of these dealers also offer furniture-related services, including product installation.
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•Direct Contract Sales - The Company sells products and services directly to end customers without an intermediary (e.g., sales to the U.S. federal government). In most of these instances, the Company contracts separately with a dealer or third-party installation company to provide sales-related services.
•eCommerce - The Company sells products in its portfolio of brands across the globe, through localized Herman Miller, Knoll, DWR, HAY and Fully websites. These sites complement the Company’s existing methods of distribution and extend the Company's brands' reach for new and existing customers and clients.
•Wholesale – Through both the Global Retail and Knoll segments, certain of the Company's products are sold on a wholesale basis to third-party retailers located in various markets around the world.
•Retail Locations - As of May 28, 2022, the Company operated 70 retail studios (including 35 operating under the DWR brand, 7 under the HAY brand, 22 Herman Miller stores, 2 Muuto stores, 3 Knoll stores and a multi-brand Chicago store). The business also operates 3 outlet studios.
Challenges Ahead
Like all businesses, the Company is faced with a host of challenges and risks. The Company believes its core strengths and values, which provide the foundation for its strategic direction, have prepared the Company to respond to the inevitable challenges it will face in the future. While the Company is confident in its direction, it acknowledges the risks specific to our business and industry. Refer to Item 1A for discussion of certain of these risk factors and Item 7A for disclosures of market risk.
Areas of Strategic Focus
Our strategy is designed to harness the full potential of MillerKnoll while driving growth across all business segments, geographies, and customer groups and creating value for all our stakeholders. We will capitalize on global trends including hybrid and flexible work, consumers’ focus on investing in their homes, a focus on health and well-being, and an expectation of corporate social responsibility. Our strategy includes five key focus areas:
Bring MillerKnoll to Life
We are following a detailed and deliberate plan to bring the best of all our brands together to create MillerKnoll, enabling us to achieve our purpose of design for the good of humankind as we remake modern for the 21st century. Our priorities include establishing and building the MillerKnoll culture; delivering on our synergy commitments of $100 million in annual run-rate savings by the end of year two post-acquisition and $120 million in run-rate savings by the end of year three; successfully executing our integration plans and initiatives; cultivating and enabling a strong global dealer network; and establishing worldwide supply chain and manufacturing capabilities to effectively serve our customers across all our channels.
Build a Customer-Centric, Digitally Enabled Business Model
Building a customer-centric and digitally enabled business model is foundational to bringing MillerKnoll to life and encompasses both our internal technology foundation and our digital go-to-market capabilities. Our goals include integrating our MillerKnoll systems and processes, shifting to a simpler systems architecture, serving our customers around the world through global eCommerce capabilities, harnessing data to enable our teams to make effective and timely decisions, and accelerating global automation and manufacturing 4.0 initiatives to improve the employee experience and increase accuracy, quality, and performance. With the launch of our MillerKnoll dealer network in North America, we expanded access to our proprietary end-to-end digital solution that makes it easier for our dealers to respond to customer requests faster with differentiated solutions, and we’re looking forward to bringing this to our international cross-selling dealers later this year.
Accelerate Profitable Growth
We believe there is opportunity for meaningful growth in each of our business segments and MillerKnoll is uniquely positioned to capitalize on these opportunities given the breadth of our Contract and Global Retail businesses and product portfolios, global reach, and omni-channel distribution and fulfillment capabilities. To capitalize on the opportunity ahead, we will seek to lead the industry in product innovation and design excellence; fortify the flagship Knoll and Herman Miller brands while nurturing and growing each of the brands within MillerKnoll; position the Americas Contract business to lead; drive outsized growth in International Contract; and continue transforming our Global Retail business.
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Attract, Develop, and Retain World-Class Talent
In creating MillerKnoll, we created the most talented team in the industry. We are committed to nurturing this distinct competitive advantage and will create a premiere employee experience while continuing to invest in our people so they can do their best work every day. Our priorities include enabling a seamless MillerKnoll employee experience via a global Human Resources technology platform; delivering an externally competitive and internally equitable compensation and benefits program; growing internal capabilities through development opportunities for all career levels; and investing to make MillerKnoll an employer of choice around the world.
Reinforce Our Commitment to Our People, Our Planet, and Our Communities
Our legacy of corporate social responsibility is deeply ingrained in our culture and is shared across all our brands. We will continue to reinforce our commitment to our people, planet, and communities in integrated and deliberate ways. We intend to hold ourselves accountable for forward progress against our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, building on the foundation of the 10 DEI actions we announced in 2020; progress on our 2030 sustainability goals, which we introduced in April 2022; be a force for good in our communities worldwide; and elevate our Better World commitments by developing common metrics and regularly sharing our progress internally and externally.
The Company believes its strategy continues to respond well to current and future realities in its markets. The Company's strategic priorities are aimed at creating a sustainable and diverse revenue model that puts the customer at the center of everything we do and leverages enabling digital capabilities to fully realize that vision.
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Business Overview
The following is a summary of the significant events and items impacting the Company's operations for the year ended May 28, 2022:
•On July 19, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Knoll, Inc. (“Knoll"), a leader in the design, manufacture, marketing, and sale of high-end furniture products and accessories for workplace and residential markets. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred for Knoll was approximately $1,887.3 million, which was comprised of cash of $1,176.6 million and $710.7 million of Knoll stock that was converted into Company awards. The Company funded the acquisition through cash on-hand and debt proceeds. The Company ended the fiscal year with total debt of $1,427.9 million. The Company has included the financial results of Knoll in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
•Net sales were $3,946.0 million, representing an increase of 60.1% when compared to the prior year. The increase in net sales was driven primarily by the consolidation of Knoll results from the date of acquisition of July 19, 2021, as well as from growth in the Americas Contract, Global Retail and International Contract segments. On an organic basis, net sales were $2,799.3 million(*), representing an increase of 13.6% when compared to the prior year.
•Gross margin was 34.3% as compared to 38.6% in the prior year. The change in gross margin was primarily driven by inflationary pressures on commodities, freight, and production costs; increased labor costs; and charges related to the purchase accounting effects of the Company's acquisition of Knoll. The decrease in margin was offset in part by price increases implemented at various points throughout the fiscal year.
