UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-K

Herman Miller, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (616) 654 3000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   [ X ]

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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [ X ]     Accelerated filer [__]   Non-accelerated filer [__]     Small reporting company [__]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by “nonaffiliates” of the registrant (for this purpose only, the affiliates of the registrant have been assumed to be the executive officers and directors of the registrant and their associates) as of November 29, 2008, was $773,740,978 (based on $14.71 per share which was the closing sale price as reported by NASDAQ).

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, as of July 22, 2009: Common stock, $.20 par value—55,884,937 shares outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on October 15, 2009, are incorporated into Part III of this report.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PART I

Item 1 BUSINESS

General Development of Business

The company researches, designs, manufactures, and distributes interior furnishings, for use in various environments including office, healthcare, educational, and residential settings, and provides related services that support organizations and individuals all over the world. The company’s products are sold primarily to or through independent contract office furniture dealers. Through research, the company seeks to define and clarify customer needs and problems existing in its markets and to design, through innovation where appropriate and feasible, products, systems, and services as solutions to such problems. Ultimately, the company seeks to enhance the performance of human habitats worldwide, making its customers’ lives more productive, rewarding, delightful, and meaningful.

Herman Miller, Inc. was incorporated in Michigan in 1905. One of the company’s major plants and its corporate offices are located at 855 East Main Avenue, PO Box 302, Zeeland, Michigan, 49464-0302, and its telephone number is (616) 654-3000. Unless otherwise noted or indicated by the context, the term “company” includes Herman Miller, Inc., its predecessors, and majority-owned subsidiaries. Further information relating to principles of consolidation is provided in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report.

Financial Information about Segments

Information relating to segments is provided in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report.

Narrative Description of Business

The company’s principal business consists of the research, design, manufacture, and distribution of office furniture systems, products, and related services. Most of these systems and products are designed to be used together.

The company is a leader in design and development of furniture and furniture systems. This leadership is exemplified by the innovative concepts introduced by the company in its modular systems (including Action Office®, Ethospace®, Resolve®, My Studio Environments^TM and Vivo Interiors^TM). The company also offers a broad array of seating (including Embody®, Aeron®, Mirra®, Celle™, Equa®, Ergon®, and Ambi® office chairs), storage (including Meridian® and Tu^TM filing products), wooden casegoods (including Geiger® products), and freestanding furniture products (including Teneo®, Passage® and Abak™). Going beyond these product offerings, the company’s Convia^TM business offers a programmable, modular electrical building infrastructure solution which enables building owners and individuals to adapt their habitat in new and profound ways. In fiscal 2009, the company introduced and began order entry for Embody® office chairs, and Teneo^TM free standing storage, hosting, and display pieces.

The company’s products are marketed worldwide by its own sales staff, its owned dealer network, independent dealers and retailers, and via the Internet. Salespersons work with dealers, the design and architectural community, and directly with end-users. Independent dealerships concentrate on the sale of Herman Miller products and some complementary product lines of other manufacturers. It is estimated that approximately 74 percent of the company’s sales in the fiscal year ended May 30, 2009, were made to or through independent dealers. The remaining sales were made directly to end-users, including federal, state, and local governments, and several major corporations, by the company’s own sales staff, its owned dealer network, or independent retailers.

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

The company’s furniture systems, seating, freestanding furniture, storage and casegood products, and related services are used in (1) office/institution environments including offices and related conference, lobby, and lounge areas, and general public areas including transportation terminals; (2) health/science environments including hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities; (3) industrial and educational settings; and (4) residential and other environments.

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

Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, Etc.
The company has 162 active United States utility patents on various components used in its products and 69 active United States design patents. Many of the inventions covered by the United States patents also have been patented in a number of foreign countries. Various trademarks, including the name and stylized “Herman Miller” and the “Herman Miller Circled Symbolic M” trademark are registered in the United States and many foreign countries. The company does not believe that any material part of its business depends on the continued availability of any one or all of its patents or trademarks, or that its business would be materially adversely affected by the loss of any thereof, except for Herman Miller®, Herman Miller Circled Symbolic M®, Geiger®, Action Office®, Ethospace®, Aeron®, Mirra®, Eames®, PostureFit®, and Vivo Interiors^TM. It is estimated that the average remaining life of such patents and trademarks is approximately 5 years and 7 years, respectively.

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

Customer Base
It is estimated that no single dealer accounted for more than 4 percent of the company’s net sales in the fiscal year ended May 30, 2009. It is also estimated that the largest single end-user customer, the U.S. federal government, accounted for $167.2 million or approximately 10 percent of the company’s fiscal 2009 net sales. The 10 largest customers accounted for approximately 21 percent of net sales. The company does not believe that its business depends on any single or small number of customers, the loss of which would have a materially adverse effect upon the company.

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Backlog of Unfilled Orders
As of May 30, 2009, the company’s backlog of unfilled orders was $207.8 million. At May 31, 2008, the company’s backlog totaled $286.2 million. It is expected that substantially all the orders forming the backlog at May 30, 2009, will be filled during the next fiscal year. Many orders received by the company are reflected in the backlog for only a short period while other orders specify delayed shipments and are carried in the backlog for up to one year. Accordingly, the amount of the backlog at any particular time does not necessarily indicate the level of net sales for a particular succeeding period.

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

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

Research, Design and Development
The company draws great competitive strength from its research, design and development programs. Accordingly, the company believes that its research and design activities are of significant importance. Through research, the company seeks to define and clarify customer needs and problems and to design, through innovation where feasible and appropriate, products and services as solutions to these customer needs and problems. The company uses both internal and independent research and design resources. Exclusive of royalty payments, the company spent approximately $36.2 million, $38.8 million, and $42.1 million, on research and development activities in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. Generally, royalties are paid to designers of the company’s products as the products are sold and are not included in research and development costs since they are variable based on product sales.

Environmental Matters
Living with integrity and respecting the environment stands as one of the company’s core values. This is based in part, on the belief that environmental sustainability and commercial success are not exclusive ends, but instead exist side by side in a mutually beneficial relationship. The company continues to rigorously reduce, recycle, and reuse solid waste generated by its manufacturing processes and the company’s efforts and accomplishments have been widely recognized. Additionally, the company is pursuing the use of green energy in its manufacturing processes. Based on current facts known to management, the company does not believe that existing environmental laws and regulations have had or will have any material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position of the company.

Human Resources
The company considers its employees to be another of its major competitive strengths. The company stresses individual employee participation and incentives, believing that this emphasis has helped attract and retain a competent and motivated workforce. The company’s human resources group provides employee recruitment, education and development, and compensation planning and counseling. There have been no work stoppages or labor disputes in the company’s history, and its relations with its employees are considered good. Approximately 7 percent of the company’s employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, most of whom are employees of its Integrated Metal Technology, Inc., and Herman Miller Limited (U.K.) subsidiaries.

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As of May 30, 2009, the company employed 5,077 full-time and 152 part-time employees, representing a 19.3 percent decrease and an 18.3 percent decrease, respectively, compared with May 31, 2008. In addition to its employee work force, the company uses temporary purchased labor to meet uneven demand in its manufacturing operations.

Information about International Operations

The company’s sales in international markets are made primarily to office/institutional customers. Foreign sales consist mostly of office furniture products such as Ethospace, Abak, Aeron, Mirra, and other seating and storage products. The company conducts business in the following major international markets: Europe, Canada, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Asia/Pacific region. In certain foreign markets, the company’s products are offered through licensing of foreign manufacturers on a royalty basis.

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

In several other countries, the company licenses manufacturing and selling rights. Historically, these licensing arrangements have not required a significant investment of funds or personnel by the company, and in the aggregate, have not produced material net earnings for the company.

Additional information with respect to operations by geographic area appears in Note 20, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report. Fluctuating exchange rates and factors beyond the control of the company, such as tariff and foreign economic policies, may affect future results of international operations. Refer to Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, for further discussion regarding the company’s foreign exchange risk.

