10.16.06 | Design talent can do things that dazzle our minds and brighten our days, as talent in any field can do to those not similarly blessed. It makes the world a better, and often much healthier place to live.

7.31.06 | We reaffirm our Market Perform rating on HNI. Although HNI trades at 15+ times our NTM EPS estimate of $2.69, below its 18.5 historical median forward P/E, there are a number of headwinds facing these shares. Those forces include higher material costs, decreasing housing activity (affecting hearth products), and likely moderating office furniture growth. Accordingly, HNI has been under pressure, which is likely to persist until some of those headwinds have passed.

7.31.06 | We reaffirm our Market Perform rating on Knoll following its after-market close 2Qtr.06 earnings release. Frankly, the shares of Knoll are now near our threshold valuation. Several issues, however, including a significant secondary stock offering, continue to keep us on the sidelines now.

7.24.06 | For over 30 years, psychological research and academic-level market research have come down clearly on one fact: If you want to know how the consumer or the occupant will respond to a new product or environment, the one thing you cannot do usefully is to ask them. People cannot validly self-report on their motivations and behavior patterns; this can only be tested indirectly.