10-Q 1 a11-4845_110q.htm 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

 

 

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 28, 2011

 

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  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  x  No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer x

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes  £  No  S

 

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 25, 2011 was 31,040,200.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

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 Months Ended January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010, and October 31, 2010

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - Three Months Ended January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010

5

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6-15

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

16-24

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

24-25

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

25

 

 

 

PART II.

OTHER INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

26

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

26

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

27

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

27-28

 

 

 

 

Signatures

29

 

2



Table of Contents

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net sales

 

$

383,213

 

$

331,358

 

Cost of sales

 

246,568

 

214,967

 

Gross profit

 

136,645

 

116,391

 

Selling, general, and administrative expense

 

109,444

 

96,599

 

Operating earnings

 

27,201

 

19,792

 

Interest expense

 

(4,116

)

(4,245

)

Other income, net

 

1,368

 

901

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

24,453

 

16,448

 

Provision for income taxes

 

7,171

 

5,530

 

Net earnings

 

$

17,282

 

$

10,918

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings per share of common stock

 

$

0.54

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net earnings per share of common stock

 

$

0.53

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding — Basic

 

31,858

 

34,030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding — Diluted

 

32,443

 

34,294

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

October 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2010

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

94,418

 

$

158,210

 

$

177,366

 

Receivables, net

 

171,155

 

167,260

 

142,901

 

Inventories, net

 

239,734

 

191,071

 

194,402

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

14,365

 

18,441

 

10,766

 

Deferred income taxes

 

59,019

 

58,316

 

59,538

 

Total current assets

 

578,691

 

593,298

 

584,973

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment

 

602,951

 

560,001

 

594,070

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

430,303

 

394,074

 

420,663

 

 

 

172,648

 

165,927

 

173,407

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

1,919

 

3,572

 

842

 

Other assets

 

15,961

 

12,774

 

17,038

 

Goodwill

 

91,875

 

86,427

 

86,400

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

35,617

 

22,636

 

22,962

 

Total assets

 

$

896,711

 

$

884,634

 

$

885,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

2,478

 

$

3,985

 

$

1,970

 

Short-term debt

 

193

 

700

 

1,034

 

Accounts payable

 

149,702

 

109,556

 

125,138

 

Accrued liabilities

 

235,076

 

205,651

 

240,141

 

Total current liabilities

 

387,449

 

319,892

 

368,283

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, less current portion

 

225,101

 

224,062

 

223,578

 

Deferred revenue

 

10,734

 

7,904

 

10,944

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

7,330

 

7,526

 

7,007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $1.00 per share, authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 31,106,669 shares as of January 28, 2011, 33,615,011 shares as of January 29, 2010, and 31,394,942 shares as of October 31, 2010

 

31,107

 

33,615

 

31,395

 

Retained earnings

 

243,540

 

300,750

 

253,477

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(8,550

)

(9,115

)

(9,062

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

266,097

 

325,250

 

275,810

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

896,711

 

$

884,634

 

$

885,622

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

17,282

 

$

10,918

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash used for operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Equity (income) losses from affiliates

 

(878

)

143

 

Provision for depreciation, amortization, and impairment losses

 

11,291

 

11,248

 

(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

 

(17

)

45

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

2,091

 

1,579

 

Increase in deferred income taxes

 

(1,071

)

(331

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables, net

 

(28,260

)

(28,629

)

Inventories, net

 

(45,195

)

(13,099

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

(3,546

)

(3,492

)

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, deferred revenue, and other long-term liabilities

 

16,860

 

11,082

 

Net cash used for operating activities

 

(31,443

)

(10,536

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment

 

(9,610

)

(10,218

)

Proceeds from asset disposals

 

62

 

100

 

Decrease (increase) in investment in affiliates

 

1,858

 

(3,118

)

Decrease in other assets

 

191

 

533

 

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(12,060

)

(1,812

)

Net cash used for investing activities

 

(19,559

)

(14,515

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in short-term debt, net

 

(776

)

 

Repayments of long-term debt, net of costs

 