Available Information

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

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Item 1A RISK FACTORS

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

Our pension expenses are affected by factors outside our control, including the performance of plan assets, interest rates, actuarial data and experience and changes in laws and regulations.Our future funding obligations for our U.S. defined benefit pension plans depend upon changes in the level of benefits provided for by the plans, the future performance of assets set aside in trusts for these plans, the level of interest rates used to determine funding levels, actuarial data and experience and any changes in government laws and regulations. In addition, our employee benefit plans hold a significant amount of equity securities. If the market values of these securities decline significantly, our future pension expenses and funding obligations could increase significantly. Decreases in interest rates that are not offset by contributions and asset returns could also increase our obligations under such plans. We may be legally required to make contributions to our U.S. pension plans in the future, and those contributions could be material. In addition, if local legal authorities increase the minimum funding requirements for our pension plan outside the United States, we could be required to contribute more funds, which would negatively affect our cash flow.

Sustained Downturn in the Economy Could Adversely Impact our Access to Capital
The recent global economic and financial market disruption has impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole. These conditions could persist for a prolonged period of time or worsen in the future. The timing and nature of any recovery in the financial and credit markets remains uncertain, and there can be no assurance that market conditions will improve in the near future. Our ability to access the capital markets may be restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to access those markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. The resulting lack of available credit, increased volatility in the financial markets and reduced business activity could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, our ability to take advantage of market opportunities and our ability to obtain and manage our liquidity. In addition, the cost of debt financing and the proceeds of equity financing may be materially and adversely impacted by these market conditions. The extent of any impact will depend on several factors, including our operating cash flows, the duration of tight credit conditions and volatile equity markets, our credit capacity, the cost of financing, and other general economic and business conditions. Our credit agreements contain performance covenants, such as a limit on the ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and limits on subsidiary debt and incurrence of liens. Although we believe none of these covenants are presently restrictive to our operations, our ability to meet the financial covenants can be affected by events beyond our control.

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

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

Certain growth opportunities may require us to invest in acquisitions, alliances, and the startup of new business ventures. These investments may not perform according to plan.

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

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

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

Additionally, in recent years we have seen an increased market presence from international competitors. We expect this to continue, particularly in the area of low-priced imports into the United States. There is a risk that this competitive pricing pressure could make it difficult for us to raise prices in response to increasing raw-material prices and other inflationary pressures.

Adverse economic and industry conditions could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Customer demand within the contract office furniture industry is affected by various macro-economic factors; general corporate profitability, white-collar employment levels, new office construction rates, and existing office vacancy rates are among the most influential factors. History has shown that declines in these measures can have an adverse effect on overall office furniture demand. Additionally, factors and changes specific to our industry, such as developments in technology, governmental standards and regulations, and health and safety issues can influence demand. There is no assurance that current or future economic or industry conditions will not adversely affect our business, operating results, or financial condition.

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

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

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

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

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

If dealers go out of business or restructure, we may suffer losses because they may not be able to pay for products already delivered to them. Also, dealers may experience financial difficulties, creating the need for outside financial support, which may not be easily obtained. In the past, we have, on occasion, agreed to provide direct financial assistance through term loans, lines of credit, and/or loan guarantees to certain dealers. There is no assurance that these dealers will be able to repay amounts owed to us or to banks with which we have offered guarantees.

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

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

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

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Item 1B UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS - none

Item 2 PROPERTIES

The company owns or leases facilities located throughout the United States and several foreign countries. The location, square footage, and use of the most significant facilities at May 30, 2009 were as follows.

⁽¹⁾The Zeeland, Michigan office facility was exited as part of the restructuring action in fiscal year 2009. The lease on this facility expires in December 2010.

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

Item 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

Item 4 SUBMISSION OF MATTER TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the year ended May 30, 2009.

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ADDITIONAL ITEM: EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Certain information relating to Executive Officers of the company is as follows.

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

Mr. Bylsma joined Herman Miller, Inc. in 2000 as Director of Reporting & Planning for North American prior to being appointed Corporate Controller in 2005.

Mr. Goeman joined Herman Miller’s New Product Development arena in 1980, and during his 29 years with the company he has held a variety of new product design and development leadership positions.

Mrs. Koch joined Herman Miller, Inc. in 2007 as Senior Vice President of Marketing, and prior to this she served as Chief Marketing Officer for Kodak Health Imaging and Kodak Entertainment Imaging for 10 years.

Mr. Gane joined Herman Miller in 2007 as President of Geiger International. Prior to this he worked for Furniture Brands International for 16 years serving mostly as President of HBF.

Mr. Pullen joined Herman Miller in 1991 and served as Chief Financial Officer from 2007 to 2009, Senior Vice President of Dealer Distribution from 2003 to 2007, Senior Vice President of Finance for North America from 2000 to 2003, and Vice President of Finance, Herman Miller International from 1994 to 2000. There are no family relationships between or among the above-named executive officers. There are no arrangements or understandings between any of the above-named officers pursuant to which any of them was named an officer.

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PART II

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

Share Price, Earnings, and Dividends Summary

Herman Miller, Inc., common stock is traded on the NASDAQ-Global Select Market System (Symbol: MLHR). As of July 22, 2009, there were approximately 20,700 record holders, including individual participants in security position listings, of the company’s common stock.

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

Dividends were declared and paid quarterly during fiscal 2009 and 2008 as approved by the Board of Directors. While it is anticipated that the company will continue to pay quarterly cash dividends, the amount and timing of such dividends is subject to the discretion of the Board depending on the company’s future results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, and other relevant factors.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following is a summary of share repurchase activity during the fourth quarter ended May 30, 2009.

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

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

No repurchase plans expired or were terminated during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, nor do any plans exist under which the company does not intend to make further purchases.

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

Shareholder Return Performance Graph

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s common stock with that of the cumulative total return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and the NASD Non-Financial Index for the five-year period ended May 30, 2009. The graph assumes an investment of $100 on May 29, 2004 in the company’s common stock, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and the NASD Non-Financial Index, with dividends reinvested.

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

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Item 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

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

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

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

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

Executive Overview

We use problem-solving design and performance innovation to enhance the quality of human habitats worldwide, making our customers’ lives more productive, rewarding, delightful, and meaningful. We do this by providing high quality products and related knowledge services. At present, most of our customers come to us for work environments in both corporate office and healthcare settings. We also have a growing presence in educational and residential markets, including home office. Our primary products include furniture systems, seating, storage and material handling solutions, freestanding furniture, and casegoods. Our services extend from workplace to furniture asset management. We extended our industry leading position in seating as we introduced the NeoCon award winning Embody ^TM chair and Setu^TM family of seating.

We are globally positioned in terms of manufacturing operations. In the United States, our manufacturing operations are located in Michigan, Georgia, and Washington. In Europe, we have a significant manufacturing presence in the United Kingdom, our largest marketplace outside of the United States. In Asia, we have manufacturing operations in Ningbo, China.

Our products are sold internationally through wholly-owned subsidiaries or branches in various countries including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Australia, Singapore, China, India, and the Netherlands. Our products are offered elsewhere in the world primarily through independent dealerships. We have customers in over 100 countries.

We manufacture our products using a system of lean manufacturing techniques collectively referred to as the Herman Miller Performance System (HMPS). We strive to maintain efficiencies and cost savings by minimizing the amount of inventory on hand. Accordingly, production is order-driven with direct materials and components purchased as needed to meet demand. The standard lead time for the majority of our products is 10 to 20 days. As a result, the rate of our inventory turns is high. These combined factors could cause our inventory levels to appear relatively low in relation to sales volume.

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

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Challenges Ahead
Like all businesses, we are faced with a host of challenges and risks. We believe our core strengths and values, which provide the foundation for our strategic direction, have us well prepared to respond to the inevitable challenges we will face in the future. While we are confident in our direction, we acknowledge the risks specific to our business and industry. Refer to Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for discussion of certain of these risk factors.

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

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

Discussion of Business Conditions

Our fiscal years ended May 30, 2009 and May 31, 2008 each included 52 weeks of operations.

