UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

	                      WASHINGTON, DC  20549

	                            FORM 10-Q




(MARK ONE)

   /X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE   
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended OctoberApril 4, 19971998

                           OR

   / / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE 
       SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________________________________ to ____________________________________

Commission File Number 0-2648

                         HON INDUSTRIES Inc.                    
	(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

            Iowa               	         	       42-0617510       
(State or other jurisdiction of		          (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		            Identification Number)

P.O. Box 1109, 414 East Third Street, Muscatine, Iowa 52761-7109 
(Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code  319-264-7400 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all 
required reports to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months 
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to 
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing 
requirements for the past 90 days.   YES    X       NO       
                                           ---         ---
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's 
classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date.

           Class           	     Outstanding at OctoberApril 4, 19971998  
Common Shares, $1 Par Value			           29,676,19061,667,683 shares


Exhibit Index is on page 17.16.

 Page 1 of 17

            HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and SUBSIDIARIES

                            INDEX


               PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION


                                                            Page
Item 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets --
OctoberApril 4, 1997,1998, and December 28, 1996January 3, 1998                           3-4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income --
Three Months Ended OctoberApril 4, 1998, and March 29, 1997           and September 28, 1996      5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income --
Nine Months Ended October 4, 1997, and September 28, 19966

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows --
NineThree Months Ended OctoberApril 4, 1998, and March 29, 1997           and September 28, 1996       76

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements         8-107-9

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Financial Condition and Results of Operations     11-1410-13
  


               PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  14

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                     1514

SIGNATURES                                                    1615

EXHIBIT INDEX                                                 1716

  (27)	Financial Data Schedule                                18

   (99i)       Press Release                                   1917

 Page 2 of 17

               PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1.  Financial Statements

HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
   
                                         October 4,
                                            1997     December 28,
                                        (Unaudited)      1996    
ASSETS                                        (In thousands) 

CURRENT ASSETS                                       
 Cash and cash equivalents               $ 19,248      $ 31,196
 Short-term investments                       258         1,502
 Receivables                              166,496       109,095
 Inventories (Note B)                      65,011        43,550
 Deferred income taxes                     19,916         9,046
 Prepaid expenses and 
  other current assets                     15,713        11,138 

   Total Current Assets                   286,642       205,527

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, at cost
 Land and land improvements                 9,561         9,114    
 Buildings                                104,005        92,509
 Machinery and equipment                  301,150       231,780
 Construction in progress                  54,326        42,507
                                          469,042       375,910
 Less accumulated depreciation            163,364       141,294
 Net Property, Plant, and Equipment       305,678       234,616

GOODWILL                                   53,253        51,213

OTHER ASSETS                               26,231        22,158

   Total Assets                          $671,804      $513,514
              HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and SUBSIDIARIES

