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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

        (Mark one)

(X)   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
         For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 or

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

        For the transition period from____________________to__________________

        Commission file number I-91

               Furniture Brands International, Inc.               
(Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:

          None          
(Title of Class)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes     X       No         

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

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes    X        No      

        The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2003, was approximately $1,447,932,839.

        Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

56,442,316 shares as of February 29, 2004

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of Definitive Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 29, 2004....................................................... Part III

PART I

Item 1.     Business

(a)    General Development of Business

On April 16, 2003, the Company announced the appointment of Thomas G. Tilley, Jr. as President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomasville Furniture Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company.

On September 19, 2003, the Company announced that the Company and Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. would end their strategic alliance relationship, formed in February 1998, as of December 31, 2003.

On October 31, 2003, the Company announced that Highland House, a division of Thomasville Furniture Industries, Inc., would cease operations at the end of 2003.

On November 4, 2003, the Company announced that it would strongly oppose the efforts of a group of furniture manufacturers to have tariffs imposed on residential bedroom furniture imported from China.

On February 10, 2004, the Company announced the election of John T. (Tom) Foy as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.

On February 13, 2004, the Company announced the appointment of Randall C. (Randy) Spak as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lane Furniture Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company.

(c)    Narrative Description of Business

The Company, one of the largest manufacturers of residential furniture in the United States, markets its products through its four operating subsidiaries: Broyhill Furniture Industries, Inc.; Lane Furniture Industries, Inc.; Thomasville Furniture Industries, Inc., and HDM Furniture Industries, Inc.

PRODUCTS

The Company manufactures and distributes (i) case goods, consisting of bedroom, dining room and living room furniture, (ii) stationary upholstery products, consisting of sofas, loveseats, sectionals and chairs, (iii) occasional furniture, consisting of wood, metal and glass tables, accent pieces, home entertainment centers and home office furniture, (iv) recliners, motion furniture and sleep sofas, and (v) accessories. The Company’s brand name positioning by price and product category is shown below.

BROYHILL FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

Broyhill produces collections of medium-priced bedroom, dining room and living area furniture aimed at middle-income consumers. Broyhill’s wood furniture offerings consist of bedroom, dining room and living room furniture, occasional tables, accent items, free-standing home entertainment centers and home office furniture. Upholstered products include sofas, sleep sofas, loveseats, sectionals, chairs, and fully reclining furniture all offered in a variety of fabrics and leathers. Broyhill’s residential furniture divisions produce a wide range of furnishings in country, traditional, European, contemporary and lifestyle designs.

The widely recognized Broyhill trademarks include Broyhill and Broyhill Indulgence. The flagship Broyhill product line concentrates on bedroom, dining room, upholstered and occasional furniture designed for the “good” and “better” price categories. The Broyhill Indulgence product line enjoys an excellent reputation for highly styled, case goods collections in the “best” price category.

LANE FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

Lane manufactures and markets a broad range of high quality furniture targeting the “good” and “better” price categories. Lane targets niche markets with its three operating divisions, which participate in such segments of the residential furniture market as reclining chairs and motion furniture, cedar chests and wicker and rattan.

Lane’s upholstery division manufactures and markets reclining chairs and motion furniture in the “good” and “better” price categories under the Lane brand name. Motion furniture consists of sofas and loveseats with recliner-style moving parts and comfort features. Other upholstered furniture consists of wall saver recliners, pad-over chaise recliners, hi-leg recliners, sleep sofas and motion sectionals. Royal Development Company, a division of Lane, designs and manufactures the mechanisms used in Lane’s reclining furniture products. The Lane Leather collection represents an important source

of growth for Lane’s upholstery division, as leather is the fastest-growing category in upholstered furniture. The collection, priced in the “better” category comes in three styles — American ranch, American traditional and urban contemporary. Lane has also recently introduced a stationary line of upholstered furniture which is enjoying good success.

Lane’s wood furniture division markets cedar chests, living room, bedroom and dining room furniture, wall systems, desks, console tables and mirrors and other occasional wood pieces. Sold under the Lane brand name, the case goods collections and individual products are sold in the “good” and “better” price categories.

Laneventure manufactures and markets moderately priced wicker, rattan, bamboo, exposed aluminum and teak furniture, tables, occasional wood pieces and two lines of upholstered furniture under the Laneventure brand name. One line is comprised of contemporary and modern upholstered furniture and metal and glass occasional and dining room tables, and the other which is comprised of traditional and contemporary upholstered furniture, primarily sofas, loveseats, chairs and ottomans. Laneventure also manufactures outdoor and patio furniture featuring fast drying upholstered cushions under the sub-brand name WeatherMaster, which has developed significant consumer acceptance.

THOMASVILLE FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

Thomasville manufactures and markets wood furniture, upholstered products and promotional/RTA furniture. Thomasville markets its products primarily under the Thomasville brand name, and has several other divisions which market products under separate brands. Thomasville offers an assortment of upholstery and wood furniture under one brand name that targets the “best” price category. Upholstery is primarily marketed in three major styles: traditional, American traditional/country and casual/lifestyle contemporary. Upholstery style is determined by both frame style and fabric or leather selection. Thomasville's frame assortment allows the consumer to select from a wide variety of different styles within the general style categories, and as much as 45% of the Thomasville fabric and leather offering changes in a 12 month period, insuring that the latest colors and textures are available. Wood furniture is primarily marketed in four major styles: American traditional/country, 18^th century, European traditional and casual contemporary.

Pearson has been manufacturing and selling contemporary and traditional styles of finely tailored upholstered furniture including sofas, loveseats, chairs and ottomans for over 50 years. Pearson furniture sells in the “premium” price category and is distributed to high-end furniture stores and interior designers.

HBF manufactures and sells a line of office furniture, including chairs, tables, conference tables, desks and credenzas, in the upper-middle price range.

