Document


 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
                                             
FORM 10-Q
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                    to                       
 Commission File No. 001-12907
KNOLL, INC.
A Delaware Corporation
 
I.R.S. Employer No. 13-3873847
 
1235 Water Street
East Greenville, PA 18041
Telephone Number (215) 679-7991
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes x  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
Yes o No x
 
As of November 6, 2018, there were 49,418,920 shares (including 713,264 non-voting restricted shares) of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.
 


1



KNOLL, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR FORM 10-Q
 
Item
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
KNOLL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
ASSETS
(Unaudited)
 
 

Current assets:
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
7,317

 
$
2,203

Customer receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,372 and $4,039, respectively
110,814

 
86,687

Inventories
170,420

 
144,945

Prepaid expenses
19,360

 
29,272

Other current assets
14,730

 
15,163

Total current assets
322,641

 
278,270

Property, plant, and equipment, net
203,781

 
200,630

Goodwill
323,085

 
142,113

Intangible assets, net
358,710

 
238,581

Other noncurrent assets
4,071

 
1,447

Total assets
$
1,212,288

 
$
861,041

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Current maturities of long-term debt
$
17,242

 
$
10,000

Accounts payable
118,272

 
108,922

Income taxes payable
1,862

 
13

Other current liabilities
114,321

 
104,145

Total current liabilities
251,697

 
223,080

Long-term debt
463,075

 
181,048

Deferred income taxes
85,644

 
54,671

Pension liability
2,861

 
21,671

Other noncurrent liabilities
23,955

 
21,842

Total liabilities
827,232

 
502,312

Commitments and contingent liabilities


 


Equity:
 

 
 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 65,765,633 shares issued and 49,410,705 shares outstanding (including 715,752 non-voting restricted shares and net of 16,354,928 treasury shares) at September 30, 2018 and 65,460,014 shares issued and 49,339,552 shares outstanding (including 841,610 non-voting restricted shares and net of 16,120,462 treasury shares) at December 31, 2017
495

 
493

Additional paid-in capital
56,848

 
54,455

Retained earnings
379,900

 
347,304

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(52,445
)
 
(43,774
)
Total Knoll, Inc. stockholders’ equity
384,798

 
358,478

Noncontrolling interests
258

 
251

Total equity
385,056

 
358,729

Total liabilities and equity
$
1,212,288

 
$
861,041


See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

KNOLL, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Sales
$
327,737

 
$
291,256

 
$
947,647

 
$
816,770

Cost of sales
204,943

 
184,646

 
597,855

 
514,528

Gross profit
122,794

 
106,610

 
349,792

 
302,242

Selling, general, and administrative expenses
88,674

 
78,883

 
267,036

 
231,897

Restructuring charges
1,200

 

 
2,564

 
2,150

Operating profit
32,920

 
27,727

 
80,192

 
68,195

Pension settlement charge
628

 

 
5,236

 

Interest expense
5,032

 
1,991

 
15,812

 
5,521

Other income, net
(227
)
 
(1,583
)
 
(7,021
)
 
(5,943
)
Income before income tax expense
27,487

 
27,319

 
66,165

 
68,617

Income tax expense
7,164

 
8,158

 
17,452

 
21,104

Net earnings
20,323

 
19,161

 
48,713

 
47,513

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
29

 
7

 
43

Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders
$
20,323

 
$
19,132

 
$
48,706

 
$
47,470

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.42

 
$
0.39

 
$
1.00

 
$
0.98

Diluted
$
0.41

 
$
0.39

 
$
0.99

 
$
0.96

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends per share
$
0.15

 
$
0.15

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Basic
48,694,438

 
48,468,480

 
48,641,595

 
48,406,659

Diluted
49,231,376

 
48,979,182

 
49,189,592

 
49,167,856

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
20,323

 
$
19,161

 
$
48,713

 
$
47,513

Other comprehensive income (loss) :
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Unrealized gain on interest rate swap, net of tax
911

 

 
1,964

 

Pension and other post-employment liability adjustment, net of tax
1,182

 
(139
)
 
9,062

 
(414
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(4,649
)
 
5,876

 
(10,949
)
 
8,676

Foreign currency translation adjustment on long term intercompany notes
3,094

 

 
(2,498
)
 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
538

 
5,737

 
(2,421
)
 
8,262

Total comprehensive income
20,861

 
24,898

 
46,292

 
55,775

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
29

 
7

 
43

Comprehensive income attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders
$
20,861

 
$
24,869

 
$
46,285

 
$
55,732

 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

KNOLL, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)


 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

Net earnings
$
48,713

 
$
47,513

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

Depreciation
19,021

 
16,137

Amortization expense (including deferred financing fees)
7,088

 
2,966

Loss on extinguishment of debt
1,445

 

Change in fair value of acquisition related contingent consideration
(350
)
 

Provision for inventory obsolescence
1,660

 
1,436

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
32

 
83

Unrealized foreign currency losses
375

 
1,370

Stock-based compensation
6,738

 
7,314

Bad debt and customer claims
(589
)
 
(1,403
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

Customer receivables
(14,706
)
 
(5,789
)
Inventories
(16,174
)
 
(7,611
)
Prepaid and other current assets
16,551

 
5,491

Accounts payable
6,171

 
9,502

Current and deferred income taxes
(4,815
)
 
(1,388
)
Other current liabilities
711

 
(7,250
)
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities
(8,076
)
 
(8,967
)
Cash provided by operating activities
63,795

 
59,404

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(21,349
)
 
(29,433
)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired
(307,983
)
 

Cash used in investing activities
(329,332
)
 
(29,433
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 

 
 

Proceeds from revolving credit facility
409,000

 
304,000

Repayment of revolving credit facility
(287,500
)
 
(296,500
)
Proceeds from term loan
395,136

 

Repayment of term loan
(224,149
)
 
(7,500
)
Payment of financing fees
(4,578
)
 

Payment of fees related to debt extinguishment
(1,023
)
 

Payment of dividends
(22,727
)
 
(23,000
)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
51

 
576

Purchase of common stock for treasury
(4,393
)
 
(10,570
)
Contingent purchase price payment

 
(6,000
)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
259,817

 
(38,994
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
10,834

 
5,002

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
5,114

 
(4,021
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
2,203

 
9,854

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
7,317

 
$
5,833

 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

5




NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Knoll, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries and any partially owned subsidiaries that the Company has the ability to control. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2018.
The condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company, as of December 31, 2017, has been derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance.
The standard provides a five step model to be applied to all contracts with customers, with an underlying principle that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods therein. The Company adopted the standard as of January 1, 2018.
The Company has completed its assessment of the impact of the new standard and adopted the new standard for all open contracts as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method, and applied the guidance to report new disclosures surrounding the Company’s recognition of revenue. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on the financial position of the Company, the results of its operations or its cash flows as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, and the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. There was no cumulative effect of adopting the standard at the date of initial application in retained earnings. The Company’s revenue recognition accounting policy has been updated for the new standard. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. The amount of consideration received and revenue recognized varies with changes in returns, rebates, cash sales incentives and other allowances offered to customers based on the Company’s experience. The new standard further requires quantitative and qualitative disclosures about the Company’s contracts with customers which have been included within this Form 10-Q.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the guidance in ASC 840, Leases. ASC 842 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and the Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective approach. While the Company continues to evaluate the provisions of ASC 842 to determine its impact, the primary effect of adopting the new standard will be to record assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for most leases including operating leases. Lessees will classify leases as either finance or operating leases and lessors classify all leases as sales-type, direct financing or operating leases.  The statement of operations presentation and expense recognition for lessees for finance leases is similar to that of capital leases under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 840 with separate interest and amortization expense with higher periodic expense in the earlier periods of a lease.  For operating leases, the statement of operations presentation and expense recognition is similar to that of operating leases under ASC 840 with single lease cost recognized on a straight-line basis.
During the third quarter of 2018, the Company made progress on implementing the new standard which included surveying the Company’s businesses, assessing the Company’s portfolio of leases and compiling a central repository of active leases. The Company evaluated key policy elections and considerations under the standard which the Company will utilize to develop an internal policy to address the new standard requirements. Additionally, the Company selected a lease accounting software solution to support the new reporting requirements and started implementation of the software. While the Company continues to assess the impact on its accounting policies, internal control processes and related disclosures required under the