              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

April 4, 1998 January 3, (Unaudited) 1998 ASSETS (In thousands) CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 10,752 $ 46,080 Short-term investments 262 260 Receivables 178,351 158,408 Inventories (Note B) 62,461 60,182 Deferred income taxes 13,810 14,391 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 13,983 15,829 Total Current Assets 279,619 295,150 PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, at cost Land and land improvements 10,275 10,059 Buildings 113,389 111,387 Machinery and equipment 342,728 333,216 Construction in progress 84,628 60,832 551,020 515,494 Less accumulated depreciation 178,197 174,464 Net Property, Plant, and Equipment 372,823 341,030 GOODWILL 106,444 98,720 OTHER ASSETS 19,523 19,773 Total Assets $778,409 $754,673
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS October 4, 1997 December 28, (Unaudited) 1996 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (In thousands) CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses $173,899 $127,910 Income taxes 10,273 2,574 Note payable and current maturitiesPage 3 of long-term obligations 7,350 22,069 Total Current Liabilities 191,522 152,553 LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LIABILITIES 156,280 91,468 CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS 5,484 6,320 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 19,389 10,726 MINORITY INTEREST IN SUBSIDIARY - 50 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Capital Stock: Preferred, $1 par value; authorized 1,000,000 shares; no shares outstanding - - Common, $1 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; outstanding -- 29,676 29,713 1997 - 29,676,190 shares; 1996 - 29,713,265 shares Paid-in capital 164 360 Retained earnings 274,330 227,365 Receivable from HON Members Company Ownership Plan (5,041) (5,041) Total Shareholders' Equity 299,129 252,397 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $671,804 $513,51417 HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
April 4, 1998 January 3, (Unaudited) 1998 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (In thousands) CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses $166,738 $183,738 Income taxes 16,156 8,133 Note payable and current maturities of long-term debt 2,496 2,545 Current maturities of other long-term obligations 1,255 6,343 Total Current Liabilities 186,645 200,759 LONG-TERM DEBT 143,266 123,487 CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS 10,399 11,024 OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 18,927 18,601 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 19,683 19,140 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note C) Capital Stock: Preferred, $1 par value; authorized 1,000,000 shares; no shares outstanding - - Common, $1 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; outstanding -- 61,667 61,659 1998 - 61,667,683 shares; 1997 - 61,659,316 shares Paid-in capital 56,180 55,906 Retained earnings 282,747 265,203 Receivable from HON Members Company Ownership Plan (1,099) (1,099) Equity adjustment from foreign currency translation (6) (7) Total Shareholders' Equity 399,489 381,662 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $778,409 $754,673
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) Three Months Ended OctoberPage 4 September 28, 1997 1996 (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales (Note G) $391,348 $255,254 Cost of products sold 268,147 176,403 Gross Profit 123,201 78,851 Selling and administrative expenses 80,641 53,605 Operating Income 42,560 25,246 Interest income 601 806 Interest expense 2,810 715 Income Before Income Taxes 40,351 25,337 Income taxes (Note E) 15,132 7,430 Net Income $ 25,219 $ 17,907 Net income per common share (Note F) $ 0.85 $ 0.60 Average number of common shares outstanding 29,677,952 30,063,124 Cash dividends per common share $ 0.14 $ 0.1217 HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended April 4, March 29, 1998 1997 (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales $418,263 $282,859 Cost of products sold 291,571 194,194 Gross Profit 126,692 88,665 Selling and administrative expenses 88,563 60,453 Operating Income 38,129 28,212 Interest income 435 411 Interest expense 2,607 1,553 Income Before Income Taxes 35,957 27,070 Income taxes 13,484 10,152 Net Income 22,473 16,918 Net income per common share (Note C) $.36 $.28 Average number of common shares outstanding 61,647,784 59,399,822 Cash dividends per common share $.08 $.07
