UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
                                             
FORM 10-Q
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                    to                       
 Commission File No. 001-12907
KNOLL, INC.
A Delaware Corporation I.R.S. Employer No. 13-3873847
 
1235 Water Street
East Greenville, PA 18041
Telephone Number (215) 679-7991
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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 (§232.405 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 o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)  Yes o No x
 
As of AugustNovember 7, 2017, there were 49,321,82649,349,876 shares (including 853,360871,610 non-voting restricted shares) of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.
 



KNOLL, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR FORM 10-Q
 
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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
KNOLL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
ASSETS(Unaudited)  
(Unaudited)  
Current assets: 
  
 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$5,924
 $9,854
$5,833
 $9,854
Customer receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,108 and $8,059, respectively77,762
 84,425
Customer receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,274 and $8,059, respectively91,890
 84,425
Inventories, net150,076
 142,072
149,026
 142,072
Prepaid expenses28,801
 27,461
25,169
 27,461
Other current assets13,957
 12,996
10,691
 12,996
Total current assets276,520
 276,808
282,609
 276,808
Property, plant, and equipment, net204,693
 197,084
209,566
 197,084
Goodwill141,759
 141,391
142,158
 141,391
Intangible assets, net240,226
 241,870
239,403
 241,870
Other non-trade receivables27
 26
Other noncurrent assets1,423
 1,434
1,456
 1,460
Total assets$864,648
 $858,613
$875,192
 $858,613
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 
  
 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
 
  
Current maturities of long-term debt$10,000
 $10,000
$10,000
 $10,000
Accounts payable99,885
 97,518
103,573
 97,518
Income taxes payable32
 81
41
 81
Other current liabilities94,955
 114,774
101,603
 114,774
Total current liabilities204,872
 222,373
215,217
 222,373
Long-term debt223,716
 208,383
208,882
 208,383
Deferred income taxes80,123
 76,854
77,826
 76,854
Post-employment benefits other than pensions4,976
 5,124
4,907
 5,124
Pension liability13,332
 17,428
11,308
 17,428
Other noncurrent liabilities17,303
 18,982
16,943
 18,982
Total liabilities544,322
 549,144
535,083
 549,144
Commitments and contingent liabilities

 



 

Equity: 
  
 
  
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 65,434,707 shares issued and 49,321,826 shares outstanding (including 853,360 non-voting restricted shares and net of 16,112,881 treasury shares) at June 30, 2017 and 64,741,648 shares issued and 49,096,290 shares outstanding (including 993,962 non-voting restricted shares and net of 15,645,358 treasury shares) at December 31, 2016493
 491
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 65,437,957 shares issued and 49,323,826 shares outstanding (including 854,110 non-voting restricted shares and net of 16,114,131 treasury shares) at September 30, 2017 and 64,741,648 shares issued and 49,096,290 shares outstanding (including 993,962 non-voting restricted shares and net of 15,645,358 treasury shares) at December 31, 2016493
 491
Additional paid-in capital50,170
 55,148
52,466
 55,148
Retained earnings310,305
 297,011
322,026
 297,011
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(40,878) (43,403)(35,141) (43,403)
Total Knoll, Inc. stockholders' equity320,090
 309,247
339,844
 309,247
Noncontrolling interests236
 222
265
 222
Total equity320,326
 309,469
340,109
 309,469
Total liabilities and equity$864,648
 $858,613
$875,192
 $858,613

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
KNOLL, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
Sales$268,694
 $294,700
 $525,514
 $579,329
$291,256
 $292,097
 $816,770
 $871,426
Cost of sales168,736
 180,636
 329,882
 357,501
184,646
 179,296
 514,528
 536,797
Gross profit99,958
 114,064
 195,632
 221,828
106,610
 112,801
 302,242
 334,629
Selling, general, and administrative expenses75,578
 80,590
 148,218
 156,505
76,485
 77,598
 224,703
 234,103
Restructuring charges2,150
 
 2,150
 

 
 2,150
 
Operating profit22,230
 33,474
 45,264
 65,323
30,125
 35,203
 75,389
 100,526
Interest expense1,859
 1,307
 3,530
 2,861
1,991
 1,296
 5,521
 4,157
Other expense, net229
 185
 436
 2,789
815
 681
 1,251
 3,470
Income before income tax expense20,142
 31,982
 41,298
 59,673
27,319
 33,226
 68,617
 92,899
Income tax expense7,182
 10,341
 12,946
 20,621
8,158
 11,608
 21,104
 32,229
Net earnings12,960
 21,641
 28,352
 39,052
19,161
 21,618
 47,513
 60,670
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests22
 6
 14
 17
29
 11
 43
 28
Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders$12,938
 $21,635
 $28,338
 $39,035
$19,132
 $21,607
 $47,470
 $60,642
              
Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders:     
  
     
  
Basic$0.27
 $0.45
 $0.59
 $0.81
$0.39
 $0.45
 $0.98
 $1.26
Diluted$0.26
 $0.44
 $0.57
 $0.80
$0.39
 $0.44
 $0.96
 $1.24
              
Dividends per share$0.15
 $0.15
 $0.30
 $0.30
$0.15
 $0.15
 $0.45
 $0.45
              
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:     
  
     
  
Basic48,464,605
 48,018,733
 48,375,241
 47,961,661
48,468,480
 48,053,836
 48,406,659
 48,000,386
Diluted49,376,506
 48,832,874
 49,294,525
 48,713,633
48,979,182
 48,845,553
 49,167,856
 48,765,607
              
Net earnings$12,960
 $21,641
 $28,352
 $39,052
$19,161
 $21,618
 $47,513
 $60,670
Other comprehensive income (loss):     
  
     
  
Pension and other post-employment liability adjustment, net of tax(138) (136) (275) (272)(139) (136) (414) (408)
Foreign currency translation adjustment2,320
 1,566
 2,800
 5,616
5,876
 (1,781) 8,676
 3,835
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax2,182
 1,430
 2,525
 5,344
5,737
 (1,917) 8,262
 3,427
Total comprehensive income15,142
 23,071
 30,877
 44,396
24,898
 19,701
 55,775
 64,097
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests22
 6
 14
 17
29
 11
 43
 28
Comprehensive income attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders$15,120
 $23,065
 $30,863
 $44,379
$24,869
 $19,690
 $55,732
 $64,069
 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
KNOLL, INC. 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)


Six Months Ended June 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2017 20162017 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 
  
 
  
Net earnings$28,352
 $39,052
$47,513
 $60,670
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities: 
  
 
  
Depreciation10,668
 9,248
16,137
 13,977
Amortization expense (including deferred financing fees)1,977
 1,977
2,966
 2,966
Inventory obsolescence1,203
 1,423
1,436
 2,186
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment29
 1
83
 4
Unrealized foreign currency (gains) losses(122) 1,605
Unrealized foreign currency losses1,370
 1,324
Stock-based compensation5,043
 4,592
7,314
 7,246
Bad debt and customer credits(1,650) 1,282
Bad debt and customer claims(1,403) 4,854
Changes in assets and liabilities: 
  
 
  
Customer receivables8,420
 16,216
(5,789) 28,997
Inventories(8,811) (6,410)(7,611) (6,807)
Prepaid and other current assets(1,807) (2,675)5,491
 (1,548)
Accounts payable6,015
 (10,109)9,502
 (8,186)
Current and deferred income taxes2,567
 710
(1,388) 958
Other current liabilities(13,729) (9,787)(7,250) 758
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities(5,917) (786)(8,967) (11,737)
Cash provided by operating activities32,238
 46,339
59,404
 95,662
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 
  
 
  
Capital expenditures, net(20,756) (15,057)(29,433) (25,442)
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired
 (8,389)
Cash used in investing activities(20,756) (15,057)(29,433) (33,831)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 
  
 
  
Proceeds from credit facility214,000
 173,500
304,000
 253,500
Repayment of credit facility(199,000) (185,500)(304,000) (280,500)
Payment of dividends(15,729) (14,727)(23,000) (21,946)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock551
 2,120
576
 2,847
Purchase of common stock for treasury(10,570) (3,903)(10,570) (4,503)
Contingent purchase price payment(6,000) (5,000)(6,000) (5,000)
Cash used in financing activities(16,748) (33,510)(38,994) (55,602)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents1,336
 1,584
5,002
 766
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(3,930) (644)(4,021) 6,995
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period9,854
 4,192
9,854
 4,192
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$5,924
 $3,548
$5,833
 $11,187
 
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.




NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Knoll, Inc. (the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuantfor interim financial information and with the instructions to such rulesForm 10-Q and regulations.Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  The consolidated balance sheet of the Company, as of December 31, 2016, was derived from the Company’s audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. All other condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein are unaudited and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management,considered necessary to summarize fairly the financial position of the Company and the results of the Company’s operations and cash flows for the periods presented.a fair presentation.  All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries and any partially owned subsidiaries that the Company has the ability to control. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This ASU supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in FASB ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. This ASU sets forth a five-step model for determining when and how revenue is recognized. Under the model, an entity will be required to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The FASB subsequently deferred the effective date of this standard to periods beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted as offor the periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will adopt the new standard in the annual period beginning January 1, 2018. The standard permits the use of either the full retrospective or modified retrospective (cumulative effect) transition method. Transition practical expedients are available for both methods. The Company plans to apply the modified retrospective transition method. The Company assembled an implementation work team to assess and document the accounting conclusions for the adoption of ASU 2014-09. Based on this analysis, the Company does not believe the adoption of the ASU will have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. The Company continues to assess the potential impact on accounting policies, internal control processes and related disclosures required under the new guidance.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 - Inventory (Topic 330), which amends existing guidance for measuring inventories. This amendment will require the Company to measure inventories recorded using the first-in, first-out method at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This amendment does not change the methodology for measuring inventories recorded using the last-in, first-out method. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company adopted this standard during the three months ended March 31,on January 1, 2017, and the impact on its consolidated financial statements was not material.
In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance codified in ASC 842, Leases, which supersedes the guidance in ASC 840, Leases. ASC 842 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and the Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective approach. While the Company continues to evaluate the provisions of ASC 842 to determine how it will be affected, the primary effect of adopting the new standard will be to record assets and obligations for current operating leases. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology for measuring and recognizing credit losses with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its consolidated financial statements.


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing the second step of the goodwill impairment test that requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under the new guidance, goodwill impairment will be measured and recognized as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The revised guidance does not affect the reporting entity’s ability to first assess qualitative factors by reporting unit to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The guidance is effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1,The Company early adopted ASU 2017-04 in 2017.


In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). The new standard improves the presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The new standard will require all components of the Company's net periodic benefit cost (income), with the exception of service cost, currently reported within selling, general and administrative expenses, to be reclassified and reported within other expense. The adoption ofCompany does not believe this new standard will have noa material impact on pre-tax income or net income reported.its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The new standard provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. Under the new guidance, an entity should account for the effects of a modification unless all of the following are met, (i) the fair value of the modified award is the same as the fair value of the original award, (ii) the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the original awards immediately before modification, and (iii) the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or liability instrument is the same as the classification immediately prior to modification. The guidance is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods with a prospective application to an award modified on or after the adoption date. At this time, theThe Company believesdoes not believe there will be an immateriala material impact to the financial statements as a result of adopting this ASU.
NOTE 2. INVENTORIES
Information regarding the Company's inventories is as follows (in thousands):
 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Raw materials$59,247
 $60,217
Work-in-process7,830
 7,186
Finished goods82,999
 74,669
 $150,076
 $142,072
Inventory reserves for obsolescence and other estimated losses were $10.6 million and $9.5 million at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, and have been included in the amounts above.
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Raw materials$50,603
 $60,217
Work-in-process7,280
 7,186
Finished goods91,143
 74,669
 $149,026
 $142,072


NOTE 3. PENSION AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The following tables set forth the components of the net periodic benefit income for the Company's pension and other post-employment benefit plans (in thousands):
Pension Benefits Other BenefitsPension Benefits Other Benefits
Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
Service cost$175
 $468
 $
 $
$175
 $468
 $
 $
Interest cost2,390
 2,416
 43
 49
2,390
 2,416
 43
 49
Expected return on plan assets(4,615) (3,612) 
 
(4,615) (3,862) 
 
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 (371) (280)
 
 (371) (280)
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)154
 123
 1
 (62)154
 123
 1
 (62)
Net periodic benefit (income) cost$(1,896) $(605) $(327) $(293)
Net periodic benefit income$(1,896) $(855) $(327) $(293)
Pension Benefits Other BenefitsPension Benefits Other Benefits
Six Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
Service cost$350
 $936
 $
 $
$525
 $1,404
 $
 $
Interest cost4,780
 4,832
 86
 98
7,170
 7,248
 129
 147
Expected return on plan assets(9,230) (7,224) 
 
(13,845) (11,086) 
 
Amortization of prior service credit
 
 (742) (560)
 
 (1,113) (840)
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)308
 246
 2
 (124)462
 369
 3
 (186)
Net periodic benefit (income) cost$(3,792) $(1,210) $(654) $(586)
Net periodic benefit income$(5,688) $(2,065) $(981) $(879)
NOTE 4. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial Instruments
The fair values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents customer receivables, and accounts payable approximate carrying value due to their short maturities.maturities and are classified as Level 1.
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates its carrying value, as it is variable rate debt and the terms are comparable to market terms as of the balance sheet dates, and are classified as Level 2.
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table represents the assets and liabilities, measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the basis for that measurement (in thousands):
Fair Value as of June 30, 2017 Fair Value as of December 31, 2016Fair Value as of September 30, 2017 Fair Value as of December 31, 2016
Liabilities:Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Contingent purchase price payment - HOLLY HUNT®$
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $6,000
 $6,000
$
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $6,000
 $6,000
Contingent purchase price payment - DatesWeiser
 
 1,100
 1,100
 
 
 1,100
 1,100

 
 1,100
 1,100
 
 
 1,100
 1,100
Total$
 $
 $1,100
 $1,100
 $
 $
 $7,100
 $7,100
$
 $
 $1,100
 $1,100
 $
 $
 $7,100
 $7,100


Pursuant to the agreement governing the acquisition of HOLLY HUNT®, the Company was required to make annual contingent purchase price payments. The payouts were based upon HOLLY HUNT® reaching an annual net sales target, for each year through 2016, and were paid out on or around February 20 of the following calendar year. The Company classifiesclassified this as a Level 3 measurement and iswas required to remeasure this liability at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of such contingent purchase price payments, totaling $16.0 million, was determined at the time of acquisition based upon net sales projections for HOLLY HUNT® for 2014, 2015, and 2016. The Company paid the remaining $6.0 million contingent purchase price in the three months ended March 31, 2017, as a result of HOLLY HUNT® achieving the 2016 net sales projections.
Pursuant to the agreement governing the acquisition of DatesWeiser, the Company may be required to make annual contingent purchase price payments. The payouts are based upon DatesWeiser reaching an annual net sales target, for each year through 2020. The Company classifies this as a Level 3 measurement and is required to remeasure this liability at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of such contingent purchase price payments, totaling $1.1 million, was determined at the time of acquisition based upon net sales projections for DatesWeiser for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Excluding the initial recognition of the liability for the contingent purchase price payments and payments made to reduce the liability, any changes in the fair value will be included within selling, general and administrative expenses.
There were no additional assets and/or liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring basis as of JuneSeptember 30, 2017 or December 31, 2016.
NOTE 5. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Information regarding the Company's other current liabilities is as follows (in thousands):
June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Accrued employee compensation$29,070
 $46,508
$37,992
 $46,508
Customer deposits34,640
 31,216
33,082
 31,216
Warranty8,944
 8,906
8,890
 8,906
Contingent payout1,100
 7,100
1,100
 7,100
Other21,201
 21,044
20,539
 21,044
Other current liabilities$94,955
 $114,774
$101,603
 $114,774

NOTE 6. INDEBTEDNESS
The Company's long-term debt is summarized as follows (in thousands):
June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Balance of revolving credit facility$65,000
 $45,000
$52,500
 $45,000
Balance of term loan170,000
 175,000
167,500
 175,000
Total long-term debt235,000
 220,000
220,000
 220,000
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt10,000
 10,000
Less: Deferred financing fees, net1,284
 1,617
Less: current maturities of long-term debt10,000
 10,000
Less: deferred financing fees, net1,118
 1,617
Long-term debt$223,716
 $208,383
$208,882
 $208,383
NOTE 7. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS
Litigation
The Company is currently involved in matters of litigation, including environmental contingencies, arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. Based upon information presently known, management is of the opinion that such litigation, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.