(970

)

(750

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards

 

1,509

 

2,078

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

5,118

 

4,986

 

Purchases of Toro common stock

 

(29,836

)

(3,682

)

Dividends paid on Toro common stock

 

(6,389

)

(6,129

)

Net cash used for financing activities

 

(31,344

)

(3,497

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rates on cash

 

(602

)

(1,015

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(82,948

)

(29,563

)

Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the fiscal period

 

177,366

 

187,773

 

Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the fiscal period

 

$

94,418

 

$

158,210

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt issued in connection with an acquisition

 

$

3,015

 

$

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

January 28, 2011

 

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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “company” and “Toro” refer to The Toro Company and its consolidated 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 results of operations. Since the company’s business is seasonal, operating results for the three months ended January 28, 2011 cannot be annualized to determine the expected results for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2011. Additional factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from its expected results, including any forward-looking statements made in this report, are described in the company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K (Item 1A. Risk Factors) and later in this report under Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Forward-Looking Information.

 

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, 2010. The policies described in that report are used for preparing quarterly reports.

 

Accounting Policies

 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, management must make decisions that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures, including disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. Estimates are used in determining, among other items, sales promotions and incentives accruals, inventory valuation, warranty reserves, allowance for doubtful accounts, pension and postretirement accruals, self-insurance accruals, useful lives for intangible assets, and future cash flows associated with impairment testing for goodwill and other long-lived assets. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, including the current economic environment. Management adjusts such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. A number of these factors are discussed in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Item 1A. Risk Factors) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, which include, among others, economic conditions, foreign currency exchange rate impact, commodity costs, credit conditions, and  consumer spending and confidence levels, all of which may increase the uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual amounts could differ significantly from those estimated at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared. Changes in those estimates resulting from changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

 

Acquisition

 

On January 17, 2011, during the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the company completed the acquisition of a majority of the assets and assumed certain liabilities from Unique Lighting Systems, Inc. (Unique Lighting), a leading manufacturer of professionally installed landscape lighting fixtures and transformers for residential and commercial use. The estimated purchase price was $19.1 million, which included a cash payment, the issuance of a long-term note, and an estimated earnout consideration. The earnout is based on annual financial results over certain thresholds as defined in the agreement from fiscal 2011 through fiscal 2016.

 

This acquisition was immaterial based on the company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Comprehensive Income

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net earnings

 

$

17,282

 

$

10,918

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative translation adjustments

 

(425

)

(2,132

)

Pension liability adjustment, net of tax

 

 

671

 

Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax

 

937

 

1,749

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

17,794

 

$

11,206

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Stock Option Awards

 

Under the company’s equity-based compensation plans, option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the company’s common stock on the date of grant, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange. Options are generally granted to non-employee directors, officers, and other key employees on an annual basis in the first quarter of the company’s fiscal year. Option awards generally vest one-third each year over a three-year period and have a ten-year term. Other option awards granted to certain key employees vest in full on the three-year anniversary of the date of grant and have a ten-year term. Compensation expense equal to the grant date fair value is generally recognized for these awards over the vesting period. However, if a non-employee director has served on the company’s Board of Directors for ten full fiscal years or longer, the fair value of the options granted is fully expensed on the date of the grant. Similarly, options granted to officers and other key employees are also subject to accelerated expensing if the option holder meets the retirement definition set forth in the applicable equity-based compensation plan. In that case, the fair value of the options is expensed in the fiscal year of grant because the option holder must be employed as of the end of the fiscal year in which the options are granted in order for the option to continue to vest following retirement.

 

The fair value of each share-based option is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation method that uses the assumptions noted in the table below. 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 over which the employee groups are expected to 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 common stock over the most recent historical period equivalent to the expected life of the option. The risk-free interest 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, expected future cash dividends, and expected changes in the company’s stock price. The following table illustrates the assumptions for options granted in the following fiscal periods.