•Operating expenses increased by $594.3 million or 82.7% as compared to the prior year. Operating expenses in fiscal year 2022 included $125 million of transaction and integration related costs associated with the Knoll acquisition and $51 million of charges related to the amortization of purchased intangible assets in the acquisition. After excluding the impact of purchase accounting amortization and the transaction and integration related costs, the addition of Knoll increased operating expenses by $348.4 million.
•The integration of the Knoll acquisition continues to progress as planned. We made good progress implementing cost synergies throughout the fiscal year, having achieved total annualized run-rate savings of $66 million by the end of the fourth quarter. This has us on track to deliver against our stated goal of achieving annualized cost synergies of $120 million within three years of closing.
•The effective tax rate was (130.1)% for fiscal 2022 compared to 21.2% for the prior year.
•Diluted earnings per share for the full year totaled a loss per share of $0.37 compared to an earnings per share of $2.94 last year. On an adjusted basis(*), diluted earnings per share totaled $1.92 in fiscal 2022 compared to $3.07 in fiscal 2021.
•The Company declared cash dividends of $0.75 per share compared to $0.56 per share in the prior year.
The following summary includes the Company's view on the economic environment in which it operates:
•The Company's Global Retail segment supports a range of furniture categories aimed at the home environment. Several of these categories, including Seating and Dining, Upholstery, Storage, Gaming, and Accessories saw a ramp-up in sales during fiscal 2022. The workspace category experienced a decline in sales volume within the Global Retail segment, driven by shifting consumer spending patterns.
•While customer demand was strong across segments throughout fiscal 2022, the Company’s results were impacted by global supply chain and labor shortages as well as inflationary pressures, especially steel, freight, fuel costs, and production labor. The Company took a variety of actions to offset the impact of these pressures, including price increases, supplier diversification, shifting production across manufacturing facilities, and hiring and retention initiatives to increase production staffing. These actions have helped mitigate some of the impact of these pressures. As of May 28, 2022 lead times on the majority of new orders have returned to near normal levels and staffing levels have stabilized. The Company is continuing to carefully monitor these macroeconomic indicators and will respond accordingly as circumstances warrant.
•The Company is monitoring the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Company stopped fulfilling orders in Russia and Belarus in compliance with economic sanctions from the United States, European Union, and the United Kingdom.
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•The Company continues to navigate the impact of global tariffs. The Company believes, based upon existing circumstances, that pricing, strategic sourcing actions and profit optimization initiatives have fully offset the current level of tariffs imposed on imports from China.
•The Company's financial performance is sensitive to changes in certain input costs, including steel and steel component parts. The market price of steel in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 was higher than the same period of the prior year and negatively impacted consolidated results on a year-over-year basis. The price of steel unfavorably impacted consolidated gross margin in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. However, ongoing cost reduction initiatives and price increases are expected to help offset these pressures over time.
The remaining sections of Item 7 include additional analysis of the fiscal year ended May 28, 2022, including discussion of significant variances compared to the prior year period. A detailed review of our fiscal 2021 performance compared to our fiscal 2020 performance is set forth in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 29, 2021.
(*) Non-GAAP measurements; see accompanying reconciliations and explanations.
COVID-19 Update
The Company continues to respond to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Demand for certain of the Company's products and services, particularly in the Contract channel of the business, has been negatively impacted. We believe the investments we’ve made in people, technology, and products have positioned us well to capitalize on emerging opportunities as our customers' needs have changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This has allowed our Retail business to take advantage of companies moving towards hybrid working arrangements as well as "home is my castle" trends as consumers are focusing on and upgrading their broader home environments. Despite this, the duration of the pandemic, supply chain constraints, future demand for our products, and related impacts remain difficult to estimate.
Employee Safety and Health
The health and well-being of our employees remains top of mind. We continue to take a regional approach to restrictions based on active COVID-19 case levels and recommendations from local health authorities. Where needed, we employ a variety of other safety measures including domestic and international travel restrictions, extensive cleaning protocols, temperature and health screenings, personal protective equipment, and visitor safety guidelines that align with current recommendations. We continue to encourage vaccinations with our employees.
Federal Contractor Vaccine Mandate
On September 9, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors (Order). The Order directs various executive departments and agencies to contractually obligate federal contractors and their subcontractors to comply with certain workplace safety standards concerning COVID-19. To implement the Order, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force issued its COVID-19 Workplace Safety Guidance for federal contractors on September 24, 2021. Through a series of subsequent orders and memoranda, the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council and other federal agencies published their own instructions for implementation of the Order by federal contractors and their subcontractors. In December 2021, a federal court in Georgia enjoined requirements of the Order. Since then, other courts have entered similar injunctions. As such, the Order was not in effect as of the end of fiscal 2022.
MillerKnoll is a party to numerous federal government contracts. We took prompt and appropriate steps in preparation for compliance with the Order and are actively monitoring the status of the pending litigation related to the Order, as well as the impact of such challenges on our obligations under the mandate.
Customer Focus
We remain uniquely positioned to serve our customers through multiple channels with a comprehensive portfolio of products. As our customers develop their post-pandemic work plans, there is a notable shift to work being done from a number of places. We are an advocate that work can happen anywhere. The office is not going away; rather, it is a re-imagined purposeful space. We are taking a human-centered, people first approach to space. We are uniquely equipped with the expertise to help customers build healthy and inspirational spaces in their offices and home. We are committed to inclusive design and believe that a hybrid environment can deliver inclusive, flexible experiences.
Our focus and digital investments in our retail business continue to pay off as we meet customers where they are looking to do business with us. We have begun to offer products from MillerKnoll brands across multiple websites. Investments in our retail
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operations and systems are making it easier for customers to do business with us, we are introducing new and enhanced eCommerce sites globally, and social media and email marketing continue to drive conversion.
We also are continuing to invest in brick-and-mortar retail spaces that allow our customers to experience our products firsthand. Our global fleet of stores, studios, and showrooms continues to be a strong customer acquisition tool, bringing new customers to our brands around the world.
Manufacturing and Retail Operations
Current labor and supply chain constraints have put pressure on the ability of our manufacturing operations to increase capacity as order volume has increased; however, we are making strong progress towards returning to previous lead times and reliability across MillerKnoll.
Following new guidance from the CDC, our U.S.-based operations recently lifted all COVID-19 restrictions due to low community levels of spread. We are carefully monitoring and adapting to local guidance from government and health authorities in other regions around the world and will continue to adapt as conditions evolve.