Fiscal 2009 was a year marked with unprecedented economic challenges and uncertainties. We are encouraged by our achievements in the face of these economic conditions. We were able to maintain solid operating income performance despite a rapid and steep decline in revenue, as we acted quickly to adjust our cost structure. While we took significant steps in reducing our cost structure, it did not prevent us from continuing to invest in our strategy of problem solving design and innovation. We introduced several new products designed to reach customers in nearly all areas of our business. These new products made a strong showing at NeoCon, the contract furniture industry’s largest tradeshow. Our newly introduced chair, Setu^TM, won “Gold” for conference room seating, and “Silver” in the lounge seating category. Our Embody ^TM chair won “Silver” in task seating and we were named “Manufacturer of the Year” by the Office Furniture Dealers Association for the second year in a row.

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In fiscal 2009, we significantly changed our capital structure to align with the economic conditions. We suspended our share repurchases and focused on cash conservation and strengthening our balance sheet. Our intent to conserve cash is both a defensive strategy as well as offensive. We reduced our dividend in the fourth quarter from $.088 per share to $.022 per share. This adjustment aligns our dividend payout with our historic dividend metrics. We also announced and implemented several initiatives to improve our operating profitability and cash flow. We put in place a restructuring action that eliminated approximately 1,400 full-time positions and temporary workers. We took further action to reduce our cost structure by $30 million by adjusting our work schedule, working 9 out of every 10 days, and suspending our 401(k) match. All these actions allowed us to end the year with a cash and investment balance of $204.2 million. Given the uncertain nature of the current economic environment we have taken a number of actions to increase our financial strength and flexibility. At the same time, we believe there will be opportunities to increase market share for companies that are able to take advantage of these conditions. For example, subsequent to year-end we announced the acquisition of Nemschoff Chairs, LLC, (Nemschoff) a provider of lobby room seating and furnishings, administrative office lounge seating, and a wide range of healthcare patient room furniture products. We believe this acquisition, coupled with our recent acquisition of Brandrud, will make us the number one provider of furniture in healthcare environments.

Additionally, after year-end we renegotiated our syndicated revolving line of credit, reducing our availability from $250 million to $150 million, while giving us additional covenant flexibility. We also completed the repurchase of $75 million of our outstanding public bonds. In addition to improving our covenant metrics this action also significantly reduces our interest expense moving forward.

In May we announced the closing of a manufacturing facility. This closing, which will take place over the next 9 to 12 months, will provide significant savings once completed. As a result of our HMPS process improvements, we do not believe this causes a reduction to our long-term manufacturing capacity.

While many of the decisions we made were difficult and had negative impacts on some of our employee-owners, they were made as a result of unprecedented economic conditions. Overall we are pleased with our performance for the year and the opportunities in front of us.

Looking forward, the general economic outlook for our industry in the U.S. is expected to be negative through calendar year 2009, and we remain appropriately cautious as a result. BIFMA issued its most recent report in May 2009 expecting that the growth rate of office furniture orders and shipments in the U.S. for calendar 2009 will be negative 29.3 percent and 28.6 percent, respectively. For calendar 2010, BIFMA expects positive 2.6 percent and 2.8 percent growth for orders and sales, respectively. This forecasted improvement is based upon an assumption of a slight improvement in the U.S. economy in the fourth quarter of calendar 2009 and the first quarter of 2010.

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Financial Results

The following is a comparison of our annual results of operations and year-over-year percentage changes for the periods indicated.

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the components of the company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as a percentage of net sales.

Net Sales, Orders, and Backlog
Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009, consolidated net sales declined 19.0 percent to $1,630.0 million from $2,012.1 million in fiscal 2008. This year-over-year decline was driven by the global economic environment and was experienced across nearly all operating and geographic units. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar during fiscal 2009 against most major foreign currencies reduced our top line by approximately $30 million.

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Consolidated net trade orders for fiscal 2009 totaled $1,565 million. This is comparable to net trade orders of $2,009 million last year, and represents a decrease of 22 percent. Starting with the financial market volatility in the early fall in part related to the instability in the banking industry we experienced a sudden and dramatic fall in order rates through most of the third quarter. Orders rates stabilized through the fourth quarter, albeit at much lower level than last year. The strong dollar reduced orders by approximately $38 million compared with the prior year.

Our backlog of unfilled orders at the end of fiscal 2009 totaled $208 million, a 27 percent decline from $286 million at the end of fiscal 2008.

BIFMA reported an estimated year-over-year decline in U.S. office furniture shipments of approximately 13.8 percent for the twelve-month period ended May 2009. By comparison, the net sales decline for our domestic U.S. business was approximately 14.6 percent. We believe that while comparisons to BIFMA are important, we continue to pursue a strategy of revenue diversification that makes us less reliant on the drivers that impact BIFMA.

Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007

Consolidated net sales of $2,012.1 million in fiscal year 2008 increased $93.2 million from fiscal 2007. This increase of 4.9 percent was driven by growth within both of our reportable business segments.

Consolidated net trade orders in fiscal 2008 totaled $2,009 million representing a year-over-year growth of 2.1 percent from orders of $1,967 million in fiscal 2007.

The backlog of unfilled orders at the end of fiscal 2008 totaled $286 million, decreasing 0.7 percent from the fiscal 2007 level of $288 million.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we announced a restructuring program designed to reduce operating expenses and improve profitability. These actions included the elimination of approximately 150 full-time positions within the North American Furniture Solutions segment. The positions that were eliminated represented a variety of functional areas, and the individuals affected were offered one-time termination benefits, including severance and outplacement services. Pre-tax restructuring expenses for fiscal 2008 of $5.1 million, are reflected separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The related cash payments were $4.5 million in fiscal 2008. The balance of the restructuring accrual at May 31, 2008 was $0.6 million, and is reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet within “Other accrued liabilities.”

Discussion of Business Segments — Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

Net sales within our North American Furniture Solutions segment decreased from $1,636 million in fiscal 2008 to $1,349 million in the current year. This represents a year-over-year decrease of $287 million or 17.5 percent. We experienced a decline throughout our North American business operations, however, there were customer types within this segment that performed better than the overall average, primarily education, government and healthcare customers. Operating earnings for the segment in fiscal 2009 were $133 million, or 9.9 percent of net sales. This compares to segment earnings of $195.9 million or 12.0 percent in the prior year. With a top-line decline of 17.5 percent within the segment, we saw both dollar and percent-of-sales decreases to operating earnings in the North American Furniture Solutions segment. This segment’s ability to generate strong operating performance despite a significant decline in volume is largely due to the variable business model in place, which allowed costs to be shed as the top line declined as well as our execution of the restructuring plan discussed above.

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Net sales from our non-North American Furniture Solutions segment declined $85 million or 26% from the prior year. The decline was compounded by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most foreign currencies. Nearly every region within the segment posted decreases in year-over-year net sales. There were pockets of resiliency including the Middle East, South America, and Australia. Total net sales for the segment were $238 million, versus $323 million in the prior year. The regions which were the hardest hit by the current economy were the U.K. which was down 35%, and Japan, down 47%. Operating earnings within our non-North American segment totaled $15 million for the year or 6.3 percent of net sales. This compares to $47 million or 14.6 percent of net sales in fiscal 2008, a decrease of 830 basis points. Despite the decline in operating income, our low fixed cost model generated positive income with rapid declines in the top-line.

Net sales within the “Other” segment category were $42 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $52 million in the prior year. The decrease is the result of net sales declining within our North American Home business, primarily due to the challenges associated with the U.S. macroeconomic environment. This overall decrease was somewhat offset by sales to a new retail customer.

The U.S. dollar strengthened against most major currencies throughout fiscal 2009. The changes in currency exchange rates from the prior year affected the U.S. dollar value of net sales within both primary operating segments. We estimate these changes effectively decreased our fiscal 2009 net sales within the North American Furniture Solutions segment by approximately $18 million, driven largely by the U.S. dollar / Canadian dollar and the Mexican peso average exchange rate during the current year. Currency exchange rate fluctuations within our non-North American Furniture Solutions segment decreased net sales in fiscal 2009 by approximately $12 million. This was primarily driven by movements in the U.S. dollar / British pound sterling. It is important to note that period-to-period changes in currency exchange rates have a directionally similar impact on our international cost structures. Operating earnings within our non-North American segment increased an estimated $1.5 million in fiscal 2009 due to the aforementioned changes in currency exchange rates relative to the prior year level. The estimated impact on operating earnings of our North American business segment was a decrease of approximately $1 million.