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended October 4, September 28, 1997 1996 (In thousands, except per share data) Net sales (Note G) $970,774 $707,991 CostPage 5 of products sold 663,310 486,636 Gross Profit 307,464 221,355 Selling and administrative expenses 205,397 152,958 Gain on sale of subsidiary (Note D) - 3,200 Operating Income 102,067 71,597 Interest income 1,453 2,306 Interest expense 5,945 2,342 Income Before Income Taxes 97,575 71,561 Income taxes (Note E) 36,591 24,533 Net Income $ 60,984 $ 47,028 Net income per common share (Note F) $ 2.05 $ 1.56 Average number of common shares outstanding 29,689,679 30,192,770 Cash dividends per common share $ 0.42 $ 0.3617 HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended April 4, March 29, 1998 1997 (In thousands) Net Cash Flows From (To) Operating Activities: Net income $ 22,473 $ 16,918 Noncash items included in net income: Depreciation and amortization 11,911 7,439 Other postretirement and postemployment benefits 354 799 Deferred income taxes 1,125 617 Other - net (12) 256 Net increase (decrease) in noncash operating assets and liabilities (32,712) (6,605) Increase (decrease) in other liabilities (1,326) (3,307) Net cash flows from operating activities 1,813 16,117 Net Cash Flows From (To) Investing Activities: Capital expenditures - net (40,067) (18,412) Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired (11,523) (262) Short-term investments - net (2) (802) Long-term investments (1) 800 Other - net 1 (455) Net cash flows (to) investing activities (51,592) (19,131) Net Cash Flows From (To) Financing Activities: Purchase of HON INDUSTRIES common stock (940) (1,171) Proceeds from long-term debt 35,050 - Payments of note and long-term debt (15,952) (9,859) Proceeds from sales of HON INDUSTRIES common stock to members and stock-based compensation 1,226 908 Dividends paid (4,933) (4,158) Net cash flows from (to) financing activities 14,451 (14,280) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (35,328) (17,294) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 46,080 31,196 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 10,752 $ 13,902
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended October 4, September 28, 1997 1996 (In thousands) Net Cash Flows From (To) Operating Activities: Net income $ 60,984 $ 47,028 Noncash items included in net income: Depreciation and amortization 25,334 17,460 Gain on salePage 6 of subsidiary, net of tax (Note D) - (2,016) Other postretirement and postemployment benefits 1,041 1,828 Deferred income taxes 1,851 (226) Other - net 20 247 Net increase (decrease) in noncash operating assets and liabilities (15,651) (6,497) Increase in other liabilities (571) 791 Net cash flows from operating activities 73,008 58,615 Net Cash Flows From (To) Investing Activities: Capital expenditures - net (56,898) (34,770) Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired (67,025) - Net proceeds from sale of subsidiary (Note D) - 7,336 Short-term investments - net 444 9,394 Long-term investments 1,045 148 Other - net (164) (189) Net cash flows (to) investing activities (122,598) (18,081) Net Cash Flows From (To) Financing Activities: Purchase of HON INDUSTRIES common stock (3,714) (9,991) Proceeds from long-term debt 100,000 - Payments of note and long-term debt (48,106) (2,857) Proceeds from sales of HON INDUSTRIES common stock to members and stock-based compensation 1,930 1,368 Dividends paid (12,468) (10,865) Net cash flows from (to) financing activities 37,642 (22,345) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (11,948) 18,189 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 31,196 32,231 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 19,248 $ 50,420 See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.17 HON INDUSTRIES Inc. and SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) OctoberApril 4, 19971998 Note A. Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine-monththree-month period ended OctoberApril 4, 1997,1998, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending January 3, 1998.2, 1999. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996.January 3, 1998. Note B. Inventories Inventories of the Company and its subsidiaries are summarized as follows: October 4, 1997 December 28, ($000) (Unaudited) 1996 Finished products $28,857 $15,793 Materials and work in process 36,154 27,757 $65,011 $43,550
April 4, 1998 ($000) Unaudited) January 3,1998 Finished products $ 29,198 $ 26,352 Materials and work in process 54,542 48,186 LIFO Allowance (21,279) (14,356) $ 62,461 $ 60,182
Note C. Fiscal CalendarShareholders' Equity The fiscal quarter ended October 4, 1997, represents 14 weeksBoard of business activity compared to 13 weeksDirectors approved a two-for-one common stock split in the prior year. Nine months ended October 4, 1997, similarly represents 40 weeks comparedform of a 100 percent stock dividend, paid on March 27, 1998, to 39 weeks in the prior year. Note D. Gainshareholders of record on Sale of Subsidiary During the first quarter of 1996, the Company sold all outstanding shares of its subsidiary, Ring King Visibles, Inc., for a sale price of $8,000,000 in cash and the forgiveness of intercompany receivables of approximately $2,000,000. The sale resulted in an approximate $3,200,000 pretax gain. Note E. Tax Credits During the third quarter of 1996, the Company recorded one-time federal research and development and state new jobs tax credits totaling approximately $2.1 million, or $0.07 per share. These tax credits were for eligible business events occurring in fiscal years prior