Cost Reductions
In fiscal 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company implemented a range of actions aimed at temporarily reducing costs and maintaining liquidity. These actions included voluntary and involuntary workforce reductions, a 10% reduction in cash compensation for a majority of the Company's salaried workforce and an additional 15% salary deferral of the Company's executive leadership team. Additionally the Company temporarily suspended the quarterly dividend payout and certain employer-paid retirement contributions, compensation increases and cash incentive bonus programs.
In fiscal 2021, the Company made the decision to move forward with several restorative actions. This included eliminating the 10% reduction in compensation, the introduction of a modified bonus program and re-establishing a quarterly cash dividend program. In addition, the Company reinstated the previously suspended employer-paid retirement plan contributions in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, and elected to make a catch-up contribution for the employer-paid retirement plan contributions that were suspended for a majority of fiscal 2021. The Company will continue to evaluate further ways to manage costs in line with business performance.
Change in Accounting Principle
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, we elected to change our method of accounting for the cost of certain inventories within our Americas segment from the last-in, first-out method (“LIFO”) to first-in, first-out method (“FIFO”). With this change there are no longer any inventories accounted for under the LIFO method. We have retrospectively adjusted the Consolidated Financial Statements for all periods presented to reflect this change. See Note 1, Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies for the impact this retrospective change in the method of valuing inventories made on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the periods presented.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This presentation contains non-GAAP financial measures that are not in accordance with, nor an alternative to, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and may be different from non-GAAP measures presented by other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures are not measurements of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to the related GAAP measurement. These non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Our presentation of non-GAAP measures should not be construed as an indication that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or infrequent items. We compensate for these limitations by providing equal prominence of our GAAP results. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are provided in the financial tables included within this presentation. The Company believes these non-GAAP measures are useful for investors as they provide financial information on a more comparative basis for the periods presented.
The non-GAAP financial measures referenced within this presentation include: Adjusted Earnings per Share, Adjusted Operating Earnings (Loss), and Organic Growth (Decline).
Adjusted Earnings per Share represents reported diluted earnings per share excluding the impact from amortization of purchased intangibles, acquisition and integration charges, debt extinguishment charges, restructuring expenses, other special charges or gains and the related tax effect of these adjustments. These adjustments are described further below.
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Adjusted Operating Earnings (Loss) represents reported operating earnings plus acquisition and integration charges, amortization of purchased intangibles, restructuring expenses and other special charges or gains. These adjustments are described further below.
Organic Growth represents the change in sales and orders, excluding currency translation effects and the impact of acquisitions and divestitures.
•Amortization of purchased intangibles:Includes expenses associated with the amortization of inventory step-up and amortization of acquisition related intangibles acquired as part of the Knoll acquisition. The revenue generated by the associated intangible assets has not been excluded from the related non-GAAP financial measure. We exclude the impact of the amortization of purchased intangibles, including the fair value adjustment to inventory, as such non-cash amounts were significantly impacted by the size of the Knoll acquisition. Furthermore, we believe that this adjustment enables better comparison of our results as Amortization of Purchased Intangibles will not recur in future periods once such intangible assets have been fully amortized. Any future acquisitions may result in the amortization of additional intangible assets. Although we exclude the Amortization of Purchased Intangibles in these non-GAAP measures, we believe that it is important for investors to understand that such intangible assets were recorded as part of purchase accounting and contribute to revenue generation.
•Acquisition and integration charges: Includes costs related directly to the Knoll acquisition including legal, accounting and other professional fees as well as integration-related costs. Integration-related costs include severance, accelerated stock-based compensation expenses, asset impairment charges, and other cost reduction efforts or reorganization initiatives.
•Debt extinguishment charges: Includes expenses associated with the extinguishment of debt as part of financing the Knoll acquisition. We excluded these items from our non-GAAP measures because they relate to a specific transaction and are not reflective of our ongoing financial performance.
•Gain on sale of dealer: Includes the gain recorded on the divestiture of an owned dealership.
•Legal settlement gain: Includes the gain recorded on the settlement of a legal matter in fiscal 2021.
•Restructuring expenses: Include actions involving facilities consolidation and optimization, targeted workforce reductions, and costs associated with an early retirement program.
•Special charges: Includes certain costs arising as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and retroactive payments related to reinstated employee benefits made in the prior year. Retroactive payments related to reinstated employee benefits were an adjustment to Operating Earnings and Earnings Per Share in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, but not for the full year.
•Tax related items: We excluded the income tax benefit/provision effect of the tax related items from our non-GAAP measures because they are not associated with the tax expense on our ongoing operating results.
Tables below summarize select financial information, for the periods indicated, related to each of the Company’s reportable segments. The Americas Contract segment includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of furniture products for work-related settings, including office, education, and healthcare environments, throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America. Americas Contract also includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of high-craft furniture products and textiles including Geiger wood products, Maharam textiles, naughtone and Herman Miller Healthcare products. The International Contract segment includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of furniture products, primarily for work-related settings, in the European, Middle East and Asia-Pacific geographic regions. The Global Retail segment includes the global operations associated with the sale of modern design furnishings and accessories to third party retail distributors, as well as direct to consumer sales through eCommerce and Design Within Reach, HAY, and Herman Miller retail stores and studios. The Knoll segment includes the global operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of furniture products within the Knoll constellation of brands. Corporate costs represent unallocated expenses related to general corporate functions, including, but not limited to, certain legal, executive, corporate finance, information technology, administrative and acquisition-related costs.
