UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
[ X ]
ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
[__]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For Fiscal Year Ended May 30, 2015
Commission File No. 001-15141
Herman Miller, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Michigan
 
       38-0837640        
 
 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
855 East Main Avenue
 
 
 
 
PO Box 302
 
 
 
 
Zeeland, Michigan
 
49464-0302
 
 
(Address of principal
executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (616) 654 3000
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.20 Par Value
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 
Yes [ X ]     No [__]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
 
Yes [__]     No [ X ]
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 [__]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes [ X ]     No [__]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   [ X ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer [ X ]    Accelerated filer [__]  Non-accelerated filer [__]    Smaller reporting company [__]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes [__]     No [ X ]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by “nonaffiliates” of the registrant (for this purpose only, the affiliates of the registrant have been assumed to be the executive officers and directors of the registrant and their associates) as of November 29, 2014 , was $ 1,790,393,512 (based on $30.39 per share which was the closing sale price as reported by NASDAQ).
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock, as of July 23, 2015 : Common stock, $.20 par value - 59,838,458 shares outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 12, 2015, are incorporated into Part III of this report.
































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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
Page No.
Part I
 
   Item 1 Business
   Item 1A Risk Factors
   Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments
   Item 2 Properties
   Item 3 Legal Proceedings
   Additional Item: Executive Officers of the Registrant
   Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures
Part II
 
   Item 5 Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and
 
     Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
   Item 6 Selected Financial Data
   Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
   Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
   Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
   Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
   Item 9A Controls and Procedures
   Item 9B Other Information
Part III
 
   Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
   Item 11 Executive Compensation
   Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
 
     Stockholder Matters
   Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
   Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Part IV
 
   Item 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule
Signatures
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Exhibit Index





PART I

Item 1 BUSINESS

General Development of Business
Herman Miller's mission statement is, Inspiring Designs to Help People Do Great Things . To this end, the company researches, designs, manufactures, and distributes interior furnishings for use in various environments including office, healthcare, educational, and residential settings, and provides related services that support organizations and individuals all over the world. Through research, the company seeks to define and clarify customer needs and problems existing in its markets and to design, through innovation where appropriate and feasible, products, systems, and services that serve as compelling solutions to such problems. The company's products are sold primarily through the following channels: Owned and independent contract furniture dealers, direct customer sales, owned and independent retailers, direct-mail catalog program, and the company's online stores.

In July 2014, Herman Miller acquired Design Within Reach, Inc. (DWR) and formed a new consumer-focused business unit comprised of DWR and the company's existing eCommerce and retail wholesale business. This acquisition represents an important step in the company's strategy to extend the reach of its brand into the consumer and design trade markets. It also represents a step toward enhancing the awareness and connection of the Herman Miller brand to the users and specifiers of products sold within the company's core contract furniture business (an ambition the company refers to as shifting from an “Industry” to “Industry+Consumer” focus). DWR brings with it a powerful multi-channel distribution structure that integrates brick and mortar retail studios (33 locations as of May 30, 2015), a successful direct-mail catalog program, an eCommerce platform, and a focused business-to-business selling model aimed at serving contract customers in work and hospitality environments. 

Herman Miller, Inc. was incorporated in Michigan in 1905. One of the company's major plants and its corporate offices are located at 855 East Main Avenue, PO Box 302, Zeeland, Michigan, 49464-0302, and its telephone number is (616) 654-3000. Unless otherwise noted or indicated by the context, the term “company” includes Herman Miller, Inc., its predecessors, and majority-owned subsidiaries. Further information relating to principles of consolidation is provided in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report.
Financial Information about Segments
Information relating to segments is provided in Note 14 to t he Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report.
Narrative Description of Business
The company's principal business consists of the research, design, manufacture, selling, and distribution of office furniture systems, seating products, other freestanding furniture elements, textiles, and related services. Most of these systems and products are designed to be used together.

The company's ingenuity and design excellence creates award-winning products and services, which has made us a leader in design and development of furniture, furniture systems, and textiles. This leadership is exemplified by the innovative concepts introduced by the company in its modular systems (including Canvas Office Landscape™, Locale®, Metaform Portfolio™, Public Office Landscape™, Layout Studio®, Action Office®, Ethospace®, Arras®, and Resolve®). The company also offers a broad array of seating (including Embody®, Aeron®, Mirra2™, Setu®, Sayl®, Celle®, Equa®, and Ergon® office chairs), storage (including Meridian® and Tu™ products), wooden casegoods (including Geiger® products), freestanding furniture products (including Abak®, Intent®, Sense™ and Envelop®), healthcare products (including Palisade™, Compass®, Nala®, and other Nemschoff® products) the Thrive portfolio of ergonomic solutions, and the textiles of Maharam Fabric Corporation (Maharam).

The company's products are marketed worldwide by its own sales staff, independent dealers and retailers, its owned dealer network, and via its e-commerce website. Salespeople work with dealers, the architecture and design community, and directly with end-users. Independent dealerships concentrate on the sale of Herman Miller products and some complementary product lines of other manufacturers. It is estimated that approximately 74 percent of the company's sales in the fiscal year ended May 30, 2015 , were made to or through independent dealers. The remaining sales were made directly to end-users, including federal, state, and local governments, and several major corporations, by the company's own sales staff, its owned dealer network, DWR retail studios or independent retailers.

The company is a recognized leader within its industry for the use, development, and integration of customer-centered technologies that enhance the reliability, speed, and efficiency of our customers' operations. This includes proprietary sales tools, interior design and product specification software; order entry and manufacturing scheduling and production systems; and direct connectivity to the company's suppliers.

The company's furniture systems, seating, freestanding furniture, storage, casegood and textile products, and related services are used in (1) institutional environments including offices and related conference, lobby, and lounge areas, and general public areas including transportation

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terminals; (2) health/science environments including hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities; (3) industrial and educational settings; and (4) residential and other environments.

Raw Materials
The company's manufacturing materials are available from a significant number of sources within the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. To date, the company has not experienced any difficulties in obtaining its raw materials. The costs of certain direct materials used in the company's manufacturing and assembly operations are sensitive to shifts in commodity market prices. In particular, the costs of steel, plastic, aluminum components, and particleboard are sensitive to the market prices of commodities such as raw steel, aluminum, crude oil, lumber, and resins. Increases in the market prices for these commodities can have an adverse impact on the company's profitability. Further information regarding the impact of direct material costs on the company's financial results is provided in Management's Discussion and Analysis in Item 7 of this report.

Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, Etc.
The company has 138 active United States utility patents on various components used in its products and 54 active United States design patents. Many of the inventions covered by the United States patents also have been patented in a number of foreign countries. Various trademarks, including the name and stylized “Herman Miller” and the “Herman Miller Circled Symbolic M” trademark are registered in the United States and many foreign countries. The company does not believe that any material part of its business depends on the continued availability of any one or all of its patents or trademarks, or that its business would be materially adversely affected by the loss of any thereof, except for Herman Miller®, Herman Miller Circled Symbolic M®, Maharam®, Geiger®, Design Within Reach®, DWR®, Nemschoff®, Action Office®, Ethospace®, Aeron®, Mirra®, Embody®, Setu®, Sayl®, Eames®, PostureFit®, Meridian®, and Canvas Office Landscape®. It is estimated that the average remaining life of such patents and trademarks is approximately 5 years and 6 years, respectively.

Working Capital Practices
Information concerning the company's inventory levels relative to its sales volume can be found under the Executive Overview section in Item 7 of this report. Beyond this discussion, the company does not believe that it or the industry in general, has any special practices or special conditions affecting working capital items that are significant for understanding the company's business.

Customer Base
It is estimated that no single dealer accounted for more t han 5 percent of the company's net sales in the fiscal year ended May 30, 2015 . It is also estimated that the largest single end-user customer, the U.S. federal government, accounted for $97 million , $102 million , and $114 million of the company's net sales in fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. This represents approximately 5 percent , 5 percent and 6 percent of the company's net sales in fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. The 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 20 percent , 23 percent , and 23 percent of net sales in fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively.

Backlog of Unfilled Orders
As of May 30, 2015 , the company's backlog of unfilled orders was $322.2 million . At May 31, 2014 , the company's backlog totaled $306.4 million . It is expected that substantially all the orders forming the backlog at May 30, 2015 , will be filled during the next fiscal year. Many orders received by the company are reflected in the backlog for only a short period while other orders specify delayed shipments and are carried in the backlog for up to one year. Accordingly, the amount of the backlog at any particular time does not necessarily indicate the level of net sales for a particular succeeding period.

Government Contracts
Other than standard provisions contained in contracts with the United States Government, the company does not believe that any significant portion of its business is subject to material renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts or subcontracts at the election of various government entities. The company sells to the U.S. Government both through a General Services Administration ("GSA") Multiple Award Schedule Contract and through competitive bids. The GSA Multiple Award Schedule Contract pricing is principally based upon the company's commercial price list in effect when the contract is initiated, rather than being determined on a cost-plus-basis. The company is required to receive GSA approval to apply list price increases during the term of the Multiple Award Schedule Contract period.

Competition
All aspects of the company's business are highly competitive. From an office furniture perspective, the company competes largely on design, product and service quality, speed of delivery, and product pricing. Although the company is one of the largest office furniture manufacturers in the world, it competes with manufacturers that have significant resources and sales as well as many smaller companies. In the United States, the company's most significant competitors are Haworth, HNI Corporation, Kimball International, Knoll, and Steelcase.

The company also competes in the home furnishings industry, primarily against regional and national independent home furnishings retailers who market high-craft furniture to the interior design community. Similar to our office furniture product offerings, the company competes primarily on design, product and service quality, speed of delivery, and product pricing in the consumer space.


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Research, Design, and Development
The company draws great competitive strength from its research, design, and development programs. Accordingly, the company believes that its research and design activities are of significant importance. Through research, the company seeks to define and clarify customers and the problems which they are trying to solve. The company designs innovative products and services that address customer needs and solve their problems. The company uses both internal and independent research resources and independent design resources. Exclusive of royalty payments, the company spent approximately $56.7 million , $53.9 million , and $48.3 million on research and development activities in fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Generally, royalties are paid to designers of the company's products as the products are sold and are not included in research and development costs since they are variable based on product sales.

Environmental Matters
For over 50 years, respecting the environment has been more than good business practice for us-it is the right thing to do. Our 10-year sustainability strategy - Earthright - begins with three principles: positive transparency, products as living things, and becoming greener together. Our goals are focused around the smart use of resources, eco-inspired design, and becoming community driven. Based on current facts known to management, the company does not believe that existing environmental laws and regulations have had or will have any material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position of the company. However, there can be no assurance that environmental legislation and technology in this area will not result in or require material capital expenditures or additional costs to our manufacturing process.

Human Resources
The company considers its employees to be another of its major competitive strengths. The company stresses individual employee participation and incentives, believing that this emphasis has helped attract and retain a competent and motivated workforce. The company's human resources group provides employee recruitment, education and development, as well as compensation planning and counseling. Additionally, there have been no work stoppages or labor disputes in the company's history. Approximately 14.1 percent of the company's employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, most of whom are employees of its Nemschoff, Herman Miller Ningbo, and Herman Miller Dongguan subsidiaries.

As of May 30, 2015 , the company had 7,510 employees, representing a 4.7 percent increase as compared with May 31, 2014 . The increase in employees was driven principally by our acquisition of DWR during fiscal 2015. Refer to Note 2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding this acquisition. In addition to its employee work force, the company uses temporary labor to meet uneven demand in its manufacturing operations.

Information about International Operations
The company's sales in international markets are made primarily to office/institutional customers. Foreign sales consist mostly of office furniture products such as Abak®, Aeron®, Mirra®, Celle®, Sayl®, Layout Studio®, Arras™, and other seating and storage products (including POSH products). The company conducts business in the following major international markets: Europe, Canada, the Middle East, Latin America, South America, and the Asia/Pacific region.

The company's products currently sold in international markets are manufactured by wholly owned subsidiaries in the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. Sales are made through wholly owned subsidiaries or branches in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Singapore, China (including Hong Kong), India, and the Netherlands. The company's products are offered in the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia through dealers.

Additional information with respect to operations by geographic area appears i n Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report. Fluctuating exchange rates and factors beyond the control of the company, such as tariff and foreign economic policies, may affect future results of international operations. Refer to Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk , for further discussion regarding the company's foreign exchange risk.

Available Information
The company's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports are made available free of charge through the “Investors” section of the company's internet website at www.hermanmiller.com , as soon as practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company's filings with the SEC are also available for the public to read and copy in person at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549, by phone at 1-800-SEC-0330, or via their internet website at www.sec.gov .

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Item 1A RISK FACTORS

The following risk factors and other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should be carefully considered. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face; others, either unforeseen or currently deemed less significant, may also have a negative impact on our company. If any of the following actually occurs, our business, operating results, cash flows, and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Sustained downturn in the economy could adversely impact our access to capital.
The recent disruptions in the global economic and financial markets adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets, at times reducing the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole. Conditions such as these could re-emerge in the future. Accordingly, our ability to access the capital markets could be restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to access those markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. The resulting lack of available credit, increased volatility in the financial markets and reduced business activity could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, our ability to take advantage of market opportunities and our ability to obtain and manage our liquidity. In addition, the cost of debt financing and the proceeds of equity financing may be materially and adversely impacted by these market conditions. The extent of any impact would depend on several factors, including our operating cash flows, the duration of tight credit conditions and volatile equity markets, our credit capacity, the cost of financing, and other general economic and business conditions. Our credit agreements contain performance covenants, such as a limit on the ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and limits on subsidiary debt and incurrence of liens. Although we believe none of these covenants are presently restrictive to our operations, our ability to meet the financial covenants can be affected by events beyond our control.

We may not be successful in implementing and managing our growth strategy.
We have established a growth strategy for the business based on a changing and evolving world. Through this strategy we are positioning the company to take advantage of existing markets, explore growth opportunities in new markets with supportive demographics, increase demand by addressing unmet needs, and expanding into areas that yield higher prospects for margins and profitability.

We ultimately aspire to create a lifestyle brand, and we intend to grow in certain targeted ways. First, we will invest in areas that increase our addressable markets across focused customer segments (such as healthcare, education, small and medium business, textiles, and consumer). Second, we will expand into emerging geographic markets that offer growth potential based upon their supportive demographics. Third, we will continue to invest in innovative products, which has been a hallmark of our success for many years. And finally, we will grow through targeted acquisitions.

While we have confidence that our strategic plan reflects opportunities that are appropriate and achievable and that we have anticipated and will manage the associated risks, there is the possibility that the strategy may not deliver the projected results due to inadequate execution, incorrect assumptions, sub-optimal resource allocation, or changing customer requirements.

There is no assurance that our current product and service offering will allow us to meet these goals. Accordingly, we believe we will be required to continually invest in the research, design, and development of new products and services. There is no assurance that such investments will have commercially successful results.

Certain growth opportunities may require us to invest in acquisitions, alliances, and the startup of new business ventures. These investments may not perform according to plan and may involve the assumption of business, operational, or other risks that are new to our business.

Future efforts to expand our business within developing economies, particularly within China and India, may expose us to the effects of political and economic instability. Such instability may impact our ability to compete for business. It may also put the availability and/or value of our capital investments within these regions at risk. These expansion efforts expose us to operating environments with complex, changing, and in some cases, inconsistently applied legal and regulatory requirements. Developing knowledge and understanding of these requirements poses a significant challenge and failure to remain compliant with them could limit our ability to continue doing business in these locations.

Pursuing our strategic plan in new and adjacent markets, as well as within developing economies, will require us to find effective new channels of distribution. There is no assurance that we can develop or otherwise identify these channels of distribution.

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive and we may not be successful in winning new business.
We are one of several companies competing for new business within the furniture industry. Many of our competitors offer similar categories of products, including office seating, systems and freestanding office furniture, casegoods, storage, and residential and healthcare furniture solutions. We believe that our innovative product design, functionality, quality, depth of knowledge, and strong network of distribution partners differentiates us in the marketplace. However, increased market pricing pressure could make it difficult for us to win new business with certain customers and within certain market segments at acceptable profit margins.


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The retail furnishings market is highly competitive. We compete with national and regional furniture retailers and department stores. In addition, we compete with mail order catalogs and online retailers focused on home furnishings. We compete with these and other retailers for customers, suitable retail locations, vendors, qualified employees, and management personnel. Some of our competitors have significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we possess. This may result in our competitors being quicker at the following: adapting to changes, devoting greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products, generating greater national brand recognition, or adopting more aggressive pricing policies. In addition, increased catalog mailings by our competitors may adversely affect response rates to our own catalog mailings. As a result, increased competition may adversely affect our future financial performance.

Adverse economic and industry conditions could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Customer demand within the contract office furniture industry is affected by various macro-economic factors; general corporate profitability, white-collar employment levels, new office construction rates, and existing office vacancy rates are among the most influential factors. History has shown that declines in these measures can have an adverse effect on overall office furniture demand. Additionally, factors and changes specific to our industry, such as developments in technology, governmental standards and regulations, and health and safety issues can influence demand. There are current and future economic and industry conditions, which could adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition.

Other macroeconomic developments, such as the recent recessions in Europe, the debt crisis in certain countries in the European Union, and the economic slow down in Asia could negatively affect the company's ability to conduct business in those geographies. The continuing debt crisis in certain European countries could cause the value of the Euro to deteriorate, reducing the purchasing power of the company's European customers and potentially undermining the financial health of the company's suppliers and customers in other parts of the world. Financial difficulties experienced by the company's suppliers and customers, including distributors, could result in product delays and inventory issues; risks to accounts receivable could result in delays in collection and greater bad debt expense.

Our business presence outside the United States exposes us to certain risks that could negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We have significant manufacturing and sales operations in the United Kingdom, which represents our largest marketplace outside the United States. We also have manufacturing operations in China. Additionally, our products are sold internationally through wholly-owned subsidiaries or branches in various countries including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and India. In certain other regions of the world, our products are offered primarily through independent dealerships.

Doing business internationally exposes us to certain risks, many of which are beyond our control and could potentially impact our ability to design, develop, manufacture, or sell products in certain countries. These factors could include, but would not necessarily be limited to:
Political, social, and economic conditions
Legal and regulatory requirements
Labor and employment practices
Cultural practices and norms
Natural disasters
Security and health concerns
Protection of intellectual property
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates

In some countries, the currencies in which we import and export products can differ. Fluctuations in the rate of exchange between these currencies could negatively impact our business. Additionally, tariff and import regulations, international tax policies and rates, and changes in U.S. and international monetary policies may have an adverse impact on results of operations and financial condition.

Risks and Costs Associated with Protecting the Integrity and Security of Our Systems and Confidential Information
We collect certain customer-specific data, including credit card information, in connection with orders placed through our e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalog marketing program, and DWR retail studios. In order for these sales channels to function and develop successfully, we and other parties involved in processing customer transactions must be able to transmit confidential information, including credit card information and other personal information on our customers, securely over public and private networks. Third parties may have or develop the technology or knowledge to breach, disable, disrupt or interfere with our systems or processes or those of our vendors. Although we take the security of our systems and the privacy of our customers’ confidential information seriously and we believe we take reasonable steps to protect the security and confidentiality of the information we collect, we cannot guarantee that our security measures will effectively prevent others from obtaining unauthorized access to our information and our customers’ information. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access to systems change frequently and are not often recognized until after they have been launched.

Any person who circumvents our security measures could destroy or steal valuable information or disrupt our operations. Any security breach could cause consumers to lose confidence in the security of our information systems, including our e-commerce websites or stores and choose not to purchase from us. Any security breach could also expose us to risks of data loss, litigation, regulatory investigations, and other significant

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liabilities. Such a breach could also seriously disrupt, slow or hinder our operations and harm our reputation and customer relationships, any of which could harm our business.

A security breach includes a third party wrongfully gaining unauthorized access to our systems for the purpose of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, loading corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. These actions may lead to a significant disruption of the Company’s IT systems and/or cause the loss of business and business information resulting in an adverse business impact, including: (1) future financial results due to theft, destruction, loss misappropriation, or release of confidential data or intellectual property; (2) operational or business delays resulting from the disruption of IT systems, and subsequent clean-up and mitigation activities; and (3) negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage with customers, partners or industry peers.

In addition, states and the federal government are increasingly enacting laws and regulations to protect consumers against identity theft. Also, as our business expands globally, we are subject to data privacy and other similar laws in various foreign jurisdictions. If we are the target of a cybersecurity attack resulting in unauthorized disclosure of our customer data, we may be required to undertake costly notification procedures. Compliance with these laws will likely increase the costs of doing business. If we fail to implement appropriate safeguards or to detect and provide prompt notice of unauthorized access as required by some of these laws, we could be subject to potential claims for damages and other remedies, which could harm our business.

Disruptions in the supply of raw and component materials could adversely affect our manufacturing and assembly operations.
We rely on outside suppliers to provide on-time shipments of the various raw materials and component parts used in our manufacturing and assembly processes. The timeliness of these deliveries is critical to our ability to meet customer demand. Any disruptions in this flow of delivery could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Increases in the market prices of manufacturing materials may negatively affect our profitability.
The costs of certain manufacturing materials used in our operations are sensitive to shifts in commodity market prices. In particular, the costs of steel, plastic, aluminum components, and particleboard are sensitive to the market prices of commodities such as raw steel, aluminum, crude oil, lumber, and resins. Increases in the market prices of these commodities may have an adverse impact on our profitability if we are unable to offset them with strategic sourcing, continuous improvement initiatives or increased prices to our customers.

Disruptions within our dealer network could adversely affect our business.
Our ability to manage existing relationships within our network of independent dealers is crucial to our ongoing success. Although the loss of any single dealer would not have a material adverse effect on the overall business, our business within a given market could be negatively affected by disruptions in our dealer network caused by the termination of commercial working relationships, ownership transitions, or dealer financial difficulties.

If dealers go out of business or restructure, we may suffer losses because they may not be able to pay for products already delivered to them. Also, dealers may experience financial difficulties, creating the need for outside financial support, which may not be easily obtained. In the past, we have, on occasion, agreed to provide direct financial assistance through term loans, lines of credit, and/or loan guarantees to certain dealers.

We are unable to control many of the factors affecting consumer spending, and declines in consumer spending on furnishings could reduce demand for our products.
The operations of our Consumer segment are sensitive to a number of factors that influence consumer spending, including general economic conditions, consumer disposable income, unemployment, inclement weather, availability of consumer credit, consumer debt levels, conditions in the housing market, interest rates, sales tax rates and rate increases, inflation, and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. Adverse changes in these factors may reduce consumer demand for our products, resulting in reduced sales and profitability.

A number of factors that affect our ability to successfully implement our retail studio strategy, including opening new locations and closing existing studios, are beyond our control. These factors may harm our ability to increase the sales and profitability of our retail operations.

Approximately 60% of the sales within our Consumer segment are generated by our DWR retail studios. Our ability to open additional studios or close existing studios successfully will depend upon a number of factors beyond our control, including:

General economic conditions
Identification and availability of suitable studio locations
Success in negotiating new leases and amending or terminating existing leases on acceptable terms
The success of other retailers in and around our retail locations
Ability to secure required governmental permits and approvals
Hiring and training skilled studio operating personnel
Landlord financial stability

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Increasing competition for highly skilled and talented workers could adversely affect our business.
The successful implementation of our business strategy depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce. The increasing competition for highly skilled and talented employees could result in higher compensation costs, difficulties in maintaining a capable workforce, and leadership succession planning challenges.

Costs related to product defects could adversely affect our profitability.
We incur various expenses related to product defects, including product warranty costs, product recall and retrofit costs, and product liability costs. These expenses relative to product sales vary and could increase. We maintain reserves for product defect-related costs based on estimates and our knowledge of circumstances that indicate the need for such reserves. We cannot, however, be certain that these reserves will be adequate to cover actual product defect-related claims in the future. Any significant increase in the rate of our product defect expenses could have a material adverse effect on operations.

We are subject to risks associated with self-insurance related to health benefits.
We are self-insured for our health benefits and maintain per employee stop loss coverage; however, we retain the insurable risk at an aggregate level. Therefore unforeseen or catastrophic losses in excess of our insured limits could have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial condition and operating results. See Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the company’s retention level.

Government and other regulations could adversely affect our business.
Government and other regulations apply to the manufacture and sale of many of our products. Failure to comply with these regulations or failure to obtain approval of products from certifying agencies could adversely affect the sales of these products and have a material negative impact on operating results.

Item 1B UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None


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Item 2 PROPERTIES

The company owns or leases facilities located throughout the United States and several foreign countries. The location, square footage, and use of the most significant facilities at May 30, 2015 were as follows:

Owned Locations
Square
Footage

 
Use
Holland, Michigan
917,400

 
Manufacturing, Distribution, Warehouse, Design, Office
Zeeland, Michigan
750,800

 
Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Spring Lake, Michigan
582,700

 
Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Dongguan, China
224,019

 
Manufacturing, Distribution, Warehouse, Office
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
207,700

 
Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Melksham, United Kingdom (1)
170,000

 
Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Hildebran, North Carolina
93,000

 
Manufacturing, Office
Bath, United Kingdom
85,000

 
Manufacturing, Office
(1)  The company is currently completing the construction of a consolidated manufacturing and distribution facility in Melksham, United Kingdom. Once completed in late summer 2015, this will replace two existing United Kingdom facilities in Bath and Chippenham.
 
 
 
 
Leased Locations
Square
Footage

 
Use
Hebron, Kentucky
316,800

 
Warehouse
Atlanta, Georgia
176,700

 
Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Hong Kong, China
104,402

 
Warehouse, Office
Chippenham, United Kingdom
100,800

 
Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Ningbo, China
94,700

 
Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Yaphank, New York
92,000

 
Warehouse, Office
Bangalore, India
61,300

 
Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Brooklyn, New York
39,440

 
Warehouse, Retail
Secaucus, New Jersey
36,400

 
Warehouse, Retail

The company also maintains showrooms, sales offices and retail studios near many major metropolitan areas throughout North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific, and Latin America. The company considers its existing facilities to be in good condition and adequate for its design, production, distribution, and selling requirements.


- 10 -



Item 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The company is involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such proceedings and litigation currently pending will not materially affect the company’s consolidated operations, cash flows and financial condition.

ADDITIONAL ITEM: EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Certain information relating to Executive Officers of the company is as follows.
Name
Age
Year Elected an Executive Officer
Position with the Company
Brian C. Walker
53
1996
President and Chief Executive Officer
Andrew J. Lock
61
2003
Executive Vice President, President, International
Donald D. Goeman
58
2005
Executive Vice President, Research, Design & Development
Gregory J. Bylsma
50
2009
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Herman Miller North America (Work and Learning)
Steven C. Gane
60
2009
Senior Vice President, President, Geiger & Specialty/Consumer
Jeffrey M. Stutz
44
2009
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
B. Ben Watson
50
2010
Executive Creative Director
Michael F. Ramirez
50
2011
Senior Vice President, People, Places and Administration
Louise McDonald
60
2013
Executive Vice President, President, Healthcare
H. Timothy Lopez
44
2014
Senior Vice President, Legal Services and Secretary
Jeffrey L. Kurburski
49
2014
Vice President, Information Technology
John Edelman
48
2015
Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Design Within Reach, Inc.
John McPhee
52
2015
Executive Vice President and President, Design Within Reach, Inc.
Kevin Veltman
40
2015
Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer
Malisa Bryant
48
2015
Senior Vice President of Sales and Distribution, Herman Miller North America (Work and Learning)

Except as discussed below, each of the named officers has served the company in an executive capacity for more than five years.

Ms. Bryant joined the Company in 2013 as Vice President and General Manager of Focused Market Segments and most recently served as Vice President of North America Sales. Prior to joining the Company, she held several leadership roles within the industry, including the Vice President of Customer Support, Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Accounts, and Vice President of Sales for Allsteel, in each case at HNI.

Mr. Edelman joined Herman Miller, Inc. in 2015 subsequent to the company's acquisition of DWR. Prior to joining DWR as President and Chief Executive Office in 2010 he served as President and CEO of Edelman Leather and Sam & Libby, Inc., where he was responsible for its U.S. business.

Mr. McPhee joined Herman Miller, Inc. in 2015 subsequent to the company's acquisition of DWR. Prior to that he served in various roles at DWR including Chief Operating Officer and President. Mr. McPhee previously held senior management positions with Edelman Leather, Candie's, Inc. and Sam & Libby, Inc.

Mr. Veltman joined Herman Miller in 2014 and serves as Vice President - Investor Relations and Treasurer. Previously he worked for BISSELL, Inc, most recently as Vice President – Finance, for 8 years and Ernst & Young, LLP for 10 years.

Mr. Kurburski joined Herman Miller in 1990. He served as Director of IT, Herman Miller Casegoods from 1998 to 2003, Director of IT Infrastructure from 2003 to 2007, and has served in his current capacity of Vice President of Information Technology since 2007.

Mr. Lopez joined Herman Miller in 2012 and serves as Senior Vice President of Legal Services, General Counsel and Secretary. Prior to this he was an Associate General Counsel with A. O. Smith Corporation from 2008 to 2012 and Senior Staff Attorney to Kohler Co. from 2002 to 2008.


- 11 -



Ms. McDonald joined Herman Miller in 2013 as President of Healthcare, and prior to this she worked for Welch Allyn for 31 years serving mostly as an Executive Vice President.

Mr. Ramirez joined Herman Miller in 1998 and served as Director of Purchasing from 1998 to 2005, Vice President of Inclusiveness and Diversity from 2005 to 2009, and Vice President of Sales Operations from 2009 to 2011.

There are no family relationships between or among the above-named executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the above-named officers pursuant to which any of them was named an officer.


Item 4 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES - Not applicable


- 12 -



PART II

Item 5 MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Share Price, Earnings, and Dividends Summary
Herman Miller, Inc., common stock is traded on the NASDAQ-Global Select Market System (Symbol: MLHR). As of July 23, 2015, there were approximately 20,000 record holders, including individual participants in security position listings, of the company's common stock.
Per Share and Unaudited


 
Market
Price
High
(at close)

 
Market
Price
Low
(at close)

 
Market
Price
Close

 
Earnings (loss)
Per Share-
Diluted (1)  

 
Dividends
Declared Per
Share

Year ended May 30, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First quarter
$
32.26

 
$
28.69

 
$
29.72

 
$
0.42

 
$
0.140

Second quarter
32.12

 
28.44

 
30.39

 
0.46

 
0.140

Third quarter
31.89

 
27.69

 
30.97

 
0.35

 
0.140

Fourth quarter
31.20

 
27.12

 
27.70

 
0.39

 
0.140

Year
$
32.26

 
$
27.12

 
$
27.70

 
$
1.62

 
$
0.560

Year ended May 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First quarter
$
29.13

 
$
25.47

 
$
25.47

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.125

Second quarter
31.91

 
25.56

 
31.91

 
(1.37
)
 
0.125

Third quarter
30.95

 
26.47

 
28.18

 
0.33

 
0.140

Fourth quarter
32.43

 
27.83

 
31.27

 
0.28

 
0.140

Year
$
32.43

 
$
25.47

 
$
31.27

 
$
(0.37
)
 
$
0.530

(1) The sum of the quarters may not equal the annual balance due to rounding associated with the calculation of earnings per share on an individual quarter basis

Dividends were declared and paid quarterly during fiscal 2015 and 2014 as approved by the Board of Directors. While it is anticipated that the company will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends, the amount and timing of such dividends is subject to the discretion of the Board depending on the company's future results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, and other relevant factors.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during the fourth quarter ended May 30, 2015 .
Period
(a) Total Number of
 Shares (or Units) Purchased

 
(b) Average Price Paid
 per Share or Unit

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

 
(d) Maximum Number (or
 Approximate Dollar
 Value) of Shares (or
 Units) that May Yet be
 Purchased Under the
 Plans or Programs (1)  

3/1/15-3/28/15
850

 
28.06

 
850

 
$
146,949,608

3/29/15-4/25/15
1,478

 
28.50

 
1,478

 
$
146,907,485

4/26/15-5/30/15
12,467

 
28.11

 
12,467

 
$
146,557,022

Total
14,795

 


 
14,795

 
 

(1) Amounts are as of the end of the period indicated


- 13 -



The company has a share repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors on September 28, 2007, which provided share repurchase authorization of $300,000,000 with no specified expiration date.

No repurchase plans expired or were terminated during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 .

During the period covered by this report, the company did not sell any of its equity shares that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

Stockholder Return Performance Graph
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the company's common stock with that of the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the NASD Non-Financial Index for the five-year period ended May 30, 2015 . The graph assumes an investment of $100 on May 29, 2010 in the company's common stock, the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the NASD Non-Financial Index, with dividends reinvested.

 
2010
 
2011
 
2012
 
2013
 
2014
 
2015
Herman Miller, Inc.
$
100

 
$
129

 
$
96

 
$
152

 
$
170

 
$
151

S&P 500 Index
$
100

 
$
122

 
$
117

 
$
150

 
$
177

 
$
193

NASD Non-Financial
$
100

 
$
127

 
$
128

 
$
158

 
$
197

 
$
238


Information required by this item is also contained in Item 12 of this report.


- 14 -



Item 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Review of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions, except key ratios and per share data)
2015
 
2014
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Operating Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
2,142.2

 
$
1,882.0

$
1,774.9

 
$
1,724.1

 
$
1,649.2

 
Gross margin
791.4

 
631.0

605.2

 
590.6

 
538.1

 
Selling, general, and administrative (8)
556.6

 
590.8

430.4

 
400.3

 
369.0

 
Design and research
71.4

 
65.9

59.9

 
52.7

 
45.8

 
Operating earnings (loss)
163.4

 
(25.7
)
114.9

 
137.6

 
123.3

 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
145.2

 
(43.4
)
97.2

 
119.5

 
102.5

 
Net earnings (loss)
98.1

 
(22.1
)
68.2

 
75.2

 
70.8

 
Cash flow from operating activities
167.7

 
90.1

136.5

 
90.1

 
89.0

 
Cash flow used in investing activities
(213.6
)
 
(48.2
)
(209.7
)
 
(58.4
)
 
(31.4
)
 
Cash flow used in financing activities
6.8

 
(22.4
)
(16.0
)
 
(1.6
)
 
(50.2
)
 
Depreciation and amortization
49.8

 
42.4

37.5

 
37.2

 
39.1

 
Capital expenditures
63.6

 
40.8

50.2

 
28.5

 
30.5

 
Common stock repurchased plus cash dividends paid
37.1

 
43.0

22.7

 
7.9

 
6.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales growth
13.8
%
 
6.0
 %
2.9
 %
 
4.5
%
 
25.1
%
 
Gross margin (1)
36.9

 
33.5

34.1

 
34.3

 
32.6

 
Selling, general, and administrative (1) (8)
26.0

 
31.4

24.3

 
23.2

 
22.4

 
Design and research (1)
3.3

 
3.5

3.4

 
3.1

 
2.8

 
Operating earnings (1)
7.6

 
(1.4
)
6.5

 
8.0

 
7.5

 
Net earnings growth (decline)
543.9

 
(132.4
)
(9.3
)
 
6.2

 
150.2

 
After-tax return on net sales (4)
4.6

 
(1.2
)
3.8

 
4.4

 
4.3

 
After-tax return on average assets (5)
9.0

 
(2.3
)
7.6

 
9.1

 
9.0

 
After-tax return on average equity (6)
24.5
%
 
(6.4
)%
24.0
 %
 
33.2
%
 
49.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share and Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share-diluted
$
1.62

 
$
(0.37
)
$
1.16

 
$
1.29

 
$
1.06

 
Cash dividends declared per share
0.56

 
0.53

0.43

 
0.09

 
0.09

 
Book value per share at year end
7.18

 
6.27

5.44

 
4.25

 
3.53

 
Market price per share at year end
27.70

 
31.27

28.11

 
17.87

 
24.56

 
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted
60.1

 
59.0

58.8

 
58.5

 
57.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Condition
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
1,188.2

 
$
990.9

$
946.5

 
$
839.1

 
$
808.0

 
Working capital (3)
112.6

 
145.7

109.3

 
201.6

 
205.9

 
Current ratio (2)
1.3

 
1.3

1.4

 
1.8

 
1.8

 
Interest-bearing debt and related swap agreements
290.0

 
250.0

250.0

 
250.0

 
250.0

 
Stockholders' equity
428.1

 
372.1

319.5

 
248.3

 
205.0

 
Total capital (7)
718.1

 
622.1

569.5

 
498.3

 
455.0

 
(1) Shown as a percent of net sales.
(2) Calculated using current assets divided by current liabilities.
(3) Calculated using current assets less non-interest bearing current liabilities.
(4) Calculated as net earnings (loss) divided by net sales.
(5) Calculated as net earnings (loss) divided by average assets.
(6) Calculated as net earnings (loss) divided by average equity.
(7) Calculated as interest-bearing debt plus stockholders' equity.
(8) Selling, general, and administrative expenses includes restructuring and impairment expenses in years that are applicable.