6



new guidance, the Company expects to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than twelve months regardless of their classification. The Company does not believe the standard will materially affect its consolidated net earnings. These conclusions may change as the Company continues to evaluate the new standard or if there are any changes in the Company’s lease portfolio.
In July 2018, the FASB issued clarifying guidance to the topic in ASUs No. 2018-11 and No. 2018-10, which defined several practical expedients for adoption and clarified new accounting methodologies. The Company is anticipating that it will elect the available practical expedients, including the transition option, upon adoption on January 1, 2019.  
In September 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology for measuring and recognizing credit losses with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The Company does not believe there will be a material impact to the financial statements as a result of adopting this ASU.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). The new standard requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be presented in the same income statement line as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period and the other components of net periodic benefit cost to be presented separately from the income statement lines that include service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income. The Company adopted the new standard for the period beginning January 1, 2018, resulting in no change in presentation of the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost, which has historically been reported in selling, general and administrative expenses along with other employee compensation costs. The retrospective adoption resulted in a change in presentation of the other components of net periodic benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 2017, and interim periods therein, by reclassifying net periodic benefit income of $2.4 million and $7.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, from Selling, general and administrative expenses to Other income, net.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). The new standard is intended to better align a company’s risk management strategies and financial reporting for hedging relationships. Under the new guidance, more hedging strategies will be eligible for hedge accounting and the application of hedge accounting is simplified. In addition, the new guidance amends presentation and disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted, including the interim periods within those years. The Company early adopted the standard as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). The new standard will allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”). The amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statements users. However, because the amendment only relates to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted, including the interim periods within those years. The Company early adopted the standard effective January 1, 2018 and reclassified $6.3 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings related to the Company’s pension liability.
In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740) which incorporates the provision of SAB 118 into the accounting standards codification. The Security and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) which provides guidance regarding situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, the Company has made reasonable estimate of the effects on its existing deferred tax balances and one-time transition tax including impact of the assertion to repatriate foreign earnings. The ultimate impact of the Tax Act may differ from this estimate, possibly materially, due to change in interpretations and assumptions, and guidance that may be issued and actions the Company may take in response to the Tax Act. The estimated provision impact of the Tax Act, as disclosed in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, is anticipated to change as data becomes available through the tax return preparation process allowing more accurate scheduling of the deferred tax assets and liabilities primarily related to depreciable assets, inventory, employee compensation and commissions. The measurement period ends when a company has obtained, prepared and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting, which is expected to be in the fourth quarter of 2018 in accordance with SAB 118 standards.

7



In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock compensation (Topic 718) which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions resulting from expanding the scope of Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. Some of the areas for simplification apply only to nonpublic entities. The amendments specify that Topic 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor’s own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The amendments also clarify that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not plan to early adopt this ASU and the Company does not believe there will be a material impact to the financial statements as a result of adopting this ASU.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) which modifies the disclosure requirements of fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. For public companies the ASU removes disclosure requirements for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for timing of transfers between levels and the valuation process for Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU modifies the disclosure requirements for investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value and clarifies that the measurement uncertainty disclosure is to communicate information about the uncertainty in measurement as of the reporting date. The ASU adds the disclosure requirement for changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not plan to early adopt this ASU and the Company does not believe there will be a material impact to the financial statements as a result of adopting this ASU.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20). The ASU removes the requirements to disclose: amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year, the amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer, related party disclosures about the amount of future annual benefits covered by insurance and annuity contracts and significant transactions between the employer or related parties and the plan, and the effects of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates. The ASU requires disclosure of the explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. The amendments in the update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted and the amendments in this update are required to be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented. The Company does not plan to early adopt this ASU and Company does not believe there will be a material impact to the financial statements as a result of adopting this ASU.



8



NOTE 2. REVENUE
Disaggregation of Revenue
The majority of the Company’s revenue presented as “Sales” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income is the result of contracts with customers for the sale of the Company’s products. All other sources of revenue are not material to the Company’s results of operations. The other sources of revenue include installation revenue and royalty revenue.
The Company’s net sales by product category were as follows (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Office Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office Systems
$
111,239

 
$
109,195

 
$
318,717

 
$
303,902

Seating
29,694

 
33,056

 
93,122

 
85,911

Files and Storage
23,940

 
22,956

 
67,232

 
62,089

Ancillary
24,631

 
18,380

 
64,537

 
38,044

Other
8,178

 
8,721

 
26,439

 
22,959

Total Office Segment
$
197,682

 
$
192,308

 
$
570,047

 
$
512,905

Lifestyle Segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Studio
101,374

 
72,046

 
293,748

 
221,435

Coverings
28,681

 
26,902

 
83,852

 
82,430

Total Lifestyle Segment
$
130,055

 
$
98,948

 
$
377,600

 
$
303,865

Total Sales
$
327,737

 
$
291,256

 
$
947,647

 
$
816,770

Contract Balances
The Company has contract assets consisting of Customer receivables in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets which represent the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the goods or services rendered to its customers.
When the Company receives deposits, the recognition of revenue is deferred and results in the recognition of a contract liability (Customer deposits) presented as a component of Other Current Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Subsequent recognition of revenue and the satisfaction of the contract liability is typically less than one year as the Company’s standard contract is less than one year. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the contract liability related to customer deposits was $40.6 million and $30.5 million, respectively. Revenues recognized during the third quarter and first nine months of 2018, that were included in the contract liability at the beginning of the current quarter and current year were $29.0 million and $85.0 million, respectively.
Performance Obligations
The Company recognizes revenue when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with its customer are satisfied. This occurs when the control of the goods and services have been transferred to the customer. Accordingly, revenue for sale of goods is generally recognized upon shipment or delivery depending on the shipping terms of the underlying contract. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring goods or providing services.
Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling activities to fulfill the Company’s promise to transfer the goods are included in Sales, and costs incurred by the Company for the delivery of goods are classified as Cost of sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. Sales tax, value added tax, and other taxes the Company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue. The Company generally offers assurance-type warranties for its products. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary by the product. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time product revenue is recognized. Factors that affect the warranty liability include historical product-failure experience and estimated repair costs for identified matters. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary.

9



Practical Expedients Elected
Incremental Costs of Obtaining a Contract - The Company has elected the practical expedient permitted in ASC 340-40-25-4, which permits an entity to recognize incremental costs to obtain a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period will be less than one year.
Significant Financing Component - The Company has elected the practical expedient permitted in ASC 606-10-32-18, which allows an entity to not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if a contract has a duration of one year or less. As the Company’s contracts are typically less than one year in length, consideration will not be adjusted. The Company’s contracts include a standard payment term of 30 days, consequently there is no significant financing component within its contracts.
NOTE 3. ACQUISITION
On January 25, 2018, the Company acquired one hundred percent (100%) of the shares of Muuto Holding ApS and MIE4 Holding 5 ApS, which collectively hold substantially all the business operations of Muuto ApS (“Muuto”). Muuto’s affordable luxury products span commercial and residential applications, adding scale and diversity to the Company’s business. The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition was $307.8 million, net of $7.6 million of cash acquired and subject to certain customary adjustments. The Company recorded the acquisition of Muuto using the acquisition method of accounting and recognized the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The results of operations of Muuto have been included in the Company’s Lifestyle segment beginning January 25, 2018. The Company funded the acquisition with borrowings from the Amended Credit Agreement as well as cash on hand. See Note 10 for information on the Company’s borrowings. The Company recorded acquisition costs of $1.6 million within selling, general, and administrative expenses in its Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
The amount of sales and net loss that resulted from the acquisition and attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Sales
 
$
22,537

 
$
58,728

Net loss attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders
 
$
(87
)
 
$
(2,192
)

10



The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and resulting goodwill. These values are not yet finalized and are subject to change, which could be significant. The amounts recognized will be finalized as the information necessary to complete the analyses is obtained, but no later than one year from the acquisition date (“the measurement period”).
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets and liabilities as of the January 25, 2018 acquisition date (in thousands):
 
Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date
Cash
$
7,605

Customer receivables
8,832

Inventory
10,956

Other current assets
453

Property, plant, and equipment, net
1,266

Intangible assets
135,600

Other non-current assets
296

Total assets acquired
$
165,008

Accounts payable
3,418

Other current liabilities
4,592

Deferred income taxes
34,259

Other noncurrent liabilities
1,659

Total liabilities assumed
$
43,928

Net assets acquired
$
121,080

 
 
Purchase price
$
315,313

Less: Fair value of acquired identifiable assets and liabilities
121,080

Goodwill
$
194,233

These above amounts are reflective of adjustments made during the nine months ending September 30, 2018, which include an inventory valuation adjustment of $4.0 million, a $3.4 million adjustment for future payments that are considered compensation for post-combination service, a $4.5 million adjustment to the long-term deferred tax liability, a $4.3 million adjustment for the valuation of identifiable intangible assets and various other adjustments.
The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of Muuto’s identifiable intangible assets and their estimated useful lives (in thousands):
 
Fair Value as of January 25, 2018
 
Estimated Useful Life
(in years)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
Trade name
$
66,000

 
Indefinite
Finite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
Wholesale customer relationships
35,800

 
15
Contract customer relationships
25,000

 
9
Copyrights & designs
7,500

 
7
Non-competition agreements
1,300

 
3
 
$
135,600

 
 
The preliminary purchase price of Muuto has been allocated to the Company’s tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated acquisition date fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets is recorded to goodwill. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The preliminary allocation of purchase price is based upon a valuation undertaken by the Company and is subject to change during the measurement period. The initial accounting for the acquisition of Muuto is incomplete pending final valuation of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

11



Unaudited pro forma information for the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 as if the acquisition had occurred January 1, 2017 is as follows (in thousands):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Pro forma sales
$
951,795

 
$
863,725

Pro forma net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders
$
53,693

 
$
47,282

The unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of results of operations that would have been achieved had the acquisition taken place on the date indicated, or the future consolidated results of operations of the Company. The pro forma financial information presented above has been derived from the historical condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company and from the historical consolidated financial statements of Muuto.
The pro forma financial information presented above include adjustments for: (1) incremental amortization expense related to fair value adjustments to identifiable intangible assets, (2) incremental interest expense for outstanding borrowings to reflect the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, (3) nonrecurring items, (4) the tax effect of the above adjustments.
The pro forma information presented for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes adjustments for future payments that are considered compensation for post combination service of $2.3 million, loss on debt extinguishment of $1.4 million, acquisition costs of $1.6 million, acquisition related inventory valuation of $0.9 million, incremental interest expense of $0.9 million, and incremental amortization of intangibles of $0.1 million. The income tax impact of these adjustments for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $1.1 million. The pro forma information presented for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes adjustments for amortization of intangibles of $5.0 million, future payments that are considered compensation for post combination service of $2.6 million, loss on debt extinguishment of $1.4 million, interest expense of $2.9 million, and acquisition related inventory valuation of $0.9 million. The income tax impact of these adjustments for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $3.8 million. The pro forma financial information does not include adjustments for potential future cost savings.
NOTE 4. INVENTORIES
Information regarding the Company’s inventories is as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Raw materials
$
64,525

 
$
58,725

Work-in-process
7,925

 
6,943

Finished goods
97,970

 
79,277

 
$
170,420

 
$
144,945

NOTE 5. PENSION AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The following tables set forth the components of the net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Company’s pension and other post-employment benefit plans (in thousands):
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Interest cost
$
2,612

 
$
2,390

 
$
30

 
$
43

Expected return on plan assets
(3,997
)
 
(4,615
)
 

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

 
(182
)
 
(371
)
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)
73

 
154

 
(18
)
 
1

Pension settlement charge(1)
628

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit income
$
(684
)
 
$
(2,071
)
 
$
(170
)
 
$
(327
)
(1) The pension settlement charge was related to cash payments from lump sum elections.

12



 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Interest cost
$
7,620

 
$
7,170

 
$
90

 
$
129

Expected return on plan assets
(13,209
)
 
(13,845
)
 

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

 
(546
)
 
(1,113
)
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)
805

 
462

 
(54
)
 
3

Pension settlement charge(2)
5,236

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (income)
$
452

 
$
(6,213
)
 
$
(510
)
 
$
(981
)
(2) The pension settlement charge was related to the purchase of annuities for certain pension plan retirees as well as cash payments from lump sum elections.
As of September 30, 2018, in connection with the pension settlements, the Company remeasured its pension plans and recorded a $6.4 million reduction to the pension liability. This reduction was primarily driven by a change in the weighted average discount rates used to measure the liabilities. There was no change to the weighted average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company made a voluntary contribution to the tax-qualified U.S. pension plan for Union Employees of $7.9 million. The Company does not expect to make any additional contributions in 2018.
NOTE 6. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial Instruments
The fair values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents approximate carrying value due to their short maturities and are classified as Level 1.
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates its carrying value, as it is variable rate debt and the terms are comparable to market terms as of the balance sheet dates and are classified as Level 2.
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table represents the assets and liabilities, measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the basis for that measurement (in thousands):
 
Fair Value as of September 30, 2018
 
Fair Value as of December 31, 2017
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
$

 
$
2,655

 
$

 
$
2,655

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent purchase price payment - DatesWeiser
$

 
$

 
$
750

 
$
750

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,100

 
$
1,100

Interest Rate Swap
The Company’s interest rate swap has a maturity of five years and is with a counterparty with a credit rating of A- according to S&P and Fitch. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreement is based on observable prices as quoted for receiving the variable one month London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) and paying fixed interest rates and therefore were classified as Level 2.
Contingent Payment
Pursuant to the agreement governing the acquisition of DatesWeiser, the Company may be required to make annual contingent purchase price payments. The payouts are based upon DatesWeiser reaching an annual net sales target, for each year through 2020. The Company classifies this as a Level 3 measurement and is required to remeasure this liability at fair value on a recurring basis. Excluding the initial recognition of the liability for the contingent purchase price payments and payments made to reduce the liability, changes in the fair value will be included within selling, general and administrative expenses.

13



There were no additional assets and/or liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017.
NOTE 7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The Company is exposed to interest rate risks related to its business operations. To reduce the interest rate risk the Company uses derivative instruments, including interest rate swap contracts. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative trading purposes.
Cash flow hedge
To offset the variability of cash flows in interest payments associated with a portion of the Company’s variable rate debt, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract in January 2018 which is designated as a cash flow hedge. The interest rate swap hedges one month LIBOR which effectively converts a portion of the variable-rate debt to a fixed interest rate. The interest rate swap effective date is December 31, 2018 and the maturity date is January 23, 2023. As of September 30, 2018, the Company’s interest rate swap agreement had a notional amount of $300.0 million that hedges certain long-term debt obligations. The contract has a fixed rate of 2.63%.
The following table illustrates the location and fair value of the Company’s interest rate swap at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):
 
Derivatives
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
Interest rate swap
Other assets
 
$
2,655

 
n/a
 
$

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
$
2,655

 
 
 
$

As of September 30, 2018, there was no hedge ineffectiveness associated with the Company’s interest rate swap and no portion of the cash flow hedge was excluded from the assessment of effectiveness. The Company will defer any effective portion of the cash flow hedge to accumulated other comprehensive income and will reclassify into earnings when the transaction occurs. The interest rate swap had no effect on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. The Company does not expect any material reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings over the next 12 months.
NOTE 8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Information regarding the Company’s other intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Amount
 
Gross
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Amount
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tradenames
$
287,073

 
$

 
$
287,073

 
$
225,600

 
$

 
$
225,600

Finite-lived intangible assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Customer relationships
79,266

 
(16,195
)
 
63,071

 
22,497

 
(11,575
)
 
10,922

Copyrights & design
7,022

 
(975
)
 
6,047

 

 

 

Various
13,314

 
(10,795
)
 
2,519

 
12,088

 
(10,029
)
 
2,059

Total
$
386,675

 
$
(27,965
)
 
$
358,710

 
$
260,185

 
$
(21,604
)
 
$
238,581


14



The Company’s amortization expense, which is recorded on a straight-line basis, related to finite-lived intangible assets was $2.2 million and $6.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $0.8 million and $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The expected amortization expense based on the finite-lived intangible assets as of September 30, 2018 are as follows (in thousands):
 
Estimated Amortization
Remainder of 2018
$
2,249

2019
8,959

2020
8,886

2021
8,369

2022
8,044

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment are as follows (in thousands):
 
Office
Segment
 
Lifestyle Segment
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2017
$
36,220

 
$
105,893

 
$
142,113

Foreign currency translation adjustment
(210
)
 
(13,326
)
 
(13,536
)
Goodwill acquired

 
194,508

 
194,508

Balance as of September 30, 2018
$
36,010

 
$
287,075

 
$
323,085

NOTE 9. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Information regarding the Company’s other current liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Accrued employee compensation
$
36,231

 
$
41,144

Customer deposits
40,687

 
30,484

Warranty
9,598

 
9,174

Contingent payout
750

 
1,100

Other
27,055

 
22,243

Other current liabilities
$
114,321

 
$
104,145

NOTE 10. INDEBTEDNESS
The Company’s long-term debt is summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Balance of revolving credit facility
$
148,500

 
$
27,000

Balance of term loan
336,211

 
165,000

Total debt
484,711

 
192,000

Less: current maturities of long-term debt
17,242

 
10,000

Less: deferred financing fees
4,394

 
952

Long-term debt, net
$
463,075

 
$
181,048

On January 23, 2018, the Company completed an amendment to its existing credit facility, dated May 20, 2014 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”), whereby the Existing Credit Agreement was amended and restated in its entirety by the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, among the Company and certain foreign subsidiaries of the Company, as borrowers, and certain domestic and foreign subsidiaries of the Company, as guarantors, (the “Amended Credit Agreement”).

15



The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a $750.0 million credit facility that matures in five years, consisting of a revolving commitment in the amount of $400.0 million, which may be available in U.S. dollars, Euro, British Pound and other foreign currencies, a U.S. term loan commitment in the amount of $250.0 million and a multicurrency term loan commitment in the amount of €81.7 million. The Amended Credit Agreement also includes an option to increase the size of the revolving credit facility or incur incremental term loans by up to the greater of $250.0 million or 90% of the EBITDA of the Company and its subsidiaries for the four fiscal quarters prior to such increase or additional loan, subject to the satisfaction of certain terms and conditions. The proceeds of the credit facility were used to (1) consummate the Muuto acquisition and, (2) refinance certain indebtedness and will also be used, among other things, for general corporate and operational purposes. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility may be repaid at any time, but no later than the maturity date on January 23, 2023. The Company retains the right to terminate or reduce the size of the revolving credit facility at any time. Borrowings under the term loan facilities amortize in equal quarterly installments equaling 5% per annum, with the remaining borrowings due on the maturity date.
Interest on the revolving credit and term loans will accrue, at the Company’s election, at (i) the Eurocurrency Rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement), plus additional percentage points based on the Company’s leverage ratio or (ii) the Base Rate (a rate based on the higher of (a) the prime rate announced from time-to-time by Bank of America, N.A., (b) the Federal Reserve System’s federal funds rate, plus .50% or (c) the Eurocurrency Rate, plus 1.00%; Base Rate is defined in detail in the Amended Credit Agreement), plus additional percentage points based on the Company’s leverage ratio.
The Amended Credit Agreement requires the Company to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, including without limitation (i) covenants to maintain a minimum specified interest coverage ratio and maximum specified net leverage ratio (or under certain circumstances, a maximum specified net secured leverage ratio), and (ii) covenants that prevent or restrict the Company’s ability to pay dividends, engage in certain mergers or acquisitions, make certain investments or loans, incur future indebtedness, engage in sale-leaseback transactions, alter its capital structure or line of business, prepay subordinated indebtedness, engage in certain transactions with affiliates and sell stock or assets.
Repayments under the Amended Credit Agreement can be accelerated by the lenders upon the occurrence of certain events of default, including, without limitation, a failure to pay any principal, interest or other amounts in respect of loans when due, breach by the Company (or its subsidiaries) of any of the covenants or representations contained in the Amended Credit Agreement or related loan documents, failure of the Company (or its material subsidiaries) to pay any amounts owed with respect to other significant indebtedness of the Company or such subsidiary, or a bankruptcy event with respect to the Company or any of its material subsidiaries.
The indebtedness incurred under the Amended Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of the Company’s tangible and intangible assets, including, without limitation, the Company’s intellectual property. The Company’s direct and indirect wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries have also guaranteed the obligations of the Company and the foreign borrowers under the Amended Credit Agreement and pledged substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets as security for their obligations under such guarantee. Certain of the Company’s wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries have guaranteed the obligations of the foreign borrowers under the Amended Credit Agreement and pledged certain of their assets as security for their obligations under such guarantee.
The aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
 
 
Future minimum debt payments
2018
 
$
4,356

2019
 
17,239

2020
 
17,239

2021
 
17,239

2022
 
17,239

Thereafter
 
411,399

Total
 
$
484,711


16



Deferred Financing Fees
In conjunction with the issuance of the Amended Credit Agreement, the Company incurred $4.5 million in debt issuance costs, which are being deferred and amortized over the term of the Amended Credit Agreement. In conjunction with terminating the Company’s Existing Credit Agreement, $0.4 million in unamortized debt issuance costs and $1.0 million of third party fees related to debt extinguishment were written-off as a loss on extinguishment of debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The loss on extinguishment of debt was recorded as interest expense, net on the accompanying statements of operations and comprehensive loss.
NOTE 11. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS
Litigation
The Company is currently involved in matters of litigation, including environmental contingencies, arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. Based upon information presently known, management is of the opinion that such litigation, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Warranty
The Company provides for estimated product warranty expenses when related products are sold and are included within other current liabilities. Because warranty estimates are forecasts that are based on the best available information, primarily historical claims experience, future warranty claims may differ from the amounts provided.
Changes in the warranty reserve are as follows (in thousands):
Balance, December 31, 2017
 
$
9,174

Provision for warranty claims
 
5,457

Warranties claims paid
 
(5,668
)
Warranties acquired through business combinations
 
611

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
24

Balance, September 30, 2018
 
$
9,598

Warranty expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $1.6 million and $5.5 million, respectively. Warranty expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $1.7 million and $4.6 million, respectively.
NOTE 12. EQUITY
The following table shows the change in equity attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders and noncontrolling interests during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands):
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss)
 
Total
Knoll, Inc.
Stockholders' Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$
493

 
$
54,455

 
$
347,304

 
$
(43,774
)
 
$
358,478

 
$
251

 
$
358,729

Adoption of ASU 2018-02
 

 

 
6,250

 
(6,250
)
 

 

 

Net earnings
 

 

 
48,706

 

 
48,706

 
7

 
48,713

Other comprehensive income
 

 

 

 
(2,421
)
 
(2,421
)
 

 
(2,421
)
Shares issued for consideration:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares issued under stock incentive plan
 
4

 
(2
)
 

 

 
2

 

 
2

Shares issued to Board of Directors in lieu of cash
 

 
50

 

 

 
50

 

 
50

Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures
 

 
6,738

 

 

 
6,738

 

 
6,738

Cash dividend ($0.15 per share)
 

 

 
(22,360
)
 

 
(22,360
)
 

 
(22,360
)
Purchase of common stock
 
(2
)
 
(4,393
)
 

 

 
(4,395
)
 

 
(4,395
)
Balance at September 30, 2018
 
$
495


$
56,848

 
$
379,900


$
(52,445
)

$
384,798


$
258


$
385,056


17



The following table demonstrates the change in the number of shares of common stock outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (excludes non-voting restricted shares):
Shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017
 
48,497,942

Shares issued under stock incentive plan, net of awards surrendered to pay applicable taxes
 
194,641

Shares issued to Board of Directors in lieu of cash
 
2,370

Shares outstanding at September 30, 2018
 
48,694,953

NOTE 13. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands):
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on Interest Rate Swaps
 
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
 
Pension and
Other Post-Employment
Liability
Adjustment
 
Total
Balance, as of December 31, 2017
$

 
$
(5,487
)
 
$
(38,287
)
 
$
(43,774
)
Adoption of ASU 2018-02

 

 
(6,250
)
 
(6,250
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
1,964

 
(13,447
)
 
5,036

 
(6,447
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 
4,026

 
4,026

Net current-period other comprehensive income
1,964


(13,447
)
 
9,062

 
(2,421
)
Balance, as of September 30, 2018
$
1,964


$
(18,934
)
 
$
(35,475
)
 
$
(52,445
)
The following reclassifications were made from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the condensed consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
September 30, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
Amortization of pension and other post-employment liability adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service credits (1)
$
(182
)
 
$
(371
)
 
$
(546
)
 
$
(1,113
)
Actuarial losses (1)
55

 
155

 
751

 
465

Loss recognized during settlement
628

 

 
5,236

 

Total before tax
501

 
(216
)
 
5,441

 
(648
)
Tax (benefit) expense
(158
)
 
77

 
(1,415
)
 
234

Net of tax
$
343

 
$
(139
)
 
$
4,026

 
$
(414
)
(1) These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs, and are included in Other income, net within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. See Note 5 for additional information.

18



NOTE 14. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share excludes the dilutive effect of common shares that could potentially be issued due to the exercise of stock options and vesting of unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units, and is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. At September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company had stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, which could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future. The following table sets forth the reconciliation from basic to dilutive average common shares (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders
$
20,323

 
$
19,132

 
$
48,706

 
$
47,470

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares
48,694

 
48,468

 
48,642

 
48,407

Effect of dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Potentially dilutive shares resulting from stock plans
537

 
511

 
548

 
761

Diluted earnings per share - weighted-average shares
49,231

 
48,979

 
49,190

 
49,168

Antidilutive equity awards not included in weighted-average common shares—diluted
1

 
34

 

 
15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.42

 
$
0.39

 
$
1.00

 
$
0.98

Diluted
$
0.41

 
$
0.39

 
$
0.99

 
$
0.96

NOTE 15. INCOME TAXES
The Company’s income tax provision consists of federal, state and foreign income taxes. The tax provisions for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were based on the estimated effective tax rates applicable for the full years ending December 31, 2018 and 2017 and includes items specifically related to the interim periods. The Company’s effective tax rate was 26.4% and 30.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in the Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily due to domestic tax rate reduction implemented by the Tax Act legislation in December 2017. The Company’s geographic mix of pretax income and the varying effective tax rates in the countries and states in which the Company operates also impacts its effective tax rate.
As of both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.9 million in both periods, respectively. These unrecognized tax benefit amounts would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. As of September 30, 2018, the Company is subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax examination for the tax years 2007 through 2017, and to non-U.S. income tax examination for the tax years 2010 through 2017. In addition, the Company is subject to state and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2007 through 2017.

19



NOTE 16. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company manages its business through its reportable segments: Office and Lifestyle.
The Office segment includes a complete range of workplace products that address diverse workplace planning paradigms in North America and Europe. These products include: systems furniture, seating, storage, tables, desks and KnollExtra® accessories.
The Lifestyle segment includes KnollStudio®, HOLLY HUNT®, DatesWeiser, Muuto, KnollTextiles®, Spinneybeck® (including Filzfelt®), and Edelman® Leather. KnollStudio products, which are distributed in North America and Europe, include iconic seating, lounge furniture, side, cafe and dining chairs as well as conference, training and dining and occasional tables. HOLLY HUNT® is known for high quality residential furniture, lighting, rugs, textiles and leathers. In addition, HOLLY HUNT® also includes Vladimir Kagan Design Group, a renowned collection of modern luxury furnishings. DatesWeiser, known for its sophisticated meeting and conference tables and credenzas, sets a standard for design, quality and technology integration. The KnollTextiles®, Spinneybeck® (including Filzfelt®), and Edelman® Leather businesses provide a wide range of customers with high-quality fabrics, felt, leather and related architectural products. The acquisition of Muuto rounds out the Lifestyle segment with its ancillary products and affordable luxury furnishings to make the Lifestyle segment an all encompassing “resimercial”, high performance workplace, from uber-luxury living spaces to affordable luxury residential living.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company revised its segment presentation by aggregating the former Studio and Coverings segments with Muuto to create the Lifestyle segment. Additionally, the Office segment now includes the office business in Europe which was historically reported in Studio. The Company believes this revised presentation better aligns the segments with how management views and operates the Company. As a result of this change in segment reporting, the Company retrospectively revised prior period results, by segment, to conform to current period presentation.
Corporate costs include unallocated costs relating to shared services and general corporate activities such as legal expenses, acquisition expenses, certain finance, human resources, administrative and executive expenses and other expenses that are not directly attributable to an operating segment. Dedicated, direct selling, general and administrative expenses, of the segments are included within segment operating profit. Management regularly reviews the costs included in the Corporate function and believes disclosing such information provides more visibility and transparency of how the chief operating decision maker reviews the results for the Company.

20



The tables below present the Company’s reportable segment information with Corporate costs excluded from segment results. Prior year amounts have been recast to conform to the current presentation (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
SALES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office
$
197,682

 
$
192,308

 
$
570,047

 
$
512,905

Lifestyle
130,055

 
98,948

 
377,600

 
303,865

Knoll, Inc. 
$
327,737

 
$
291,256

 
$
947,647

 
$
816,770

INTERSEGMENT SALES (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office
$
449

 
$
332

 
$
1,458

 
$
1,056

Lifestyle
2,566

 
2,830

 
7,970

 
8,021

Knoll, Inc. 
$
3,015

 
$
3,162

 
$
9,428

 
$
9,077

OPERATING PROFIT
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Office (2)
$
15,894

 
$
15,802

 
$
35,076

 
$
29,441

Lifestyle
22,294

 
17,578

 
63,435

 
56,574

Corporate (3)
(5,268
)
 
(5,653
)
 
(18,319
)
 
(17,820
)
Knoll, Inc.(4)
$
32,920

 
$
27,727

 
$
80,192

 
$
68,195

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1) Intersegment sales are presented on a cost-plus basis which takes into consideration the effect of transfer prices between legal entities.
(2) Knoll recorded restructuring charges of $1.2 million and $2.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $2.2 million of restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 within the Office segment related to an organizational realignment that will result in greater operating efficiency and control in 2018 and related to headcount rationalization and modernization of equipment in the Office segment in 2017.
(3) Knoll recorded acquisition costs of $0.1 million and $1.6 million related to the acquisition of Muuto within the Corporate segment during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
(4) The Company does not allocate interest expense or other income, net to the reportable segments.

21



ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations provides an account of our financial performance and financial condition that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements.
Forward-looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, principally in the sections entitled “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Statements and financial discussion and analysis contained in this Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to us, based on our current beliefs as well as assumptions made by us and information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. This includes, without limitation, our statements and expectations regarding any current or future recovery in our industry and publicly announced plans for increased capital and investment spending to achieve our long-term revenue and profitability growth goals, and our expectations with respect to leverage. Although we believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions, any or all of which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: the risks described in Item 1A and in Item 7A on our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017; changes in the financial stability of our clients or the overall economic environment, resulting in decreased corporate spending and service sector employment; changes in relationships with clients; the mix of products sold and of clients purchasing our products; the success of new technology initiatives; changes in business strategies and decisions; competition from our competitors; our ability to recruit and retain an experienced management team; changes in raw material prices and availability; restrictions on government spending resulting in fewer sales to the U.S. government, one of our largest customers; our debt restrictions on spending; our ability to protect our patents, copyrights and trademarks; our reliance on furniture dealers to produce sales; lawsuits arising from patents, copyrights and trademark infringements; violations of environmental laws and regulations; potential labor disruptions; adequacy of our insurance policies; the availability of future capital and the cost of borrowing; the overall strength and stability of our dealers, suppliers, and customers; access to necessary capital; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses; the success of our design and implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system; and currency rate fluctuations. The factors identified above are believed to be important factors (but not necessarily all of the important factors) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Unpredictable or unknown factors could also have material adverse effects on us. All forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as required under the Federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we undertake no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Overview
We design, manufacture, market and sell high-end commercial and residential furniture, accessories, textiles, fine leathers and designer felt for the workplace and residential markets, as well as modern outdoor furniture. We work with clients to create inspired modern interiors. Our design-driven businesses share a reputation for high-quality and sophistication offering a diversified product portfolio that endures throughout evolving trends and performs throughout business cycles. Our products are targeted at the middle to upper-end of the market, where we reach customers primarily through a broad network of independent dealers and distribution partners, our direct sales force, our showrooms, and our online presence.
Business Highlights
During the last decade we have diversified our sources of revenue among our varying operating segments. We continue to build Knoll with an eye toward what works for our customers and shareholders: a constellation of design-driven brands and people, working together with our clients to create inspired modern interiors combined with our disciplined approach to the management of our business has resulted in the creation of a singular entity.
Over time we believe our diversification efforts and strategy will continue to result in a more profitable and less cyclical enterprise. Knoll brands span commercial and residential applications with high design opportunities, and are heavily influenced by architect and designer specifiers. We are focused on targeting under-penetrated and emerging ancillary categories and markets as well as expanding our reach into residential and decorator channels around the world.