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The following table reconciles net sales to organic net sales for the years ended as indicated below (in millions):
Adjustments
Currency Translation Effects (1) (1.0) 8.4 7.0 — — 14.4
Adjustments
Acquisitions — — — — — —
Dealer Divestitures (1.9) — — — — (1.9)
(1) Currency translation effects represent the estimated net impact of translating current period sales using the average exchange rates applicable to the comparable prior year period
The following table reconciles EPS to Adjusted EPS for the years ended as of indicated below:
(Loss) Earnings per Share - Diluted $ (0.37) $ 2.94
Add: Amortization of purchased intangibles 0.87 —
Add: Acquisition and integration charges 1.71 0.17
Add: Special Charges (0.01) 0.02
Add: Restructuring Charges — 0.03
Add: Debt extinguishment 0.18 —
Less: Gain on legal settlement — (0.08)
Less: Gain on sale of dealer (0.03) —
Tax impact on adjustments (0.43) (0.01)
Adjusted Earnings per Share - Diluted $ 1.92 $ 3.07
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Financial Results
The following is a comparison of our annual results of operations and year-over-year percentage changes for the periods indicated:
(Dollars in millions) Fiscal 2022 Fiscal 2021 % Change
(Loss) earnings before income taxes and equity income (8.6) 228.3 (103.8) %
Equity income from nonconsolidated affiliates, net of tax — 0.3 (100.0) %
Net earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 7.4 5.7 29.8
Net (loss) earnings attributable to MillerKnoll, Inc. $ (27.1) $ 174.6 (115.5) %
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the components of the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as a percentage of Net sales:
Operating earnings 1.0 9.4
Other expenses, net 1.2 0.2
(Loss) earnings before income taxes and equity income (0.2) 9.3
Income tax expense 0.3 2.0
Equity income from nonconsolidated affiliates, net of tax — —
Net (loss) earnings (0.5) 7.3
Net earnings attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests 0.2 0.2
Net (loss) earnings attributable to MillerKnoll, Inc. (0.7) 7.1
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Net Sales
The following chart presents graphically the primary drivers of the year-over-year change in Net sales. The amounts presented in the bar graph are expressed in millions and have been rounded.
Net sales increased $1,480.9 million or 60.1% compared to the prior year fiscal period. The following items primarily contributed to the change:
•Increase of $1,161.1 million due to the acquisition of Knoll.
•List price increases, net of incremental discounting, of approximately $55 million.
•Increased sales volume within the Americas Contract segment of approximately $101 million, driven by continued improvement in the demand environment as organizations accelerated their return to the workplace.
•Increased sales volume within the International Contract segment of approximately $100 million, which was driven by growth from both local customers and global corporate accounts.
•Increased sales volume within the Global Retail segment of approximately $78 million, driven by investments made to strengthen operational foundations, efforts to drive new customer acquisition, and actions to increase sales channels, brands, price points, and overall assortment available for customers.
•Foreign currency translation had a negative impact on Net sales of approximately $14 million.
Gross Margin
Gross margin was 34.3% for fiscal 2022 as compared to 38.6% for fiscal 2021. The following factors summarize the major drivers of the year-over-year change in gross margin percentage:
•Cost pressures from commodities, freight, and product distribution costs had a negative impact on gross margin of approximately 330 basis points.
•Increased labor costs, including the impact of benefits reinstated at the end of the last fiscal year, had a negative impact on margin of approximately 70 basis points.
•Amortization of purchased intangibles related to the Knoll acquisition had a negative impact on gross margin of approximately 30 basis points.
•Price increases offset by discounting helped offset some of these pressures by approximately 90 basis points.
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•Unfavorable channel and product mix contributed to the remaining decrease in gross margin. In the prior year, our business benefited from a relatively high mix of office seating sales as individuals purchased products for home office use during the pandemic. While we continue to realize strong demand for these products in our Retail segment, the mix of these products sold in the current fiscal year was not as high as in the comparable period.
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Operating Expenses
The following chart presents graphically the primary drivers of the year-over-year change in Operating expenses. The amounts presented in the bar graph are expressed in millions and have been rounded.
Operating expenses increased by $594.3 million or 82.7% compared to the prior year fiscal period. The following factors contributed to the change:
•The acquisition of Knoll during the year had the following impact on operating expenses as compared to the prior year.
◦$125 million of acquisition and integration related charges, which include severance and related charges for employee separations, asset impairment charges and professional fees, and other incremental third-party expenses directly related to the transaction and subsequent integration.
◦$51 million of expenses related to the amortization of purchased intangibles from the Knoll acquisition.
◦Knoll operating expenses, excluding integration related costs incurred by Knoll and amortization of purchased intangibles, contributed $349 million to the increase as compared to the prior year.
•Compensation and benefit costs increased approximately $26 million as compared to the prior year due primarily to the return of certain employee benefits and compensation that were temporarily suspended during portions of the prior year to mitigate the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as from increases in variable-based compensation.
•An increase of $18 million related to the expansion of physical store locations within the Global Retail segment.
•Increased spending in technology and digital tools across the segments, representing an increase of $15 million.
•Increased marketing and selling costs of approximately $10 million, driven by both the Global Retail and Americas segments.
Other Income/Expense
Net other expenses for fiscal 2022 were $48.4 million compared to $4.2 million in fiscal 2021. Other income/expense in the twelve months ended May 28, 2022 included a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $13.4 million, which represented the premium on early debt redemption as well as an increase in interest expense of $23.8 million, related to higher levels of debt required to finance the acquisition of Knoll. The impact of net foreign currency transaction losses resulted in an increase in expense of $4.1 million. Each of these items contributed to the increased expense as compared to the same period in the prior year.
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Income Taxes
See Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
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Operating Segments Results
The business is comprised of various operating segments as defined by U.S. GAAP. These operating segments are determined on the basis of how the Company internally reports and evaluates financial information used to make operating decisions. The segments identified by the Company include Americas Contract, International Contract, Global Retail, and Knoll. The Company also reports a “Corporate” category consisting primarily of unallocated expenses related to general corporate functions, including, but not limited to, certain legal, executive, corporate finance, information technology, administrative and acquisition-related costs. Effective as of May 30, 2021, the beginning of fiscal year 2022, the Company implemented an organizational change that resulted in a change in the reportable segments. The Company has recast historical results to reflect this change. For descriptions of each segment, refer to Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The charts below present the relative mix of net sales and operating earnings across each of the Company's segments. This is followed by a discussion of the Company's results, by segment.
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Americas Contract ("Americas")
(Dollars in millions) Fiscal 2022 Fiscal 2021 Change
Operating earnings % 3.1 % 7.2 % (4.1) %
Net sales increased 11.0%, or 11.1%(*) on an organic basis, over the prior year due to:
•Increased sales volume of approximately $101 million, due primarily to increased demand as customers implemented return to workplace plans after reduced order volume during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
•The favorable impact of price increases, net of incremental discounting, of approximately $42 million and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation which increased sales by approximately $1 million.
Operating earnings decreased $49.1 million, or 52.5%, over the prior year due to:
•Decreased gross margin of $28.1 million due to a decrease in gross margin percentage of 540 basis points, offset in part by increased sales volumes. The decrease in gross margin percentage was due primarily to the impact of higher commodity, labor, freight, and product distribution costs; and
•Increased operating expenses of $21.0 million driven primarily by increased marketing and selling expenses of approximately $2 million, increased product development expenses of approximately $5 million, increased compensation and benefit expenses of $7 million, and increased expense from digital and technology programs of approximately $9 million.