- 15 -



 
Review of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions, except key ratios and per share data)
2010
2009
 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
Operating Results
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
1,318.8

$
1,630.0

 
$
2,012.1

 
$
1,918.9

 
$
1,737.2

 
Gross margin
428.5

527.7

 
698.7

 
645.9

 
574.8

 
Selling, general, and administrative (8)
334.4

359.2

 
400.9

 
395.8

 
371.7

 
Design and research
40.5

45.7

 
51.2

 
52.0

 
45.4

 
Operating earnings
53.6

122.8

 
246.6

 
198.1

 
157.7

 
Earnings before income taxes
34.8

98.9

 
230.4

 
187.0

 
147.6

 
Net earnings
28.3

68.0

 
152.3

 
129.1

 
99.2

 
Cash flow from operating activities
98.7

91.7

 
213.6

 
137.7

 
150.4

 
Cash flow used in investing activities
(77.6
)
(29.5
)
 
(51.0
)
 
(37.4
)
 
(47.6
)
 
Cash flow used in financing activities
(78.9
)
(16.5
)
 
(86.5
)
 
(131.5
)
 
(151.4
)
 
Depreciation and amortization
42.6

41.7

 
43.2

 
41.2

 
41.6

 
Capital expenditures
22.3

25.3

 
40.5

 
41.3

 
50.8

 
Common stock repurchased plus cash dividends paid
5.7

19.5

 
287.9

 
185.6

 
175.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Ratios
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales growth (decline)
(19.1
)%
(19.0
)%
 
4.9
%
 
10.5
%
 
14.6
%
 
Gross margin (1)
32.5

32.4

 
34.7

 
33.7

 
33.1

 
Selling, general, and administrative (1) (8)
25.4

22.0

 
19.9

 
20.6

 
21.4

 
Design and research (1)
3.1

2.8

 
2.5

 
2.7

 
2.6

 
Operating earnings (1)
4.1

7.5

 
12.3

 
10.3

 
9.1

 
Net earnings growth (decline)
(58.4
)
(55.4
)
 
18.0

 
30.1

 
45.9

 
After-tax return on net sales (4)
2.1

4.2

 
7.6

 
6.7

 
5.7

 
After-tax return on average assets (5)
3.7

8.8

 
21.0

 
19.4

 
14.4

 
After-tax return on average equity (6)
64.2
 %
433.1
 %
 
170.5
%
 
87.9
%
 
64.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share and Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share-diluted
$
0.43

$
1.25

 
$
2.56

 
$
1.98

 
$
1.45

 
Cash dividends declared per share
0.09

0.29

 
0.35

 
0.33

 
0.31

 
Book value per share at year end
1.41

0.15

 
0.42

 
2.47

 
2.10

 
Market price per share at year end
19.23

14.23

 
24.80

 
36.53

 
30.34

 
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted
57.5

54.5

 
59.6

 
65.1

 
68.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Condition
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
770.6

$
767.3

 
$
783.2

 
$
666.2

 
$
668.0

 
Working capital (3)
182.9

243.7

 
182.7

 
103.2

 
93.8

 
Current ratio (2)
1.3

1.6

 
1.6

 
1.4

 
1.3

 
Interest-bearing debt and related swap agreements
301.2

377.4

 
375.5

 
176.2

 
178.8

 
Stockholders' equity
80.1

8.0

 
23.4

 
155.3

 
138.4

 
Total capital (7)
381.3

385.4

 
398.9

 
331.5

 
317.2

 



- 16 -



Item 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management's Discussion and Analysis
You should read the issues discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis in conjunction with the company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

Executive Overview
Herman Miller’s mission statement is, Inspiring Designs to Help People Do Great Things. At present, most of our customers come to us for interior environments in corporate office and healthcare settings. We also have a growing presence in educational and consumer markets. Our primary products include furniture systems, seating, storage, freestanding furniture, healthcare environment products, casegoods and textiles.

More than 100 years of innovative business practices and a commitment to social responsibility have established Herman Miller as a recognized global company. A past recipient of the Smithsonian Institution's Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, Herman Miller designs can be found in the permanent collections of museums worldwide. Innovative business practices and a commitment to social responsibility have also helped establish Herman Miller as a recognized global leader. Herman Miller maintains the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s top rating in its annual Corporate Equality Index and was named among the 50 Best U.S. Manufacturers by Industry Week in 2014. Herman Miller is included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol MLHR.

Herman Miller's products are sold internationally through wholly-owned subsidiaries or branches in various countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, India, and the Netherlands. The company's products are offered elsewhere in the world primarily through independent dealerships or joint ventures with customers in over 100 countries.

The company is globally positioned in terms of manufacturing operations. In the United States, the manufacturing operations are located in Michigan, Georgia, Wisconsin and North Carolina. In Europe, the manufacturing presence is located within the United Kingdom. The manufacturing operations in Asia include facilities located in Dongguan and Ningbo, China. The company manufactures products using a system of lean manufacturing techniques collectively referred to as the Herman Miller Performance System (HMPS). Herman Miller strives to maintain efficiencies and cost savings by minimizing the amount of inventory on hand. Accordingly, production is order-driven with direct materials and components purchased as needed to meet demand. The standard lead time for the majority of our products is 10 to 20 days. These factors result in a high rate of inventory turns and typically cause our inventory levels to appear relatively low compared to sales volume.

A key element of the company's manufacturing strategy is to limit fixed production costs by sourcing component parts from strategic suppliers. This strategy has allowed the company to increase the variable nature of our cost structure while retaining proprietary control over those production processes that we believe provide us a competitive advantage. As a result of this strategy, our manufacturing operations are largely assembly-based.

The business is comprised of various operating segments as defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (U.S. GAAP). The operating segments are determined on the basis of how the company internally reports and evaluates financial information used to make operating decisions. For external reporting purposes, the company has identified the following reportable segments:

North American Furniture Solutions — Includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of furniture products for work-related settings, including office, education, and healthcare environments, throughout the United States and Canada. The North American Furniture Solutions reportable segment is the aggregation of two operating segments. In addition, the company has determined that both operating segments within the North American Furniture Solutions reportable segment represent reporting units.

ELA Furniture Solution s — ELA Furniture Solutions includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of furniture products, primarily for work-related settings, in the EMEA, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific geographic regions.

Specialty — Includes the operations associated with design, manufacture, and sale of high-craft furniture products and textiles including Geiger wood products, Maharam textiles, and Herman Miller Collection products.

Consumer — Includes the operations associated with the sale of modern design furnishings and accessories to third party retail distributors, as well as direct to consumer sales through eCommerce, direct mailing catalogs, and DWR studios.

The company also reports a corporate category consisting primarily of unallocated corporate expenses including restructuring, impairment, acquisition-related costs, and other unallocated corporate costs.


- 17 -



Core Strengths
The company relies on the following core strengths in delivering workplace solutions to customers.

Brands - The Herman Miller brand is recognized by customers as a pioneer in design and sustainability, and as an advocate that supports their needs and interests. Within the industries the company operates, Herman Miller, DWR, Geiger, Maharam, POSH, Nemschoff and Colbrook Bosson Saunders (CBS) are acknowledged as leading brands that inspire architects and designers to create their best design solutions. Leveraging the company's brand equity across the lines of business to extend the company's reach to customers and consumers is an important element of the company's business strategy.

Problem-Solving Design and Innovation - The company is committed to developing research-based functionality and aesthetically innovative new products and has a history of doing so, in collaboration with a global network of leading independent designers. The company believes its skills and experience in matching problem-solving design with the workplace needs of customers provides the company with a competitive advantage in the marketplace. An important component of the company's business strategy is to actively pursue a program of new product research, design, and development. The company accomplishes this through the use of an internal research and engineering staff that engages with third party design resources generally compensated on a royalty basis.

Operational Excellence - The company was among the first in our industry to embrace the concepts of lean manufacturing. HMPS provides the foundation for all of our manufacturing operations. The company is committed to continuously improving both product quality and production and operational efficiency. The company has extended this lean process work to its non-manufacturing processes as well as externally to our manufacturing supply chain and distribution channel. The company believes these concepts hold significant promise for further gains in reliability, quality and efficiency.

Building and Leading Networks - The company values relationships in all areas of the business. The company considers its network of innovative designers, owned and independent dealers, and suppliers to be among the most important competitive factors and vital to the long-term success of the business.

Channels of Distribution
The company's products and services are offered to most of its customers under standard trade credit terms between 30 and 45 days and are sold through the following distribution channels.

Independent and Owned Contract Furniture Dealers - Most of the company's product sales are made to a network of independently owned and operated contract furniture dealerships doing business in many countries around the world. These dealers purchase the company's products and distribute them to end customers. The company recognizes revenue on product sales through this channel once products are shipped and title passes to the dealer. Many of these dealers also offer furniture-related services, including product installation.

At May 30, 2015 , the company owned three contract furniture dealerships, some of which have operations in multiple locations. The financial results of these owned dealers are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Product sales to these dealerships are eliminated as inter-company transactions from our consolidated financial results. The company recognizes revenue on these sales once products are shipped to the end customer and installation is substantially complete. The company believes independent ownership of contract furniture dealers is generally the best model for a financially strong distribution network. With this in mind, the company's strategy is to continue to pursue opportunities to transition the remaining owned dealerships to independent owners. Where possible, the goal is to involve local managers in these ownership transitions.

Direct Customer Sales - The company also sells products and services directly to end customers without an intermediary (e.g. sales to the U.S. federal government). In most of these instances, the company contracts separately with a dealership or third-party installation company to provide sales-related services. The company recognizes revenue on these sales once products are shipped and installation is substantially complete.

DWR Retail Studios - At the end of fiscal 2015 DWR had 33 retail studio and two outlet locations located in metropolitan cities throughout the United States. Revenue on sales from these studios is recognized upon delivery to the end customer.

E-Commerce - The company sells products through its online stores, in which products are available for sale via the company's website, hermanmiller.com as well as through the DWR online store, dwr.com. These sites complement our existing methods of distribution and extend the company's brand to new customers. The company recognizes revenue on these sales either upon shipment of the product, or for sales through the DWR online store, upon product delivery to the end customer.


- 18 -



DWR Direct-Mail Catalogs - The company’s consumer business unit utilizes a direct-mail catalog program through its DWR subsidiary. A regular schedule of catalog mailings is maintained throughout the fiscal year and these serve as a key driver of sales across each of DWR’s channels, including retail studios and eCommerce websites. Revenue on sales transacted through this catalog program is recognized upon product delivery to the end customer.

Independent Retailers - Certain products are sold to end customers through independent retail operations. Revenue is recognized on these sales once products are shipped and title passes to the independent retailer.

Challenges Ahead
Like all businesses, the company is faced with a host of challenges and risks. The company believes its core strengths and values, which provide the foundation for its strategic direction, have us well prepared to respond to the inevitable challenges the company will face in the future. While the company is confident in its direction, the company acknowledges the risks specific to the business and industry. Refer to Item 1A for discussion of certain of these risk factors.

Future Avenues of Growth
In spite of the risks and challenges it faces, the company believes it's well positioned to successfully pursue its mission of inspiring designs to help people do great things. To find opportunities for growth, we are always examining the ways in which the world is changing and evolving. This helps us better meet the needs of our customers and ultimately, to exceed their expectations. We have identified 3 areas of fundamental social and technological change that are informing our business strategy.

Globalization & Demographics — Demographic shifts in the global workforce are significantly changing how and where value creation happens. Not only has the millennial generation overtaken the majority representation of the workforce, but economies that once relied on industrial production are increasingly becoming driven by knowledge work.

Inherently Global & Seamlessly Digital — The ubiquity of technology allows people to connect with other people, content, work, businesses, and ideas wherever and whenever they want. This means the way people work is changing, where people work is changing, and how people work with each other is changing.

The Era of Ideas — With the ongoing optimization of industrial production and information sharing, the demand for more innovative business solutions increases. The global focus of work is shifting to the successful generation and deployment of new ideas. As creativity and idea generation drive greater value - people, not process, provide the distinguishing capability. In this shift, workplaces are fundamentally changing from standardized and process-driven designs to diverse places that harness human capability, creativity, and relationships.

We have developed a strategy to grow our business by shifting our focus in four fundamental ares in response to these changes. Through these shifts we are positioning the company to take advantage of existing markets, explore growth opportunities in new markets with supportive demographics, increase demand by addressing unmet needs, and expanding into areas that yield higher prospects for margins and profitability. The four fundamental shifts are described below:

From Product Centric to Solutions — The first strategic shift is to move from a product centric focus to one based upon delivering broader solutions to our customers. Herman Miller is retooling its core business to speak to customers with fresh insights, to spur new demand, and to change the game with unique solutions and services.

From North America Centric to Global — The second shift in our strategy aims to transform the business into a truly global organization. Herman Miller has a solid existing customer base, but we see meaningful opportunity in emerging markets with supportive demographics. We’re positioning ourselves to take maximum advantage of these shifts.

From The Office to Everywhere — We describe the third fundamental strategic shift as moving from the office to everywhere. Herman Miller envisions continued leadership and viability in the contract furniture industry, but also sees distinct targeted opportunities through focused market segmentation. We envision a total offering for customers to enable “a lifestyle of purpose.”

From Industry brand to Industry + Consumer brand — The fourth shift in our strategy involves our ambition to expand the connection of our powerful brand more directly with the consumers of our products. With a legacy of decades of design leadership, Herman Miller is a brand that people desire and want to know. We envision a business that harnesses our brand vision to pull consumers to us.

We ultimately aspire to create a lifestyle brand, and we intend to grow in targeted ways. First, we will invest in areas that increase our addressable markets across focused customer segments (such as healthcare, education, small and medium business, and consumer). Second, we will

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expand into emerging geographic markets that offer growth potential based upon their supportive demographics. Third, we will continue to invest in innovative products, which has been a hallmark of our success for many years. And finally, we will grow through targeted acquisitions.

Industry Analysis
The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association (BIFMA) is the trade association for the U.S. domestic office furniture industry. The company monitors the trade statistics reported by BIFMA and considers them an indicator of industry-wide sales and order performance. BIFMA publishes statistical data for the contract segment and the office supply segment within the U.S. furniture market. The U.S. contract segment relates primarily to large to mid-size corporations installed via a network of dealers. The office supply segment relates primarily to smaller customers via wholesalers and retailers. The company participates, and is a leader in, the contract segment. The company's diversification strategy lessens our dependence on the U.S. office furniture market.

The company also analyzes BIFMA statistical information as a benchmark comparison against the performance of the domestic U.S. business and also to that of competitors. The timing of large project-based business may affect comparisons to this data in any one period. Finally, BIFMA regularly provides its members with industry forecast information, which the company uses internally as one of several considerations in its short and long-range planning process.

The company also monitors trade statistics reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, which reports monthly retail sales growth data across a number of retail categories, including Furniture and Home Furnishing Stores. This information provides a relative comparison to our Consumer reportable segment.

Looking forward, the general economic outlook for our industry in the U.S. is expected to be positive. BIFMA issued its most recent report in May 2015, which forecasts that the growth rate of office furniture orders in the U.S. will be 5.3 percent and 8.2 percent in calendar 2015 and 2016, respectively, while the growth rate of shipments will be 4.4 percent and 7.9 percent for calendar 2015 and 2016, respectively. This forecast of growth is based on an improvement in the U.S. economy, primarily driven by an improvement in employment and non-residential construction.


- 20 -



Discussion of Business Conditions
Fiscal 2015 was a year that was highlighted by numerous strategic milestones:

We acquired Design Within Reach (DWR) and combined it with our existing eCommerce and wholesale consumer business in order to form a new consumer-focused business unit. This represented an important step in our strategy to extend the reach of our brand into the consumer and design trade markets. It also represented a step toward our goal of enhancing the awareness and connection of the Herman Miller brand to the users and specifiers of products sold within our core contract furniture business (an ambition we refer to as shifting from an “Industry” to “Industry+Consumer” focus).

We also invested in new products as we continued to implement and refine our Living Office initiative and continued to address strategic gaps in our product portfolio. During the year, we invested heavily in training for both our sales force and our dealers in this insight-led approach. Significant investments were also made in the product portfolio supporting Living Office, including the Mirra 2 chair, Locale, Public Office Landscape, Renew Sit-to-Stand tables, and Canvas Dock. These steps represent a move forward in establishing a leadership position in the new landscape of work, and we’ve been encouraged by the positive reaction from our customers, designers, and dealers. Our beliefs supporting the Living Office strategy and product offering were further confirmed by recognition that we received at the annual NeoCon trade show, which was held in June 2015 in Chicago. Our showroom and its demonstration of purposeful, real-world, Living Office applications was recognized by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and Contract magazine’s Showroom & Booth Design Competition as the best large showroom for the third consecutive year.

We also continued to expand our global manufacturing capabilities as we broke ground on our consolidated manufacturing and distribution site in the United Kingdom, which is expected to be operational in late summer 2015. We are also nearing completion on construction of a new leased manufacturing and assembly facility outside Bangalore, India, which we also expect to be operational this summer.

While we were pleased with the advancement of these strategic initiatives, fiscal 2015 did bring with it clear challenges, including significant global currency pressures and sluggish growth rates in our North American business segment. In spite of these challenges, we generated year-over-year growth in sales, orders, and earnings. Sales improved to $2,142.2 million , an increase of 13.8 percent from the fiscal 2014 level of $1,882.0 million . Operating earnings and Adjusted EBITDA (1) grew $189.1 million and $28.9 million, respectively, as compared to the prior year. Additionally, sales, operating earnings, and Adjusted EBITDA (1) showed year-over-year improvement across all of our reportable segments.

Within our North American segment, order rates did not meet our expectations at certain times during the year, particularly during the second and third quarters. Because of this, several key initiatives were undertaken to reinvigorate order growth in this segment, including key leadership appointments, changes to the organization of our sales structure, launching key new products, resetting showrooms to better reflect Living Office insights, and filling gaps in our selling capacity. It will take time for us to fully realize the benefits of these changes, but we were encouraged to see order patterns improve during the later stages of the fiscal year as a result of these shifts. For the fourth quarter, orders for the North American segment were approximately 2 percent better than the same period of the prior year. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency, orders improved by almost 4 percent compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014. This improvement in order patterns toward the end of the year gives us confidence that we have the right strategy in place to respond to re-invigorate the growth of our North American segment as we move into fiscal 2016.

Our ELA segment faced significant headwinds related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates during the year. Despite the drag on results from foreign currency, sales grew approximately 5 percent as compared to the prior year. On a constant-currency basis, sales grew 9 percent year-over-year. Earnings also improved, both on a U.S. GAAP and Adjusted (1) basis, as compared to fiscal 2014. Operating earnings improved 12 percent, while Adjusted EBITDA (1) was 21 percent better than fiscal 2014.

Our Specialty segment also showed growth as compared to the prior year. Sales increased 6.9 percent as compared to fiscal 2014, bolstered mainly by improved sales volumes related to Geiger wood products and the Herman Miller Collection.

We also demonstrated significant growth within our Consumer segment that was driven principally by the aforementioned acquisition of DWR.






(1) Non-GAAP measurements; see accompanying reconciliations and explanations.

- 21 -



As we head into the next fiscal year, the economic backdrop for our business remains mixed globally, but there are a number of factors that give us reason for optimism in the near-term. The U.S. continues to experience a strong labor market, businesses are reporting healthy cash positions, and growth in non-residential construction remains encouraging. All of these factors are helping fuel BIFMA’s industry growth expectations for the balance of this calendar year and next. Despite these positive indicators, we remain cautious on the near-term outlook for key economies outside the U.S., particularly in light of slower than expected growth in China and the ongoing struggles in the Eurozone.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This report contains references to Adjusted gross margin, Adjusted operating expenses, Adjusted operating earnings, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted earnings per share diluted, all of which are non-GAAP financial measures (referred to collectively as the "Adjusted financial measures"). The Adjusted financial measures are calculated by excluding from Gross Margin, Operating expenses, Operating earnings and Earnings per share - diluted items that we believe are not indicative of our ongoing operating performance. Such items consist of the following:
Expenses associated with restructuring actions taken to adjust our cost structure to the current business climate
Transition-related expenses, including amortization and settlement expenses, relating to defined benefit pension plans that we terminated during fiscal 2014
Expenses associated with acquisition-related inventory adjustments
Transaction expenses associated with recent acquisitions
Non-cash impairment expenses
Changes in contingent consideration, and
Impact of one-time tax items

We present the Adjusted financial measures because we consider them to be important supplemental measures of our performance and believe them to be useful in analyzing ongoing results from operations. The Adjusted financial measures are not measurements of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to Gross margin, Operating expenses, Operating earnings (loss) and Earnings (loss) per share diluted under GAAP. The Adjusted financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Our presentation of the Adjusted financial measures should not be construed as an indication that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or infrequent items. We compensate for these limitations by providing prominence of our GAAP results and using the Adjusted financial measures only as a supplement.

The following table reconciles Gross margin to Adjusted gross margin for the years indicated.
 
Fiscal Year Ended
(Dollars in millions) 
May 30, 2015
May 31, 2014
Gross margin
$
791.4

$
631.0

Percentage of net sales
36.9
%
33.5
%
Add: Acquisition-related inventory adjustments
7.8

1.4

Add: Legacy pension expenses

51.3

Adjusted gross margin
$
799.2

$
683.7

 
 
 
Adjusted gross margin as a percentage of net sales
37.3
%
36.3
%


- 22 -



The following table reconciles Operating expenses to Adjusted operating expenses for the years indicated.
 
Fiscal Year Ended
(Dollars in millions) 
May 30, 2015
May 31, 2014
Operating expenses
$
628.0

$
656.7

Percentage of net sales
29.3
%
34.9
%
Less: Restructuring and impairment expenses
(12.7
)
(26.5
)
Add: POSH contingent consideration

2.6

Less: Acquisition expenses
(2.2
)

Less: Legacy pension expenses

(113.1
)
Adjusted operating expenses
$
613.1

$
519.7

 
 
 
Adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of net sales
28.6
%
27.6
%

The following table reconciles Operating earnings (loss) to Adjusted operating earnings (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA for the years indicated.
 
Fiscal Year Ended
(Dollars In millions)
May 30, 2015
May 31, 2014
Operating earnings (loss)
$
163.4

$
(25.7
)
Percentage of net sales
7.6
%
(1.4
)%
Add: Restructuring and impairment expense
12.7

26.5

Add: Acquisition-related inventory adjustments
7.8

1.4

Add: Acquisition expenses
2.2


Add: Legacy pension expenses

164.4

Less: POSH contingent consideration

(2.6
)
Adjusted operating earnings
$
186.1

$
164.0

Percentage of net sales
8.7
%
8.7
 %
Other Income / (Expense), net
(0.7
)
(0.1
)
Add: Depreciation and amortization
49.8

42.4

Adjusted EBITDA
$
235.2

$
206.3

Percentage of net sales
11.0
%
11.0
 %

The following table reconciles Earnings (loss) per share diluted to Adjusted earnings (loss) per share diluted for the years indicated.
 
Fiscal Year Ended
 
May 30, 2015
May 31, 2014
Earnings (loss) per share – diluted
$
1.62

$
(0.37
)
Add: Restructuring and impairment expense
0.17

0.32

Add: Acquisition-related inventory adjustments
0.08

0.01

Add: Acquisition expenses
0.02


Add: Legacy pension expenses

1.76

Less: POSH contingent consideration

(0.04
)
Less: One-time tax impact
(0.07
)

Adjusted earnings per share – diluted
$
1.82

$
1.68





- 23 -



Financial Results
The following is a comparison of our annual results of operations and year-over-year percentage changes for the periods indicated.
(Dollars In millions)
 
Fiscal 2015
 
% Change from 2014
 
Fiscal 2014
 
% Change from 2013
 
Fiscal 2013
52 weeks
 
 
52 weeks
 
 
52 weeks
Net sales
$
2,142.2

 
13.8
 %
 
$
1,882.0

 
6.0
 %
 
$
1,774.9

Cost of sales
1,350.8

 
8.0
 %
 
1,251.0

 
7.0
 %
 
1,169.7

Gross margin
791.4

 
25.4
 %
 
631.0

 
4.3
 %
 
605.2

Operating expenses
628.0

 
(4.4
)%
 
656.7

 
33.9
 %
 
490.3

Operating earnings (loss)
163.4

 
735.8
 %
 
(25.7
)
 
(122.4
)%
 
114.9

Net other expenses
18.2

 
2.8
 %
 
17.7

 
 %
 
17.7

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
145.2

 
434.6
 %
 
(43.4
)
 
(144.7
)%
 
97.2

Income tax expense (benefit)
47.2

 
322.6
 %
 
(21.2
)
 
(173.4
)%
 
28.9

Equity income (loss) from nonconsolidated affiliates, net of tax
0.1

 
 %
 
0.1

 
 %
 
(0.1
)
Net earnings (loss)
98.1

 
543.9
 %
 
(22.1
)
 
(132.4
)%
 
68.2

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
0.6

 
N/A

 

 
 %
 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Herman Miller, Inc.
$
97.5

 
541.2
 %
 
$
(22.1
)
 
(132.4
)%
 
$
68.2


The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the components of the company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as a percentage of net sales.
 
Fiscal 2015
 
Fiscal 2014
 
Fiscal 2013
Net sales
100.0
%
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
%
Cost of sales
63.1

 
66.5

 
65.9

Gross margin
36.9

 
33.5

 
34.1

Selling, general, and administrative expenses
25.4

 
30.0

 
24.2

Restructuring and impairment expenses
0.6

 
1.4

 
0.1

Design and research expenses
3.3

 
3.5

 
3.4

Total operating expenses
29.3

 
34.9

 
27.6

Operating earnings (loss)
7.6

 
(1.4
)
 
6.5

Net other expenses
0.8

 
0.9

 
1.0

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
6.8

 
(2.3
)
 
5.5

Income tax expense (benefit)
2.2

 
(1.1
)
 
1.6

Equity income (loss) from nonconsolidated affiliates, net of tax

 

 

Net earnings (loss)
4.6

 
(1.2
)
 
3.8

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Herman Miller, Inc.
4.6

 
(1.2
)
 
3.8


Net Sales, Orders, and Backlog - Fiscal 2015 Compared to Fiscal 2014
For the fiscal year ended May 30, 2015 , consolidated net sales increased $260.2 million to $2,142.2 million from $1,882.0 million for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014 . The increase in sales was primarily attributable to the addition of DWR, which increased net sales by approximately $194.3 million. The increase in sales from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2015 was is also attributable to growth in sales volumes within the ELA segment, legacy Herman Miller Consumer business, and Geiger subsidiary. The improvement during fiscal 2015 within the ELA segment was due primarily to increased sales volumes within the EMEA region and Asia regions. Within Asia, the growth in sales volumes was particularly strong within Australia and India.

The overall impact of foreign currency changes for the fiscal year was to decrease net sales by approximately $24.8 million. The negative impact from foreign currency translation resulted from a general strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the majority of functional currencies used by Herman Miller's foreign subsidiaries.


- 24 -



The Consumer segment, excluding the previously mentioned increase related to DWR, and the Specialty segment also drove year-over-year growth in sales volume during fiscal 2015. The increase within the Specialty segment was driven principally by Geiger, while the change related to the Consumer segment (excluding DWR) was driven by the Herman Miller Consumer product offering.

There was no one significant item driving the balance of the increase; but rather, it was caused mainly by the timing of project completion and the conversion of existing backlog into sales within the North American business segment.

The following table presents the quantification of the changes in net sales from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2015.
(In millions)
 
Fiscal 2014 Net sales
$
1,882.0

DWR acquisition
194.3

Dealer divestitures
(12.1
)
Impact from foreign currency
(24.8
)
Asia sales volumes
11.9

EMEA sales volumes
26.6

Herman Miller Consumer volumes
8.5

Net changes in pricing
13.7

Geiger sales volumes
9.6

U.S. federal government volumes
(4.4
)
Other change in sales
36.9

Fiscal 2015 Net sales
$
2,142.2


Consolidated net trade orders for fiscal 2015 totaled $2,146.5 million compared to $1,917.7 million in fiscal 2014 , an increase of 11.9 percent . Order rates began the year at a steady pace with orders averaging approximately $40 million per week for the first quarter and $44 million per week for the second quarter. For the third quarter, weekly order rates decreased to an average of approximately $39 million per week. The fourth quarter finished the year with average weekly order rates increasing to approximately $43 million.

The weekly order pacing in the third quarter and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 was impacted by the price increase that was announced during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. This caused approximately $21 million of orders that otherwise would have been entered in the fourth quarter, to be entered in the third quarter. A price increase was also announced in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 and the impact on orders was similar in the prior year. As such, the price increase does not have an impact on orders year-over-year, only sequentially. When adjusting for this impact, the weekly pacing of orders for the third quarter and fourth quarter was $37 million per week and $45 million per week, respectively. The overall impact of foreign currency changes for the fiscal year decreased net orders by approximately $24.1 million as compared to the prior year.

Our backlog of unfilled orders at the end of fiscal 2015 totaled $322.2 million , a 5.2 percent increase from the $306.4 million of backlog at the end of fiscal 2014 .

BIFMA reported an estimated year-over-year increase in U.S. office furniture shipments of approximately 6.3 percent for the twelve-month period ended May 2015. By comparison, net sales increased for the company's domestic U.S. business by approximately 3.0 percent. The company believes that while comparisons to BIFMA are important, the company continues to pursue a strategy of revenue diversification that makes us less reliant on the drivers that impact BIFMA.

We also monitor trade statistics reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, which reports monthly retail sales growth data across a number of retail categories, including Furniture and Home Furnishing Stores. This information provides a relative comparison to our Consumer reportable segment, but is not intended to be an exact comparison. The average monthly year-over-year growth rate in sales for the Furniture and Home Furnishing Stores category for the twelve month period ended May 31, 2015, was approximately 4.0 percent. By comparison, net sales growth for the Consumer segment was approximately 299.6 percent. Adjusting for the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency translation, organic net sales growth for the Consumer segment was approximately 13.1 percent.

Net Sales, Orders, and Backlog - Fiscal 2014 Compared to Fiscal 2013
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2014, consolidated net sales increased $107.1 million to $1,882.0 million from $1,774.9 million for the fiscal year ended June 1, 2013. The acquisition of Maharam Fabric Corporation (Maharam) increased net sales by approximately $96.5 million versus the prior fiscal year. The impact of dealer divestitures throughout fiscal 2014 had the effect of reducing sales approximately $25.6 million compared to fiscal 2013. The overall impact of foreign currency changes for the fiscal year was to decrease net sales by approximately $8.9 million. The

- 25 -



company has also experienced a $12 million decrease in sales volumes to the U.S. federal government as compared to fiscal 2013. The impact of net changes in pricing is estimated to have had a $10.5 million increase on net sales during fiscal 2014. The remaining increase compared to fiscal 2013 was driven by increased volumes. The increase in volumes was not driven by any single factor, but rather, was due mainly to an improvement in general economic factors, primarily in the North America and ELA business segments

The following table presents the quantification of the changes in net sales from fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2014.
(In millions)
 
Fiscal 2013 Net sales
$
1,774.9

Maharam acquisition
96.5

Dealer divestitures
(25.6
)
Impact from foreign currency
(8.9
)
Net changes in pricing
10.5

U.S. federal government volumes
(12.0
)
Other change in sales
46.6

Fiscal 2014 Net sales
$
1,882.0


Consolidated net trade orders for fiscal 2014 totaled $1,917.7 million compared to $1,771.6 million in fiscal 2013, an increase of 8.2 percent. Order rates began the year at a steady pace with orders averaging approximately $36 million per week for the first quarter and $39 million per week for the second quarter. For the third quarter, weekly order rates decreased to an average of approximately $36 million per week, which is consistent with the company's typical seasonal slowdown. The fourth quarter finished the year with average weekly order rates increasing to approximately $37 million.

The weekly order pacing in the third quarter and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 was impacted by the price increase that was announced during the third quarter of fiscal 2014. This caused approximately $22 million of orders that otherwise would have been entered in the fourth quarter, to be entered in the third quarter. When adjusting for this impact, the weekly pacing of orders for the third quarter and fourth quarter was $34 million per week and $39 million per week, respectively. The overall impact of foreign currency changes for the fiscal year 2014 decreased net orders by approximately $9.6 million.

Our backlog of unfilled orders at the end of fiscal 2014 totaled $306.4 million, a 11.7 percent increase from the $274.4 million of backlog at the end of fiscal 2013.

BIFMA reported an estimated year-over-year decrease in U.S. office furniture shipments of approximately 1.2 percent for the twelve-month period ended May 2014. By comparison, net sales increased for the company's domestic U.S. business by approximately 3.0 percent.

Gross Margin - Fiscal 2015 Compared to Fiscal 2014
Fiscal 2015 gross margin as a percentage of sales was 36.9 percent , which is an increase of 340 basis points from the fiscal 2014 level. The improvement in gross margin was driven primarily by prior year charges related to the termination of the company's primary defined benefit pension plan, which led to a 240 basis point increase in gross margin during fiscal 2015. The acquisition of DWR provided a zero basis point improvement in gross margin, but excluding the effect of acquisition-related inventory adjustments, DWR provided an increase in the gross margin percentage of 40 basis points in fiscal 2015 relative to the prior year. The benefit captured from price increases - net of incremental discounting, provided a 40 basis point improvement. These increases were offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation, which led to a decrease in gross margin of 30 basis points. The remainder of the change in gross margin during fiscal 2015 was driven by improved production, product, and channel mix.


- 26 -



The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the components of the company's cost of sales as a percentage of net sales.
Fiscal Year Ended
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
 
Change
Direct materials
41.9
%
 
41.3
%
 
0.6
 %
Direct labor
5.8

 
6.4

 
(0.6
)
Manufacturing overhead
 
 
 
 
 
Manufacturing overhead - excluding legacy pension
8.8

 
10.1

 
(1.3
)
Legacy pension impact on manufacturing overhead

 
2.7

 
(2.7
)
Total manufacturing overhead
8.8


12.8

 
(4.0
)
Freight and distribution
6.6

 
6.0

 
0.6

Cost of sales
63.1
%
 
66.5
%
 
(3.4
)%

The addition of DWR to the company's consolidated results in fiscal 2015 impacted the components of consolidated cost of sales as a percentage of net sales. As a furnishings retailer, DWR sources the products it sells from various manufacturers. Accordingly, a much higher percentage of its cost of sales is attributable to direct materials and freight and distribution. The analysis below reflects the impact of DWR on each component of the company's consolidated cost of sales as a percentage of gross margin.

Direct material costs as a percent of net sales for fiscal 2015 increased 60 basis points as compared to fiscal 2014. The increase in direct material costs as a percentage of net sales was primarily driven by the impact of DWR, which provided an increase of 100 basis points. The DWR increase in the direct material cost percentage was impacted by acquisition-related inventory adjustments recorded during fiscal 2015. The negative impact of foreign currency translation provided an additional increase of 10 basis points. These increases were offset by the benefit of price increases - net of incremental discounting (30 basis points) as well as by favorable product mix (20 basis points).

Direct labor was 5.8 percent of net sales for fiscal 2015, a decrease of 60 basis points from fiscal 2014. This reduction was primarily due to the acquisition of DWR, offset by the negative impact of foreign currency translation.