Founders offers assembled bedroom sets, bookcases and home entertainment centers under the Founders and Vignettes brand names to a variety of retailers for sale to consumer end-users and certain contract customers. Creative Interiors markets RTA (ready-to-assemble) furniture such as home entertainment centers, bookcases, bedroom and kitchen/utility furniture and computer desks under the Creative Interiors brand name.

HDM FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

HDM Furniture Industries has three operating subsidiaries: Henredon Furniture Industries, Inc., Drexel Heritage Furniture Industries, Inc. and Maitland-Smith Furniture Industries, Inc.

Henredon manufactures and markets bedroom, dining room, occasional and upholstered furniture in the premium price category. Henredon markets its furniture in 14 collections and is the furniture licensee for the Ralph Lauren Home Collection and Historic Natchez. Henredon is an industry style and fashion leader and provides the consumer with unique and distinct products ranging from contemporary to traditional. An agreement was signed in 2003 to launch the Barbara Barry brand.

Hickory Chair, an operating division of Henredon, manufactures and markets traditional styles of upholstered furniture, dining room collections and occasional tables in the “best” and “premium” price categories. The Hickory Chair division has been crafting fine reproductions of 18^th century furniture for over 80 years. For example, Hickory Chair offers the James River collection which features reproductions of fine furnishings from Virginia plantations, and the Mount Vernon collection, which features reproductions from George Washington’s home. In October 2000, Hickory Chair introduced its Thomas O'Brien collection, which includes upholstery, chairs, tables, beds and cabinetry in O'Brien’s acclaimed “warm modernist” style.

Drexel Heritage launched its new tri-branding strategy in 2002, marketing case goods and upholstered furniture under three distinct brands: Heritage, Drexel and dh. The price categories range from “mid to upper premium,” targeting female consumers from 27-year-olds to 50-plus, with beautifully made and designed products. Furniture styles range from French and European traditional to contemporary and transitional. Drexel Heritage also manufactures and markets a line of sophisticated and elegant upholstery and case goods under the Lillian August brand and produces furniture for the hospitality and government markets. Drexel currently produces approximately 25 collections with four to six new collections offered each year.

Maitland-Smith is a leading designer and manufacturer of “best” and “premium” hand crafted, antique-inspired furniture, accessories and lighting, utilizing a wide range of unique materials, including distinctive leather, fancy faced veneer, stone and hand-painted metal. Maitland-Smith markets under the Maitland-Smith and LaBarge brand names. The Maitland-Smith brand is inspired by designs from the master craftsmen of 17^th, 18^th and 19^th century England. The LaBarge brand name emphasizes Continental European design in mirrors and occasional furniture.

DISTRIBUTION

The Company’s strategy of targeting diverse distribution channels such as furniture centers, independent dealers, national and local chain stores, department stores, specialty stores and decorator showrooms is supported by dedicated sales forces covering each of these distribution channels. The Company continues to explore opportunities to expand international sales and to distribute through non-traditional channels such as wholesale clubs and catalog retailers.

The Company’s breadth of product and national scope of distribution enable it to effectively service national retailers such as J.C. Penney and key regional retailers such as Havertys, Raymour & Flanigan, Bloomingdale’s, Marshall Field, Dillard’s, Breuner’s and Kittle’s. The consolidation of the retail residential furniture industry has made access to distribution channels an important competitive advantage for manufacturers. The Company has developed dedicated distribution channels by expanding its gallery programs and the network of independent dealer-owned dedicated retail locations, such as Thomasville Home Furnishings Stores and Drexel Heritage Home Inspiration Stores. The Company primarily distributes its products through a diverse network of independently owned retail locations, which includes 190 freestanding stores, 990 galleries and 704 furniture centers.

Broyhill, Lane, Thomasville and Drexel Heritage have all developed gallery programs with dedicated dealers displaying furniture in complete room ensembles. These retailers employ a consistent showcase gallery concept wherein products are displayed in complete and fully accessorized room settings instead of as individual pieces. This presentation format encourages consumers to purchase an entire room of furniture instead of individual pieces from different manufacturers. Each operating company offers substantial services to retailers to support their marketing efforts, including coordinated national advertising, merchandising and display programs and extensive dealer training.

Thomasville Home Furnishings Stores, Drexel Heritage Home Inspiration Stores, Lane Home Furnishings Stores and Broyhill Home Collections Stores are retail locations that exclusively feature Thomasville, Drexel Heritage, Lane and Broyhill furniture, respectively.

The Company believes distributing its products The Company believes distributing its products through dedicated, single-branded stores strengthens brand awareness, provides well-informed and focused sales personnel and encourages the purchase of multiple items per visit.

Showrooms for the national furniture market are located in Thomasville and High Point, North Carolina and for regional markets in Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco, California; and Tupelo, Mississippi.

BROYHILL FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

One of Broyhill’s principal distribution channels is the Broyhill Showcase Gallery program. This program, started in 1983, involves 264 domestic and international participating dealer locations. Each dealer in the Broyhill Showcase Gallery program owns the gallery and the Broyhill furniture inventory. The program incorporates a core merchandise program, advertising material support, in-store merchandising events and educational opportunities for the retail store sales and management personnel. A Broyhill Showcase Gallery consists of a minimum of 7,500 square feet of dedicated display space. Furniture is displayed in complete and fully accessorized room settings instead of as individual pieces.

Introduced in 2001 as a dedicated distribution retail concept, 41 Broyhill Furniture Showplaces are owned and operated by retail dealers who commit a minimum of 10,000 square feet of display space to Broyhill products. This program also offers extensive merchandising and marketing support.

In 2003, Broyhill opened the first two Broyhill Home Collections Stores, which are owned and operated by retail dealers who commit a minimum of 15,000 square feet of display space to Broyhill products in a single-branded store environment. This program also offers extensive merchandising and marketing support.