Warranty
The Company provides for estimated product warranty expenses when related products are sold and are included within other current liabilities. Because warranty estimates are forecasts that are based on the best available information, primarily historical claims experience, future warranty claims may differ from the amounts provided.
Changes in the warranty reserve are as follows (in thousands):
Balance, December 31, 2016 $8,906
 $8,906
Provision for warranty claims 2,832
 4,577
Warranty claims paid (3,044) (4,864)
Foreign currency translation adjustment 250
 271
Balance, June 30, 2017 $8,944
Balance, September 30, 2017 $8,890
Warranty expense for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $1.7 million and $2.8$4.6 million, respectively. Warranty expense for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016 was $1.8$1.7 million and $3.4$5.1 million, respectively.
NOTE 8. EQUITY
The following table shows the change in equity attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders and noncontrolling interests during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 (in thousands):
  Common
Stock
 Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Total
Knoll, Inc.
Stockholders' Equity
 Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016 $491
 $55,148
 $297,011
 $(43,403) $309,247
 $222
 $309,469
Net earnings 
 
 28,338
 
 28,338
 14
 28,352
Other comprehensive income 
 
 
 2,525
 2,525
 
 2,525
Shares issued for consideration:              
Exercise of stock options (22,500 shares) 
 472
 
 
 472
 
 472
Shares issued under stock incentive plan (676,850) 7
 (3) 
 
 4
 
 4
Shares issued to Board of Directors in lieu of cash (3,188 shares) 
 75
 
 
 75
 
 75
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures (1) 5,044
 
 
 5,043
 
 5,043
Cash dividend ($0.30 per share) 
 
 (15,044) 
 (15,044) 
 (15,044)
Purchase of common stock (420,072 shares) (4) (10,566) 
 
 (10,570) 
 (10,570)
Balance at June 30, 2017 $493
 $50,170
 $310,305
 $(40,878) $320,090
 $236
 $320,326
  Common
Stock
 Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Total
Knoll, Inc.
Stockholders' Equity
 Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016 $491
 $55,148
 $297,011
 $(43,403) $309,247
 $222
 $309,469
Net earnings 
 
 47,470
 
 47,470
 43
 47,513
Other comprehensive income 
 
 
 8,262
 8,262
 
 8,262
Shares issued for consideration:              
Exercise of stock options (22,500 shares) 
 472
 
 
 472
 
 472
Shares issued under stock incentive plan (678,399 shares) 7
 (3) 
 
 4
 
 4
Shares issued to Board of Directors in lieu of cash (4,438 shares) 
 100
 
 
 100
 
 100
Stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures (57,911 shares) (1) 7,315
 
 
 7,314
 
 7,314
Cash dividend ($0.45 per share) 
 
 (22,455) 
 (22,455) 
 (22,455)
Purchase of common stock (419,890 shares) (4) (10,566) 
 
 (10,570) 
 (10,570)
Balance at September 30, 2017 $493
 $52,466
 $322,026
 $(35,141) $339,844
 $265
 $340,109


NOTE 9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 (in thousands):
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
 Pension and
Other Post-Employment
Liability
Adjustment
 TotalForeign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
 Pension and
Other Post-Employment
Liability
Adjustment
 Total
Balance, as of December 31, 2016$(13,998) $(29,405) $(43,403)$(13,998) $(29,405) $(43,403)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications2,800
 
 2,800
8,676
 
 8,676
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 (275) (275)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 (414) (414)
Net current-period other comprehensive income2,800
 (275) 2,525
8,676
 (414) 8,262
Balance, as of June 30, 2017$(11,198) $(29,680) $(40,878)
Balance, as of September 30, 2017$(5,322) $(29,819) $(35,141)
The following reclassifications were made from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the condensed consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income (in thousands):
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Nine Months Ended
June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2017 June 30, 2016September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
Amortization of pension and other post-employment liability adjustments              
Prior service credits (1)
$(371) $(280) $(742) $(560)$(371) $(280) $(1,113) $(840)
Actuarial losses (1)
155
 61
 310
 122
155
 61
 465
 183
Total before tax(216) (219) (432) (438)(216) (219) (648) (657)
Tax benefit78
 83
 157
 166
Tax expense77
 83
 234
 249
Net of tax$(138) $(136) $(275) $(272)$(139) $(136) $(414) $(408)
(1) These accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic pension costs. See Note 3 for additional information.


NOTE 10. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share excludes the dilutive effect of common shares that could potentially be issued due to the exercise of stock options and vesting of unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units, and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the effect of shares and potential shares and units issued under the stock incentive plans. The following table sets forth the reconciliation from basic to dilutive average common shares (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
Numerator:              
Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders$12,938
 $21,635
 $28,338
 $39,035
$19,132
 $21,607
 $47,470
 $60,642
              
Denominator:              
Denominator for basic earnings per shares - weighted-average shares48,465
 48,019
 48,375
 47,962
48,468
 48,054
 48,407
 48,000
Effect of dilutive securities:              
Potentially dilutive shares resulting from stock plans912
 814
 920
 752
511
 792
 761
 766
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - weighted-average shares49,377
 48,833
 49,295
 48,714
48,979
 48,846
 49,168
 48,766
Antidilutive equity awards not included in weighted-average common shares—diluted
 
 12
 
34
 8
 15
 43
              
Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders: 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
Basic$0.27
 $0.45
 $0.59
 $0.81
$0.39
 $0.45
 $0.98
 $1.26
Diluted$0.26
 $0.44
 $0.57
 $0.80
$0.39
 $0.44
 $0.96
 $1.24
NOTE 11. INCOME TAXES
The Company’s income tax provision consists of federal, state and foreign income taxes. The tax provisions for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016 were based on the estimated effective tax rates applicable for the full years ending December 31, 2017 and 2016 and includes items specifically related to the interim periods. The Company’s effective tax rate was 31.3%30.8% and 34.6%34.7% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The decrease in the Company's effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was duerelated primarily to the adoptionreversal of ASU 2016-09a valuation allowance against certain foreign jurisdiction deferred tax assets recorded during the period ended September 30, 2017. The Company believes it will have sufficient future taxable income to realize its net operating loss carryforwards in this foreign jurisdiction. The decrease in the third quarter of 2016, which impacted the accounting treatment of excesstax rate was also related to an increase in tax benefits related to the vesting of equity awards induring the sixnine months ended Juneending September 30, 2017. This resulted in the realization of tax benefits as a reduction to income tax expense in the quarter. In addition, the effective tax rate was affectedimpacted by the geographic mix of pretax income and the varying effective tax rates in the countries and states in which the Company operates.
As of Juneboth September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.9 million, respectively.million. These unrecognized tax benefit amounts would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.  As of JuneSeptember 30, 2017, the Company is subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax examination for the tax years 2007 through 2016, and to non-U.S. income tax examination for the tax years 2010 tothrough 2016. In addition, the Company is subject to state and local income tax examinations for the tax years 2007 through 2016.