Manufacturing overhead was 8.8 percent of net sales for fiscal 2015, a decrease of 400 basis points from the prior year. The decrease in manufacturing overhead as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to the favorable impacts from a reduction in legacy pension expenses and the acquisition of DWR. These factors drove a reduction in the manufacturing overhead percentage of 240 and 100 basis points, respectively, compared to fiscal 2014. The sale of owned dealerships during fiscal 2014 and the lower cost of employee incentives each provided an improvement of 10 basis points. The remaining decrease in the manufacturing overhead percentage was due to improved leverage within the company's principal U.S. manufacturing facilities as well as the favorable impact of changes in product and channel mix as compared to the prior year.

Freight and distribution expenses, as a percentage of sales, was 6.6 percent for fiscal 2015, an increase of 60 basis points as compared to fiscal 2014. The increase was driven by the acquisition of DWR and the impact of foreign currency translation.

Gross Margin - Fiscal 2014 Compared to Fiscal 2013
Fiscal 2014 gross margin as a percentage of sales was 33.5 percent, which is a decrease of 60 basis points from the fiscal 2013 level. Gross margin in 2014 was reduced by 250 basis points due to the termination of the company's primary domestic defined benefit pension plan. The total fiscal 2014 expense included within gross margin related to the terminated plan was $51.3 million. Of this expense, $49.3 million was settlement expense related to the termination of the plan.

The decrease in gross margin from incremental pension expenses was offset by increases related to the acquisition of Maharam (100 basis points), the benefit captured from price increases - net of incremental discounting (40 basis points), and the impact of in-sourcing (60 basis points).
Fiscal Year Ended
May 31, 2014
 
June 1, 2013
 
Change
Direct materials
41.3
%
 
42.7
%
 
(1.4
)%
Direct labor
6.4

 
6.4

 

Manufacturing overhead
 
 
 
 


Manufacturing overhead - excluding legacy pension
10.1

 
10.6

 
(0.5
)
Legacy pension impact on manufacturing overhead
2.7
%
 
0.2
%
 
2.5
 %
Total manufacturing overhead
12.8
%
 
10.8
%
 
2.0
 %
Freight and distribution
6.0
%
 
6.0
%
 
 %
Cost of sales
66.5
%
 
65.9
%
 
0.6
 %

- 27 -




Direct material costs as a percent of net sales for fiscal 2014 decreased 140 basis points as compared to fiscal 2013. The favorable impact related to product in-sourcing, price increases - net of incremental discounting, commodity pricing, and the acquisition of Maharam, had the effect of improving the direct material cost percentage by 60 basis points, 20 basis points, 10 basis points, and 10 basis points, respectively. The remaining decrease is related to favorable impact of changes in the product and channel mix compared to fiscal year 2013.

Direct labor was 6.4 percent of net sales for fiscal 2014, unchanged from the prior year. The direct labor costs as a percentage of net sales was impacted by a 30 point basis point decrease related to the acquisition of Maharam, offset by the overall unfavorable impact of product mix.

Manufacturing overhead was 12.8 percent of net sales for fiscal 2014, an increase of 200 basis points from the prior year. Overhead costs in fiscal 2014 included the impact of the previously mentioned pension termination, which drove an increase in overhead costs of $47.2 million or 250 basis points. This increase was offset by a 50 basis point decrease related to the acquisition of Maharam.

Freight and distribution expenses, as a percentage of sales, was 6.0 percent for fiscal 2014 and were flat compared to fiscal year 2013.

Operating Expenses - Fiscal 2015 Compared to Fiscal 2014
Operating expenses in fiscal 2015 were $628.0 million , or 29.3 percent of net sales, which compares to $656.7 million , or 34.9 percent of net sales in fiscal 2014. The decrease in operating expenses as compared to the prior year related primarily to legacy pension expenses recorded in fiscal 2014 of $113.1 million . The acquisition of DWR contributed an additional $81.5 million of operating expenses. As compared to fiscal 2014, restructuring and impairment expenses decreased by $13.8 million during fiscal 2015. Excluding the impact of DWR, design and research expenses increased $4.3 million in fiscal 2015 as compared to the prior year. Warranty expenses for the year increased by approximately $4.8 million. The increase in warranty expense was due to updating claims loss experience in the warranty liability estimates, additional sales of new products, and an increase in customer specific claims as compared to the prior year. The remaining change was due to net changes in various other operating expenses compared to the prior year period.

Year-over-year changes in currency exchange rates, associated with the company's international operations, decreased operating expenses by an estimated $4.8 million.

Design and research costs included in total operating expenses for fiscal 2015 were $71.4 million , or 3.3 percent of net sales, compared to fiscal 2014 expenses of $65.9 million , or 3.5 percent of net sales. This increase was driven by the acquisition of DWR during fiscal 2015 as well as investment in various projects. Royalty payments to designers for the company products, which are included within design and research costs, totaled $14.7 million and $12.0 million in fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Restructuring and Impairment - Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014
Restructuring and impairment charges decreased $13.8 million from $26.5 million in fiscal 2014 to $12.7 million in fiscal 2015. Restructuring and impairment expenses during fiscal 2015 included $1.9 million related to targeted workforce reductions within the North American segment and $10.8 million in impairment expenses related to the impairment of the POSH trade name. During fiscal 2014, restructuring and impairment expenses included $4.0 million related to the impairment of property in Ningbo, China, $1.1 million related to restructuring actions taken to improve the efficiency of the North American sales and distribution channel and Geiger manufacturing operations, and $21.4 million in impairment expenses related to the POSH and Nemschoff trade names.

During fiscal 2013, the company incurred restructuring expense of $1.2 million , all of which related to the 2012 Plan. The 2012 Plan represented the restructuring actions initiated in fiscal 2012 to consolidate the Nemschoff manufacturing operations in Sheboygan, Wisconsin with the closure of the Sioux City, Iowa seating plant. The restructuring consisted of $0.3 million related to severance and $0.9 million related to building exit costs.

The restructuring liabilities of $1.4 million and $0.4 million for fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively, are included in, "Other accrued liabilities" within the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

See Note 16 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on restructuring and impairment expenses.

The following table presents the quantification of the changes in total operating expenses from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2015.

- 28 -



(In millions)
 
Fiscal 2014 Operating expenses
$
656.7

Selling, general & administrative change
 
Legacy pension expenses
(113.1
)
DWR Acquisition
81.5

Dealer divestitures
(3.6
)
Impact from foreign currency
(4.8
)
Warranty
4.8

Employee incentive costs
(4.0
)
Administrative expenses
2.9

Marketing and selling
(2.4
)
Acquisition expenses
2.2

Depreciation and amortization
1.9

Other
15.4

Restructuring and impairment change
(13.8
)
Design and research change
4.3

Fiscal 2015 Operating expenses
$
628.0


Operating Expenses - Fiscal 2014 Compared to Fiscal 2013
Operating expenses in fiscal 2014 were $656.7 million, or 34.9 percent of net sales, which compares to $490.3 million, or 27.6 percent of net sales in fiscal 2013. The increase in operating expenses primarily relates to legacy pension expenses of $89.0 million. The acquisition of Maharam contributed an additional $48.2 million of operating expenses. The impact of dealer divestitures had the effect of reducing operating expenses approximately $7.9 million compared to fiscal 2013. In addition, design and research expenses increased $4.0 million. Warranty expenses for the year were lower by approximately $3.2 million, primarily due to lower customer specific claims. The company recorded approximately $4.3 million more employee incentive expenses during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year period. Also, operating expenses were impacted favorably in the current year by the reduction of contingent consideration from the acquisition of POSH in the amount of $2.6 million. The remaining change was due to net increases in various other operating expenses compared to the prior year period.

Year-over-year changes in currency exchange rates, associated with the company's international operations, decreased operating expenses by an estimated $2.3 million.
 
Design and research costs included in total operating expenses for fiscal 2014 was $65.9 million, or 3.5 percent of net sales, compared to fiscal 2013 expenses of $59.9 million, or 3.4 percent of net sales. This increase was primarily driven by the company's increased investment in various projects. Royalty payments for the company products, which are included within design and research costs, totaled $12.0 million and $11.6 million in fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The following table presents the quantification of the changes in total operating expenses from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013.

- 29 -



(In millions)
 
Fiscal 2013 Operating expenses
$
490.3

Selling, general & administrative change
 
Acquisitions and divestitures
 
Maharam acquisition
48.2

Dealer divestitures
(7.9
)
Contingent consideration change
(2.6
)
Legacy pension expenses
89.0

Warranty
(3.2
)
Marketing and selling
(0.3
)
Employee incentive costs
4.3

Impact from foreign currency
(2.3
)
Other
11.9

Restructuring and impairment change
25.3

Design and research change
4.0

Fiscal 2014 Operating expenses
$
656.7


Operating Earnings (Loss)
In fiscal 2015 , the company generated operating earnings of $163.4 million , an increase of $189.1 million from a fiscal 2014 operating loss of $25.7 million . This increase was attributable primarily to legacy pension expenses recorded in fiscal year 2014 of $164.4 million. Additionally, restructuring and impairment expenses were $26.5 million in fiscal 2014 as compared to $12.7 million in fiscal 2015. The fiscal 2014 operating earnings of $25.7 million represented a $140.6 million decrease from fiscal 2013 operating earnings of $114.9 million. This decrease was driven by legacy pension costs recorded during fiscal 2014.

Other Expenses and Income
In fiscal 2015, net other expenses were $18.2 million . Net other expenses were flat in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 , totaling $17.7 million for each year. The increase in net other expenses in fiscal 2015 was primarily related to an increase in currency loss as compared to fiscal 2014.

Income Taxes
The company's effective tax rate was 32.6 percent in fiscal 2015 versus 48.9 percent in fiscal 2014, and 29.8 percent in fiscal 2013. The effective tax rate in fiscal 2015 was below the statutory rate of 35 percent, primarily due to the domestic U.S. manufacturing deduction and a tax benefit related to the recently completed foreign entity reorganization. The company reorganized certain of its non-U.S. subsidiaries under a holding company structure in order to facilitate the efficient movement of non-U.S. cash and provide a platform to fund foreign investments. A planned repatriation from certain entities in the holding company structure generated a net tax benefit of $3.9 million in fiscal 2015.

The effective tax rate in fiscal 2014 was above the statutory rate of 35 percent, primarily due to the domestic U.S. manufacturing deduction and a shift in the relative mix of income and loss between the taxing jurisdictions. This change in mix was driven primarily by legacy pension expenses recorded this year. The effective tax rate in fiscal 2013 was below the statutory rate of 35 percent, primarily due to the domestic U.S. manufacturing deduction and international tax rate differential.

For further information regarding income taxes, refer to Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net Earnings (Loss); Earnings (Loss) per Share
In fiscal 2015 , fiscal 2014 , and fiscal 2013 , the company generated net earnings of $98.1 million , net loss of $(22.1) million , and net earnings of $68.2 million , respectively. In fiscal 2015 , diluted earnings per share was $1.62 , while diluted loss per share in fiscal 2014 was $(0.37) , and diluted earnings per share was $1.16 in fiscal 2013 .

Reportable Operating Segments
The business is comprised of various operating segments as defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. These operating segments are determined on the basis of how the company internally reports and evaluates financial information used to make operating decisions. Due to the realignment of our reportable segments during the year, the structure of the segments has changed to those

- 30 -



set forth below and prior year results have been revised to reflect these updates. For external reporting purposes, the company has identified the following reportable segments:

North American Furniture Solutions — Includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of furniture products for work-related settings, including office, education, and healthcare environments, throughout the United States and Canada. The North American Furniture Solutions reportable segment is the aggregation of two operating segments. In addition, the company has determined that both operating segments within the North American Furniture Solutions reportable segment each represent reporting units.
ELA Furniture Solutions — Includes EMEA, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific operations associated with the design, manufacture and sale of furniture products, primarily for work-related settings.
Specialty — Includes operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of high-craft furniture products and textiles including Geiger wood products, Maharam textiles, and Herman Miller Collection products.
Consumer — Includes operations associated with the sale of modern design furnishings and accessories to third party retail distributors, as well as direct to consumer sales through eCommerce, direct mailing catalogs, and DWR retail studios.

The company also reports a corporate category consisting primarily of, as applicable, unallocated corporate expenses including restructuring, impairment, acquisition-related costs, and other unallocated corporate costs. The fiscal year 2015 and 2014 results are as follows:
 
Fiscal 2015
Fiscal 2014
 
North America
ELA
Specialty
Consumer
Corporate
Total
North America
ELA
Specialty
Consumer
Corporate
Total
Net Sales, as reported
1,241.9

409.9

219.9

270.5


2,142.2

1,216.3

392.2

205.8

67.7


1,882.0

% change from PY
2.1
%
4.5
%
6.9
%
299.6
%
%
13.8
%
(0.5
)%
3.9
%
84.2
%
5.8
%
%
6.0
%
 
Fiscal 2015
Fiscal 2014
 
North America
ELA
Specialty
Consumer
Corporate
Total
North America
ELA
Specialty
Consumer
Corporate
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Earnings (Loss)
125.2

25.9

13.5

14.7

(15.9
)
$
163.4

(27.0
)
23.1

(5.3
)
9.9

(26.4
)
$
(25.7
)
Add: Restructuring / Impairment Expenses




12.7

12.7





26.5

26.5

Add: Acquisition-Related Inventory Adjustments



7.8


7.8



1.4



1.4

Add: Legacy Pension Expenses






147.0


12.2

5.2


164.4

Add: POSH Cont. Consid. Reduction







(2.6
)



(2.6
)
Acquisition Expenses




2.2

2.2







Adjusted Operating Earnings
125.2

25.9

13.5

22.5

(1.0
)
186.1

$
120.0

$
20.5

$
8.3

$
15.1

$
0.1

$
164.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income / (Expense), net
 
 
 
 
(0.7
)
(0.7
)
 
 
 
 
(0.1
)
(0.1
)
Add: Depreciation and Amortization
26.5

8.2

7.4

7.3

0.4

49.8

26.8

7.6

6.8

1.2


42.4

Adjusted EBITDA
$
151.7

$
34.1

$
20.9

$
29.8

$
(1.3
)
$
235.2

$
146.8

$
28.1

$
15.1

$
16.3

$

$
206.3


Discussion of Segments - Fiscal 2015 Compared to Fiscal 2014
North America
Net sales within the North American Furniture Solutions (North America) reportable segment increased to $1,241.9 million in fiscal 2015 , an increase of $25.6 million from fiscal 2014 net sales of $1,216.3 million . The impact of dealer divestitures in fiscal 2014 had the effect of reducing sales by approximately $12.1 million during fiscal 2015. The impact of foreign currency changes decreased fiscal 2015 net sales by approximately $7.2 million . The impact of changes in pricing, net of discounting, is estimated to have had an $11.7 million increase on net sales during fiscal 2015 over the prior year. The segment also experienced a $4.4 million decrease in sales volumes to the U.S. federal government as compared to fiscal 2014. The rest of the increase in sales during fiscal 2015 was due to higher volumes, the timing of project completions, and the conversion of existing backlog into sales.

Operating earnings for North America in fiscal 2015 were $125.2 million , a $152.2 million increase from fiscal 2014. The increase in operating earnings during fiscal 2015 was driven primarily by non-recurring legacy pension costs recognized during fiscal 2014 of $147.0 million. These costs related to the prior year termination of the primary domestic defined benefit pension plans. Additionally, during fiscal 2015, there was a $3.2 million increase in warranty expense and a $5.9 million decrease in marketing and selling expenses as compared to fiscal 2014. The impact of foreign currency changes decreased fiscal 2015 operating earnings for North America by approximately $4.7 million. The remaining change in operating earnings was due to growth in gross margin that was driven by improvements in pricing, net of discounting, and improved product mix.

- 31 -




ELA Furniture Solutions (EMEA, Latin America, and Asia Pacific)
In spite of the negative impact on sales of foreign currency translation of $16.8 million, net sales in the ELA Furniture Solutions (ELA) reportable segment increased 4.5 percent, or $17.7 million, in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. On a constant currency basis, net sales increased $34.5 million during fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 due to growth in sales volumes within the EMEA and Asia regions.

Operating earnings within ELA for fiscal 2015 were $25.9 million, a $2.8 million increase from fiscal 2014. The impact of foreign currency changes decreased fiscal 2015 operating earnings for ELA by approximately $9.1 million. However, the positive earnings momentum of ELA during the fiscal year more than offset the negative impact of foreign currency translation. Year-over-year, improved sales volumes in the EMEA and Asia regions along with the improved manufacturing efficiency at the company's United Kingdom and Asia manufacturing operations led to an increase in operating earnings, on a constant currency basis.

Specialty
Net sales within the Specialty reportable segment increased 6.9 percent, or $14.0 million, compared to fiscal 2014. This year-over-year improvement was driven principally by higher sales volumes of Geiger wood products and Herman Miller Collection products.

Operating earnings within the Specialty reportable segment totaled $13.5 million for the year, or 6.1 percent of net sales, an increase of $18.8 million from fiscal 2014. The increase in operating earnings during fiscal 2015 related in-part to one-time expenses incurred during the prior year that did not recur in the current year. These prior year expenses were legacy pension of $12.2 million and inventory adjustments related to the Maharam acquisition of $1.4 million. The remaining increase was driven by improved operating performance and leverage from both the Geiger and Maharam subsidiaries.

Consumer
Net sales for the Consumer reportable segment increased to $270.5 million in fiscal 2015, an increase of $202.8 million from fiscal 2014 net sales of $67.7. Net sales during the year increased by $194.3 due to the acquisition of DWR, net of intercompany eliminations. The remaining change in sales was driven by increases in pricing and higher sales volumes within the company's legacy wholesale and eCommerce consumer business.

Operating earnings within the Consumer segment were $14.7 million during fiscal 2015 as compared to operating earnings of $9.9 million in fiscal 2014. The increase in operating earnings during fiscal 2015 related, in part, to decreased legacy pension expenses of $5.2 million. Inventory adjustments associated with the DWR acquisition decreased fiscal 2015 operating earnings by $7.8 million. The remaining change in operating earnings was driven by increased margins and operating earnings associated with the acquisition of DWR as well as higher sales volumes within the company's existing consumer wholesale and eCommerce business.

Discussion of Segments - Fiscal 2014 Compared to Fiscal 2013
North America
Net sales within the North America reportable segment were $1,216.3 million in fiscal 2014, a decrease of $5.6 million from fiscal 2013 net sales of $1,221.9 million. The impact of dealer divestitures in fiscal 2014 had the effect of reducing sales approximately $25.6 million compared to fiscal 2013. The impact of foreign currency changes was to decrease fiscal 2014 net sales for North America by approximately $5.2 million. The impact of changes in pricing, net of discounting, is estimated to have had a $7.9 million increase on net sales during fiscal 2014 over the prior year. The segment has also experienced a $12.0 million decrease in sales volumes to the U.S. federal government as compared to fiscal 2013. The remaining change in net sales was due to an increase in unit volumes during fiscal 2014.

Operating losses for North America in fiscal 2014 were $27.0 million, a $103.6 million decrease from fiscal 2013. The decrease is attributable to legacy pension expenses of $123.9 million. The impact of dealer divestitures had the effect of decreasing operating earnings approximately $0.9 million compared to fiscal 2013. Warranty expenses were lower by $3.0 million for fiscal 2014, due to lower customer specific claims. North America also had approximately $7.0 million in additional employee incentive expense during fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year. The impact of foreign currency changes decreased fiscal 2014 operating earnings for North America by approximately $3.6 million. The remaining change in operating earnings was driven by improvements in gross margin, which was primarily attributable to in-sourcing initiatives

ELA Furniture Solutions (EMEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific)
Net sales within the ELA reportable segment increased 3.9 percent, or $14.9 million, in fiscal 2014. The impact of foreign currency changes was a decrease to fiscal 2014 net sales for ELA by approximately $3.5 million. The impact of changes in pricing, net of discounting, is estimated to have had a $0.3 million increase on net sales during fiscal 2014 over the prior year. The remaining change in net sales was due to changes in unit volumes during fiscal 2014.


- 32 -



Operating earnings within ELA were 5.9 percent of net sales for the segment in fiscal year 2014, compared to 6.5 percent in fiscal 2013, a decrease of $1.6 million from fiscal 2013. The impact of foreign currency changes decreased fiscal 2014 operating earnings for ELA by approximately $2.8 million. This was partially offset by a decrease in marketing and selling costs in fiscal 2014.

Specialty
Net sales within the Specialty reportable segment were $205.8 million in fiscal 2014 as compared to $111.7 million in fiscal 2013. The acquisition of Maharam contributed an additional $96.5 million of net sales during fiscal 2014.

Operating losses for the Specialty reportable segment in fiscal 2014 were $5.3 million, a decrease of $7.1 million from fiscal 2013. The decrease was driven principally by increased legacy pension expense of $10.5 million, offset by an increase in operating earnings from Maharam of $4.2 million.

Consumer
Net sales for the Consumer reportable segment were $67.7 million in fiscal 2014, an increase of $3.7 million as compared to fiscal 2013. The increase is attributable to the impact of changes in pricing, net of discounting, and increased sales volumes.

Operating earnings within the Consumer reportable segment totaled $9.9 million in fiscal 2014 as compared to $13.6 million in fiscal 2013. The decrease in operating earnings was driven primarily by increased legacy pension expenses of $5.2 million

Liquidity and Capital Resources
The table below presents certain key cash flow and capital highlights for the fiscal years indicated.
 
Fiscal Year Ended
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
63.7

 
$
101.5

 
$
82.7

Marketable securities, end of period
$
5.7

 
$
11.1

 
$
10.8

Cash provided by operating activities
$
167.7

 
$
90.1

 
$
136.5

Cash used for investing activities
$
(213.6
)
 
$
(48.2
)
 
$
(209.7
)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities
$
6.8

 
$
(22.4
)
 
$
(16.0
)
Pension and post-retirement benefit plan contributions  (1)
$
(1.4
)
 
$
(50.2
)
 
(4.5
)
Capital expenditures
$
(63.6
)
 
$
(40.8
)
 
$
(50.2
)
Stock repurchased and retired
$
(3.7
)
 
$
(12.7
)
 
$
(3.6
)
Interest-bearing debt, end of period (3)
$
290.0

 
$
250.0

 
250.0

Available unsecured credit facilities, end of period (2) (3)
$
164.5

 
$
155.1

 
$
147.3


(1) Amount shown for fiscal 2014 includes $48.8 million due to the termination of the company’s primary domestic defined benefit pension plan.
(2) Amounts shown are net of outstanding letters of credit, which are applied against the company's unsecured credit facility.
(3) During fiscal 2015, we renegotiated the unsecured revolving credit facility. Refer to Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Cash Flow — Operating Activities
Cash generated from operating activities in fiscal 2015 totaled $167.7 million compared to $ 90.1 million generated in the prior year. This represents an increase of $77.6 million compared to fiscal 2014 . The increase from fiscal 2014 was driven primarily by a decrease in pension contributions of approximately $48.8 million associated with the termination of the company's primary domestic defined benefit pension plan during fiscal 2014. Additionally, an increase in net income from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2015 also contributed to the increase in cash flows from operating activities.
Changes in working capital balances resulted in a $3.5 million source of cash in the current fiscal year compared to a $21.2 million use of cash in the prior year. The sources of cash related to changes in working capital balances in fiscal 2015 consisted primarily of a decrease in trade receivables of $7.8 million, an increase in accounts payable of $1.1 million and an increase in accrued liabilities of $6.1 million. This was partially offset by increases in inventory and prepaid expenses of $9.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively.
The $46.4 million decrease in cash from operations in fiscal 2014, as compared to fiscal 2013, was driven primarily by pension contributions of $50.2 million, net of the related tax benefits, primarily related to the termination of the company's primary domestic defined benefit pension plan. The pension contributions during fiscal 2014 were $45.7 million more than the fiscal 2013 contributions of $4.5 million.

- 33 -



Changes in working capital balances resulted in a $21.2 million use of cash in fiscal 2014 compared to a $17.2 million source of cash in fiscal 2013. The use of cash related to changes in working capital balances in fiscal 2014 consisted primarily of an increase in trade receivables of $26.7 million and an increase in net inventories and prepaid expenses of $2.2 million and $3.2 million, respectively. These amounts were partially offset by increases in accounts payable and other accruals of $2.6 million and $8.3 million, respectively.
Collections of accounts receivable remained strong throughout fiscal 2015 , and the company's recorded accounts receivable allowances at the end of the year are believed to be adequate to cover the risk of potential bad debts. Allowances for non-collectible accounts receivable, as a percent of gross accounts receivable, totaled 1.5 percent, 1.9 percent, and 2.4 percent at the end of fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Cash Flow — Investing Activities
Capital expenditures totaled $63.6 million , $40.8 million and $50.2 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. The increase in capital expenditures of $22.8 million from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2015 was driven primarily by expenditures related to the construction of a new facility in the United Kingdom for the purpose of consolidating manufacturing and distribution activities, as well as capital expenditures made by DWR associated with investment in retail studio and outlet locations.

Outstanding commitments for future capital purchases at the end of fiscal 2015 were approximately $13.1 million . The company expects capital spending in fiscal 2016 to be between $70 million and $80 million. The expected increase as compared to fiscal 2015 is primarily due to planned investments in the company's showrooms and retail locations.

Included in the fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 investing activities are net cash outflows related to acquisitions. These amounts are summarized below:
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Design Within Reach (DWR)
$
154.0

 
 
 
 
Certain Assets of Dongguan Sun Hing Steel Furniture Factory Ltd (DGSH)
 
 
$
6.7

 
 
Maharam Fabric Corporation (Maharam)
 
 
 
 
$
155.8

Sun Hing POSH Holdings Limited (POSH)
 
 
 
 
$
1.7


Our net marketable securities transactions for fiscal 2015 yielded a $5.3 million source of cash. This compares to a $0.3 million and $1.2 million use of cash in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 , respectively.

Cash Flow — Financing Activities
 
Fiscal Year Ended
(In millions, except share and per share data)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Shares acquired
121,488

 
408,391

 
154,917

Cost of shares acquired
$
3.7

 
$
12.7

 
$
3.6

Shares issued
501,277

 
1,040,255

 
461,944

Average cash received per share issued
$
15.48

 
$
20.00

 
$
15.54

Cash dividends paid
$
33.3

 
$
30.3

 
$
19.1


In fiscal 2015 , cash provided by financing activities increased to $6.8 million , as compared to cash used in financing activities of $22.4 million in fiscal 2014. Cash inflows from net borrowings on the revolving credit facility were $90.0 million during fiscal 2015. The company utilized a portion of these borrowings to pay off $50 million of Series A senior notes, which matured January 3, 2015. By comparison, there was no borrowing activity on the credit facility during fiscal 2014. Cash paid for the retirement of common stock was $3.7 million in the current year as compared to $12.7 million in the prior year. Additionally, in fiscal 2015 there was a decrease in cash inflows from the issuance of shares related to stock-based compensation plans. The company received $7.8 million related to stock-based compensation plans in fiscal 2015 compared to $20.8 million in fiscal 2014 .

Cash used in financing activities increased by $6.4 million from fiscal 2013 to fiscal 2014. The increase was driven primarily by an increase in cash outflows from dividends paid and common stock purchased and retired. Dividends paid increased due to the increase in the quarterly dividend from $0.125 per share to $0.140 per share.


- 34 -



Some minority shareholders in a subsidiary have the right, at certain times, to require the company to acquire a portion of their ownership interest in those entities at fair value. It is possible that within the next five years the company could be required to acquire this ownership interest. The fair value of this redeemable noncontrolling interest as of May 30, 2015 was $30.4 million and is included within "Redeemable noncontrolling interests" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Sources of Liquidity
In addition to cash flows from operating activities, the company has access to liquidity through credit facilities, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments. These sources have been summarized below, for additional information see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.
(In millions, )
2015
 
2014
Cash and cash equivalents
$
63.7

 
$
101.5

Marketable securities
$
5.7

 
$
11.1

Availability under India credit facility
2.8

 

Availability under South China credit facility
$
5.0

 
$
5.0

Availability under Ningbo, China credit facility
$
5.0

 
$
5.0

Availability under syndicated revolving line of credit
$
151.7

 
$
145.1

At the end of the fourth quarter fiscal 2015 , the company had cash and cash equivalents of $63.7 million including foreign cash and cash equivalents of $52.7 million. In addition, the company had foreign marketable securities of $5.7 million . The foreign subsidiary holding the company's marketable securities is taxed as a U.S. taxpayer at the company's election; consequently, for tax purposes all U.S tax impacts for this subsidiary have been recorded. The company has a plan to repatriate the available earnings of its Luxembourg subsidiary during fiscal 2016. While the exact amount of earnings to be repatriated in fiscal 2016 is unknown, the company recorded in fiscal 2015 a net tax benefit of $3.9 million related to a change in the company's assertion that the earnings from its Luxembourg subsidiary are permanently reinvested outside of the United States.

We believe cash on hand, cash generated from operations, and our borrowing capacity will provide adequate liquidity to fund near term and future business operations, capital needs, future dividends and share repurchases, subject to financing availability in the marketplace.

Contingencies
The company leases a facility in the United Kingdom under an agreement that expired in June 2011 and the company is currently leasing the facility on a month to month basis. Under the terms of the lease, the company is required to perform the maintenance and repairs necessary to address the general dilapidation of the facility over the lease term. The ultimate cost of this provision to the company is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the future use of the facility by the lessor and whether the company chooses and is permitted to renew the lease term. The company has estimated the cost of these maintenance and repairs to be between $0.5 million and $1.5 million , depending on the outcome of future plans and negotiations. Based on existing circumstances, it is estimated that these costs will most likely approximate $1.2 million as of May 30, 2015 , and was estimated to be $1.5 million as of May 31, 2014 . As a result, these amounts have been recorded as a liability reflected under the caption “Other accrued liabilities” for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The company is also involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such proceedings and litigation currently pending will not materially affect the company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Basis of Presentation
The company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to May 31. The fiscal years ended May 30, 2015 , May 31, 2014 , and June 1, 2013 each contained 52 weeks of operations. This is the basis upon which weekly average data is presented.

- 35 -



Contractual Obligations
Contractual obligations associated with our ongoing business and financing activities will result in cash payments in future periods. The following table summarizes the amounts and estimated timing of these future cash payments. Further information regarding debt obligations can be found in Note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Additional information related to operating leases can be found in Note 6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(In millions)
Payments due by fiscal year
 
Total
 
2016
 
2017-2018
 
2019-2020
 
Thereafter
Long-term debt  
$
200.0

 
$

 
$
150.0

 
$
90.0

 
$
50.0

Estimated interest on debt obligations (1)
46.1

 
13.6

 
23.2

 
7.0

 
2.3

Operating leases
253.7

 
36.6

 
59.2

 
50.1

 
107.8

Purchase obligations (2)
42.0

 
35.8

 
6.0

 
0.2

 

Pension plan funding (3)
1.3

 
0.5

 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.4

Stockholder dividends (4)
8.4

 
8.4

 

 

 

Other (5)
37.8

 
14.8

 
9.7

 
3.0

 
10.3

Total
$
589.3

 
$
109.7

 
$
248.3

 
$
150.5

 
$
170.8

(1) Estimated future interest payments on our outstanding debt obligations are based on interest rates as of May 30, 2015 . Actual cash outflows may differ significantly due to changes in underlying interest rates and timing of principal payments.
(2) Purchase obligations consist of non-cancelable purchase orders and commitments for goods, services, and capital assets.
(3) Pension plan funding commitments are known for a 12-month period for those plans that are funded; unfunded pension and post-retirement plan funding amounts are equal to the estimated benefit payments. As of May 30, 2015 , the total projected benefit obligation for our domestic and international employee pension benefit plans was $113.1 million.
(4) Represents the recorded dividend payable as of May 30, 2015 . Future dividend payments are not considered contractual obligations until declared.
(5) Other contractual obligations primarily represent long-term commitments related to deferred and supplemental employee compensation benefits, and other post-employment benefits.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements — Guarantees
We provide certain guarantees to third parties under various arrangements in the form of product warranties, loan guarantees, standby letters of credit, lease guarantees, performance bonds, and indemnification provisions. These arrangements are accounted for and disclosed in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 460, " Guarantees " as described in Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our goal is to report financial results clearly and understandably. We follow accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, which require us to make certain estimates and apply judgments that affect our financial position and results of operations. We continually review our accounting policies and financial information disclosures. These policies and disclosures are reviewed at least annually with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Following is a summary of our more significant accounting policies that require the use of estimates and judgments in preparing the financial statements.

Revenue Recognition
As described in the “Executive Overview,” the majority of our products and services are sold through one of six channels: Independent contract furniture dealers and licensees, owned contract furniture dealers, direct to end customers, independent retailers and owned retail studios. We recognize revenue on sales to independent dealers, licensees, and retailers once the product is shipped and title passes to the buyer. When we sell product directly to the end customer or through owned dealers or retail studios, we recognize revenue once the product and services are delivered and installation thereof is substantially complete.

Amounts recorded as net sales generally include any freight charged to customers, with the related freight expenses recognized within cost of sales. Items such as discounts off list price, rebates, and other sale-related marketing program expenses are recorded as reductions to net sales. We record accruals for rebates and other marketing programs, which require us to make estimates about future customer buying patterns and market conditions. Customer sales that reach (or fail to reach) certain levels can affect the amount of such estimates and actual results could differ from our estimates.


- 36 -



Receivable Allowances
We base our allowances for receivables on known customer exposures, historical credit experience, and the specific identification of other potential problems, including the current economic climate. These methods are applied to all major receivables, including trade, lease, and notes receivable. In addition, we follow a policy that consistently applies reserve rates based on the outstanding accounts receivable and historical experience. Actual collections can differ from our historical experience and if economic or business conditions deteriorate significantly, adjustments to these reserves may be required.

The accounts receivable allowance totaled $2.8 million and $4.0 million at May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 , respectively. As a percentage of gross accounts receivable, these allowances totaled 1.5 percent and 1.9 percent for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 , respectively. The year-over-year decrease in the allowance is primarily due to the stabilization of economic conditions and continued financial health of our customers.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangibles
The carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 , were $388.3 million and $269.1 million , respectively. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events suggest that impairment exists. The company performs the annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment testing during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.

The company completed the required annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, as of March 28, 2015, performing a combination of the qualitative assessment and the quantitative impairment test. For the reporting units that were tested under the qualitative assessment, the company determined that it was more likely than not that the goodwill of the reporting units were not impaired and thus, the two-step quantitative impairment test was unnecessary. For the reporting units that were tested under the quantitative impairment test, the company determined that the fair value of the reporting units exceeded the carrying amount and as such, the reporting units were not impaired and the second step of the impairment test was not necessary.

The test for impairment requires the company to make several estimates about fair value, most of which are based on projected future cash flows and market valuation multiples. We estimated the fair value of the reporting units using a discounted cash flow analysis and reconciled the sum of the fair values of the reporting units to total market capitalization of the company, plus a control premium. The control premium represents an estimate associated with obtaining control of the company in an acquisition. The discounted cash flow analysis used the present value of projected cash flows and a residual value.

The company employs a market-based approach in selecting the discount rates used in our analysis. The discount rates selected represent market rates of return equal to what the company believes a reasonable investor would expect to achieve on investments of similar size to the company's reporting units. The company believes the discount rates selected in the quantitative assessment are appropriate in that, in all cases, they meet or exceed the estimated weighted average cost of capital for our business as a whole. The results of the impairment test are sensitive to changes in the discount rates and changes in the discount rate may result in future impairment.

The company performs both qualitative and quantitative assessments to determine whether an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. A qualitative assessment is performed first to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after considering the totality of events and circumstances, an entity determines it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is not impaired, then calculating the fair value of such asset is unnecessary. The quantitative impairment test, when necessary, is based on the relief from royalty method to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets, which is both a market-based approach and an income-based approach. The relief from royalty method focuses on the level of royalty payments that the user of an intangible asset would have to pay a third party for the use of the asset if it were not owned by the user. This method involves estimating theoretical future after tax royalty payments based on the company's forecasted revenues attributable to the trade names. These payments are then discounted to present value utilizing a discount rate that considers the after-corporate tax required rate of return applicable to the asset. The projected revenues reflect the best estimate of management for the trade names, however, actual revenues could differ from our estimates.

The discount rates selected represent market rates of return equal to what the company believes a reasonable investor would expect to achieve on investments of similar size and type to the indefinite-lived intangible asset being tested. The company believes the discount rates selected are appropriate in that, in all cases, they exceed the estimated weighted average cost of capital for our business as a whole. The results of the impairment test are sensitive to changes in the discount rates and changes in the discount rate may result in future impairment.