to 1996. Note F. Net Income per Common Share In March 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) No. 128, "Earnings per Share." The Statement requires the current primary earnings6, 1998. All reported net income per share calculationand share outstanding amounts have been adjusted to be replaced with a new basic earnings per share calculation. The Statement will become effective for public companies for financial statements issued after December 15, 1997, and early adoption is not permitted. Management estimatesretroactively reflect the impact of adopting FAS 128 will have no effect on the calculation of the Company's reported year-end 1997 earnings per share given its current capital structure of common stock and no potentially dilutive securities.split. Note G.D. Business Combinations The Company acquired AllsteelAladdin Steel Products Inc. on June 17, 1997.February 20, 1998. The transaction has been accounted for under the purchase method. The cash purchase price of AllsteelAladdin was $66.0$10.4 million which has been preliminarily allocated as follows: (In thousands)millions) Working capital, other than cash $29.4$1.8 Property, plant, and equipment 38.41.8 Goodwill 6.1 Other liabilities (7.9) Further information regarding the transaction is set forth in the Company's Form 8-K, filed June 30, 1997.6.8 Page 7 of 17 Assuming the acquisition of Heat-N-Glo FireplaceAllsteel Inc., Bevis Custom Furniture Inc., Panel Concepts Inc., and Aladdin Steel Products Inc. and Allsteel Inc. had occurred on December 31, 1995,29, 1996, the beginning of the Company's 19961997 fiscal year, instead of on October 2, 1996, and June 17, 1997, November 13, 1997, December 1, 1997, and February 20, 1998, when they actually occurred, the Company's pro forma consolidated net sales for the thirdfirst quarter ended September 28, 1996,April 4, 1998, would have been approximately $321.1$419.4 million instead of the reported $255.3 million. Pro forma consolidated net sales for the nine months$418.3 million, and first quarter ended October 4,March 29, 1997, and September 28, 1996, would have been approximately $1,037.2 million and $883.1$341.5 million instead of the reported $970.8 million and $708.0 million respectively.$282.9 million. Pro forma consolidated net income and net income per share for the third quarter and first nine months of 1996 and 1997both quarters would not have been materially different from the reported amounts. Note H.E. New Accounting Standards The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, as of January 4, 1998, the beginning of its 1998 fiscal year; SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share; and SFAS No. 129, Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure, as of January 3, 1998, year-end 1997. Their adoption had no material effect on financial condition or results of operations. Note F. Reclassifications Certain prior year information has been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Note G. Business Segment Information As a resultThe Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, effective with its 1998 fiscal year beginning January 4, 1998. Management views the Company's October 1996 acquisition of Heat-N-Glo Fireplace Products, Inc., it hasCompany as being in two reportable core business segments: office furniture and hearth products. However,products with the manufacture and marketing of office furniture continues to beformer being the Company's principal business segment. The office furniture segment manufactures and markets a broad line of metal and wood commercial and home office furniture which includes file cabinets, desks, credenzas, chairs, storage cabinets, tables, bookcases, freestanding office partitions and panel systems, and other related products. The hearth products segment manufactures and markets a broad line of manufactured gas-, pellet- and wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, fireplace inserts, and chimney systems principally for the home. For purposes of segment reporting, intercompany sales transfers between segments are not material and operating profit is income before income taxes exclusive of certain unallocated corporate expenses. IdentifiableThese unallocated corporate expenses include the net Page 8 of 17 costs of the Company's corporate operations, interest income, and interest expense. Management views interest income and expense as corporate financing costs and not as a business segment cost. In addition, management applies one effective income tax rate to its consolidated income before income taxes so income taxes are not reported or viewed internally on a segment basis. No geographic information for revenues from external customers or for long-lived assets by segmentis disclosed inasmuch as the Company's primary market and capital investments are those assets applicable toconcentrated in the respective industry segments. Corporate assets consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and corporate office real estate and related equipment.United States. Reportable segment data reconciled to the consolidated