International Contract ("International")
(Dollars in millions) Fiscal 2022 Fiscal 2021 Change
Net sales increased 21.0%, or 23.1%(*) on an organic basis, over the prior year due to:
•Increased sales volume of approximately $100 million, driven by growth across all geographies within the segment; partially offset by
•Incremental discounting, which reduced sales by $8 million, and the impact of foreign currency translation, which reduced sales by approximately $8 million. The impact of discounting was driven by larger than average project sizes across the business, as well as increased sales volume, as a percentage of total mix, from geographies with generally higher levels of discounting.
Operating earnings increased $10.8 million, or 22.3%, compared to the prior year due to:
•Increased gross margin of $21.6 million due to the increase in sales explained above, offset in part by decreased gross margin percentage of 140 basis points due primarily to increased material, freight and distribution costs, increased levels of discounting, and the unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation; offset by
•Increased operating expenses of $10.8 million driven primarily by increased compensation and benefit costs as well as increased costs associated with product development.
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Global Retail
(Dollars in millions) Fiscal 2022 Fiscal 2021 Change
Operating earnings % 11.2 % 18.7 % (7.5) %
Net sales increased 12.1% as reported and 13.0%(*) on an organic basis, over the prior year due to:
•Increased sales volumes of approximately $78 million which were driven primarily by broad growth across the brands and geographies within the segment; and
•Incremental price increases, net of discounting, of approximately $21 million; offset in part by
•The unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation, which decreased sales by approximately $7 million.
Operating earnings decreased $46.8 million over the prior year due to:
•Increased operating expenses of $53.2 million driven primarily by increased studio costs associated with the opening of new locations, increased compensation and benefit costs as certain compensation and benefits suspended in the prior year were returned and higher IT costs driven by increased investments within the Company's digital and eCommerce platforms; offset in part by
•Increased gross margin of $6.4 million due to the increase in sales explained above, offset in part by a decreased gross margin percentage of 450 basis points due primarily to the unfavorable impact of increased freight and product distribution costs, pressure from increased product material costs and unfavorable changes in product mix.
Knoll
(Dollars in millions) Fiscal 2022 Fiscal 2021 Change
Gross margin % 33.8 % N/A N/A
Operating (loss) earnings (57.6) — (57.6)
Operating earnings % (4.8) % N/A N/A
The Company acquired Knoll on July 19, 2021 and has consolidated the financial results of Knoll from the acquisition date through the period ended May 28, 2022. Knoll contributed $1,161.1 million (net of intersegment elimination) in sales for the year and $401.7 million of gross margin.
Knoll operating loss of $57.6 million for the fiscal year includes the following items:
•$63.4 million related to the impact of amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets; and
•$60.3 million related to integration related costs, which include severance and related charges for employee separations and asset impairment charges.
Corporate
Corporate unallocated expenses totaled $102.6 million for fiscal 2022, an increase of $50.0 million from fiscal 2021. The increase was driven primarily by $57.6 million of integration and transaction costs related to the Knoll acquisition, compared to $11.0 million of integration and transaction costs recorded in the prior year.
(*) Non-GAAP measurements; see accompanying reconciliations and explanations.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
The table below summarizes the net change in cash and cash equivalents for the fiscal years indicated.
Fiscal Year Ended
Cash (used in) provided by:
Operating activities $ (11.9) $ 332.3
Effect of exchange rate changes (21.7) 17.7
Net change in cash and cash equivalents $ (166.1) $ (57.6)
Cash Flow — Operating Activities
Cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2022 was $11.9 million, as compared to cash provided of $332.3 million in the prior year. The change in cash from operating activities as compared to the prior year, was primarily due to:
•A decrease in net earnings of $201.7 million largely driven by acquisition and integration related charges of $124.5 million as well as cost pressures from commodities, labor, and freight and product distribution resulting in a lower gross margin percentage; and
•An increase in current assets primarily driven by an increase in accounts receivable of $92.4 million in fiscal 2022 compared to an increase of $14.8 million in fiscal 2021. The increase in accounts receivable is primarily due to timing and increase in sales at the end of fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021;
•An increase of inventory of $166.4 million in fiscal 2022 compared to an increase of $10.4 million in fiscal 2021 due to increased order volumes from the end of fiscal 2021 as well as higher investments in retail inventories made in the current year due to extended supplier and delivery lead times;
•An increase in prepaid taxes of $21.6 million in fiscal 2022 driven by an expected tax benefit for the current year; and
•An increase in accounts payable of $51.5 million in fiscal 2022 compared to an increase of $43.2 million in fiscal 2021 which was a result of timing and increased inventory purchases in fiscal 2022 compared to fiscal 2021.
The increases above were offset by an increase of depreciation and amortization in fiscal 2022 of $40.0 million and $63.4 million, respectively, primarily related to assets purchased as part of the Knoll acquisition as well as an increase in stock based compensation of $22.4 million. The increase in stock based compensation included the impact of accelerated vesting for employee separations associated with the Knoll acquisition.
Cash Flow — Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2022 totaled $1,172.4 million compared to $59.9 million in the prior year. The increase in cash outflow in the current year, compared to the prior year, was primarily a result of the following:
•The acquisition of Knoll, which drove a cash outflow, net of cash acquired, of $1,088.5 million; and
•Capital expenditures for the current year were $94.7 million as compared to $59.8 million in the prior year.
These increases were offset by a cash inflow of $7.7 million from the liquidation of previously held short-term investments, as well as proceeds of $2.8 million from the sale of an owned dealership during fiscal year 2022.
At the end of the fiscal 2022, there were outstanding commitments for capital purchases of $53.6 million. The Company plans to fund these commitments with cash on hand and/or cash generated from operations. The Company expects capital spending in fiscal 2023 to be between $150 million and $160 million, which will be primarily related to investments in the Company's facilities and equipment, investments to achieve costs synergies related to the Knoll acquisition, and investments associated with achieving the Company's sustainability goals.
Cash Flow — Financing Activities
Cash provided from financing activities was $1,039.9 million in fiscal 2022 as compared to cash used in financing activities of $347.7 million in fiscal 2021. The increase in cash provided in the current year, compared to the prior year, was primarily due
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to net borrowings of $1,007.0 million from the credit agreement the Company entered into during Q1 and proceeds of $1,026.5 million on the Company's credit facility.