During fiscal 2015, the company recognized pre-tax asset impairment expenses totaling $10.8 million associated with the POSH trade name. Although profitability associated with the POSH trade name increased as compared to the prior year, forecasts developed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 indicated that forecasts of revenue and profitability no longer supported the value of the trade name intangible asset.


- 37 -



Long-lived Assets
The company evaluates other long-lived assets and acquired business units for indicators of impairment when events or circumstances indicate that an impairment risk may be present. The judgments regarding the existence of impairment are based on market conditions, operational performance, and estimated future cash flows. If the carrying value of a long-lived asset is considered impaired, an impairment charge is recorded to adjust the asset to its estimated fair value.

Due to the acquisition of a manufacturing and distribution operation in Dongguan, China during fiscal 2014, the company has decided not to pursue the construction of a new manufacturing and distribution facility on previously acquired property in Ningbo, China. The company evaluated the fair value of this property and recorded a pre-tax asset impairment of $4.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2014. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the company entered into an agreement for the sale of the property in Ningbo, China. Accordingly, an immaterial amount of additional impairment was recorded to write down the land to its fair value, less estimated selling expenses, to an amount of $4.2 million. As the land meets the criteria to be designated as an asset held for sale, the value of the land has been classified as a current asset and included within "Other" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the period ended May 30, 2015. Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2015 the company completed the sale of the Ningbo property. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding this impairment charge.

Warranty Reserve
The company stands behind company products and the promises it makes to customers. From time to time, quality issues arise resulting in the need to incur costs to correct problems with products or services. The company has established warranty reserves for the various costs associated with these obligations. General warranty reserves are based on historical claims experience and periodically adjusted for business levels. Specific reserves are established once an issue is identified. The valuation of such reserves is based on the estimated costs to correct the problem. Actual costs may vary and may result in an adjustment to these reserves.

Inventory Reserves
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The inventories at our West Michigan manufacturing operations are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, whereas inventories of certain other subsidiaries are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The company establishes reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, based on prevailing circumstances and judgment for consideration of current events, such as economic conditions that may affect inventory. The reserve required to record inventory at lower of cost or market may be adjusted in response to changing conditions.

Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence. The assumptions about future taxable income require significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses.

See Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the company's uncertain tax positions.

The company has net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards available in certain jurisdictions to reduce future taxable income. The company also has foreign tax credits available in certain jurisdictions to reduce future tax due. Future tax benefits for NOL carryforwards and foreign tax credits are recognized to the extent that realization of these benefits is considered more likely than not. This determination is based on the expectation that related operations will be sufficiently profitable or various tax planning strategies available to us will enable us to utilize the NOL carryforwards and/or foreign tax credits. When information becomes available that raises doubts about the realization of a deferred income tax asset, a valuation allowance is established.

Self-Insurance Reserves
With the assistance of independent actuaries, reserves are established for workers' compensation and general liability exposures. The reserves are established based on expected future claims for incurred losses. The company also establishes reserves for health, prescription drugs, and dental benefit exposures based on historical claims information along with certain assumptions about future trends. The methods and assumptions used to determine the liabilities are applied consistently, although actual claims experience can vary. The company also maintains insurance coverage for certain risk exposures through traditional premium-based insurance policies. The company's health benefits retention level does not include an aggregate stop loss policy. The company's retention levels designated within significant insurance arrangements as of May 30, 2015 , are as follows.

- 38 -



(In millions)
 
Retention Level (per occurrence)
General liability and auto liability/physical damage
 
$
1.00

Workers' compensation and property
 
$
0.75


Pension and other Post-Retirement Benefits
The determination of the obligation and expense for pension and other post-retirement benefits depends on certain actuarial assumptions. Among the most significant of these assumptions are the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. We determine these assumptions as follows.

Discount Rate — This assumption is established at the end of the fiscal year based on high-quality corporate bond yields. The company utilizes the services of an independent actuarial firm to assist in determining the rate. For the domestic pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, the actuary uses a “cash flow matching” technique, which compares the estimated future cash flows of the plan to a published discount curve showing the relationship between interest rates and duration for hypothetical zero-coupon fixed income investments. The discount rate is set for the international pension plan based on the yield level of a commonly used corporate bond index in that jurisdiction. The final discount rate takes into consideration the index yield and the difference in comparative durations.

Expected Long-Term Rate of Return The company bases this assumption on our long-term assumed rates of return for equities and fixed income securities, weighted by the allocation of the invested assets of the pension plan. The company considers likely returns and risk factors specific to the various classes of investments and advice from independent actuaries in establishing this rate. Changes in the investment allocation of plan assets would impact this assumption. A shift to a higher relative percentage of fixed income securities, for example, would result in a lower assumed rate.

While this assumption represents the long-term market return expectation, actual asset returns can and do differ from year-to-year. Such differences give rise to actuarial gains and losses. In years where actual market returns are lower than the assumed rate, an actuarial loss is generated. Conversely, an actuarial gain results when actual market returns exceed the assumed rate in a given year. As of May 30, 2015 , and May 31, 2014 , the net actuarial loss associated with the employee pension and post-retirement benefit plans totaled approximately $43.0 million and $35.0 million, respectively. Changes in the discount rate and return on assets can have a significant effect on the expense and obligations related to our pension plans. The company cannot accurately predict these changes in discount rates or investment returns and, therefore, cannot reasonably estimate whether adjustments to the expense or obligation in subsequent years will be significant. Both the May 30, 2015 pension funded status and 2016 expense are affected by year-end 2015 discount rate and expected return on assets assumptions. Any change to these assumptions will be specific to the time periods noted and may not be additive, so the impact of changing multiple factors simultaneously cannot be calculated by combining the individual sensitivities shown. 

The effect of the indicated increase/(decrease) in discount rates and expected return on assets is shown below:
(In millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assumption
 
1 Percent Change
 
2016 Expense
 
May 31, 2015 Obligation
 
 
 
 
U.S.
 
International
 
U.S.
 
International
Discount rate
 
+/- 1.0
 

 
$ (1.4) / 1.6
 
$ (0.5) / 0.6
 
$ (19.6) / 24.9
Expected return on assets
 
+/- 1.0
 

 
$ (0.9) / 0.9
 

 


For purposes of determining annual net pension expense, the company uses a calculated method for determining the market-related value of plan assets. Under this method, the company recognizes the change in fair value of plan assets systematically over a five-year period. Accordingly, a portion of the net actuarial loss is deferred. As of May 30, 2015 , the deferred net actuarial loss (i.e. the portion of the total net actuarial loss not subject to amortization) was zero.

Refer to Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding costs and assumptions used for employee benefit plans.


- 39 -



Stock-Based Compensation
The company views stock-based compensation as a key component of total compensation for certain employees, non-employee directors and officers. The stock-based compensation programs include grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance share units, employee stock purchases, and stock options. The company recognizes expense related to each of these share-based arrangements. The Black-Scholes option pricing model is used in estimating the fair value of stock options issued in connection with compensation programs. This pricing model requires the use of several input assumptions. Among the most significant of these assumptions are the expected volatility of the common stock price and the expected timing of future stock option exercises.

Expected Volatility — This represents a measure, expressed as a percentage, of the expected fluctuation in the market price of the company's common stock. As a point of reference, a high volatility percentage would assume a wider expected range of market returns for a particular security. All other assumptions held constant, this would yield a higher stock option valuation than a calculation using a lower measure of volatility. In measuring the fair value of stock options issued during fiscal 2015 , we utilized an expected volatility of 36 percent . For the Herman Miller Consumer Holdings (HMCH) Stock Option Plan, we utilized an expected volatility of 35 percent .

Expected Term of Options — This assumption represents the expected length of time between the grant date of a stock option and the date at which it is exercised (option life). The company assumed an average expected term of 4.0 years in calculating the fair values of the majority of stock options issued during fiscal 2015 . For the HMCH Stock Option Plan, we utilized an average expected term of 3.2 years .

Refer to Note 9 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on our stock-based compensation plans.

Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, the company encounters matters that raise the potential for contingent liabilities. In evaluating these matters for accounting treatment and disclosure, the company is required to apply judgment in order to determine the probability that a liability has been incurred. The company is also required to measure, if possible, the dollar value of such liabilities in determining whether or not recognition in our financial statements is required. This process involves the use of estimates which may differ from actual outcomes. Refer to Note 13 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information relating to contingencies.

New Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to new accounting standards.

Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this filing are not historical facts but are “forward-looking statements” as defined under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended, that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates, and projections about the office furniture industry, the economy, and the company itself. Words like “anticipates,” “believes,” “confident,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” likely,” “plans,” “projects,” and “should,” variations of such words,
and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. These statements do not guarantee future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood, and degree of occurrence. These risks include, without limitation, the success of our growth strategy, employment and general economic conditions, the pace of economic recovery in the U.S., and in our International markets, the increase in white collar employment, the willingness of customers to undertake capital expenditures, the types of products purchased by customers, competitive-pricing pressures, the availability and pricing of raw materials, our reliance on a limited number of suppliers, our ability to expand globally given the risks associated with regulatory and legal compliance challenges and accompanying currency fluctuations, the ability to increase prices to absorb the additional costs of raw materials, the financial strength of our dealers and the financial strength of our customers, the mix of our products purchased by customers, our ability to locate new DWR studios, negotiate favorable lease terms for new and existing locations and the implementation of our studio portfolio transformation, our ability to attract and retain key executives and other qualified employees, our ability to continue to make product innovations, the success of newly introduced products, our ability to serve all of our markets, possible acquisitions, divestitures or alliances, the pace and level of government procurement, the outcome of pending litigation or governmental audits or investigations, political risk in the markets we serve, and other risks identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what we express or forecast. Furthermore, Herman Miller, Inc., undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements.


- 40 -



Item 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The company manufactures, markets, and sells its products throughout the world and, as a result, is subject to changing economic conditions, which could reduce the demand for its products.

Direct Material Costs
The company is exposed to risks arising from price changes for certain direct materials and assembly components used in its operations. The largest such costs incurred by the company are for steel, plastics, textiles, wood particleboard, and aluminum components. The impact from changes in commodity prices decreased the company's costs by approximately $0.4 million during fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year. The net impact of changes in pricing increased net sales by $13.7 million.
The impact from changes in commodity prices decreased the company's costs by approximately $1.2 million during fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013. The net impact of changes in pricing in fiscal 2014 increased net sales by approximately $10.5 million as compared to fiscal 2013. The net impact of changes in pricing in fiscal 2013 increased net sales by $4.5 million, which had the effect of decreasing the company's costs as a percent of net sales compared to fiscal 2012.

The company believes market prices for commodities will fluctuate and acknowledges that over time increases on its key direct materials and assembly components are likely. Consequently, it views the prospect of such increases as an outlook risk to the business.

Foreign Exchange Risk
The company primarily manufactures its products in the United States, United Kingdom, and China. It also sources completed products and product components from outside the United States. The company's completed products are sold in numerous countries around the world. Sales in foreign countries as well as certain expenses related to those sales are transacted in currencies other than the company's reporting currency, the U.S. dollar. Accordingly, production costs and profit margins related to these sales are effected by the currency exchange relationship between the countries where the sales take place and the countries where the products are sourced or manufactured. These currency exchange relationships can also effect the company's competitive positions within these markets.

In the normal course of business, the company enters into contracts denominated in foreign currencies. The principal foreign currencies in which the company conducts its business are the British pound sterling, euro, Canadian dollar, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, Hong Kong dollar and Chinese renminbi. As of May 30, 2015 , the company had outstanding, sixteen forward currency instruments designed to offset either net asset or net liability exposure that is denominated in non-functional currencies. One forward contract was placed to offset a 19.0 million Hong Kong dollar-denominated net asset exposure. Two forward contracts were placed to offset a 10.3 million euro-denominated net asset exposure. Three forward contracts were placed to offset a 4.8 million U.S. dollar-denominated net asset exposure. One forward contract was placed to offset a 6.0 million South African rand-denominated net asset exposure. One forward contract was placed to offset a 0.8 million Canadian dollar-denominated net asset exposure. And one forward contract was placed to offset a 0.4 million Australian dollar-denominated net asset exposure. One forward contract was placed to offset a 1.2 million euro-denominated net liability exposure. And six forward contracts were placed to offset a 27.9 million U.S.dollar-denominated net liability exposure.

As of May 31, 2014 , the company had outstanding, sixteen forward currency instruments designed to offset either net asset or net liability exposure that is denominated in non-functional currencies. One forward contract was placed to offset a 10.5 million Hong Kong dollar-denominated net asset exposure. Two forward contracts were placed to offset a 7.7 million euro-denominated net asset exposure. Two forward contracts were placed to offset a 5.4 million U.S. dollar-denominated net asset exposure. One forward contract was placed to offset a 10.0 million South African rand-denominated net asset exposure. One forward contract was placed to offset a 1.1 million Canadian dollar-denominated net asset exposure. And one forward contract was placed to offset a 0.4 million Australian dollar-denominated net asset exposure. One forward contract was placed to offset a 0.5 million British pound sterling-denominated net liability exposure. One forward contract was placed to offset a 0.7 million euro-denominated net liability exposure. And six forward contracts were placed to offset a 18.5 million U.S.dollar-denominated net liability exposure.

A net loss of $2.1 million , $1.2 million and $1.3 million related to the cost of the foreign currency hedges and remeasuring all foreign currency transactions into the appropriate functional currency was included in net earnings for the years ended May 30, 2015 , May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 , respectively. These amounts are included in “Other Expenses (Income)” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Additionally, the cumulative effect of translating the balance sheet and income statement accounts from the functional currency into the United States dollar increased the accumulated comprehensive loss component of total stockholders' equity by $ 9.7 million as of fiscal 2015 and decreased the accumulated comprehensive loss component of total stockholders' equity by $ 2.9 million as of the end of fiscal 2014 . During fiscal 2013 the effect increased the accumulated comprehensive income loss component of total stockholders' equity by $1.0 million.


- 41 -



Interest Rate Risk
The company maintains fixed-rate debt for which changes in interest rates generally affect fair market value but not earnings or cash flows. Expected cash outflows (notional amounts) over the next five years and thereafter related to debt instruments are as follows.
(In millions)
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Long-Term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed rate
$

 
$

 
$
150.0

 
$

 
$

 
$
50.0

 
$
200.0

Weighted average interest rate = 6.31%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average interest rate = 1.03%
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
90.0

 
$

 
$
90.0


- 42 -



Item 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
Fiscal Years Ended
(In millions, except per share data)
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
 
June 1, 2013
Net sales
$
2,142.2

 
$
1,882.0

 
$
1,774.9

Cost of sales
1,350.8

 
1,251.0

 
1,169.7

Gross margin
791.4

 
631.0

 
605.2

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general, and administrative
543.9

 
564.3

 
429.2

Restructuring and impairment expenses
12.7

 
26.5

 
1.2

Design and research
71.4

 
65.9

 
59.9

Total operating expenses
628.0

 
656.7

 
490.3

Operating earnings (loss)
163.4

 
(25.7
)
 
114.9

Other expenses (income):
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
17.5

 
17.6

 
17.2

Interest and other investment income
(0.6
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.4
)
Other, net
1.3

 
0.5

 
0.9

Net other expenses
18.2

 
17.7

 
17.7

Earnings (loss) before income taxes
145.2

 
(43.4
)
 
97.2

Income tax expense (benefit)
47.2

 
(21.2
)
 
28.9

Equity earnings (loss) from nonconsolidated affiliates, net of tax
0.1

 
0.1

 
(0.1
)
Net earnings (loss)
98.1

 
(22.1
)
 
68.2

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
0.6

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Herman Miller, Inc.
$
97.5

 
$
(22.1
)
 
$
68.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share — basic
$
1.64

 
$
(0.37
)
 
$
1.17

Earnings (loss) per share — diluted
$
1.62

 
$
(0.37
)
 
$
1.16

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of tax of $0.3, $ - , and $ - )
$
(9.7
)
 
$
2.9

 
$
(1.0
)
Pension and post-retirement liability adjustments (net of tax of $2.2, $(50.9) and $(8.8))
(8.6
)
 
83.5

 
17.3

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
(18.3
)
 
86.4

 
16.3

Comprehensive income
79.8

 
64.3

 
84.5

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
0.6

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Herman Miller, Inc.
$
79.2

 
$
64.3

 
$
84.5



- 43 -



Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions, except share and per share data)
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
Assets
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
63.7

 
$
101.5

Marketable securities
5.7

 
11.1

Accounts and notes receivable, less allowances of $3.4 in 2015 and $4.0 in 2014
189.6

 
204.3

Inventories, net
129.6

 
78.4

Deferred income taxes
32.0

 
23.9

Prepaid property and other taxes
10.0

 
12.7

Other
32.9

 
19.9

Total Current Assets
463.5

 
451.8

 
 
 
 
Property and Equipment:
 
 
 
Land and improvements
21.4

 
21.5

Buildings and improvements
188.9

 
161.1

Machinery and equipment
610.1

 
576.7

Construction in progress
48.2

 
29.9

Gross Property and Equipment
868.6

 
789.2

Less: Accumulated depreciation
(619.1
)
 
(594.0
)
Net Property and Equipment
249.5

 
195.2

Goodwill
303.1

 
228.2

Indefinite-lived intangibles
85.2

 
40.9

Other amortizable intangibles, net
52.3

 
44.2

Other assets
34.6

 
30.6

Total Assets
$
1,188.2

 
$
990.9

 
 
 
 
Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
$

 
$
50.0

Accounts payable
164.7

 
136.9

Accrued compensation and benefits
66.6

 
65.0

Accrued warranty
26.8

 
25.2

Unearned Revenue
32.0

 
17.3

Other accrued liabilities
60.8

 
61.7

Total Current Liabilities
350.9

 
356.1

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
290.0

 
200.0

Pension and post-retirement benefits
27.8

 
18.2

Other liabilities
61.0

 
44.5

Total Liabilities
729.7

 
618.8

 
 
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
30.4

 

Stockholders' Equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, no par value (10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued)

 

Common stock, $0.20 par value (240,000,000 shares authorized, 59,694,611 and 59,314,822 shares issued and outstanding in 2015 and 2014, respectively)
11.9

 
11.9

Additional paid-in capital
135.1

 
122.4

Retained earnings
338.0

 
277.4

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(56.2
)
 
(37.9
)
Key executive deferred compensation
(1.2
)
 
(1.7
)
Herman Miller, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
427.6

 
372.1

Noncontrolling interests
0.5

 

Total Stockholders' Equity
428.1

 
372.1

Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests, and Stockholders' Equity
$
1,188.2

 
$
990.9


- 44 -



Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

 
Fiscal Years Ended
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
 
June 1, 2013
Preferred Stock
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year and end of period
$

 
$

 
$

Common Stock
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
$
11.9

 
$
11.7

 
$
11.7

Exercise of stock options

 
0.2

 

Balance at end of period
$
11.9

 
$
11.9

 
$
11.7

Additional Paid-in Capital
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
$
122.4

 
$
102.9

 
$
90.9

Exercise of stock options
5.7

 
18.8

 
5.2

Repurchase and retirement of common stock
(3.7
)
 
(12.7
)
 
(3.6
)
   Employee stock purchase plan
1.8

 
1.8

 
1.9

   Stock grant compensation expense
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.3

   Stock option compensation expense
1.2

 
2.3

 
3.6

   Performance stock units compensation expense
3.3

 
3.0

 
0.7

Excess tax benefit for stock-based compensation
0.4

 
0.5

 
0.3

Restricted stock units released
4.0

 
5.4

 
3.2

Deferred compensation plan
(0.5
)
 
(0.2
)
 

Directors' fees
0.4

 
0.4

 
0.4

Balance at end of period
$
135.1

 
$
122.4

 
$
102.9

Retained Earnings
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
$
277.4

 
$
331.1

 
$
288.2

Net income attributable to Herman Miller, Inc.
97.5

 
(22.1
)
 
68.2

Dividends declared on common stock (per share - 2015: $0.56; 2014: $0.53; 2013: $0.43)
(33.6
)
 
(31.6
)
 
(25.3
)
Noncontrolling interests redemption value adjustment
(3.3
)
 

 

Balance at end of period
$
338.0

 
$
277.4

 
$
331.1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
$
(37.9
)
 
$
(124.3
)
 
$
(140.6
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(18.3
)
 
86.4

 
16.3

Balance at end of period
$
(56.2
)
 
$
(37.9
)
 
$
(124.3
)
Key Executive Deferred Compensation
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
$
(1.7
)
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
(1.9
)
Deferred compensation plan
0.5

 
0.2

 

Balance at end of period
$
(1.2
)
 
$
(1.7
)
 
$
(1.9
)
Herman Miller, Inc. Stockholders' Equity
$
427.6

 
$
372.1

 
$
319.5

Noncontrolling Interests
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of year
$

 
$

 
$

Initial origination of noncontrolling interests
6.0

 

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
0.1

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense
0.2

 

 

Purchase of noncontrolling interests
(5.8
)
 

 

Balance at end of period
$
0.5

 
$

 
$

Total Stockholders' Equity
$
428.1

 
$
372.1

 
$
319.5




- 45 -



Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Fiscal Years Ended
(In millions)
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
 
June 1, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
$
98.1

 
$
(22.1
)
 
$
68.2

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities
69.6

 
112.2

 
68.3

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
167.7

 
90.1

 
136.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Marketable securities purchases

 
(5.2
)
 
(3.7
)
Marketable securities sales
5.3

 
4.9

 
2.5

Capital expenditures
(63.6
)
 
(40.8
)
 
(50.2
)
Proceeds from sales of property and dealers
0.6

 
1.3

 
1.2

Acquisitions, net of cash received
(154.0
)
 
(6.7
)
 
(157.5
)
Other, net
(1.9
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(2.0
)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities
(213.6
)
 
(48.2
)
 
(209.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable payments

 

 
(2.4
)
Proceeds from notes payable

 

 
2.4

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
796.7

 

 

Payments of long-term debt
(756.7
)
 

 

Dividends paid
(33.3
)
 
(30.3
)
 
(19.1
)
Common stock issued
7.8

 
20.8

 
7.2

Common stock repurchased and retired
(3.7
)
 
(12.7
)
 
(3.6
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
0.7

 
1.1

 
0.3

Payment of contingent consideration obligation

 
(1.3
)
 
(0.8
)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests
(5.8
)
 

 

Other, net
1.1

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities
6.8

 
(22.4
)
 
(16.0
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
1.3

 
(0.7
)
 
(0.3
)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(37.8
)
 
18.8

 
(89.5
)
Cash and cash equivalents, Beginning of Year
101.5

 
82.7

 
172.2

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year
63.7

 
101.5

 
82.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
 
 
Interest paid
16.9

 
15.6

 
14.9

Income taxes paid, net of cash received
$
48.5

 
$
34.5

 
$
37.7



- 46 -



Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Table of Contents
Page No.
 
 
 
Note 3 - Inventories
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 10 - Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1. Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting and reporting policies not reflected elsewhere in the accompanying financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Herman Miller, Inc. and its majority-owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries. The consolidated entities are collectively referred to as “the company.” All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Nonconsolidated affiliates (20-50 percent owned companies) are accounted for using the equity method.

Description of Business
The company researches, designs, manufactures, sells, and distributes interior furnishings, for use in various environments including office, healthcare, educational, and residential settings, and provides related services that support companies all over the world. The company's products are sold primarily through independent contract office furniture dealers as well as the following channels: owned contract office furniture dealers, direct customer sales, independent retailers, owned retail studios and the company's e-commerce platforms. Accordingly, accounts and notes receivable in the accompanying balance sheets are principally amounts due from independent dealers.

Fiscal Year
The company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to May 31. The fiscal years ended May 30, 2015 , May 31, 2014 , and June 1, 2013 each contain 52 weeks . An extra week in the company's fiscal year is required approximately every six years in order to realign its fiscal calendar-end dates with the actual calendar months.

Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for most of the foreign subsidiaries is their local currency. The cumulative effects of translating the balance sheet accounts from the functional currency into the United States dollar using fiscal year-end exchange rates and translating revenue and expense accounts using average exchange rates for the period is reflected as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The financial statement impact of remeasuring all foreign currency transactions into the appropriate functional currency resulted in a net loss of $2.1 million , $1.2 million , and $1.3 million for the fiscal years ended May 30, 2015 , May 31, 2014 , and June 1, 2013 , respectively. These amounts are included in “Other, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.


- 47 -



Cash Equivalents
The company holds cash equivalents as part of its cash management function. Cash equivalents include money market funds, time deposit investments, and treasury bills with original maturities of less than three months. The carrying value of cash equivalents, which approximates fair value, totaled $9.1 million an d $5.6 million as of May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 , respectively. All cash equivalents are high-credit quality financial instruments, and the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution or instrument is limited.

Marketable Securities
The company maintains a portfolio of marketable securities primarily comprised of investment-grade, fixed-income securities. These investments are held by the company's wholly owned insurance captive and are considered “available-for-sale” securities. Accordingly, they have been recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices, with the resulting net unrealized holding gains or losses reflected net of tax as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

All marketable security transactions are recognized on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on disposal of available-for-sale investments are included in “Interest and other investment income” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. See Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures of marketable securities.

Accounts Receivable Allowances
Reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable balances are based on known customer exposures, historical credit experience, and the specific identification of other potentially uncollectible accounts. Balances are written off against the reserve once the company determines the probability of collection to be remote. The company generally does not require collateral or other security on trade accounts receivable.

Concentrations of Credit Risk
Our trade receivables are primarily due from independent dealers who, in turn, carry receivables from their customers. We monitor and manage the credit risk associated with individual dealers and direct customers where applicable. Dealers are responsible for assessing and assuming credit risk of their customers and may require their customers to provide deposits, letters of credit, or other credit enhancement measures. Some sales contracts are structured such that the customer payment or obligation is direct to us. In those cases, we may assume the credit risk. Whether from dealers or customers, our trade credit exposures are not concentrated with any particular entity.
 
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market and include material, labor, and overhead. Inventory cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method at the manufacturing sites in Michigan, whereas inventories of the company's other subsidiaries are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The company establishes reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, based on prevailing circumstances and judgment for consideration of current events, such as economic conditions, that may affect inventory. The reserve required to record inventory at lower of cost or market may be adjusted in response to changing conditions. Further information on the company's recorded inventory balances can be found in Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Property, Equipment, and Depreciation
Property and equipment are stated at cost. The cost is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets, using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives range from 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment and do not exceed 40 years for buildings. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the lease term or the useful life of the asset. We capitalize certain external and internal costs incurred in connection with the development, testing, and installation of software for internal use. Software for internal use is included in property and equipment and is depreciated over an estimated useful life not exceeding 5 years . Depreciation and amortization expense is included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in the "Cost of sales", "Selling, general and administrative", and "Design and research" line items.

As of the end of fiscal 2015 , outstanding commitments for future capital purchases approximated $13.1 million .

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more frequently, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit has more likely than not declined below its carrying value. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. When testing goodwill for impairment, the company may first assess qualitative factors. If an initial qualitative assessment identifies that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, additional quantitative testing is performed. The company may also elect to skip the qualitative testing and proceed directly to the quantitative testing. If the quantitative testing indicates that goodwill is impaired, the carrying value of goodwill is written down to fair value.


- 48 -



To estimate the fair value of each reporting unit the company utilizes a weighting of the income method and the market method. The income method is based on a discounted future cash flow approach that uses a number of estimates, including revenue based on assumed growth rates, estimated costs, and discount rates based on the reporting unit's weighted average cost of capital. Growth rates for each reporting unit are estimated based on internal estimates, historical data, and external sources. The growth estimates are also used in planning for our long-term and short-term business planning and forecasting. We test the reasonableness of the inputs and outcomes of our discounted cash flow analysis against comparable market data. The market method is based on financial multiples of companies comparable to each reporting unit and applies a control premium. The carrying value of each reporting unit represents the assignment of various assets and liabilities, excluding corporate assets and liabilities, such as cash, investments, and debt.

The company evaluates its acquired intangible assets at acquisition to determine whether any have indefinite useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortization. The company's indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of certain trade names valued at approximately $85.2 million and $40.9 million as of fiscal year 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These assets have indefinite useful lives and are evaluated annually for impairment, or more frequently, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of an intangible asset may not be recoverable. The company utilizes the relief from royalty methodology to test for impairment. The primary assumptions for the relief from royalty method include revenue forecasts, royalty rates, and discount rates. The company measures and records an impairment loss for the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value.

The company recognized asset impairment expense totaling $10.8 million associated with the POSH trade name for the fiscal year 2015. The POSH trade name assets are included within the ELA Furniture Solutions segment. During the fiscal year 2014, the company recorded impairment expenses of $21.4 million associated with the Nemschoff and POSH trade names. These impairment expenses are recorded in the "Restructuring and impairment expenses" line item within the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and are included in the "Corporate" category within the segment reporting. The trade name assets represent level 3 fair value measurements and these assets are recorded at fair value only if an impairment charge is recognized.

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived assets included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following:
(In millions)
 
Goodwill
 
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
 
Total Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Balance, June 1, 2013
 
227.0

 
62.3

 
289.3

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
0.6

 

 
0.6

Sale of owned dealers
 
(0.4
)
 

 
(0.4
)
China manufacturing and distribution acquisition
 
1.0

 

 
1.0

Impairment charges
 

 
(21.4
)
 
(21.4
)
Balance, May 31, 2014
 
$
228.2

 
$
40.9

 
$
269.1

Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
(0.7
)
 

 
(0.7
)
DWR acquisition
 
75.6

 
55.1

 
130.7

Impairment charges
 

 
(10.8
)
 
(10.8
)
Balance, May 30, 2015
 
303.1

 
85.2

 
388.3


Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets stemming from the acquisition of Design Within Reach ("DWR") in fiscal 2015 are included within the Consumer reportable segment.

Long-Lived Assets
The company reviews other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or an asset group may not be recoverable. Each impairment test is based on a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group, or in some cases, by prices for similar assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment amount to be recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds their fair value.

During fiscal 2015 the company entered into an agreement to sell property located in Ningbo, China and this sale was finalized subsequent to the end of the year. As the property met the criteria to be classified as an asset held for sale during fiscal 2015, the land was written down to its fair value, less estimated selling expenses, to an amount of $4.2 million and is classified as a current asset included within "prepaid expenses and other" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the period ended May 30, 2015. The impairment expense recognized during fiscal 2015 in connection with this property was not material.

- 49 -




Impairment expense of $4.0 million was recording during fiscal 2014 related to the property in Ningbo, China. This was due to the acquisition of manufacturing-related assets, including a production facility and related equipment, in Dongguan, China, and as a result, the company decided not to pursue the construction of a new manufacturing and distribution facility on the previously acquired property in Ningbo. The company evaluated the fair value of this property and recorded an asset impairment equal to the excess of carrying value over fair value. This impairment charge was recorded in "Restructuring and impairment expenses", classified in the "Corporate" category for segment reporting purposes, and represents a level 3 fair value measurement.

Amortizable intangible assets within "Other amortizable intangibles, net" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist primarily of patents, trademarks, and customer relationships. The "customer relationships" intangible asset is comprised of relationships with customers and specifiers and networks and relationships with dealers and distributors. Refer to the following table for the combined gross carrying value and accumulated amortization for these amortizable intangibles.
 
May 30, 2015
(In millions)
Patent and Trademarks
 
Customer Relationships
 
Other
 
Total
Gross carrying value
$
18.8

 
$
55.3

 
$
5.0

 
$
79.1

Accumulated amortization
11.7

 
12.0

 
3.1

 
26.8

Net
$
7.1

 
$
43.3

 
$
1.9

 
$
52.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 31, 2014
 
Patent and Trademarks
 
Customer Relationships
 
Other
 
Total
Gross carrying value
$
19.2

 
$
43.6

 
$
4.8

 
$
67.6

Accumulated amortization
12.7

 
8.3

 
2.4

 
23.4

Net
$
6.5

 
$
35.3

 
$
2.4

 
$
44.2


The company amortizes these assets over their remaining useful lives using the straight-line method over periods ranging from 2 to 20 years or on an accelerated basis to reflect the expected realization of the economic benefits. It is estimated that the average remaining life of such patents and trademarks is approximately 5 years and 6 years, respectively. The estimated average remaining life of the customer relationships is 13 years.

Estimated amortization expense on existing amortizable intangible assets as of May 30, 2015 , for each of the succeeding five fiscal years is as follows:
(In millions)
 
2016
$
5.9

2017
$
5.8

2018
$
5.8

2019
$
5.2

2020
$
5.2


Self-Insurance
The company is partially self-insured for general liability, workers' compensation, and certain employee health and dental benefits under insurance arrangements that provide for third-party coverage of claims exceeding the company's loss retention levels. The company's health benefits retention levels do not include an aggregate stop loss policy. The company's retention levels designated within significant insurance arrangements as of May 30, 2015 , ar e as follows:
(In millions)
 
Retention Level (per occurrence)
General liability and auto liability/physical damage
 
$
1.00

Workers' compensation and property
 
$
0.75



- 50 -



The company's policy is to accrue amounts equal to the actuarially-determined liabilities for loss and loss adjustment expenses, which are included in “Other liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The value of the liability as of May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 was $9.5 million and $9.2 million , respectively. The actuarial valuations are based on historical information along with certain assumptions about future events. Changes in assumptions for such matters as legal actions, medical costs, and changes in actual experience could cause these estimates to change. The general and workers' compensation liabilities are managed through the company's wholly-owned insurance captive.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Some minority shareholders in the company's subsidiary Herman Miller Consumer Holdings, Inc. have the right, at certain times over a period of five years, to require the company to acquire portions of their ownership interest in those entities at fair value. Their interests in these subsidiaries are classified outside permanent equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are carried at the current estimated redemption amounts.

The redemption amounts have been estimated based on the fair value of the subsidiary, determined based on a weighting of the discounted cash flow and market methods. The discounted cash flow analysis used the present value of projected cash flows and a residual value. To determine the discount rate for the discounted cash flow method, a market-based approach was used to select the discount rates used . Market multiples for comparable companies were used for the market method of valuation. The fair value of the subsidiary is sensitive to changes in projected revenues and costs, the discount rate, and the forward multiples of the comparable companies.

Changes in the estimated redemption amounts of the noncontrolling interests, subject to put options, are reflected at each reporting period with a corresponding adjustment to Retained earnings. Future reductions in the carrying amounts are subject to a “floor” amount that is equal to the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests at the time they were originally recorded. See Note 16 - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests for additional information.

Research, Development, and Other Related Costs
Research, development, pre-production, and start-up costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development (R&D) costs consist of expenditures incurred during the course of planned research and investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge useful in developing new products or processes. R&D costs also include the significant enhancement of existing products or production processes and the implementation of such through design, testing of product alternatives, or construction of prototypes. Research and development costs included in “Design and research” expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income are $56.7 million , $53.9 million , and $48.3 million , in fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively.

Royalty payments made to designers of the company's products as the products are sold are a variable cost based on product sales. These expenses totaled $14.7 million , $12.0 million , and $11.6 million in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 respectively. They are included in "Design and research" expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income .

Customer Payments and Incentives
We offer various sales incentive programs to our customers, such as rebates, discounts, and cooperative advertising programs. Programs such as rebates and discounts are adjustments to the selling price and are therefore characterized as a reduction to net sales. The cooperative advertising program, whereby customers are reimbursed for company approved advertising expenditures, provides us with an identifiable benefit from the advertisement at a verifiable market rate. Therefore, the cost of the cooperative advertising program is recognized as an operating expense and is included in the "Selling, general,and administrative" line item in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. We recognized operating expense related to our cooperative advertising program of $1.0 million during fiscal year 2015 and 2.0 million for fiscal years ended 2014 , and 2013 .

Revenue Recognition
The company recognizes revenue on sales through its network of independent contract furniture dealers and independent retailers once the related product is shipped and title passes. In situations where products are sold through subsidiary dealers or directly to the end customer, revenue is recognized once the related product is shipped to the end customer and installation, if applicable, is substantially complete. Offers such as rebates and discounts are recorded as reductions to net sales. Unearned revenue occurs during the normal course of business due to advance payments from customers for future delivery of products and services.