NOTE 12. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company manages its business through its reporting segments: Office, Studio, and Coverings. All unallocated expenses are included within Corporate.
The Office segment includes a complete range of workplace products that address diverse workplace planning paradigms. These products include: systems furniture, seating, storage, tables, desks and KnollExtra® accessories as well as the international sales of North American Office products.
The Studio segment includes KnollStudio®, HOLLY HUNT®, Knoll Europe and DatesWeiser. KnollStudio® products, include iconic seating, lounge furniture, side, cafe and dining chairs as well as conference, training and dining and occasional tables. HOLLY HUNT® is known for high quality residential furniture, lighting, rugs, textiles and leathers. In 2016, HOLLY HUNT® acquired Vladimir Kagan Design Group, a renowned collection of modern luxury furnishings. Knoll Europe, which markets and sells both KnollStudio® and Knoll Office products, manufactures and sells products to customers primarily in Europe. DatesWeiser, known for its sophisticated meeting and conference tables and credenzas, sets a standard for design, quality and technology integration.
The Coverings segment includes KnollTextiles®, Spinneybeck® (including Filzfelt®), and Edelman® Leather. These businesses provide a wide range of customers with high-quality fabrics, felt, leather and related architectural products.
Corporate costs include unallocated costs relating to shared services and general corporate activities such as legal expenses, acquisition expenses, certain finance, human resources, administrative and executive expenses and other expenses that are not directly attributable to an operating segment. Dedicated, direct selling, general and administrative expenses, of the segments continue to be included within segment operating profit. Management regularly reviews the costs included in the Corporate function and believes disclosing such information provides more visibility and transparency of how the chief operating decision maker reviews the results for the Company.
The tables below present the Company’s segment information with Corporate costs excluded from operatingreporting segment results. Prior year amounts have been recast to conform to the current presentation (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2017 2016 2017 20162017 2016 2017 2016
SALES              
Office$153,042
 $179,270
 $302,874
 $364,626
$181,168
 $185,764
 $484,042
 $550,390
Studio88,039
 88,650
 167,112
 160,156
83,186
 79,829
 250,298
 239,985
Coverings27,613
 26,780
 55,528
 54,547
26,902
 26,504
 82,430
 81,051
Knoll, Inc. $268,694
 $294,700
 $525,514
 $579,329
$291,256
 $292,097
 $816,770
 $871,426
INTERSEGMENT SALES (1)
              
Office$450
 $488
 $724
 $1,069
$332
 $466
 $1,056
 $1,244
Studio1,493
 1,753
 2,591
 3,058
1,429
 1,228
 4,021
 4,611
Coverings649
 2,008
 2,600
 4,255
1,401
 2,099
 4,000
 4,869
Knoll, Inc. $2,592
 $4,249
 $5,915
 $8,382
$3,162
 $3,793
 $9,077
 $10,724
OPERATING PROFIT   
       
    
Office (2)
$4,395
 $15,794
 $13,171
 $35,627
$15,546
 $20,390
 $28,718
 $56,015
Studio14,919
 15,627
 26,558
 26,110
12,370
 13,372
 38,928
 39,482
Coverings6,194
 6,458
 12,430
 13,180
6,252
 6,295
 18,682
 19,476
Corporate(3,278) (4,405) (6,895) (9,594)(4,043) (4,854) (10,939) (14,447)
Knoll, Inc.(3)
$22,230
 $33,474
 $45,264
 $65,323
$30,125
 $35,203
 $75,389
 $100,526

(1) Intersegment sales are presented on a cost-plus basis which takes into consideration the effect of transfer prices between legal entities.
(2) Office Operating Profit includes $2.2 million of restructuring charges for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. The restructuring charges related to headcount rationalization and modernization of equipment. The Company does not expect to incur additional restructuring charges related to these activities.
(3) The Company does not allocate interest expense or other (income) expense, net to the reportable segments.


ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations provides an account of our financial performance and financial condition that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements.
Forward-looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, principally in the sections entitled “Business,” “Risk Factors,” “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Statements and financial discussion and analysis contained in this Form 10-Q that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to us, based on our current beliefs as well as assumptions made by us and information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements generally will be accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” or other similar words, phrases or expressions. This includes, without limitation, our statements and expectations regarding any current or future recovery in our industry and our expectations with respect to leverage. Although we believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based upon a number of assumptions concerning future conditions, any or all of which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: the risks described in Item 1A and Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016; changes in the financial stability of our clients or the overall economic environment, resulting in decreased corporate spending and service sector employment; changes in relationships with clients; the mix of products sold and of clients purchasing our products; the success of new technology initiatives; changes in business strategies and decisions; competition from our competitors; our ability to recruit and retain an experienced management team; changes in raw material prices and availability; restrictions on government spending resulting in fewer sales to the U.S. government, one of our largest customers; our debt restrictions on spending; our ability to protect our patents, copyrights and trademarks; our reliance on furniture dealers to produce sales; lawsuits arising from allegations of patents, copyrights and trademark infringements; violations of environmental laws and regulations; potential labor disruptions; adequacy of our insurance policies; the availability of future capital and the cost of borrowing; the overall strength and stability of our dealers, suppliers, and customers; access to necessary capital; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses; the success of our design and implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system; and currency rate fluctuations. The factors identified above are believed to be important factors (but not necessarily all of the important factors) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Unpredictable or unknown factors could also have material adverse effects on us. All forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as required under the Federal securities laws and the rules and regulations of the SEC, we undertake no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Overview
We design, manufacture, market and sell high-end commercial and residential furniture, accessories, textiles, fine leathers and designer felt for the workplace and home. We work with clients to create inspired modern interiors. Our design-driven businesses share a reputation for high-quality and sophistication offering a diversified product portfolio that endures throughout evolving trends. Our products are targeted at the middle to upper-end of the market where we reach customers primarily through a broad network of independent dealers and distribution partners, our direct sales force, our showrooms and our online presence.
Business Highlights
During the last decade, we have diversified our sources of revenue among our varying operating segments. We continue to build Knoll with an eye toward what works for our customers and shareholders: a constellation of high-design, high-margin businesses that leverage our historic relationships with architects, designers and decorators.
Our efforts to diversify our sources of revenue among our operating segments hashave not detracted from our continued focus on growing and improving the operating performance of our Office segment. We are looking beyond the traditional office product categories of systems, task seating and storage, to furniture that supports activity areas and the in-between spaces where people meet. We believe that our success in traditional office products gives us an advantage throughout the workplace. Our new Rockwell Unscripted collection encompasses every product category ranging from seating and lounge to architectural walls and storage. It addresses the needs of organizations that seek alternatives to the traditional workspace, and is substantially additive to our current product portfolio. In addition to these initiatives, we aim to increase profitability through operational improvements and investments in our physical and technological infrastructure. Our investments in lean manufacturing, combined with continued modernization of our facilities, is allowing us to progressively deliver on this goal.


We believe that over time our diversification efforts and strategy will continue to result in a more profitable and less cyclical enterprise. The 2016 acquisitions of DatesWeiser and Vladimir Kagan further advance our strategy of building global capability as a singular go-to resource for high-design workplaces and homes. DatesWeiser plays an integral role in the creation of high performance workplaces as its sophisticated meeting and conference tables and credenzas set a standard for design, quality and technology integration. DatesWeiser products are offered as a compliment of our ‘ancillary’ offerings. Vladimir Kagan's elegant and contemporary designs are leveraged within our HOLLY HUNT® distribution channels to maximize profitability and growth in future years.
We are committed to building a more efficient and responsive customer centric service culture and technology infrastructure across our organization. Our capital expenditures are reflective of this commitment as we continued to invest in the business through technology infrastructure upgrades, continued investments in our manufacturing facilities focusing on lean initiatives and in our showroom footprint.
Results of Operations
Comparison of Consolidated Results for the Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 vs. 2016 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 vs. 2016
 2017 2016 $ Change % Change 2017 2016 $ Change % Change
 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net Sales $268,694
 $294,700
 $(26,006) (8.8)% $291,256
 $292,097
 $(841) (0.3)%
Gross profit 99,958
 114,064
 (14,106) (12.4)% 106,610
 112,801
 (6,191) (5.5)%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 75,578
 80,590
 (5,012) (6.2)% 76,485
 77,598
 (1,113) (1.4)%
Restructuring charges 2,150
 