22



Our efforts to diversify our sources of revenue among our operating segments has not detracted from our continued focus on growing and improving the operating performance of our Office segment. We are looking beyond the traditional office product categories of systems, task seating and storage, to furniture that supports activity areas and the in-between spaces where people meet. We believe that our success in traditional office products gives us an advantage throughout the workplace. Our new Rockwell Unscripted collection encompasses every product category ranging from seating and lounge to architectural walls and storage. It addresses the needs of organizations that seek alternatives to the traditional workspace, and is substantially additive to our current product portfolio. In addition to these initiatives, we aim to increase profitability through operational improvements and investments in our physical and technological infrastructure.
We are committed to building a more efficient and responsive customer centric service culture and technology infrastructure across our organization. Our capital expenditures are reflective of this commitment as we continued to invest in the business through technology infrastructure upgrades and continued investments in our manufacturing facilities focusing on lean initiatives and showroom presence.
Results of Operations
Comparison of Consolidated Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2018 vs. 2017
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net Sales
 
$
327,737

 
$
291,256

 
$
36,481

 
12.5
 %
Gross profit
 
122,794

 
106,610

 
16,184

 
15.2
 %
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
 
88,674

 
78,883

 
9,791

 
12.4
 %
Restructuring charges
 
1,200

 

 
1,200

 
100.0
 %
Operating profit
 
32,920

 
27,727

 
5,193

 
18.7
 %
Pension settlement charge
 
628

 

 
628

 
100.0
 %
Interest expense
 
5,032

 
1,991

 
3,041

 
152.7
 %
Other income, net
 
(227
)
 
(1,583
)
 
1,356

 
(85.7
)%
Income tax expense
 
7,164

 
8,158

 
(994
)
 
(12.2
)%
Net earnings
 
20,323

 
19,161

 
1,162

 
6.1
 %
Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders
 
20,323

 
19,132

 
1,191

 
6.2
 %
Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.42

 
$
0.39

 
$
0.03

 
7.7
 %
Diluted
 
$
0.41

 
$
0.39

 
$
0.02

 
5.1
 %
Statistical Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit %
 
37.5
%

36.6
%
 
 
 
 
Operating profit %
 
10.0
%

9.5
%

 
 
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses %
 
27.1
%
 
27.1
%
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were $327.7 million, an increase of $36.5 million, or 12.5%, from sales of $291.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Net sales for the Office segment were $197.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of 2.8%, when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. Newer workplace platforms and ancillary products drove sales growth while legacy system sales remained flat. Net sales for the Lifestyle segment were $130.1 million during the third quarter of 2018, an increase of 31.4% compared with the third quarter of 2017. This increase was primarily driven by the inclusion of three months of sales from Muuto as well as increased volume in our contract markets across all Lifestyle businesses.

23



Gross Profit
Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $122.8 million, an increase of $16.2 million, or 15.2%, from gross profit of $106.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. As a percentage of sales, gross profit increased from 36.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 to 37.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The increase in gross margin was primarily the result of the continued shift of the percentage of consolidated sales towards our higher margin Lifestyle segment, which experienced significantly higher sales growth than our Office segment for the three months ended September 30, 2018.
Operating Profit
Operating profit for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $32.9 million, an increase of $5.2 million, or 18.7%, from operating profit of $27.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in operating profit was due primarily to higher sales volume in the Lifestyle segment, net price realization in both the Office and Lifestyle segments, and the inclusion of three months of Muuto operations. Operating profit for the Office segment was $15.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $5.5 million, or 0.6%, from the three months ended September 30, 2017. Operating profit for the Lifestyle segment was $22.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $4.7 million, or 26.8%, from the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were $88.7 million, or 27.1% of sales, an increase of $9.8 million from $78.9 million, or 27.1% of sales, for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was due primarily to incremental operating expenses related to Muuto as well as higher incentive compensation from increased sales volume and profitability. Operating expenses also included restructuring charges of $1.2 million which related to the supply chain optimization initiative. Additionally, as a result of adopting ASU 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), we reclassified $2.4 million of net periodic benefit income from operating expense to other income on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for both three months ending September 30, 2018 and 2017.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $5.0 million, an increase of $3.0 million from interest expense of $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was due primarily to additional debt as a result of the Muuto acquisition and higher interest rates. During the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, our weighted average interest rate was approximately 3.7% and 2.4%, respectively.
Other Income, net
During the three months ended September 30, 2018, other income was $0.2 million compared to $1.6 million for the third quarter of 2017. Other income is primarily related to foreign exchange gains and losses and net periodic benefit income from the Company's pension and other post-employment benefit plans in both 2018 and 2017. In accordance with the adoption of ASU 2017-07, which was effective for the Company on January 1, 2018, the Company reclassified the net periodic benefit income recognized on the Company's pension and other post-employment benefit plans from selling, general, and administrative expense to other income for all periods presented.
Income Tax Expense
Our effective tax rate was 26.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 29.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 was favorably impacted by the reversal of a valuation allowance against certain foreign jurisdiction deferred tax assets. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2018 decreased from the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to the passage of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Reform”) in the fourth quarter of 2017.

24



Comparison of Consolidated Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018 vs. 2017
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net Sales
 
$
947,647

 
$
816,770

 
$
130,877

 
16.0
 %
Gross profit
 
349,792

 
302,242

 
47,550

 
15.7
 %
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
 
267,036

 
231,897

 
35,139

 
15.2
 %
Restructuring expense
 
2,564

 
2,150

 
414

 
19.3
 %
Operating profit
 
80,192

 
68,195

 
11,997

 
17.6
 %
Interest expense
 
15,812

 
5,521

 
10,291

 
186.4
 %
Other income, net
 
(7,021
)
 
(5,943
)
 
(1,078
)
 
18.1
 %
Income tax expense
 
17,452

 
21,104

 
(3,652
)
 
(17.3
)%
Net earnings
 
48,713

 
47,513

 
1,200

 
2.5
 %
Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders
 
48,706

 
47,470

 
1,236

 
2.6
 %
Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
1.00


$
0.98

 
$
0.02

 
2.0
 %
Diluted
 
$
0.99


$
0.96

 
$
0.03

 
3.1
 %
Statistical Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit %
 
36.9
%
 
37.0
%
 
 
 
 
Operating profit %
 
8.5
%
 
8.3
%
 
 
 
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses %
 
28.2
%
 
28.4
%
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
Net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $947.6, an increase of $130.9 million, or 16.0%, from sales of $816.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in sales was driven by strong sales across both of our segments. Office segment sales increased $57.1 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2018 resulting from strong growth in commercial sales in both North America and Europe combined with newer workplace platforms and ancillary product growth. Our Lifestyle segment sales increased $73.7 million, or 24.3%, from the same period in the prior year. This increase was primarily driven by the inclusion of eight months of sales from Muuto and increased volume in our contract markets across all Lifestyle businesses.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $349.8 million, an increase of $47.6 million, or 15.7%, from gross profit of $302.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. As a percentage of sales, gross profit decreased from 37.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 to 36.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. This slight decrease was driven mainly by unfavorable commodity and transportation inflation in the Office segment, which were offset by higher volume and a favorable shift of mix towards new product platforms in Office and the continued shift of the percentage of consolidated sales towards our higher margin Lifestyle segment when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Operating Profit
Operating profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $80.2 million, an increase of $12.0 million, or 17.6%, from operating profit of $68.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in operating profit was driven primarily by higher sales volume and the inclusion of Muuto. Operating profit as a percentage of sales was 8.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 8.3% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $267.0 million, or 28.2% of sales, compared to $231.9 million, or 28.4% of sales, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was due primarily to the expansion of our sales force and footprint, the inclusion of eight months of Muuto operations as well as higher incentive compensation from increased sales volume and profitability. Additionally, as a result of adopting ASU 2017-07 we reclassified $7.2 million of net periodic benefit income from operating expense to other income on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for both the nine months ending September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

25



Interest Expense
Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $15.8 million, an increase of $10.3 million from interest expense of $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was due primarily to increased debt levels as a result of the Muuto acquisition and higher interest rates. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, our weighted average interest rate was approximately 3.5% and 2.3%, respectively.
Other Income, net
Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $7.0 million, an increase of $1.1 million from $5.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was due primarily to the reclassified $7.2 million of net periodic benefit income from operating expense which was offset by foreign exchange gains that resulted from the revaluation of intercompany balances.
Income Tax Expense
Our effective tax rate was 26.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to 30.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in the tax rate is due primarily to the passage of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as well as the mix of pretax income and the varying effective tax rates in the countries and states in which we operate.
Segment Reporting
We manage our business through our reporting segments: Office and Lifestyle.
The Office segment includes a complete range of workplace products that address diverse workplace planning paradigms in North America and Europe. These products include: systems furniture, seating, storage, tables, desks and KnollExtra® accessories.
The Lifestyle segment includes KnollStudio®, HOLLY HUNT®, DatesWeiser, Muuto, KnollTextiles®, Spinneybeck® (including Filzfelt®), and Edelman® Leather. KnollStudio products, which are distributed in North America and Europe, include iconic seating, lounge furniture, side, cafe and dining chairs as well as conference, training and dining and occasional tables. HOLLY HUNT® is known for high quality residential furniture, lighting, rugs, textiles and leathers. In addition, HOLLY HUNT® also includes Vladimir Kagan Design Group, a renowned collection of modern luxury furnishings. DatesWeiser, known for its sophisticated meeting and conference tables and credenzas, sets a standard for design, quality and technology integration. The KnollTextiles®, Spinneybeck® (including Filzfelt®), and Edelman® Leather businesses provide a wide range of customers with high-quality fabrics, felt, leather and related architectural products. The acquisition of Muuto rounds out the Lifestyle segment with its ancillary products and affordable luxury furnishings to make the Lifestyle segment an all encompassing “resimercial”, high performance workplace, from uber-luxury living spaces to affordable luxury residential living.
The comparisons of segment results found below has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the change in segment reporting discussed in Reportable Segments above.
Comparison of Segment Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2018 vs. 2017
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
SALES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office
 
$
197,682

 
$
192,308

 
$
5,374

 
2.8
 %
Lifestyle
 
130,055

 
98,948

 
31,107

 
31.4
 %
Knoll, Inc. 
 
$
327,737

 
$
291,256

 
$
36,481

 
12.5
 %
OPERATING PROFIT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office
 
$
15,894

 
$
15,802

 
$
92

 
0.6
 %
Lifestyle
 
22,294

 
17,578

 
4,716

 
26.8
 %
Corporate
 
(5,268
)
 
(5,653
)
 
385

 
(6.8
)%
Knoll, Inc. (1)
 
$
32,920

 
$
27,727

 
$
5,193

 
18.7
 %
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1) We do not allocate interest expense or other expense (income), net to the reportable segments.

26



Office
Net sales for the Office segment for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were $197.7 million, an increase of $5.4 million, or 2.8%, when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in the Office segment was due to higher volume in our ancillary and ergonomic product offerings. Operating profit for the Office segment in the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $15.9 million, an increase of $0.1million, or 0.6%, when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Lifestyle
Net sales for the Lifestyle segment for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were $130.1 million, an increase of $31.1 million, or 31.4%, when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was due primarily to the inclusion of Muuto as well as higher volume across our Lifestyle businesses. Operating profit for the Lifestyle segment in the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $22.3 million, an increase of $4.7 million, or 26.8%, when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in operating profit was driven primarily by the acquisition of Muuto and increased sales volume.
Corporate
Corporate costs for the three months ended September 30, 2018 were $5.3 million, a decrease of $0.4 million, when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to the reduction of an acquisition related liability of $0.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2018.
Comparison of Segment Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018 vs. 2017
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
$ Change
 
% Change
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
SALES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office
 
$
570,047

 
$
512,905

 
$
57,142

 
11.1
%
Lifestyle
 
377,600

 
303,865

 
73,735

 
24.3
%
Knoll, Inc. 
 
$
947,647

 
$
816,770

 
$
130,877

 
16.0
%
OPERATING PROFIT
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office
 
$
35,076

 
$
29,441

 
$
5,635

 
19.1
%
Lifestyle
 
63,435

 
56,574

 
6,861

 
12.1
%
Corporate
 
(18,319
)
 
(17,820
)
 
(499
)
 
2.8
%
Knoll, Inc. (1)
 
$
80,192

 
$
68,195

 
$
11,997

 
17.6
%
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1) The Company does not allocate interest expense or other expense (income), net to the reportable segments.
Office
Net sales for the Office segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $570.0 million, an increase of $57.1 million, or 11.1%, when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in the Office segment was due primarily to strong volume growth in new workplace platforms and ancillary products. Operating profit for the Office segment in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $35.1 million, an increase of $5.6 million, or 19.1%, when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in operating profit for the Office segment was due primarily to increased sales volume.
Lifestyle
Net sales for the Lifestyle segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $377.6 million, an increase of $73.7 million, or 24.3%, when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2017. This increase was driven by the inclusion of Muuto as well as higher sales volume across our Lifestyle businesses. Operating profit for the Lifestyle segment in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $63.4 million, an increase of $6.9 million, or 12.1%, when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in operating profit was driven primarily by the acquisition of Muuto and increased sales volume.

27



Corporate
Corporate costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $18.3 million, an increase of $0.5 million, or 2.8%, when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was driven by higher spending on consulting services and acquisition related costs which were offset by lower employee benefit costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table highlights certain key cash flows and capital information pertinent to the discussion that follows:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
(in thousands)
Cash provided by operating activities
$
63,795

 
$
59,404

Capital expenditures, net
(21,349
)
 
(29,433
)
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired
(307,983
)
 

Purchase of common stock for treasury
(4,393
)
 
(10,570
)
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities
409,000

 
304,000

Repayment of revolving credit facilities
(287,500
)
 
(296,500
)
Proceeds of term loans
395,136

 

Repayment of term loans
(224,149
)
 
(7,500
)
Payment of dividends
(22,727
)
 
(23,000
)
Payment of financing fees
(4,578
)
 

Loss on debt extinguishment
(1,023
)
 

Contingent purchase price payment

 
(6,000
)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities
259,817

 
(38,994
)
We have historically funded our business through cash generated from operations, supplemented by debt borrowings. Available cash is primarily used for our working capital needs, ongoing operations, capital expenditures, the payment of quarterly dividends, and the repurchase of shares. Capital expenditures are related primarily to investments in assets that help to improve operating efficiency, innovation and modernization, technology infrastructure and showroom refreshes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we made quarterly dividend payments of $0.15 per share, returning $21.9 million of cash to our shareholders and paid an additional $0.8M of accrued dividends.
Cash provided by operating activities was $63.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $59.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of $84.1 million from net income and various non-cash charges, including $26.1 million of depreciation and amortization, $6.7 million of stock-based compensation, partially offset by $20.3 million of unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities driven primarily by increased inventory purchases and increased accounts receivable from higher sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, cash provided by operating activities consisted of $75.4 million from net income and various non-cash charges, including $19.1 million of depreciation and amortization and $7.3 million of stock based compensation, partially offset by $16.0 million of unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities.
Investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 include the purchase of Muuto for $303.7 million, net of cash acquired. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we used $21.3 million and $29.4 million of cash for capital expenditures, respectively. The capital expenditures are reflective of our continued commitment to enhance and modernize our sales, manufacturing and information technology infrastructure.

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Cash provided by financing activities was $259.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to cash used by financing activities of $39.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we amended and extended our Existing Credit Facility. The proceeds from our term loans and revolving credit facilities under our Amended Credit Facility of $350.5 million and $282.0 million, respectively, were used to finance a portion of the Muuto acquisition, repay the outstanding balance on the term loans of our Existing Credit Facility of $165.0 million as well as to fund our working capital needs. Additionally, we paid $5.5 million of fees related to the issuance of the Amended Credit Facility, of which $4.5 million was capitalized as deferred financing fees and $1.0 million was expensed as a loss on debt extinguishment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we used $10.6 million for share repurchases, $23.0 million of cash to fund dividend payments to shareholders, and $6.0 million for the HOLLY HUNT® contingent purchase price payment.
On January 23, 2018, we amended and extended our Existing Credit Facility, dated May 20, 2014, with a $750.0 million credit facility maturing on January 23, 2023. We use our credit facility in the ordinary course of business to fund our working capital needs and, at times, make significant borrowings and repayments under the facility depending on our cash needs and availability at such time. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement may be repaid at any time, but no later than January 23, 2023.
The Amended Credit Agreement requires that we comply with two financial covenants: consolidated total net leverage ratio, defined as the ratio of total indebtedness (net of unrestricted cash up to $15.0 million) to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our credit agreement) and consolidated interest coverage ratio, defined as the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our credit agreement) to our consolidated interest expense. Our consolidated leverage ratio cannot exceed 4.25 to 1, an increase from our Existing Credit Facility at December 31, 2017 of 4.0 to 1, and our consolidated interest coverage ratio must be a minimum of 3.0 to 1. However, because of the financial covenant mentioned above, our capacity under our credit facility could be reduced if our trailing consolidated EBITDA (as defined by our credit agreement) declines due to deteriorating market conditions or poor performance. We are also required to comply with various other affirmative and negative covenants including, without limitation, covenants that prevent or restrict our ability to pay dividends, engage in certain mergers or acquisitions, make certain investments or loans, incur future indebtedness, engage in sale-leaseback transactions, alter our capital structure or line of business, prepay subordinated indebtedness, engage in certain transactions with affiliates and sell stock or assets.
We are currently in compliance with all of the covenants and conditions under our credit facility. We believe that existing cash balances and internally generated cash flows, together with borrowings available under our credit facility, will be sufficient to fund working capital needs, capital spending requirements, debt service requirements and dividend payments for at least the next twelve months. Future debt payments may be paid out of cash flows from operations, from future refinancing of our debt or from equity issuances. Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal, pay interest on or to refinance our indebtedness, satisfy our other debt obligations and to pay dividends to stockholders will depend upon our future operating performance, which is affected by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors beyond our control.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations as of September 30, 2018 (in thousands):
 
 
Payments Due by Period
 
 
Less than
1 year
 
1 to 3
years
 
3 to 5
years
 
More than
5 years
 
Total
Long-term debt (1)
 
$
25,875

 
$
66,275

 
$
468,621

 
$

 
$
560,771

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1) Contractual obligations for long-term debt and short-term borrowings include principal and interest payments. Interest payments have been computed based on an estimated variable interest rate as of September 30, 2018. The estimated variable interest rate is based on the Company’s expected consolidated leverage ratio and the forecasted LIBOR rate for each period presented.

29



Environmental Matters
Our past and present business operations and the past and present ownership and operation of manufacturing plants on real property are subject to extensive and changing federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to discharges to air, water and land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and the cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substances. As a result, we are involved from time-to-time in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries relating to environmental matters and could become subject to fines or penalties related thereto. We cannot predict what environmental legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future, how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist. Compliance with more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may require additional expenditures by us, some of which may be material. We have been identified as a potentially responsible party pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) for remediation costs associated with waste disposal sites that we previously used. The remediation costs and our allocated share at some of these CERCLA sites are unknown. We may also be subject to claims for personal injury or contribution relating to CERCLA sites. We reserve amounts for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special-purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, we do not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange-traded contracts. As a result, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in these relationships.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from such estimates. On an ongoing basis, we review our accounting policies and procedures. A more detailed review of our critical accounting policies is contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

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ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We provided a discussion of our market risk in Part II, Item 7A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. There have been no substantive changes in our market risk described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K except for the items noted below. During the normal course of business, we are routinely subjected to market risk associated with interest rate movements and foreign currency exchange rate movements. Interest rate risk arises from our debt obligations and foreign currency exchange rate risk arises from our non-U.S. operations and purchases of inventory from foreign suppliers.
We also have risk in our exposure to certain materials and transportation costs. Steel, leather, wood products and plastics are all used in our products. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we estimated that materials inflation was approximately $4.4 million and transportation inflation approximately $8.1 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we estimated that materials inflation was approximately $4.2 million and transportation deflation was less than $0.1 million, respectively. We continue to work to offset price increases in raw materials and transportation through our global sourcing initiatives, cost improvements and price increases to our products.
Interest Rate Risk
We have variable rate debt obligations that are denominated in U.S. dollars. A change in interest rates will impact the interest costs incurred and cash paid on the variable rate debt. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, our weighted average interest rates were approximately 3.5% and 2.4%, respectively.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We manufacture our products in the United States, Canada and Italy, and sell our products primarily in those markets as well as in other countries. Our foreign sales and certain expenses are transacted in foreign currencies. Our production costs, profit margins and competitive position are affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where we manufacture or purchase goods relative to the strength of the currencies in countries where our products are sold. Additionally, as our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, our financial position is affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where we have operations relative to the strength of the U.S. dollar. The principal foreign currencies in which we conduct business are the Canadian dollar, the Euro, and with the acquisition of Muuto, the Danish Krone. Approximately 18.4% and 12.6% of our revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 29.0% and 26.6% of our cost of goods sold in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations resulted in $1.1 million of translation gains and $1.4 million of translation losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Tariff Impact Risk    
Changes to United States tax, tariff and import/export regulations may have a negative effect on global economic conditions, financial markets and our business. These tariffs affect a number of our products and have the potential to increase our costs of procurement, both directly as a result of the tariffs, and indirectly in the form of generalized inflation. We are currently evaluating various options as a means of reducing the impact of these tariffs on our operations and customers. We will continue to evaluate marketplace conditions and implement incremental pricing actions or strategies as the need arises.





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ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report (September 30, 2018) (“Disclosure Controls”). Based upon the Disclosure Controls evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Disclosure Controls are effective in reaching a reasonable level of assurance that (i) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. Except for the Muuto acquisition, our aforementioned principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that there were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during our third fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Management is currently evaluating the impact of Muuto on Knoll, Inc’s internal control over financial reporting.


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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there have been no new material legal proceedings or material changes in the legal proceedings disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Except as set forth below, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there have been no material changes in the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our corporate documents provide, subject to certain exceptions, that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty, any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our Amended and Restated Bylaws, or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision in our Amended and Restated Bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND THE USE OF PROCEEDS
Repurchases of Equity Securities
The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
On August 17, 2005, our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program (the “Options Proceeds Program”), whereby they authorized us to purchase shares of our common stock in the open market using the cash proceeds received by us upon exercise of outstanding options.
On February 2, 2006, our board of directors approved an additional stock repurchase program, pursuant to which we are authorized to purchase up to $50.0 million of our common stock in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. On February 4, 2008, our board of directors expanded this previously authorized $50.0 million stock repurchase program by an additional $50.0 million.
Period
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Dollar Value
of Shares that May Yet
be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
(1)
July 1, 2018 -July 31, 2018

 
$

 

 
$
32,352,413

August1, 2018 - August 31, 2018

 
$

 

 
$
32,352,413

September 1, 2018 - September 30, 2018

 
$

 

 
$
32,352,413

Total

 
 

 

 
 

_______________________________________________________________________________
(1) There is no limit on the number or value of shares that may be purchased by us under the Options Proceeds Program. Under our $50.0 million stock repurchase program, which was expanded by an additional $50.0 million in February 2008, we are only authorized to spend an aggregate of $100.0 million on stock repurchases. Amounts in this column represent the amounts that remain available under the $100.0 million stock repurchase program as of the end of the period indicated. There is no scheduled expiration date for the Option Proceeds Program or the $100.0 million stock repurchase program, but our Board of Directors may terminate either program in the future.



33



ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Severance Agreements
On August 8, 2018, the Company entered into a Severance Agreement with each of Charles W. Rayfield, the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Michael A. Pollner, the Company’s Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Secretary (each, an “Executive”). The Severance Agreement provides that each Executive, subject to execution of a release agreement satisfactory the Company, would receive severance pay equal to twelve (12) months of base salary in the event of the occurrence of a “Triggering Event.” A “Triggering Event” is defined for this purpose as a termination of employment without “Cause,” which is defined in the Severance Agreement as: (i) the substantial and continued failure of the Executive to perform material duties reasonably required of the Executive for a period of not less than thirty (30) consecutive days, provided notice in writing from the Company or its Board of Directors, as applicable, is given to the Executive specifying in reasonable detail the circumstances constituting such substantial and continued failure; (ii) conduct by the Executive substantially disloyal to the Company, which conduct is identified in reasonable detail by notice in writing from the Company or the Board of Directors, as applicable, and which conduct, if susceptible of cure, is not cured by the Executive within thirty (30) days of the Executive’s receipt of such notice; (iii) any act of fraud, embezzlement or misappropriation by the Executive against the Company (or any subsidiary); (iv) any material violation of the Company’s Code of Ethics or other policies; or (v) the conviction of the Executive of a felony or plea by the Executive of guilty or “nolo contendere” to the charge of a felony. Termination of employment on account of the Executive’s death or disability shall not constitute a “Triggering Event.” The Severance Agreement also includes a non-competition covenant applying for the duration of the severance pay period following a “Triggering Event”.
ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
Offer Letter for Christopher M. Baldwin
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101
 
The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2018 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.*

* The Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

34



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
KNOLL, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 9, 2018
 
 
By:
/s/ Andrew B. Cogan
 
 
 
Andrew B. Cogan
 
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 9, 2018
 
 
By:
/s/ Charles W. Rayfield
 
 
 
Charles W. Rayfield
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)



35