These increases were offset by:
•Payments of $63.4 million related to the extinguishment of the Company's former debt agreement;
•Payments of $13.1 million related to the Company's term loans;
•Payments of $838.5 million on the Company's credit facility compared to $265.0 million in the prior year;
•Dividends paid of $54.5 million in the current year compared to $34.5 million in the prior year; and
•Common stock repurchased of $16.2 million compared to $0.9 million in the prior year.
Sources of Liquidity
In addition to steps taken to protect its workforce and manage business operations, the Company has taken actions to safeguard its capital position in the current environment. The Company is closely managing spending levels, capital investments, and working capital.
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, we temporarily suspended open market share repurchase activity as part of managing cash flows associated with uncertainty caused by the pandemic. Going forward, we are re-establishing our open market share repurchase program under our existing share repurchase authorization and may repurchase shares from time to time based on management’s evaluation of market conditions, share price and other factors.
At the end of fiscal 2022, the Company has access to liquidity through credit facilities, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. These sources have been summarized below. For additional information, refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cash and cash equivalents $ 230.3 $ 396.4
Marketable securities — 7.7
Availability under revolving lines of credit 296.6 265.2
Of the cash and cash equivalents noted above at the end of fiscal 2022, the Company had $218.5 million of cash and cash equivalents held outside the United States.
The Company’s revolving line of credit, which matures in July, 2026, provides the Company with up to $725 million in revolving variable interest borrowing capacity and allows the Company to borrow incremental amounts, at its option, subject to negotiated terms as outlined in the agreement. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at rates based on the prime rate, federal funds rate, London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), or negotiated terms as outlined in the agreement. See Note 6 for information on the replacement of LIBOR with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") in our credit agreement.
As of May 28, 2022, the total debt outstanding related to borrowings under the syndicated revolving line of credit was $413.0 million with available borrowings against this facility of $296.6 million.
The Company intends to repatriate $111.1 million in cash held in certain foreign jurisdictions and as such has recorded a deferred tax liability related to foreign withholding taxes on these future dividends received in the U.S. from foreign subsidiaries of $8.3 million. A significant portion of this cash was previously taxed under the U.S. Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) one-time U.S. tax liability on undistributed foreign earnings. The Company intends to remain indefinitely reinvested in the remaining undistributed earnings outside the U.S., which was $331.3 million on May 28, 2022.
The Company believes that its financial resources will allow it to manage the impact of COVID-19 on business operations for the foreseeable future which could include materially reduced revenue and profits. The Company will continue to evaluate its financial position in light of future developments, particularly those relating to COVID-19.
Contingencies
The Company is involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such proceedings and litigation currently pending will not materially affect the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information relating to contingencies.
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Basis of Presentation
The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to May 31. The fiscal years ended May 28, 2022, May 29, 2021 and May 30, 2020 contained 52 weeks.
Contractual Obligations
Contractual obligations associated with our ongoing business and financing activities will result in cash payments in future periods. The following table summarizes the amounts and estimated timing of these future cash payments. Further information regarding debt obligations can be found in Note 6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Additional information related to operating leases can be found in Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Payments due by fiscal year
Stockholder dividends (3) 14.8 14.8 — — —
(1) Includes the current portion of long-term debt. Contractual cash payments on long-term debt obligations are disclosed herein based on the amounts borrowed as of May 28, 2022 and the maturity date of the underlying debt. Estimated future interest payments on our outstanding interest-bearing debt obligations are based on interest rates as of May 28, 2022. Actual cash outflows may differ significantly due to changes in borrowings or interest rates.
(2) Pension plan funding commitments are known for a 12-month period for those plans that are funded; unfunded pension and post-retirement plan funding amounts are equal to the estimated benefit payments. As of May 28, 2022, the total projected benefit obligation for our domestic and international employee pension benefit plans was $257.1 million.
(3) Represents the dividend payable as of May 28, 2022. Future dividend payments are not considered contractual obligations until declared.
(4) Other contractual obligations primarily represent long-term commitments related to deferred and supplemental employee compensation benefits, and other post-employment benefits.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our goal is to report financial results clearly and understandably. We follow accounting principles generally accepted in the United States in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, which require us to make certain estimates and apply judgments that affect our financial position and results of operations. We continually review our accounting policies and financial information disclosures. These policies and disclosures are reviewed at least annually with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
We believe that of our significant accounting policies, which are described in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements, the following accounting policies and specific estimates involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity.
Business Combinations
Accounting for business combinations requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially at the acquisition date with respect to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed and pre-acquisition contingencies. We use our best estimates and assumptions to accurately assign fair value to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date as well as the useful lives of those acquired intangible assets.
We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is allocated to goodwill. The allocation of the purchase consideration requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. These estimates are reviewed with our advisors and can include, but are not limited to:
•future expected cash flows from acquired customer relationships and trade names,
•assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the trademarks, and
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•discount rates
Our estimates of fair value are based upon reasonable assumptions but are inherently uncertain and unpredictable, and as a result, actual results may differ from these estimates. During the measurement period, which is up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are recorded to earnings. During fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2020, management considered the acquisition of Knoll and HAY material acquisitions, respectively. There were no material acquisitions during fiscal 2021. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangibles
We perform our annual impairment assessment for goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets each year as of March 31 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment might be possible. We may consider qualitative factors to assess if it is more likely than not that the fair value for goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets is below the carrying amount. We may also elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative assessment.
When the Company performs a quantitative assessment, the Company makes estimates about fair value by using a weighting of the income and the market approach. The income approach is based on projected discounted cash flows using a market participant discount rate. The market approach is based on financial multiples of companies comparable to each reporting unit and applies a control premium. We corroborate the fair value through a market capitalization reconciliation to determine if the implied control premium is reasonable based on the qualitative considerations, such as recent market transactions.
The Company believes its assumptions for assessing the impairment of its long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite-lived trade names are reasonable, but future changes in the underlying assumptions could occur due to the inherent uncertainty in making such estimates.
Further declines in the Company’s operating results due to challenging economic conditions, an unfavorable industry or macroeconomic development or other adverse changes in market conditions could change one of the key assumptions the Company uses to calculate the fair value of its long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite-lived trade names, which could result in a further decline in fair value and require the Company to record an impairment charge in future periods.