 2,150
 100.0 %
Operating profit 22,230
 33,474
 (11,244) (33.6)% 30,125
 35,203
 (5,078) (14.4)%
Interest expense 1,859
 1,307
 552
 42.2 % 1,991
 1,296
 695
 53.6 %
Other expense, net 229
 185
 44
 23.8 % 815
 681
 134
 19.7 %
Income tax expense 7,182
 10,341
 (3,159) (30.5)% 8,158
 11,608
 (3,450) (29.7)%
Net earnings 12,960
 21,641
 (8,681) (40.1)% 19,161
 21,618
 (2,457) (11.4)%
Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders 12,938
 21,635
 (8,697) (40.2)% 19,132
 21,607
 (2,475) (11.5)%
Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders:                
Basic $0.27
 $0.45
 $(0.18) (40.0)% $0.39
 $0.45
 $(0.06) (13.3)%
Diluted $0.26
 $0.44
 $(0.18) (40.9)% $0.39
 $0.44
 $(0.05) (11.4)%
Statistical Data                
Gross profit % 37.2%
38.7%     36.6%
38.6%    
Operating profit % 8.3%
11.4%
    10.3%
12.1%
   
Selling, general, and administrative expenses % 28.1% 27.3%     26.3% 26.6%    
Net Sales
Net sales for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $268.7$291.3 million, a decrease of $26.0$0.8 million, or 8.8%0.3%, from sales of $294.7$292.1 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. Net sales for the Office segment were $153.0$181.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, a decrease of 14.6%2.5%, when compared withto the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease in the Office segment was due primarily to a result of lowerdecline in government sales, and fewer largewhile Office commercial projects.sales were flat. Net sales for the Studio segment were $88.0$83.2 million during the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, a decreasean increase of 0.7%4.2%, when compared withfrom the same period ofthree months ended September 30, 2016. Growth inIncreased sales at HOLLY HUNT® and the incremental sales from DatesWeiser were partially offset by thea decrease in contract shipments at KnollStudio® and Europe.. Net sales for the Coverings segment were $27.6$26.9 million during the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, an increase of 3.1%1.5%, when compared withto the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The increase in Coverings was driven primarily by higher volume in the Spinneybeck | FilzFelt.FilzFelt and Edelman businesses, partially offset by volume declines at KnollTextiles.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $100.0$106.6 million, a decrease of $14.1$6.2 million, or 12.4%5.5%, from gross profit of $114.1$112.8 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. As a percentage of sales, gross profit decreased from 38.7%38.6% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016 to 37.2%36.6% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. This decrease was driven mainlyprimarily by the Office segment, where lower volume hadaccelerated commodity inflation, foreign exchange impacts, and an unfavorable impact on fixed-cost leverage,mix related to the ramp-up of newer product platforms in our Office segment. These declines were partially offset by net price realization.continuous improvement and lean initiatives.


Operating Profit
Operating profit for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $22.2$30.1 million, a decrease of $11.2$5.1 million, or 33.6%14.4%, from operating profit of $33.5$35.2 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease in operating profit was driven primarily by the Office segment resulting from lower sales volume and unfavorable product mix partially offset by reduced performance basedperformance-based incentive accruals and lower sales commissions. Operating profit for the Office segment was $4.4$15.5 million or 2.9% of net sales for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, a decrease of $11.4$4.8 million, or 72.2%23.8%, when compared withfrom the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $75.6$76.5 million, or 28.2%26.3% of sales, compared to $80.6a decrease of $1.1 million from $77.6 million, or 27.0%26.6% of sales, for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease iswas due primarily to lower incentive accrualscompensation from decreased profitability, as well as lower sales commissions as a result of a reduction in volume in the Office segment.and profitability.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $1.9$2.0 million, an increase of $0.6$0.7 million from interest expense of $1.3 million for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The increase in interest expense is due to an increase in outstanding borrowings in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. During the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, our weighted average interest rate was approximately 2.4%2.7% and 1.9%2.0%, respectively.
Other Expense, net
During the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, other expense was $0.2 million.$0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Other expenses are primarily related to foreign exchange losses.
Income Tax Expense
Our effective tax rate was 35.7%29.9% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, compared to 32.3%34.9% for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The increasedecrease in the tax rate was duerelated primarily to the reversal of a favorable incomevaluation allowance against certain foreign jurisdiction deferred tax examination ruling received from a non-U.S. income tax jurisdiction during the second quarter of 2016.assets. The tax rate was also affected by the mix of pretax income and the varying effective tax rates in the countries and states in which we operate.
Comparison of Consolidated Results for the SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 vs. 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 vs. 2016
 2017 2016 $ Change % Change 2017 2016 $ Change % Change
 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net Sales $525,514
 $579,329
 $(53,815) (9.3)% $816,770
 $871,426
 $(54,656) (6.3)%
Gross profit 195,632
 221,828
 (26,196) (11.8)% 302,242
 334,629
 (32,387) (9.7)%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses 148,218
 156,505
 (8,287) (5.3)% 224,703
 234,103
 (9,400) (4.0)%
Restructuring expense 2,150
 
 2,150
 100.0 % 2,150
 
 2,150
 100.0 %
Operating profit 45,264
 65,323
 (20,059) (30.7)% 75,389
 100,526
 (25,137) (25.0)%
Interest expense 3,530
 2,861
 669
 23.4 % 5,521
 4,157
 1,364
 32.8 %
Other expense (income), net 436
 2,789
 (2,353) (84.4)% 1,251
 3,470
 (2,219) (63.9)%
Income tax expense 12,946
 20,621
 (7,675) (37.2)% 21,104
 32,229
 (11,125) (34.5)%
Net earnings 28,352
 39,052
 (10,700) (27.4)% 47,513
 60,670
 (13,157) (21.7)%
Net earnings attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders 28,338
 39,035
 (10,697) (27.4)% 47,470
 60,642
 (13,172) (21.7)%
Net earnings per common share attributable to Knoll, Inc. stockholders:                
Basic $0.59
 $0.81
 $(0.22) (27.2)% $0.98
 $1.26
 $(0.28) (22.2)%
Diluted $0.57
 $0.80
 $(0.23) (28.8)% $0.96
 $1.24
 $(0.28) (22.6)%
Statistical Data                
Gross profit % 37.2% 38.3%     37.0% 38.4%    
Operating profit % 8.6% 11.3%     9.2% 11.5%    
Selling, general, and administrative expenses % 28.2% 27.0%     27.5% 26.9%    