In addition to independent retailers, the company also sells product through owned retail channels, including e-commerce and DWR retail studios. These sales may include provisions involving a right of return. The company reduces revenue for an estimate of potential future product returns related to current period product revenue. When developing the allowance for sales returns, the company considers historical returns and current economic trends.

Shipping and Handling Expenses

- 51 -



The company records shipping and handling related expenses under the caption “Cost of sales” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Cost of Sales
We include material, labor, and overhead in cost of sales. Included within these categories are such items as freight charges, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, and other costs of our distribution network.
 
Selling, General, and Administrative
We include costs not directly related to the manufacturing of our products in the "Selling, general, and administrative" line item within the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Included in these expenses are items such as compensation expense, rental expense, royalty expense, warranty expense, and travel and entertainment expense.
 
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse.
The company's annual effective tax rate is based on income, statutory tax rates, and tax planning strategies available in the various jurisdictions the company operates. Complex tax laws can be subject to different interpretations by the company and the respective government authorities. Significant judgment is required in evaluating tax positions and determining our tax expense. Tax positions are reviewed quarterly and tax assets and liabilities are adjusted as new information becomes available.

In evaluating the company's ability to recover deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, the company considers all positive and negative evidence. These assumptions require significant judgment about forecasts of future taxable income.

Stock-Based Compensation
The company has several stock-based compensation plans, which are described in Not e 9 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our policy is to expense stock-based compensation using the fair-value based method of accounting for all awards granted.
 
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) excludes the dilutive effect of common shares that could potentially be issued, due to the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted shares, and is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net earnings by the sum of the weighted-averag e number of shares outstanding, plus all dilutive shares that could potentially be issued. Refer to Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements fo r further information regarding the computation of EPS.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income consists of net earnings, foreign currency translation adjustments, and unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities and pension liability adjustments. Refer to Note 15 of the Consolidated Financial Statements fo r further information regarding Comprehensive income (loss).

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Value
The Company follows ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures , which provides a consistent definition of fair value, focuses on exit price, prioritizes the use of market-based inputs over entity-specific inputs for measuring fair value and establishes a three-tier hierarchy for fair value measurements. This topic requires fair value measurements to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1 — Financial instruments with unadjusted, quoted prices listed on active market exchanges.
Level 2 — Financial instruments lacking unadjusted, quoted prices from active market exchanges, including over-the-counter traded financial instruments. Financial instrument values are determined using prices for recently traded financial instruments with similar underlying terms and direct or indirect observational inputs, such as interest rates and yield curves at commonly quoted intervals.

- 52 -



Level 3 — Financial instruments not actively traded on a market exchange and there is little, if any, market activity. Values are determined using significant unobservable inputs or valuation techniques.

See Note 11 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for the required fair value disclosures.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges
The company transacts business in various foreign currencies and has established a program that primarily utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to offset the risks associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures. Under this program, the company's strategy is to have increases or decreases in our foreign currency exposures offset by gains or losses on the foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the risks and volatility associated with foreign currency transaction gains or losses. These foreign currency exposures typically arise from net liability or asset exposures in non-functional currencies on the balance sheets of our foreign subsidiaries. These foreign currency forward contracts generally settle within 30 days and are not used for trading purposes. These forward contracts are not designated as hedging instruments. Accordingly, we record the fair value of these contracts as of the end of the reporting period in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with changes in fair value recorded within the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The balance sheet classification for the fair values of these forward contracts is to "Other" current assets for unrealized gains and to "Other accrued liabilities" for unrealized losses. The Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income classification for the fair values of these forward contracts is to "Other expenses (income): Other, net", for both realized and unrealized gains and losses.

As of May 30, 2015 , the notional amounts of the forward contracts held to purchase and sell U.S. dollars in exchange for other major international currencies were $34.7 million and the notional amounts of the foreign currency forward contracts held to purchase and sell British pound sterling in exchange for other major international currencies were  £18.0 million . The company also has other forward contracts related to other currency pairs at varying notional amounts.

The effects of derivative instruments on the consolidated financial statements were as follows for the fiscal years ended 2015 and 2014 (amounts presented exclude any income tax effects):

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions)
 
 
Fiscal Year
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
Foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedges
Current Assets: Other
 
$
0.7

 
$
0.2

Foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedges
Current Liabilities: Other Accrued Liabilities
 
$
0.2

 
$
0.1


Effects of Derivative Instruments on Income
(In millions)
 
 
Fiscal Year
 
Recognized Income on Derivative (Gain) Loss Location
 
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
 
June 1, 2013
Foreign currency forward contracts
Other expenses (income): Other, net
 
$
(2.1
)
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$


New Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists," which defines the presentation requirements of an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in the financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Guidance Issued But Not Adopted as of May 30, 2015
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2015-03, "Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs," which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, and amortization of those costs should be reported as interest expense. This ASU is effective for financial statements issued for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The new guidance should be applied on a retrospective basis for each period presented in the balance sheet. The company is

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currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.
In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-04, Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets (“ASU 2015-04”). ASU 2015-04 allows employers with a fiscal year end that does not coincide with a calendar month end to make an accounting policy election to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the end of the month closest to their fiscal year end. ASU 2015-24 is effective for interim and fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Prospective application is required, and early adoption is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement," which provides guidance about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. The customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. This ASU is effective for annual periods, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period." This ASU provides more specificity regarding the treatment of share-based payment awards that require a specific performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued a new standard on revenue recognition. The new standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is designed to create greater comparability for financial statement users across industries and jurisdictions and also requires enhanced disclosures. The guidance was initially effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of the new revenue standard by one year, resulting in the revenue standard being effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Under the approved proposal, companies are permitted to early adopt the ASU as of the original effective date (annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016). The company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance.

2. Acquisitions and Divestitures

Design Within Reach Acquisition
On July 28, 2014, the company acquired the majority of the outstanding equity of DWR, a Stamford, Connecticut based, leading North American marketer and seller of modern furniture, lighting, and accessories primarily serving consumers and design trade professionals. The acquisition of DWR advances the company's strategy of being both an industry brand and a consumer brand by expanding the company's reach into the consumer sector.

The company purchased an ownership interest in DWR equal to approximately 81 percent for $155.2 million in cash. The acquisition was financed by using a combination of existing cash and $127.0 million of borrowings on the company's available, unsecured credit facility. As a result of the transaction, the company estimates it will receive future tax benefits with a present value of approximately $10 million measured as of the date of acquisition. Additionally, certain senior management of DWR received fully-vested stock options, with a value of $1.7 million , in the equity of a newly-formed consumer-facing subsidiary that DWR merged into as a result of the transaction. These fully-vested equity awards are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within "Redeemable noncontrolling interests".

Subsequent to the initial transaction, the company acquired an additional 4 percent of DWR stock from the remaining public shareholders for approximately $5.8 million in cash, all of which was paid during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2015. The remaining 15 percent of DWR stock was contributed by DWR executives into the newly formed consumer business subsidiary and the company contributed the assets of the existing Herman Miller Consumer business. After these transactions, the redeemable noncontrolling interests in the newly formed subsidiary, known as Herman Miller Consumer Holdings, Inc. ("HMCH"), was approximately 7 percent . The remaining HMCH shareholders have a put option to require the company to purchase their remaining interest over a five-year period from the date of issuance of such shares. As a result, these noncontrolling interests are not included within Stockholders' Equity within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, but rather are included within Redeemable noncontrolling interests.


- 54 -



During the measurement period, the company made certain post-closing adjustments related to the final settlement of net working capital, valuation of customer relationship intangible assets, valuation of accounts receivable, and deferred income taxes that resulted in a net increase to goodwill of $1.2 million . The allocation of the purchase price was finalized during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed from the acquisition.

DWR acquisition-related expenses were $2.2 million during fiscal year 2015. These expenses included legal and professional services fees.

Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed on July 28, 2014
 
 
(In millions)
At acquisition date - reported as of August 30, 2014
Measurement Period Adjustments
At acquisition date - reported as of May 30, 2015
Purchase price
$
155.0

$
0.2

$
155.2

Fair value of the assets acquired:
 
 
 
Cash
1.2


1.2

Accounts receivable
2.4

(0.2
)
2.2

Inventory
47.4


47.4

Current deferred tax asset

1.5

1.5

Other current assets
5.5


5.5

Long term deferred tax asset
3.7

(3.7
)

Goodwill
74.4

1.2

75.6

Other intangible assets
69.6

(1.1
)
68.5

Property
32.0


32.0

Other long term assets
2.4


2.4

Total assets acquired
238.6

(2.3
)
236.3

Fair value of liabilities assumed:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
20.8


20.8

Current deferred tax liabilities
0.6

(0.6
)

Accrued compensation and benefits
1.6


1.6

Other accrued liabilities
12.3


12.3

Long term deferred tax liability
16.4

(1.9
)
14.5

Other long term liabilities
0.4


0.4

Total liabilities assumed
52.1

(2.5
)
49.6

Redeemable noncontrolling interests
25.7


25.7

Noncontrolling interests
5.8


5.8

Net assets acquired
$
155.0

$
0.2

$
155.2


The goodwill stemming from the transaction in the amount of $75.6 million was recorded as "Goodwill" in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and allocated to the Consumer reportable segment. The goodwill recognized is attributable primarily to the assembled workforce and expected synergies from DWR and the total amount of this goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

Other intangible assets acquired as a result of the acquisition of DWR were valued at $68.5 million . These amounts are reflected in the values presented in the following table:
Intangible Assets Acquired from the DWR Acquisition
 
(In millions)
Fair Value
Useful Life
Trade Names and Trademarks
$
55.1

Indefinite
Exclusive Distribution Agreements
0.2

1.5 years
Customer Relationships
12.0

10 - 16 years
Product Development Designs
1.2

7 years
Total Intangible Assets Acquired
$
68.5

 


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The following table provides net sales and results of operations from DWR included in the company’s results since the July 28, 2014 acquisition.
DWR Results of Operations
 
 
 
(In millions)
July 28, 2014 - May 30, 2015
DWR Net sales
$
217.0

Intercompany sales elimination
(22.7
)
Net sales impact to Herman Miller, Inc.
$
194.3


China Manufacturing and Distribution Acquisition
On September 30, 2013, the company acquired certain assets from Dongguan Sun Hing Steel Furniture Factory Ltd (DGSH) which together, constituted the acquisition of a business. The acquired business is a manufacturing and distribution operation in Dongguan, China, where product sold under the POSH trade name are produced. Consideration transferred to acquire the net assets of DGSH consisted of $8.2 million in cash, of which $6.7 million was paid during fiscal 2014 and the remainder was paid during fiscal 2015. As of September 29, 2014 the company finalized the purchase accounting for the acquisition of the China manufacturing and distribution facility.

Divestitures
During fiscal 2014, the company completed the sale of four wholly-owned contract furniture dealerships. The sale of these dealerships, that were located in Canada, Arkansas, Oregon, and Oklahoma, was not material to the consolidated financial statements. A gain on sale of $1.3 million was recognized as a result of the sale of the Oklahoma dealership.

3. Inventories
(In millions)
 
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
Finished goods and work in process
 
$
106.5

 
$
58.2

Raw materials
 
23.1

 
20.2

Total
 
$
129.6

 
$
78.4


The inventories of the manufacturing sites in Michigan are valued using the last-in, first-out method (LIFO). The inventories of all other subsidiaries are valued using the first-in, first-out method. Inventories valued using LIFO amounted to $22.3 million and $20.5 million as of May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 , respect ively. If all inventories had been valued using the first-in first-out method, inventories would have been $142.1 million and $89.6 million at May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 , respectively.

During 2014, a reduction in inventory quantities resulted in a liquidation of applicable LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs in prior years. This LIFO liquidation decreased cost of goods sold by a negligible amount in 2014.

4. Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates

The company had an ownership interest in four nonconsolidated affiliates at May 30, 2015 . These equity method investments were acquired through the Maharam business combination. Refer to the company's ownership percentages shown below:
Ownership Interest
May 30, 2015
May 31, 2014
Kvadrat Maharam Arabia DMCC
50.0%
50.0%
Kvadrat Maharam Pty Limited
50.0%
50.0%
Kvadrat Maharam Turkey JSC
50.0%
50.0%
Danskina B.V.
50.0%
50.0%

The Kvadrat Maharam nonconsolidated affiliates are distribution entities that are engaged in selling decorative upholstery, drapery, and wall covering products. Danskina B.V. is a manufacturer and distributor of designer rugs and floor covering products.

At May 30, 2015 , the company's investment value in Kvadrat Maharam Pty was $1.9 million more than the company's proportionate share of the underlying net assets ( $2.3 million more at May 31, 2014 ). This difference was driven by a step-up in fair value of the investment in Kvadrat Maharam Pty, stemming from the Maharam business combination. This amount is considered to be a permanent basis difference.

- 56 -




At May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 the company's investment value in Danskina B.V. was $1.1 million more than the company's proportionate share of the underlying net assets. This amount represents the difference in value between the capital contribution made to the joint venture by Maharam and the proportionate share of equity received. This amount is considered to be a permanent basis difference.

The company's investment in its nonconsolidated affiliates was $4.2 million at May 30, 2015 and $4.1 million at May 31, 2014 . The company's proportionate share of equity earnings from these companies was $0.1 million for the year ended May 30, 2015 and $0.1 million for the year ended May 31, 2014 .

For the year ended May 30, 2015 , May 31, 2014 , and June 1, 2013, the purchases from and sales to nonconsolidated affiliates were immaterial. At May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 , balances due to and from nonconsolidated affiliates were also immaterial.

5. Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consisted of the following obligations:
(In millions)
 
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
Series A senior notes, 5.94%, due January 3, 2015
 
$

 
$
50.0

Series B senior notes, 6.42%, due January 3, 2018
 
150.0

 
150.0

Debt securities, 6.0%, due March 1, 2021
 
50.0

 
50.0

Syndicated Revolving Line of Credit, due July 2019
 
90.0

 

Total
 
$
290.0

 
$
250.0


On January 3, 2015, $50.0 million of the company’s Series A senior notes became due and payable. This debt was paid through the use of borrowings on the company’s revolving line of credit.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the company entered into a third amendment and restatement of its syndicated revolving line of credit, which provides the company with up to $250 million in revolving variable interest borrowing capacity and includes an "accordion feature" allowing the company to increase, at its option and subject to the approval of the participating banks, the aggregate borrowing capacity of the facility by $125 million . The facility expires in July 2019 and outstanding borrowings bear interest at rates based on the prime rate, federal funds rate, LIBOR, or negotiated rates as outlined in the agreement. Interest is payable periodically throughout the period if borrowings are outstanding. As of May 30, 2015, the total debt outstanding related to borrowings against this facility was $90.0 million . Of the borrowings against this facility, $57.0 million has an interest rate of 1.03% and the remaining $33.0 million has an interest rate of 1.04% . These borrowings are included within Long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of May 30, 2015, the total usage against the facility was $98.3 million , of which $8.3 million related to outstanding letters of credit.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the company entered into a revolving line of credit, which provides the company with approximately $2.8 million in revolving variable interest borrowing capacity. The company intends to utilize the revolver, which is denominated in Indian Rupees, to meet working capital cash flow needs at its India operations. The uncommitted facility is subject to changes in bank approval and outstanding borrowings bear interest at rates based on a benchmark lending rate. As of May 30, 2015 , there were no borrowings against this facility.

During fiscal 2014, the company entered into a revolving line of credit, which provides the company with approximately $5 million in revolving variable interest borrowing capacity. The company intends to utilize the revolver, which is denominated in Chinese Renminbi, to meet working capital cash flow needs at its South China operations. The uncommitted facility is subject to changes in bank approval and outstanding borrowings bear interest at rates based on a benchmark lending rate. As of May 30, 2015 , there were no borrowings against this facility.

During fiscal 2013, the company entered into a revolving line of credit, which provides the company with approximately $5 million in revolving variable interest borrowing capacity. The company intends to utilize the revolver, which is denominated in Chinese Renminbi, to meet working capital cash flow needs at its Ningbo, China operations. The uncommitted facility is subject to changes in bank approval and outstanding borrowings bear interest at rates based on a benchmark lending rate. Each draw on the line of credit is subject to a maximum period of one year, and corresponding interest is payable on the maturity date of each draw. As of May 30, 2015 , there were no borrowings against this facility.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the company entered into an amendment and restatement of the syndicated revolving line of credit, which provided the company with up to $150 million in revolving variable interest borrowing capacity and includes an "accordion feature", which allowed the company to increase, at its option and subject to the approval of the participating banks, the aggregate borrowing capacity

- 57 -



of the facility by $75 million . This facility was replaced by the third amendment and restatement that occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2015. As of May 31, 2014 , total usage against this facility was $4.9 million , all of which related to outstanding letters of credit.

Our senior notes and the unsecured senior revolving credit facility restrict, without prior consent, our borrowings, capital leases, and the sale of certain assets. In addition, we have agreed to maintain certain financial performance ratios, which include a maximum leverage ratio covenant, which is measured by the ratio of debt to trailing four quarter adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) and is required to be less than 3.5 :1, except that we may elect, under certain conditions, to increase the maximum Leverage Ratio to 4:1 for four consecutive fiscal quarter end dates. The covenants also require a minimum interest coverage ratio, which is measured by the ratio of trailing four quarter EBITDA to trailing four quarter interest expense (as defined in the credit agreement) and is required to be greater than 4 :1. Adjusted EBITDA is generally defined in the credit agreement as EBITDA adjusted by certain items which include non-cash share-based compensation, non-recurring restructuring costs, legacy pension expenses and extraordinary ite ms. At May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 , the company was in compliance with all of these restrictions and performance ratios.

Annual maturities of long-term debt for the five fiscal years subsequent to May 30, 2015 , are as follows:
(In millions)
 
2016
$

2017
$

2018
$
150.0

2019
$

2020
$
90.0

Thereafter
$
50.0


6. Operating Leases

The company leases real property and equipment under agreements that expire on various dates. Certain leases contain renewal provisions and generally require the company to pay utilities, insurance, taxes, and other operating expenses.

Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have non-cancelable lease terms as of May 30, 2015 , are as follows:
(In millions)
 
2016
$
36.6

2017
$
30.9

2018
$
28.3

2019
$
26.5

2020
$
23.6

Thereafter
$
107.8


Total rental expense charged to operations was $40.2 million , $25.6 million , and $23.0 million , in fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Substantially all such rental expense represented the minimum rental payments under operating leases.

7. Employee Benefit Plans
 
The company maintains retirement benefit plans for substantially all of its employees.

Pension Plans and Post-Retirement Medical Insurance
The company offers certain employees retirement benefits under domestic defined benefit p lans. The company provides healthcare benefits to employees who retired from service on or before a qualifying date in 1998. As of the qualifying date, the company discontinued offering post-retirement medical to future retirees. Benefits to qualifying retirees under this plan are based on the employee's years of service and age at the date of retirement. In addition to the domestic pension and retiree healthcare plan, one of the company's wholly owned foreign subsidiaries has a defined-benefit pension plan based upon an average final pay benefit calculation. The measurement date for the company's principal domestic and international pension plans, as well as its post-retirement medical plan, is the last day of the fiscal year.

During fiscal 2014, the company settled the remaining obligations associated with its primary domestic defined benefit pension plans. Plan participants received vested benefits from the plan assets by electing either a lump sum distribution, roll-over contribution to other 401(k) or

- 58 -



individual retirement plans, or an annuity contract with a qualifying third-party provider. As a result of the settlement, the company was relieved of any further obligation. Pension settlement charges of $158.2 million , before tax, were recorded during fiscal year 2014. The settlement expenses included the pre-tax reclassifications of actuarial gains and losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss of $137.7 million , and cash contributions to the plan of $48.8 million , net of the outstanding pension plan liability prior to settlement. Cost of goods sold included $49.3 million of the settlement expense, while $108.9 million of the expense was included in operating expenses. After the settlement, the remaining pension assets of $0.9 million were transferred to the company's defined contribution 401(k) plan. The primary domestic defined-benefit plan included benefits determined by a cash balance calculation. Benefits under this plan were based upon an employee's years of service and earnings.

Benefit Obligations and Funded Status
The following table presents, for the fiscal years noted, a summary of the changes in the projected benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status of the company's domestic and international pension plans and post-retirement plan:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-Retirement Benefits
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
(In millions)
Domestic
 
International
 
Domestic
 
International
 
 
 
 
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
1.1

 
$
105.4

 
$
314.7

 
$
91.2

 
$
7.5

 
$
9.0

Service cost

 

 

 

 

 

Interest cost

 
4.3

 
5.2

 
4.2

 
0.2

 
0.3

Curtailments

 

 

 

 

 

Plan settlements

 

 
(331.1
)
 

 

 

Foreign exchange impact

 
(9.8
)
 

 
9.6

 

 

Actuarial (gain)/loss

 
15.0

 
16.8

 
2.3

 
0.8

 
(1.0
)
Employee contributions

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses paid

 

 
(0.4
)
 

 

 

Benefits paid

 
(2.9
)
 
(4.1
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.8
)
Benefit obligation at end of year
$
1.1

 
$
112.0

 
$
1.1

 
$
105.4

 
$
7.7

 
$
7.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
$

 
$
94.8

 
$
290.0

 
$
84.2

 
$

 
$

Actual return on plan assets

 
8.0

 
(2.3
)
 
2.4

 

 

Foreign exchange impact

 
(8.5
)
 

 
8.6

 

 

Employer contributions

 
0.6

 
48.8

 
1.5

 
0.8

 
0.8

Employee contributions

 

 

 

 

 

Plan settlements

 

 
(331.1
)
 

 

 

Expenses paid

 

 
(0.4
)
 

 

 

Benefits paid

 
(2.9
)
 
(4.1
)
 
(1.9
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.8
)
Transfers out to 401(k) plan

 

 
(0.9
)
 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year
$

 
$
92.0

 
$

 
$
94.8

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Funded status:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Under funded status at end of year
$
(1.1
)
 
$
(20.0
)
 
$
(1.1
)
 
$
(10.6
)
 
$
(7.7
)
 
$
(7.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Components of the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
$
(0.1
)
 
$

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$

 
$
(0.9
)
 
$
(0.9
)
Non-current liabilities
$
(1.0
)
 
$
(20.0
)
 
$
(1.0
)
 
$
(10.6
)
 
$
(6.8
)
 
$
(6.6
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Components of the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss before the effect of income taxes:
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
$
0.3

 
$
41.6

 
$
0.4

 
$
34.3

 
$
1.1

 
$
0.3

Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
0.3

 
$
41.6

 
$
0.4

 
$
34.3

 
$
1.1

 
$
0.3


- 59 -




The accumulated benefit obligation for the company's domestic pension benefit plans tota led $1.1 million as of the end of both fiscal year 2015 and 2014 . For its international plans, the accumulated benefit obligation tota led $108.9 million and $102.4 million as of the same dates, respectively.

The following table is a summary of the annual cost of the company's pension and post-retirement plans:
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs and Other Changes Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-Retirement Benefits
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Domestic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$

 
$

 
$
1.9

 
$

 
$

 
$

Interest cost

 
5.2

 
10.9

 
0.2

 
0.3

 
0.3

Expected return on plan assets

 
(3.6
)
 
(12.1
)
 

 

 

Net amortization

 
4.7

 
11.8

 

 

 
0.1

Curtailment (gain)

 

 

 

 

 

Settlement Loss

 
158.2

 
18.8

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
$

 
$
164.5

 
$
31.3

 
$
0.2

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
4.3

 
4.2

 
3.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected return on plan assets
(5.5
)
 
(5.2
)
 
(4.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net amortization
1.8

 
1.8

 
1.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost
$
0.6

 
$
0.8

 
$
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Income):
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-Retirement Benefits
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Domestic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial (gain) loss
$

 
$
22.9

 
$
0.8

 
$
(1.0
)
Net amortization, curtailment, and settlements

 
(163.0
)
 

 

Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss
$

 
$
(140.1
)
 
$
0.8

 
$
(1.0
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
International:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial (gain) loss
$
12.4

 
$
5.2

 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rates on amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income
(0.6
)
 
3.0

 
 
 
 
Net amortization
(1.8
)
 
(1.8
)
 
 
 
 
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss
$
10.0

 
$
6.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The net actuarial loss, incl uded in accumulated other comprehensive loss (pretax), expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost during fiscal 2016 is $2.9 million .
 

- 60 -



Actuarial Assumptions
The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation amounts and the net periodic benefit cost for the company's pension and post-retirement plans are as follows:
The weighted-average used in the determination of net periodic benefit cost:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(Percentages)
Domestic
 
International
 
Domestic
 
International
 
Domestic
 
International
Discount rate
3.44
 
4.40
 
3.43
 
4.40
 
3.34
 
4.20
Compensation increase rate
n/a
 
3.35
 
n/a
 
3.50
 
3.00
 
3.00
Expected return on plan assets
n/a
 
6.10
 
n/a
 
6.00
 
4.20
 
6.00
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The weighted-average used in the determination of the projected benefit obligations:
Discount rate
3.41
 
3.50
 
3.44
 
4.40
 
3.43
 
4.40
Compensation increase rate
n/a
 
3.20
 
n/a
 
3.35
 
n/a
 
3.50

In calculating post-retirement benefit obligations for fiscal 2015 , a 7.1 percent annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits was assumed for 2016, decreasing gradually to 4.5 percent by 2029 and remaining at that level thereafter. For purposes of calculating post-retirement benefit costs, a 7.2 percent annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered healthcare benefits was assumed for 2015 , decreasing gradually to 4.5 percent by 2029 an d remaining at that level thereafter.

Assumed health care cost-trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for retiree health care costs. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost-trend rates would have the following effects:
(In millions)
1 Percent Increase
 
1 Percent Decrease
Effect on total fiscal 2015 service and interest cost components
$

 
$

Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation at May 30, 2015
$
0.3

 
$
(0.2
)

Plan Assets and Investment Strategies
The assets related to the company's primary domestic employee benefit plans were liquidated in connection with the plan termination that occurred during fiscal 2015. Accordingly, plan assets for the primary domestic employee benefit plans were zero as of the end of fiscal 2015.

The company's international employee benefit plan assets consist mainly of listed fixed income obligations and common/collective trusts. The company's primary objective for invested pension plan assets is to provide for sufficient long-term growth and liquidity to satisfy all of its benefit obligations over time. Accordingly, the company has developed an investment strategy that it believes maximizes the probability of meeting this overall objective. This strategy includes the development of a target investment allocation by asset category in order to provide guidelines for making investment decisions. This target allocation emphasizes the long-term characteristics of individual asset classes as well as the diversification among multiple asset classes. In developing its strategy, the company considered the need to balance the varying risks associated with each asset class with the long-term nature of its benefit obligations. The company's strategy moving forward will be to increase the level of fixed income investments as the funding status improves, thereby more closely matching the return on assets with the liabilities of the plans.

The company utilizes independent investment managers to assist with investment decisions within the overall guidelines of the investment strategy.


- 61 -



The target asset allocation at the end of fiscal 2015 and asset categories for the company's primary international pension plan for fiscal 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset Category
 
Targeted Asset Allocation Percentage
 
Percentage of Plan Assets
at Year End
 
 
2015
 
2014
Equities
 
 
2
 
Fixed Income
 
20
 
23
 
26
Common collective trusts
 
80
 
75
 
74
Total
 
 
 
100
 
100
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
International Plan as of May 31, 2015
Asset Category
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1.8

 


 
$
1.8

Foreign government obligations
 

 
21.3

 
21.3

Common collective trusts-balanced
 

 
68.9

 
68.9

     Total
 
$
1.8

 
$
90.2

 
$
92.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In millions)
 
International Plan as of May 31, 2014
Asset Category
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
0.2

 
$

 
$
0.2

Common collective trusts-balanced
 

 
70.1

 
70.1

Foreign government obligations
 


 
24.5

 
24.5

     Total
 
$
0.2

 
$
94.6

 
$
94.8

Cash Flows
The company is reviewing whether any additional voluntary pension plan contributions will be made in the next year. Actual contributions will be dependent upon investment returns, changes in pension obligations, and other economic and regulatory factors. During fiscal 2015 the company made total cash contributions of $1.4 million to its benefit plans. In fiscal 2014 , the company made total cash contributions of $50.2 million to its benefit plans. Of these cash contributions, $48.8 million were due to the termination of the company’s primary domestic defined benefit pension plans.

The following represents a summary of the benefits expected to be paid by the plans in future fiscal years. These expected benefits were estimated based on the same actuarial valuation assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at May 30, 2015 .
(In millions)
Pension Benefits Domestic
 
Pension Benefits International
 
Post-Retirement Benefits
2016
$
0.1

 
$
2.2

 
$
0.9

2017
$
0.1

 
$
2.5

 
$
0.9

2018
$
0.1

 
$
2.7

 
$
0.8

2019
$
0.1

 
$
2.7

 
$
0.8

2020
$
0.1

 
$
2.8

 
$
0.7

2021-2025
$
0.4

 
$
16.6

 
$
2.8


Profit Sharing, 401(k) Plan, and Core Contribution
Substantially all of the company’s domestic employees are eligible to participate in a defined contribution retirement plan, primarily the Herman Miller, Inc. profit sharing and 401(k) plan. Employees under the Herman Miller, Inc. profit sharing plan are eligible to begin participating on their date of hire. The Profit Sharing plan provides for discretionary contributions for eligible participants, payable in the company's common stock, of not more than 6 percent of employees' wages based on the company's financial performance. Under the Herman Miller, Inc. 401(k) plan the company matches 100 percent of employee contributions to their 401(k) accounts up to 3 percent of their pay. A core contribution of 4 percent is also included for most participants of the plan. The company’s other defined contribution retirement plans may provide for matching contributions, non-elective contributions and discretionary contributions as declared by management.

- 62 -





The cost of the Herman Miller, Inc. profit sharing contribution during fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were $4.8 million , $6.4 million and $5.3 million , respectively. The cost of the company's 401(k) matching contributions and core contributions charged against operations was approximately $20.8 million , $20.3 million , and $17.0 million in fiscal years 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

8. Common Stock and Per Share Information
The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the calculations of basic and diluted EPS for each of the last three fiscal years:
(In millions, except shares)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
Numerator for both basic and diluted EPS, net earnings (loss)
$
97.5

 
$
(22.1
)
 
$
68.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator for basic EPS, weighted-average common shares outstanding
59,475,297

 
58,955,487

 
58,425,522

Potentially dilutive shares resulting from stock plans
649,069

 

 
418,992

Denominator for diluted EPS
60,124,366

 
58,955,487

 
58,844,514


Equity awards of 715,685 shares , 2,779,782 shares and 1,953,450 shares of common stock were excluded from the denominator for the computation of diluted earnings per share for the fiscal years ended May 30, 2015 , May 31, 2014 , and June 1, 2013 , respectively, because they were anti-dilutive. The company has certain share-based payment awards that meet the definition of participating securities. The company has evaluated the impact on EPS of all participating securities under the two-class method, noting the impact on EPS was immaterial.

Common Stock
The company has a share repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors on September 28, 2007, which provided share repurchase authorization of $300.0 million with no specified expiration date. During fiscal year 2015, 2014, and 2013, shares repurchased and retired totaled 121,488 , 408,391 and 154,917 shares respectively.



- 63 -



9. Stock-Based Compensation

The company utilizes equity-based compensation incentives as a component of its employee and non-employee director and officer compensation philosophy. Currently, these incentives consist principally of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance share units. The company also offers a stock purchase plan for its domestic and certain international employees. The company issues shares in connection with its share-based compensation plans from authorized, but unissued, shares. At May 30, 2015 there were 3,991,307 shares authorized for granting under the various stock-based compensation plans.

Valuation and Expense Information
The company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on their grant-date fair market value. This cost is recognized over the requisite service period.

Certain of the company's equity-based compensation awards contain provisions that allow for continued vesting into retirement. Stock-based awards are considered fully vested for expense attribution purposes when the employee's retention of the award is no longer contingent on providing subsequent service.

The company classifies pre-tax stock-based compensation expense primarily within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Related expenses charged to “Cost of sales” are not material. Pre-tax compensation expense and the related income tax benefit for all types of stock-based programs was as follows for the periods indicated:
(In millions)
 
May 30, 2015

 
May 31, 2014

 
June 1, 2013

Employee stock purchase program
 
$
0.3

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.3

Stock option plans
 
2.6

 
2.3

 
3.6

Restricted stock grants
 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.3

Restricted stock units
 
3.7

 
5.2

 
3.2

Performance share units
 
3.3

 
3.0

 
0.7

Total
 
$
10.0

 
$
11.0

 
$
8.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax benefit
 
$
3.6

 
$
4.0

 
$
2.9

As of May 30, 2015 , total pre-tax stock-based compensation cost not yet recognized related to non-vested awards was approximately $7.9 million . The weighted-average period over which this amount is expected to be recognized is 1.24 years.

The company estimated the fair value of employee stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. In determining these values, the following weighted-average assumptions were used for the options granted during the fiscal years indicated.
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Risk-free interest rates (1)
 
1.46
%
 
1.62
%
 
0.77
%
Expected term of options (2)
 
4.0 years

 
5.5 years

 
5.5 years

Expected volatility (3)
 
36
%
 
46
%
 
47
%
Dividend yield (4)
 
1.85
%
 
1.74
%
 
1.98
%
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granted with exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant
 
$
7.74

 
$
10.68

 
$
6.52


(1) Represents the U.S. Treasury yield over the same period as the expected option term.
(2) Represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. Based on analysis of historical option exercise activity, the company has determined that all employee groups exhibit similar exercise and post-vesting termination behavior.
(3) Amount is determined based on analysis of historical price volatility of the company's common stock over a period equal to the expected term of the options.
(4) Represents the company's estimated cash dividend yield over the expected term of options.


- 64 -



Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, has been reduced for estimated forfeitures, as it is based on awards ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience.

Employee Stock Purchase Program
Under the terms of the company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 4 million shares of authorized common stock were reserved for purchase by plan participants at 85 percent of the market price. Shares of common stock purchased under the employee stock purchase plan were 62,467 , 63,753 and 84,075 for the fiscal years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.

Stock Option Plans
The company has stock option plans under which options to purchase the company's stock are granted to employees and non-employee directors at a price not less than the market price of the company's common stock on the date of grant. Under the current award program, all options become exercisable between one and three years from date of grant and expire two to ten years from date of grant. Most options are subject to graded vesting with the related compensation expense recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

The following is a summary of the transactions under the company's stock option plans:
 
 
Shares Under Option
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Prices
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(In millions)
Outstanding at May 31, 2014
 
1,596,984

 
$
25.47

 
4.7
 
$
9.9

     Granted at market
 
75,954

 
$
30.22

 
 
 
 
     Exercised
 
(264,850
)
 
$
21.78

 
 
 
 
     Forfeited or expired
 
(105,465
)
 
$
30.99

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at May 30, 2015
 
1,302,623

 
$
26.05

 
4.0
 
$
4.7

Ending vested + expected to vest
 
1,298,463

 
$
26.04

 
4.0
 
$
4.7

Exercisable at end of period
 
1,044,419

 
$
26.81

 
3.0
 
$
3.3


The total pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $2.4 million , $6.2 million , and $2.0 million , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the company's closing stock price as of the end of the period presented, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised in-the-money options as of that date. Total cash received during fiscal 2015 from the exercise of stock options was $2.1 million .

