HNI Corporation (NYSE:HNI) is one of the best cheap stocks to buy for 2026. On January 16, Benchmark Co. lifted its price target for HNI Corporation (NYSE:HNI) to $75 per share from $60. The firm continued to assign the stock a Buy recommendation. HNI Corporation (HNI) Powers Ahead with Steelcase Deal and Analyst Confidence The revision came in the context of HNI Corp’s announcement in August 2025 regarding its planned purchase of Steelcase Inc., a transaction carrying an enterprise value of roughly $2.2 ...

Core Insights - Middle Coast Investing reported a strong performance in 2025, with the S&P 500 showing a 21.2% annualized return over the past three years, indicating signs of slowing growth [1] - In Q4 2025, the US Portfolios returned 2.7%, outperforming the S&P 500's 2.3% return, while European Portfolios declined by -0.4% [1] Company Focus: HNI Corporation - HNI Corporation (NYSE:HNI) is highlighted as a significant holding, with a market capitalization of $2.057 billion and a stock price of $44.87 as of January 13, 2026 [2] - The one-month return for HNI Corporation was 5.63%, but it experienced an 11.06% decline over the past 52 weeks [2] - HNI Corporation is a top 10 portfolio holding for Middle Coast Investing, with shares primarily acquired through the acquisition of SCS [3] Hedge Fund Interest - HNI Corporation was held by 25 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, an increase from 16 in the previous quarter, indicating growing interest [4] - Despite its potential, the company is not considered among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with a preference noted for certain AI stocks that may offer better upside potential [4]

Core Viewpoint - HNI Corporation will exit its Wayland, New York manufacturing facility by 2027, consolidating production into other North American facilities to improve productivity and customer experience [1][2] Company Strategy - The decision to close the Wayland facility is part of HNI's strategic network optimization journey, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and customer service [2] - The consolidation will not change the product portfolio, and the Gunlocke brand will remain a key part of HNI's offerings [1] Financial Impacts - HNI estimates that the consolidation will result in annual cost savings of approximately $7.5 to $8.0 million once fully implemented [7] - The total estimated charges related to the consolidation are projected to impact pre-tax earnings by approximately $14.9 million in 2026 and 2027, including $5.7 million in non-cash charges [7] - A detailed breakdown of estimated costs includes $11.6 million in 2026 and $3.3 million in 2027 [4][7] Employment Impact - The closure of the Wayland facility will lead to the termination of approximately 135 employees [5]

Core View - HNI Corporation has a solid backlog base, indicating potential for future revenue generation, but faces challenges in its fundamental drivers [1] Company Analysis - The company has a strong backlog, which is a positive indicator for its operational capacity and future sales [1] - However, there are underlying challenges that may affect the company's performance in the short-to-medium term [1] Industry Context - The analysis reflects a broader understanding of the energy sectors, particularly focusing on oilfield equipment services and industrial supply industries, which may influence HNI Corporation's market dynamics [1]

Core Viewpoint - HNI Corporation has successfully completed its acquisition of Steelcase Inc. [1] Company Summary - HNI Corporation is expanding its portfolio through the acquisition of Steelcase Inc., indicating a strategic move to enhance its market position [1] - The acquisition is expected to strengthen HNI's capabilities and offerings in the office furniture sector [1] Industry Summary - The acquisition reflects ongoing consolidation trends within the office furniture industry, as companies seek to leverage synergies and expand their market reach [1] - This move may influence competitive dynamics in the industry, potentially leading to increased market share for HNI Corporation [1]

Group 1 - HNI Corporation is considered one of the best dividend stocks to buy, with an average price target suggesting a 65% upside and a Street high indicating a 78% upside [1][3] - On December 5, HNI and Steelcase Inc. announced that shareholders of HNI agreed to vote for the issuance of HNI common shares to Steelcase common stockholders under the Merger Agreement, with Steelcase shareholders also voting in favor [2][3] - The merger between HNI and Steelcase is set to conclude on December 10, 2025, following a strong majority backing from shareholders of both companies [3] Group 2 - HNI Corporation declared a quarterly dividend of $0.34 per share on November 5, which was distributed on December 1 to shareholders listed as of November 17 [4] - HNI designs, manufactures, and sells office furniture and residential building products primarily in the United States and Canada [4]

Core Viewpoint - HNI Corporation has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Steelcase, Inc. in a cash and stock transaction, with the acquisition expected to close on December 10, 2025 [1][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition involves an exchange offer for Steelcase's existing 5.125% Notes due 2029, with HNI offering up to $450 million in new notes [1]. - Shareholders of both HNI and Steelcase voted in favor of the acquisition during their respective special meetings on December 5, 2025 [4]. - The acquisition is contingent upon the successful completion of the exchange offer and consent solicitation, which expired on December 5, 2025 [4][3]. Group 2: Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation - HNI received sufficient consents to amend the Existing Steelcase Indenture to eliminate certain covenants and restrictive provisions [3]. - As of the expiration date, $351,008,000 of the Existing Steelcase Notes, representing 78% of the total, were validly tendered [6]. - The New HNI Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act and may only be offered under specific exemptions [7]. Group 3: Company Background - HNI Corporation has been in operation for over 75 years, focusing on workplace furnishings and residential building products [9]. - The Workplace Furnishings segment is a leading global designer and provider of commercial furnishings, while the Residential Building Products segment is the nation's leading manufacturer of hearth products [9].

Core Insights - HNI Corporation and Steelcase Inc. shareholders have approved proposals related to HNI's acquisition of Steelcase, indicating strong support for the transaction [1] Company Summary - HNI Corporation is moving forward with its proposed acquisition of Steelcase Inc., following shareholder approval [1] - The acquisition is expected to enhance HNI's market position and operational capabilities within the office furniture industry [1] Industry Summary - The office furniture industry is witnessing consolidation as companies like HNI and Steelcase seek to strengthen their competitive edge through strategic acquisitions [1] - This acquisition reflects broader trends in the industry where companies are focusing on expanding their product offerings and market reach [1]

Core Points - HNI Corporation and Steelcase Inc. announced preliminary results of shareholder elections regarding merger consideration as part of their merger agreement dated August 3, 2025 [1][2] - The completion of the transaction is subject to approval by shareholders and customary closing conditions [1] Merger Consideration Details - Upon consummation of the transaction, each share of Steelcase class A common stock will be converted into the right to receive either Mixed Consideration, Cash Consideration, or Stock Consideration [2] - Mixed Consideration consists of 0.2192 shares of HNI common stock and $7.20 in cash [2] - Cash Consideration is calculated as $7.20 plus the product of 0.2192 and the volume-weighted average closing price of HNI common stock over a specified period [2] - Stock Consideration is the sum of 0.2192 and the quotient of $7.20 divided by the HNI common stock reference price [2] Election Results - As of the election deadline, 95,489,941 shares of Steelcase Common Stock elected to receive Mixed Consideration, including those who failed to make a proper election [6] - 8,018,090 shares elected to receive Cash Consideration [6] - 11,968,798 shares elected to receive Stock Consideration [6] Company Background - Steelcase Inc. is a global leader in design and manufacturing of workplace furnishings, aiming to improve work environments [4] - HNI Corporation has over 75 years of experience in manufacturing workplace furnishings and residential building products, operating in two segments: Workplace Furnishings and Residential Building Products [7]

Core Points - HNI Corporation announced a quarterly dividend of 34 cents per share on its common stock, payable on December 1, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 17, 2025 [1][7]. Company Overview - HNI Corporation has been in operation for over 75 years, focusing on improving living and working environments [2]. - The company operates under two segments: Workplace Furnishings, which is a leading global designer and provider of commercial furnishings, and Residential Building Products, which is the nation's leading manufacturer and marketer of hearth products [2].