financial statements for the three month and nine month period ended OctoberApril 4, 1997,1998, and September 28, 1996,March 29, 1997, is as follows:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Oct.Apr. 4, 1998 Mar. 29, 1997 Sept. 28, 1996 Oct. 4, 1997 Sept. 28, 1996 Net Sales:sales: Office furniture $334,159 $233,192 $818,522 $650,209$366,836 $239,638 Hearth products 57,189 22,062 152,252 57,782 $391,348 $255,254 $970,774 $707,99151,427 43,221 $418,263 $282,859 Operating profit: Office furniture $ 43,02836,663 $ 26,771 $101,572 $ 71,71328,548 Hearth products 8,066 3,721 16,724 6,9462,931 2,054 Total operating profit 51,094 30,492 118,296 78,65939,594 30,602 Unallocated corporate expense (10,743) (5,155) (20,721) (7,098)expenses (3,637) (3,532) Income before income taxes $ 40,35135,957 $ 25,337 $ 97,575 $ 71,56127,070 Identifiable assets: Office furniture $473,453 $328,759$591,18 $340,176 Hearth products 138,553 28,765145,917 124,440 General corporate 59,798 84,083 $671,804 $441,60741,374 42,871 $778,409 $507,487 Depreciation & amortization expense: Office furniture $ 8,0469,650 $ 5,263 $ 19,365 $ 15,2455,466 Hearth products 1,859 482 4,938 1,2181,942 1,632 General corporate 345 323 1,031 997319 341 $ 10,25011,911 $ 6,068 $ 25,334 $ 17,4607,439 Capital expenditures, net: Office furniture $ 19,07635,694 $ 12,276 $ 45,742 $ 32,48914,036 Hearth products 3,232 1,267 10,491 2,7874,526 4,211 General corporate 368 299 665 (506)(153) 165 $ 22,67640,067 $ 13,842 $ 56,898 $ 34,77018,412
Page 9 of 17 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Results of Operations A summary of the period-to-period changes in the principal items included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income is shown below:
Comparison of (Unaudited) Increases (Decreases) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended Dollars in Thousands OctoberApril 4, 1998 & April 4, 1998 & March 29, 1997 & October 4, 1997 & October 4, 1997 & September 28, 1996 September 28, 1996 June 28, 1997January 3, 1998 Net sales $136,094 53.3% $262,783 37.1% $94,781 32.0%$135,404 47.9% $26,324 6.7% Cost of products sold 91,744 52.0 176,674 36.3 67,178 33.497,377 50.1 21,724 8.1 Selling & administrative expenses 27,036 50.4 52,439 34.3 16,338 25.4 Gain on sale of subsidiary - - (3,200) (100.0) - -28,110 46.5 9,563 12.1 Interest income (205) (25.4) (853) (37.0) 160 36.324 5.8 (260) (37.4) Interest expense 2,095 293.0 3,603 153.8 1,228 77.61,054 67.9 373 16.7 Income taxes 7,702 103.7 12,058 49.2 3,825 33.83,332 32.8 (2,098) (13.5) Net income 7,312 40.8 13,956 29.7 6,372 33.85,555 32.8 (3,498) (13.5)
All per share information in this report reflects a two-for-one stock split effective March 27, 1998. The Company reported record thirdfirst quarter sales and earnings for its fiscal quarter ended OctoberApril 4, 1997.1998, representing the highest net sales for any quarter in the company's history. This wasis the seventhninth consecutive quarter of record results. These results coupled with record first and second quarter results, makes January through September 1997 the best first nine-month period in the Company's history.from operations. Consolidated net sales for the thirdfirst quarter ending OctoberApril 4, 1997,1998, were $391.3$418.3 million, a 53%48% increase from the $255.3$282.9 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 1996.1997. Net income was $25.2$22.5 million, or $0.85$0.36 per share, an increase of 41%,29% for the thirdfirst quarter of 1997,1998, compared to $17.9$16.9 million, or $0.60$0.28 per share for the year-agoyear- ago period. Net income for 1996 includes a one-time income tax creditThis sales increase is the result of $2.1 million, or $0.07 per share. Adjusting for this 1996 nonoperating event, net incomeoffering compelling value products, pursuing aggressive marketing programs, and net income per share for the third quarter 1997 from operations, on a comparative basis, increased 60% over the prior year quarter.offering new product features often at no additional cost to customers, although at some sacrifice of gross margin. For the nine months ended October 4, 1997, consolidated net sales were $970.8 million, up 37% from $708.0 million for the year-ago period. Net income for the nine months of 1997 was $61.0 million, or $2.05 per share, an increase of 30%, compared to $47.0 million, or $1.56 per share for the comparable period in 1996. Last year's net income results were favorably impacted by a $2.0 million gain on the sale of a subsidiary as well as the income tax credit previously mentioned. Disregarding these two nonoperating events, comparative net income from operations for the current year increased 36% and net income per share rose 38%. Results of operations for both the quarter and the nine- month periods include one extra week of business activity compared to the prior year periods. This extra week occurs every five or six years as a result of the leap year effect on the Company's fiscal year calendar. The additional week in the quarter accounted for 8% of the increases. Although record results would have