Restricted Stock Grants
The company periodically grants restricted common stock to certain key employees. Shares are granted in the name of the employee, who has all the rights of a shareholder, subject to certain restrictions on transferability and risk of forfeiture. The grants are subject to either cliff-based or graded vesting over a period not exceeding five years , and are subject to forfeiture if the employee ceases to be employed by the company for certain reasons. After the vesting period, the risk of forfeiture and restrictions on transferability lapse. The company recognizes the related compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. A summary of shares subject to restrictions are as follows:
 
 
2015
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding, at beginning of year
 
62,034

 
$
20.66

Granted
 

 
$

Vested
 
(8,211
)
 
$
18.42

Forfeited or expired
 
(3,500
)
 
$
23.90

Outstanding, at end of year
 
50,323

 
$
20.80



- 65 -



The weighted-average remaining recognition period of the outstanding restricted stock grants at May 30, 2015 , was 0.94 years. The fair value of the shares that vested during the twelve months ended May 30, 2015 , was $0.2 million . There were no restricted stock grants granted during fiscal 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Restricted Stock Units
The company grants restricted stock units to certain key employees. This program provides that the actual number of restricted stock units awarded is based on the value of a portion of the participant's long-term incentive compensation divided by the fair value of the company's stock on the date of grant. In some years the awards have been partially tied to the company's financial performance for the year in which the grant was based. The awards generally cliff-vest after a three -year service period, with prorated vesting under certain circumstances and full or partial accelerated vesting upon retirement. Each restricted stock unit represents one equivalent share of the company's common stock to be awarded, free of restrictions, after the vesting period. Compensation expense related to these awards is recognized over the requisite service period, which includes any applicable performance period. Dividend equivalent awards are credited quarterly. The units do not entitle participants to the rights of stockholders of common stock, such as voting rights, until shares are issued after vesting.
The following is a summary of restricted stock unit transactions for the fiscal years indicated:
 
Share
Units
 
Weighted Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value in Millions
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual
Term (Years)
Outstanding at May 31, 2014
566,106

 
$
23.31

 
 
 
 
Granted
116,485

 
$
30.38

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
(13,410
)
 
$
25.35

 
 
 
 
Released
(163,709
)
 
$
24.95

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at May 31, 2015
505,472

 
$
24.21

 
$
13.5

 
1.2
Ending vested + expected to vest
495,523

 
 
 
$
12.9

 
1.2

The weighted-average remaining recognition period of the outstanding restricted stock units at May 30, 2015 , was 1.11 years. The fair value of the share units that vested during the twelve months ended May 30, 2015 , was $4.7 million . The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units granted during 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $30.38 , $28.55 , and $20.49 respectively.

Performance Share Units
The company grants performance share units to certain key employees. The number of units initially awarded was based on the value of a portion of the participant's long-term incentive compensation, divided by the fair value of the company's common stock on the date of grant. Each unit represents one equivalent share of the company's common stock. The number of common shares ultimately issued in connection with these performance share units is determined based on the company's financial performance over the related three -year service period or the company's financial performance based on certain total shareholder return results as compared to a selected group of peer companies. Compensation expense is determined based on the grant-date fair value and the number of common shares projected to be issued, and is recognized over the requisite service period.

The following is a summary of performance share unit transactions for the fiscal years indicated:
 
Share
Units
 
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value in Millions
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining Contractual
Term (Years)
Outstanding at May 31, 2014
210,196

 
$
26.64

 
$
6.6

 
1.8
Granted
151,785

 
$
32.71

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
(5,075
)
 
$
32.22

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at May 30, 2015
356,906

 
$
29.17

 
$
9.9

 
1.3
Ending vested + expected to vest
349,664

 
 
 
$
9.7

 
1.3

The weighted-average remaining recognition period of the outstanding performance share units at May 30, 2015 , was 1.05 years. The fair value for shares that vested during the twelve months ended May 30, 2015 , was zero . The weighted average grant-date fair value of performance share units granted during 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $32.71 , $31.66 , and $17.10 respectively.

Herman Miller Consumer Holding Stock (HMCH) Option Plan
Certain employees were granted options to purchase stock of HMCH at a price not less than the market price of HMCH common stock on the date of grant. For the grants of options under the award program, options are potentially exercisable between one year and five years from date

- 66 -



of grant and expire at the end of the window period that follows the fifth anniversary of the grant date. Vesting is based on the performance of HMCH over a period of five years. These options have been classified as liability awards as the holders have the right to put the underlying shares to the company upon exercise. Given this, the awards are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period and compensation expense is adjusted accordingly to reflect the fair value over the requisite service period. The company estimates the issuance date fair value of HMCH stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. At May 30, 2015 there were 662,400 shares subject to award options and no shares were exercisable. The expense and related liability for these awards was $1.4 million during fiscal 2015. The liability for the HMCH stock options is recorded within the Consolidated Balance Sheets within the "Other liabilities" line item.

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to value the liability associated with HMCH stock options as of May 30, 2015, the first year during which the stock option plan was in place.
 
 
2015
Risk-free interest rates (1)
 
0.99
%
Expected term of options (2)
 
3.2 years

Expected volatility (3)
 
35
%
Dividend yield
 
not applicable

Strike price
 
$
24.39

Per share value (4)
 
$
8.71


(1) Represents the U.S. Treasury yield over the same period as the expected option term.
(2) Represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. Based on analysis of historical option exercise activity, the company has determined that all employee groups exhibit similar exercise and post-vesting termination behavior.
(3) Amount is determined based on analysis of historical price volatility of the common stock of peer companies over a period equal to the expected term of the options.
(4) Based on the Black-Scholes formula.
 
 
Shares Under Option
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Prices
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(In millions)
Outstanding at May 31, 2014
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
     Granted
 
606,301

 
$
21.66

 
 
 
 
     Exercised
 
(87,232
)
 
$
8.16

 
 
 
 
     Forfeited or expired
 
(14,400
)
 
$
24.39

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at May 30, 2015
 
504,669

 
 
 
4.2
 
$
2.1

Exercisable at end of period
 
13,583

 
$
6.79

 
 
 
 

The total pre-tax intrinsic value of HMCH options exercised during fiscal 2015 was $1.4 million The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, based on the HMCH market price, less the strike price, as of the end of the period presented, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised in-the-money options as of that date.

Deferred Compensation Plans
In 2008, the company discontinued use of the existing Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan for new contributions and established the Herman Miller, Inc. Executive Equalization Retirement Plan.

The Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan allowed selected employees to defer part or all of their executive incentive cash bonus payment each year. The company could make a matching contribution of 30 percent of the executive's contribution up to 50 percent of the deferred cash incentive bonus. The company's matching contribution vested at the rate of 30 1/3 percent annually. In accordance with the terms of the plan, the executive deferral and company matching contribution were placed in a “Rabbi” trust, which invested solely in the company's common stock. Rabbi trust arrangements offer the executive a degree of assurance for ultimate payment of benefits without causing constructive receipt for income tax purposes. Distributions to the executive from the Rabbi trust can only be made in the form of the company's common stock. The assets in the Rabbi trust remain subject to the claims of creditors of the company and are not the property of the executive and are, therefore, included as a separate component of stockholders' equity under the caption "Key Executive Deferred Compensation" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Shares associated with the Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan are included in the denominator for both basic and diluted EPS.


- 67 -



The Herman Miller, Inc. Executive Equalization Retirement Plan is a supplemental deferred compensation plan and was made available for salary deferrals and company contributions beginning in January 2008. The plan is available to a select group of management or highly compensated employees who are selected for participation by the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The plan allows participants to defer up to 50 percent of their base salary and up to 100 percent of their incentive cash bonus. Company contributions to the plan “mirror” the amounts the company would have contributed to the various qualified retirement plans had the employee's compensation not been above the IRS statutory ceiling ( $265,000 in 2015 ). The company does not guarantee a rate of return for these funds. Instead, participants make investment elections for their deferrals and company contributions. Investment options are the same as those available under the Herman Miller Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan, except for company stock, which is not an investment option under this plan.

In accordance with the terms of the Executive Equalization Plan, the salary and bonus deferrals and company contributions have been placed in a Rabbi trust. The assets in the Rabbi trust remain subject to the claims of creditors of the company and are not the property of the participant and are, therefore, included as an asset on the company's Consolidated Balance Sheets within the "Other assets" line item. A liability of the same amount is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets within the "Other liabilities" line item. Investment assets are classified as trading, and accordingly, realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized within the company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in the interest and other investment income line item. The associated changes to the liability are recorded as compensation expense within the "Selling, general and administrative" line item within the company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The net effect of any change to the asset and corresponding liability is offset and has no impact on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Director Fees
Company directors may elect to receive their director fees in one or more of the following forms: cash, deferred compensation in the form of shares or other selected investment funds, unrestricted company stock at the market value at the date of election, or stock options that vest in one year and expire in ten years. The exercise price of the stock options granted may not be less than the market price of the company's common stock on the date of grant. Under the plan, the Board members received the following shares or options in the fiscal years indicated:
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Options
 

 

 

Shares of common stock
 
13,752

 
12,358

 
15,746

Shares through the deferred compensation program
 

 
2,317

 
2,779


10. Income Taxes

The components of earnings (loss) before income taxes are as follows:
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Domestic
$
142.5

 
$
(45.1
)
 
$
89.9

Foreign
2.7

 
1.7

 
7.3

Total
$
145.2

 
$
(43.4
)
 
$
97.2


The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Current: Domestic - Federal
$
43.6

 
$
22.2

 
$
36.4

Domestic - State
6.3

 
4.6

 
5.2

Foreign
6.1

 
4.8

 
3.9

 
56.0

 
31.6

 
45.5

Deferred: Domestic - Federal
(5.9
)
 
(43.6
)
 
(14.9
)
Domestic - State
(0.6
)
 
(5.6
)
 
(1.4
)
Foreign
(2.3
)
 
(3.6
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(8.8
)
 
(52.8
)
 
(16.6
)
Total income tax provision
$
47.2

 
$
(21.2
)
 
$
28.9


The following table represents a reconciliation of income taxes at the United States statutory rate with the effective tax rate as follows:

- 68 -



(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Income taxes computed at the United States Statutory rate of 35%
 
$
50.8

 
$
(15.2
)
 
$
34.0

Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unrecognized tax benefits
 

 
0.4

 
0.1

Foreign statutory rate differences
 
(1.0
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(1.9
)
Manufacturing deduction under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004
 
(4.8
)
 
(3.9
)
 
(4.0
)
State taxes
 
4.2

 
(0.9
)
 
2.5

Federal permanent true-ups
 
(0.9
)
 
1.6

 
(2.1
)
Tax on undistributed foreign earnings
 
(3.9
)
 

 
(0.2
)
Other, net
 
2.8

 
(2.3
)
 
0.5

Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
47.2

 
$
(21.2
)
 
$
28.9

Effective tax rate
 
32.6
%
 
48.9
%
 
29.8
%

The tax effects and types of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 , are as follows:
(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Compensation-related accruals
 
$
21.9

 
$
19.5

Accrued pension and post-retirement benefit obligations
 
11.0

 
9.7

Deferred revenue
 
2.9

 
3.0

Inventory related
 
6.4

 
3.7

Reserves for uncollectible accounts and notes receivable
 
1.4

 
1.5

Other reserves and accruals
 
3.6

 
3.5

Warranty
 
9.3

 
8.5

State and local tax net operating loss carryforwards
 
5.5

 
3.2

Federal net operating loss carryforward
 
12.2

 
0.1

State credits
 
0.2

 
0.2

Foreign tax net operating loss carryforwards
 
9.9

 
9.9

Foreign tax credits
 
0.1

 
0.1

Foreign capital loss carryforward
 

 
0.1

Undistributed foreign earnings
 
4.5

 

Financing costs
 
0.8

 
1.2

Other
 
3.6

 
1.5

Subtotal
 
93.3

 
65.7

Valuation allowance
 
(11.1
)
 
(8.5
)
Total
 
$
82.2

 
$
57.2

 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Book basis in property in excess of tax basis
 
$
(16.7
)
 
$
(14.7
)
Intangible assets
 
(44.5
)
 
(18.1
)
Other
 
(3.6
)
 
(2.4
)
Total
 
$
(64.8
)
 
$
(35.2
)
The future tax benefits of net operating loss (NOL) carry-forwards and foreign tax credits are recognized to the extent that realization of these benefits is considered more likely than not. The company bases this determination on the expectation that related operations will be sufficiently profitable or various tax planning strategies will enable the company to utilize the NOL carry-forwards and/or foreign tax credits. To the extent that available evidence about the future raises doubt about the realization of these tax benefits, a valuation allowance is established.

At May 30, 2015 , the company had state and local tax NOL carry-forwards of $77.0 million , the tax benefit of which is $5.5 million , which have various expiration periods from one to twenty-one years. The company also had state credits with a tax benefit of $0.2 million which expire in one year. For financial statement purposes, the NOL carry-forwards and state tax credits have been recognized as deferred tax assets, subject to a valuation allowance of $2.4 million .

- 69 -




At May 30, 2015 , the company had federal NOL carry-forwards of $34.8 million , the tax benefit of which is $12.2 million , which expire in 13 to 14 years. For financial statement purposes, the NOL carry-forwards have been recognized as deferred tax assets, subject to a valuation allowance of $2.8 million .

At May 30, 2015 , the company had foreign net operating loss carry-forwards of $42.5 million , the tax benefit of which is $9.9 million , which have expiration periods from eight years to an unlimited term. The company also had foreign tax credits with a tax benefit of $0.1 million which expire in one to five years. For financial statement purposes, NOL carry-forwards and foreign tax credits have been recognized as deferred tax assets, subject to a valuation allowance of $5.8 million .

At May 30, 2015 , the company had foreign deferred assets of $0.3 million , the tax benefit of which is $0.1 million , which is related to various deferred taxes in Italy. For financial statement purposes, the assets have been recognized as deferred tax assets, subject to a valuation allowance of $0.1 million .

The company has not provided for United States income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries totaling approximately $72.0 million . Recording deferred income taxes on these undistributed earnings is not required, because these earnings have been deemed to be permanently reinvested. These amounts would be subject to possible U.S. taxation only if remitted as dividends. The determination of the hypothetical amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign entities is not practicable.

The components of the company's unrecognized tax benefits are as follows:
(In millions)
 
 
Balance at June 1, 2013
 
$
1.4

Increases related to current year income tax positions
 
0.5

Increases related to prior year income tax positions
 

Decreases related to prior year income tax positions
 

Decreases related to lapse of applicable statute of limitations
 
(0.1
)
Decreases related to settlements
 

Balance at May 31, 2014
 
1.8

Increases related to current year income tax positions
 
0.4

Increases related to prior year income tax positions
 
0.1

Decreases related to prior year income tax positions
 
(0.4
)
Decreases related to lapse of applicable statute of limitations
 
(0.1
)
Decreases related to settlements
 

Balance at May 30, 2015
 
$
1.8


The company's effective tax rate would have been affected by the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits had this amount been recognized as a reduction to income tax expense.

The company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits through "Income tax expense (benefit)" in its Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Interest and penalties and the related liability were as follows for the periods indicated:
(In millions)
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
 
June 1, 2013
Interest and penalty expense
$
0.4

 
$
0.2

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liability for interest and penalties
$
0.9

 
$
0.6

 
 

The company is subject to periodic audits by domestic and foreign tax authorities. Currently, the company is undergoing routine periodic audits in both domestic and foreign tax jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits could change in the next 12 months as a result of new positions that may be taken on income tax returns, settlement of tax positions and the closing of statutes of limitation. It is not expected that any of the changes will be material to the company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

During the year, the company has closed the audit of fiscal year 2014 with the Internal Revenue Service under the Compliance Assurance Process (CAP). For the majority of the remaining tax jurisdictions, the company is no longer subject to state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for fiscal years before 2012.

- 70 -



11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The company's financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts and notes receivable, deferred compensation plan, accounts payable, debt, redeemable noncontrolling interests, and foreign currency exchange contracts. The company's financial instruments, other than long-term debt, are recorded at fair value. The estimated fair value of debt approximates the carrying value as of May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014. The carrying value and fair value of the company's long-term debt, including current maturities, is as follows for the periods indicated:
(In millions)
 
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
Carrying value
 
$
290.0

 
$
250.0

Fair value
 
$
315.1

 
$
279.2


The following describes the methods the company uses to estimate the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, of which there have been no significant changes in the current period:

Available-for-sale securities — The company's available-for-sale marketable securities primarily include government obligations and mortgage-backed securities and are valued using quoted prices for similar securities.

Foreign currency exchange contracts — The company's foreign currency exchange contracts are valued using an approach based on foreign currency exchange rates obtained from active markets. The estimated fair value of forward currency exchange contracts is based on month-end spot rates as adjusted by current market-based activity.

Deferred compensation plan assets — The company's deferred compensation plan assets primarily include domestic equity large cap and lifestyle mutual funds and are valued using quoted prices for similar securities.

The following tables set forth financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the respective pricing levels to which the fair value measurements are classified within the fair value hierarchy as of May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 :
(In millions)
Fair Value Measurements
 
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014


Financial Assets
Quoted Prices With Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Quoted Prices With Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Available-for-sale marketable securities:
 
 
 
Asset-backed securities
$
0.2

 
$
0.4

Corporate debt securities
0.6

 
1.2

Government obligations
0.5

 
7.9

Mortgage-backed securities
4.4

 
1.6

Foreign currency forward contracts
0.7

 
0.2

Deferred compensation plan
7.9

 
6.3

Total
$
14.3

 
$
17.6

 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities
 
 
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
$
0.2

 
$
0.1

Total
$
0.2

 
$
0.1



- 71 -



The following is a summary of the carrying and market values of the company's marketable securities as of the dates indicated:
 
 
May 30, 2015
(In millions)
 
Cost
 
Unrealized Gain
 
Unrealized Loss
 
Market Value
Asset-backed securities
 
$
0.2

 
$

 
$

 
$
0.2

Corporate debt securities
 
0.6

 

 

 
0.6

Government obligations
 
0.5

 

 

 
0.5

Mortgage-backed securities
 
4.4

 

 

 
4.4

Total
 
$
5.7

 
$

 
$

 
$
5.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 31, 2014
(In millions)
 
Cost
 
Unrealized Gain
 
Unrealized Loss
 
Market Value

Asset-backed securities
 
$
0.4

 
$

 
$

 
$
0.4

Corporate debt securities
 
1.2

 

 

 
1.2

Government obligations
 
7.9

 

 

 
7.9

Mortgage-backed securities
 
1.6

 

 

 
1.6

Total
 
$
11.1

 
$

 
$

 
$
11.1



Maturities of debt securities included in marketable securities as of May 30, 2015 , are as follows:
(In millions)
 
Cost
 
Market
Value
Due within one year
 
$
3.1

 
$
3.1

Due after one year through five years
 
2.5

 
2.5

Due after five years
 
0.1

 
0.1

Total
 
$
5.7

 
$
5.7



- 72 -



12. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
 
The following table presents the adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation expense
 
$
44.2

 
$
37.8

 
$
34.4

Amortization expense
 
5.6

 
4.6

 
3.1

Provision for losses on accounts receivable and notes receivable
 
1.8

 
1.0

 
0.6

(Gain) Loss on sales of property and dealers
 

 
(1.7
)
 
0.8

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
 
(8.8
)
 
(52.8
)
 
(16.6
)
Pension expense
 
0.8

 
115.4

 
31.9

Restructuring and impairment expenses
 
12.7

 
26.5

 
1.2

Stock-based compensation
 
10.0

 
11.0

 
8.1

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
 
(0.7
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(0.3
)
Other changes in long-term liabilities
 
(1.2
)
 
(8.5
)
 
(9.2
)
Other
 
1.7

 
1.2

 
(2.9
)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Decrease (increase) in assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
7.8

 
(26.7
)
 
(7.7
)
Inventories
 
(9.0
)
 
(2.2
)
 
(4.6
)
Prepaid expenses and other
 
(2.5
)
 
(3.2
)
 
9.3

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
1.1

 
2.6

 
6.0

Accrued liabilities
 
6.1

 
8.3

 
14.2

Total changes in current assets and liabilities
 
3.5

 
(21.2
)
 
17.2

Total adjustments
 
$
69.6

 
$
112.2

 
$
68.3


13. Warranties, Guarantees, and Contingencies
 
Product Warranties
The company provides warranty coverage to the end-user for parts and labor on products sold. The standard length of warranty is 12 years , however, this varies depending on the product classification. The company does not sell or otherwise issue warranties or warranty extensions as stand-alone products. Reserves have been established for various costs associated with the company's warranty program. General warranty reserves are based on historical claims experience and other currently available information and are periodically adjusted for business levels and other factors. Specific reserves are established once an issue is identified with the amounts for such reserves based on the estimated cost of correction.

Changes in the warranty reserve for the stated periods were as follows:
(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Accrual balance, beginning
 
$
25.2

 
$
24.8

 
$
22.2

Accrual for warranty matters
 
25.0

 
20.2

 
23.3

Settlements
 
(23.4
)
 
(19.8
)
 
(20.7
)
Accrual balance, ending
 
$
26.8

 
$
25.2

 
$
24.8


Other Guarantees
The company is periodically required to provide performance bonds in order to conduct business with certain customers. These arrangements are common and generally have terms ranging between one and three years. The bonds are required to provide assurances to customers that the products and services they have purchased will be installed and/or provided properly and without damage to their facilities. The performance bonds are provided by various bonding agencies and the company is ultimately liable for claims that may occur against them. As of May 30, 2015 , the company had a maximum financial exposure related to performance bonds of approximately $10.3 million . The company has no history of claims, nor is it aware of circumstances that would require it to perform under any of these arrangements and believes that the resolution

- 73 -



of any claims that might arise in the future, either individually or in the aggregate, would not materially affect the company's financial statements. Accordingly, no liability h as been recorded as of May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 .

The company periodically enters into agreements in the normal course of business that may include indemnification clauses regarding patent or trademark infringement and service losses. Service losses represent all direct or consequential loss, liability, damages, costs, and expenses incurred by the customer or others resulting from services rendered by the company, the dealer, or certain sub-contractors, due to a proven negligent act. The company has no history of claims, nor is it aware of circumstances that would require it to perform under these arrangements and believes that the resolution of any claims that might arise in the future, either individually or in the aggregate, would not materially affect the company's financial statements. Accordingly, no liability has been recorded as of May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 .

The company has entered into standby letter of credit arrangements for the purpose of protecting various insurance companies and lessors against default on insurance premium and lease payments. As of May 30, 2015 , the company had a maximum financial exposure from these standby letters of credit of approximately $8.3 million , all of which is considered usage against the company's revolving credit facility. The company has no history of claims, nor is it aware of circumstances that would require it to perform under any of these arrangements and believes that the resolution of any claims that might arise in the future, either individually or in the aggregate, would not materially affect the company's financial statements . Accordingly, no liability has been recorded as of May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 .

Contingencies
The company leases a facility in the United Kingdom under an agreement that expired in June 2011 and the company is currently leasing the facility on a month to month basis. Under the terms of the lease, the company is required to perform the maintenance and repairs necessary to address the general dilapidation of the facility over the lease term. The ultimate cost of this provision to the company is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the future use of the facility by the lessor and whether the company chooses and is permitted to renew the lease term. The company has estimated the cost of these maintenance and repairs to be between $0.5 million and $1.5 million , depending on the outcome of future plans and negotiations. Based on existing circumstances, it is estimated that these costs will most likely approximate $1.2 million as of May 30, 2015 , and was estimated to be $1.5 million as of May 31, 2014 . As a result, these amounts have been recorded as a liability reflected under the caption “Accrued liabilities” for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The company is also involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such proceedings and litigation currently pending will not materially affect the company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

As of the end of fiscal 2015 , outstanding commitments for future purchase obligations approximated $42 million .

14. Operating Segments
Following the acquisition of DWR, the company realigned the composition of the reportable segments to reflect the new operational and management divisions of the business. As a result, the previously defined "Specialty and Consumer" structure was divided into two separate segments. Specialty includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of high-craft furniture products and textiles including Geiger wood products, Maharam textiles, and Herman Miller Collection products. The Consumer segment includes the operations associated with the sale of modern design furnishings and accessories to third party retail distributors, as well as direct to consumer sales through eCommerce and DWR studios. Prior year results have been revised to reflect this change. The North American and ELA segments were not affected by these changes.

The company's reportable segments consist of North American Furniture Solutions, ELA ("EMEA, Latin America, and Asia Pacific") Furniture Solutions, Specialty, and Consumer. The North American Furniture Solutions reportable segment includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of furniture products for work-related settings, including office, education, and healthcare environments, throughout the United States and Canada. ELA Furniture Solutions includes the operations associated with the design, manufacture, and sale of furniture products, primarily for work-related settings, in the EMEA, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific geographic regions.

The company also reports a “Corporate” category consisting primarily of unallocated corporate expenses including restructuring, impairment, acquisition-related costs, and other unallocated corporate costs.

- 74 -



The performance of the operating segments is evaluated by the company's management using various financial measures. The following is a summary of certain key financial measures for the respective fiscal years indicated:
(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
North American Furniture Solutions
 
$
1,241.9

 
$
1,216.3

 
$
1,221.9

ELA Furniture Solutions
 
409.9

 
392.2

 
377.3

Specialty
 
219.9

 
205.8

 
111.7

Consumer
 
270.5

 
67.7

 
64.0

Corporate
 

 

 

Total
 
$
2,142.2

 
$
1,882.0

 
$
1,774.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
North American Furniture Solutions
 
$
26.5

 
$
26.8

 
$
28.0

ELA Furniture Solutions
 
8.2

 
7.6

 
6.6

Specialty
 
7.4

 
6.8

 
2.1

Consumer
 
7.3

 
1.2

 
0.8

Corporate
 
0.4

 

 

Total
 
$
49.8

 
$
42.4

 
$
37.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Earnings (Losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
North American Furniture Solutions
 
$
125.2

 
$
(27.0
)
 
$
76.6

ELA Furniture Solutions
 
25.9

 
23.1

 
24.7

Specialty
 
13.5

 
(5.3
)
 
1.8

Consumer
 
14.7

 
9.9

 
13.6

Corporate
 
(15.9
)
 
(26.4
)
 
(1.8
)
Total
 
$
163.4

 
$
(25.7
)
 
$
114.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
North American Furniture Solutions
 
$
31.7

 
$
28.9

 
$
33.6

ELA Furniture Solutions
 
20.3

 
6.4

 
15.9

Specialty
 
3.7

 
5.5

 
0.7

Consumer
 
7.9

 

 

Corporate
 

 

 

Total
 
$
63.6

 
$
40.8

 
$
50.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
North American Furniture Solutions
 
$
500.0

 
$
457.0

 
$
427.8

ELA Furniture Solutions
 
235.4

 
244.8

 
250.9

Specialty
 
151.6

 
157.7

 
158.0

Consumer
 
231.8

 
18.8

 
16.3

Corporate
 
69.4

 
112.6

 
93.5

Total
 
$
1,188.2

 
$
990.9

 
$
946.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill:
 
 
 
 
 
 
North American Furniture Solutions
 
$
135.8

 
$
135.8

 
$
136.1

ELA Furniture Solutions
 
41.9

 
42.6

 
41.1

Specialty
 
49.8

 
49.8

 
49.8

Consumer
 
75.6

 

 

Corporate
 

 

 

Total
 
$
303.1

 
$
228.2

 
$
227.0





- 75 -



The accounting policies of the reportable operating segments are the same as those of the company. Additionally, the company employs a methodology for allocating corporate costs and assets with the underlying objective of this methodology being to allocate corporate costs according to the relative usage of the underlying resources and to allocate corporate assets according to the relative expected benefit. The majority of the allocations for corporate expenses are based on relative net sales. However, certain corporate costs, generally considered the result of isolated business decisions, are not subject to allocation and are evaluated separately from the rest of the regular ongoing business operations. For example, restructuring and impairment expenses that are reflected in operating earnings are allocated to the “Corporate” category. In addition, cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities are allocated to the “Corporate” category as the company views these as corporate assets.

The restructuring and asset impairment charges of $12.7 million , $26.5 million , and $1.2 million in fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively, are discussed in Note 16 of the Consolidated Financial Statements and were allocated to the “Corporate” category.

The company's product offerings consist primarily of office furniture systems, seating, freestanding furniture, storage and casegoods. These product offerings are marketed, distributed, and managed primarily as a group of similar products on an overall portfolio basis. The following is a summary of net sales estimated by product category for the respective fiscal years indicated.
(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net Sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Systems
 
$
563.4

 
$
571.6

 
$
572.9

Seating
 
805.5

 
658.2

 
609.8

Freestanding and storage
 
484.1

 
386.4

 
395.0

Other (1)
 
289.2

 
265.8

 
197.2

Total
 
$
2,142.2

 
$
1,882.0

 
$
1,774.9


(1) “Other” primarily consists of textiles or uncategorized product sales and service sales.
 
Sales by geographic area are based on the location of the customer. Long-lived assets consist of long-term assets of the company, excluding financial instruments, deferred tax assets, and long-term intangibles. The following is a summary of geographic information for the respective fiscal years indicated. Individual foreign country information is not provided as none of the individual foreign countries in which the company operates are considered material for separate disclosure based on quantitative and qualitative considerations.
(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net Sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
1,640.6

 
$
1,406.3

 
$
1,291.5

   International
 
501.6

 
475.7

 
483.4

Total
 
$
2,142.2

 
$
1,882.0

 
$
1,774.9


(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Long-lived assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
224.2

 
$
177.0

 
$
169.2

   International
 
53.8

 
35.4

 
29.8

Total
 
$
278.0

 
$
212.4

 
$
199.0


It is estimated that no single dealer accounted for more than 5 percent of t he company's net sales in the fiscal year ended May 30, 2015 . It is also estim ated that the largest single end-user customer, the U.S. federal government, accounted for approximately $97 million or 5 percent of the company's fiscal 2015 net sales. These sales are recorded within the North American Furniture Solutions reportable segment.

Approximately 14.1 percent of the company's employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, most of whom are employees of its Nemschoff, Herman Miller Ningbo, and Herman Miller Dongguan subsidiaries.


- 76 -



15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table provides an analysis of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended May 30, 2015 , May 31, 2014 and June 1, 2013 :
 
 
Year Ended
(In millions)
 
May 30, 2015
 
May 31, 2014
 
June 1, 2013
Cumulative translation adjustments at beginning of period
 
(11.1
)
 
(14.0
)
 
(13.0
)
Translation adjustments (net of tax of ($0.3, $ - and $ - )
 
(9.7
)
 
2.9

 
(1.0
)
Balance at end of period
 
(20.8
)
 
(11.1
)
 
(14.0
)
Pension and other post-retirement benefit plans at beginning of period
 
(26.8
)
 
(110.3
)
 
(127.6
)
Adjustments to pension and other post-retirement benefit plans (net of tax of ($2.6, $ - and $ - )
 
(10.0
)
 
(3.1
)
 
0.5

Reclassification to earnings - cost of sales (net of tax $ - , $(15.8), $(1.0))
 

 
27.6

 
1.8

Reclassification to earnings - operating expenses (net of tax $(0.4), $(35.1), $(7.8))
 
1.4

 
59.0

 
15.0

Balance at end of period
 
(35.4
)
 
(26.8
)
 
(110.3
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(56.2
)
 
(37.9
)
 
(124.3
)

16. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redeemable noncontrolling interests are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in mezzanine equity in “Redeemable noncontrolling interests.” The company recognizes changes to the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests as they occur and adjusts the carrying value to equal the redemption value at the end of each reporting period accordingly. The redemption amounts have been estimated based on the fair value of the subsidiary, determined based on a weighting of the discounted cash flow and market methods. This represents a level 3 fair value measurement.

Changes in the company’s Redeemable noncontrolling interests for the year ended May 30, 2015 are as follows:
(In millions)
 
 
Balance at May 31, 2014
 
$

Increase due to business combinations
 
25.7

Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
0.5

Exercised options
 
0.7

Contributions by noncontrolling interests
 
0.2

Redemption value adjustment
 
3.3

Balance at May 30, 2015
 
$
30.4


17. Restructuring and Impairment Activities

2015 Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The company recognized asset impairment expenses totaling $10.8 million associated with the POSH trade name for the fiscal year 2015. Although profitability associated with the POSH Trade Name increased as compared to the prior year, forecasts developed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 indicated that forecasts of revenue and profitability no longer supported the value of the trade name intangible asset.

The company also recognized restructuring expenses of $1.9 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 related to targeted workforce reductions within the North American segment. These actions resulted in the recognition of restructuring expenses related to severance and outplacement costs.

2014 Restructuring and Impairment Charges
The company recognized asset impairment expense totaling $21.4 million associated with the Nemschoff and POSH trade names for the fiscal year 2014. The company also recognized restructuring expense of $1.1 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2014. This restructuring was related to actions taken to improve the efficiency of the North American sales and distribution channel and Geiger manufacturing operations. These actions focused primarily on targeted workforce reductions.

- 77 -




Due to the acquisition of a manufacturing and distribution operation in Dongguan, China in the second quarter of 2014, the company has decided not to pursue the construction of a new manufacturing and distribution facility on property that it previously acquired in Ningbo, China. In connection with this decision, the company evaluated the fair value of this property and recorded an asset impairment of $4.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2014. This impairment charge was recorded to the "Restructuring and impairment expenses" line item within the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The impairment charge is included within the "Corporate" category within the segment reporting.

These charges have been reflected separately as "Restructuring and impairment expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The impairment and restructuring charges described above are recorded in the "Restructuring and impairment expenses" line in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and are included in the "Corporate" category within the segment reporting within Note 14 .

18. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Set forth below is a summary of the quarterly operating results on a consolidated basis for the years ended May 30, 2015 , May 31, 2014 , and June 1, 2013 .
(In millions, except per share data)
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter
2015
Net sales
$
509.7

 
$
565.4

 
$
516.4

 
$
550.7

 
Gross margin
185.6

 
205.7

 
190.5

 
209.6

 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Herman Miller, Inc. (1)
25.2

 
27.8

 
21.0

 
23.4

 
Earnings (loss) per share-basic
0.43

 
0.47

 
0.35

 
0.39

 
Earnings (loss) per share-diluted
0.42

 
0.46

 
0.35

 
0.39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
Net sales
$
468.1

 
$
470.5

 
$
455.9

 
$
487.5

 
Gross Margin (1)
170.0

 
118.9

 
162.9

 
179.1

 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Herman Miller, Inc.
22.5

 
(80.6
)
 
19.4

 
16.6

 
Earnings per share-basic (1)
0.38

 
(1.37
)
 
0.33

 
0.28

 
Earnings per share-diluted (1)
0.38

 
(1.37
)
 
0.33

 
0.28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013
Net sales (1)
$
449.7

 
$
441.8

 
$
423.5

 
$
460.0

 
Gross margin
149.7

 
148.5

 
144.4

 
162.6

 
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Herman Miller, Inc. (1)
20.0

 
8.4

 
16.5

 
23.4

 
Earnings per share-basic (1)
0.34

 
0.14

 
0.28

 
0.40

 
Earnings per share-diluted
0.34

 
0.14

 
0.28

 
0.40

(1) The sum of the quarters does not equal the annual balance reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income due to rounding associated with the calculations on an individual quarter basis.

- 78 -



Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Herman Miller, Inc.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The internal control over financial reporting at Herman Miller, Inc., is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our stakeholders that the financial statements of the company fairly represent its financial condition and results of operations.

Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time.

The company acquired Design Within Reach, Inc. ("DWR") during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 (see Note 2 - Acquisitions and Divestitures for additional information). As permitted by Securities and Exchange Commission staff interpretive guidance for newly acquired businesses, management excluded DWR from its evaluation of internal control over financial reporting as of May 30, 2015, other than goodwill and intangible asset controls that have been incorporated into the company's existing control environment. The company is in the process of documenting and testing DWR's internal controls over financial reporting. The company will incorporate DWR into its annual report on internal control over financial reporting for its fiscal year ended 2016. Assets excluded from management's assessment totaled $96.1 million as of May 30, 2015 and $217.0 million of net sales and $2.9 million of net income for the fiscal year ending May 30, 2015.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of May 30, 2015 , based on the original framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013 Framework) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, our management believes the company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of May 30, 2015 .

Ernst & Young LLP has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, which is included herein.


/s/ Brian C. Walker
Brian C. Walker
Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Jeffrey M. Stutz
Jeffrey M. Stutz
Chief Financial Officer



- 79 -



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Herman Miller, Inc.

We have audited Herman Miller, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of May 30, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Herman Miller, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Design Within Reach Inc., which is included in the fiscal 2015 consolidated financial statements of Herman Miller, Inc. and constituted $96.1 million of total assets as of May 30, 2015 and $217.0 million and $2.9 million of revenues and net income, respectively, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Herman Miller, Inc. also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Design Within Reach, Inc.

In our opinion, Herman Miller, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of May 30, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the fiscal 2015 consolidated financial statements of Herman Miller, Inc., and our report dated July 28, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.



