Steelcase (SCS) – A Better Than Expected 2Q26


Friday, September 26, 2025

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

2Q26. In what is likely the Company’s final quarterly report as a public company, Steelcase reported better than expected results. Results benefitted from continued strengthening of demand from large corporate customers and International growth driven by India, China, and the United Kingdom. Improved International volume drove a $5 million reduction in y-o-y adjusted operating loss in the International segment. These were Steelcase’s highest quarterly results over the past five years.

Financials. Revenue of $897.1 million rose 4.8% y-o-y and exceeded the $890 million high end of management’s guidance. We were at $875 million. Gross margin of 34.4% was flat y-o-y and exceeded the 33.5% high end of guidance. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $99.6 million, or 11.1% of revenue, up from $89.5 million and 10.5% in 2Q25. Adjusted EPS was $0.45, versus $0.39 last year and above management’s $0.40 high end guide. We were at $0.36.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

HNI Corporation to Acquire Steelcase in $2.2 Billion Deal, Creating Industry Powerhouse

HNI Corporation has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Steelcase Inc. in a cash-and-stock deal valued at approximately $2.2 billion. The strategic acquisition unites two iconic names in workplace furniture and design, combining their strengths in innovation, manufacturing, and dealer networks to form a dominant force in the commercial interiors market.

Under the terms of the deal, Steelcase shareholders will receive $7.20 in cash and 0.2192 shares of HNI common stock for each Steelcase share they own. Based on HNI’s stock price as of August 1, 2025, the total purchase price comes to about $18.30 per share. Once finalized, HNI shareholders will own roughly 64% of the combined entity, while Steelcase shareholders will hold the remaining 36%.

HNI Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lorenger emphasized the complementary nature of the merger, stating, “This acquisition brings together two respected companies with strong brands and decades of leadership in the industry.” Lorenger will continue to lead the combined company, which will retain HNI’s headquarters in Muscatine, Iowa, and keep Steelcase’s base in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The new entity will have a pro forma annual revenue of $5.8 billion and adjusted EBITDA of approximately $745 million, with anticipated annual cost synergies of $120 million. Financially, the acquisition positions the company for long-term earnings growth, with projections for accretive non-GAAP EPS by 2027 and a return to pre-acquisition leverage within 18 to 24 months.

The companies’ combined strengths span across corporate, healthcare, education, hospitality, and small-to-midsize business markets. With their complementary product portfolios and broad dealer networks, the merger enhances their ability to serve a wider range of customers with innovative solutions for modern workspaces. Both firms bring decades of product design expertise and a shared commitment to purpose-driven leadership and environmental stewardship.

Steelcase CEO Sara Armbruster called the merger a “bold step” that ushers in a new era for the company, employees, and customers. “Together, we will redefine what’s possible in the world of work, workers, and workplaces,” she said.

The transaction has received strong early support from key stakeholders. Some Steelcase shareholders have already agreed to vote in favor of the deal, and committed financing is in place from JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo. The merger is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Advisors for the deal include J.P. Morgan Securities for HNI, and Goldman Sachs and BofA Securities for Steelcase. Legal counsel is being provided by Davis Polk & Wardwell for HNI and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom for Steelcase.

The deal signals a major consolidation in the commercial furniture sector and positions the combined company to lead the evolution of the workplace at a time when hybrid work, digital transformation, and sustainable design continue to reshape business environments.