been achieved without the extra week of business--the extra week further enhanced the results. For the thirdfirst quarter of 1997,1998, office furniture comprised 85%88% of consolidated net sales and hearth products 15%12%. Net sales for office furniture were up 43%53% for the quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. OnProforma first quarter 1998 net sales of office furniture, excluding 1997-98 acquisitions of Allsteel, Bevis, and Panel Concepts, increased 34% over first quarter 1997. Hearth products sales increased 19% for the quarter compared to the same quarter a proforma basis,year ago. Proforma first quarter 1998 hearth products sales, excluding sales from the February 1998 acquisition of Allsteel from 1997 quarterly results, office furniture sales increased 25% for the quarter. Hearth product sales increased 159%Aladdin Steel Products Inc., due primarily to contributions from the Heat-N-Glo division of Hearth Technologies Inc. acquired in October 1996. On a proforma basis, including Heat-N-Glo operations in the Company's quarterly prior year results, hearth product sales increased 16% for the quarter. Office furniture contributed 84%93% of first quarter 1998 Page 10 of 17 consolidated operating profit before unallocated corporate expenses and hearth products 16% as defined by7%. The first quarter of the prevailing Financial Accounting Standards Board Statements for segment reporting. Forfiscal year is historically the nine months ended October 4, 1997, office furniture comprised 84% of consolidated netweakest sales and earnings quarter for the hearth products 16%. Office furniture contributed 86% of consolidated operating profit before unallocated corporate expenses and hearth products 14%. Please refer to Note G. Business Combinations and Note H. Business Segment Information in the "Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements" for further related information. The value-priced segment of the office furniture industry, where the Company is the strongest, is showing strong growth. This provides the Company with a solid foundation to continue growth. The hearth products industry, which is linked to both home sales and home remodeling, is thriving. The Company with its leadership position in this industry through its Heatilator and Heat-N-Glo brand product is participating in this growth.segment. The consolidated gross profit margin for the thirdfirst quarter of 19971998 was 31.5%30.3% compared to 30.9%31.3% for the same quarterperiod in 1996. On a nine-month basis,1997 which reflects several business factors. The Company continues to improve margin levels of recently acquired businesses and expects that margins will be in line with other core businesses when integration is complete. The Company believes that its Rapid Continuous Improvement Program will improve gross margins from current levels by the margin was 31.7% for 1997 versus 31.3% for 1996. Margin improvements are being primarily driven by improved productivity and effective cost control efforts.end of 1998. Selling and administrative expenses for the thirdfirst quarter of 19971998 were 20.6%21.2% of net sales compared to 21.0%21.4% in the comparable quarter of 1996. On a nine-month basis, they were 21.2% in 1997 versus 21.6% in 1996.1997. Management places major emphasis on controlling and reducing selling and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales. Selling and administrative expenses also include freight and distribution expenses incurred to get the product to the customer. Liquidity and Capital Resources As of OctoberApril 4, 1997,1998, cash and short-term investments decreased to $19.5$11.0 million compared to a $32.7$46.3 million balance at year-end 1996.1997. The decrease is principally due to a note payable paymentmarketing program payments, capital expenditures, and capital expenditures. The October 4, 1997, balances for receivables and accounts payable and accrued expenses reflect the Company's increased level of business and the inclusion of Allsteel. During fiscal year 1997 to date, the Company has borrowed $100.0 million against its long-term revolving bank credit agreement, used $66.0 million for the purchase of Allsteel, and applied the balance against long-term debt incurred to pay for an earlier acquisition.acquisition spending. Net capital expenditures for the first nine monthsquarter of 19971998 were $56.9$40.1 million and primarily represent investment for new machinery and equipment and warehouse and production facility expansion to increase capacity and to facilitate more efficient and productive operations. Approximately 700,000 square feet of facility expansion is currently in various stages of construction. These investments were funded by a combination of cash reserves, and cash from operations.operations and a revolving credit agreement. As referenced earlier, on February 20, 1998, the Company completed an acquisition of the assets of Aladdin Steel Products Inc., located in Colville, Washington. Aladdin is a manufacturer of wood-, pellet- and gas-burning stoves and inserts under the Quadra-Fire