For the retailer that is currently not a participant in the Gallery, Showplace or Home Collections Store programs, Broyhill offers the Broyhill Furniture Center Program. This concept, initiated in 1987, is designed to strengthen Broyhill’s relationship with these retailers by assisting them in overcoming some of the significant difficulties in running an independent furniture business. The 704 participating retailers in the Broyhill Furniture Center Program commit to a minimum of at least 2,500 square feet devoted exclusively to Broyhill products arranged in gallery-type room settings. This program includes additional marketing, design and advertising assistance. The Company seeks to develop these relationships so that some of these retailers may eventually become participants in the Broyhill Showcase Gallery, Broyhill Furniture Showplace or Broyhill Home Collections Store programs.

LANE FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

Lane distributes its products nationally and internationally through a well-established network of approximately 16,000 retail locations. A diverse distribution network is utilized in keeping with Lane’s strategy of supplying customers with highly specialized products in selected niche markets. This distribution network primarily consists of independent furniture stores, regional chains such as Havertys and Art Van, and department store companies such as J.C. Penney, May Department Stores, Federated Department Stores and Dillard's Department Stores.

Lane has established specialty gallery programs with 439 participating dealers. This includes 356 dealer-owned Comfort Showcase Galleries and 71 Comfort Furnishings Galleries established by Lane’s Upholstery division. These galleries average approximately 4,200 square feet of retail space specifically dedicated to the display, promotion and sale of Lane upholstery and wood products. Lane is developing its own single-branded stores program through independent retailers to complement but not compete with their existing distribution networks. Lane currently has 4 such stores.

THOMASVILLE FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

Thomasville products are offered at 535 independently-owned and four Company-owned retail locations, including 151 Thomasville Galleries, 144 Thomasville Home Furnishings Stores and 244 authorized dealers. The Thomasville Gallery concept was initiated in 1983. Thomasville Galleries have an average 7,500 square feet of retail space specifically dedicated to the display, promotion and sale of Thomasville products. The first Thomasville Home Furnishings Store opened in 1988. The typical Thomasville Home Furnishings Store is a 13,000 square foot, independently-owned store offering a broad range of Thomasville products, presented in a home-like setting by specially trained salespersons.

Pearson distributes its products primarily through premium-quality dealers and the interior design trade. The Founders division sells promotional furniture to a variety of retailers for sale to consumer end-users and certain contract customers. Promotional furniture is sold to retail chains such as Badcock, Value City, as well as independent furniture stores. Promotional furniture is also sold in the hospitality and health care markets of Thomasville’s contract business. The Creative Interiors division sells RTA furniture to customers which include national chains such as Target and Wal-Mart, catalog showrooms, discount mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs and home furnishings retailers.

HDM FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

Henredon distributes its products through a network of approximately 450 fine furniture dealers, department stores and wholesale showrooms in this country and abroad. The Ralph Lauren Home Collection is also distributed through Polo Ralph Lauren retail stores. The typical Henredon display is 3,000 to 8,000 square feet. Henredon dealers include Louis Shanks of Texas, Gabberts, Kittles, Boyles, Robb & Stucky, Baer’s, Treasures, Marshall Field, Rich’s, Lazarus, Macy’s West and Dillard’s. Hickory Chair distributes through premium-quality dealers including 22 gallery locations as well as through Henredon’s Interior Design showrooms. Henredon opened its first independently owned stores in 2003 and plans to expand this channel of distribution over the next 3 years. Henredon also opened two new wholesale showrooms during 2003 in New York and Chicago and now operates 8 wholesale to the trade showrooms.

Drexel Heritage products are offered at 510 independently owned retail locations, including 69 Drexel Heritage galleries, 38 dedicated Drexel Heritage Home Inspiration stores and 403 authorized dealers. Drexel Heritage galleries have an average of 6,500 square feet of dedicated space. The typical Drexel Heritage Home Inspiration store is a 14,600 square foot independently owned store offering a broad range of Drexel Heritage products, presented in a home-like setting by a salesperson or design consultant.

Maitland-Smith distributes its products nationally and internationally through a well-established network of high-end retail furniture stores, designer showrooms, antique dealers and specialty gift stores. The dealers are selected to preserve and enhance the prestige and reputation of the Maitland-Smith brand name.

MARKETING AND ADVERTISING

Advertising is used to increase consumer awareness of the Company’s brand names and is targeted to specific consumer segments through national and regional television as well as leading shelter and other popular magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens, People and Good Housekeeping. Each operating company uses focused advertising in major markets to create buying urgency around specific sale events and to provide dealer location information, enabling retailers to be listed jointly in advertisements for maximum advertising efficiency and shared costs. Each operating company seeks to increase consumer buying and strengthen relationships with retailers through cooperative advertising and selective promotional programs, and focuses its marketing efforts on prime potential customers utilizing information from databases and from callers to each operating company’s toll-free telephone number. Extensive use of Internet web-based technology for customer and consumer awareness and service is also used by each operating company.

BROYHILL FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

Broyhill’s advertising programs focus on translating its strong consumer awareness into increased sales. Broyhill’s current marketing strategy features a national print advertising program and traditional promotional programs such as furniture “giveaways” on television game shows and dealer-based promotions such as product mailings, local television, newspaper and brochures. The national print advertising program, which consists of multi-page layouts, is designed to appeal to the consumer’s desire for decorating assistance and increased confidence in making the decision to purchase a big ticket product such as furniture. These advertisements are run in publications such as Good Housekeeping and Better Homes and Gardens which appeal to Broyhill’s consumer base. Game show promotions, a long-standing Broyhill tradition, include popular programs such as Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right. An extensive public relations campaign also exposes Broyhill products in leading magazine and newspaper editorial features.

LANE FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

Lane’s marketing approach reflects the diversity of its various divisions and product lines. Lane employs an integrated marketing/advertising strategy in which it coordinates magazine, newspaper, circular and television advertising with other marketing programs to promote a single product. Each of the Lane divisions advertises extensively in trade and consumer publications targeting various niche markets.

