UNITED STATES

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C.  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended July 29, 2005

 

THE TORO COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

1-8649

 

41-0580470

(State of Incorporation)

 

(Commission File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

8111 Lyndale Avenue South

Bloomington, Minnesota  55420

Telephone number: (952) 888-8801

 

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes

X

 

No

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes

X

 

No

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes

 

 

No

X

 

 

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of August 26, 2005 was 42,056,056.

 

 



 

THE TORO COMPANY

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

 

Page Number

 

 

 

 

PART I.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) -
Three and Nine Months Ended July 29, 2005 and July 30, 2004

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) -
July 29, 2005, July 30, 2004, and October 31, 2004

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) -
Nine Months Ended July 29, 2005 and July 30, 2004

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

6-12

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations

 

13-22

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

23

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

 

24

 

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

24

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

25

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

25

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

27

 

2



 

PART I.  ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)

(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

466,942

 

$

454,044

 

$

1,442,296

 

$

1,315,644

 

Cost of sales

 

303,681

 

289,842

 

940,729

 

839,953

 

Gross profit

 

163,261

 

164,202

 

501,567

 

475,691

 

Selling, general, and administrative expense

 

108,595

 

111,468

 

330,376

 

324,630

 

Earnings from operations

 

54,666

 

52,734

 

171,191

 

151,061

 

Interest expense

 

(4,820

)

(3,893

)

(13,453

)

(11,477

)

Other income, net

 

642

 

1,533

 

2,725

 

3,307

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

50,488

 

50,374

 

160,463

 

142,891

 

Provision for income taxes

 

16,111

 

16,161

 

52,953

 

47,154

 

Net earnings

 

$

34,377

 

$

34,213

 

$

107,510

 

$

95,737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings per share of common stock

 

$

0.77

 

$

0.70

 

$

2.38

 

$

1.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share of common stock

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.66

 

$

2.29

 

$

1.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding – Basic

 

44,494

 

48,738

 

45,121

 

49,396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding – Dilutive

 

46,438

 

51,587

 

46,966

 

52,043

 

 

Shares and per share data have been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective March 28, 2005.

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2004

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

34,665

 

$

34,022

 

$

90,756

 

Receivables, net

 

399,883

 

381,329

 

285,736

 

Inventories, net

 

235,146

 

217,357

 

227,200

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

14,142

 

13,968

 

16,931

 

Deferred income taxes

 

57,526

 

49,103

 

44,552

 

Total current assets

 

741,362

 

695,779

 

665,175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment

 

495,674

 

468,104

 

476,117

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

328,784

 

303,253

 

311,452

 

 

 

166,890

 

164,851

 

164,665

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

39

 

1,181

 

-

 

Other assets

 

17,161

 

18,581

 

18,652

 

Goodwill

 

81,475

 

78,004

 

78,055

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

5,611

 

2,357

 

2,200

 

Total assets

 

$

1,012,538

 

$

960,753

 

$

928,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

45

 

$

44

 

$

45

 

Short-term debt

 

54,509

 

3,146

 

1,099

 

Accounts payable

 

75,964

 

68,245

 

87,147

 

Accrued liabilities

 

273,435

 

256,392

 

227,279

 

Total current liabilities

 

403,953

 

327,827

 

315,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

175,012

 

175,058

 

175,046

 

Long-term deferred income taxes

 

3,837

 

-

 

3,837

 

Deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities

 

14,806

 

12,747

 

13,475

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, par value $1.00, authorized 1,000,000 voting and 850,000 non-voting shares, none issued and outstanding

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Common stock, par value $1.00, authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 42,652,756 shares as of July 29, 2005 (net of 11,379,464 treasury shares), 45,925,558 shares as of July 30, 2004 (net of 8,106,662 treasury shares), and 45,036,658 shares as of October 31, 2004 (net of 8,995,562 treasury shares)

 

42,653

 

45,926

 

45,037

 

Retained earnings

 

383,692

 

410,493

 

386,924

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(11,415

)

(11,298

)

(11,142

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

414,930

 

445,121

 

420,819

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

1,012,538

 

$

960,753

 

$

928,747

 

 

Shares and per share data have been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective March 28, 2005.

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

107,510

 

$

95,737

 

  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash asset recovery

 

-

 

(415

)

Equity losses from an investment

 

510

 

538

 

Provision for depreciation and amortization

 

30,110

 

25,398

 

Gain on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

 

(339

)

(254

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

7,284

 

6,892

 

Increase in deferred income taxes

 

(13,146

)

(7,021

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables, net

 

(91,979

)

(107,990

)

Inventories, net

 

(767

)

11,787

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

2,897

 

(1,194

)

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and deferred revenue

 

25,764

 

50,343

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

67,844

 

73,821

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

 

(24,294

)

(31,185

)

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equipment

 

2,447

 

1,833

 

Increase in investment in affiliates

 

(197

)

(1,278

)

Decrease in other assets

 

158

 

285

 

Proceeds from sale of a business

 

765

 

-

 

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

 

(35,285

)

-

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(56,406

)

(30,345

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in short-term debt

 

53,374

 

1,047

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(34

)

(3,819

)

Excess tax benefits from share-based arrangements

 

5,665

 

8,087

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

7,609

 

12,018

 

Purchases of Toro common stock

 

(125,093

)

(132,234

)

Dividends paid on Toro common stock

 

(8,151

)

(4,443

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(66,630

)

(119,344

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

 

(899

)

(397

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(56,091

)

(76,265

)

Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the period

 

90,756

 

110,287

 

Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the period

 

$

34,665

 

$

34,022

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

July 29, 2005

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and do not include all the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “company” and “Toro” refer to The Toro Company and its subsidiaries. In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting primarily of recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations. Since the company’s business is seasonal, operating results for the nine months ended July 29, 2005 cannot be annualized to determine the expected results for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2005. Certain amounts from prior period’s financial statements have been reclassified to conform to this period’s presentation.

The company’s fiscal year ends on October 31, and quarterly results are reported based on three month periods that generally end on the Friday closest to the quarter end. For comparative purposes, however, the company’s second and third quarters always include exactly 13 weeks of results so that the quarter end date for these two quarters is not necessarily the Friday closest to the quarter end.

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004. The policies described in that report are used for preparing quarterly reports.

 

Accounting Policies

 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management must make decisions that impact the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, management applies judgments based on its understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, historical experience, and actuarial valuations. Actual amounts could differ from those estimated at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared. Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K provides a summary of the significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the financial statements. Other footnotes in the company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K describe various elements of the financial statements and the assumptions made in determining specific amounts.

 

Stock Split

 

On March 15, 2005, the company’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split of the company’s common stock, effected in the form of a 100 percent stock dividend paid on April 12, 2005. As a result of this action, approximately 21.7 million shares were issued to stockholders of record as of March 28, 2005. Par value of the common stock remains at $1.00 per share and accordingly, approximately $21.7 million was transferred from retained earnings to common stock. All references to the number of common shares and per common share amounts have been adjusted to give retroactive effect to the stock split for all periods presented.

 

Acquisition

 

On February 8, 2005, the company completed the acquisition of certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Hayter Limited (Hayter). Hayter designs, manufactures, and markets residential and professional turf maintenance equipment primarily for the United Kingdom market, with expected additional net sales to Toro of approximately $35 million for fiscal 2005. If the acquisition of Hayter would have been consummated as of November 1, 2004, the expected impact on Toro’s net sales would have been an increase of approximately $50 million for fiscal 2005. The preliminary purchase price was approximately $35 million, which was paid in cash, and included $31 million of current assets; $10.6 million of property, plant, and equipment; $7.6 million of intangible assets; and $13.8 million of assumed liabilities. The purchase price has been allocated to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on preliminary estimates of their fair values, with the excess purchase price recorded as goodwill. The purchase price should be finalized during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, with any necessary adjustments based on settlement of the final working capital statement to be recorded at that time. See note sections entitled “Goodwill” and “Other Intangible Assets” for further details related to the acquired intangible assets.