/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Grand Rapids, Michigan    
July 28, 2015


- 80 -



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statements
 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Herman Miller, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Herman Miller, Inc. as of May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 , and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended May 30, 2015 . These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Herman Miller, Inc. at May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014 , and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 30, 2015 , in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Herman Miller, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of May 30, 2015 , based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated July 28, 2015 expressed unqualified opinion thereon.



/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Grand Rapids, Michigan    
July 28, 2015


- 81 -



Item 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

None

Item 9A CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)
Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  Under the supervision and with the participation of management, the company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of May 31, 2014, and have concluded that as of that date, the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
(b)
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.  Refer to Item 8 for “Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.” The effectiveness of the company's internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Ernst and Young LLP, an independent registered accounting firm, as stated in its report included in Item 8.
(c)
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  The company acquired DWR during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 (see Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). As permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission Staff interpretive guidance for newly acquired businesses, management excluded DWR from its evaluation of internal control over financial reporting as of May 30, 2015. The company is in the process of documenting and testing DWR's internal controls over financial reporting. The company will incorporate DWR into its annual report on internal control over financial reporting for fiscal year 2016. As of May 30, 2015 assets excluded from management's assessment totaled $96.1 million. For fiscal year 2015 net sales of $217.0 million and $2.9 million of net income were excluded from management's assessment.

Item 9B OTHER INFORMATION

None


- 82 -



PART III

Item 10 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons
Information relating to directors and director nominees of the registrant is contained under the caption “Director and Executive Officer Information” in the company's definitive Proxy Statement, relating to the company's 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and the information within that section is incorporated by reference. Information relating to Executive Officers of the company is included in Part I hereof entitled “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
Information relating to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is contained under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the company's definitive Proxy Statement, relating to the company's 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and the information within that section is incorporated by reference.

Code of Ethics
The company has adopted a Code of Conduct that serves as the code of ethics for the executive officers and senior financial officers and as the code of business conduct for all directors and employees of the registrant. This code is made available free of charge through the “Investors” section of the company's internet website at www.hermanmiller.com . Any amendments to, or waivers from, a provision of this code also will be posted to the company's internet website.

Corporate Governance
Information relating to the identification of the audit committee, audit committee financial expert, and director nomination procedures of the registrant is contained under the captions “Board Committees” and “Corporate Governance and Board Matters — Director Nominations” in the company's definitive Proxy Statement, relating to the company's 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and the information within these sections is incorporated by reference.

Item 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information relating to management remuneration is contained under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Summary Compensation Table,” “Grants of Plan-Based Awards,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End,” “Option Exercises and Stock Vested,” “Pension Benefits,” “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation,” “Potential Payments Upon Termination, Death, Disability, Retirement or Change in Control,” “Director Compensation,” “Director Compensation Table,” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the company's definitive Proxy Statement, relating to the company's 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and the information within these sections is incorporated by reference. The information under the caption “Compensation Committee Report” is incorporated by reference, however, such information is not deemed filed with the Commission.

Item 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The sections entitled “Voting Securities and Principal Stockholders,” “Director and Executive Officer Information,” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the definitive Proxy Statement, relating to the company's 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and the information within these sections is incorporated by reference.

Item 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions contained under the captions “Related Person Transactions,” and “Corporate Governance and Board Matters — Determination of Independence of Board Members” in the definitive Proxy Statement, relating to the company's 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the information within these sections is incorporated by reference.

Item 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information concerning the payments to our principal accountants and the services provided by our principal accounting firm set forth under the caption “Disclosure of Fees Paid to Independent Auditors” in the Definitive Proxy Statement, relating to the company's 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and the information within that section is incorporated by reference.

- 83 -



PART IV

Item 15 EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

(a)
The following documents are filed as a part of this report:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of the company are included in this Form 10-K on the pages noted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page Number in
this Form 10-K
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
2.
Financial Statement Schedule
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following financial statement schedule and related Report of Independent Public Accountants on the Financial Statement Schedule are included in this Form 10-K on the pages noted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page Number in
this Form 10-K
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule II-
Valuation and  Qualifying Accounts and Reserves for the Years Ended May 30, 2015, May 31, 2014, and June 1, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
All other schedules required by Form 10-K Annual Report have been omitted because they were not applicable, included in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, or otherwise not required under instructions contained in Regulation S-X.
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reference is made to the Exhibit Index which is included on pages 88-90.
 
 
 
 
 
 


- 84 -



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

HERMAN MILLER, INC.

 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Jeffrey M. Stutz
 
 
 
 
 
By
Jeffrey M. Stutz
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Signatory for Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 

Date:      July 28, 2015             
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on, July 28, 2015 by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities indicated. Each Director of the Registrant, whose signature appears below, hereby appoints Brian C. Walker as his attorney-in-fact, to sign in his or her name and on his or her behalf, as a Director of the Registrant, and to file with the Commission any and all amendments to this Report on Form 10-K.

 
/s/ Michael A. Volkema
 
/s/ Lisa Kro
 
 
Michael A. Volkema
(Chairman of the Board)
 
Lisa Kro
(Director)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ David O. Ulrich
 
/s/ Mary Vermeer Andringa
 
 
David O. Ulrich
(Director)
 
Mary Vermeer Andringa
(Director)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Dorothy A. Terrell
 
/s/ John R. Hoke III
 
 
Dorothy A. Terrell
(Director)
 
John R. Hoke III
(Director)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ David A. Brandon
 
/s/ J. Barry Griswell
 
 
David A. Brandon
(Director)
 
J. Barry Griswell
(Director)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Douglas D. French
 
/s/ Brian C. Walker
 
 
Douglas D. French
(Director)
 
Brian C. Walker
(President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Heidi Manheimer
 
/s/ Jeffrey M. Stutz
 
 
Heidi Manheimer
(Director)
 
Jeffrey M. Stutz
(Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 

- 85 -



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Herman Miller, Inc.

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Herman Miller, Inc. as of May 30, 2015 and May 31, 2014, and for each of the three years in the period ended May 30, 2015 , and have issued our report thereon dated July 28, 2015 (included elsewhere in this Form 10K). Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K. This schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these schedules based on our audits.

In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.




/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Grand Rapids, Michigan
July 28, 2015


- 86 -



SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In millions)

Column A
Column B
 
Column C
 
Column D
 
Column E
Description
Balance at beginning of period
 
Charges to expenses or net sales
 
Deductions (3)
 
Balance at end of period
Year ended May 30, 2015:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable allowances — uncollectible accounts (1)
$
3.4

 
$
0.9

 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
2.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable allowances — credit memo (2)
$
0.6

 
$

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
0.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for possible losses on notes receivable
$
0.1

 
$
0.9

 
$

 
$
1.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax asset
$
8.5

 
$
(0.6
)
 
$
3.2

 
$
11.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended May 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable allowances — uncollectible accounts (1)
$
3.9

 
$
1.0

 
$
(1.5
)
 
$
3.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable allowances — credit memo (2)
$
0.5

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
$
0.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for possible losses on notes receivable
$
0.2

 
$

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
0.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax asset
$
9.9

 
$
(1.8
)
 
$
0.4

 
$
8.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 1, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable allowances — uncollectible accounts (1)
$
4.1

 
$
0.4

 
$
(0.6
)
 
$
3.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable allowances — credit memo  (2)
$
0.3

 
$
0.2

 
$

 
$
0.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for possible losses on notes receivable
$
0.2

 
$

 
$

 
$
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valuation allowance for deferred tax asset
$
10.3

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
0.1

 
$
9.9

(1) Activity under the “Charges to expense or net sales” column are recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses.
(2) Activity under the “Charges to expenses or net sales” column are recorded within net sales.
(3) Represents amounts written off, net of recoveries and other adjustments. Includes effects of foreign translation.

- 87 -



EXHIBIT INDEX

 
(3)
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Restated Articles of Incorporation, dated October 4, 2013, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(a) of Registrant's 2014 Form 10-K Annual Report.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)
Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated July 13, 2015, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3 of the Registrant's Form 8-K dated July 17, 2015.
 
(4)
Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Specimen copy of Herman Miller, Inc., common stock is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4(a) of Registrant's 1981 Form 10-K Annual Report.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)
Other instruments which define the rights of holders of long-term debt individually represent debt of less than 10% of total assets. In accordance with item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) of regulation S-K, the Registrant agrees to furnish to the Commission copies of such agreements upon request.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c)
Dividend Reinvestment Plan for Shareholders of Herman Miller, Inc., dated January 6, 1997, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4(d) of the Registrant's 1997 Form 10-K Annual Report.
 
(10)
Material Contracts
 
 
(a)
Herman Miller, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan is incorporated by reference from Appendix I of the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement dated August 26, 2014, as amended, filed with the Commission as of August 36, 2014. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(b)
Herman Miller, Inc. Amended and Restated Nonemployee Officer and Director Deferred Compensation Stock Purchase Plan, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 3, 2011. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(c)
Form of Change in Control Agreement of the Registrant, is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Form 10-K dated July 26, 2011.
 
 
(d)
Herman Miller, Inc. Executive Equalization Retirement Plan. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(e)
Herman Miller, Inc. Executive Incentive Cash Bonus Plan dated April 24, 2006 is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter ended September 3, 2011. (1)


- 88 -



 
 
(f)
Form of Herman Miller, Inc., Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Option Agreement is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 of the Registrant's Form 8-K dated July 23, 2012. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(g)
Form of Herman Miller, Inc., Long-Term Incentive Restricted Stock Unit Award is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.2 of the Registrant's Form 8-K dated July 23, 2012. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(h)
Form of Herman Miller, Inc., Long-Term Incentive Performance Stock Unit EBITDA Award is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.3 of the Registrant's Form 8-K dated July 23, 2012. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(i)
Third Amended and Restated Credit agreement dated as of July 21, 2014 among Herman Miller, Inc. and various lenders is incorporated by reference from 10.1 of the Registrant's Form 8-K dated July 22, 2014.
 
 
 
 
 
 
(j)
Form of Herman Miller, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan Performance Share Unit Award is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(a) of the Registrant's Form 10-Q dated October 8, 2014. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(k)
Employment Agreement between John Edelman and Design Within Reach is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(b) of the Registrant's Form 10-Q dated October 8, 2014. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(l)
Employment Agreement between John McPhee and Design Within Reach is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(c) of the Registrant's Form 10-Q dated October 8, 2014. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(m)
Stockholders' Agreement between HM Springboard, Inc., Herman Miller, Inc., John Edelman, and John McPhee is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(d) of the Registrant's Form 10-Q dated October 8, 2014. (1)(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(n)
HM Springboard, Inc. Stock Option Plan is incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10(e) of the Registrant's Form 10-Q dated October 8, 2014. (1)(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(o)
Termination and Mutual Release Agreement between Curtis Pullen and Herman Miller, Inc., dated April 14, 2015. (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(p)
Form of Herman Miller, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan Conditional Stock Option Award. (1)
 
(21)
Subsidiaries

 
(23)(a)
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 
(24)
Power of Attorney (Included in Item 15)

 
(31)(a)
Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of Herman Miller, Inc., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
(31)(b)
Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Herman Miller, Inc., pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
(32)(a)
Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of Herman Miller, Inc., pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


- 89 -



 
(32)(b)
Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Herman Miller, Inc., pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document (2)

 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (2)

 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (2)

 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (2)

 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (2)

 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (2)

(1) Denotes compensatory plan or arrangement.
(2) In accordance with Regulation S-T, the XBRL-related information in Exhibit 101 shall be deemed “furnished” and not “filed” under sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and/or under section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
(3) Subsequent to the agreement, the legal name of the company was changed from HM Springboard, Inc. to Herman Miller Consumer Holdings, Inc.

- 90 -













THE HERMAN MILLER, INC.

EXECUTIVE EQUALIZATION RETIREMENT PLAN










TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
1

ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
1

2.1
Definitions
1

2.2
Construction
4

ARTICLE III
PARTICIPATION
4

ARTICLE IV
CONTRIBUTION CREDITS
4

4.1
Contribution Credits
4

4.2
Retirement Savings Agreements
5

4.3
Reemployed Veterans
5

ARTICLE V
ALLOCATIONS TO PARTICIPANT ACCOUNTS
6

5.1
Individual Accounts
6

5.2
Account Adjustments
6

ARTICLE VI
PAYMENTS FROM PLAN
7

6.1
Election of Participant
8

6.2
Payment of amounts that are not Covered by Participant's Election
8

6.3
Payments Upon Death
8

6.4
Hardship Distributions
9

6.5
Distributions Pursuant to Domestic Relations Orders
9

6.6
Designation of Beneficiary
9

6.7
Payment Upon Change in Control
10

ARTICLE VII
DEFERRED COMPENSATION FUND
12

ARTICLE VIII
ADMINISTRATION
12

8.1
Administrator
12

8.2
Indemnification
12

8.3
Records and Reports
12

8.4
Appointments of Committee
12

8.5
Claims Procedures
13

8.6
Rules and Decisions
14

8.7
Committee Procedures
14

8.8
Authorization of Benefit Payments
14

8.9
Application and Forms for Benefits
14

8.10
Facility of Payment
15

ARTICLE IX
INDIVIDUAL INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS
15

9.1
Investment of Individual Accounts
15

9.2
Procedures for Investments
15

ARTICLE X
PAYMENT OF TAXES
15















ARTCILE XI
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT
16

11.1

Amendments
16

11.2

Termination
16

ARTICLE XII
NONALIENATION OF BENEFITS AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDERS
16

12.1

Nonalienation of Benefits
16

12.2

Procedure for Domestic Relations Orders
16

ARTCILE XIII
MISCELLAENOUS
17

13.1

Status of Participants
17

13.2

No Interest in Company Affairs
17

13.3

Litigation
17

13.4

Governing Law
18

13.5

Separability of Provisions
18








THE HERMAN MILLER, INC.

EXECUTIVE EQUALIZATION RETIREMENT PLAN


This Plan is adopted by Herman Miller, Inc., a Michigan corporation, on behalf of itself and certain of its subsidiary corporations, all of whom will be referred to collectively as the "Company."

ARTICLE I
PURPOSE

The Company is adopting this Plan effective January 1, 2008 to provide an additional retirement program for certain of its management and other highly compensated employees. This Plan is intended to be a "top hat" plan that will be exempt from the requirements of Parts 2, 3 and 4 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA, and is not intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code.

ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

2.1   Definitions The following words and phrases, when used in this Agreement, will have the following meanings:

(a)     Accounts : The accounts maintained to record a participant's share of contributions to the Plan and allocation of income with respect to these contributions. The following separate accounts will be maintained for each participant:

(1)     Cash Balance Account : The account maintained to record the participant's share of the Company's contributions that are made to supplement the contributions made pursuant to the Company's Retirement Income Plan and allocations of income with respect to this account;

(2)     Profit Sharing Account : The account maintained to record the participant's share of the Company's contributions that are made to supplement the Company's discretionary contributions to the Company's Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan and allocations of income with respect to these contributions;

(3)     Retirement Savings Account : The account maintained to record the participant's voluntary retirement savings contributions and allocations of income with respect to these contributions.

(4)     Matching Account : The account maintained to record the participant's share of the Company's matching contributions and allocations of income with respect to these contributions.

(b)   Beneficiary : A person or persons, natural or otherwise, designated in accordance with the Plan to receive any death benefit payable under this Plan.

(c)       Code : The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

(d)       Committee : The persons appointed to assist the Company in administering the Plan.

(e)       Company : Herman Miller, Inc., a Michigan corporation, and any subsidiary of Herman Miller, Inc. who, with the consent of Herman Miller, Inc., has elected to adopt this Plan for the benefit of its employees.

(f)     Compensation : The total of all amounts paid to a participant during the plan year by the Company that is reportable in Box 1 of IRS Form W-2, adjusted by:

(1)    Adding the amount of any elective contributions made for the participant to this Plan and plans maintained pursuant to Code Sections 125, 132(f), and 401(k); and

(2)    Subtracting the following amounts:

(A)    Amounts paid before a participant became a participant; and






(B)    Amounts paid as signing bonuses, reimbursements of moving expenses or other expense allowance, severance pay, and miscellaneous earnings such as income from the exercise of stock options.

(g)       ERISA : Public Law No. 93-406, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

(h)     Excess Compensation: Compensation for a participant for a plan year that is in excess of the limit on compensation imposed by Code Section 401(a)(17).
(i)     Fiscal year : The fiscal year of the Company which is the period of 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday nearest the end of May and commencing for the next year on the following Sunday.

(j)      Fund : The fund known as the Herman Miller, Inc. Executive Equalization Retirement Fund and maintained in accordance with the terms of this Plan.

(k)      Key employee : An employee or former employee who during the plan year was any of the following:

(1) an officer of the Company whose compensation from the     Company for the year was more than $130,000, as adjusted pursuant     to Code Section 416(i);

(2) a more than 5% owner of the Company; or

(3) A more than 1% owner of the Company whose annual     compensation from the Company was more than $150,000.

The terms used in this definition are as defined in Code Section     416(i)(1). The adjusted compensation for subsection (1) for 2007 is     $145,000.

(l)       Participant : An employee participating in the Plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.1 or a former employee who has an account balance in the Plan.

(m)       Plan : The Herman Miller, Inc. Executive Equalization Retirement Plan as set forth in this document and any later amendments.

(n)       Plan year : The “fiscal year” of the Plan which will be the period of twelve consecutive months ending on December 31 of every year.

(o)     Qualified Plans : The Herman Miller, Inc. Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan and the Herman Miller, Inc. Retirement Income Plan, both of which are intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 401(a).

(p)     Reemployed Veteran : A participant or former participant who returns from a leave of absence for military service during the period in which reemployment rights are protected by federal law.

2.2   Construction The masculine gender is used occasionally in this document for purposes of simplicity and will be interpreted to include the feminine gender. Plural pronouns are also used and will be interpreted to include the singular.


ARTICLE III
PARTICIPATION

Participation in the Plan will be limited to a select group of management or highly compensated employees who are designated by the executive compensation committee of the board of directors of the Company. Employees will become participants in the Plan on the first day of the next plan year after being designated by the committee.








ARTICLE IV
CONTRIBUTION

4.1   Types of Contributions

(a)        Retirement Savings . After the end of each payroll period, the Company will contribute to the fund as retirement savings contributions the total amount by which participants’ compensation for the period has been reduced pursuant to retirement savings agreements.


(b)       Matching . The Company will contribute to the fund as matching contributions the amount determined by applying the matching contribution formula adopted by the Company for the plan year to the amount of each participant’s retirement savings contributions to this Plan for the year.

(c)     Cash Balance . The Company will contribute to the fund as cash balance contributions for each plan year an amount equal to 4% of each participant's excess compensation for the plan year.

(d)     Profit Sharing . The Company will contribute to the fund as a profit sharing contribution for each plan year the amount determined by the executive compensation committee of the Company's board of directors.

4.2   Retirement Savings Agreements A participant may enter into a written retirement savings agreement with the Company. The retirement savings agreement will provide that the participant will accept a reduction in salary and/or bonuses from the Company and the Company will make a retirement savings contribution for the plan year in the amount of the agreed reduction

The retirement savings agreements will be administered in accordance with the following rules:

(a)      A participant’s initial retirement savings agreement will apply to payroll periods beginning after it is accepted by the Company if the agreement is filed with the Company within 30 days after the participant becomes eligible. If the initial agreement is not filed with the Company within 30 days after the participant becomes eligible, then it will apply to compensation earned in the plan year after the plan year in which the agreement is filed with the Company;

(b)      A retirement savings agreement may be amended by a participant once a year and the amendment will be effective on the first day of the next plan year beginning after the year in which the amendment has been filed with the Company; and

(c)      The maximum amount that a participant may contribute pursuant to a retirement savings agreement will be 50% of the participant's salary for the year and 100% of the participant's bonus for the year.

4.3     Reemployed Veterans . Reemployed veterans will be eligible for profit sharing and cash balance contributions for the period of their military service. The amount of the contributions will be based on the compensation the reemployed veterans would have received if they had remained in the employ of the Company and, if this cannot be determined with reasonable certainty, then on the basis of the average amount earned each month during the 12-month period immediately preceding the period of military service.

Reemployed veterans may also make retirement savings contributions for the period of their military service and will be eligible for matching contributions determined by applying the matching formula for the plan year in question to the participant's makeup retirement savings contributions for the period.

The Company's make-up profit sharing and cash balance contributions will be made as of the end of the plan year in which the reemployed veteran returns to employment with the Company after the period of military service. Reemployed veterans may make their make-up retirement savings contributions during the period that begins on their reemployment date and ends five years thereafter. The Company will make make-up matching contributions as of the end of each plan year in which the reemployed veteran has made make-up retirement savings contributions.







ARTICLE V
ALLOCATIONS TO PARTICIPANT ACCOUNTS

5.1   Individual Accounts The Company will create and maintain adequate records to disclose the interest in the Plan of each participant and beneficiary. The records will be in the form of individual accounts to reflect each participant’s cash balance, profit sharing, retirement savings and matching contributions, and income with respect to these contributions. Credits and charges will be made to each account in accordance with the provisions of this Plan. Distributions and withdrawals will be charged to the account as of the date paid.

5.2   Account Adjustments The accounts of participants and beneficiaries will be adjusted in accordance with the following:

(a)   Income . The “income” of the fund will mean the net income or loss from investments, including realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities and other investment transactions, less expenses paid from the fund. All assets of the fund will be valued at their fair market value in determining unrealized gains and losses. If any assets of the fund are segregated for any purpose, the income from the segregated assets will not be included in account adjustments under this Subsection (a).

The income of the fund will be determined and allocated to accounts in accordance with the rules established by the Company.

(b)   Retirement Savings . After the end of each payroll period, retirement savings contributions will be credited to the accounts of participants in amounts equal to the amounts by which their salaries and bonuses were reduced during the period pursuant to retirement savings agreements.

(c)   Matching Contributions . As soon as administratively feasible after the end of each plan year, matching contributions will be credited to the accounts of participants who made retirement savings contributions and are employed by the Company on the last day of the plan year. The matching contributions will be equal to 50% of the participant's retirement savings contributions until the matching contributions bring the total Company contributions for the participant to this Plan and the qualified plans up to the "target maximum percentage" of the participant's compensation for the plan year.

The target maximum percentage is the maximum percentage of compensation that the Company contributed for the fiscal year ending during the plan year to the accounts in the qualified plans of participants who are not highly compensated employees. For purposes of these percentages, the "pay credits" that are credited to the cash balances of participants in the Herman Miller, Inc. Retirement Income Plan will be treated as contributions rather than hypothetical credits.

(d)     Cash Balance Contributions . As soon as administratively feasible after the end of each plan year, cash balance contributions will be credited to the accounts of participants who are employed by the Company on the last day of the plan year in an amount equal to 4% of the participant's excess compensation for the plan year.

(e)     Profit Sharing Contributions . As soon as administratively feasible after the end of each plan year, the Company's profit sharing contribution for the year will be credited to the accounts of participants who are in the employ of the Company on the last day of the fiscal year ending during the plan year in accordance with the ratio of each participant's excess compensation for the plan year to the total excess compensation of all eligible participants for the year. For purposes of this allocation, the term "compensation" will mean compensation as defined in Section 2.1, but reduced by the amount of any EVA bonuses, executive incentive pay, worker's compensation benefits, short-term disability benefits, or automobile accident disability benefits paid to the participant.


ARTICLE VI
PAYMENTS FROM PLAN

6.1      Election of Participant . Participants may specify the date on which payments will begin to be made from the Plan and the form of the payments (single lump sum payment or installments in specified amounts) by filing an election concerning the payment schedule with the Company prior to the year in which the income is deferred pursuant to this Plan. If a payment election is filed, payment of the amounts subject to the election will be made in accordance with the election.

If a participant has filed an election concerning payment, the participant may change the election and defer the starting date of the payments to a date that is not less than five (5) years after the date on which the first payment would otherwise have been made under the





election, but the change in election may not take effect until at least 12 months after the date on which the election is filed with the Company and may not be made less than 12 months prior to the date of the first payment that would have been made under the prior election.

6.2     Payment of Amounts that are not Covered by a Participant's Election . If a participant fails to file an election with respect to payments or the participant's elections do not cover all amounts in the participant's accounts, the balance in the accounts will be paid after the participant's employment terminates and until the death of the participant in accordance with the following:

(a)       Commencement Date . Benefit payments to participants other than key employees will begin as soon as administratively feasible after the end of the calendar year in which the participant's employment terminates, but not later than March 30 of the following year.

Benefit payments to participants who are key employees will begin as soon as administratively feasible after the end of the year in which the participant's employment terminates or six (6) months after the participant's employment terminates, whichever is later.

(b)       Form of Payment . Payments will be made in annual installments over a period of not more than five (5) years. Each installment will be equal to the greater of the following:

(1)    $100,000 or the balance in the participant's accounts, whichever amount is smaller; or

(2)    One-fifth (1/5) of the amount in the participant's accounts in the first installment, one-quarter (1/4) of the amount in the participant's accounts in the second installment, one-third (1/3) of the amount in the participant's accounts in the third installment, one-half (1/2) of the amount in the participant's accounts in the fourth installment, and the remaining balance in the accounts in the fifth installment.

The first installment will be paid in accordance with (a) and each subsequent installment will be paid on the 15th day of January of the following year.

6.3     Payments Upon Death. Upon the death of a participant, the entire amount in the participant's accounts will be paid to the participant's beneficiaries as follows:

(a)    Amounts that are subject to an election filed by the participant in accordance with Section 6.1 will be made in accordance with the election; and

(b)    Amounts that are not subject to an election filed by the participant will be paid in a single lump sum payment as soon as administratively feasible after the date of the participant's death.

6.4       Hardship Distributions The committee may permit a participant to make a withdrawal if the withdrawal is necessary to enable the participant to address an unforeseeable financial emergency and the amount necessary to meet the need is not reasonably available to the participant from other financial resources.

The amount of any such hardship withdrawal may not exceed the amount required to correct the hardship. If a participant is permitted to make a hardship withdrawal from the trust, any retirement savings agreement outstanding between the participant and the Company will be revoked at the time of the hardship withdrawal and may not be reinstated until the beginning of the next year.

6.5       Distributions Pursuant to Domestic Relations Orders Benefits payable to an alternate payee pursuant to a domestic relations order will be paid to the alternate payee as soon as possible after application for payment has been made by the alternate payee.

6.6       Designation of Beneficiary If a participant or former participant dies before receipt of all plan benefits, the balance of the participant's accounts will be paid to the participant's beneficiary. A participant may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries; provided, however, that if the participant has been married to the participant's spouse for at least one (1) year at the time of death, the beneficiary will be the surviving spouse unless the participant, with the consent of the spouse, has designated another person to be the beneficiary of the death benefits.

If the consent of the spouse is required, the consent must be in writing and must acknowledge that the spouse understood the effect of giving the consent. The consent form must be executed in the presence of a representative of the Company or witnessed by a notary public.






Each beneficiary designation will be on a form prescribed by the committee and will be effective only when filed with the committee during the participant’s lifetime. Each beneficiary designation filed with the committee will cancel all beneficiary designations previously filed. If any participant fails to designate a beneficiary, or if the beneficiary dies before the participant, the Trustee will distribute the benefits to the participant’s spouse if surviving and if not to the participant’s estate.

6.7     Payments Upon Change in Control. Upon a "change in control" of the Company, the balance in each participant's accounts will be paid to the participant in a single lump sum payment within 45 days after the change in control, regardless of whether the participant's employment terminates as a result of the change in control. For purposes of this Plan, the term "change in control" will mean a "Change in Ownership," a "Change in Effective Control," or "Change in Ownership of the Company's Assets" as defined below.

(a) A "Change in Ownership" occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as such term is described in subsection (d), acquires ownership of stock of the Company that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, subject to the following:

(i) If any one person, or more than one person acting as a group is considered to own more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Company, the acquisition of additional stock in the Company by the same person or persons is not considered to cause a Change in Ownership (or to cause a Change in Effective Control under subsection (b); and

(ii) An increase in the percentage of stock owned by any one person, or persons acting as a group as a result of a transaction in which the Company acquired stock in exchange for property will be treated as an acquisition of stock for purposes of this subsection (a).

This subsection (a) shall apply only when there is a transfer of stock of the Company (or issuance of stock of the Company), and stock in the Company remains outstanding after the transaction.

(b) A "Change in Effective Control" of the Company occurs on the date that either:

(i) Any one person, or more than one person acting as a group acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 35 percent or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Company, or

(ii) A majority of the members of the board of directors of the Company is replaced during any 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the board prior to the date of the appointment or election.

(c) A "Change in the Ownership of the Company's Assets" occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Company that have a total "gross fair market value" equal to or more than 40 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Company immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions.

(i) "Gross fair market value" means the value of the assets of the Company, or the value of assets being disposed of, determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.

(ii) There is no Change in the Ownership of the Company's Assets when there is a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the Company immediately after the transfer. A transfer of assets by the Company is not treated as a Change in the Ownership of the Company's Assets if the assets are transferred to:

(A) A shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to its stock;


(B) An entity, 50 percent or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company;

(C) A person, or more than one person acting as a group that owns, directly or indirectly, at least 50 percent of the total fair market value or voting power of all the outstanding stock of the Company; or






(D) An entity, 50 percent or more of the total value or voting power of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by a person described in subparagraph (C).

Except as otherwise provided, for purposes of this Paragraph (ii), a person's status is determined immediately after the transfer of assets.

(d) For purposes of subsections (a), (b) and (c), persons will not be considered to be acting as a group solely because they purchase or own stock or purchase assets of the same corporation at the same time, or as a result of the same public offering. However, persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase, acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Company. If a person, including an entity, owns stock in both corporations that enter into a merger, consolidation, purchase, acquisition of stock, or similar transaction, the person will be considered to be acting as a group with other shareholders in a corporation only with respect to the ownership in that corporation prior to the transaction giving rise to the change and not with respect to the ownership interest in the other corporation.

ARTICLE VII
DEFERRED COMPENSATION FUND

The Company will establish a deferred compensation fund for the amounts to be credited under this Plan. The Company will be the owner of the fund and may invest the assets of the fund with the other assets of the Company, or may invest the assets in a separate account or accounts as determined by the Company.

The Company may establish a trust for the fund and transfer the assets of the fund to the trust, but the assets of the trust will remain subject to the claims of the creditors of the Company.

ARTICLE VIII
ADMINISTRATION

8.1   Administrator The Company will be the plan administrator for this Plan and will be responsible for the proper administration of this Plan. The Company will have the responsibility and discretionary authority for interpreting the terms of the Plan, and for determining eligibility for participation and benefits under the Plan.

8.2   Indemnification The Company will indemnify the members of the committee and any other employees of the Company who are deemed fiduciaries, and hold them harmless, against any and all liabilities, including legal fees and expenses, arising out of any act or omission made or suffered in good faith pursuant to the provisions of the Plan, or arising out of any failure to discharge any fiduciary obligation other than a willful failure to discharge an obligation of which the person was aware.

8.3   Records and Reports The Company will comply with ERISA with regard to records of participant’s service, account balances, notifications to participants, and any notices or reports that are required to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, or any other agency of the federal government.

8.4   Appointment of Committee The Company may appoint a committee to assist in the administration of the Plan. The committee will consist of as many persons as may be appointed by the Company and will serve at the pleasure of the Company. All usual and reasonable expenses of the committee will be paid by the Company. If a committee is not appointed, all duties assigned to the committee in this Plan will be performed by the Company.

8.5   Claims Procedure The Company will make all determinations regarding benefits based on its interpretation of the terms of the Plan. The Company will notify the participant or beneficiary (“claimant”) in writing if any claim for benefits is denied. The notice of the adverse benefit determination will be sent to the claimant within 90 days after receipt of the claim for benefits unless the Company determines that special circumstances require an extension of time of up to 90 days for processing the claim. If additional time is needed, the Company will notify the claimant of the special circumstances requiring the extension of time and the date by which the determination will be made. The notice will explain the reasons for the adverse determination in language that may be understood by the claimant and will reference the Plan provisions upon which the determination is based. The notice will include a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why the material or information is necessary. The notice will describe the Plan’s appeal procedures and the time limits of the appeal procedures and will include a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under ERISA Section 502(a) following an adverse benefit determination on the appeal.

The appeal procedure will be as follows:






(a)    If claimants are not satisfied with a decision of the Company, they must exhaust their administrative remedies under this Plan by filing a written appeal with the committee not later than 60 days after receipt of the notice of adverse benefit determination.

(b)    Claimants or their authorized representatives will be provided upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to and copies of all documents, records and other information relating to the claim for benefits.

(c)    Claimants or their authorized representatives may submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to their claim in writing. All materials and arguments must be filed with the appeal. The committee will take into account all comments, documents, records, and other information submitted by the claimant relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination.

(d)    The committee will render its decision on the appeal within a reasonable period of time, but not more than 60 days after receipt by the Company of the claimant’s appeal, unless the committee determines that special circumstances require an extension of time for processing. If an extension of time for review is required because of special circumstances, the committee will give written notice to the claimant of the extension prior to the commencement of the extension that will state the circumstances requiring the extension and the date by which the determination will be made. An extension of time for review will not entitle the claimant to a hearing before the committee as to the appeal. All appeal materials must be submitted in writing.

(e)    The committee will advise the claimant in writing or electronically of the decision on the appeal stating the reasons for the decision in language that may be understood by the claimant with references to the Plan provisions upon which the appeal determination is based. The notice will contain a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claimant’s claim for benefits and a statement of the claimant’s right to bring an action under ERISA Section 502(a).

8.6   Rules and Decisions The committee may adopt such rules as it deems necessary, desirable or appropriate. All rules and decisions of the committee will be uniformly applied to all participants in similar circumstances. When making a determination or calculation, the committee may rely upon its interpretation of the terms of the Plan and information furnished by a participant or beneficiary, the Company, and the legal counsel of the Company.

8.7   Committee Procedures The committee may act at a meeting or in writing without a meeting. The committee may elect one of its members as chairman and appoint a secretary who need not be a committee member. The secretary will keep a record of all meetings and forward all necessary communications to the Company. The committee may adopt such bylaws and regulations as it deems desirable for the conduct of its affairs. All decisions of the committee will be made by the vote of the majority including actions in writing taken without a meeting.

8.8   Authorization of Benefit Payments The committee will issue directions to the Company concerning all benefits which are to be paid from the fund pursuant to the provisions of the Plan.

8.9   Application and Forms for Benefits The committee may require a participant to complete and file an application for a benefit and all other forms approved by the committee, and to furnish all pertinent information requested by the committee. The committee may rely upon all such information including the participant’s current mailing address.

8.10   Facility of Payment Whenever, in the committee’s opinion, a person entitled to receive any benefit is under a legal disability or is incapacitated in any way so as to be unable to manage his financial affairs, the committee may direct the payments to such person or to his legal representative or to a relative or friend of such person for his benefit, or the committee may apply the payment for the benefit of such person in such manner as the committee considers advisable. If a person entitled to receive benefits is a minor and the value of the benefit exceeds $5,000, the Committee may either delay payment of the benefit until the minor has attained the age of majority or pay the benefit to a person who has been named by a court of competent jurisdiction as conservator of the estate of the minor or to another similar court-appointed fiduciary. Any payment of a benefit in accordance with the provisions of this Section will discharge all liability for such benefit under the provisions of the Plan.


ARTICLE IX
INDIVIDUAL INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS

9.1   Investment of Individual Accounts If the Company establishes individual investment accounts for the fund, then each participant may direct the investment of the participant's accounts among the separate investment funds selected by the Company. If an account





is split between two or more of the investment funds, the participant must specify the percentage of the account to be invested in each fund in accordance with the rules established by the Company.

9.2   Procedure for Investments Each participant may establish or revise investment directions as often as permitted by the Company and pursuant to the procedures established by the Company. If the Company permits participants to invest their accounts in the common stock of Herman Miller, Inc., participants who are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 will be restricted with respect to investments in Herman Miller stock in accordance with the Company's rules concerning purchases and sales of Company stock by employees subject to the reporting requirements.


ARTICLE X
PAYMENT OF TAXES

The Company will be responsible for payment of any taxes assessed on or with respect to the assets or income of the fund.

ARTICLE XI
TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

11.1   Amendments   The Company may at any time amend any or all of the provisions of this Plan except that no amendment may reduce a participant's account balance. The president of the Company may amend the Plan by executing a document that expressly provides that it is an amendment to the Plan. Amendments may apply prospectively or retroactively as permitted by law and the effective date of each amendment must be stated in the document.

11.2   Termination The Plan may be terminated or discontinued at any time by the Company. If the Plan is discontinued or terminated, then the Company will pay, or cause the trustees to pay if a trust fund has been created, to each participant an amount equal to the participant's account in the Plan in accordance with Article VI. Payments to participants will not be accelerated upon termination or discontinuance of the Plan.


ARTICLE XII
NONALIENATION OF BENEFITS AND
DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDERS

12.1   Nonalienation of Benefits No interest, right, or claim in or to any part of the trust or any benefit payable from the trust will be assignable, transferable, or subject to sale, assignment, hypothecation, anticipation, garnishment, attachment, execution, or levy of any kind other than by the creditors of the Company, and the plan administrator will not recognize any attempt to so transfer, assign, sell, hypothecate, or anticipate the same except to the extent required by law. This provision will not apply to any order that would qualify as a “qualified domestic relations order,” as defined in Section 414(p), if this Plan were a qualified plan subject to the provisions of Code Section 401(a).

12.2   Procedure for Domestic Relations Orders Whenever the Company is served with a domestic relations order from a court of competent jurisdiction, the Company will follow the following procedure in determining whether the order constitutes a “qualified domestic relations order” that would be exempt from the general spendthrift protection of this Article:

(a)  The Company will notify the participant and any “alternate payees” named in the order that the order was served on the Company and that objections concerning the order must be submitted in writing within 15 days;

(b)  The Company will determine whether the order would be a “qualified domestic relations order” as defined in Code Section 414(p) if this were a qualified plan, and notify the participant and each alternate payee of its determination. If the Company determines that the order would be a qualified domestic relations order, the Company will honor it as such and make payment in accordance with the order;

(c)  During the period in which the Company is determining the status of the order, payment of any benefits in dispute will be deferred.

(d)  The Company will notify the participant and all other alternate payees named in the order of its decision concerning the qualified status of the order. Payments pursuant to the order will be made as soon as practicable after the status of the order has been determined.







ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS

13.1   Status of Participants No participant will have any right or claim to any benefits under the Plan except in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The adoption of the Plan will not be construed as creating any contract of employment between the Company and any participant or to otherwise confer upon any participant or other person any legal right to continuation of employment, nor as limiting or qualifying the right of the Company to discharge any participant without regard to any effect the discharge might have upon rights under the Plan.

13.2   No Interest in Company Affairs Nothing contained in this Plan will be construed as giving any participant, employee or beneficiary an equity or other interest in the assets, business, or affairs of the Company or the right to examine any of the books and records of the Company.

13.3   Litigation In any application to or proceeding or action in the courts, only the Company will be a necessary party and no participant or other person having an interest will be entitled to any notice or service of process. The Company may place a participant’s funds in the hands of the court for its determination, which payment will absolve the Company from any claim. Any judgment entered in such a proceeding or action will be conclusive upon all persons claiming under this Plan.

If any participant or beneficiary institutes any litigation in connection with this Plan, the result of which is adverse to the participant or beneficiary instituting the action, the Company will deduct from the benefits payable to the participant or beneficiary any expense including reasonable attorney fees occasioned by the litigation. If any dispute arises as to the person or persons to whom payment or delivery of any funds or property is to be made by the Company, the Company may retain such funds or property until final adjudication has been made by a court of competent jurisdiction.

13.4   Governing Law This Plan will be interpreted, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan except where state law is preempted by ERISA.

13.5   Severability of Provisions If any provisions of the Plan will be declared void and unenforceable, the other provisions will be severable and will not be affected thereby, and to the extent that the trust or Plan will ever be in conflict with, or silent with respect to, the requirements of any other law or regulation, the provisions of the law or regulation will govern. In the administration of the trust, the Trustee may avail itself of any permissive provisions of any applicable law or regulation which are not contrary to the provisions of this Plan.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this Plan to be executed this ______ day of _______2007.


HERMAN MILLER, INC.



By:                         
Its President





February 26, 2015


Mr. Curt Pullen
2115 Meadowdale NW
Grand Rapids MI 49504


Dear Curt,

As we discussed, we are providing a plan to assist you in transitioning from your role as Executive Vice President and President, Herman Miller North America. The basic elements of the package are as follows:

You will be placed on a paid personal Leave of Absence starting February 26, 2015. During this time you will not perform nor will you be responsible for duties related to your current role;
You will be available to advise me or others designated by me, relative to the transition of the North American business and be available to provide advice on other matters as requested.
The duration of your personal leave of absence will be 6 months from the date of this letter, at the end of which your employment with the company will terminate (“Termination Date”) and be eligible for the separation benefits outlined in the Agreement you were provided today;
As of February 26, 2015 you will no longer have access to HM systems, administrative support or expense reimbursement for expenses incurred after February 26th. However, Karen Fox will continue to be available as needed to effectively transition any issues or open items.
Your compensation beginning February 26, 2015 will be maintained at your current rate until the Termination Date and you will be eligible to receive all of the benefits available to full-time Herman Miller employees.
You will be considered as continuing your employment through the Termination Date for purposes of vesting in the exercise of any Long-Term Incentive Awards. You will not be eligible for any additional Long-Term Incentive Awards.
You will be eligible for the Executive Incentive Cash Bonus for fiscal year 2015. You will not be eligible to participate in the Executive Incentive Cash Bonus Plan after this fiscal year.
You will be entitled to use your bundled benefits through the Termination Date.
This arrangement is subject to your execution of a Termination and Mutual Release agreement in a form provided by HMI and your cooperation in assisting in the transition of your role due to the unique and continued employment relationship being offered to you through the personal leave of absence.
You will receive executive outplacement support.

This arrangement does not change our basic employment relationship as being employment “at will.” In the event of termination of this relationship by HMI before the end of the six month period except for death, disability, major misconduct or your association with a competitor, you will be entitled to receive the balance of your compensation under this agreement in the form of salary continuation. You will not be entitled to salary continuation if you work for a competitor or become a consultant to a competitor or solicit employees or customers during the salary continuation period, and payments under this agreement will stop.

The Company is also giving you notice that it is terminating the Change In Control Agreement.

Again, thank you for your service and you willingness to make this commitment.

Sincerely,

Brian C. Walker
President and CEO






TERMINATION AND MUTUAL RELEASE AGREEMENT


This Agreement is made effective as of February 26, 2015 by and between Curt Pullen, Executive Vice President and President, Herman Miller North America, Mr. Curt Pullen 2115 Meadowdale NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504, (hereinafter “Employee”), and Herman Miller, Inc. , a Michigan corporation, having its principal place of business at 855 East Main Avenue, PO Box 302, Zeeland, MI 49464-0302 (hereinafter “HMI”). The Employment relationship has or will terminate as of August 28, 2015 unless terminated sooner as provided below.

Employee will be placed on a Leave of Absence status starting February 26, 2015 through August 28, 2015 “Extended Employment Period.” The terms of the extended employment period are described in a letter to Employee from Brian Walker, HMI’s Chief Executive Officer, dated February 26, 2015, (hereinafter “Letter Agreement”) attached as Exhibit C. At the conclusion of the Extended Employment Period, Employee will be eligible for the termination benefits described in Exhibit A.

In consideration in part for HMI’s discretionary offer of extended employment to Employee, payment to Employee of discretionary and additional Termination Benefits, and the mutual covenants and releases contained herein, the Employee and HMI agree as follows:

1.
Confidential Information . Employee understands that in the ordinary course of its business, HMI has developed various valuable trade secrets and confidential business information. Employee acknowledges that he has been exposed to such trade secrets and information and that the protection of such is of vital importance to HMI’s business. For purposes of this Agreement, confidential business information is information: (a) that is not known by the actual or potential competitors of HMI and is generally unavailable to the public, (b) that has been created, discovered, developed or otherwise become known to HMI or in which property rights have been assigned or otherwise conveyed to HMI from a third party, and (c) that has material economic value to HMI’s present or future business. Examples of such confidential information may include, but are not limited to, information as to any of HMI’s customers, prices, sales techniques, estimating and pricing systems, internal cost controls, production processes and methods, product planning and development programs, marketing plans, product information, inventions, blueprints, sketches and drawings, trade secrets, and technical and business concepts related to the business, whether devised or invented in whole or in part by Employee and whether or not reduced to practice.

2.
Nondisclosure . Employee agrees he has not and will not, directly or indirectly, at any time disclose any trade secrets or confidential information of HMI, or the confidential information of actual or potential customers or vendors of HMI, to others which he has obtained in the course of his employment with HMI. Employee has not and shall not use any such trade secrets or confidential information for his own personal use or advantage, or make such secrets or information available for use by others. Violation of this provision shall entitle HMI to pursue all appropriate legal remedies. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent Employee from using his general knowledge, skill, and experience in gainful employment by a third party after his employment with HMI terminates.

3.
Extended Employment . While on Leave of Absence status, Employee will receive his current regular base salary less applicable withholdings, through his termination date. In addition, he will remain enrolled in and eligible for current benefit and bonus programs through the termination date. Employee will not be eligible for any additional Long Term Incentive awards. Current awards will continue to vest through the termination date.

4.
Early Termination . In the event Employee breaches this agreement of secures alternate employment, the Extended Employment will stop. If employee secures alternate employment prior to August 28, 2015, Employee will inform HMI’s Senior Vice President of People Services in writing. Employee’s termination date will be adjusted to the last day of the payroll week immediately preceding Employee’s start date with a new employer or to the date of the breach of the Agreement and the Extended Employment will end. Payment under section 1 of Exhibit A will start at this time subject to the non-competition and non-solicitation provisions described in Exhibit A or if a breach negates HMI’s obligation to make such payments.

5.
Return of HMI Property . Employee will immediately return to HMI all Company property including any and all sales aids, customer lists, catalogues, manuals, software programs, drawings, blueprints, notes, memoranda, and any and all other documents, computer files, and electronic information which are or have been in Employee’s possession or control and which contain any trade secrets or confidential information or which otherwise relate to HMI’s business, and any other Company property in his possession.

6.
Payment by HMI . Employee acknowledges that all earned wages, bonuses, fringe benefits, vacation pay, commissions, and other obligations owed by HMI to the Employee have been paid by HMI or will be paid as detailed on Exhibit A and Exhibit C if otherwise not paid to Employee. No other payments are owed to the Employee other than claims for vested benefits under any retirement plans, stock option plans, or insurance benefits plans, which rights are controlled by the language in applicable plan documents.

If Employee (1) signs and returns this Agreement within 49 days of the date of this Agreement, (2) signs, returns, and does not revoke the attached ADEA Waiver and Release in the manner stated in the waiver, and (3) has otherwise complied with all of the terms of this Agreement, then the Employee will be entitled to receive the discretionary and additional Termination Benefits listed on Exhibit A.





Otherwise, the Employee will not be entitled to the Termination Benefits listed on Exhibit A. If Employee should revoke the ADEA Waiver and Release, HMI may, at its option, revoke this Agreement in its entirety or may choose to provide Employee the Termination Benefits and enforce and abide by the remaining provisions of this Agreement. The Termination Benefits may be withheld or terminated if Employee breaches this Agreement, or if Employee harasses or intimidates any HMI employee or family member.

7.
Mutual Release . Except for the enforcement of the terms and covenants in this Agreement, Employee and HMI hereby release each other and their officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns from any and all claims and obligations arising under federal, state, or local law by statute, common law, public policy, or equity that each may have against the other arising out of the employment relationship to the fullest extent permitted by law. Employee specifically waives any claim for unlawful discrimination including, but not limited to claims for race, sex, age, religion, disability, or national origin discrimination. Employee further agrees to waive and release any rights he might have under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (29 United States Code section 621 et seq .) (“ADEA”) against HMI, pursuant to the terms of the attached ADEA Waiver and Release. The release, however, does not prevent Employee from seeking a judicial determination regarding the validity of the attached ADEA Waiver and Release. This release covers claims and obligations even if they are unknown at this time. Employee waives any entitlement to any form of personal relief for claims arising out of the employment relationship; including monetary relief or damages, to the fullest extent permitted by law. HMI and Employee agree that this Agreement is a complete defense to any claim and obligation released and waived by this Agreement which may be subsequently asserted.

8.
Nondisparagement . Employee agrees that he will not, either directly or indirectly through any agent or surrogate, and whether orally or in writing, Disparage or Denigrate the Company or HMI, or the shareholders, members, directors, managers, officers, employees, attorneys, or agents of the Company or HMI. Employee also agrees that he will not, either directly or indirectly through any agent or surrogate, and whether orally or in writing, Disparage or Denigrate the business, products, equipment, operations, management, personnel, policies, or procedures of the Company or HMI. As used in this Agreement, to “Disparage or Denigrate” includes, but is not limited to, impugning the character, honesty, integrity, morality, business acumen, professional skill or judgment, abilities, qualities, or reliability of any person or entity.

The foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 8 shall not prevent truthful testimony in legal or governmental proceedings, truthful submissions to governmental agencies, statements to Employee’s accountants, attorneys, auditors, and insurers, or statements to the Employee’s spouse.

9.
Severability . In the event any term of this Agreement is unenforceable, then such unenforceable term, if possible, will be altered so as to be enforceable. Or, if that is not possible, then it will be deleted from this Agreement and the remaining part of the Agreement will remain in effect.

10.
Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan (without regard to conflict of law provisions).

11.
Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the attached ADEA Waiver contain the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes all previous oral and written agreements; there are no other agreements, representations, or understandings not set forth herein. Further, this Agreement can be modified only by a written agreement signed by Employee and HMI’s President.

12.
Binding Effect . This is a binding agreement. The term HMI includes all of Herman Miller, Inc.’s subsidiaries, officers, directors, and affiliates. The term Employee includes all of his heirs, administrators, successors, assigns, and those who could make a claim through him. This Agreement shall benefit and be binding upon HMI’s successors and assigns, and Employee’s executors, administrators, and representatives.

13.
Voluntary Execution . Employee acknowledges that he has read this Agreement, understands its terms and legal consequences, has been given an opportunity to consider this Agreement and its release of all claims, and it has been entered into by him voluntarily. Employee further acknowledges that he has been advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement. Employee has not assigned any claims against HMI. Employee has been given an opportunity of up to 49 days to consider this Agreement and his release of all claims. In addition, Employee understands that he may revoke the ADEA Waiver and Release within seven (7) days after he signs it.

                            










HERMAN MILLER, INC.

April 20, 2015         By _/s/ Hezron T. Lopez
Date            Hezron T. Lopez
Senior VP of Legal Services and Secretary



April 14, 2015         By /s/ Curtis S. Pullen     
Date            Curtis S. Pullen







ADEA WAIVER AND RELEASE


In consideration of the additional and discretionary Termination Benefits provided in the Termination and Mutual Release Agreement effective as of February 26, 2015, between Curt Pullen, Executive Vice President and President, Herman Miller North America (“Employee”) and Herman Miller, Inc., (“HMI”), Employee forever waives, releases, and discharges HMI, its subsidiaries, affiliates, and its directors, officers, and employees from any and all legal and equitable claims, demands, damages, losses, expenses, and causes of actions of any kind or character which now exist, whether known or unknown, relating in any manner to or arising under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (“ADEA”) (29 United States Code section 621, et seq .) that are in any way connected with Employee’s employment relationship with HMI or its termination.

Employee agrees and covenants not to institute any action or lawsuit against HMI, its directors, officers, agents, and employees in any state, federal, or local court or other tribunal to assert a claim for violations of the ADEA that arise on or before the date of this Agreement. This shall not prevent the Employee from seeking a judicial determination regarding the validity of this waiver, however, or from bringing an action or lawsuit for any claims that arise after the date on which this waiver is signed (as indicated below).

This Waiver and Release shall be binding upon Employee and his respective heirs, administrators, successors, assigns, and those who could make a claim through him.

Employee acknowledges that he has read the ADEA release, understands its terms, has been given a period of at least 49 calendar days within which to consider this Waiver and Release, and it has been entered into by him voluntarily. Employee will have seven (7) calendar days to revoke this Waiver and Release after its execution and the Release shall not become effective or enforceable until the revocation period has expired. Employee further acknowledges that he has been advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Waiver and Release.


April 14, 2015         By /s/ Curtis S. Pullen     
Date            Curtis S. Pullen


                        





EXHIBIT A


1.
You will receive current regular base salary and those benefits, less applicable withholdings, listed below for eighteen months following your termination date and the full execution of this Agreement, unless you receive other employment with a competitor as defined below, solicit the employees of Company as defined below, or otherwise breach this agreement. This amount will be paid on the standard payroll cycle. A lump sum payment is not available under this Agreement.

Your bundled benefits will cease as the termination date.

Payments under this will immediately stop on the date on which you accept employment with, become a consultant to, or otherwise become affiliated with a competitor or affiliate of a competitor of the Company, or engage in competition in any way with the Company or any of its subsidiaries. The right and authority to determine whether or not your new employer (or client) is a competitor shall be vested solely and wholly with the Company’s President, and his or her decision shall be final and binding on you. For the purpose of this Agreement, competitors are defined to include, but are not limited to, those listed in Exhibit B. Payments under this will immediately stop on the date which you solicit for employment or other similar relationship an employee of the Company. The right and authority to determine whether or not you engaged in solicitation shall be vested solely and wholly with the Company’s President and his or her decision shall be final and binding on you.

2.
You are eligible to continue to participate in the medical and dental plans as long as you receive base compensation from HMI under paragraph 1 of this severance program. In order to continue your participation in the medical and dental plans you must elect COBRA coverage. The continuation of medical and dental coverage will begin once you enroll in COBRA. The effective date will be retroactive to your termination date. You will continue to pay the regular employee rate (pretax payroll deduction) during the severance period. HMI will pay the balance of the COBRA premium during the severance period. Thereafter, you have the option to purchase medical and dental insurance under COBRA at your own expense. The COBRA coverage period will include the severance period. You will be provided a “Disposition of Benefits” letter to explain this process in more detail. If you become eligible for medical and dental insurance through another employer, your participation in the medical and dental plans will cease.

3.
Any accrued but unused vacation for fiscal year 2015/2016 will be paid to you within five weeks of August 28, 2015.

4.
You are eligible for the Executive Incentive Bonus earned for financial year 2014/2015 ending May 30, 2015, if HMI earns a bonus. You are not eligible for the Executive Incentive Bonus earned for financial year 2015/2016 if HMI earns a bonus.

5.
If you are enrolled in a Healthcare Reimbursement (flexible spending) Account, you have the option to continue your participation in this account through COBRA. The payments will be with after-tax dollars. You must elect COBRA coverage to continue your participation. If you choose not to continue participation in the Healthcare Reimbursement account under COBRA, all claims for services incurred up to your termination date must be submitted within 90 days of the date of your termination of employment. Any unused balances will be forfeited at that time.

Dependent Care Reimbursement (flexible spending) accounts may not be continued under COBRA and all claims for services incurred up to your termination date must be submitted within 90 days of your termination of employment.

6.
If you are enrolled in a Health Savings Account, you can continue to make contributions on an after-tax basis as long as you are enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.    

7.
You are not eligible to participate in the Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan after August 28, 2015. You will receive a final core contribution to your 401(k) account based on compensation earned in this fiscal quarter up to your termination date. This core contribution will be paid at the end of the current fiscal quarter. Employee and Company matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan will cease as of August 28, 2015. In addition, there will be no Profit Sharing contribution to the Plan for the year ending May 28, 2016, and there will be no Profit Sharing contributions thereafter. The balance of your quarterly payroll deductions relating to the employee stock purchase plan will be paid to you within thirty (30) days of your termination date.

8.
Any amount of income deferred by you pursuant to the Executive Equalization Plan are fully vested and will be distributed to you according to the terms of the Plan and your deferral elections.

9.
The restricted stock units granted to you on July 15, 2013, representing 4,349 shares are not vested, but under section 3(e) of the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement you are entitled to receive a portion of the shares equivalent to 25/36 of the award plus a prorated portion of the dividends, pursuant to the grant. The Performance Shares (HMVA) granted to you on July 15, 2013, representing 4,349 shares are not vested, but under section 3a(iii) of the HMVA Performance Share Unit Award Agreement you are entitled to receive





adjusted target performance units equivalent to 25/36 of the award, to be paid out as provided for in the grant agreement. The Performance Shares (TSR) granted to you on July 15, 2013, representing 3,324 shares are not vested, but under section 3a(iii) of the TSR Performance Share Unit Award Agreement you are entitled to adjusted target performance units equivalent to 25/36 of the award, to be paid out at as provided for in the grant agreement. The restricted stock units granted to you on July 14, 2014, representing 5,010 shares are not vested, but under section 3(e) of the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement you are entitled to receive a portion of the shares equivalent to 13/36 of the award plus a prorated portion of the dividends, pursuant to the grant. The Performance Shares (HMVA) granted to you on July 14, 2014, representing 5,010 shares are not vested, but under section 3a(iii) of the HMVA Performance Share Unit Award Agreement you are entitled to adjusted target performance units equivalent to 13/36 of the award, to be paid out as provided for in the grant agreement. The Performance Shares (TSR) granted to you on July 14, 2014, representing 3,997 shares are not vested, but under section 3a(iii) of the TSR Performance Share Unit Award Agreement you are entitled to adjusted target performance units equivalent to 13/36 of the award, to be paid out as provided for in the grant agreement.

10.
Vested stock options granted to you under the HMI Long Term Incentive Plan will expire the earlier of the natural expiration of the option or 3 months after your separation date, as provided in the plan. Unvested stock options will be forfeited.

11.
The balance of any quarterly payroll deductions relating to the employee stock purchase plan will be paid to you within thirty (30) days of your separation date.

12.
You will receive executive outplacement support.

13.
You are responsible for returning your Corporate Visa card along with any keys, phone cards and/or access cards immediately. You should process a final expense report to cover the cost of any unreimbursed business-related travel through February 26, 2015. If you have an existing balance on your Corporate Visa card or your cellular phone service, you are required to pay off the balance within 10 days of this letter. Any remaining balances at that point will be deducted from your severance pay.

14.
Any balance owed to Herman Miller on your employee purchase account (product purchase) will be deducted from the total amount of severance pay or will be your responsibility in the event that severance will not cover the full amount due.

15.
You may keep your company provided laptop.

16.
You will be provided with four additional coaching sessions with the executive coach with whom you have been working, at the Company's expense. You will be responsible for the cost of any additional sessions.

17.
Your corporate cellular plan will be converted to a personal plan at the end of March 2015.

18.
Your corporate email account will remain active through the end of March 2015.





EXHIBIT B


The following companies and their subsidiaries are considered competitors under Exhibit A, item 1.

Steelcase
Haworth
Knoll
Teknion
HNI
Allsteel
KI
Kimball
Trendway
Artwright
Inscape
MACsys
Riviera
Humanscale
Izzydesign
Halcon
Vitra
Nucraft Furniture
UNICOR
Tayco
Tremain
Virco
Watson
Maxxon
Unifor
Bernhardt
DECCA
Touhy
Weiland
Lutron
















HERMAN MILLER, INC. 2011 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
CONDITIONAL STOCK OPTION AWARD

This certifies that Herman Miller, Inc. (the "Company") has on ____________ (the "Award Date"), granted to (the "Participant") an award (the "Award") of Target Option Shares pursuant to and under the Herman Miller, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan") and subject to the terms set forth in this agreement (the "Award Agreement"). A copy of the Plan Prospectus has been delivered to the Participant and a copy of the Plan is available from the Company on request. The Plan is incorporated into this Award by reference, and in the event of any conflict between the terms of the Plan and this Award Agreement, the terms of the Plan will govern. Any terms not defined herein will have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

1.     Definitions .

"Actual Option Shares" means the number of shares earned in accordance with Section 2 that would be subject to the Option Award.

"Award Agreement" means the terms and conditions of the Award set forth in this agreement.

"Business Day" means any other day than (a) Saturday or Sunday, or (b) any other day on which banks in Zeeland, Michigan are permitted or required to be closed.

"Common Stock" means the Company's $.20 par value per share common stock.

"EBITDA" means the Company's annual earnings calculated before charges for interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization as determined by the Committee in a manner consistent with the Manual.

"Manual" shall mean the Herman Miller Value Added Manual used by the Committee for purposes of determining EBITDA.

"Option Award" means the Stock Option Agreement that would be executed upon the earning of any Actual Option Shares.

"Option Value" means the per share value of each option to purchase a share of Common Stock based upon the Black-Scholes option valuation model as of the last day of the Year.

"Performance Period" means the Company's Year ending May 28, 2016.

"Target Value" means $___________.

"Year" means the fiscal year of the Company.

2.     Determination of Actual Option Shares . This Award entitles Participant to the right to receive a grant of an option to purchase shares of Common Stock based upon the Company's performance during the Performance Period (the "Option Award"). The number of shares subject to the Option Award (the "Actual Option Shares") will equal the sum of the Sales Goal Shares, the EBITDA Goal Shares and the EBITDA Growth Goal Shares, determined in accordance with the following:

(a)    The Target Option Shares equals the Target Value divided by the Option Value.

(b)    The Sales Goal Shares equal one-third (1/3rd) of the Target Option Shares if the Company's aggregate revenue for the Year equals or exceeds the Sales Goal.

(c)    The EBITDA Goal Shares equal one-third (1/3rd) of the Target Option Shares if the Company's EBITDA for the Year equals or exceeds the EBITDA Goal.

(d)    The EBITDA Growth Goal Shares equals one-third (1/3rd) of the Target Option Shares based upon satisfying the Company's EBITDA Growth Goal.

(e)    The Sales Goal, EBITDA Goal and EBITDA Growth Goal shall be the performance objectives established by the Committee and the Board for the Performance Period.







3.     Terms of Option Award . If Actual Option Shares are earned under Section 2, the Option Award will be made in the form of the Stock Option Agreement attached as Exhibit A . The per share purchase price of the Actual Option Shares will equal one hundred percent (100%) of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the grant date, which shall be the Business Day immediately following the determination of the Actual Option Shares (the "Grant Date"). The term of the Option Award would expire on the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Grant Date, and the right to exercise the option to purchase the Actual Option Shares would vest at the rate of one-third (1/3rd) of the total Actual Option Shares on the first, second and third anniversary, respectively, of the Grant Date. The Option Award would be a Nonqualified Stock Option (as defined in the Plan).

4.     Adjustments to Actual Option Shares Following Termination of Employment .

(a)     Termination Due to Death, Disability or Retirement . In the event that the Participant's employment with the Company or a Subsidiary terminates prior to the end of the Performance Period due to death, disability or retirement. The Participant's Actual Option Shares will equal the Actual Option Shares determined under Section 2 multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of full calendar months, beginning on the first day of the Performance Period and ending on the date of the Participant's termination of employment, and the denominator of which is 12.

(b)     Termination of Employment for Other Reasons . In the event that the Participant's employment with the Company or a Subsidiary terminates prior to the end of the Performance Period for any reason other than Death, Disability or Retirement, then Participant's rights to all of the Target Option Shares granted in this Award will be immediately and irrevocably forfeited upon such termination of employment.

5.     Restriction on Transfer . Any rights under this Award may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of by Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any such purported sale, assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition will be void and unenforceable against the Company.

6.     Adjustments to Target Option Shares for Certain Corporate Transactions .

(a)    The Committee will make an appropriate and proportionate adjustment to the number of Target Option Shares granted under this Award if (i) the outstanding shares of Common Stock are increased or decreased, as a result of merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split with respect to such shares of Common Stock or other securities, or (ii) additional shares or new or different shares or other securities are distributed with respect to such shares of Common Stock or other securities or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities through merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other distribution with respect to such shares of Common Stock or other securities.

(b)    The Committee may make an appropriate and proportionate adjustment in the number of Target Option Shares granted under this Award if the outstanding shares of Common Stock are increased or decreased as a result of a recapitalization or reorganization not included within Section 6(a) above.

7.     Participant Covenants . In consideration of the grant of this Award by the Company, during the Restricted Period (defined below), Participant shall not, directly or indirectly:

(a)    engage or participate in any Competing Business or become interested in (as owner, stockholder, member, lender, partner, director, officer, employee, agent or consultant) any person or entity engaged in any Competing Business, excluding Participant's ownership of less than 5% of the securities of a publicly-traded entity that is engaged in a Competing Business;

(b)    persuade any person or entity that has a relationship with the Company as a customer, supplier or designer (or had such a relationship within the one year period prior thereto) to cease doing business with the Company or to reduce the amount of business done with the Company; or

(c)    employ or otherwise engage, or attempt to employ or otherwise engage, any person who is then (or was at any time within one (1) year period prior thereto) employed or engaged by the Company or any Subsidiary as a director, officer or employee or independent contractor or otherwise induce or influence any such person to terminate their employment or other relationship with the Company, provided that Participant will not be deemed in breach of this covenant solely for general solicitations of employment through publications that are not specifically directed at employees of the Company or any Subsidiary.






For purposes of this Section 7, the term "Competing Business" means any business which engages or is making plans to engage, in whole or in part, in the manufacturing, marketing, distribution or sale of products that are competitive with any products manufactured, marketed, distributed or sold by the Company. The term "Restricted Period" means the period beginning on the Grant Date and ending on the second anniversary of the last day of Participant's employment with the Company. Participant acknowledges and agrees that the duration, activities restricted and geographic scope of the covenants set forth in this Section 7 are reasonable and are necessary to protect the business and goodwill of the Company and its Subsidiaries and that a breach of any of these restrictions would cause irreparable harm and as such, Company shall be entitled to legal and equitable relief if Participant breaches any such covenants. If any court determines that any covenant set forth in this Section 7 is unreasonable, Participant stipulates that such covenant shall remain in full force and effect with the greatest time period, with respect to the broadest type of activities described and the greatest geographic scope that would render it enforceable.

8.     Miscellaneous .

(a)    Neither this Award Agreement nor the Plan confers on Participant any right with respect to the continuance of employment by the Company or any Subsidiary, nor will there be a limitation in any way on the right of the Company or any Subsidiary by which Participant is employed to terminate his or her employment at any time.

(b)    In the event of a restatement of the Company's consolidated financial statements for any interim or annual period ("Restatement"), the Committee may determine that the Award exceeds the amount that would have been awarded or received had the Restatement been known at the time of the original Award or at the time of vesting of any Actual Option Shares. In the event that the Committee makes such a determination, the Company shall have the right: (A) in the instance of a Participant whose misconduct or violation of a Company policy causes such Restatement ("Cause"), or; (B) in the instance where a Participant is an officer subject to Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, and without regard to whether such Participant caused the Restatement, to (i) forfeit this Award, (ii) forfeit any vested or unvested rights in the Option Award, and/or (iii) to require repayment or return of any benefit derived from the exercise of the Option Award. Both the Cause and the amount of adjustment and/or repayment shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, and its decision shall be final and binding upon the Participant(s).

(c)    An original record of this Award Agreement and of the Participant's acceptance and acknowledgement will be held on file by the Company. This Award Agreement and the Participant's acknowledgement may be made either paper or electronic format as specified by the Company. To the extent there is any conflict between the terms contained in this Award Agreement and the terms contained in the original held by the Company, the terms of the original held by the Company will control.

9.     Section 409A Compliance. To the extent applicable, it is intended that this Award Agreement comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code ("Section 409A"). This Award Agreement will be administered and interpreted in a manner consistent with this intent, and any provision that would cause the Award Agreement to fail to satisfy Section 409A will have no force and effect until amended to comply therewith (which amendment may be retroactive to the extent permitted by Section 409A). If any payments under this Award Agreement constitute nonqualified deferred compensation subject to the requirements of Section 409A and are payable upon a termination of the Participant's employment, then all such payments shall be made only upon a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A, and for purposes of determining the timing of such payments, Participant's termination shall not be considered to occur until he or she has incurred such a separation from service.























IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Award Agreement effective as of the Award Date.


HERMAN MILLER, INC.


By     Brian C. Walker                        
Its     Chief Executive Officer


ACCEPTANCE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I accept the Award described herein and in the Plan, acknowledge receipt of a copy of this Award Agreement and the Plan Prospectus, and acknowledge that I have read them carefully and that I fully understand their contents.


PARTICIPANT


Dated _________, 2015                                





EXHIBIT 21

HERMAN MILLER, INC., SUBSIDIARIES

The company's principal subsidiaries are as follows.

Name
 Ownership
Jurisdiction of Incorporation
Colebrook Bosson Saunders, Inc.
100% Company
Michigan
Colebrook Bosson Saunders, Ltd.
100% Company
England, U.K.
Colebrook Bosson Saunders, Pty. Ltd.
100% Company
Austrailia
Convia, Inc.
100% Company
Delaware
Coro Acquisition Corporation-California
100% Company
California
Geiger International, Inc.
100% Company
Delaware
Herman Miller Accessories, LLC
100% Company
Michigan
Herman Miller Asia (PTE.) Ltd.
100% Company
Singapore
Herman Miller (Australia) Pty., Ltd.
100% Company
Australia
Living Edge (Aust) Pty Ltd
75% Company
Australia
Herman Miller Canada
100% Company
Canada
Herman Miller Furniture (India) Pvt. Ltd.
100% Company
India
Herman Miller Global Customer Solutions, Inc.
100% Company
Michigan
Herman Miller Global Customer Solutions (Hong Kong), Inc.
100% Company
Hong Kong
Herman Miller Japan, Ltd.
100% Company
Japan
Herman Miller, Ltd.
100% Company
England, U.K.
Herman Miller Mexico S.A. de C.V.
100% Company
Mexico
Herman Miller (Ningbo) Furniture Co. Ltd.
100% Company
China
Herman Miller OP Spectrum Holdings Inc.
100% Company
Michigan
Integrated Metal Technologies, Inc.
100% Company
Michigan
Maharam Fabric Corporation
100% Company
New York
Meridian, Inc.
100% Company
Michigan
Milsure Insurance, Ltd.
100% Company
Barbados
Nemschoff Chairs, Inc.
100% Company
Wisconsin
Sun Hing POSH Holdings Limited
100% Company
Hong Kong
Herman Miller Consumer Co. Holdings
93% Company
Delaware
Design Within Reach, Inc.
93% Company
Delaware
    





Exhibit 23(a)-Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements Nos. 333-04367, 333-42506, 333-04365, 333-122282, 333-04369, 333-122283, 333-179138 on Form S-8 and No. 333-157364 on Form S-3 of Herman Miller, Inc. of our reports dated July 28, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Herman Miller, Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Herman Miller, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the fiscal year ended May 30, 2015.




/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Grand Rapids, Michigan
July 28, 2015




Exhibit 31(a)

CERTIFICATE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
OF HERMAN MILLER, INC. (THE "REGISTRANT")


I, Brian C. Walker, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended May 30, 2015, of Herman Miller, Inc;
 
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants' disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 28, 2015

/s/ Brian C. Walker
Brian C. Walker
Chief Executive Officer





Exhibit 31(b)

CERTIFICATE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
OF HERMAN MILLER, INC. (THE "REGISTRANT")


I, Jeffrey M. Stutz, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended May 30, 2015, of Herman Miller, Inc;
 
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants' disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
 
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 28, 2015

/s/ Jeffrey M. Stutz
Jeffrey M. Stutz
Chief Financial Officer





Exhibit 32(a)

CERTIFICATE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
OF HERMAN MILLER, INC. (THE "COMPANY")


Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002:

I, Brian C. Walker, Chief Executive Officer of the company, certify to the best of my knowledge and belief pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended May 30, 2015, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
 
(2)
The information contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the company.


Dated: July 28, 2015

/s/ Brian C. Walker
Chief Executive Officer

The signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Herman Miller, Inc. and will be retained by Herman Miller, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.





Exhibit 32(b)

CERTIFICATE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
OF HERMAN MILLER, INC. (THE "COMPANY")


Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002:

I, Jeffrey M. Stutz, Chief Financial Officer of the company, certify to the best of my knowledge and belief pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that:

(1)
The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended May 30, 2015, which this statement accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
 
(2)
The information contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the company.


Dated: July 28, 2015

/s/ Jeffrey M. Stutz
Chief Financial Officer

The signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Herman Miller, Inc. and will be retained by Herman Miller, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.