THOMASVILLE FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

Thomasville’s current advertising appears on national network and cable television during peak promotional periods. The campaign emphasizes Thomasville fashion and quality leadership through the use of dramatic commercials featuring individual, high quality wood and upholstery pieces. National cable networks include A&E, The Discovery Channel, CNN, CNN Headline News, The Weather Channel, TNN, The Travel Channel, TBS and Entertainment Network.

To help retailers sell its product through to consumers, Thomasville offers a full twelve-month schedule of promotional support which includes promotional concepts, selected product discounts, cooperative advertising funds, and a complete advertising package with color newspaper layouts plus radio and television commercials dealers can use as supplied. Thomasville runs national sales events to coincide with major industry sale periods. These events include national print ads or Thomasville-designed newspaper inserts for dealer use.

Thomasville’s other divisions (Pearson, Founders and Creative Interiors) use or participate in various advertising publications throughout the year.

HDM FURNITURE INDUSTRIES

Henredon’s national advertising is focused in magazines such as Architectural Digest and House & Garden. Henredon produces full color catalogs in support of each collection and maintains a web site which provides the consumer the opportunity to view all current collections, order catalogs and locate dealers in their local trading areas.

Drexel Heritage offers a fully integrated marketing program that includes national brand advertising and a full calendar of promotional events. These events include themed promotional concepts, selected product discounts, cooperative advertising support and a complete advertising marketing portfolio. This portfolio includes dealer television commercials, consumer sales circulars, direct mail postcards, newspaper advertisements, radio commercials, in-store events and a complete in-store point of sale package.

Maitland-Smith has chosen to do little advertising over the years. This approach has created an aura of mystique around the brand that adds to its charm and has worked well within its dealer base. Promotional activities with dealers are designed to preserve and enhance Maitland-Smith’s brand name in the home furnishings industry.

MANUFACTURING

Broyhill operates 14 finished case goods and upholstery production and warehouse facilities totaling approximately 5.0 million square feet. All finished good plants are located in North Carolina. Broyhill pioneered the use of mass production techniques in the furniture industry and by utilizing longer production runs achieves economies of scale.

Lane operates 8 upholstery production and warehouse facilities in Mississippi and North Carolina totaling over 3.7 million square feet. Significant capital expenditures have been made to acquire technologically advanced manufacturing equipment, which has increased factory productivity as well as capacity.

Thomasville manufactures or assembles its products at 14 finished case goods and upholstery production and warehouse facilities located in North Carolina and Virginia, totaling approximately 4.8 million square feet. Each plant is specialized, manufacturing premium furniture products allowing more efficient production runs while maintaining high quality standards.

The manufacturing process for Thomasville’s Founders and Creative Interiors divisions are highly automated. Large fiberboard and particleboard sheets are machine-finished in long production runs, then stored using highly automated assembly lines. Completed goods are either assembled (Founders) or flat packed (Creative Interiors) and stored in an automated warehouse to provide quicker delivery to customers. Ninety percent of Creative Interiors products are shipped within 14 days of production.

Henredon manufactures in 5 case goods and upholstery production and warehouse facilities encompassing approximately 2.2 million square feet all located in North Carolina. Henredon is a leader in cellular manufacturing which allows for the efficient production of relatively small production runs.

Drexel Heritage operates 5 case goods and upholstery production and warehouse facilities that total approximately 1.8 million square feet. All facilities are located in western North Carolina except for an upholstery plant located in High Point, North Carolina. Each facility is specialized to manufacture premium quality furniture in a cellularized manufacturing environment.

Maitland-Smith and LaBarge products are manufactured at facilities in the Philippines and Indonesia and by selected sub-contractors located throughout Asia, Italy and Mexico. Each production facility utilizes specialized craftsmen to produce premium home furnishings products.

RAW MATERIALS AND SUPPLIERS

The raw materials used by the Company in manufacturing its products include lumber, veneers, plywood, fiberboard, particleboard, paper, hardware, adhesives, finishing materials, glass, mirrored glass, fabrics, leathers, metals, stone, synthetics and upholstered filling material (such as synthetic fibers, foam padding and polyurethane cushioning). The various types of wood used in the Company’s products include cherry, oak, maple, pine and pecan, which are purchased domestically, and mahogany, which is purchased abroad. Fabrics, leathers and other raw materials are purchased both domestically and abroad. Management believes that its supply sources for those materials are adequate.

The Company has an agreement with Furniture Brands Import Services Organization (formerly Outlook International, Ltd.) which is the exclusive representative for the Company for the manufacture of products in the Far East. Furniture Brands Import Services, an independently owned company, provides sourcing assistance, product quality control and other import-related services to the Company.

The Company has strategic alliances with several foreign manufacturers whereby the operating companies have the ability to purchase, on a coordinated basis, a significant portion of the foreign manufacturers’ capacity, subject to quality control and delivery standards. While an alliance represents a significant portion of the foreign manufacturers’ operations, no one foreign manufacturer represents a material portion of the Company’s consolidated import requirements.

The Company has no long-term supply contracts and has experienced no significant problems in supplying its operations. Although the Company has strategically selected suppliers of raw materials, the Company believes that there are a number of other sources available, contributing to its ability to obtain competitive pricing for raw materials. Raw materials prices fluctuate over time depending upon factors such as supply, demand and weather. Increases in prices may have a short-term impact on the Company’s profit margins for its products.

The majority of raw materials for promotional and RTA products are purchased domestically, although paper and certain hardware is purchased abroad. The Company believes, however, that its proximity to and relationship with suppliers are advantageous for the sourcing of such materials. In addition, by combining the purchase of various raw materials (such as foam, cartons, springs and fabric) and services, the operating companies have been able to realize cost savings.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

The Company is subject to a wide-range of federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment, worker health and safety and the emission, discharge, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous materials. These laws include the Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Comprehensive Environmental, Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“Superfund”). Certain of the Company’s operations use glues and coating materials that contain chemicals that are considered hazardous under various environmental laws. Accordingly, the Company closely monitors environmental performance at all of its facilities. The Company believes it is in substantial compliance with all environmental laws. While the Company may be required to make capital investments at some of its facilities to ensure compliance, the Company believes it will continue to meet all applicable requirements in a timely fashion and that the cost required to meet these requirements will not materially affect its financial condition or its results of operations.

The Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) at a number of superfund sites. The Company believes that its liability with respect to most of the sites is de minimis, and the Company is entitled to indemnification by others with respect to liability at certain sites. The Company believes that any liability as a PRP with regard to the superfund sites will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

COMPETITION

The residential furniture manufacturing industry is highly competitive. The Company’s products compete with products made by a number of furniture manufacturers, including La-Z-Boy Incorporated, Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc. and Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., as well as approximately 600 smaller producers. The elements of competition include pricing, styling, quality and marketing.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2003, the Company employed approximately 20,250 people. None of the Company’s employees is represented by a union.

BACKLOG

The combined backlog of the Company’s operating companies as of December 31, 2003 aggregated approximately $312 million compared to approximately $284 million as of December 31, 2002.

RISK FACTORS

The Company’s operating results are subject to quarterly and annual fluctuations as a result of a number of factors. Such factors include:

An economic downturn could result in a decrease in the Company’s sales and earnings.

The residential furniture industry has historically been subject to cyclical variations in the general economy and to uncertainty regarding future economic prospects. Economic downturns could affect consumer spending habits by decreasing the overall demand for home furnishings. Such events would also impact retailers, the Company’s primary customers, resulting in a decrease in sales and earnings.

Loss of market share due to competition would result in a decrease in future sales and earnings.

The residential furniture manufacturing business is highly competitive and fragmented. The Company competes with many other manufacturers some of which offer widely advertised, well known, branded products. The highly competitive nature of the industry means the Company is constantly subject to the risk of losing market share to those privately held competitors who have lower sales and profitability targets. As a result, the Company may not be able to maintain or to raise the prices of its products in response to such inflationary pressures as increasing costs. Also due to the large number of competitors and their wide range of product offerings, the Company may not be able to differentiate its products (through styling, finish and other construction techniques) from those of its competitors.

Failure to anticipate or respond to changes in consumer tastes and fashion trends in a timely manner could result in a decrease in future sales and earnings.

Residential furniture is a highly styled product subject to fashion trends and geographic consumer tastes. Consumer tastes and fashion trends can change rapidly. If the Company is unable to anticipate or respond to changes in consumer tastes and fashion trends in a timely manner it may lose sales and be faced with excess inventory (both raw materials and finished goods). Disposal of excess inventory may result in a decrease in sales and earnings.

Failure to achieve the Company’s projected mix of product sales could result in a decrease in its future sales and earnings.

Some of the Company’s products are sold for a higher profit than other of its products. An increase in the sales of lower profit products at the expense of the sales of higher profit products could result in a decrease in earnings.

Business failures of large customers could result in a decrease in the Company’s future sales and earnings.

Although the Company has no customers who individually represent 10% or more of its total annual sales, the possibility of business failures of large customers could result in a decrease in its future sales and earnings in that these sales are difficult to replace.

Distribution realignments and cost savings programs can result in a decrease in the Company’s near-term sales and earnings.

At times it is necessary for the Company to discontinue certain relationships with customers (retailers) who do not meet its growth and profitability standards. Until realignment is established, there can be a decrease in near-term sales and earnings. The Company continually reviews relationships with its customers (retailers) and future realignments are possible based upon such ongoing reviews.

Manufacturing realignments could result in a decrease in the Company’s near-term earnings.

The Company continually reviews its domestic manufacturing operations and offshore (import) sourcing capabilities. Effects of periodic manufacturing realignments and cost savings programs could result in a decrease in near-term earnings until the expected cost reductions are achieved. Such programs can include the consolidation and integration of

facilities, functions, systems and procedures. Certain products may also be shifted from domestic manufacturing to offshore sourcing. Such actions may not be accomplished as quickly as anticipated and the expected cost reductions may not be achieved in full.

Increased reliance on offshore (import) sourcing of various products could adversely affect the Company’s ability to service customers which could result in a decrease in sales.

During the last several years, the Company has been increasing its offshore (import) capabilities to provide flexibility in product programs and pricing to meet competitive pressures. The mix of various product lines has been moving from domestically manufactured to offshore sourced. Offshore (import) sourcing is subject to political instability in countries where contractors and suppliers are located and possible delay due to managing at a distance. Either could make it more difficult for the Company to service its customers. Other risks include the imposition of regulations and quotas relating to imports; duties, taxes and other charges on imports; and, significant fluctuation of the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, all of which could increase costs and decrease earnings.

Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of raw  materials could cause delay which could result in a decrease in the Company’s sales and increase costs which would result in a decrease in earnings.

Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of the raw materials that the Company uses in manufacturing residential furniture could have a negative effect on its cost of sales and ability to meet the demands of customers (retailers). Inability to meet the demands of customers could result in the loss of future sales. The Company uses various types of wood, fabrics, leathers, glass, upholstered filling material and other raw materials in manufacturing furniture. The costs to manufacture furniture depend in part on the market prices of the raw materials used to produce the furniture. The Company may not be able to pass along to its customers all or a portion of the costs of higher raw materials due to competitive and marketing pressures.

A successful product liability claim brought against the Company in excess of available insurance coverage would result in a decrease in earnings and any claim or product recall that results in significant adverse publicity against the Company may result in a decrease in sales and earnings.

The Company faces the business risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event that the use of any of its products results in personal injury or property damage. In the event that any of its products prove to be defective, the Company may be required to recall or redesign such products. The Company maintains insurance against product liability claims, but there can be no assurance that such coverage will continue to be available on terms acceptable to it or that such coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred.

Future acquisitions and investment could result in dilution to earnings per share and a decrease in the valuation of the Company’s common stock.

