HNI (US:HNI)2026-02-25 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal 2025 non-GAAP diluted earnings per share for the legacy business was $3.74, a 22% increase from 2024 levels, marking the fourth consecutive year of double-digit earnings growth [11] - Total net sales for the year increased by 12% overall and 6% on an organic basis, with full-year adjusted operating margin expanding by 80 basis points to 9.4% [11][12] - The company expects a fifth year of double-digit non-GAAP EPS growth in 2026, with revenue growth anticipated to continue while driving bottom-line improvement [15][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the legacy Workplace Furnishings business, full-year organic net sales increased by 6% year-over-year, with non-GAAP operating profit margin expanding by 100 basis points to 10.5% [12][13] - The Residential Building Products segment saw fourth-quarter revenue grow more than 10% compared to the same period in 2024, with full-year revenue increasing nearly 6% [13] - Segment non-GAAP operating profit margin in Residential Building Products expanded by 60 basis points year-over-year to 18.1% [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong activity in the contract side of the business, with bid counts in the high teens, indicating healthy demand [28] - The macroeconomic picture for Workplace Furnishings is improving, with office leasing activity up more than 5% for the full year 2025 [19][20] - The new construction market remains weak, but the company expects continued outperformance in the remodel-retrofit segment [20][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Steelcase is expected to transform the company and the Workplace Furnishings industry, with anticipated synergies of $120 million and a focus on operational enhancements and digital transformation [8][9][21] - The company is committed to maintaining dealer partnerships and brand distribution, ensuring continuity for customers and dealers [10] - Investments are being made to drive top-line growth in Residential Building Products, focusing on customer engagement and go-to-market strategies [7][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the demand dynamics for Workplace Furnishings, driven by a return to office trends and positive net absorption of office space [19][20] - The company acknowledges ongoing challenges in the new construction market but expects to outperform due to structural changes and growth investments [20][21] - Management remains optimistic about the integration of Steelcase and the potential for revenue synergies, although it is still early in the process [21][72] Other Important Information - The company ended the year with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2 times, with expectations for cash flow strength to continue and leverage to return to pre-deal levels in the next 18-24 months [17] - The company remains committed to its long-standing dividend while continuing to invest in business growth [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the outlook for the year regarding revenue and earnings growth - Management clarified that the double-digit growth for 2026 is based on the adjusted EPS of $3.53, excluding purchase accounting and the Steelcase stub period [25][26] Question: Confidence in the acceleration of Workplace Furnishings in the first quarter - Management noted strong bid counts and healthy activity in both legacy and Steelcase businesses, contributing to confidence in mid-single-digit growth for the full year [28][29] Question: Insights from the Steelcase acquisition - Management reported positive feedback from customers and dealers regarding the Steelcase integration, reinforcing confidence in the transaction [30][31] Question: Synergy expectations and potential upside - Management confirmed that the $120 million synergy target remains unchanged, with a focus on execution and potential for modest accretion in the first year [42][44] Question: Residential growth investments and margin expectations - Management indicated that margins in the Residential Building Products segment are expected to remain stable while pursuing growth investments [46][48] Question: Profit headwinds in the first quarter - Management explained that timing of revenue recognition and expenses related to the Steelcase acquisition are contributing to short-term pressure, but they expect double-digit EPS growth to accelerate in subsequent quarters [54][55] Question: Demand for design support and pipeline activity - Management acknowledged increased demand for design support and noted that many projects are in the pipeline but not yet in the order backlog, with efforts underway to facilitate conversions [61][63]