Discussion of Business Segments — Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007

Net sales within our North American Furniture Solutions segment increased from $1,563.6 million in fiscal 2007 to $1,636.3 million in fiscal 2008. This represents a year-over-year increase of $72.7 million or 4.7 percent. We experienced growth throughout our North American business operations, but particularly strong growth was experienced in the healthcare industry which posted double-digit year-over-year growth.  The healthcare industry remains a key growth area within the segment and lines up with our strategy to pursue diversification. Sales at our Mexican subsidiary again reached double-digit growth over fiscal 2007. Canadian sales turned around from a flat year in 2007 to impressive double-digit growth in fiscal 2008. Operating earnings for the segment in fiscal 2008 were $195.9 million, or 12.0 percent of net sales. This compares to segment earnings of $161.7 million or 10.3 percent in fiscal 2007. With top-line growth of 4.7 percent within the segment, we saw both dollar and percent-of-sales increases to operating earnings in the North American Furniture Solutions segment. This segment’s strong operating performance is largely due to improved margins on certain recently introduced products, our focus on cost management, and our execution of the restructuring plan discussed above.

Net sales from our non-North American Furniture Solutions segment grew at double-digit rates.  Every region within the segment posted increases in year-over-year net sales. Total net sales for the segment were $323.5 million, up $45.0 million or 16.2 percent. Sales generated from our non-North American Furniture Solutions segment increased to 16.1 percent of our consolidated net sales, an increase of 160 basis points from 14.5 percent in fiscal 2007. The largest sales contribution within this segment came from our operations in the United Kingdom, which posted a 17.5 percent year-over-year increase to the top line. We also saw a strong increase in net sales within continental Europe. Our results within the Asia Pacific region are particularly noteworthy, growing by 26.8 percent from fiscal 2007. We continued to pursue our diversification strategy and the effects are clearly visible in these results. Operating earnings within our non-North American segment totaled $47.3 million for the year or 14.6 percent of net sales. This compares to $28.9 million or 10.4 percent of net sales in fiscal 2007, an increase of 420 basis points.

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Net sales within the “Other” segment category were $52.3 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $76.8 million in fiscal 2007. The decrease is primarily the result of OEM Sales of $20.4 million recognized in fiscal 2007 that did not occur in fiscal 2008.  Net sales within our North American Home business were down 8.3 percent primarily due to the challenges associated with the U.S. macroeconomic environment.

The U.S. dollar continued to weaken against major currencies throughout fiscal 2008. The changes in currency exchange rates from fiscal 2007 affected the U.S. dollar value of net sales within both primary operating segments. We estimate these changes effectively increased our fiscal 2008 net sales within the North American Furniture Solutions segment by approximately $12 million, driven largely by the U.S. dollar / Canadian dollar average exchange rate during the current year. Currency exchange rate fluctuations within our non-North American Furniture Solutions segment, increased net sales in fiscal 2008 by approximately $15 million. This was primarily driven by favorable movements in the U.S. dollar / British pound sterling and U.S. dollar / euro exchange rates as compared to fiscal 2007. It is important to note that period-to-period changes in currency exchange rates have a directionally similar impact on our international cost structures. Operating earnings within our non-North American segment increased an estimated $6 million in fiscal 2008 due to the aforementioned changes in currency exchange rates relative to fiscal 2007. The estimated impact on operating earnings of our North American business segment was an increase of approximately $1 million.

Gross Margin
Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

Our fiscal 2009 gross margin as a percentage of sales was 32.4 percent, a decline of 230 basis points from the prior year level. Higher direct material costs from vendors coupled with significantly lower volumes contributed to this decreased gross margin performance year-over-year. Details relative to each component of gross margin follow.

Direct material costs as a percentage of sales in the current year increased 220 basis points. The impact was front end loaded as raw material prices increased dramatically in the first half of the year, stabilized in the third quarter, and then declined substantially by the end of the year ending at approximately the same level they began the year.

Our direct labor costs were higher by only 10 basis points as a percentage of sales from prior year levels. First and foremost, this performance is an indication of the speed with which action was taken to reduce costs in the face of a significant decrease to net sales. This change in performance is also reflective of increased efficiency which was offset by the underlying increases in benefit costs, particularly medical benefits.

Overhead costs decreased by $52 million from fiscal 2008. Our ability to react quickly to the sales decline, coupled with the variable nature of our business model, allowed us to actually improve overhead by 10 basis points from the prior year. This decrease in costs was a result of the restructuring actions which took place during the year and related primarily to headcount.

Freight expenses, as a percentage of sales, were modestly lower compared to 2008 levels. Contributing to the reduction in freight expenses was a significant decrease in diesel fuel prices in the United States, as we moved through the year.

Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007

Our fiscal 2008 gross margin as a percentage of sales was 34.7 percent, an improvement of 100 basis points from the prior year level. Favorable direct material costs contributed to this increased gross margin performance year-over-year. Lower relative direct labor costs also boosted our margins while overhead expenses were slightly unfavorable. Details relative to each component of gross margin follow.

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Direct material costs as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2008 decreased 100 basis points. Although a higher sales volume favorably affected the percentage, the effect of our fixed contracts for the procurement of certain raw materials also contributed to the improvement. The majority of our fixed-price contracts expired during the fourth quarter of the year and we began to see the impact of increased costs for our raw material inputs late in the year.

Our direct labor costs were lower by 40 basis points as a percentage of sales from prior year levels. This reduction is primarily due to higher sales volume, and our continued manufacturing process improvements. Overhead costs increased in fiscal 2008 from prior year levels. We recognized certain costs associated with the completion of a large project, and had an overall shift into low margin service-related sales, which had the effect of increasing overhead costs by 30 basis points in fiscal 2008.

Freight expenses, as a percentage of sales, were modestly higher in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 levels. Contributing to the additional freight expenses was a significant increase in diesel prices in the United States. We have continued to benefit from the efforts of our logistics teams to consolidate shipments, increase trailer utilization, and engage lower cost carriers, which together, served to mitigate the impact of increases in fuel costs. Pricing also served to partially offset the increases in fuel costs.

Restructuring
In the second quarter of fiscal 2009, we announced a restructuring program designed to align our cost structure with the reality of the current economic conditions. These actions included the elimination of approximately 1,400 permanent and temporary positions across all segments. These reductions were permanent for our salaried workforce, while our direct labor positions were eliminated until business levels return. Those positions that were permanently eliminated represented a variety of functional areas, and the individuals affected were offered one-time termination benefits, including severance and outplacement services. Further actions were announced during the fourth quarter, which included a 10% reduction in the work schedule for most employees in the U.S., and the suspension of the 401(k) match. Within the non-North American Segment further reductions in force and a change to the work schedule were implemented to achieve similar savings.

Additionally, in the fourth quarter we announced the plans to shut down our IMT facility in Spring Lake, Michigan. The operations within the plant will be moved to other owned facilities, and a small component of this work will be outsourced to suppliers. We anticipate this shutdown will be completed over the next 9 to 12 months. Only the expenses related to the curtailment and special termination benefits of the pension plan have been recognized in fiscal 2009. The remaining costs are expected to be incurred over the course of the planned shutdown.

Pre-tax restructuring expenses for the aforementioned actions totaled $28.4 million in fiscal 2009, which are reflected separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The related cash payments were $16.8 million in fiscal 2009. The balance of the restructuring accrual at May 30, 2009 is $11.6 million, and is reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet within “Other accrued liabilities.”

Operating Expenses
Fiscal 2009 Compared to Fiscal 2008

Operating expenses in fiscal 2009 were $404.9 million, or 24.8 percent of net sales, which compares to $452.1 million, or 22.5 percent of net sales in the prior fiscal year. Although there was a year-over-year decrease of $47.2 million, we experienced a 230 basis point increase to operating expenses as a percentage of sales compared to fiscal 2008. A charge of $28.4 million for restructuring expenses as discussed above is included in fiscal 2009. There was a restructuring charge of $5.1 million in fiscal 2008.

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The year-over-year dollar decline in expenses, excluding restructuring expense, was $70.5 million or 16%. This is primarily due to a decrease in employee compensation and benefit costs as a result of the restructuring actions previously described, as well as a reduction in incentive compensation.

Year-over-year changes in currency exchange rates had a deflationary impact on operating expenses associated with our international operations, as measured in U.S. dollars. We estimate these changes decreased our consolidated operating expenses in fiscal 2009 by approximately $6 million relative to the prior year.

Design and research costs included in total operating expenses were $45.7 million and $51.2 million in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively. These expenses include royalty payments to the designers of our products.  We consider such royalty payments, which totaled $9.5 million and $12.4 million in fiscal years 2009 and 2008, respectively, to be variable costs of the products being sold. Accordingly, we do not include them in research and development costs as discussed in Note 1.

Fiscal 2008 Compared to Fiscal 2007

Operating expenses in fiscal 2008 were $452.1 million, or 22.5 percent of net sales. This compares to $447.8 million or 23.3 percent of net sales in fiscal 2007. Although there was a year-over-year increase of $4.3 million, we experienced an 80 basis point reduction to operating expenses as a percentage of sales compared to fiscal 2007. A charge of $5.1 million for restructuring expenses was included in fiscal 2008. There were no restructuring expenses in fiscal 2007.

The dollar increase from fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008 in expenses is primarily due to increases in employee compensation and benefit costs, designer royalties, global selling expenses, program marketing costs, and the foreign exchange impact on operating expenses, partially offset by lower levels of charitable contributions, and savings from certain R&D and product management programs. Leverage on higher sales levels in fiscal 2008 drove the percent-of-sales reduction in operating expenses.

Incremental employee compensation and benefit costs in fiscal 2008, which includes merit increases, stock-based compensation, and health benefits were an estimated $6 million higher than fiscal 2007. Global selling costs and designer royalty expenses, both of which vary with net sales levels, were $3.7 million and $2.4 million higher, respectively, in fiscal 2008 than in fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2008, we continued our pursuit of bringing new and innovative products to market, which drove incremental program marketing expenses of $2.8 million compared to fiscal 2007.

Year-over-year changes in currency exchange rates had an inflationary impact on operating expenses associated with our international operations, as measured in U.S. dollars. We estimate these changes increased our consolidated operating expenses in fiscal 2008 by approximately $4.8 million relative to fiscal 2007.

Partially offsetting these operating expense increases were charitable contributions that were $6.3 million lower than fiscal 2007 and a combined savings from certain R&D and product management programs of $6.6 million.

Design and research costs included in total operating expenses were $51.2 million and $52.0 million in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. These expenses include royalty payments to the designers of our products.  We consider such royalty payments, which totaled $12.4 million and $9.9 million in fiscal years 2008 and 2007, respectively, to be variable costs of the products being sold. Accordingly, we do not include them in research and development costs as discussed in Note 1.

Operating Earnings
Fiscal 2009 operating earnings were $122.8 million, which represents a decrease of 50.2 percent from our fiscal 2008 level of $246.6 million. As a percentage of net sales, operating earnings in fiscal 2009 decreased to 7.5 percent of net sales, a 480 basis-point decrease from the 12.3 percent reported in the prior year. The increase in restructuring expense led to 90 basis points of the decline while the remainder is largely a result of the decline in volume. In fiscal year 2007, we reported operating earnings of $198.1 million or 10.3 percent of net sales.

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Other Expenses and Income
Net other expenses totaled $23.9 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $16.2 million in the prior year and $11.1 million in fiscal 2007. The increase in expense in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 was principally driven by additional interest expense of $6.8 million in the current year associated with the additional senior subordinated notes. Net foreign currency transaction losses recorded in fiscal 2009 totaled $1.1 million versus a $0.1 million gain in fiscal 2008.

The year-over-year increase in net other expenses of $5.1 million between fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 was also as a result of higher interest expense related to the aforementioned debt issued in December of 2007.

Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate was 31.4 percent in fiscal 2009 versus 33.9 percent in fiscal 2008 and 31.0% in fiscal 2007. The effective rate in fiscal 2009 was below the statutory rate of 35%, primarily due to the domestic U.S. manufacturing tax incentive and the realization of foreign tax credits. The effective rate in fiscal 2008 was below the statutory rate primarily due to the domestic U.S. manufacturing tax incentive. The effective rate in fiscal 2007 was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to $4.3 million in tax credits for foreign taxes, other credits for research and development activities, and tax incentives for export sales and domestic manufacturing.

We expect our effective tax rate for fiscal 2010 to be between 27 and 29 percent. For further information regarding income taxes, refer to Note 15.

Net Earnings
In fiscal 2009 we generated $68.0 million of net earnings. This compares to net earnings in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 of $152.3 million and $129.1 million, respectively. Fiscal 2009 diluted earnings per share were $1.25. Earnings per diluted share in fiscal 2008 were $2.56 and $1.98 in fiscal 2007.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
The table below presents certain key cash flow and capital highlights for the fiscal years indicated.

⁽¹⁾Amounts shown include the fair market value of the company’s interest rate swap arrangement(s). The net fair value of this/these arrangement(s) was/were $2.4 million at May 30, 2009, $0.5 million at May 31, 2008, and $(1.8) million at June 2, 2007.
⁽²⁾Amounts shown are net of outstanding letters of credit, which are applied against the company’s unsecured credit facility, and excludes the $100 million accordion feature disclosed in Note 9.
⁽³⁾ During the third quarter of fiscal 2008, the company issued new senior unsecured private placement notes and replaced its unsecured revolving credit facility. Refer to Notes 9 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

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Cash Flow –Operating Activities

Cash generated from operating activities in fiscal 2009 totaled $91.7 million compared to $213.6 million generated in the prior year. This represents a decrease of $121.9 million compared to fiscal 2008. Changes in working capital balances resulted in a $34.4 million use of cash in the current fiscal year compared to an $11.8 million source of cash in the prior year.

The use of cash related to working capital balances in fiscal 2009 is primarily driven from decreased current liabilities of $102.3 million over the prior year. The reduction in liabilities is primarily related to reductions in accounts payable related to inventory, and accruals related to regular and incentive compensation. The use of cash is partially offset by volume related declines in accounts receivables of $60.1 million and inventories of $17.8 million. Accounts receivable declined 28.8% from the prior year, though it should be noted, this decline is not as substantial as the quarterly decline in sales. However, this lag is not reflective of deterioration of the accounts receivable aging, but rather the timing of the sales within the fourth quarter and the customer type. Certain direct customers and geographic customers tend to have a longer pay cycle. A relatively large percentage of the North American accounts receivable increase pertains to our Mexican subsidiary which has the longest cash collection cycle in the North American segment.

The source of cash related to working capital balances in fiscal 2008 is primarily driven from increased current liabilities of $33.1 million over the prior year, and to a lesser extent, lower inventory of $2.6 million from prior year levels. The increase in current liabilities is comprised of $16.6 million in tax-related accruals, $6.1 million of increased trade accounts payable and $10.4 million of other accruals. These sources of cash are offset partially by increases in volume-related accounts receivable of $21.3 million due to increased sales inside and outside North America.

The working capital investment in fiscal 2007 was related to increases in inventory and accounts receivable, primarily due to the significant level of growth in our non-North American Furniture Solutions segment. A contributing factor to the working capital investment during fiscal 2007 relates to our business with the U.S. federal government. Order activity with the federal government increased significantly during fiscal 2007, particularly during the first and second quarters. These sales generally require a longer cash collection cycle than do sales to independent contract furniture dealers. Accordingly, we experienced a related increase in accounts receivable. Inventory levels were also affected by this growth in federal government business, since we are generally required to hold product in inventory longer than with non-government business. This extended inventory holding period is necessary to be consistent with our revenue recognition policy for direct customer sales.

Collections of accounts receivable remained strong throughout the year, and we believe our recorded accounts receivable valuation allowances at the end of fiscal 2009 are adequate to cover the risk of potential bad debts. Allowances for non-collectible accounts receivable, as a percent of gross accounts receivable, totaled 4.7 percent, 2.6 percent, and 2.5 percent at the end of fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

Included in operating cash flows are cash contributions made to our employee pension and post-retirement benefit plans which totaled $5.3 million, $5.2 million, and $7.6 million in fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. For further information regarding the company’s pension and post-retirement benefit plans, including information relative to the funded status of these plans, refer to Note 12.

Cash Flow –Investing Activities

Capital expenditures totaled $25.3 million, $40.5 million and $41.3 million in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Outstanding commitments for future capital purchases at the end of fiscal 2009 were approximately $6.2 million. We expect capital spending in fiscal 2010 to be between $25 million and $32 million.

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Included in our fiscal 2009 investing activities, is a net cash outflow of $26.6 million related to the completion of our acquisition of Brandrud, and $2.9 million related to our acquisition of certain elements of Ruskin Industries. In fiscal 2008, our investing activities included a net cash outflow of $11.7 million related to the acquisition of Brandrud. In fiscal 2007, our investing activities reflected a cash outflow of $3.5 million related to the acquisition of a technology company. This acquisition added enhanced functionality to the existing product portfolio for our Convia subsidiary. Refer to Note 2 for further information related to these acquisitions.

Our net marketable securities transactions for fiscal 2009 yielded a $3.4 million source of cash. This compares to a $0.3 million source of cash in fiscal 2008.

In fiscal 2009, we were advanced $19.3 million of cash against the value of company owned life insurance policies. This is reflected as cash proceeds from investing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Cash Flow –Financing Activities

⁽¹⁾On January 3, 2008, the company entered into two agreements to purchase shares of its common stock from Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc., for an aggregate purchase price of $200 million, plus fees, under an Accelerated Share Repurchase (“ASR”) program. The company entered into these agreements as part of a repurchase program approved by its Board of Directors. The number of shares purchased under the ASR program was based on the volume-weighted-average price of the company’s common stock during the term of the agreements. On January 4, 2008 the company paid $200.6 million in exchange for an initial delivery of 4.4 million shares, representing 70% of the shares that could have been purchased, based on the closing price of its common stock on January 3, 2008. An additional 1.0 million shares were delivered during the remainder of fiscal 2008. An additional 2.1 million shares were delivered on September 9, 2008, which completed the ASR program. The total number of shares repurchased under the ASR was 7,538,718 at an average price of $26.61 per share.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 we announced a reduction in the cash dividend effective for first quarter of fiscal 2010 payment. This change will reduce the cash dividend to $0.022 per share versus a total quarterly cash dividend of $0.088 per share that was paid through the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

In fiscal 2008 we completed a debt financing transaction involving the issuance of $200 million in senior unsecured private placement notes. Notes totaling $50 million are due in January 2015, and bear interest at a fixed annual coupon rate of 5.94 percent. The remaining $150 million of these notes are due in January 2018 and bear interest at a fixed annual coupon rate of 6.42 percent. We used the $200 million proceeds from the notes for an ASR of our common stock. Refer to Note 10 for more information related to our long-term debt.

In fiscal 2008, we also completed a refinancing of our existing unsecured credit facility, increasing our borrowing capacity from $150 million to $250 million. The new credit facility includes a $100 million increase option, subject to customary conditions. The facility may be used to refinance existing debt, provide working capital or for other general corporate purposes. In fiscal 2008, we also paid off $2.1 million of debt on behalf of Brandrud, our most recent acquisition.

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As part of our decision to conserve cash we suspended share repurchases during fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2008 we repurchased shares totaling $267 million. The amount remaining under our share repurchase authorization at the end of fiscal 2009 totaled $171.1 million.

Interest-bearing debt at the end of fiscal 2009 of $377.4 million increased $1.9 million from the end of fiscal 2008, as compared to a $199.3 million increase during the prior fiscal year. The increase in fiscal 2009 is a result in the change in the fair value of our interest rate swap instrument, while the increase in fiscal 2008 related primarily to the issuance of $200 million of private placement notes.

The only usage against our unsecured revolving credit facility at the end of fiscal years 2009 and 2008 represented outstanding standby letters of credit totaling $13.1 million at each date. The provisions of our private placement notes and unsecured credit facility require that we adhere to certain covenant restrictions and maintain certain performance ratios. We were in compliance with all such restrictions and performance ratios during fiscal 2009.

In fiscal 2009, we received $3.4 million related to the issuance of shares in connection with stock-based benefit plans. This compares to receiving $6.5 million and $50.4 million in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.

During fiscal 2009 and 2008 we repatriated $8.0 million and $23.9 million of undistributed foreign earnings, respectively.

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

Contingencies

The company leases a facility in the U.K. under an agreement that expires in June 2011. Under the terms of the lease, the company is required to perform the maintenance and repairs necessary to address the general dilapidation of the facility over the lease term. The ultimate cost of this provision to the company is dependent on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the future use of the facility by the lessor and whether the company chooses and is permitted to renew the lease term. The company has estimated the cost of these maintenance and repairs to be between $0 and $3 million, depending on the outcome of future plans and negotiations. Based on existing circumstances, it is estimated that these costs will most likely approximate $1.0 million. As a result, this amount has been recorded as a liability reflected under the caption “Other Liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 30, 2009 and May 31, 2008.

The company has a lease obligation in the U.K. until May 2014 for a facility that it previously exited. Current market rates for comparable office space are lower than the rental payments owed under the lease agreement, as such, the company would remain liable to pay the difference. As of May 30, 2009 and May 31, 2008 the future cost of this arrangement was estimated to be $1.6 million and $2.0 million respectively. Accordingly this amount is reflected within “Other Liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of these dates.

The company is involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. It is the company’s opinion that the outcome of such proceedings and litigation currently pending will not materially affect its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Basis of Presentation

The company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to May 31. The fiscal years ended May 30, 2009, May 31, 2008, and June 2, 2007 each included 52 weeks of operations. This is the basis upon which weekly-average data is presented.

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Contractual Obligations

Contractual obligations associated with our ongoing business and financing activities will result in cash payments in future periods. The following table summarizes the amounts and estimated timing of these future cash payments. Further information regarding debt obligations can be found in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Likewise, further information related to operating leases can be found in Note 11.

⁽¹⁾Amounts indicated do not include the recorded fair value of interest rate swap instruments.
⁽²⁾ Estimated future interest payments on our outstanding debt obligations are based on interest rates as of May 30, 2009. Actual cash outflows may differ significantly due to changes in underlying interest rates and timing of principal payments.
⁽³⁾Purchase obligations consist of non-cancelable purchase orders and commitments for goods, services, and capital assets.
⁽⁴⁾ Pension funding commitments are defined as the estimated minimum funding requirements to be made in the following 12-month period. Such funding, if any, is not known beyond fiscal 2010. As of May 30, 2009, the total accumulated benefit obligation for our domestic and international employee pension benefit plans was $337.1 million.
⁽⁵⁾Represents the recorded dividend payable as of May 30, 2009. Future dividend payments are not considered contractual obligations until declared.⁽⁶⁾ Other contractual obligations primarily represent long-term commitments related to deferred and supplemental employee compensation benefits, other post-employment benefits, and minimum designer royalty payments.⁽⁷⁾ Total balance is reflected as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at May 30, 2009.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Guarantees
We provide certain guarantees to third parties under various arrangements in the form of product warranties, loan guarantees, standby letters of credit, lease guarantees, performance bonds, and indemnification provisions. These arrangements are accounted for and disclosed in accordance with FIN 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirement for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” as described in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Variable Interest Entities
On occasion, we provide financial support to certain independent dealers in the form of term loans, lines of credit, and loan guarantees. At May 30, 2009 and May 31, 2008, we were not considered the primary beneficiary of any such dealer relationships as defined by FASB Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46(R)) and therefore, no entities were included as VIEs as of these dates.

The risks and rewards associated with our interests in these dealerships are primarily limited to our outstanding loans and guarantee amounts. As of May 30, 2009 and May 31, 2008, our maximum exposure to potential losses related to outstanding loans to these dealerships totaled $0.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively. Information on our exposure related to outstanding loan guarantees provided to such entities is included in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

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

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

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

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

The accounts receivable allowance totaled $7.3 million and $5.6 million at May 30, 2009 and May 31, 2008, respectively. As a percentage of gross accounts receivable, these allowances totaled 4.7 percent and 2.6 percent, respectively. The year-over-year increase in the allowance percentage is primarily due to the perceived risk associated with the current economic conditions as opposed to an increase in specific customer issues.

Goodwill
The carrying value of our goodwill assets as of May 30, 2009 and May 31, 2008, totaled $69.5 million and $40.2 million, respectively. The increase in goodwill balances relates primarily to our final payment for the acquisition of Brandrud and also the acquisition of certain elements of Ruskin Industries. We account for our goodwill assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142. Under this accounting guidance, we are required to perform an annual test on our goodwill assets by reporting unit to determine whether the asset values are impaired. If impairment is determined, we are required to reduce the net carrying value of the assets to their estimated fair market value.

Our impairment-testing model is based partly on the present value of projected cash flows and the resulting residual value as well as a market-based approach that considers recent market capitalization values. In completing the test under this approach, we assume that one of the drivers of the value of a business today is the cash flows it will generate in the future. We also assume that such future cash flows can be reasonably estimated. While these projected cash flows reflect our best estimate of future reporting unit performance, actual cash flows could differ significantly.

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The results of this test, performed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, indicated that our net goodwill asset values were not impaired. We employed a market-based approach in selecting the discount rates used in our analysis. By this, we mean the discount rates selected represent market rates of return equal to what we believe a reasonable investor would expect to achieve on investments of similar size to our reporting units. We believe the discount rates selected in our testing are conservative in that, in all cases, they exceed the estimated weighted average cost of capital for our business as a whole. The results of the impairment test are sensitive to changes in discount rates, though the testing performed in fiscal 2009 would indicate that even a significant increase in the discount rate would not have changed the result.

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

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

Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse.

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

Self-Insurance Reserves
With the assistance of independent actuaries, we establish reserves for workers’ compensation and general liability exposures. The reserves are established based on expected future claims for incurred losses. We also establish reserves for health, prescription drugs, and dental benefit exposures based on historical claims information along with certain assumptions about future trends. The methods and assumptions used to determine the liabilities are applied consistently, although actual claims experience can vary. We also maintain insurance coverage for certain risk exposures through traditional premium-based insurance policies.

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

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

Stock-Based Compensation
We view stock-based compensation as a key component of total compensation for certain of our employees, non-employee directors and officers. We account for these programs, which include grants of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance share units, employee stock purchases, and stock options, in accordance with SFAS 123(R). Under this guidance we recognize compensation expense related to each of these share-based arrangements. We utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model in estimating the fair value of stock options issued in connection with our compensation program. This pricing model requires the use of several input assumptions. Among the most significant of these assumptions are the expected volatility of our common stock price, and the expected timing of future stock option exercises.

Refer to Note 14 for further discussion on our stock-based compensation plans.

Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, we encounter matters that raise the potential for contingent liabilities. In evaluating these matters for accounting treatment and disclosure, we are required to apply judgment in order to determine the probability that a liability has been incurred. We are also required to measure, if possible, the dollar value of such liabilities in determining whether or not recognition in our financial statements is required. This process involves the use of estimates which may differ from actual outcomes. Refer to Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information relating to contingencies.

New Accounting Standards

Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to new accounting standards.

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Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this filing are not historical facts but are “forward-looking statements” as defined under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended. Such statements are based on management’s belief, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the office furniture industry, the economy and the company itself. Words like “anticipates,” “believes,” “confident,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecast,” “likely,” “plans,” “projects,” and “should,” and variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward looking statements. These statements do not guarantee future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, expense, likelihood, and degree of occurrence. These risks include, without limitation, employment and general economic conditions in the U.S. and in our international markets, the increase in white collar employment, the willingness of customers to undertake capital expenditures, the types of products purchased by customers, the possibility of order cancellations or deferrals by customers, competitive pricing pressures, the availability and pricing of direct materials, our reliance on a limited number of suppliers, currency fluctuations, the ability to increase prices to absorb the additional costs of direct materials, the financial strength of our dealers, the financial strength of our customers, the mix of our products purchased by customers, our ability to attract and retain key executives and other qualified employees, our ability to continue to make product innovations, the strength of the intellectual property relating to our products, the success of newly introduced products, our ability to serve all of our markets, possible acquisitions, divestitures or alliances, the outcome of pending litigation or governmental audits or investigations, and other risks identified in this Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what we express or forecast. Furthermore, Herman Miller, Inc., takes no obligation to update, amend, or clarify forward-looking statements.

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Item 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

Direct Material Costs

The company is exposed to risks arising from price changes for certain direct materials and assembly components used in its operations. The largest such costs incurred by the company are for steel, plastics, textiles, wood particleboard, and aluminum components. Commodity prices were volatile during fiscal 2009, resulting in sharp increases in costs for the first half of the year. As the year progressed, prices receded back to approximately the same level that they began the year at. The net impact of price changes during fiscal 2009 was an increase to our costs of $24 million to $26 million. Commodity prices were fairly flat during most of fiscal 2008, resulting in increased costs of $2 million to $4 million, with most of this increase occurring in the fourth quarter. During fiscal 2007, rising commodities had a significant impact, adding an estimated $14 million to $16 million to the consolidated cost of sales for the full year.

Steel and fuel price fluctuations have a direct impact on our input costs for many products. During the past fiscal year both factors increased sharply, followed by a steady decline in the second half of the year. During fiscal 2008 the impact of steel price increases was fairly flat due to price contracts with suppliers.

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

Foreign Exchange Risk

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

In the normal course of business, the company enters into contracts denominated in foreign currencies. The principal foreign currencies in which the company conducts its business are the British pound (GBP), euro (EUR), Canadian dollar, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, Chinese renminbi (CNY), and Brazilian real (BRL). For the past three fiscal years the company has entered into forward currency instruments in order to offset exposure denominated in non-functional currency. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, nine contracts in total were placed to offset various currency exposures. To offset net asset exposure denominated in non-functional currency, three forward contracts for 4.8 million EUR and three forward contracts for 6.4 million USD were placed. Conversely, three contracts were placed to offset the company’s net liability exposure denominated in non-functional currency. The contracts included 0.5 million BRL, 3.5 million CNY, and 1.6 million of GBP. At the end of fiscal 2008, three contracts were placed to offset 4.0 million EUR for net asset exposure and two contracts for 6.0 million USD were placed to offset net liability exposure. Similarly, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the company entered into three separate forward currency contracts in order to offset 4.0 million EUR of net asset exposure denominated in a non-functional currency. In all three years, the instruments were marked to market at the end of the period, with changes in fair value reflected in net earnings. The fair value of the forward currency instruments was $0.1 million for both years ended May 30, 2009 and May 31, 2008, and a negligible amount at June 2, 2007.

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For fiscal year 2009, a net loss of $1.1 million related to remeasuring all foreign currency transactions into the appropriate functional currency was included in net earnings. For fiscal year 2008, a net gain of $0.1 million impacted net earnings, while the impact in fiscal 2007 was negligible. Additionally, the cumulative effect of translating the balance sheet and income statement accounts from the functional currency into the United States dollar increased the accumulated comprehensive loss component of total shareholders’ equity by $14.0 million as of the end of fiscal 2009. Conversely, the effect reduced the accumulated comprehensive loss component of total shareholder’s equity by $4.1 million, and $3.3 million for the years ended May 31, 2008, and June 2, 2007, respectively.