As part of the Company’s business strategy, it has made and expects to continue to make acquisitions and investments in businesses that offer complementary products. Risks commonly encountered in acquisitions include the possibility that the Company pays more than the acquired company or assets are worth, the difficulty of assimilating the operations and personnel of the acquired business, the potential disruption of our ongoing business and the distraction of management from ongoing business. Consideration paid for future acquisitions could be in the form of cash or stock or a combination thereof. Dilution to existing stockholders and to earnings per share may result in connection with any such future acquisition.

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets would result in a decrease in earnings.

Current accounting rules require that goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives no longer be

amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually. The Company has substantial goodwill and other intangible assets which based upon the outcome of the annual test could result in the write-down of all or a portion of these assets and a corresponding reduction in earnings and net worth.

Certain anti-takeover provisions and preferred stock could result in a decrease in a potential acquirer’s valuation of the Company’s common stock.

Certain provisions of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of the Company, even if such change in control would be beneficial to stockholders. Also, the Certificate of Incorporation allows the Company to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. Such issuances could also make it more difficult for a third party to acquire the Company.

INTERNET ACCESS

Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and all amendments to those reports are available without charge through the Company’s Internet web site as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities & Exchange Commission. The Company’s website can be accessed at www.furniturebrands.com.

ITEM 2.    Properties

The Company owns or leases the following principal plants, offices and warehouses.

The Tupelo, Mississippi facility is encumbered by a mortgage and first lien securing revenue bonds. The Company believes its properties are generally well maintained, suitable for its present operations and adequate for current production requirements. Productive capacity and extent of utilization of the Company’s facilities are difficult to quantify with certainty because in any one facility maximum capacity and utilization varies periodically depending upon the product that is being manufactured, the degree of automation and the utilization of the labor force in the facility. In this context, the Company estimates that overall its production facilities were utilized during 2003 at a moderate level of productive capacity and believes that in conjunction with its import capabilities the Company’s facilities have the capacity, if necessary, to expand production to meet anticipated product requirements.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

The Company is or may become a defendant in a number of pending or threatened legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, of the Company from all such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect upon the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries.

The Company is also subject to regulation regarding environmental matters, and is a party to certain actions related thereto. For information regarding environmental matters, see “Item 1. Business - Environmental Matters.”

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

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market for The Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

As of February 29, 2004, there were approximately 1,800 holders of record of Common Stock.

Shares of the Company’s Common Stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The reported high and low sale prices for the Company’s Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange is included in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

The Company began paying cash dividends on its Common Stock during the fourth quarter of 2003. The current rate is $0.125 per share per quarter. Additional information concerning dividends may be found in the following sections of this Form 10-K, which are incorporated herein by reference: “Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows” and “Quarterly Financial Information (Note 14)” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REVIEW

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition

Overview

        Furniture Brands International, Inc. (the “Company”) is one of the largest home (residential) furniture manufacturers in the United States. The Company markets its products through four primary operating subsidiaries: Broyhill Furniture Industries, Inc.; Lane Furniture Industries, Inc.; Thomasville Furniture Industries, Inc.; and HDM Furniture Industries, Inc. The Company manufactures, sources (i.e., imports) and distributes (i) case goods, consisting of bedroom, dining room and living room furniture, (ii) stationary upholstery products, consisting of sofas, loveseats, sectionals and chairs, (iii) occasional furniture, consisting of wood, metal and glass tables, accent pieces, home entertainment centers and home office furniture, (iv) recliners, motion furniture and sleep sofas, and (v) accessories.

        The Company sells its products through diverse distribution channels consisting of independent furniture dealers, national and local chain stores, department stores, specialty stores and decorator showrooms. In recent years, the Company has focused its distribution growth on single-branded, dedicated furniture centers, galleries and stores, taking advantage of its strong brand names and breadth of product. Most recently, the Company has announced its long-term strategy is to focus more heavily on single-branded stores, both independently and Company-owned.

        To gain access to the premium price point segment of the home furniture market in the United States, on December 28, 2001, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Henredon Furniture Industries, Drexel Heritage Furnishings and Maitland-Smith (collectively HDM Furniture Industries, Inc.). The purchase price of the acquisition was $287.6 million, consisting of $177.0 million in cash and 4.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock. The acquisition established the Company as the residential furniture industry’s only full-line resource in all middle and upper price categories.

        During the past three years, the residential furniture market in the United States has been negatively impacted by the general economic slowdown, as well as a structural shift to offshore sourcing (primarily to Asia, but also to other countries with comparatively low labor costs) of various products — particularly case goods (wood furniture). As a result, domestic manufacturing capacity utilization has been trending down, hurting the operating profitability of many companies in the industry.

        In reaction to this change in sourcing activity, the Company has been implementing a plan to reduce its domestic case goods manufacturing capacity. This plan has included the closing of 21 manufacturing facilities. In 2003, pretax restructuring and impairment charges of $17.8 million were recorded, consisting of $7.1 million charged to cost of operations and $10.7 million charged to selling, general and administrative expenses. Pretax restructuring and impairment charges of $26.4 million were recorded in 2001, consisting of $5.9 million charged to cost of operations and $20.5 million charged to selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company believes it has completed the bulk of its domestic manufacturing reorganization efforts.

        To take advantage of its strong brand names and overall breadth of product, the Company has initiated a store development program in order to gain better control and to accelerate the growth rate of its retail distribution. This program will expand the number of stores dedicated to selling exclusively the Company’s brands. Currently, there are 191 dedicated stores, four of which are owned by the Company, with a long-term goal of over four hundred stores, many of which may be owned by the Company.

Results of Operations

As an aid to understanding the Company's results of operations on a comparative basis, the following table has been prepared to set forth certain statements of operations and other data for 2003, 2002, and 2001.

Year Ended December 31, 2003 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2002

        Net sales for 2003 were $2,367.7 million compared to $2,397.7 million in 2002, a decrease of $30.0 million or 1.2%. 2003 was the third consecutive difficult year for the residential furniture industry primarily due to weak consumer demand for furniture — particularly at the upper-end price points. However, positive comparisons were achieved during the latter part of the year as consumers reacted favorably to better economic conditions and financial markets.