 

6



 

Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income and the components of other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net earnings

 

$

34,377

 

$

34,213

 

$

107,510

 

$

95,737

 

  Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative translation adjustments

 

(2,881

)

(319

)

(2,063

)

(414

)

Unrealized gain on derivative instruments

 

482

 

324

 

1,790

 

1,934

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

31,978

 

$

34,218

 

$

107,237

 

$

97,257

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Effective November 1, 2004, the company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” The company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective application, which applies to new awards granted, unvested awards as of the date of adoption, and to awards modified, repurchased or cancelled after the date of adoption. SFAS No. 123R focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services through share-based payment transactions. SFAS No. 123R requires a public entity to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for the award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award as of the date of grant. The company had previously accounted for stock-based compensation under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (APB No. 25), and related Interpretations.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, option awards were granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the company’s common stock as of the date of grant. For certain non-officer employees, the 2005 options vest after two years and have a five-year contractual term. This was the first time the two-year vesting was required for options granted to the non-officer employee group. Other options granted during the first quarter of fiscal 2005 vest one-third each year over a three year period and have a ten-year contractual term. No stock-based awards were granted during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2005.

The company also issues Performance Shares to key employees. Under the provisions of APB No. 25, the change in value of these Performance Shares (based on the change in Toro’s stock price) was recognized in the financial statements and the cost of the award was expensed over the vesting period. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, the company determines the fair value of these Performance Shares as of the date of grant and recognizes the expense over the vesting period.

The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and net earnings per share if the company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2004 compared to the actual data reported for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net earnings, as reported

 

$

34,377

 

$

34,213

 

$

107,510

 

$

95,737

 

Stock-based compensation cost, net of tax, included in net earnings as reported

 

1,597

 

4,504

 

4,738

 

8,500

 

Stock-based compensation cost, net of tax, if fair value method had been applied

 

(1,597

)

(1,576

)

(4,738

)

(5,961

)

Pro forma net earnings as if fair-value method had been applied

 

$

34,377

 

$

37,141

 

$

107,510

 

$

98,276

 

Net earnings per share data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported - Basic

 

$

0.77

 

$

0.70

 

$

2.38

 

$

1.94

 

Pro forma - Basic

 

$

0.77

 

$

0.76

 

$

2.38

 

$

1.99

 

As reported - Diluted

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.66

 

$

2.29

 

$

1.84

 

Pro forma – Diluted

 

$

0.74

 

$

0.72

 

$

2.29

 

$

1.89

 

 

Per share data has been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective March 28, 2005.

 

7



 

The fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation method that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. The expected life is a significant assumption as it determines the period for which the risk-free interest rate, volatility, and dividend yield must be applied. The expected life is the average length of time the employee groups will exercise their options, which is based on historical experience with similar grants. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. Expected volatilities are based on the movement of the company’s stock price over the most recent historical period equivalent to the expected life of the option. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury rate over the expected life at the time of grant. Dividend yield is estimated over the expected life based on the company’s dividend policy, historical dividends paid, and expected increase in the company’s stock price. The following table illustrates the assumptions for options granted in the following fiscal years.

 

 

 

Fiscal 2005

 

Fiscal 2004

 

Expected life of option in years

 

3 - 7

 

3 - 9

 

Expected volatility

 

25.87% - 30.41%

 

27.60% - 27.84%

 

Weighted-average volatility

 

28.04%

 

27.72%

 

Risk-free rate

 

3.22% - 4.04%

 

2.04% - 4.10%

 

Expected dividend yield

 

0.18% - 0.25%

 

0.26% - 0.39%

 

Weighted-average dividend yield

 

0.22%

 

0.32%

 

 

The weighted-average fair value of options granted during the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 2005 and 2004 was $11.14 and $7.69, respectively. The fair value of Performance Shares granted during the first fiscal quarter of fiscal 2005 and 2004 was $37.02 and $24.16, respectively. No options or Performance Shares were granted during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2005 and 2004.

 

The following table illustrates the effect on the company’s earnings, net earnings, and basic and diluted net earnings per share if the company had applied the provisions of APB No. 25 and related interpretations instead of SFAS No. 123R in accounting for stock-based awards.

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Increase (decrease)

 

Three months ended

 

 

 

 

 

impact of adopting

 

July 29, 2005

 

As Reported (1)

 

Pro Forma (2)

 

SFAS No. 123R

 

Earnings from operations

 

$

54,666

 

$

54,830

 

$

(164

)

Earnings before income taxes

 

50,488

 

50,652

 

(164

)

Net earnings

 

34,377

 

34,465

 

(88

)

Basic net earnings per share

 

0.77

 

0.77

 

-

 

Diluted net earnings per share

 

0.74

 

0.74

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended
July 29, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from operations

 

$

171,191

 

$

166,976

 

$

4,215

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

160,463

 

156,248

 

4,215

 

Net earnings

 

107,510

 

104,686

 

2,824

 

Basic net earnings per share

 

2.38

 

2.32

 

0.06

 

Diluted net earnings per share

 

2.29

 

2.22

 

0.07

 

Net cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

67,844

 

73,509

 

(5,665

)

Financing activities

 

(66,630

)

(72,295

)

5,665

 

 

(1)   As reported reflects the application of the provisions of SFAS No. 123R.

(2)   Pro forma assumes the application of the provisions of APB No. 25.

 

Per share data has been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective March 28, 2005.

 

8



 

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for most inventories and first-in, first-out (FIFO) for all other inventories. The company establishes a reserve for excess, slow-moving, and obsolete inventory that is based on the difference between the cost and estimated market value for that inventory. These reserves are based on a review and comparison of current inventory levels to the production and sales history of the inventory.

 

Inventories were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2004

 

Raw materials and work in process

 

$

60,559

 

$

64,455

 

$

64,169

 

Finished goods and service parts

 

227,890

 

203,082

 

210,141

 

 

 

288,449

 

267,537

 

274,310

 

Less:

LIFO

 

30,227

 

32,151

 

30,227

 

 

Other reserves

 

23,076

 

18,029

 

16,883

 

Total

 

$

235,146

 

$

217,357

 

$

227,200

 

 

Per Share Data

 

Reconciliations of basic and dilutive weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding were as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

Basic

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock

 

44,494

 

48,738

 

45,073

 

49,367

 

Assumed issuance of contingent shares

 

-

 

-

 

48

 

29

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock and assumed issuance of contingent shares

 

44,494

 

48,738

 

45,121

 

49,396

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock and assumed issuance of contingent shares

 

44,494

 

48,738

 

45,121

 

49,396

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

1,944

 

2,849

 

1,845

 

2,647

 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock, assumed issuance of contingent shares, and effect of dilutive securities

 

46,438

 

51,587

 

46,966

 

52,043

 

 

Shares for all periods presented have been adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective March 28, 2005.

 

Segment Data

 

The presentation of segment information reflects the manner in which management organizes segments for making operating decisions and assessing performance. On this basis, the company has determined it has two reportable business segments: Professional and Residential. The Other segment consists of company-owned distributor operations in the United States and corporate activities, including corporate financing activities and elimination of intersegment revenues and expenses. Effective the beginning of fiscal 2005, the company combined the Distribution segment with the Other segment because the company-owned distributorships that comprised the former Distribution segment do not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate reporting as an operating segment for all periods presented. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

9



 

The following table shows the summarized financial information concerning the company’s reportable segments:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended July 29, 2005

 

Professional

 

Residential

 

Other

 

Total

 

Net sales

 

$302,517

 

$148,590

 

$15,835

 

$466,942

 

Intersegment gross sales

 

13,618

 

1,472

 

(15,090

)

-

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

59,894

 

10,096

 

(19,502

)

50,488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended July 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$287,928

 

$144,227

 

$21,889

 

$454,044

 

Intersegment gross sales

 

26,711

 

2,873

 

(29,584

)

-

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

54,326

 

17,635

 

(21,587

)

50,374

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended July 29, 2005

 

Professional

 

Residential

 

Other

 

Total

 

Net sales

 

$936,799

 

$472,188

 

$33,309

 

$1,442,296

 

Intersegment gross sales

 

41,681

 

6,045

 

(47,726

)

-

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

183,382

 

43,493

 

(66,412

)

160,463

 

Total assets

 

480,771

 

219,594

 

312,173

 

1,012,538

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended July 30, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$834,130

 

$436,952

 

$44,562

 

$1,315,644

 

Intersegment gross sales

 

72,706

 

6,958

 

(79,664

)

-

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

154,479

 

52,691

 

(64,279

)

142,891

 

Total assets

 

459,486

 

182,542

 

318,725

 

960,753

 

 

The following table presents the details of the Other segment earnings (loss) before income taxes:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Corporate expenses

 

$(20,960

)

$(27,130

)

$(68,843

)

$(72,616

)

Finance charge revenue

 

701

 

788

 

2,283

 

2,498

 

Elimination of corporate financing expense

 

5,296

 

4,605

 

13,793

 

12,046

 

Interest expense, net

 

(4,820

)

(3,893

)

(13,453

)

(11,477

)

Distribution

 

1,134

 

2,255

 

412

 

1,685

 

Other

 

(853

)

1,788

 

(604

)

3,585

 

Total

 

$(19,502

)

$(21,587

)

$(66,412

)

$(64,279

)

 

Goodwill

 

The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Professional

 

Residential

 

 

 

 

 

Segment

 

Segment

 

Total

 

Balance as of October 31, 2004

 

$

68,996

 

$

9,059

 

$

78,055

 

Goodwill acquired during the fiscal year

 

1,798

 

1,916

 

3,714

 

Translation adjustment

 

77

 

(371

)

(294

)

Balance as of July 29, 2005

 

$

70,871

 

$

10,604

 

$

81,475

 

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

As a result of the company’s acquisition of Hayter, as previously discussed, the company acquired $2.6 million of non-amortizable intangible assets related to the Hayter brand name. The company also acquired $1.3 million of amortizable customer related intangible assets with an estimated life of 10 years.

 

10



 

The components of other amortizable intangible assets were as follows:

 

 

 

July 29, 2005

 

October 31, 2004

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Gross Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Gross Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Patents

 

$

6,553

 

$

(5,534

)

$

6,553

 

$

(5,275

)

Non-compete agreements

 

1,000

 

(799

)

1,000

 

(723

)

Customer related

 

1,221

 

(61

)

-

 

-

 

Other

 

2,000

 

(1,215

)

1,700

 

(1,055

)

Total

 

$

10,774

 

$

(7,609

)

$

9,253

 

$

(7,053

)

Total other amortizable intangible assets, net

 

$

3,165

 

 

 

$

2,200

 

 

 

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets during the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was $920,000. Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal 2005 and succeeding fiscal years is as follows: 2005 (remainder), $144,000; 2006, $830,000; 2007, $637,000; 2008, $461,000; 2009, $251,000; 2010, $174,000 and after 2010, $668,000.

 

Warranty Guarantees

 

The company’s products are warranted to ensure customer confidence in design, workmanship, and overall quality. Warranty coverage ranges from a period of six months to seven years, and generally covers parts, labor, and other expenses for non-maintenance repairs, provided operator abuse, improper use, or negligence did not necessitate the repair. An authorized Toro distributor or dealer must perform warranty work. Distributors, dealers, and contractors submit claims for warranty reimbursement and are credited for the cost of repairs, labor and other expenses as long as the repairs meet prescribed standards. Warranty expense is accrued at the time of sale based on the estimated number of products under warranty, historical average costs incurred to service warranty claims, the trend in the historical ratio of claims to sales, the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim, and other minor factors. Special warranty reserves are also accrued for major rework campaigns. The company also sells additional warranty coverage on select products when the factory warranty period expires.

 

Warranty provisions, claims, and changes in estimates for the first nine-month periods in fiscal 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

Beginning

 

Warranty

 

Warranty

 

Changes in

 

Ending

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Balance

 

Provisions

 

Claims

 

Estimates

 

Balance

 

July 29, 2005

 

   $60,988

 

   $33,175

 

$(27,257)

 

$      (11

)

$66,895

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 30, 2004

 

   $59,372

 

   $34,066

 

$(26,128)

 

$(2,647

)

$64,663

 

 

Postretirement Benefit Plans

 

The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit costs:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Service cost

 

$

132

 

$

237

 

$

394

 

$

712

 

Interest cost

 

127

 

218

 

383

 

654

 

Prior service cost

 

(49

)

-

 

(145

)

-

 

Amortization of losses

 

84

 

178

 

250

 

534

 

Net expense

 

$

294

 

$

633

 

$

882

 

$

1,900

 

 

As of July 29, 2005, approximately $404,000 of contributions had been made. The company presently expects to contribute a total of $550,000 to its postretirement health-care benefit plan in fiscal 2005.

The company maintains The Toro Company Investment, Savings and Employee Stock Ownership Plan for eligible employees. The company’s expenses under this plan were $4.0 million and $11.7 million for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005, respectively, and $3.6 million and $10.2 million for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2004, respectively.

The company assumed a liability of approximately $5.4 million for Hayter’s defined benefit pension plan. Estimated contributions and expense for fiscal 2005 for the plan are deemed immaterial to the company’s consolidated financial results.

 

11



 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

The company uses derivative instruments to assist in the management of exposure to currency exchange rates. The company uses derivative instruments only to limit underlying exposure to currency fluctuations, and not for trading purposes. The company documents relationships between hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The company assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item.

The company enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge the risk from forecasted settlements in local currencies of trade sales and purchases. These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges with the fair value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and as a hedge asset or liability in prepaid expenses or accrued liabilities, as applicable. Once the forecasted transaction has been recognized as a sale or inventory purchase and a related asset or liability recorded in the balance sheet, the related fair value of the derivative hedge contract is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings. During the three and nine months ended July 29, 2005, the amount of gains (losses) reclassified to earnings for such cash flow hedges was $0.2 million and $(2.0) million, respectively. For the nine months ended July 29, 2005, the losses treated as a reduction of net sales for contracts to hedge trade sales were $3.0 million and the gains treated as a reduction of cost of sales for contracts to hedge inventory purchases were $1.0 million. As of July 29, 2005, the notional amount of such contracts outstanding was $31.6 million. The unrecognized after-tax gain portion of the fair value of the contracts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive gain as of July 29, 2005 was $0.4 million.

The company also enters into other foreign currency exchange contracts. These contracts are intended to hedge intercompany financing transactions and other activities and are not designed as hedging instruments under the accounting criteria of SFAS No. 133; therefore, changes in fair value of these instruments are recorded in other income, net.

 

Contingencies

 

On June 3, 2004, eight individuals who claim to have purchased lawnmowers in Illinois and Minnesota filed a lawsuit (Ronnie Phillips et al. v. Sears Roebuck Corporation et. al., No.04-L-334 (20th Judicial Circuit, St., Clair County, IL)) against the company and other defendants alleging that the horsepower labels on the products the plaintiffs purchased were inaccurate. The plaintiffs seek certification of a class of all persons in the United States who, beginning January 1, 1995 through the present, purchased a lawnmower containing a two stroke or four stroke gas combustible engine up to 20 horsepower that was manufactured or sold by the defendants. The complaint seeks an injunction, unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees. No answers have been entered in the case, and there has been no formal discovery. A number of procedural motions have been filed by the defendants, but have not yet been decided. On April 20, 2005, the court issued a stay of discovery and procedural matters to permit the parties to engage in settlement discussions. Management continues to evaluate this lawsuit. The company is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range of potential loss that could result from this litigation, and therefore has not established a reserve for any potential loss in connection with this lawsuit. The company is also unable to assess at this time whether the lawsuit will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated operating results or financial condition.

In the ordinary course of business, in addition to that described above, the company may become liable with respect to pending and threatened claims or litigation for product liability, tax, patent, environmental, and other matters. While the ultimate results of current claims, investigations, and lawsuits involving the company are unknown at this time, management believes that, except for the lawsuit discussed above, the outcomes of these cases are unlikely to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated operating results or financial condition of the company.

 

12



 

Item 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Nature of Operations

 

The Toro Company is in the business of designing, manufacturing, and marketing professional turf maintenance equipment and services, turf and agricultural irrigation systems, landscaping equipment, and residential yard products worldwide. Our products are sold through a network of distributors, dealers, hardware retailers, home centers, mass retailers, and over the Internet, mainly through Internet retailers. Our businesses are organized into two segments: professional and residential. A third segment called “other” consists of domestic distribution companies and corporate activities. Our emphasis is to provide well-built, dependable, and innovative products supported by an extensive service network. A significant portion of our revenues has historically been attributable to new and enhanced products. As we continue with our “6 + 8” profitability and growth initiative, we expect to invest in growth strategies at higher than historical levels. The goals of this initiative are to achieve a consistent after-tax return on net sales of 6 percent or more and grow revenues at an average rate of 8 percent or more over the three-year period ending October 31, 2006.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

 

Third quarter fiscal 2005 net sales increased 2.8 percent and net earnings slightly increased by 0.5 percent compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004. Fiscal 2005 third quarter diluted net earnings per share increased 12.1 percent compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004 as a result of our share repurchase program. Year-to-date net earnings for fiscal 2005 rose 12.3 percent compared to the same period last fiscal year on a year-to-date net sales growth rate of 9.6 percent. Factoring out the effect of our southeastern-based distributorship sold in October 2004, our southwestern-based distributorship sold in November 2004, and the additional sales from our acquisition of Hayter Limited (Hayter), net sales were up 2.0 percent and 9.9 percent for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005, respectively, from the same comparable periods in the prior fiscal year. International net sales increased 33.6 percent for the third quarter and 32.6 percent for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 compared to the same periods in the prior fiscal year as a result of the following factors: (i) additional sales from Hayter; (ii) strong demand and introduction of new products, particularly in the golf market; (iii) select price increases and favorable currency rates; and (iv) increased shipments in emerging markets. Professional segment net sales were up as a result of new product introductions, the additional sales from Hayter, and select price increases. Residential segment net sales also increased as we introduced new products with expanded placement at key retailers and realized the additional sales from Hayter. As part of our “6 + 8” initiative, we are investing in growth strategies directed at underserved markets, such as revitalizing the Lawn-Boy brand with new products and accelerating our growth in international markets, as evidenced by our acquisition of Hayter. Gross margins are expected to continue to be hampered by higher commodity prices; however, we continue to work to mitigate the impact of higher commodity costs through internal cost reduction efforts from past and continuing initiatives driven by our emphasis on lean manufacturing methods and select price increases. Our financial condition remains strong, which has allowed us to pay a quarterly cash dividend in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 that was double the quarterly cash dividend we paid in the third quarter of fiscal 2004, and has allowed us to continue to repurchase shares of our common stock.

Although our fiscal 2005 third quarter results were not as strong as the first half of the fiscal year, we are optimistic that our results for the full fiscal year of 2005 will meet our expectations. Net sales are currently expected to grow at an annual rate of 7 to 9 percent in fiscal 2005 and diluted net earnings per share are currently expected to grow at an annual rate of 16 to 18 percent over fiscal 2004, which includes the impact of adopting SFAS No. 123R as of the beginning of fiscal 2005 and the acquisition of Hayter during the second quarter of fiscal 2005. We continue, however, to keep a cautionary eye on the world economies, weather, field inventory levels, retail demand, commodity prices, competition, and other factors identified below under the heading “Forward-Looking Information,” which could cause our actual results to differ from our outlook. In particular, we recognize that unfavorable weather conditions in our key geographic markets for landscape contractor equipment had an adverse effect on our third quarter fiscal 2005 retail demand, which has in turn resulted in higher than anticipated field inventory levels, which could have a negative impact on our fourth quarter fiscal 2005 net sales. We expect these higher field inventory levels to return to our anticipated levels by fiscal year end.

 

Net Earnings

 

Net earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 were $34.4 million or $0.74 per diluted share compared to $34.2 million or $0.66 per diluted share for the third quarter of fiscal 2004, a net earnings increase of 0.5 percent. Year-to-date net earnings in fiscal 2005 were $107.5 million or $2.29 per diluted share compared to $95.7 million or $1.84 per diluted share for the same period in fiscal 2004, a net earnings increase of 12.3 percent. The primary factors contributing to the year-to-date net earnings increase were higher sales volumes, lower incentive compensation expense, and improved leveraging of other selling, general,

 

13



 

and administrative expense, somewhat offset by lower gross profit as a percentage of net sales and higher interest expense. In addition, third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 diluted net earnings per share were benefited by approximately $0.07 per share and $0.22 per share, respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2004 as a result of reduced shares outstanding due to our significant Toro common stock repurchases during the past fourteen months.

Effective November 1, 2004, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, as previously discussed. However, if we had applied the provisions of SFAS No. 123R during the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2004, diluted net earnings per share would have increased by $0.06 per share to $0.72 per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2004 and would have increased by $0.05 per share to $1.89 per share for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2004. The pro forma fiscal 2004 third quarter diluted net earnings per share increase of $0.06 per share resulted from higher incentive compensation expense recognized under the provisions of APB No. 25 for our Performance Share Plan in fiscal 2004, which was the result of the increase in Toro’s stock price during the third quarter of fiscal 2004 and increased incentive compensation expense due to improved financial performance. See note entitled “Stock-Based Compensation” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for further details.

The following table summarizes the major captions of our condensed consolidated statement of earnings as a percentage of net sales:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

65.0

 

63.8

 

65.2

 

63.8

 

Gross profit

 

35.0

 

36.2

 

34.8

 

36.2

 

Selling, general, and administrative expense

 

(23.2

)

(24.6

)

(22.9

)

(24.7

)

Interest expense

 

(1.0

)

(0.9

)

(0.9

)

(0.9

)

Other income, net

 

0.1

 

0.4

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

Provision for income taxes

 

(3.5

)

(3.6

)

(3.7

)

(3.6

)

Net earnings

 

7.4

%

7.5

%

7.5

%

7.3

%

 

Net Sales

 

Worldwide consolidated net sales for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 were up 2.8 percent and 9.6 percent, respectively, from the same periods in the prior fiscal year. Factoring out the effect of our southeastern-based distributorship sold in October 2004, our southwestern-based distributorship sold in November 2004, and the additional sales from our acquisition of Hayter in February 2005, net sales for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 increased 2.0 percent and 9.9 percent, respectively, from the same periods in the prior fiscal year. The net sales increase was led by strong international sales that were up by 33.6 percent for the third quarter and 32.6 percent for the nine-month period over the same periods in the prior fiscal year. Factoring out the additional sales from the acquisition of Hayter, international net sales for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 were up 19.9 percent and 21.8 percent, respectively, from the same periods in the prior fiscal year, driven primarily by the following factors: (i) strong demand and introduction of new products, particularly in the golf market; (ii) select price increases; (iii) a weaker U.S. dollar; and (iv) increased shipments in emerging markets. Favorable currency rates contributed approximately 0.9 percent of the overall sales growth for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 and 1.1 percent of the sales growth for the first nine months of fiscal 2005. Professional segment net sales also contributed to the net sales growth as a result of the success of introducing new products within the past two years and price increases introduced on some products. During the third quarter of fiscal 2005, retail demand for domestic landscape contractor equipment was down compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004 primarily because of drought conditions in key markets. This has resulted in higher than expected field inventory levels, which could have an adverse impact on our fourth quarter fiscal 2005 net sales. Residential segment net sales were slightly up for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004 due to the following factors: (i) incremental sales of Hayter; (ii) the additional placement related to the introduction of new Lawn-Boy products in the home center distribution channel; and (iii) higher shipments of snow thrower products due to strong preseason demand. Those increases were offset by lower shipments of Toro brand of walk power mowers and riding products. The other segment net sales were down for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 compared to the same periods last fiscal year due mainly to the sale of the two distribution companies, as previously mentioned.

 

14



 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased slightly by 0.6 percent compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004; however fiscal 2005 year-to-date gross profit increased 5.4 percent compared to the same period last fiscal year due to higher net sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 was 35.0 percent and 34.8 percent, respectively, compared to 36.2 percent for both the third quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2004. Those decreases in gross profit as a percentage of net sales were the result of the following factors: (i) higher costs for steel, resin, and other commodities and (ii) the Hayter acquisition that negatively impacted gross margins due to the purchase accounting effect of recording the fair value of the inventory acquired as the inventory was sold. Somewhat offsetting these negative factors were: (i) price increases introduced on some products; (ii) cost reduction efforts from profit improvement initiatives; (iii) lower manufacturing costs from increased plant utilization for the year-to-date comparison; and (iv) favorable foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar.

 

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense

 

Selling, general, and administrative expense (SG&A) in dollars decreased for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 by 2.6 percent compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004; however, SG&A expense in dollars increased 1.8 percent for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 compared to the same period last fiscal year. SG&A as a percentage of net sales for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 was 23.2 percent and 22.9 percent, respectively, compared to 24.6 percent and 24.7 percent for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2004, respectively. Those decreases in SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales were due primarily to lower incentive compensation expense, as previously described. In addition, the year-to-date decrease was also the result of leveraging fixed SG&A costs over higher sales volumes. Somewhat offsetting those decreases were: (i) higher administrative expenses, mainly from continued investments in information systems, increased costs related to Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 compliance, and higher bad debt expense due mainly to the effect of collecting receivables in fiscal 2004 that were previously written off; and (ii) increased investments in engineering as part of our “6 + 8” initiative.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 increased by 23.8 percent and 17.2 percent, respectively, from the same periods in the prior fiscal year. Those increases were due primarily to higher levels of short-term debt as a result of increased cash used for stock repurchases and the acquisition of Hayter, as well as higher interest rates.

 

Other Income, Net

 

Other income, net for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 was $0.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively. These amounts represent decreases of $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively, from the same periods in the prior fiscal year. The third fiscal quarter decline was due primarily to higher currency exchange rate losses. The year-to-date decrease was due to a loss from the sale of a distributorship, somewhat offset by lower litigation settlement expense.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 was 31.9 percent compared to 33.0 percent for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2005. The tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2004 was 32.1 percent and 33.0 percent for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2004. The decline in the tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 was due to increased tax benefits related to foreign export sales.

 

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

 

As described previously, we operate in two reportable business segments: professional and residential. A third reportable segment called “other” consists of domestic company-owned distributorships, corporate activities, and financing functions. Operating earnings (loss) for each of our two business segments is defined as earnings (loss) from operations plus other income, net. Effective the beginning of fiscal 2005, we combined our former distribution segment with the other segment because our distribution segment no longer met the quantitative thresholds for separate reporting as an operating segment for all periods presented. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Operating loss for our third “other” segment includes earnings (loss) from operations, corporate activities, including corporate financing activities, other income, and interest expense.

 

15



 

The following table summarizes net sales by segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Professional

 

$

302,517

 

$

287,928

 

$

14,589

 

5.1

%

Residential

 

148,590

 

144,227

 

4,363

 

3.0

 

Other

 

15,835

 

21,889

 

(6,054

)

(27.7

)

Total *

 

$

466,942

 

$

454,044

 

$

12,898

 

2.8

%

* Includes international net sales of:

 

$

108,407

 

$

81,135

 

$

27,272

 

33.6

%

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Professional

 

$

936,799

 

$

834,130

 

$

102,669

 

12.3

%

Residential

 

472,188

 

436,952

 

35,236

 

8.1

 

Other

 

33,309

 

44,562

 

(11,253

)

(25.3

)

Total *

 

$

1,442,296

 

$

1,315,644

 

$

126,652

 

9.6

%

* Includes international net sales of:

 

$

355,782

 

$

268,286

 

$

87,496

 

32.6

%

 

The following table summarizes operating earnings (loss) by segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Professional

 

$

59,894

 

$

54,326

 

$

5,568

 

10.2

%

Residential

 

10,096

 

17,635

 

(7,539

)

(42.8

)

Other

 

(19,502

)

(21,587

)

2,085

 

9.7

 

Total

 

$

50,488

 

$

50,374

 

$

114

 

0.2

%

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

July 29,

 

July 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Professional

 

$

183,382

 

$

154,479

 

$

28,903

 

18.7

%

Residential

 

43,493

 

52,691

 

(9,198

)

(17.5

)

Other

 

(66,412

)

(64,279

)

(2,133

)

(3.3

)

Total

 

$

160,463

 

$

142,891

 

$

17,572

 

12.3

%

 

Professional

Net Sales. Worldwide net sales for the professional segment in the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 were up 5.1 percent and 12.3 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. Factoring out the additional sales from the acquisition of Hayter, professional segment net sales for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 were up 3.5 percent and 10.9 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. Worldwide professional segment net sales were up due to the following factors: (i) the success of introducing new products within the past two years; (ii) strong demand in the international golf market; and (iii) price increases introduced on some products. Excluding the additional sales from the acquisition of Hayter, international professional segment net sales in the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 increased 19.6 percent and 18.8 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior fiscal year due to the same reasons mentioned above, as well as the benefits of a weaker U.S. dollar. Field inventory levels for landscape contractor equipment were higher than anticipated as of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2005 as a result of lower retail demand during the third quarter of fiscal 2005 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004 due to drought conditions in key markets, which could have a negative impact on our fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 net sales. We expect these higher field inventory levels to return to our anticipated levels by fiscal year end.

 

16



 

Operating Earnings. Operating earnings for the professional segment in the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 increased 10.2 percent and 18.7 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, professional segment operating margins increased to 19.8 percent compared to 18.9 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2004. Fiscal 2005 year-to-date professional segment operating margins increased to 19.6 percent compared to 18.5 percent in the same period last fiscal year. The profit improvement was the result of lower SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales due to leveraging the fixed portion of SG&A costs over higher sales volumes. Gross margins also rose as a result of cost reduction efforts from profit improvement initiatives, lower manufacturing costs from increased plant utilization, and price increases introduced on some products, somewhat offset by higher steel and other commodity costs and lower gross margins from the acquisition of Hayter.

 

Residential

 

Net Sales. Worldwide net sales for the residential segment in the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 were up by 3.0 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. Factoring out the additional sales from the acquisition of Hayter, residential segment net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 were down by 1.6 percent compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004; however, net sales for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 were up 4.1 percent compared to the same period last fiscal year. Excluding Hayter, the third quarter residential segment net sales decline was due to lower domestic shipments of walk power mowers as a result of unfavorable weather conditions and lower domestic riding product shipments due to continued strong competition. In addition, Toro brand walk power mower shipments were down for the third quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2005 compared to the same periods last fiscal year due to a shift of sales to the new line of Lawn-Boy walk power mowers. Shipments of Lawn-Boy walk power mowers were up for the third quarter and year-to-date comparisons as a result of expanded product placement in the home center distribution channel. Increased snow thrower product shipments also contributed to the third quarter and year-to-date net sales increase due to strong preseason demand as a result of heavy snowfalls in key markets during the 2004-2005 winter season that depleted field inventory levels as well as the successful introduction of new products. Retail irrigation product sales were slightly up for the third quarter comparison but down for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 primarily due to unfavorable weather conditions in key domestic markets. Excluding the additional sales from the acquisition of Hayter, international residential segment net sales in the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 increased by 22.5 percent and 32.6 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior fiscal year due to the successful introduction of new products and a weaker U.S. dollar.

 

Operating Earnings. Operating earnings for the residential segment in the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 decreased 42.8 percent and 17.5 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods last fiscal year. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, residential segment operating margins decreased to 6.8 percent compared to 12.2 percent in the third quarter of fiscal 2004, and fiscal 2005 year-to-date residential segment operating margins decreased to 9.2 percent compared to 12.1 percent last fiscal year. The profit decline was due mainly to lower gross margins as a result of higher costs for commodities combined with minimal price increases as a result of competitive conditions, lower gross margins from Hayter, and higher SG&A expense. However, fiscal 2005 year-to-date SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales was lower compared to the same period last fiscal year due mainly to leveraging SG&A costs over higher sales volumes and reduced warranty costs.

 

Other

 

Net Sales. Net sales for the other segment include sales from our wholly owned domestic distribution companies less sales from the professional and residential segments to those distribution companies. In addition, elimination of the professional and residential segments’ floor plan interest costs from Toro Credit Company are also included in this segment. The other segment net sales declined for the third quarter and year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 by 27.7 percent and 25.3 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods last year due to the sale of the two distribution companies, as previously mentioned.

 

Operating Losses. Operating losses for the other segment were down for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 by $2.1 million or 9.7 percent compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2004. However, operating losses for the year-to-date period of fiscal 2005 were up by $2.1 million or 3.3 percent compared to last year. The third quarter loss decrease was due primarily to lower incentive compensation expense, as previously described. The year-to-date loss increase was due to the following factors: (i) higher administrative costs, mainly from continued investments in information systems, increased Sarbanes-Oxley compliance costs, and higher bad debt expense due to the effect of collecting receivables in fiscal 2004 that were previously written off; (ii) an increase in interest expense; and (iii) lower operating earnings from the domestic company owned distributors. Somewhat offsetting those negative factors was lower incentive compensation expense, as previously described.

 

17



 

FINANCIAL POSITION

 

Working Capital

 

During the first nine months of fiscal 2005, our financial condition remained strong and emphasis continued on improving asset management. Average working capital for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was $315.2 million compared to $374.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2004. The decrease of 15.8 percent was due to higher average short-term debt, lower average cash and cash equivalents, and higher average accounts payables and accrued liabilities, somewhat offset by higher average accounts receivable. The primary factor contributing to the higher average short-term debt and lower average cash and cash equivalents levels was our continued emphasis on repurchasing shares of our common stock during fiscal 2005 and our purchase of Hayter. Average receivables for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 increased by 10.1 percent compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2004 on a net sales increase of 9.6 percent. Factoring out the incremental average receivables for Hayter, average receivables were up 7.3 percent. Our average days sales outstanding for receivables improved to 71.4 days based on sales for the last twelve months ended July 29, 2005, compared to 77.1 days for the twelve months ended July 30, 2004. Average inventory levels increased by 5.6 percent for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2004; however, factoring out the incremental average inventories for Hayter, average inventory levels were slightly up by 2.5 percent. Average inventory turnover improved 7.4 percent for the last twelve months ended July 29, 2005 compared to the last twelve months ended July 30, 2004. These improvements reflect our continuing efforts to improve asset utilization.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our businesses are seasonally working capital intensive and require funding for purchases of raw materials used in production, replacement parts inventory, capital expenditures, expansion and upgrading of existing facilities, as well as for financing receivables from customers. We believe that cash generated from operations, together with our fixed rate long-term debt, bank credit lines, and cash on hand, will provide us with adequate liquidity to meet our operating requirements. We believe that the funds available through existing or anticipated financing arrangements and forecasted cash flows, will be sufficient to provide the necessary capital resources for our anticipated working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt repayments, dividend payments, and stock repurchases for at least the next twelve months.

Our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.06 per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 paid on July 12, 2005, as adjusted to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective March 28, 2005, which was an increase over our cash dividend of $0.03 per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2004.

 

Cash Flow. Cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 was 8.1 percent lower than the first nine months of fiscal 2004 due primarily to a lower increase in accrued liabilities and a higher increase in inventory levels for the first nine months of fiscal 2005 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2004, somewhat offset by higher earnings and a lower increase in accounts receivable. Cash used in investing activities was higher by $26.1 million compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2004, due mainly to cash utilized for the purchase of Hayter, somewhat offset by lower purchases of property, plant, and equipment. Cash used in financing activities was lower by $52.7 million compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2004. This change was due to a decrease in cash used to repurchase shares of our common stock during the first nine months of fiscal 2005 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2004, offset by a higher increase in short-term debt.

 

Credit Lines and Other Capital Resources. Our business is seasonal, with accounts receivable balances historically increasing between January and April as a result of higher sales volumes and extended payment terms made available to our customers, and decreasing between May and December when payments are received. The seasonality of production and shipments causes our working capital requirements to fluctuate during the year. Our peak borrowing usually occurs between February and May. Seasonal cash requirements are financed from operations and with short- and medium-term financing arrangements, including a $175.0 million unsecured senior five-year revolving credit facility, which expires in September 2009. We also have a $75.0 million secured credit line backed by a multi-year credit agreement, expiring in July 2006, which is renewable annually. Interest expense on these credit lines is determined based on a LIBOR or commercial paper rate plus a basis point spread defined in the credit agreements. In addition, our non-U.S. operations and a domestic subsidiary also maintain unsecured short-term lines of credit of approximately $16.6 million. These facilities bear interest at various rates depending on the rates in their respective countries of operation. We also have a letter of credit subfacility as part of our credit agreements. Average short-term debt was $81.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2005 compared to $7.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2004, an increase of $74.1 million. This increase was primarily attributable to shares of our common stock repurchased during the past fourteen months and the purchase of Hayter. As of July 29, 2005, we had $212.0 million of unutilized availability under our credit agreements.

 

18



 

Significant financial covenants in our credit agreements are interest coverage and debt to capitalization ratios. We were in compliance with all covenants related to our credit agreements as of July 29, 2005, and expect to be in compliance with all covenants during the remainder of fiscal 2005. If we were out of compliance with any covenant required by our credit agreements, the banks could terminate their commitments unless we could negotiate a covenant waiver from the banks. In addition, our long-term public notes and debentures could become due and payable if we were unable to obtain a covenant waiver or refinance our medium-term debt under our credit agreements. If our credit rating falls below investment grade, the interest rate we currently pay on outstanding debt under the credit agreements would increase, but the credit commitments could not be cancelled by the banks based only on a ratings downgrade. Our debt rating for long-term unsecured senior, non-credit enhanced debt was unchanged for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Group at BBB- and by Moody’s Investors Service at Baa3.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

 

Our off-balance sheet arrangements generally relate to customer financing activities, inventory purchase commitments, operating lease commitments, and currency contracts. See our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details regarding our off-balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2005, we entered into an agreement to sell certain accounts receivable and notes to a third party. The total amount of receivables and notes outstanding under this agreement may not exceed $10.0 million at any time.

 

Inflation

 

We are subject to the effects of inflation and changing prices. In the first nine months of fiscal 2005, average prices paid for steel, fuel, petroleum-based resins, and other commodities were higher compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2004, which resulted in a negative impact on our gross margin and net earnings. We expect this trend of increased costs for commodities to continue for the remainder of fiscal 2005, except for steel prices, which are expected to be similar to prices paid during the fourth quarter of last fiscal year. We are attempting to mitigate the impact of these commodity price increases as well as other inflationary pressures by actively pursuing internal cost reduction efforts. In addition, we also introduced price increases on some products in fiscal 2005.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we must make decisions which impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgments based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, historical experience, and actuarial valuations. Actual amounts could differ from those estimated at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared.

Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004. Some of those significant accounting policies require us to make difficult subjective or complex judgments or estimates. An accounting estimate is considered to be critical if it meets both of the following criteria: (i) the estimate requires assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate is made, and (ii) different estimates reasonably could have been used or changes in the estimates that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period would have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations. Our critical accounting estimates include the following:

 

Warranty Reserve. Warranty coverage on our products ranges from a period of six months to seven years, and covers parts, labor, and other expenses for non-maintenance repairs, provided operator abuse, improper use or negligence did not necessitate the repair. At the time of sale, we accrue a warranty reserve by product line for estimated costs in connection with future warranty claims. We also establish reserves for major rework campaigns upon approval. The amount of our warranty reserves is based primarily on the estimated number of products under warranty, historical average costs incurred to service warranty claims, the trend in the historical ratio of claims to sales, and the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim. We periodically assess the adequacy of our warranty reserves based on changes in these factors and record any necessary adjustments if actual claim experience indicates that adjustments are necessary. Actual claims could be higher or lower than amounts estimated, as the amount and value of warranty claims are subject to variation based on such factors as performance of new products, significant manufacturing or design defects not discovered until after the product is delivered to

 

19



 

customers, product failure rates, and higher or lower than expected service costs for a repair. We believe that analysis of historical trends and knowledge of potential manufacturing or design problems provide sufficient information to establish a reasonable estimate for warranty claims at the time of sale. However, since we cannot predict with certainty future warranty claims or costs associated with servicing those claims, our actual warranty costs may differ from our estimates. An unexpected increase in warranty claims or in the costs associated with servicing those claims would result in an increase in our warranty accrual and a charge to selling, general, and administrative expense. The accrual for future estimated warranty claims was $66.9 million as of July 29, 2005 compared to $64.7 million as of July 30, 2004.

 

Accounts and Notes Receivable Valuation. We value accounts and notes receivable, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Each quarter, we prepare an analysis of our ability to collect outstanding receivables that provides a basis for an allowance estimate for doubtful accounts. In doing so, we evaluate the age of our receivables, past collection history, current financial conditions of key customers, and economic conditions. Based on this evaluation, we establish a reserve for specific accounts and notes receivable that we believe are uncollectible, as well as an estimate of uncollectible receivables not specifically known. Portions of our accounts receivable are protected by a security interest in products held by customers, which minimizes our collection exposure. A deterioration in the financial condition of any key customer or a significant slow down in the economy could have a material negative impact on our ability to collect a portion or all of the accounts and notes receivable. We believe that an analysis of historical trends and our current knowledge of potential collection problems provide us with sufficient information to establish a reasonable estimate for an allowance for doubtful accounts. However, since we cannot predict with certainty future changes in the financial stability of our customers, our actual future losses from uncollectible accounts may differ from our estimates. In the event we determined that a smaller or larger uncollectible accounts reserve is appropriate, we would record a credit or charge to selling, general, and administrative expense in the period that we made such a determination. As of July 29, 2005, we had $2.3 million reserved against our accounts and notes receivable compared to $3.2 million as of July 30, 2004.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements To Be Adopted

 

In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations,” an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143. FASB Interpretation No. 47 clarifies the timing of liability recognition for legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets when the timing and (or) method of settlement are conditional on a future event. We will adopt provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 47 on November 1, 2005, as required, and we do not expect the adoption of this Interpretation to have a material impact to our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs,” which amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material. This Statement requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this Statement requires that the allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. We are currently evaluating the provisions of SFAS No. 151 and will adopt it on November 1, 2005, as required. We do not expect that the adoption of SFAS No. 151 will have an impact on our future fiscal year results; however, we expect that our results between quarterly periods will be impacted due to a change in the timing of recording certain manufacturing costs. We expect our adoption of SFAS No. 151 to result in net earnings increasing in the first and fourth fiscal quarters of fiscal 2006, and decreasing in the second and third fiscal quarters of fiscal 2006 compared to comparable quarters of fiscal 2005.

 

20



 

Forward-Looking Information

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains not only historical information, but also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. In addition, we or others on our behalf may make forward-looking statements from time to time in oral presentations, including telephone conferences and/or web casts open to the public, in press releases or reports, on our Internet web sites or otherwise.  Statements that are not historical are forward-looking and reflect expectations and assumptions. We try to identify forward-looking statements in this report and elsewhere by using words such as “expect”, “looking ahead”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “believe”, “should”, “intend”, and similar expressions. Our forward-looking statements generally relate to our future performance, including our anticipated operating results and liquidity requirements, our business strategies and goals, and the effect of laws, rules, regulations, and new accounting pronouncements and outstanding litigation on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. These uncertainties include factors that affect all businesses operating in a global market as well as matters specific to Toro. The following are some of the factors known to us that could cause our actual results to differ materially from what we have anticipated in our forward-looking statements:

•    Changes in global and domestic economies, including but not limited to slow growth rate, slow down in home sales, rise in interest rates, inflation, unemployment, weaker consumer confidence, political instability in international markets, and currency exchange rates, which could have a negative impact on our financial results.

•    Fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, such as steel, fuel, petroleum-based resins, and other commodities, and increased dependence on suppliers and our ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships.

•    Our ability to achieve goals of the “6 + 8: Teamwork to the Top” initiative that is intended to achieve a consistent after-tax return on sales of 6 percent or more and grow revenues at an average annual rate of 8 percent or more over the three-year period ending October 31, 2006.

•    Our ability to achieve projected net sales and earnings growth for fiscal 2005.

•    Our ability to implement lean manufacturing and other productivity improvement initiatives and price increases on some of our products, which are intended to improve gross margins, offset a portion of rising raw material costs, and provide investment funding for new products and services.

•    Increased dependence on The Home Depot, Inc. as a customer for the residential segment.

•    Our ability to develop and introduce new products in a timely manner and market acceptance of new products as well as sales generated from these new products relative to expectations, based on existing and anticipated investments in manufacturing capacity and commitments to fund advertising, marketing, promotional programs, and research and development.

•    Our ability to acquire, develop, integrate new businesses and acquisitions, and manage alliances and joint venture arrangements successfully, both of which are important to our revenue growth.

•    Weather conditions that reduce demand for our products.

•    Increased competition, including competitive pricing pressures, new competitors entering the markets we serve, potential loss of market share, acquisitions by competitors, new product introductions, and financing programs offered by both domestic and foreign companies.

•    Changing buying patterns, including but not limited to, a trend away from purchases at dealer outlets to price and value sensitive purchases at hardware retailers, home centers, and mass retailers.

•    Rising transportation costs as a result of higher fuel costs, capacity issues in the transportation industry, and government regulation that limits the hours of service and increases fuel consumption.

•    Our ability to smoothly transition leadership roles and responsibilities.

•    Changes in our relationship with and terms from third party financing sources utilized by our customers.

•    Continued threat of terrorist acts and war, which may result in heightened security and higher costs for import and export shipments of components or finished goods, and contraction of the U.S. and worldwide economies.

•    Elimination or reduction of shelf space for our products at retailers.

•    Unforeseen inventory adjustments or changes in purchasing patterns by our customers, which could reduce sales and necessitate lowering manufacturing volumes, or increase inventory above acceptable levels.

•    Unforeseen product quality problems in the development and production of new and existing products that could result in loss of market share, reduced sales, and higher warranty expense.

•    Degree of success in plant consolidation, including our ability to cost-effectively expand existing and move production between manufacturing facilities.

 

21



 

•    Government restrictions placed on water usage as well as water availability.

•    The level of growth in the new golf course construction market and amount of investments in course renovations and improvements.

•    Reduced government spending for grounds maintenance equipment due to reduced tax revenue, increasing expenses, and tighter government budgets.

•    Financial viability of some distributors and dealers, changes in distributor ownership, our success in partnering with new dealers, and our customers’ ability to pay amounts owed to us.

•    Changes in laws and regulations, including changes in accounting standards; taxation changes, including tax rate changes, new tax laws, revised tax law interpretations; foreign laws, including export and other trade restrictions and changes in duties and tariffs; and environmental laws.

•    The effect on our business and our consolidated operating results or financial condition as a result of the pending litigation against the company and others in our industry that challenges engine horsepower ratings of lawnmower products, of which the company is currently unable to assess whether the litigation would have a material adverse effect on the company’s consolidated operating results or financial condition.

•    The effects of other litigation, including threatened or pending litigation, on matters relating to patent infringement, employment, and commercial disputes.

 

We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement which speaks only as of the date made and to recognize that forward-looking statements are predictions of future results, which may not occur as anticipated. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and from historical results, due to the risks and uncertainties described above, as well as others that we may consider immaterial or do not anticipate at this time. The foregoing risks and uncertainties are not exclusive and further information concerning the company and our businesses, including factors that potentially could materially affect our financial results or condition, may emerge from time to time. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in factors or assumptions affecting such forward-looking statements. We advise you, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our future quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

22



 

Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We are exposed to market risk stemming from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and commodity prices. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in our net earnings and cash flows. See further discussions on these market risks below.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk. In the normal course of business, we actively manage the exposure to foreign currency market risk by entering into various hedging instruments, authorized under company policies that place controls on these activities, with counterparties that are highly rated financial institutions. Our hedging activities involve the use of a variety of derivative financial instruments. We use derivative instruments only in an attempt to limit underlying exposure from currency fluctuations and to minimize earnings and cash volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes, and not for trading purposes.  We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk arising from transactions in the normal course of business, such as sales and loans to wholly owned subsidiaries as well as sales to third party customers, purchases from suppliers, and bank lines of credit with creditors denominated in foreign currencies. Because our products are manufactured or sourced primarily from the United States, a stronger U.S. dollar generally has a negative impact on results from operations outside the United States while a weaker dollar generally has a positive effect. Our primary exchange rate exposures are with the Euro, the Japanese yen, the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar, the British pound, and the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar.

 

We enter into various contracts, principally forward contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change, to protect the value of existing foreign currency assets, liabilities, anticipated sales, and probable commitments. Decisions on whether to use such contracts are made based on the amount of exposures to the currency involved, and an assessment of the near-term market value for each currency. Worldwide foreign currency exchange rate exposures are reviewed monthly. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the value of the related exposures. Therefore, changes in market values of these hedge instruments are highly correlated with changes in market values of underlying hedged items both at inception of the hedge and over the life of the hedge contract. During the three and nine months ended July 29, 2005, the amount of gains (losses) reclassified to earnings for such cash flow hedges was $0.2 million and $(2.0) million, respectively. For the nine months ended July 29, 2005, the losses treated as a reduction of net sales for contracts to hedge trade sales were $3.0 million and the gains treated as a reduction of cost of sales for contracts to hedge inventory purchases were $1.0 million.

The following foreign currency exchange contracts held by us have maturity dates in fiscal 2005. All items are non-trading and stated in U.S. dollars. Some derivative instruments we enter into do not meet the hedging criteria of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities;” therefore, changes in their fair value are recorded in other income, net. The average contracted rate, notional amount, pre-tax value of derivative instruments in accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL), and fair value impact of derivative instruments in other income, net as of July 29, 2005 were as follows:

 

Dollars in thousands
(except average contracted rate)

 

Average
Contracted
Rate

 

Notional
Amount

 

Value in
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

 

Fair Value
Impact
Gain (Loss)

 

Buy US dollar/Sell Australian dollar

 

0.7550

 

$23,865.2

 

$

-

 

$

(111.8

)

Buy US dollar/Sell Canadian dollar

 

0.8097

 

323.9

 

-

 

0.1

 

Buy US dollar/Sell Euro

 

1.2241

 

43,565.1

 

(50.6

)

553.9

 

Buy US dollar/Sell British pound

 

1.7420

 

13,065.0

 

-

 

(15.8

)

Buy Euro/Sell US dollar

 

1.2675

 

1,204.1

 

4.7

 

(57.1

)

Buy Japanese yen/Sell US dollar

 

106.7873

 

1,638.8

 

(20.1

)

(56.4

)

Buy British pound/Sell US dollar

 

1.7440

 

261.6

 

-

 

0.1

 

Buy Mexican peso/Sell US dollar

 

11.9800

 

5,550.9

 

629.1

 

-

 

 

Interest Rate Risk. We are exposed to interest rate risk arising from transactions that are entered into during the normal course of business. Our short-term debt rates are dependent upon a LIBOR or commercial paper rate plus a basis point spread defined in our credit agreements. See our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K (Item 7A). There has been no material change in this information.

 

Commodity Price Risk. Some raw materials used in our products are exposed to commodity price changes. We manage some of this risk by using a combination of short- and long-term agreements with some vendors. The primary commodity price exposures are with steel, aluminum, fuel, petroleum-based resins, plastic resin, and linerboard. Further information regarding our risk exposure for commodity price changes is presented in Item 2, section entitled “Inflation.”

 

23



 

Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that are designed to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, we recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and we necessarily are required to apply our judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. The company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of such period to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that material information relating to Toro and its consolidated subsidiaries is made known to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, particularly during the period when our periodic reports are being prepared. There was no change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the company’s fiscal third quarter ended July 29, 2005 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

On June 3, 2004, eight individuals who claim to have purchased lawnmowers in Illinois and Minnesota filed a lawsuit (Ronnie Phillips et al. v. Sears Roebuck Corporation et. al., No.04-L-334 (20th Judicial Circuit, St., Clair County, IL)) against the company and other defendants alleging that the horsepower labels on the products the plaintiffs purchased were inaccurate. The plaintiffs seek certification of a class of all persons in the United States who, beginning January 1, 1995 through the present, purchased a lawnmower containing a two stroke or four stroke gas combustible engine up to 20 horsepower that was manufactured or sold by the defendants. The complaint seeks an injunction, unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees. No answers have been entered in the case, and there has been no formal discovery. A number of procedural motions have been filed by the defendants, but have not yet been decided. On April 20, 2005, the court issued a stay of discovery and procedural matters to permit the parties to engage in settlement discussions. Management continues to evaluate this lawsuit. The company is unable to reasonably estimate the amount or range of potential loss that could result from this litigation, and therefore has not established a reserve for any potential loss in connection with this lawsuit. The company is also unable to assess at this time whether the lawsuit will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated operating results or financial condition.

We are a party to litigation in the ordinary course of business. Litigation occasionally involves claims for punitive as well as compensatory damages arising out of use of our products. We are also subject to administrative proceedings with respect to claims involving the discharge of hazardous substances into the environment. Some of these claims assert damages and liability for remedial investigations and clean up costs. We are also typically involved in commercial disputes, employment disputes, and patent litigation cases in the ordinary course of business, both as a plaintiff and as a defendant. While the ultimate results of the current cases are unknown at this time, management believes that, except for the lawsuit discussed above, the outcomes of these cases are unlikely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operating results or financial position. Further, we maintain insurance against some product liability losses.

 

24



 

Item 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

The following table shows our third quarter of fiscal 2005 stock repurchase activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Number of

 

Maximum Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Purchased

 

of Shares that May

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Part of Publicly

 

Yet Be Purchased

 

 

 

Total Number of

 

Average Price

 

Announced Plans

 

Under the Plans or

 

Period

 

Shares Purchased

(1)(2)

Paid per Share

 

or Programs

 

Programs (1)(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 30, 2005 through
May 27, 2005

 

241,489

 

$42.05

 

241,489

 

1,183,605

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 28, 2005 through
June 24, 2005

 

150,700

 

41.22

 

150,700

 

1,032,905

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 25, 2005 through
July 29, 2005

 

380,660

(3)

38.84

 

378,400

 

2,654,505

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

772,849

 

$40.31

 

770,589

 

 

 

 

(1)  On September 30, 2004, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of the company’s common stock in open-market transactions or in privately negotiated transactions. This program has no expiration date but may be terminated by the company’s Board of Directors at any time. The company purchased 770,589 shares during the periods indicated above under this program.

(2)  On July 19, 2005, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 2,000,000 shares of the company’s common stock in open-market transactions or in privately negotiated transactions. This program has no expiration date but may be terminated by the company’s Board of Directors at any time. The company did not purchase shares during the periods indicated above under this program.

(3)  Includes 2,260 units (shares) of the company’s common stock purchased in open-market transactions at an average price of $38.61 per share on behalf of a rabbi trust formed to pay benefit obligations of the company to participants in deferred compensation plans. These 2,260 shares were not repurchased under the company’s repurchase programs described in footnotes (1) and (2) above.

 

Item 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

On July 19, 2005, Toro’s Board of Directors terminated Toro’s Officer Stock Purchase Policy, which was originally approved by Toro’s Board of Directors on September 16, 1999. Pursuant to the terms of Toro’s former Officer Stock Purchase Policy, if Toro had an approved share repurchase plan and was ready to be in the market repurchasing shares of its common stock, officers of Toro could request that Toro purchase shares of their Toro common stock at a purchase price equal to the reported New York Stock Exchange closing price on the day of the transaction (or the price on the day before, if the officer had informed Toro before the market opened on any given day the he or she desired to sell Toro shares).

 

25



 

Item 6.  EXHIBITS

 

 

(a)   Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

3(i) and 4(a)

 

The Toro Company Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) and 4(a) to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 2005, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

3(ii) and 4(b)

 

The Toro Company Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) and 4(b) to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 2005, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

4(c)

 

Specimen form of Common Stock certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended October 31, 2004, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

4(d)

 

Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 1998, between Registrant and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association relating to rights to purchase Series B Junior Participating Voting Preferred Stock, as amended (incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 27, 1998, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

4(e)

 

Certificate of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of Shares dated April 14, 2003 filed by Registrant with Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Rights Agent, in connection with Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated April 14, 2003, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

4(f)

 

Certificate of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of Shares dated April 12, 2005 filed by Registrant with Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as Rights Agent, in connection with Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Registrant’s Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated March 21, 2005, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

4(g)

 

Indenture dated as of January 31, 1997, between Registrant and First National Trust Association, as Trustee, relating to the Registrant’s 7.125% Notes due June 15, 2007 and its 7.80% Debentures due June 15, 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K for June 24, 1997, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

31(a)

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).

 

 

 

31(b)

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).

 

 

 

32

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

26



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

THE TORO COMPANY

 

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

Date: September 2, 2005

By

/s/ Stephen P. Wolfe

 

 

Stephen P. Wolfe

 

Vice President Finance,

 

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

 

(duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)

 

27


Exhibit 31(a)

 

Certification pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

I, Michael J. Hoffman, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Toro Company;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: September 2, 2005

 

 

/s/ Michael J. Hoffman

 

Michael J. Hoffman

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 


Exhibit 31(b)

 

Certification pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

I, Stephen P. Wolfe, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Toro Company;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in the report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)   Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)   Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c)   Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)   All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)   Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: September 2, 2005

 

 

/s/ Stephen P. Wolfe

 

Stephen P. Wolfe

Vice President, Finance

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 


Exhibit 32

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of The Toro Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended July 29, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, Michael J. Hoffman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Stephen P. Wolfe, Vice President-Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to our knowledge:

 

(1)  The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)  The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

/s/ Michael J. Hoffman

 

Michael J. Hoffman

President and Chief Executive Officer

September 2, 2005

 

 

/s/ Stephen P. Wolfe

 

Stephen P. Wolfe

Vice President-Finance,

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

September 2, 2005

 

 

This certification accompanies the Report pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not, except to the extent required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, be deemed filed by the Company for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.