Net Sales
Net sales for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $525.5$816.8 million, a decrease of $53.8$54.7 million, or 9.3%6.3%, from sales of $579.3$871.4 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease in sales was due to a $61.8$66.3 million decrease in our Office segment sales resulting from a reduction in the quantity anddriven primarily by lower average size of project opportunities as well as lower government sales, and a limited ship week at the end of March to facilitate the first phase of the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system.sales. The decrease in sales in our Office segment werewas partially offset by our Studio segment, where sales increased 4.3% from the same period in the prior year. The increase in the Studio segment was driven by strong sales growth in HOLLY HUNT® and incremental sales from DatesWeiser, which was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $195.6$302.2 million, a decrease of $26.2$32.4 million, or 11.8%9.7%, from gross profit of $221.8$334.6 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. As a percentage of sales, gross profit decreased from 38.3%38.4% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016 to 37.2%37.0% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. This decrease was driven primarily by the Office segment, where lower volume had an unfavorable impact on fixed-cost leverage, partially offset by net price realization.
Operating Profit
Operating profit for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $45.3$75.4 million, a decrease of $20.1$25.1 million, or 30.7%25.0%, from operating profit of $65.3$100.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease in operating profit was driven primarily by the Office segment resulting from lower sales volume partially offset by reduced performance based incentive accruals and lower sales commissions. Operating profit as a percentage of sales decreased from 11.3%11.5% in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016 to 8.6%9.2% in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $148.2$224.7 million, or 28.2%27.5% of sales, compared to $156.5$234.1 million, or 27.0%26.9% of sales, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease is due primarily to lower incentive accruals from decreased profitability as well as lower sales commissions as a result of a reduction in volume in the Office segment, partially offset by increased investments in training and costs related to the rollout of the Rockwell Unscripted product line.new products.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $3.5$5.5 million, an increase of $0.7$1.4 million from interest expense of $2.9$4.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, our weighted average interest rate was approximately 2.3%2.4% and 2.1%2.0%, respectively.
Other Expense, net
Other expense for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $0.4$1.3 million, a decrease of $2.4$2.2 million from $2.8$3.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. Other expense for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was related primarily related to foreign exchange losses. Other expense for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016 was primarily related to foreign exchanges losses that resulted from the revaluation of intercompany balances between our Canadian and U.S. entities.
Income Tax Expense
Our effective tax rate was 31.3%30.8% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, compared to 34.6%34.7% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The changedecrease in the tax rate was duerelated primarily to the early adoptionreversal of ASU 2016-09a valuation allowance against certain foreign jurisdiction deferred tax assets recorded during the period ended September 30, 2017, as well as an increase in the third quarter of 2016, which impacted the accounting treatment oftax benefits related to the vesting of a large quantity of equity awards. This resulted inawards during the realization of tax benefits recognized as a reduction of income tax expense. In addition, thenine months ending September 30, 2017. The tax rate was also affected by the mix of pretax income and the varying effective tax rates in the countries and states in which we operate.


Segment Reporting
We manage our business through our reporting segments: Office, Studio, and Coverings. All unallocated expenses are included within Corporate.
Our Office segment includes a complete range of workplace products that address diverse workplace planning paradigms. These products include: systems furniture, seating, storage, tables, desks and KnollExtra® accessories as well as the international sales of our North American Office products.
Our Studio segment includes KnollStudio®, HOLLY HUNT®, Knoll Europe and DatesWeiser. KnollStudio® products, include iconic seating, lounge furniture, side, cafe and dining chairs as well as conference, training and dining and occasional tables. HOLLY HUNT® is known for high quality residential furniture, lighting, rugs, textiles and leathers. In 2016, HOLLY HUNT® acquired Vladimir Kagan Design Group, a renowned collection of modern luxury furnishings. Knoll Europe, which distributes both KnollStudio® and Knoll Office products, manufactures and sells products to customers primarily in Europe. DatesWeiser, known for its sophisticated meeting and conference tables and credenzas, sets a standard for design, quality and technology integration.
Our Coverings segment includes KnollTextiles®, Spinneybeck® (including Filzfelt®), and Edelman® Leather. These businesses provide a wide range of customers with high-quality fabrics, felt, leather and related architectural products.
In 2016, we revised our segment presentation to segregate Corporate costs. We believe this facilitates improved communication as we report segment results and better aligns with how we view and operate the Company. Corporate costs represent the portion of unallocated expenses relating to shared services and general corporate functions including, but not limited to, legal expenses, acquisition expenses, certain finance, human resources, administrative and executive expenses and other expenses that are not directly attributable to an operating segment. Dedicated, direct selling, general and administrative expenses of the segments continue to be included within segment operating profit. We regularly review the costs included in the Corporate function, and believe disclosing such information provides more visibility and transparency of how our chief operating decision maker reviews the results for the Company.
The comparisons of segment results found below present our segment information with Corporate costs excluded from operating segment results. Prior year amounts have been recast to conform to the current presentation.
Comparison of Segment Results for the Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2017 vs. 2016 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 vs. 2016
 2017 2016 $ Change % Change 2017 2016 $ Change % Change
 (Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
SALES                
Office $153,042
 $179,270
 $(26,228) (14.6)% $181,168
 $185,764
 $(4,596) (2.5)%
Studio 88,039
 88,650
 (611) (0.7)% 83,186
 79,829
 3,357
 4.2 %
Coverings 27,613
 26,780
 833
 3.1 % 26,902
 26,504
 398
 1.5 %
Knoll, Inc.  $268,694
 $294,700
 $(26,006) (8.8)% $291,256
 $292,097
 $(841) (0.3)%
OPERATING PROFIT                
Office $4,395
 $15,794
 $(11,399) (72.2)% $15,546
 $20,390
 $(4,844) (23.8)%
Studio 14,919
 15,627
 (708) (4.5)% 12,370
 13,372
 (1,002) (7.5)%
Coverings 6,194
 6,458
 (264) (4.1)% 6,252
 6,295
 (43) (0.7)%
Corporate (3,278) (4,405) 1,127
 (25.6)% (4,043) (4,854) 811
 (16.7)%
Knoll, Inc. (1)
 $22,230
 $33,474
 $(11,244) (33.6)% $30,125
 $35,203
 $(5,078) (14.4)%

(1) The Company does not allocate interest expense or other expense (income), net to the reportable segments.
Office
Net sales for the Office segment for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $153.0$181.2 million, a decrease of $26.2$4.6 million, or 14.6%2.5%, when compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease in the Office segment was due primarily to a result of lowerdecline in government sales, and fewer largewhile Office commercial projects.sales were flat. Operating profit for the Office segment in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $4.4$15.5 million, a decrease of $11.4$4.8 million, or 72.2%23.8%, when compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease in operating profit for the Office segment was due primarily to lower sales volume partially offset by reduced performance-based incentive accruals and lower sales commissions.product mix.


Studio
Net sales for the Studio segment for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $88.0$83.2 million, a decreasean increase of $0.6$3.4 million, or 0.7%4.2%, when compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. Double digit growthIncreased sales at HOLLY HUNT® and the incremental sales from DatesWeiser were partially offset by the decreasesa decrease in contract shipments at both KnollStudio® and Europe.. Operating profit for the Studio segment in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $14.9$12.4 million, a decrease of $0.7$1.0 million, or 4.5%7.5%, when compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease in operating profit was driven by decreased volume,higher commissions and sales incentives, partially offset by net price realization.realization and increased volume.
Coverings
Net sales for the Coverings segment for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $27.6$26.9 million, an increase of $0.8$0.4 million, or 3.1%1.5%, when compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The increase in Coverings was driven primarily by higher volume in the Spinneybeck | FilzFelt business.and Edelman businesses, partially offset by declines in KnollTextiles. Operating profit for the Coverings segment infor both the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016 was $6.2 million, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 4.1%, when compared with the three months ended June 30, 2016.$6.3 million.
Corporate
Corporate costs for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $3.3$4.0 million, a decrease of $1.1$0.8 million, or 25.6%16.7%, when compared with the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease was driven primarily by reduced costs associated with employee benefits and incentive compensation.stock compensation expense as a result of forfeitures as well as a reduction of other miscellaneous corporate costs.
Comparison of Segment Results for the SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 vs. 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 vs. 2016
 2017 2016 $ Change % Change 2017 2016 $ Change % Change
 (Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
SALES                
Office $302,874
 $364,626
 $(61,752) (16.9)% $484,042
 $550,390
 $(66,348) (12.1)%
Studio 167,112
 160,156
 6,956
 4.3 % 250,298
 239,985
 10,313
 4.3 %
Coverings 55,528
 54,547
 981
 1.8 % 82,430
 81,051
 1,379
 1.7 %
Knoll, Inc.  $525,514
 $579,329
 $(53,815) (9.3)% $816,770
 $871,426
 $(54,656) (6.3)%
OPERATING PROFIT                
Office $13,171
 $35,627
 $(22,456) (63.0)% $28,718
 $56,015
 $(27,297) (48.7)%
Studio 26,558
 26,110
 448
 1.7 % 38,928
 39,482
 (554) (1.4)%
Coverings 12,430
 13,180
 (750) (5.7)% 18,682
 19,476
 (794) (4.1)%
Corporate (6,895) (9,594) 2,699
 (28.1)% (10,939) (14,447) 3,508
 (24.3)%
Knoll, Inc. (1)
 $45,264
 $65,323
 $(20,059) (30.7)% $75,389
 $100,526
 $(25,137) (25.0)%