Goodwill
Certain business acquisitions have resulted in the recording of goodwill. At May 28, 2022 and May 29, 2021, we had goodwill recorded within the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $1,226.2 million and $364.2 million, respectively.
Each of the reporting units were reviewed for impairment using a qualitative assessment as of March 31, 2022. The Company elected to test each reporting unit qualitatively, as is permitted under ASU 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, as the Company concluded it to be more likely than not that their estimated fair values are greater than their respective carrying values. In fiscal 2020, the Company recorded $125.5 million in goodwill impairment charges related to both the Global Retail and Maharam reporting units. No impairment charges were recorded in fiscal 2021 or 2022.
In years where a quantitative assessment is performed, the Company utilizes a weighting of the income approach and the market method to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. These approaches are based on a discounted cash flow analysis and observable comparable company information that use several inputs, including:
•actual and forecasted revenue growth rates and operating margins,
•discount rates based on the reporting unit's weighted average cost of capital, and
•revenue and EBITDA of comparable companies
The Company corroborates the reasonableness of the inputs and outcomes of our discounted cash flow analysis through a market capitalization reconciliation to determine whether the implied control premium is reasonable.
Generally, changes in estimates of expected future cash flows would have a similar effect on the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. For example, a 1.0% decrease in estimated annual future cash flows would decrease the estimated fair value of the reporting unit by approximately 1.0%. The estimated long-term growth rate can have a significant impact on the estimated future cash flows, and therefore, the fair value of each reporting unit. Of the other key assumptions that impact the estimated fair values, most reporting units have the greatest sensitivity to changes in the estimated discount rate.
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Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Certain business acquisitions have resulted in the recording of trade names as indefinite-lived intangible assets, which are not amortized. At May 28, 2022 and May 29, 2021, we had trade name assets with a carrying value of $501.0 million and $97.6 million, respectively.
The Company evaluates indefinite-lived trade name intangible assets for impairment annually. The Company also tests for impairment if events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is below its carrying amount. An impairment charge is recorded if the carrying amount of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds the estimated fair value on the measurement date. During fiscal 2020, the Company adjusted the carrying value of all its trade names to fair value, and as a result recognized $53.3 million in non-cash impairment charges on its indefinite-lived trade names. No impairment charges were recorded in fiscal 2021 or 2022.
In fiscal 2022, the Company performed a qualitative assessment to test indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment for all trade names with the exception of the Company's HAY trade name. A quantitative assessment was performed for the HAY trade name to test the indefinite-lived intangible asset for impairment. Through the performance of this assessment management determined that the fair value of the HAY indefinite-lived trade name was 41% above its carrying value. In performing this quantitative assessment, we estimate the fair value of this intangible asset using the relief-from-royalty method which requires assumptions related to:
•forecasted revenue growth rates,
•assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the trademark, and
•a market participant discount rate based on a weighted-average cost of capital.
The assumptions above reflect management’s best estimate; however, actual results could differ from our estimates. If the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, we would recognize an impairment charge.
Long-lived Assets
The Company evaluates other long-lived assets and acquired business units for indicators of impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. If such indicators are present, the future undiscounted cash flows attributable to the asset group are compared to the carrying value of the asset or asset group. The judgments regarding the existence of impairment are based on market conditions, operational performance, and estimated future cash flows. If the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired, an impairment charge is recorded to adjust the asset to its estimated fair value. In fiscal 2022 the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $15.5 million related to the discontinued use of a long-lived asset that was a direct result of integration activities associated with the Knoll acquisition. No impairment charges were recorded in fiscal 2021 for long-lived assets. During fiscal 2020, the Company adjusted the carrying value of certain right of use assets and other long-lived assets and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $19.6 million.
The Company believes its assumptions for assessing the impairment of its long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite-lived trade names are reasonable, but if actual results are not consistent with management's estimates and assumptions, a material impairment charge could occur, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to new accounting standards.
Forward Looking Statements
This report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements relate to future events and anticipated results of operations, business strategies, the anticipated benefits of our 2021 acquisition of Knoll, the anticipated impact of the acquisition on the combined Company’s business and future financial and operating results, the expected amount and timing of synergies from the acquisition, and other aspects of our operations or operating results. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” “estimates” or other words or phrases of similar import. It is uncertain whether any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on the results of operations and financial condition of
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MillerKnoll or the price of MillerKnoll’s stock. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond MillerKnoll’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the impact of public health crises, such as pandemics (including COVID-19) and epidemics, and any related company or government policies and actions to protect the health and safety of individuals or government policies or actions to maintain the functioning of national or global economies and markets; challenges related to supply chain disruptions and fluctuations in the cost of raw materials, labor, and other production inputs; risks related to the additional debt incurred in connection with our acquisition of Knoll and our ability to comply with our debt covenants and obligations; the risk that the anticipated benefits of the acquisition will be more costly to realize than expected; the effect of the announcement of the acquisition on the ability of MillerKnoll to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and others with whom MillerKnoll does business, or on MillerKnoll’s operating results and business generally; the ability to successfully integrate Knoll’s operations; the ability of MillerKnoll to implement its plans, forecasts and other expectations with respect to MillerKnoll’s business after the completion of the acquisition and realize expected synergies; business disruption following the acquisition; general economic conditions; the availability and pricing of raw materials; the financial strength of our dealers and the financial strength of our customers; the success of newly-introduced products; the pace and level of government procurement; and the outcome of pending litigation or governmental audits or investigations. For additional information about other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, please refer to MillerKnoll’s periodic reports and other filings with the SEC, including the risk factors identified in this report. The forward-looking statements included in this report are made only as of the date hereof. MillerKnoll does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.
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Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company manufactures, markets, and sells its products throughout the world and, as a result, is subject to changing economic conditions, which could reduce the demand for its products.
Direct Material Costs
The Company is exposed to risks arising from price changes for certain direct materials and assembly components used in its operations. The largest of such costs incurred by the Company are for steel, plastics, textiles, wood particleboard and aluminum components. The impact from changes in all commodity prices increased the Company's costs by approximately $55.3 million during fiscal 2022 compared to the prior year. The impact from changes in commodity prices lowered the Company's costs by approximately $0.9 million during fiscal 2021 as compared to fiscal 2020. Note that these changes include the impact of Chinese tariffs on the Company's direct material costs.
The market prices for commodities will fluctuate over time and the Company acknowledges that such changes are likely to impact its costs for key direct materials and assembly components. Consequently, it views the prospect of such changes as an outlook risk to the business.