brand name with annual sales of approximately $16 million. A $0.14new division, Aladdin Hearth Products, has been formed under the Hearth Technologies operating company to manufacture and distribute the Company's Quadra-Fire, Arrow and Dovre brand stoves. Page 11 of 17 The Board of Directors approved a 14.3% increase in the common stock quarterly dividend from $.07 per share quarterlyto $.08 per share. The dividend on common stock was paid on August 29, 1997,February 28, 1998 to shareholders of record on August 21, 1997.February 23, 1998. This was the 170th172nd consecutive quarterly dividend paid by the Company. The Company has been using cashBoard of Directors also declared a two-for-one stock split in the form of a 100 percent stock dividend paid on March 27, 1998, to repurchase itsshareholders of record on March 6, 1998. Shareholders received one share of common stock.stock for each share held on the record date. In the thirdfirst quarter, the Company repurchased 21,22630,795 post-split shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $1.2$.9 million or an average price of $54.75 per share. For the nine months of fiscal year 1997, 84,874 shares were acquired at a cost of approximately $3.7 million or an average price of $43.76$30.24 per share. As of OctoberApril 4, 1997,1998, approximately $5.0$3.7 million of the Board's current repurchase authorization remained unspent. On June 17, 1997,The Company is continuing to assess and address its various Year 2000 information technology compliance issues. Based on the assessment effort to date, the Company acquired Allsteel Inc. from BTR plc. Allsteelcontinues to believe that any required maintenance or modification costs will be expensed as incurred and will not be material to its business, operations, or financial condition. Any replacement software required will be capitalized and amortized over the software's useful life. On May 11, 1998, the Board of Directors declared an $.08 per common share cash dividend to shareholders of record on May 21, 1998, to be paid on June 1, 1998. The Board also passed a resolution to appoint Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Chicago, Illinois, as the Company's transfer agent and registrar of its common stock. The transition to Harris will occur over the next six to eight weeks. This function previously had been performed in-house by the Company. In addition, the Company announced it has completed the clearance process and is a manufacturer and marketer of mid-priced office furniture, which operates modern manufacturing facilities located in West Hazelton, Pennsylvania, Jackson and Milan, Tennessee, and Tupelo, Mississippi. It had 1996 sales of approximately $150 million. This acquisition operates as part offiling an application to list its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The HON Company, and itCompany's shares will continue to manufacturebe traded on the NASDAQ National Market System until it becomes listed on the NYSE under the symbol HNI, which is anticipated to be in early July 1998. Looking Ahead Management's goal is to achieve double-digit growth in sales and sell a separate line of Allsteel office furniture products. On September 26, 1997,earnings for 1998. This will be achieved by continually improving the Company filed withcost structure, introducing new value-priced products, and providing the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement for a primary offering of 1,000,000 shares of its common stock and a secondary offering by Bandag, Incorporated of 2,395,000 shares of the Company's stock. On October 23, 1997, the public offering was priced at $52.00 per share. The offering closed on October 29, 1997. The Company granted the underwriters an option to purchase 509,250 additional shares at the same price to cover over-allotments, if any, of which 150,000 shares have been purchased to-date. The Company expects to use the net proceeds of approximately $57.4 million from the 1,150,000 shares for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of indebtedness incurred to finance recent acquisitions. The Company did not receive any of the proceeds of shares sold by the selling shareholder. The secondary offering by Bandag, Incorporated, eliminated its ownership interestbest customer service in the Company. Looking Aheadtwo industries. Page 12 of 17 Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. The following are some of the important factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements:statements including: competitive conditions, pricing trends in the office furniture and hearth products markets, acceptance of the Company's new product introductions, the overall growth rate of the office furniture and hearth products industries, the achievement of cost reductions and productivity in the Company's operations, the Company's ability to improve margins of acquired businesses, impact of future acquisitions, as well as the risks, uncertainties, and other factors described from time to time in the Company's SEC filings and reports. Subsequent Events On October 7, 