(1) The Company does not allocate interest expense or other expense (income), net to the reportable segments.
Office
Net sales for the Office segment for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $302.9$484.0 million, a decrease of $61.8$66.3 million, or 16.9%12.1%, when compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease in the Office segment was a result of lower government sales and fewer large commercial projects. Operating profit for the Office segment in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $13.2$28.7 million, a decrease of $22.5$27.3 million, or 63.0%48.7%, when compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease in operating profit for the Office segment was due primarily to lower sales volume and materials inflation partially offset by reduced performance basedperformance-based incentive accruals and lower sales commissions.
Studio
Net sales for the Studio segment for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $167.1$250.3 million, an increase of $7.0$10.3 million, or 4.3%, when compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. ThisThe increase was driven by strong growth at HOLLY HUNT® and incremental sales from DatesWeiser, partially offset by the decreases in contract shipments at KnollStudio®. Operating profit for the Studio segment in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $26.6$38.9 million, an increasea decrease of $0.4$0.6 million, or 1.7%1.4%, when compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The increasedecrease in operating profit was driven primarily by higher commissions and sales incentives, foreign currency impacts and materials inflation, partially offset by net price realization partially offset by foreign exchange.and increased volume.


Coverings
Net sales for the Coverings segment for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $55.5$82.4 million, an increase of $1.0$1.4 million, or 1.8%1.7%, when compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The increase in Coverings was driven primarily by higher volume in the Spinneybeck | FilzFelt business. Operating profit for the Coverings segment in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 was $12.4$18.7 million, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 5.7%4.1%, when compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease in operating profit was driven primarily by unfavorable product mix.
Corporate
Corporate costs for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were $6.9$10.9 million, a decrease of $2.7$3.5 million, or 28.1%24.3%, when compared with the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. The decrease was driven primarily by reduced costs associated with employee benefits and incentive compensation, partially offset by an increase in stock based compensation expense.compensation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table highlights certain key cash flows and capital information pertinent to the discussion that follows:
Six Months Ended June 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2017 20162017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Cash provided by operating activities$32,238
 $46,339
$59,404
 $95,662
Capital expenditures, net(20,756) (15,057)(29,433) (25,442)
Purchase of common stock for treasury(10,570) (3,903)(10,570) (4,503)
Proceeds from credit facilities214,000
 173,500
304,000
 253,500
Repayment of credit facilities(199,000) (185,500)(304,000) (280,500)
Payment of dividends(15,729) (14,727)(23,000) (21,946)
Contingent purchase price payment(6,000) (5,000)(6,000) (5,000)
Cash used in financing activities(16,748) (33,510)(38,994) (55,602)
We have historically funded our business through cash generated from operations, supplemented by debt borrowings. Available cash is primarily used for our working capital needs, ongoing operations, capital expenditures, the payment of quarterly dividends, and the repurchase of shares. Capital expenditures are related primarily to investments in assets that help to improve operating efficiency, innovation and modernization, showroom refreshes and technology infrastructure. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, we made quarterly dividend payments of $0.30$0.45 per share, returning $14.6$21.9 million of cash to our shareholders. In addition to our quarterly dividend payments, we also paid accrued dividends on vested shares of $1.1 million.
Cash provided by operating activities was $32.2$59.4 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 compared to $46.3$95.7 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of $45.5$75.4 million from net income and various non-cash charges, including $12.6$19.1 million of depreciation and amortization and $5.0$7.3 million of stock based compensation, partially offset by $13.3$16.0 million of unfavorable changes in assets and liabilities driven primarily by incentive compensation payments, increased inventory purchases and a reduction of benefits liabilities. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016, cash provided by operating activities consisted of $59.2$93.2 million from net income and various non-cash charges, including $11.2$17.0 million of depreciation and amortization and $4.6$7.2 million of stock based compensation, partially offset by $12.8$2.4 million of unfavorablefavorable changes in assets and liabilities.
During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, we used $20.8$29.4 million and $15.1$25.4 million of cash for capital expenditures, respectively. The capital expenditures are reflective of our continued commitment to enhance and modernize our sales, manufacturing and information technology infrastructure.
During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, we used cash of $10.6 million for theof cash to purchase of common stock to satisfy employee tax withholding requirements related to the vesting of restricted shares, and $6.0 million ofto fund a contingent purchase price payment related to an earn-out for the HOLLY HUNT® acquisition in 2014. The Company also used $15.7$23.0 million of cash to pay dividends, of which $1.1 million was for accrued dividends on vested shares in addition to quarterly dividend payments of $0.30$0.15 per share, returning $14.6$21.9 million of cash to our shareholders. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016, we used $14.7$21.9 million of cash to fund dividend payments to shareholders, $5.0 million for the HOLLY HUNT® contingent purchase price payment, and $3.9$4.5 million for share repurchases.


We use our credit facility in the ordinary course of business to fund our working capital needs and, at times, make significant borrowings and repayments under the facility depending on our cash needs and availability at such time. Borrowings under the credit facility may be repaid at any time, but no later than May 2019. See Note 12 of the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for further information regarding this facility. The combination of increased debt levels and a reduction of EBITDA caused leverage to increase from 1.37 at December 31, 2016 to 1.571.52 at JuneSeptember 30, 2017. The calculation of our leverage ratio under our credit facility includes the use of adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure. For details on the leverage ratio calculations, see “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Our credit facility requires that we comply with two financial covenants (as defined in our credit agreement), consolidated leverage ratio, defined as the ratio of total indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our credit agreement) and consolidated interest coverage ratio, defined as the ratio of our consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our credit agreement) to our consolidated interest expense. Our consolidated leverage ratio cannot exceed 4.0 to 1, and our consolidated interest coverage ratio must be a minimum of 3.0 to 1. We are also required to comply with various other affirmative and negative covenants including, without limitation, covenants that prevent or restrict our ability to pay dividends, engage in certain mergers or acquisitions, make certain investments or loans, incur future indebtedness, engage in sale-leaseback transactions, alter our capital structure or line of business, prepay subordinated indebtedness, engage in certain transactions with affiliates and sell stock or assets.
We are currently in compliance with all of the covenants and conditions under our credit facility. We believe that existing cash balances and internally generated cash flows, together with borrowings available under our credit facility, will be sufficient to fund working capital needs, capital spending requirements, debt service requirements and dividend payments for at least the next twelve months. Future debt payments may be paid out of cash flows from operations, from future refinancing of our debt or from equity issuances. Our ability to make scheduled payments of principal, pay interest on or to refinance our indebtedness, satisfy our other debt obligations and to pay dividends to stockholders will depend upon our future operating performance, which is affected by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors beyond our control.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. A “non-GAAP financial measure” is a numerical measure of a company's financial performance that excludes or includes amounts so as to be different than the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the statements of income, balance sheets, or statements of cash flow of the company. These non-GAAP financial measures are presented because management uses this information to monitor and evaluate financial results and trends. Therefore, management believes this information is also useful for investors. Pursuant to applicable reporting requirements, the company has provided reconciliations below of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.