Shortages and disruption in the steel industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the availability of steel. While this reduction in availability has not had a significant impact on our ability to produce and deliver products to our customers, it has negatively impacted the cost of procuring steel. Significant increases in raw materials can be difficult to offset with price increases due to existing contractual agreements with customers as well as difficulty finding effective financial instruments to hedge these changes. In the short term, our gross margin has been and is expected to be negatively impacted by significant increases in these costs. Our profitability could be negatively impacted in the long term if we are not able to pass along these higher raw material costs to our customers.
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company primarily manufactures its products in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, Italy, India, Mexico and Brazil. It also sources completed products and product components from outside the United States. The Company's completed products are sold in numerous countries around the world. Sales in foreign countries as well as certain expenses related to those sales are transacted in currencies other than the Company's reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, production costs and profit margins related to these sales are affected by the currency exchange relationship between the countries where the sales take place and the countries where the products are sourced or manufactured. These currency exchange relationships can also impact the Company's competitive positions within these markets.
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts denominated in foreign currencies. The principal foreign currencies in which the Company conducts its business are the British pound sterling, euro, Canadian dollar, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, Hong Kong dollar, Chinese renminbi, and the Danish krone. As of May 28, 2022, the Company had outstanding 22 forward currency instruments designed to offset either net asset or net liability exposure that is denominated in non-functional currencies.
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(In millions, except number of forward contracts)
Net Asset Exposure
Currency Number of Forward Contracts Net Exposure
Net Liability Exposure
Currency Number of Forward Contracts Net Exposure
As of May 29, 2021, the Company had outstanding, 16 forward currency instruments designed to offset either net asset or net liability exposure that is denominated in non-functional currencies.
(In millions, except number of forward contracts)
Net Asset Exposure
Currency Number of Forward Contracts Net Exposure
Net Liability Exposure
Currency Number of Forward Contracts Net Exposure
The cost of the foreign currency hedges and remeasuring all foreign currency transactions into the appropriate functional currency resulted in a net gain of $3.3 million in fiscal 2022 in contrast to net gain of $0.8 million in fiscal 2021 included in net earnings. These amounts are included in Other expense (income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Additionally, the cumulative effect of translating the balance sheet and income statement accounts from the functional currency into the United States dollar decreased the accumulated comprehensive loss component of total stockholders' equity by $90.0 million compared to an increase of $52.1 million as of the end of fiscal 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage its exposure to interest rate changes and its overall cost of borrowing. The Company's interest rate swap agreements were entered into to exchange variable rate interest payments for fixed rate payments over the life of the agreement without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts. The notional amount of the interest rate swap agreements is used to measure interest to be paid or received and does not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. The differential paid or received on the interest rate swap agreements is recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
These interest rate swap derivative instruments are held and used by the Company as a tool for managing interest rate risk. They are not used for trading or speculative purposes. The counterparties to the swap instruments are large financial institutions that the Company believes are of high-quality creditworthiness. While the Company may be exposed to potential losses due to the credit risk of non-performance by these counterparties, such losses are not anticipated.
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In September 2016, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement. The interest rate swap is for an aggregate notional amount of $150.0 million with a forward start date of January 3, 2018 and a termination date of January 3, 2028. As a result of the transaction, the Company effectively converted indebtedness anticipated to be borrowed on the Company’s revolving line of credit up to the notional amount from a LIBOR-based floating interest rate plus applicable margin to a 1.949% fixed interest rate plus applicable margin under the agreement as of the forward start date. See Note 6 for information on the replacement of LIBOR with SOFR in our credit agreement.
In June 2017, the Company entered into an additional interest rate swap agreement. The interest rate swap is for an aggregate notional amount of $75.0 million with a forward start date of January 3, 2018 and a termination date of January 3, 2028. As a result of the transaction, the Company effectively converted its revolving line of credit up to the notional amount from a LIBOR-based floating interest rate plus applicable margin to a 2.387% fixed interest rate plus applicable margin under the agreement as of the forward start date.
In January, 2022, the Company entered into a third interest rate swap agreement. The interest rate swap is for an aggregate notional amount of $575.0 million with a forward start date of January 31, 2022 and a maturity date of January 29, 2027. The interest rate swap locked in the Company’s interest rate on forecasted outstanding borrowings of the Company. The Company effectively will convert LIBOR-based floating interest rate plus applicable margin indebtedness to a 1.689% fixed interest rate plus applicable margin under the agreement as of the forward start date.
The fair market value of the effective interest rate swap instruments was a net asset of $31.9 million at May 28, 2022 compared to a net liability of $14.4 million at May 29, 2021. All cash flows related to the Company's interest rate swap instruments are denominated in U.S. Dollars. For further information, refer to Note 6 and Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Expected cash outflows (notional amounts) over the next five years and thereafter related to debt instruments are as follows.
Long-Term Debt Instruments:
Interest rate 2.387%(2) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 75.0 $ — $ 75.0
(1) Amount does not include the recorded fair value of the swap instruments.
(2) The Company's revolving credit facility and Term Loans have a variable interest rate, but due to the interest rate swaps, the rate on $150.0 million, $75.0 million and $575.0 million will be fixed at 1.689%, 1.949% and 2.387%, respectively.
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Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
MillerKnoll, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Year Ended
Operating expenses:
Impairment charges — — 205.4
Restructuring expenses — 2.7 26.4
Gain on consolidation of equity method investments — — 36.2
Interest and other investment income (1.6) (2.1) (2.3)
Other expense (income), net 12.2 (7.6) 1.0
(Loss) earnings before income taxes and equity income (8.6) 228.3 (12.9)
Equity earnings from nonconsolidated affiliates, net of tax — 0.3 5.0
Net (loss) earnings attributable to MillerKnoll, Inc. $ (27.1) $ 174.6 $ (8.7)
(Loss) earnings per share — basic $ (0.37) $ 2.96 $ (0.15)
(Loss) earnings per share — diluted (0.37) 2.94 (0.15)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (90.0) 52.1 (7.7)
Pension and post-retirement liability adjustments 13.5 8.8 (14.2)
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swap agreement 34.5 8.1 (18.0)
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities — (0.1) 0.1
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (42.0) 68.9 (39.8)
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MillerKnoll, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions, except share and per share data) May 28, 2022 May 29, 2021
ASSETS