        Cost of operations for 2003 was $1,711.4 million compared to $1,721.7 million in 2002. Cost of operations as a percentage of net sales increased from 71.8% for 2002 to 72.3% for 2003. The increase in cost of operations as a percentage of net sales was due to $7.1 million of restructuring charges in 2003 as well as the residual effects of lowering domestic manufacturing capacity to meet sourcing requirements.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $440.3 million in 2003 from $424.3 million in 2002. As a percentage of net sales, these expenses increased from 17.7% in 2002 to 18.6% in 2003. The increase was due to $10.7 million in asset impairment and restructuring costs recorded in 2003. Other major expense increases included pensions (due primarily to actuarial assumption changes) and advertising (to promote the Company’s various brands).

        Interest expense for 2003 totaled $19.4 million compared to $21.7 million in 2002. The decrease in interest expense reflects the Company’s long-term debt reduction program and lower interest rates.

        Other income, net for 2003 totaled $3.5 million compared to $3.7 million for 2002. For 2003, other income consisted of interest on short-term investments of $0.7 million and other miscellaneous income and expense items totaling $2.8 million.

        Income tax expense for 2003 totaled $54.6 million, producing an effective tax rate of 36.6% compared with an effective tax rate of 35.6% for 2002. The increase in the effective tax rate for 2003 was the result of reduced state income tax credits derived from certain industrial revenue bonds, which the Company is repaying according to established amortization schedules.

        Earnings per common share on a diluted basis were $1.68 and $2.11 for 2003 and 2002, respectively. Weighted average shares used in the calculation of earnings per common share on a diluted basis were 56,255,788 in 2003 and 56,386,827 in 2002, respectively. The reduction in average shares was due to the impact of stock options using the treasury method of calculation. No stock repurchases occurred in 2003 or 2002.

        Gross profit for 2003 was $614.8 million compared with $633.6 million for 2002, a decrease of 3.0%. The decrease in gross profit margin from 26.4% in 2002 to 26.0% in 2003 was primarily due to asset impairment and restructuring costs previously discussed.

Year Ended December 31, 2002 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2001

        Net sales for 2002 were $2,397.7 million compared to $1,891.3 million in 2001, an increase of $506.4 million or 26.8%. Excluding the acquisition of HDM, which the Company acquired as of the close of business on December 28, 2001, the Company's sales (Broyhill, Lane and Thomasville) showed growth of 6.4% for the year. The increase in net sales (excluding the acquired companies) was primarily due to strong performances at the mid-level price points, partially offset by weak activity in the upper-end product categories.

        Cost of operations for 2002 was $1,721.7 million compared to $1,387.6 million in 2001. The large increase was the result of the Company’s acquisition of HDM. Cost of operations as a percentage of net sales decreased from 73.4% for 2001 to 71.8% for 2002. This decrease was the result of increased plant utilization arising from the sales volume increase, the favorable impact from the 2001 restructuring activities and an increase in sourcing of lower cost imported products.

        Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $424.3 million in 2002 from $348.8 million in 2001. The large increase was the result of the Company’s acquisition of HDM. Included in 2001 was an asset impairment charge of $18.0 million. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding the asset impairment charges) rose modestly from 17.5% in 2001 to 17.7% in 2002.

        Depreciation and amortization for 2002 was $49.3 million compared to $55.8 million in 2001, a decrease of 11.7%. The large decrease occurred because of the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, which

eliminated the amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives. This decrease was partially offset by the acquisition of HDM. The amount of depreciation and amortization attributed to goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives in 2001 was $12.1 million.

        Interest expense for 2002 totaled $21.7 million compared to $22.0 million in 2001. The decrease in interest expense reflects the Company’s debt reduction program and lower interest rates, partially offset by increased indebtedness due to the acquisition of HDM.

        Other income, net for 2002 totaled $3.7 million compared to $10.6 million for 2001. For 2002, other income consisted of interest on short-term investments of $1.2 million and other miscellaneous income and expense items totaling $2.5 million. Other income, net in 2001 included non-operating income of $8.0 million related to the sale of the Company’s investment in a company which leases exhibition space to furniture and accessory manufacturers, partially offset by additions to reserves related to certain discontinued operations.

        Income tax expense for 2002 totaled $65.6 million, producing an effective tax rate of 35.6% compared with an effective tax rate of 33.8% for 2001. The effective tax rates for both periods were adversely impacted by provisions for state and local income taxes. The effective tax rate for 2001 was favorably impacted by an adjustment to income tax accruals resulting from the completion of certain Federal income tax audits.

        Earnings per common share on a diluted basis were $2.11 and $1.13 for 2002 and 2001, respectively. Weighted average shares used in the calculation of earnings per common share on a basic and diluted basis were 55,507,000 and 56,387,000 in 2002, respectively, and 50,357,000 and 51,325,000 in 2001, respectively.

        Gross profit for 2002 was $633.6 million compared with $466.8 million for 2001, an increase of 35.7%. The increase resulted primarily from the acquisition of HDM. The increase in gross profit margin from 24.7% in 2001 to 26.4% in 2002 was primarily due to increased plant utilization arising from the sales volume increase, the favorable impact from the 2001 restructuring activities, and an increase in sourcing of lower cost imported products. In addition, the high-end products produced by the HDM companies typically generate higher gross margins.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

Liquidity

        Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2003 totaled $71.7 million compared to $15.1 million at December 31, 2002. For 2003, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $172.5 million. Net cash used by investing activities totaled $39.0 million. Net cash used by financing activities totaled $76.9 million. The increase in cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2003 came from the Company’s completion of its deleveraging program. During the second half of 2003, the Company began accumulating cash and investing it in short-term institutional money market funds.