 

 

 

Fiscal 2011

 

Fiscal 2010

 

Expected life of option in years

 

6

 

6

 

Expected volatility

 

33.34% - 33.43%

 

33.0% - 33.1%

 

Weighted-average volatility

 

33.42%

 

33.0%

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

1.721% - 2.359%

 

2.51% - 2.87%

 

Expected dividend yield

 

1.04% - 1.16%

 

1.52%- 1.68%

 

Weighted-average dividend yield

 

1.05%

 

1.54%

 

Grant date weighted-average fair value

 

$20.30

 

$12.33

 

 

Performance Share Awards

 

The company grants to officers and other key employees long-term performance share awards pursuant to which they are entitled to the right to receive shares of common stock or performance share units contingent on the achievement of performance goals of the company, which are generally measured over a three-year period. The number of shares of common stock a participant receives will be increased (up to 200 percent of target levels) or reduced (down to zero) based on the level of achievement of performance goals and vest over a three-year period. Performance share awards are granted on an annual basis

 

7



Table of Contents

 

in the first quarter of the company’s fiscal year. Compensation expense is recognized for these awards on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the fair value as of the date of grant and the probability of achieving performance goals. The fair value of performance share awards granted during the first quarter of each of fiscal 2011 and 2010 was $63.52 per share and $40.73 per share, respectively.

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the company began granting restricted stock awards to certain non-officer employees. These restricted stock awards generally vest one-third each year over a three-year period or on the three-year anniversary of the date of grant. Previously, the company granted limited restricted stock awards with varying vesting schedules. Compensation expense equal to the grant date fair value, which is equal to the closing price of the company’s common stock on the date of grant, is generally recognized for these awards over the vesting period. Similar to stock options, restricted stock awards are also subject to accelerated expensing if the restricted stock award holder meets the retirement definition set forth in the applicable equity-based compensation plan. In that case, the fair value of the restricted stock award is expensed in the fiscal year of grant because the restricted stock holder must be employed as of the end of the fiscal year in which the restricted stock awards are granted in order for the restricted stock award to continue to vest following retirement. The weighted average fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was $63.42 per share.

 

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”) method for all other inventories. The company establishes a reserve for excess, slow-moving, and obsolete inventory that is equal to the difference between the cost and estimated net realizable value for that inventory. These reserves are based on a review and comparison of current inventory levels to the planned production, as well as planned and historical sales of the inventory.

 

Inventories were as follows:

 

 

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

October 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2011

 

2010

 

2010

 

Raw materials and work in process

 

$

78,974

 

$

61,937

 

$

66,152

 

Finished goods and service parts

 

216,502

 

179,277

 

183,992

 

Total FIFO value

 

295,476

 

241,214

 

250,144

 

Less: adjustment to LIFO value

 

55,742

 

50,143

 

55,742

 

Total

 

$

239,734

 

$

191,071

 

$

194,402

 

 

Per Share Data

 

Reconciliations of basic and diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding are as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

(Shares in thousands)

 

2011

 

2010

 

Basic

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares of common stock

 

31,848

 

34,022

 

Assumed issuance of contingent shares

 

10

 

8

 

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

 

31,858

 

34,030

 

Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

31,858

 

34,030

 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

585

 

264

 

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

 

32,443

 

34,294

 

 

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Options to purchase an aggregate of 213,915 and 742,607 shares of common stock outstanding as of January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively, were excluded from the diluted net earnings per share calculations because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the company’s common stock during the same respective periods.

 

Goodwill

 

The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were as follows:

 

 

 

Professional

 

Residential

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Segment

 

Segment

 

Total

 

Balance as of October 31, 2010

 

$

75,422

 

$

10,978

 

$

86,400

 

Addition from an acquisition

 

5,658

 

 

5,658

 

Translation and other adjustments

 

(205

)

22

 

(183

)

Balance as of January 28, 2011

 

$

80,875

 

$

11,000

 

$

91,875

 

 

Other Intangible Assets

 

The components of other amortizable intangible assets were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)
January 28, 2011

 

Estimated
Life (Years)

 

Gross Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net

 

Trade name

 

15

 

$

1,500

 