Interest Rate Risk

The company maintains fixed-rate debt for which changes in interest rates generally affect fair market value but not earnings or cash flows. As of the end of fiscal years 2009 and 2008, the company held one interest rate swap agreement that effectively converts $50.0 million of fixed-rate debt securities to a variable rate. As of the end of fiscal year 2007, the company had two interest rate swaps that effectively converted $53.0 million of fixed-rate debt to a variable-rate basis. This debt is subject to changes in interest rates, which, if significant, could have a material impact on the company’s financial results. The interest rate swap derivative instruments are held and used by the company as a tool for managing interest rate risk. They are not used for trading or speculative purposes. The counterparties to these swap instruments are large financial institutions that the company believes are of high-quality creditworthiness. While the company may be exposed to potential losses due to the credit risk of non-performance by these counterparties, such losses are not anticipated.

The combined fair market value of effective interest rate swap instruments was $2.4 million, $0.5 million, and a negative $1.8 million at May 30, 2009, May 31, 2008 and June 2, 2007, respectively. The impact of these swap instruments on total interest expense was a reduction to interest expense of $1.2 million in fiscal 2009, $0.4 million in fiscal 2008, and an addition to interest expense of $0.6 million in fiscal 2007. All cash flows related to the company’s interest rate swap instruments are denominated in U.S. dollars. For further information, refer to Notes 16 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

As of May 30, 2009, the weighted-average interest rate on the company’s variable-rate debt was approximately 3.5 percent. Based on the level of variable-rate debt outstanding as of that date, a one percentage-point increase in the weighted-average interest rate would increase the company’s annual pre-tax interest expense by approximately $0.5 million.

Expected cash flows (notional amounts) over the next five years and thereafter related to debt instruments are as follows.

⁽¹⁾Amount does not include the recorded fair value of the swap instruments, which totaled $2.4 million at the end of fiscal 2009.

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Item 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Set forth below is a summary of the quarterly operating results on a consolidated basis for the years ended May 30, 2009, May 31, 2008, and June 2, 2007. Refer to Management’s Discussion and Analysis provided in Item 7 and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further disclosure of significant accounting transactions that may have affected the quarterly operating results for each of the periods presented.

⁽¹⁾The sum of the quarters does not equal the annual balance reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations due to rounding associated with the calculations on an individual quarter basis.
⁽²⁾ The fourth quarter of fiscal year 2007 includes adjustments to various tax accruals resulting in a reduction of income taxes of $3.4 million or $0.05 diluted earnings per share in the quarter.

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting and reporting policies not reflected elsewhere in the accompanying financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Herman Miller, Inc., and its majority-owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries. The consolidated entities are collectively referred to as “the company.” All intercompany accounts and transactions, including any involving VIEs, have been eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Description of Business
The company researches, designs, manufactures and distributes interior furnishings, for use in various environments including office, healthcare, educational, and residential settings, and provides related services that support companies all over the world. The company’s products are sold primarily through independent contract office furniture dealers. Accordingly, accounts and notes receivable in the accompanying balance sheets are principally amounts due from the dealers.

Fiscal Year
The company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to May 31. Fiscal years ended May 30, 2009, May 31, 2008 and June 2, 2007, each contain 52 weeks. An extra week in the company’s fiscal year is required approximately every six years in order to realign its fiscal calendar-end dates with the actual calendar months. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency for foreign subsidiaries is the local currency. The cumulative effects of translating the balance sheet accounts from the functional currency into the United States dollar using fiscal year-end exchange rates and translating revenue and expense accounts using average exchange rates for the period is reflected as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The financial statement impact resulting from remeasuring all foreign currency transactions into the appropriate functional currency, which is included in “Other Expenses (Income)” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, was a net loss of $1.1 million for the year ended May 30, 2009. For the years ended May 31, 2008 and June 2, 2007, the financial statement impact was a net gain of $0.1 million and negligible, respectively.

Cash Equivalents
The company holds cash equivalents as part of its cash management function. Cash equivalents include money market funds, time deposit investments, and treasury bills with original maturities of less than three months. The carrying value of cash equivalents, which approximates fair value, totaled $99.0 million and $90.7 million as of May 30, 2009, and May 31, 2008, respectively. All cash and cash equivalents are high-credit quality financial instruments, and the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution or instrument is limited.

Marketable Securities
The company maintains a portfolio of marketable securities primarily comprised of investment-grade, fixed-income securities. These investments are held by the company’s wholly owned insurance captive and are considered “available-for-sale” as defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.” Accordingly, they have been recorded at fair market value based on quoted market prices, with the resulting net unrealized holding gains or losses reflected net of tax as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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All marketable security transactions are recognized on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on disposal of available-for-sale investments are included in “Interest and other investment income” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Net investment loss recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for available-for-sale investments totaled $0.2 million for the year ended May 30, 2009 and investment gain of $0.7 million, and $0.8 million for the years ended May 31, 2008, and June 2, 2007, respectively. Included in the net investment loss of $0.2 million in fiscal 2009 was an impairment charge for certain equity investments of $0.6 million. This impairment charge also permanently reduced the cost basis in the investment by a corresponding amount.

The following is a summary of the carrying and market values of the company’s marketable securities as of the dates indicated.

Maturities of marketable securities as of May 30, 2009, are as follows.

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

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The inventories at the majority of the company’s manufacturing operations are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, whereas inventories of certain other of the company’s subsidiaries are valued using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. The company establishes reserves for excess and obsolete inventory, based on prevailing circumstances and judgment for consideration of current events, such as economic conditions, that may affect inventory. Further information on the company’s recorded inventory balances can be found in Note 4.

Property, Equipment, and Depreciation
Property and equipment are stated at cost. The cost is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets, using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives range from 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment and do not exceed 40 years for buildings. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the lease term or the useful life of the asset, not to exceed 10 years. The company capitalizes certain external and internal costs incurred in connection with the development, testing, and installation of software for internal use. Software for internal use is included in property and equipment and is depreciated over an estimated useful life not exceeding 5 years.

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During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the company completed the sale of its Canton, Georgia facility which was exited in fiscal 2004. The company received net cash consideration of $7.5 million, for assets with a carrying value of $7.5 million. This resulted in a negligible pre-tax gain.

As of the end of fiscal 2009, outstanding commitments for future capital purchases approximated $5.8 million.

Long-Lived Assets
The company assesses the recoverability of its long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” This assessment is performed whenever events or circumstances such as current and projected future operating losses or changes in the business climate indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Assets are grouped and evaluated at the lowest level for which there are independent and identifiable cash flows. The company considers historical performance and future estimated results in its evaluation of potential impairment and then compares the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows (without interest charges) expected to result from the use of the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the expected future cash flows, the company measures and records an impairment loss for the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value. The estimation of fair value is made by discounting the expected future cash flows at the rate the company uses to evaluate similar potential investments based on the best information available at that time.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The company’s recorded goodwill at May 30, 2009 and May 31, 2008, is associated with the North American Furniture Solutions segment, which is described in further detail in Note 20. The company is required to test the carrying value of goodwill for impairment at the “reporting unit” level annually or more frequently if a triggering event occurs under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS 142). As a matter of practice, the company performs the required annual impairment testing of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. The annual testing performed each year indicated the present value of discounted cash flows of the reporting unit exceeded the recorded carrying value of the company’s goodwill assets, and accordingly no impairment charge was required for the years ending May 30, 2009, May 31, 2008, and June 2, 2007.

SFAS 142 also requires the company to evaluate its acquired intangible assets to determine whether any have “indefinite useful lives.” Under this accounting standard, intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, if any, are not subject to amortization. The company has other intangible assets, consisting of certain trademarks and tradenames valued at approximately $4.3 million, which have indefinite useful lives and are evaluated in a manner consistent with goodwill. The company amortizes its other intangible assets over their remaining useful lives using the straight-line method over periods ranging from 5 to 17 years.

Other intangible assets are comprised of patents, trademarks, and intellectual property rights with a combined gross carrying value and accumulated amortization of $24.0 million and $9.5 million, respectively as of May 30, 2009. As of May 31, 2008, these amounts totaled $25.7 million and $7.6 million, respectively.

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Estimated amortization expense for existing intangible assets as of May 30, 2009, for each of the succeeding five fiscal years is as follows.