SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): ------------------------------------------------- December 15, 2000 (December 15, 2000) Furniture Brands International, Inc. ------------------------------------ (Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter) Delaware I-91 43-033768 - ------------------------ ------------------- ------------------------ (State of Incorporation) (Commission (IRS Employer File Number) Identification Number) 101 South Hanley Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 ------------------------------------------------ (Address of principal executive offices) (314) 863-1100 -------------- (Registrant's telephone number) Item 5. Other Matters On December 15, 2000 the Company announced that it expects fourth quarter sales to be marginally lower than last year, and fourth quarter earnings per share from operations to be in the $0.45 to $0.48 range, compared to $0.58 last year, resulting in full year earnings per share from operations of $2.12 to $2.15, versus last year's $2.14. The full year 2000 earnings per share estimate does not include two fourth quarter non-recurring items which will largely offset each other: a non-recurring loss from an increase in bad debt expense related to the Heilig-Meyers reorganization, and a non-recurring gain from a dividend to be received from a minority investment in a company which leases exhibition space to furniture and accessory manufacturers in High Point, North Carolina. The 2000 earnings per share estimate also excludes a second quarter extraordinary item (an expense) of $0.05 related to the early extinguishment of debt. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits (c) Exhibits 99 Press Release, dated December 15, 2000 SIGNATURE --------- 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. Furniture Brands International, Inc. By: \s\David P. Howard ---------------------------------- David P. Howard Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Dated: December 15, 2000