1997, Page 13 of 17 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of HON INDUSTRIES Inc. was held on May 12 1998, for purposes of electing four Directors to the Company announced it had signed a purchase agreementBoard of Directors, and to acquire substantially allamend the Articles of Incorporation to increase the assets and operations of BEVIS Custom Furniture, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hunt Manufacturing Co. located in Florence, Alabama. BEVIS designs, manufactures and markets a broad line of commercial, high-quality, mid-priced office furniture, panels, conference and training room tables, computer furniture, folding tables, utility and reception area tables, bookcases and seating. BEVIS had 1996 sales of approximately $62 million. The transaction closed on November 13, 1997, for a cash purchase price of approximately $46 million. Please refer to attached Exhibit (99i) for a copyauthorized shares of the Company's press release, dated Novembercommon stock from 100,000,000 to 200,000,000. As of March 13, 1997, announcing1998, the closingrecord date for the meeting, there were 30,826,307 shares of this acquisition. On November 10, 1997,common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Company announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Panel Concepts, Inc.,meeting. The first proposal voted upon was the election of four Directors for a subsidiaryterm of Standard Pacific Corp. Panel Concepts, Inc., is a manufacturer of panel-based office systems, with 1997 sales estimated at approximately $21 million. It operates a manufacturing facility in Santa Ana, California.three years and until their successors are elected and shall qualify. The acquisition is expected to close in early December 1997. The Company plans to finance the purchase with cash. On November 11, 1997,four persons nominated by the Company's Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividendreceived the following votes and were elected: For Withheld Against W. August Hillenbrand 26,895,244 216,034 1,806 or 87% or 1% or 0% Jack D. Michaels 26,888,931 219,054 2,949 or 87% or 1% or 0% Moe S. Nozari 26,894,408 216,084 1,972 or 87% or 1% or 0% Frank S. Ptak 26,894,408 215,229 1,550 or 87% or 1% or 0% The second proposal voted upon was the approval of $0.14 per share on its common stock.the Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation. The dividend will be payable on November 28, 1997,proposal was approved with 26,645,291 votes, or 86%, voting for; 418,512 votes, or 1%, voting against; and 49,770 votes, or 0%, voting withheld. As to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 20, 1997. PART II. OTHER INFORMATIONboth proposals, there were 1,635,533 broker non-votes. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits. The following exhibits are incorporated herein by reference: Exhibits (3i) Articles of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated by reference toSee Exhibit (3)(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988. (3ii) By-Laws, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 14, 1997. (4i) Rights Agreement dated as of July 7, 1988, between the Company and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed July 12, 1988, as amended by amendment dated as of May 1, 1990, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form 8 filed May 29, 1990. The following exhibits are filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K: Exhibit Page (27) Financial Data Schedule 18 (99i) Press Release dated November 13, 1997 19Index. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. The Company filed a current reportNo reports on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1997, tohave been filed during the quarter for which this report the acquisitionis filed. Page 14 of Allsteel Inc. on June 17 1997. The Company filed a current report on Form 8-K dated October 8, 1997, to report the signing of a purchase agreement to acquire BEVIS Custom Furniture, Inc. The Company filed a current report on Form 8-K dated October 22, 1997, to report its third quarter 1997 earnings. 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. HON INDUSTRIES Inc. Dated: November 14, 1997May 19, 1998 By /s/ David C. Stuebe ___________________ David C. Stuebe Vice President and Chief Financial Officer By /s/ Melvin L. McMains _____________________ Melvin L. McMains Controller Page 15 of 17 PART II. EXHIBITS EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibits Page (3i) Articles of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3)(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988. - (3ii)By-Laws, as amended, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 14, 1997. - (4i) Rights Agreement dated as of July 7, 1988, between the Company and First Chicago Trust Company of New York, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed July 12, 1988, as amended by amendment dated as of May 1, 1990, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form 8 filed May 29, 1990. - (27) Financial Data Schedule 18 (99i)Press Release 1917 Page 16 of 17