The non-GAAP financial measures presented within this quarterly report on Form 10-Q are Last Twelve Months (“LTM”) Adjusted EBITDA. These non-GAAP measures are not indicators of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to the applicable GAAP measure. These non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. In addition, in evaluating these non-GAAP measures, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of these non-GAAP measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or infrequent items. We compensate for these limitations by providing equal prominence of our GAAP results and using non-GAAP measures only as supplemental presentations.
The following table reconciles net earnings to adjusted EBITDA and computes our bank leverage calculations for the periods shown. The bank leverage calculation is in accordance with our Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 20, 2014.
 6/30/2016 9/30/2016 12/31/2016 3/31/2017 6/30/2017 9/30/2016 12/31/2016 3/31/2017 6/30/2017 9/30/2017
 ($ in millions)($ in millions)
Debt Levels (1)
 $221.7
 $206.7
 $231.8
 $249.8
 $240.4
 $206.7
 $231.8
 $249.8
 $240.4
 $225.4
LTM Net Earnings 69.3
 74.1
 82.1
 80.1
 72.8
 74.1
 82.1
 80.1
 72.8
 70.3
LTM Adjustments                    
Interest 6.2
 5
 4.7
 4.9
 5.4
 5
 4.7
 4.9
 5.4
 6.1
Taxes 39.3
 39.6
 45.4
 40.9
 38.5
 39.6
 45.4
 40.9
 38.5
 35.1
Depreciation and Amortization 21.3
 22.5
 23
 23.5
 24.4
 22.5
 23
 23.5
 24.4
 25.2
Non-cash items and Other (2)
 22.4
 23.8
 13.4
 13.3
 12.0
 23.8
 13.4
 13.3
 12.0
 11.8
LTM Adjusted EBITDA $158.5
 $165.0
 $168.6
 $162.7
 $153.1
 $165.0
 $168.6
 $162.7
 $153.1
 $148.5
Bank Leverage Calculation (3)
 1.40
 1.25
 1.37
 1.53
 1.57
 1.25
 1.37
 1.53
 1.57
 1.52
                    
(1) Outstanding debt levels include outstanding letters of credit and guarantee obligations. Excess cash over $15.0 million reduces outstanding debt per the terms of our credit facility, a copy of which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 21, 2014.
           
(2) Non-cash items and Other includes, but is not limited to, intangible asset impairment charges, pension settlements and other post-employment benefit curtailments, stock-based compensation expenses, unrealized gains and losses on foreign exchange, and restructuring charges.
           
(3) Debt divided by LTM Adjusted EBITDA, as calculated in accordance with our credit facility.
Environmental Matters
Our past and present business operations and the past and present ownership and operation of manufacturing plants on real property are subject to extensive and changing federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to discharges to air, water and land, the handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste and the cleanup of properties affected by hazardous substances. As a result, we are involved from time-to-time in administrative and judicial proceedings and inquiries relating to environmental matters and could become subject to fines or penalties related thereto. We cannot predict what environmental legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future, how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted or what environmental conditions may be found to exist. Compliance with more stringent laws or regulations, or stricter interpretation of existing laws, may require additional expenditures by us, some of which may be material. We have been identified as a potentially responsible party pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) for remediation costs associated with waste disposal sites that we previously used. The remediation costs and our allocated share at some of these CERCLA sites are unknown. We may also be subject to claims for personal injury or contribution relating to CERCLA sites. We reserve amounts for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special-purpose entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. In addition, we do not engage in trading activities involving non-exchange-traded contracts. As a result, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in these relationships.


Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the condensed consolidated financial statements.  Actual results may differ from such estimates. On an ongoing basis, we review our accounting policies and procedures.  A more detailed review of our critical accounting policies is contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.


ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We provided a discussion of our market risk in Part II, Item 7A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. There have been no substantive changes in our market risk described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K except for the items noted below. During the normal course of business, we are routinely subjected to market risk associated with interest rate movements and foreign currency exchange rate movements. Interest rate risk arises from our debt obligations and foreign currency exchange rate risk arises from our non-U.S. operations and purchases of inventory from foreign suppliers.
We also have risk in our exposure to certain materials and transportation costs. Steel, leather, wood products and plastics are all used in our products. For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, we estimated that materials inflation was approximately $2.2$4.2 million and transportation deflation was less than $0.1 million. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2016, we estimated that materials deflation was approximately $0.7$0.8 million and transportation inflation was less than $0.1 million, respectively. We continue to work to offset price increases in raw materials and transportation through our global sourcing initiatives, cost improvements and price increases to our products.
Interest Rate Risk
We have variable rate debt obligations that are denominated in U.S. dollars. A change in interest rates will impact the interest costs incurred and cash paid on the variable rate debt. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, our weighted average interest rates were approximately 2.3%2.4% and 2.1%2.0%, respectively.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We manufacture our products in the United States, Canada and Italy, and sell our products primarily in those markets as well as in other countries. Our foreign sales and certain expenses are transacted in foreign currencies. Our production costs, profit margins and competitive position are affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where we manufacture or purchase goods relative to the strength of the currencies in countries where our products are sold. Additionally, as our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar, our financial position is affected by the strength of the currencies in countries where we have operations relative to the strength of the U.S. dollar. The principal foreign currencies in which we conduct business are the Canadian dollar and the Euro. Approximately 13.1%12.6% and 11.6%11.7% of our revenues in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 27.1%26.6% and 27.7%27.2% of our cost of goods sold in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations resulted in $0.5$1.4 million and $3.1$3.8 million of translation losses for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.



ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.    We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period covered by this report (June(September 30, 2017) ("Disclosure Controls"). Based upon the Disclosure Controls evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Disclosure Controls are effective in reaching a reasonable level of assurance that (i) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting.  During the second quarter of 2017, Knoll implemented a new enterprise resource planning system which resulted in a material change to our internal control over financial reporting. We continue to review the impact of the implementation and make changes to the internal control over financial reporting to address the inherent risks associated with implementing the new system. The implementation of the system is expected to strengthen our overall internal controls. Other thanDuring the third quarter of 2017 we did not make any changes to internal control over financial reporting in response to our review of the implementation of the enterprise resource planning system implementation, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the second quarter of 2017or any other business process that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, there have been no new material legal proceedings or material changes in the legal proceedings disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, there have been no material changes in the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND THE USE OF PROCEEDS
Repurchases of Equity Securities
The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017.
On August 17, 2005, our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program (the “Options Proceeds Program”), whereby they authorized us to purchase shares of our common stock in the open market using the cash proceeds received by us upon exercise of outstanding options.
On February 2, 2006, our board of directors approved an additional stock repurchase program, pursuant to which we are authorized to purchase up to $50.0 million of our common stock in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. On February 4, 2008, our board of directors expanded this previously authorized $50.0 million stock repurchase program by an additional $50.0 million.
PeriodTotal
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Dollar Value
of Shares that May Yet
be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
(1)
April 1, 2017 - April 31, 20179,455
 
(2) 
 $23.51
 
 $32,352,413
May 1, 2017 - May 31, 2017
 
 $
 
 $32,352,413
June 1, 2017 - June 30, 2017
 
 $
 
 $32,352,413
Total9,455
    
 
  
PeriodTotal
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Dollar Value
of Shares that May Yet
be Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
(1)
July 1, 2017 - July 31, 2017
 
 $
 
 $32,352,413
August 1, 2017 - August 31, 2017
 
 $
 
 $32,352,413
September 1, 2017 - September 30, 2017
 
 $
 
 $32,352,413
Total
    
 
  

(1) There is no limit on the number or value of shares that may be purchased by us under the Options Proceeds Program. Under our $50.0 million stock repurchase program, which was expanded by an additional $50.0 million in February 2008, we are only authorized to spend an aggregate of $100.0 million on stock repurchases. Amounts in this column represent the amounts that remain available under the $100.0 million stock repurchase program as of the end of the period indicated. There is no scheduled expiration date for the Option Proceeds Program or the $100.0 million stock repurchase program, but our Board of Directors may terminate either program in the future.
(2) In April 2017, 15,451 shares of outstanding restricted stock and 5,000 restricted stock units vested. Concurrently with the vesting, 9,455 shares were forfeited by the holders of the shares to cover applicable taxes paid on the holders' behalf by the Company.


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
 Description
   
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101 The following materials from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and 2016, and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.*

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


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
KNOLL, INC.  
(Registrant)  
    
Date:AugustNovember 9, 2017
  By:/s/ Andrew B. Cogan
   Andrew B. Cogan
   Chief Executive Officer
    
Date:AugustNovember 9, 2017
  By:/s/ Charles W. Rayfield
   Charles W. Rayfield
   Chief AccountingFinancial Officer
   (Principal Financial Officer)



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