        Working capital was $703.2 million at December 31, 2003 compared to $652.1 million at December 31, 2002. The current ratio was 4.8-to-1 at December 31, 2003 compared to 4.3-to-1 at December 31, 2002. The increase in working capital between years resulted from the increase in cash and cash equivalents.

        At December 31, 2003, long-term debt totaled $303.2 million compared to $374.8 million at December 31, 2002. The decrease in indebtedness was funded by cash flow from operations. The Company’s debt-to-capitalization ratio was 23.9% at December 31, 2003 compared to 30.1% at December 31, 2002. As noted above, the Company has completed its deleveraging program except for required amortization of certain industrial revenue bonds.

Financing Arrangements

        To meet short-term capital and other financial requirements, the Company maintains a $550.0 million revolving credit facility with a group of financial institutions. The revolving credit facility (which was refinanced on December 18, 2003) allows for the issuance of letters of credit and cash borrowings. Letter of credit outstandings are limited to no more than $150.0 million, with cash borrowings limited only by the facility’s maximum availability less letters of credit outstanding. On December 31, 2003, there were $300.0 million in cash borrowings and $22.4 million in letters of credit outstanding, leaving an excess of $227.6 million available under the facility for future liquidity needs.

        Cash borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a base rate or at an adjusted Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin which varies, depending upon the type of loan the Company executes. The applicable margin over the base rate and Eurodollar rate is subject to adjustment based upon achieving certain credit ratings. At December 31, 2003, loans outstanding under the revolving credit facility consisted of $300.0 million based on the adjusted Eurodollar rate which in conjunction with the interest rate swaps have a weighted average interest rate of 6.08%.

        The Company believes that its revolving credit facility, together with its historically strong cash generation from operations, will be adequate to meet liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future. These requirements would include normal, historical capital expenditure levels as well as the Company’s recently implemented cash dividend program. The following table summarizes the cash payments related to the Company's outstanding contractual obligations:

Other

Market Risk

        The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk consists of its floating rate revolving credit facility. This risk is managed using interest rate swaps to fix a portion of the Company’s floating rate long-term debt. Currently interest rate swaps fix the entire outstanding balance on the revolving credit facility; therefore, an increase in interest rates would have no impact on the Company’s net earnings.

Funded Status of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan

        As of December 31, 2003, the accumulated benefit obligation of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan exceeded the fair value of the plan's assets. As a result, the minimum pension liability increased by $2.7 million. Total minimum pension liability at December 31, 2003 was $45.1 million, $28.2 million, net of tax. The after tax charge is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.

Critical Accounting Policies

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results are likely to differ from those estimates, but management believes such differences are not significant.

        Revenue Recognition-The Company recognizes revenue (sales) when finished goods are shipped, with appropriate provisions for returns and uncollectible accounts.

        Allowance for Doubtful Accounts-The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Company’s customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon the review of specific customer account balances and an overall aging of the accounts receivable.

        Inventories-Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventories are regularly reviewed for obsolescence and appropriate adjustments recorded, if necessary, to insure their value is recoverable.

        Long-lived Assets-Long-lived assets, which consist primarily of goodwill, trademarks and property, plant and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are recognized if expected future cash flows of the related assets are less than the carrying value.

        Retirement Plans-The Company uses various assumptions to calculate retirement plan expenses and obligations. These assumptions include discount rate, expected return on plan assets and rate of compensation increases. The Company believes the assumptions used are reasonable; however, differences in actual experience or a change in assumptions would impact the calculated obligation and future expenses. For example, a 25 basis point reduction in the discount rate would increase the accumulated benefit obligation by $10.0 million and result in an additional charge (net of tax benefits) to shareholders’ equity of $6.2 million.

Recently Issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards

        In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 132, Employers’ Disclosure about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (an amendment of SFAS Nos. 87, 88 and 106). This statement revises employers’ disclosures about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. The statement is effective for financial statements with fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003; therefore, the required disclosures are included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

        In December 2003, the FASB issued a revised FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. FIN 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. The statement is effective for financial statements issued after December 31, 2003. The Company has not created any variable interest entities and the adoption of FIN 46 will have no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

        In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148 — Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure. SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123 — Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation in that it provides transition methods for entities that voluntarily change to the fair value method of accounting for stock based compensation and requires additional disclosures. The Company has adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148.

Outlook

        Order trends in the latter part of 2003 were positive in the middle and upper-middle price categories and involved both upholstery and case goods business. While the Company remains cautious in its outlook, it appears that 2004 will begin on a positive note. With this in mind on January 28, 2004, the Company announced it expected diluted earnings per common share for the first quarter of 2004 to be in the $0.50 to $0.53 range. On February 27, 2004, the Company updated its outlook to $0.55 to $0.57. The Company will provide earnings guidance on a quarter-by-quarter basis until better visibility is achieved with respect to the full year 2004.

Forward-Looking Statements

        The Company herein has made forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include the Company’s expected sales, earnings per share, profit margins, and cash flows, the effects of certain manufacturing realignments and other business strategies, the prospects for the overall business environment, and other statements containing the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “believes,” and words of similar import. The Company cautions investors that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that certain factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions; loss of market share due to competition; failure to anticipate or respond to changes in consumer tastes and fashion trends; failure to achieve projected mix of product sales; business failures of large customers; distribution and manufacturing realignments and cost savings programs; increased reliance on offshore (import) sourcing of various products; fluctuations in the cost, availability and quality of raw materials; product liability uncertainty; impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets. Other risk factors may be listed from time to time in the Company’s future public releases and SEC reports. Please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more detailed explanation of the Company’s risk factors.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. The Company's exposure to interest rate risk consists of its floating rate Secured Credit agreement. This risk is managed using interest rate swaps to fix a portion of the Company’s floating rate long-term debt. Currently, interest rate swaps fix the entire outstanding balance on the revolving credit facility; therefore, an increase in interest rates would have no impact on the Company’s net earnings.

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

        See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS