The Toro Company
TTC
#2115
Rank
$9.54 B
Marketcap
$97.50
Share price
-2.21%
Change (1 day)
22.91%
Change (1 year)

The Toro Company - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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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 January 29, 1999 Commission File Number 1-8649



THE TORO COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


DELAWARE 41-0580470
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)


8111 LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH
BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA 55420
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (612) 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
----- -----


The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 26, 1999 was
12,938,773.

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THE TORO COMPANY
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page Number
-----------
<S> <C>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

ITEM 1. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) -
Three Months Ended January 29, 1999 and January 30, 1998...........3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) -
January 29, 1999, January 30, 1998 and October 31, 1998............4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) -
Three Months Ended January 29, 1999 and January 30, 1998...........5

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)....6-8

ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations................................9-15


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION:

ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K .................................16-17

Signatures...........................................................18
</TABLE>

2
PART I. ITEM 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
----------------------------------------------
January 29, January 30,
1999 1998
-------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales.................................................................$ 250,761 $ 210,059
Cost of sales............................................................. 162,817 137,007
-------------------- ------------------
Gross profit.......................................................... 87,944 73,052
Selling, general, and administrative expense.............................. 82,361 71,864
-------------------- ------------------
Earnings from operations.............................................. 5,583 1,188
Interest expense.......................................................... (5,029) (5,805)

Other income, net......................................................... 784 2,863
-------------------- ------------------
Earnings (loss) before income taxes................................... 1,338 (1,754)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes...................................... 542 (693)
-------------------- -------------------
Net earnings (loss)...................................................$ 796 $ (1,061)
-------------------- ------------------
-------------------- ------------------
Basic net earnings (loss) per share of common stock.......................$ 0.06 $ (0.08)
-------------------- ------------------
-------------------- ------------------
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share of common stock.....................$ 0.06 $ (0.08)
-------------------- ------------------
-------------------- ------------------
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
and assumed issuance of contingent shares............................. 13,139 12,636

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, assumed
issuance of contingent shares, and assumed conversion shares
outstanding........................................................... 13,321 12,636
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3
THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXPECT SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 29, January 30, October 31,
1999 1998 1998
------------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents.............................................$ 95 $ 16 $ 90
Receivables, net...................................................... 287,772 287,813 241,426
Inventories, net...................................................... 216,730 209,334 184,306
Prepaid expenses and other current assets............................. 17,036 15,336 14,618
Deferred income taxes................................................. 38,460 42,586 38,997
------------ ------------ ------------
Total current assets.......................................... 560,093 555,085 479,437
------------ ------------ ------------
Property, plant, and equipment........................................ 333,908 308,466 330,539
Less accumulated depreciation................................. 208,217 183,672 203,402
------------ ------------ ------------
125,691 124,794 127,137

Deferred income taxes................................................. 3,786 1,182 3,763
Goodwill and other assets............................................. 128,563 98,323 113,654
------------ ------------ ------------
Total assets................................................. $ 818,133 $ 779,384 $ 723,991
------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current portion of long-term debt.....................................$ 715 $ 664 $ 580
Short-term borrowing.................................................. 140,385 134,500 31,000
Accounts payable...................................................... 61,248 72,157 65,273
Other accrued liabilities............................................. 147,051 123,835 161,357
------------ ------------ ------------
Total current liabilities..................................... 349,399 331,156 258,210
------------ ------------ ------------
Long-term debt, less current portion.................................. 196,796 178,068 196,844
Other long-term liabilities........................................... 5,590 4,976 5,538

Stockholders' equity:
Stock par value $1.00, authorized 35,000,000 shares;
issued and outstanding 12,960,334 shares at January 29,
1999 (net of 547,721 treasury shares), 12,831,973 shares
at January 30, 1998 (net of 676,082 treasury shares), and
12,769,560 shares at October 31, 1998 (net of
738,495 treasury shares)...................................... 12,960 12,832 12,770
Additional paid-in capital......................................... 60,190 58,355 56,546
Retained earnings.................................................. 199,884 200,085 200,609
Foreign currency translation adjustment............................ (6,686) (6,088) (6,526)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity.................................... 266,348 265,184 263,399
------------ ------------ ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity....................$ 818,133 $ 779,384 $ 723,991
------------ ------------ ------------
------------ ------------ ------------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4
THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
-------------------------------
January 29, January 30,
1999 1998
-------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)......................................................$ 796 $ (1,061)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash
used in operating activities:
Provision for depreciation and amortization............................ 7,890 6,818
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment.............. (106) 105
Deferred income taxes.................................................. 976 23
Tax benefits related to employee stock option transactions............. - 1,815
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net.................................................. (46,346) (23,762)
Inventories, net.................................................. (32,424) (39,185)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets......................... (2,856) (2,599)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses............................. (18,076) (12,599)
----------- ------------
Net cash used in operating activities......................... (90,146) (70,445)
----------- ------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment............................ (4,958) (10,500)
Proceeds from asset disposals.......................................... 340 1,321
Increase in investment in affiliates................................... (2,939) -
Increase in other assets............................................... (776) (6,119)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired..................................... - (6,349)
----------- ------------
Net cash used in investing activities......................... (8,333) (21,647)
----------- ------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase in short-term borrowings...................................... 109,385 93,500
(Repayments) proceeds from long-term debt.............................. (27) 114
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities..................... 28 (12)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options................................ 909 1,043
Purchases of common stock.............................................. (10,130) -
Dividends on common stock.............................................. (1,521) (1,535)
----------- ------------
Net cash provided by financing activities..................... 98,644 93,110
----------- ------------

Foreign currency translation adjustment................................... (160) (1,010)
----------- ------------

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents.................................. 5 8
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period........................... 90 8
----------- ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period................................. $ 95 $ 16
----------- ------------
----------- ------------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5
THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
JANUARY 29, 1999


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 generally accepted
accounting principles 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 three months ended January
29, 1999 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected
for the fiscal year ending October 31, 1999. Certain amounts from prior
period's financial statements have been reclassified to conform to this
period's presentation.

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, 1998. The policies described in that report are used
for preparing quarterly reports.

INVENTORIES

The majority of inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable
value with cost determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.

Inventories were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Dollars in thousands) January 29, January 30,
1999 1998
------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Raw materials and work in process..........$ 105,225 $ 105,153

Finished goods............................. 157,316 146,141
------------- ------------

262,541 251,294
Less LIFO and other reserves............... 45,811 41,960
------------- ------------

Total......................................$ 216,730 $ 209,334
------------- ------------
------------- ------------
</TABLE>

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER UNUSUAL EXPENSE

At January 29, 1999, the company had $7.5 million of restructuring and other
unusual expense remaining in other accrued liabilities. The company has
utilized $3.2 million of these reserves since October 31, 1998. The company
expects the majority of these reserves to be utilized by the end of fiscal
1999.

6
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of two components: net earnings
(loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income
(loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that under generally
accepted accounting principles are recorded as an element of stockholders'
equity and are excluded from net earnings. Toro's other comprehensive loss is
comprised of foreign currency translation adjustments from certain foreign
subsidiaries.

The components of comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
---------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) January 29, January 30,
1999 1998
------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>

Net earnings (loss)...................................$ 796 $ (1,061)

Other comprehensive loss.............................. (160) (1,010)
------------- ------------
Comprehensive income (loss)...........................$ 636 $ (2,071)
------------- ------------
------------- ------------
</TABLE>

NET EARNINGS PER SHARE

Reconciliation of basic and dilutive weighted average shares of common stock
outstanding is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

BASIC January 29, January 30,
(Shares in thousands) 1999 1998
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Weighted average number of common
shares outstanding................................... 12,627 12,636
Assumed issuance of contingent shares ...................... 512 -
------------- -------------
Weighted average number of common shares
and assumed issuance of contingent shares............ 13,139 12,636
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
<CAPTION>

DILUTIVE January 29, January 30,
(Shares in thousands) 1999 1998
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Weighted average number of common shares and
assumed issuance of contingent shares................ 13,139 12,636
Assumed conversion of stock options......................... 182 -
------------- -------------
Weighted average number of common shares,
assumed issuance of contingent shares, and
assumed conversion shares outstanding................ 13,321 12,636
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
</TABLE>

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS, INVESTMENTS, AND DIVESTITURES

During the first quarter of fiscal 1999, Toro announced that it became an
equity partner in ProShot Golf, Inc. (ProShot). ProShot is a Newport Beach,
California based provider of information and communication products to the
golf industry, featuring Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)-based measurement
and course management systems for golf applications. Under the terms of this
agreement, Toro and ProShot will share engineering expertise as well as
leverage Toro's distribution network.

During the first quarter of fiscal 1999, Toro also announced the signing of a
letter of intent to purchase the assets of Multi-Core Aerators Limited, a
European distributor of large turf aeration equipment. The purchase of
Multi-Core Aerators augments Toro's full-line of turf aeration equipment that
is expected to have an immediate appeal to the company's customer base.

7
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS, INVESTMENTS, AND DIVESTITURES (CONTINUED)

Under the terms of the purchase agreement with Exmark dated November 25,
1997, the company is required to make contingent payments to the former
Exmark stockholders if Exmark's post-acquisition earnings and sales growth
from November 1, 1997 through October 31, 1999 exceed minimum levels
established in the purchase agreement. The maximum value of these contingent
payments is $28.0 million. The company issued 511,991 shares of Toro Common
Stock valued at $13.1 million and paid $1.8 million of cash in January 1999
as the fiscal 1998 contingent payment.

Effective February 1999, Toro entered into an agreement to sell a portion of
its professional fertilizer business. The company recognized an impairment
loss of $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998 related to the
restructuring of its professional fertilizer business, including the expected
sale of this portion of the business.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

During fiscal 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and the Accounting Standards
Executive Committee issued Statement of Position (SOP) 98-1, "Accounting for
the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use."

SFAS 133 establishes new standards for recognizing all derivatives as either
assets or liabilities, and measuring those instruments at fair value. The
company plans to adopt the new standard beginning with the first quarter of
fiscal year 2000, as required. The company is in the process of evaluating
SFAS 133 and the impact on the company.

SOP 98-1 provides guidance on accounting for the costs of computer software
developed or obtained for internal use and does not require additional
disclosures. The company plans to adopt the SOP in the beginning of fiscal
year 2000, as required. Costs incurred prior to the initial application of
the SOP will not be adjusted to conform to SOP 98-1. The adoption of SOP 98-1
is not expected to have a material impact on the company's consolidated
financial statements.

During fiscal 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS 131 requires disclosure of
selected information about operating segments including segment income,
revenues, and asset data, as well as descriptive information about how
operating segments are determined and the products and services provided by
the segments. The company will be required to adopt SFAS 131 beginning with
its 1999 fiscal year-end annual report. The company is in the process of
evaluating SFAS 131 and the impact on the company's current disclosures.

8
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF
1995: This report contains 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. In addition, forward-looking statements may be made
orally or in press releases, conferences, reports or otherwise, in the future
by or on behalf of the company.

Statements that are not historical are forward-looking. When used by or on
behalf of the company, the words "expect", "anticipate", "estimate",
"believe", "intend", and similar expressions generally identify
forward-looking statements.

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 the company and the markets it
serves. Particular risks and uncertainties facing the company at the present
include political and economic uncertainty throughout the world; whether an
announced profit improvement plan will be successful; increased competition
in the company's businesses from competitors that have greater financial
resources; the cost of closing certain plants and selling certain business
units; the success of marketing programs; continued deterioration in the
company's markets in Asia and softening in other international markets; the
strong dollar which increases the cost of the company's products in foreign
markets resulting in cancellation of planned projects and limiting the
company's ability to increase prices; competitive implications and price
transparencies related to the euro conversion; changing buying patterns
affecting the company's consumer business, including but not limited to a
trend away from purchases at dealer outlets to price and value conscious
purchases at hardware, home center, and mass retailers; changes in
distributor ownership; the company's expansion into selected home center
markets; the company's ability to integrate business acquisitions and to
manage alliances successfully; successful implementation of strategies to use
outside providers for warehousing and transportation services; the company's
ability to develop and manufacture new and existing products profitably;
market acceptance of existing and new products; changes in distributors,
dealers, home center, or mass retailers' purchasing practices; success in
rationalizing product lines and plant configurations; the company's ability
manage costs at its manufacturing facilities; the company's ability to obtain
resources from its suppliers on a timely basis in order to meet consumer
demands; the company's ability to maintain good relations with its union
employees; and the ability to retain and hire quality employees.

In addition, the company is subject to risks and uncertainties facing its
industry in general, including changes in business and political conditions,
and the economy in general in both foreign and domestic markets; weather
conditions affecting demand, including warm winters and wet spring and summer
weather; slower growth in the company's markets; financial market changes
including increases in interest rates and fluctuations in foreign exchange
rates; unanticipated problems or costs associated with the transition of
European currencies to the common euro currency; a slowing in housing starts
or new golf course starts; inability to raise prices of products due to
market conditions; changes in market demographics; actions of competitors;
unanticipated problems or costs associated with accommodation of the year
2000 in computer applications or products; the inability of the company's
suppliers, customers, creditors, government agencies, public utility
providers, and financial service organizations to implement computer
applications accommodating the year 2000; seasonal factors in the company's
industry; unforeseen litigation; government action, including budget levels,
regulation, and legislation, primarily legislation relating to the
environment, commerce, infrastructure spending, health, and safety; and
availability of raw materials.

The company wishes to caution readers not to place undo reliance on any
forward-looking statement and to recognize that the statements are not
predictions of actual future results. 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 not now anticipated. The foregoing statements are not exclusive and
further information concerning the company and its businesses, including
factors that potentially could materially affect the company's financial
results, may emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to
predict all risk factors or to assess the impact of such risk factors on the
company's business.

9
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

First quarter net sales were $250.8 million compared to $210.1 million last
year, an increase of 19.4 percent. Sales were strong for consumer products
due introduction of new products, introduction of Toro-Registered Trademark-
brand lawn mowers to home centers, and timing of snowthrower shipments. Sales
were also strong for professional turf products led by a significant increase
in revenues to the landscape contractor market, new product introductions,
and continued growth of the agricultural irrigation market as well as the
domestic golf market for irrigation and commercial products. International
sales were also up for the quarter due to strong sales to the Canadian and
European regions for commercial products.

First quarter net earnings were $0.8 million compared to a net loss of $1.1
million for the same quarter in the previous year. Diluted earnings per share
for the quarter was $0.06 compared to basic and dilutive loss per share of
$0.08 for the same quarter in the previous year. The increase in net earnings
was due to a significant increase in net sales as noted above.

The following table sets forth net sales by product line:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
------------------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) January 29, January 30,
1999 1998 $ Change % Change
------------- ------------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Consumer products............................$ 87,161 $ 57,444 $ 29,717 51.7%

Commercial products.......................... 108,307 98,167 10,140 10.3
Irrigation products.......................... 55,293 54,448 845 1.6
------------- ------------- ----------
Total*.................................. $ 250,761 $ 210,059 $ 40,702 19.4%
------------- ------------- ----------
------------- ------------- ----------
* Includes international sales of:...........$ 58,470 $ 55,172 $ 3,298 6.0%
</TABLE>

CONSUMER PRODUCT SALES

Net sales of worldwide consumer products in the first quarter of fiscal 1999
were $87.2 million compared to $57.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal
1998, a significant increase of 51.7 percent. Initial orders from home
centers, a new distribution channel for the Toro-Registered Trademark- brand
walk power mowers, contributed to the sales increase, as did strong sales
from traditional dealers. The newly introduced Toro-Registered Trademark-
Personal Pace-Registered Trademark- lawn mower had strong first quarter
sales. DuraForce-TM- Lawn-Boy-Registered Trademark- walk power mower sales
were also higher due to better availability of engines compared to the first
quarter of fiscal 1998. Sales were higher for snowthrowers due to the timing
of shipments from the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998 to the first quarter of
fiscal 1999 as compared to the prior year due mainly to customers ordering
product closer to retail demand. Sales of blower vacuums, including a new
quieter version of electric leaf blower, were also strong due to the warm
fall weather experienced in 1998. Offsetting those positive factors were
lower sales for riding products due to lower demand for garden tractors and
an availability of engines from a key supplier. International consumer
product sales were also down due mainly to continued weakness in foreign
currencies against the US dollar.

Retail sales for domestic consumer products were strong in the first quarter
of fiscal 1999 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 1998. Field inventory
levels were down for all domestic consumer products, especially snowthrower
and riding products. This reduction was a result of heavy snowfall in certain
key markets during the winter of 1998-1999 and Toro's special one-time
marketing programs introduced in the fall of fiscal 1998 designed to reduce
field inventory levels for riding and walk power mower products. Management
believes that the reduction of snowthrower domestic field inventories
positions Toro for higher snowthrower sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal
1999 as compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998.

10
COMMERCIAL PRODUCT SALES

Net sales of worldwide commercial products in the first quarter of fiscal
1999 were $108.3 million compared to $98.2 million for the first quarter of
fiscal 1998, an increase of 10.3 percent. The increase was largely a result
of the sales growth due to increased demand in the landscape contractor
market and market acceptance of newly introduced products. Sales of equipment
to golf courses also did well due to market acceptance of new products and
continued growth of the golf market. International commercial sales increased
significantly from the comparable period in fiscal 1998 due to strong
stocking orders from Canada and Europe as well as market acceptance of new
products.

IRRIGATION PRODUCT SALES

Net sales of worldwide irrigation products in the first quarter of fiscal
1999 were $55.3 million compared to $54.4 million for the first quarter of
fiscal 1998, an increase of 1.6 percent. Without the incremental revenue of
Drip In, which was acquired during the second quarter of fiscal 1998, sales
would have been down slightly. Strong domestic golf revenues, Drip In sales,
and a growing worldwide agricultural irrigation market were offset by weak
sales of Irritrol-Registered Trademark- residential/commercial irrigation
product compared to an unusually large volume of sales in the comparable
quarter of fiscal 1998. International sales were down from the previous
quarter due to the conversion of the Australian denominated dollar sales into
U.S. dollars at a lower exchange rate and production delays for certain
international irrigation products. International sales of agricultural
irrigation products were strong and helped minimize the impact of these
negative factors.

GROSS PROFIT

First quarter gross profit was $87.9 million compared to $73.1 million last
year, an increase of 20.4 percent. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit
for the first quarter was 35.1 percent compared to 34.8 percent last year.
The higher gross margin resulted primarily from higher sales that spread
fixed manufacturing overhead over higher sales volumes and from slightly
higher margins for the consumer product line.

SELLING, GENERAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE

First quarter selling, general, and administrative expenses (SG&A) were $82.4
million compared to $71.9 million in the same period last year, an increase
of $10.5 million. However, as a percentage of net sales, SG&A decreased to
32.8 percent from 34.2 percent for the same quarter in fiscal 1998. The
dollar increase is mainly due to increases for direct marketing expenses,
warehousing costs, and warranty expenses due to higher sales levels and the
inclusion of Drip In. Incentive expenses were also higher due to improved
financial performance of the company in the first quarter of fiscal 1999.
Information system costs were higher due to the continued implementation of
an enterprise-wide software system.

INTEREST EXPENSE

First quarter interest expense was $5.0 million compared to $5.8 million in
the same period last year, a decrease of $0.8 million. Interest expense
declined primarily due to lower levels of average working capital as a result
of better asset management.

OTHER INCOME, NET

First quarter other income, net, was $0.8 million compared to $2.9 million in
the same period last year, a decrease of $2.1 million. The decrease was due
to one-time income items recognized in the first quarter of fiscal 1998 for a
favorable patent infringement action settlement and recoveries notes
receivable that had previously been written off.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate for the first quarter was 40.5 percent compared to
39.5 percent last year. The increase was due to higher levels of
non-deductible goodwill amortization, resulting from the company's recent
acquisitions.

11
FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF JANUARY 29, 1999

JANUARY 29, 1999 COMPARED TO JANUARY 30, 1998

Total assets at January 29, 1999 were $818.1 million compared to $779.4
million on January 30, 1998, an increase of $38.7 million. Net accounts
receivable was consistent with the prior period at $287.8 million. Net
accounts receivable increased in most divisions due to increased sales
volumes, which was offset by lower receivables for the Toro Credit Company
due to lower consumer field inventory levels resulting in lower levels of
financing and the collection of a receivable from James Hardie Irrigation
Limited (Hardie) related to the adjustment of the purchase price for the
acquisition of Hardie in fiscal 1997. Inventory increased $7.4 million due to
new product introductions and building of inventory in advance of the spring
selling season due to capacity limitations at certain manufacturing
facilities caused by seasonal demand for certain product lines. Inventory
also increased due to changes in distribution, including selling product
directly to commercial customers in Australia. Goodwill and other assets
increased $30.2 million primarily as a result of the Exmark contingent
payment made during the quarter and the capitalization of the excess purchase
price of Drip In over the fair value of the assets acquired in the second
quarter of fiscal 1998.

Total current liabilities were $349.4 million compared to $331.2 million last
year, an increase of $18.2 million. Short-term borrowings increased by $5.9
million for funding of repurchases of Common Stock on the open market, which
were offset by lower levels of working capital. Accounts payable decreased
$10.9 million due to timing of inventory purchases and payments. Other
accrued liabilities increased $23.2 million as a result of higher accruals
for warranty, sales and marketing programs, and restructuring and other
unusual expense. Long-term debt increased $18.7 million as a result of
long-term debt issued and assumed in the Drip In acquisition.

JANUARY 29, 1999 COMPARED TO OCTOBER 31, 1998

Total assets at January 29, 1999 were $818.1 million compared to $724.0
million at October 31, 1998, an increase of $94.1 million. Net accounts
receivable increased $46.3 million from October 31, 1998 due to the seasonal
increase in accounts receivable, which historically occurs between January
and April. Inventory increased by $32.4 million due to the normal seasonal
buildup of inventory in the first quarter. Goodwill and other assets
increased $14.9 million as a result of the Exmark contingent payment.

Total current liabilities at January 29, 1999 were $349.4 million compared to
$258.2 million at October 31, 1998, an increase of $91.2 million. The
increase was the result of additional short-term borrowings of $109.4
million, reflecting the company's strategy of utilizing short-term borrowings
to fund seasonal working capital needs. These requirements are historically
greatest in the winter and spring months. Accounts payable decreased $4.0
million compared to October 31, 1998 due to the timing of inventory purchases
and payments. Other accrued liabilities decreased $14.3 million primarily as
a result of the annual payment of profit sharing and related accruals.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash used in operating activities for the first three months of fiscal 1999
was primarily for the seasonal increase in accounts receivable and inventory.
On December 30, 1998, the company entered into an agreement for an additional
credit line with its domestic banks, which increased its committed bank
credit line to $260 million from $160 million and eliminated its $70 million
uncommitted bank credit line.

The company's domestic and international working capital needs are funded
with approximately $274 million of committed unsecured bank credit lines. The
company also has banker's acceptance financing agreements under which an
additional $40 million is available. The company's business is seasonal, with
peak borrowing under the working capital lines described above generally
occurring between February and May each year.

Management believes that the combination of funds available through its
existing financing arrangements, coupled with forecasted cash flows, will
provide the necessary capital resources for its anticipated working capital,
capital additions, acquisitions, and potential stock repurchases.

12
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

During the first quarter of fiscal 1999, Toro continued its company-wide
program to prepare the company's computer systems for year 2000 compliance.
The year 2000 issue relates to computer systems that use the last two digits
rather than all four to define a year and whether such systems will properly
and accurately process information when the year changes to 2000. Incomplete
or untimely resolution of year 2000 issues by the company, by its important
suppliers and customers, by public utility providers, or by governmental
entities could have a material adverse impact on the company's business,
operations, or financial condition.

STATE OF READINESS - The company is nearing completion of its project to
replace core-business information systems with an Enterprise Resource
Planning (ERP) software package provided by a vendor that has certified it
year 2000 compliant. The package includes software to support the company's
facilities and business units with the exception of four domestic
subsidiaries and business units, and the company's European subsidiaries,
which are believed to be year 2000 compliant. The ERP is expected to be in
place by the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999.

Toro assessed its products and believes them to be year 2000 compliant with
the exception of six irrigation control systems. Soon after testing is
completed, which is expected to be by mid-1999, Toro will distribute year
2000 remediations.

Toro's year 2000 issues list, based on the company's initial assessment, has
over three hundred software and hardware items, the majority of which are
single-user, departmental or plant systems. The company plans to test the
following business-critical systems: ERP, payroll, Product Data Management
(PDM), all non-ERP core-business information systems, and associated
infrastructure and support technologies. The company has experienced delays
in testing progress because certain technology vendors have not supplied
working, compliant versions of their products in a timely manner. The company
has also experienced delays caused by internal programming resource
limitations, which has slowed the de-installation of the non-compliant
mainframe computer system. The current plan is to complete the
de-installation from the mainframe computer by the fourth quarter of fiscal
1999.

Communications have been sent to all of Toro's customers informing them of
the company's efforts and asking them to ensure that their business
operations will not be adversely impacted by year 2000 issues. Surveys have
also been sent to all of the company's production suppliers requesting
information on their year 2000 efforts. Based on the surveys returned, the
company's customers and key suppliers are either year 2000 compliant or are
working on the issue with plans to be year 2000 compliant before the turn of
the century.

COSTS - Year 2000 costs through January 29, 1999 were approximately $1.7
million and have been expensed as incurred. These costs include contractor
support and ERP implementation for the company's recently acquired
businesses. Costs remaining that have been identified are estimated to be
less than $2.1 million, which include expenses for contractor support,
telephone system upgrades, software modifications for irrigation systems, and
business unit system upgrades. The estimated cost of year 2000 adaptation is
less than 15 percent of the company's information system budget. No
significant information system projects have been deferred to accommodate the
year 2000 issues.

RISKS - The company is continuing to test its core-business operating and
financial systems and remains uncertain of the risks the year 2000 will have
on its business operations. In addition, the company remains uncertain about
whether the company's business partners, including dealers, distributors,
home center and mass retailers, banks, and suppliers will be year 2000
compliant. The scope of Toro's year 2000 project does not include ensuring
public utility and governmental agency's readiness for the year 2000. Toro
has little to no control over these institutions, thereby introducing some
level of risk in the company's ability to continue normal operations through
the turn of the century.

Testing remains to be performed to validate assumptions, which is planned to
continue through mid-1999. The company believes this timetable should allow
enough time to fix or replace any internal business-critical problems
discovered during the testing phase.

The most reasonably likely worst-case scenarios revolve around failures
experienced by entities outside the control of the company such as local
electric utilities, telecommunication vendors, customers, suppliers, and
governmental services. The effects of these scenarios vary with severity and
duration of any failure.

13
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE (CONTINUED)

CONTINGENCY PLANS - The company's contingency plans will continue to evolve
as the testing phase of the business-critical systems and technologies is
completed. The company is in the stage of defining a Business Resumption
Plan, which will include documented manual processes for critical business
functions that could be invoked for any type of business interruption,
including any year 2000 issues.

The company is also planning on performing complete, system-wide backups on
December 30 and 31, 1999 and is also discussing the possibility of shutting
down all systems so they are not actually running at the turn of the century.
Key information system personnel will also be on-site and on-call for the
month of January 2000 to deal with any problems that may occur.

With respect to non-compliant irrigation systems that have been identified,
the company intends to develop software modifications to correct the year
2000 problem and complete testing by mid-1999. The worst case scenario to
make the irrigation systems year 2000 compliant would be to replace the Toro
manufactured hardware and software systems, at an additional cost of
approximately $2.0 million. However, the company believes a simple software
modification or a minor upgrade will make the units compliant.

EURO CURRENCY

Beginning in January 1999, the European Monetary Union (EMU) entered into a
three-year transition phase during which a common currency called the euro
will be introduced in participating countries. Initially, this new currency
will be used for financial transactions, and progressively, it will replace
the old national currencies that will be withdrawn by July 2002. The
transition to the euro currency will involve changing budgetary, accounting,
contracts, and fiscal systems in companies and public administrations, as
well as simultaneous handling of parallel currencies and conversion of legacy
data. Uncertainty exists as to the effects the conversion to euro currency
will have on the marketplace. One of the primary unknowns for the company is
the potential equalization of prices to customers among countries and the
resulting competitive impact on Toro distributor sales and Toro direct sales,
and financial support given to distributors in those countries. The euro will
make price differences on goods in the various countries transparent to the
customer and make comparisons much easier. The company recently formed a
group to review this issue and develop a strategy by late-1999. The company
does not have sufficient experience with the new currency to predict whether
price transparency will affect its operations, cash flows, or financial
condition in future periods.

The company continued its program to evaluate whether the company's computer
systems and programs will experience operational problems when the euro is
fully implemented. The company's European subsidiaries' financial systems
have completed initial testing and no problems were discovered for their
ability to function using the euro. These subsidiaries began disclosing the
euro value on each customer's invoice in January 1999, and the company is
considering to begin invoicing in euros in fiscal 2000. The company plans to
continue testing its computer systems in fiscal 1999 for additional euro
functionality. The risk is thought to be minimal as billing and banking
functions are already being performed in multiple currencies within these
entities. Further, the company is monitoring the rules and regulations as
they become known in order to make any changes to its computer programs that
are deemed necessary to comply. Although the company believes that it will be
able to accommodate any required euro currency changes in its computer
programs, there can be no assurance that once the EMU's final rules and
regulations are adopted, the company's computer programs will contain all of
the necessary changes or meet all of the euro currency requirements.

Based on its evaluation to date, management currently believes that, while
the company will incur internal and external costs to adjust to the euro,
such costs are not expected to have a material impact on operations, cash
flows, or the financial condition of the company and its subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, in future periods.

14
INFLATION

The company is subject to the effects of changing prices. However, the
company is not currently experiencing any material effects of rising costs.
The company attempts to deal with inflationary pressures through a
combination of internal cost reduction efforts and selected increases in
selling prices of certain products.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

FOREIGN CURRENCY

The following forward exchange contracts held by the company have maturity
dates in fiscal year 1999. All items are non-trading and stated in U.S.
dollars. The average contracted rate, notional amount, and fair value impact
at January 29, 1999 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE FAIR VALUE
DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS CONTRACTED NOTIONAL IMPACT
(EXCEPT AVERAGE CONTRACTED RATE) RATE AMOUNT GAIN (LOSS)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Buy Australian dollar/Sell US dollar .6281 $ 965.3 $ .2
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy US dollar/Sell Australian dollar .6043 5,454.1 (239.9)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy US dollar/Sell Canadian dollar 1.5123 5,653.8 (3.3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy US dollar/Sell German mark 1.6903 769.1 8.5
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy German mark/Sell US dollar 1.7797 2,725.3 109.7
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

DEBT FINANCING

The company is exposed to interest rate risk arising from transactions that
are entered into during the normal course of business. The company's
short-term borrowing rates are dependent upon the LIBOR rate plus an
additional percentage based on the company's current borrowing level. See the
company's most recent annual report filed on Form 10-K (Item 7A). There has
been no material change in this information.

15
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits

3(i)(a) and 4(a) Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3,
Registration No. 33-16125).

3(i)(b) and 4(b) Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of
Incorporation of Registrant dated December 9, 1986
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to
Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended January 30, 1987, Commission File No.
1-8649).

3(i)(c) and 4(c) Certificate of Designation to Certificate of
Incorporation of Registrant dated May 28, 1998
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit (1)(A) to
Registrants' Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 27,
1998).

3(ii) and 4(d) Bylaws of Registrant, as amended (incorporated by
reference to Exhibits 3(ii) and 4(d) to Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1998).

4(e) Specimen form of Common Stock certificate
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8,
Registration No. 2-94417).

4(f) Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 1998, between
Registrant and Norwest 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(g) Indenture as 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).

10(a) Form of Employment Agreement in effect for certain
officers of Registrant (incorporated by reference
Exhibit 10(iii)(a) to Registrant's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 1, 1998).*

10(b) Directors Stock Plan, as amended (incorporated by
reference to Exhibits 10(b) to Registrant's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October
31, 1998).*

10(c) Annual Management Incentive Plan II for officers of
Registrant, as amended (incorporated by reference to
Exhibits 10(c) to Registrant's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998).*

10(d) 1985 Incentive Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10(b) to Registrant's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31,
1993).*

10(e) 1989 Stock Option Plan, as amended (incorporated by
reference to Exhibits 10(e) to Registrant's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October
31, 1998).*
Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (continued)

10(f) 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended (incorporated by
reference to Exhibits 10(f) to Registrant's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October
31, 1998).*

10(g) Continuous Performance Award Plan, as amended
(incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10(g) to
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended October 31, 1998).*

10(h) The Toro Company Supplemental Management Retirement
Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(iii)(h)
to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended October 31, 1996).*

10(i) Chief Executive Officer Succession Incentive Agreement
dated as of July 31, 1995 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10(iii)(i) to Registrant's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1998).*

10(j) The Toro Company Deferred Compensation Plan for
Officers, as amended.*

10(k) The Toro Company Deferred Compensation Plan for
Non-Employee Directors.*

27 Supplemental Data Schedule; electronic filing only.

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed
as an exhibit to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q pursuant to Item 14(c).

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

None.
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 thereunto duly authorized.


THE TORO COMPANY
(Registrant)

By /s/ Stephen P. Wolfe
--------------------------------------
Stephen P. Wolfe
Vice President Finance,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)





Date: March 12, 1999