$

(25

)

$

1,475

 

Patents

 

5-13

 

9,304

 

(7,140

)

2,164

 

Non-compete agreements

 

2-10

 

5,339

 

(2,045

)

3,294

 

Customer related

 

5-13

 

7,963

 

(2,238

)

5,725

 

Developed technology

 

2-10

 

22,628

 

(4,950

)

17,678

 

Other

 

 

 

800

 

(800

)

 

Total amortizable

 

 

 

47,534

 

(17,198

)

30,336

 

Non-amortizable - trade name

 

 

 

5,281

 

 

5,281

 

Total other intangible assets, net

 

 

 

$

52,815

 

$

(17,198

)

$

35,617

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)
October 31, 2010

 

Estimated
Life (Years)

 

Gross Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Net

 

Patents

 

5-13

 

$

8,703

 

$

(7,034

)

$

1,669

 

Non-compete agreements

 

2-10

 

3,039

 

(1,910

)

1,129

 

Customer related

 

10-13

 

7,471

 

(2,061

)

5,410

 

Developed technology

 

2-10

 

13,984

 

(4,511

)

9,473

 

Other

 

 

 

800

 

(800

)

 

Total amortizable

 

 

 

33,997

 

(16,316

)

17,681

 

Non-amortizable - trade name

 

 

 

5,281

 

 

5,281

 

Total other intangible assets, net

 

 

 

$

39,278

 

$

(16,316

)

$

22,962

 

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was $0.9 million. Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal 2011 and succeeding fiscal years is as follows: fiscal 2011 (remainder), $5.0 million; fiscal 2012, $4.9 million; fiscal 2013, $4.6 million; fiscal 2014, $4.4 million; fiscal 2015, $4.1 million; fiscal 2016, $3.6 million; and after fiscal 2016, $3.7 million.

 

Investment in Joint Venture

 

On August 12, 2009, the company and TCF Inventory Finance, Inc. (“TCFIF”), a subsidiary of TCF National Bank, established Red Iron Acceptance, LLC, (“Red Iron”), a joint venture in the form of a Delaware limited liability company that provides inventory financing, including floor plan and open account receivable financing, to distributors and dealers of the company’s products in the U.S. and to select distributors of the company’s products in Canada. The initial term of Red Iron will continue until October 31, 2014, subject to unlimited automatic two-year extensions thereafter. Either the company or TCFIF may elect not to extend the initial term or any subsequent term by giving one-year notice to the other party of its intention not to extend the term. Additionally, in connection with the joint venture, the company and an affiliate of TCFIF entered into an arrangement

 

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to provide inventory financing to dealers of the company’s products in Canada. In connection with the establishment of Red Iron, the company terminated its agreement with a third party financing company that previously provided floor plan financing to dealers of the company’s products in the U.S. and Canada. During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, Red Iron began financing open account receivables, as well as floor plan receivables previously financed by such third party financing company. Red Iron also began financing floor plan receivables during the company’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

 

The company owns 45 percent of Red Iron and TCFIF owns 55 percent of Red Iron. The company accounts for its investment in Red Iron under the equity method of accounting. Each of the company and TCFIF contributed a specified amount of the estimated cash required to enable Red Iron to purchase the company’s inventory financing receivables and to provide financial support for Red Iron’s inventory financing programs. Red Iron borrows the remaining requisite estimated cash utilizing a $450 million secured revolving credit facility established under a credit agreement between Red Iron and TCFIF. The company’s total investment in Red Iron as of January 28, 2011 was $8.7 million. The company has not guaranteed the outstanding indebtedness of Red Iron. The company has agreed to repurchase products repossessed by Red Iron and the TCFIF Canadian affiliate, up to a maximum aggregate amount of $7.5 million in a calendar year. In addition, the company provided recourse to Red Iron for certain outstanding receivables, which amounted to a maximum amount of $0.7 million as of January 28, 2011.

 

On October 29, 2010, the company and Red Iron amended their repurchase agreement under which Red Iron provides financing for certain dealers and distributors. Instead of transactions under the agreements being characterized as a sale of receivables from the company to Red Iron, the transactions are structured as an advance in the form of a payment by Red Iron to the company on behalf of a distributor or dealer with respect to invoices financed by Red Iron that extinguishes the obligation of the dealer or distributor to make payment to the company under the terms of the invoice. Under separate agreements between Red Iron and the dealers and distributors, Red Iron provides loans to the dealers and distributors for the advances paid by Red Iron to the company. The net amount of new receivables financed for dealers and distributors under this arrangement for the three months ended January 31, 2011 was $216.1 million.

 

Red Iron’s year end date is December 31. As of December 31, 2010, Red Iron’s total assets were $174.4 million and total liabilities were $155.5 million.

 

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 three reportable business segments: Professional, Residential, and Distribution. The Distribution segment, which consists of company-owned domestic distributorships, has been combined with the company’s corporate activities and elimination of intersegment revenues and expenses that is shown as “Other” in the following tables due to the insignificance of the segment.

 

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

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended January 28, 2011

 

Professional

 

Residential

 

Other

 

Total

 

Net sales

 

$

258,280

 

$

123,293

 

$

1,640

 

$

383,213

 

Intersegment gross sales

 

6,295

 

854

 

(7,149

)

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

37,919

 

11,368

 

(24,834

)

24,453

 

Total assets

 

514,274

 

202,931

 

179,506

 

896,711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended January 29, 2010

 

Professional

 

Residential

 

Other

 

Total

 

Net sales

 

$

212,800

 

$

116,756

 

$

1,802

 

$

331,358

 

Intersegment gross sales

 

2,112

 

262

 

(2,374

)

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

25,810

 

13,427

 

(22,789

)

16,448

 

Total assets

 

436,521

 

180,922

 

267,191

 

884,634

 

 

The following table summarizes the components of the loss before income taxes included in “Other” shown above:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2011

 

2010

 

Corporate expenses

 

$

(19,395

)

$

(17,944

)

Interest expense

 

(4,116

)

(4,245

)

Other

 

(1,323

)

(600

)

Total

 

$

(24,834

)

$

(22,789

)

 

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Warranty Guarantees

 

The company’s products are warranted to ensure customer confidence in design, workmanship, and overall quality. Warranty coverage is for specified periods of time and on select products’ hours of usage, and generally covers parts, labor, and other expenses for non-maintenance repairs. Warranty coverage generally does not cover operator abuse or improper use. An authorized company distributor or dealer must perform warranty work. Distributors and dealers 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 extended warranty coverage on select products for a prescribed period after the factory warranty period expires.

 

Warranty provisions, claims, and changes in estimates for the first quarter of each of fiscal 2011 and 2010 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Beginning

 

Warranty

 

Warranty

 

Changes in

 

Ending

 

Three Months Ended

 

Balance

 

Provisions

 

Claims

 

Estimates

 

Balance

 

January 28, 2011

 

$

56,934

 

$

8,126

 

$

(6,696

)

$

2,898

 

$

61,262

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 29, 2010

 

$

54,273

 

$

6,764

 

$

(7,089

)

$

827

 

$

54,775

 

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

The company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk arising from transactions in the normal course of business, such as sales to third party customers, sales and loans to wholly owned foreign subsidiaries, foreign plant operations, and purchases from suppliers. The company actively manages the exposure of its 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. The company’s hedging activities involve the primary use of forward currency contracts. The company uses derivative instruments only in an attempt to limit underlying exposure from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and to minimize earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign currency exchange rate changes. Decisions on whether to use such contracts are made based on the amount of exposure to the currency involved, and an assessment of the near-term market value for each currency. The company’s policy does not allow the use of derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. The company’s primary foreign currency exchange rate exposures are with the Euro, the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar, the British pound, the Mexican peso, and the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar.

 

Cash flow hedges. The company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on its consolidated balance sheet and formally documents relationships between cash flow hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk-management objectives and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives to the forecasted transactions, such as sales to third parties and foreign plant operations. Changes in the fair value of outstanding derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), except for the ineffective portion, until net earnings is affected by the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in net earnings. The consolidated statement of earnings classification of effective hedge results is the same as that of the underlying exposure. Results of hedges of sales and foreign plant operations are recorded in net sales and cost of sales, respectively, when the underlying hedged transaction affects net earnings. The maximum amount of time the company hedges its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted trade sales and purchases is two years.

 

The company formally assesses at a hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis whether the derivatives that are used in the hedging transaction have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged items and whether those derivatives may be expected to remain highly effective in future periods. When it is determined that a derivative is not, or has ceased to be, highly effective as a hedge, the company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. When the company discontinues hedge accounting because it is no longer probable, but it is still reasonably possible that the forecasted transaction will occur by the end of the originally expected period or within an additional two-month period of time thereafter, the gain or loss on the derivative remains in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) and is reclassified to net earnings when the forecasted transaction affects net earnings. However, if it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period or within an additional two-month period of time thereafter, the gains and losses that were accumulated in OCI are recognized immediately in net earnings. In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, the company carries the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet, recognizing future

 

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changes in the fair value in other income, net. For the first quarter of fiscal 2011, there were no gains or losses on contracts reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges. As of January 28, 2011, the notional amount outstanding of forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges was $70.7 million.

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments. The company also enters into forward currency contracts to mitigate the change in fair value of specific assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of hedges of recorded balance sheet positions, such as cash, receivables, payables, intercompany notes, and other various contractual claims to pay or receive foreign currencies other than the functional currency, are recognized immediately in other income, net, on the consolidated statements of earnings together with the transaction gain or loss from the hedged balance sheet position.

 

The following table presents the fair value of the company’s derivatives and consolidated balance sheet location.

 

 

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Liability Derivatives

 

 

 

January 28, 2011

 

January 29, 2010

 

January 28, 2011

 

January 29, 2010

 

 

 

Balance

 

 

 

Balance

 

 

 

Balance

 

 

 

Balance

 

 

 

 

 

Sheet 

 

Fair

 

Sheet 

 

Fair

 

Sheet 

 

Fair

 

Sheet 

 

Fair

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Location

 

Value

 

Location

 

Value

 

Location

 

Value

 

Location

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Prepaid expenses

 

$

 

Prepaid expenses

 

$

 

Accrued liabilities

 

$

2,518

 

Accrued liabilities

 

$

1,446

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

Prepaid expenses

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

1,989

 

Accrued liabilities

 

751

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Derivatives

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

$

4,507

 

 

 

$

2,197

 

 

The following table presents the impact of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of earnings for the company’s derivatives designed as cash flow hedging instruments for the three months ended January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized in Income

 

 

 

Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

Gain (Loss)

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

 

on Derivatives

 

 

 

Recognized in OCI on

 

Location of Gain

 

Reclassified from

 

Recognized in Income

 

(Ineffective Portion and

 

 

 

Derivatives

 

(Loss) Reclassified

 

AOCL into Income

 

on Derivatives

 

Excluded from

 

 

 

(Effective Portion)

 

from AOCL

 

(Effective Portion)

 

(Ineffective Portion

 

Effectiveness Testing)

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

into Income

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

and excluded from

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

For the three months ended

 

2011

 

2010

 

(Effective Portion)

 

2011

 

2010

 

Effectiveness Testing)

 

2011

 

2010

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

$

(4,260

)

$

(2,752

)

Net sales

 

$

(743

)

$

(890

)

Other income, net

 

$

(312

)

$

(123

)

Foreign exchange contracts

 

967

 

(47

)

Cost of sales

 

143

 

(39

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

(3,293

)

$

(2,799

)

 

 

$

(600

)

$

(929

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of January 28, 2011, the company expects to reclassify approximately $2.7 million of losses from AOCL to earnings during the next twelve months.

 

The following table presents the impact of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of earnings for the company’s derivatives not designated as hedging instruments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Earnings

 

 

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

 

Three Months Ended

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Recognized in Net Earnings

 

January 28, 2011

 

January 29, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

Other income, net

 

$

(1,493

)

$

833

 

 

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Fair Value Measurements

 

The company categorizes its assets and liabilities into one of three levels based on the assumptions (inputs) used in valuing the asset or liability. Estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in the accounting guidance for fair value measurements.  The framework defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures.  The framework discusses valuation techniques such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost).  The framework utilizes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels.  Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, while Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

 

Cash and cash equivalents are valued at their carrying amounts in the consolidated balance sheets, which are reasonable estimates of their fair value due to their short maturities. Foreign currency forward exchange contracts are valued at fair market value using the market approach based on exchange rates as of the reporting date, which is the amount the company would receive or pay to terminate the contracts. The unfunded deferred compensation liability is primarily subject to changes in fixed-income investment contracts based on current yields. For accounts receivable and accounts payable, carrying amounts are a reasonable estimate of fair value given their short-term nature.

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as of January 28, 2011, are summarized below:

 

(Dollars in thousands) 

 

Fair
Value

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

94,418

 

$

94,418

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

94,418

 

$

94,418

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign exchange contracts

 

$

4,507

 

 

$

4,507

 

 

Deferred compensation liabilities

 

4,828

 

 

4,828

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

$

9,335

 

 

$

9,335

 

 

 

Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis related to the company’s acquisition of Unique Lighting, as of January 28, 2011, are summarized below:

 

(Dollars in thousands) 

 

Fair
Value

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Valuation
Technique

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade name

 

$

1,500

 

 

 

$

1,500

 

(a)

 

Patents

 

600

 

 

 

600

 

(a)

 

Non-compete agreements

 

2,300

 

 

 

2,300

 

(a)

 

Customer list

 

500

 

 

 

500

 

(b)

 

Developed technology

 

8,650

 

 

 

8,650

 

(a)

 

Total Assets

 

$

13,550

 

 

 

$

13,550

 

 

 

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on one or more valuation techniques.  The valuation techniques are identified in the tables above and are as follows:

 


(a)                                  We used an internally developed income based approach to value these assets. Inputs for this valuation model were based on internally developed forecasts and assumptions.

 

(b)                                 We used a replacement cost model to value these assets. Inputs for this valuation model were based on internal estimates of the cost to recreate these assets.

 

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Contingencies

 

Litigation

 

General. The company is 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 the company’s products. Although the company is self-insured to some extent, the company maintains insurance against certain product liability losses. The company is 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. The company is also typically involved in commercial disputes, employment disputes, and patent litigation cases in the ordinary course of business. To prevent possible infringement of the company’s patents by others, the company periodically reviews competitors’ products. To avoid potential liability with respect to others’ patents, the company regularly reviews certain patents issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) and foreign patent offices. Management believes these activities help minimize its risk of being a defendant in patent infringement litigation. The company is currently involved in patent litigation cases where it is asserting patent infringement.

 

Lawnmower Engine Horsepower Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation. In June 2004, individuals who claim to have purchased lawnmowers in Illinois and Minnesota filed a class action lawsuit in Illinois state court against the company and other defendants alleging that the horsepower labels on the products the plaintiffs purchased were inaccurate. Those individuals later amended their complaint to add additional plaintiffs and an additional defendant. The plaintiffs asserted violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO”) and state statutory and common law claims. The plaintiffs sought certification of a class of all persons in the United States who, beginning January 1, 1994 purchased a lawnmower containing a two-stroke or four-stroke gas combustible engine up to 30 horsepower that was manufactured or sold by the defendants. The amended complaint also sought an injunction, unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, treble damages under RICO, and attorneys’ fees.  In May 2006, the case was removed to federal court in the Southern District of Illinois.

 

In May 2008, the Court issued a memorandum and order that, among other things, (i) dismissed the RICO claim in its entirety; and (ii) dismissed all non-Illinois state-law claims but with instructions that such claims could be re-filed in local courts. The plaintiffs subsequently (i) re-filed the Illinois claims with the court; and (ii) filed non-Illinois claims in federal courts throughout the U.S. with essentially the same state law claims.

 

In September 2008, the company and other defendants filed a motion with the MDL Panel that sought to transfer the multiple actions for coordinated pretrial proceedings. In December 2008, the MDL Panel issued an order that (i) transferred the lawsuits for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings; (ii) selected the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin as the transferee district; and (iii) provided that additional lawsuits would be treated as “tag-along” actions in accordance with its rules.

 

In January 2009, at the initial hearing held in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, the Court (i) appointed lead plaintiffs’ counsel, and (ii) entered a stay of all litigation so that the parties could explore mediation. The company and certain other defendants entered into a settlement agreement with plaintiffs in February 2010 and, ultimately, all defendants entered into various settlement agreements with the plaintiffs. The company’s settlement agreement provides for, among other things, (i) a monetary settlement, (ii) an additional warranty period for some engines that are subject to the litigation, and (iii) injunctive relief relating to power rating labeling practices. The plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of the company’s settlement agreement and for certification of the settlement class. The court granted the motion.

 

Notice was given to the settlement class and, in June 2010, the Court conducted a hearing to consider objections from certain members of the settlement class and to determine whether the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate. In August 2010, the Court filed an order and judgment in which it determined that the company’s settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate, and approved the settlement. The Court filed similar orders and judgments approving the settlements entered into by other defendants. Also in August 2010, certain objectors filed notices with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit (the “Appellate Court”) to appeal the order and judgment approving the company’s settlement and the other orders and judgments approving the settlements with the other defendants.

 

In February 2011, all objectors to the company’s settlement dismissed their appeals. Accordingly, the company’s settlement agreement is final. The expected costs of the company’s performance of its settlement obligations are consistent with accruals established in prior periods and, as such, management does not currently expect that the settlement will have a material adverse effect on the company’s consolidated operating results or financial condition.

 

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In March 2010, individuals who claim to have purchased lawnmowers in Canada filed class action litigation against the company and other defendants that (i) contains allegations under applicable Canadian law that are similar to the allegations made by the United States plaintiffs, (ii) seeks certification of a class of all persons in Canada who, beginning January 1, 1994 purchased a lawnmower containing a gas combustible engine up to 30 horsepower that was manufactured or sold by the defendants, and (iii) seeks under applicable Canadian law unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ costs and fees, and equitable relief.

 

Management continues to evaluate this Canadian litigation. In the event the company is unable to favorably resolve this litigation, management is unable to assess at this time whether this litigation would have a material adverse effect on the company’s annual consolidated operating results or financial condition, although an unfavorable resolution or outcome could be material to the company’s consolidated operating results for a particular period.

 

Subsequent Events

 

The company evaluated all subsequent events and concluded that no additional subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the consolidated financial statements or disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

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 micro-irrigation systems, landscaping equipment and lighting, and residential yard and snow removal products worldwide. We sell our products worldwide through a network of distributors, dealers, hardware retailers, home centers, mass retailers, and over the Internet. Our businesses are organized into three reportable business segments: Professional, Residential, and Distribution. Our Distribution segment, which consists of our company-owned domestic distributorships, has been combined with our corporate activities and is shown as “Other.” Our emphasis is to provide innovative, well-built, and dependable products supported by an extensive service network. A significant portion of our revenues has historically been, and we expect will continue to be, attributable to new and enhanced products. We define new products as those introduced in the current and previous two fiscal years.

 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) should be read in conjunction with the MD&A included in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

For the first quarter of fiscal 2011, our net sales were up 15.6 percent, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Professional segment net sales were up 21.4 percent, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010, as shipments for all professional segment businesses increased due to higher customer demand resulting from consumer optimism from improved economic conditions, the successful introduction of new products, and strong demand for golf equipment and irrigation systems. Early orders for landscape contractor equipment and continued demand for our micro-irrigation products also contributed to the professional segment sales growth. To meet increasing worldwide demand for micro-irrigation products for the agricultural market, particularly in Eastern Europe, we expect construction of a new manufacturing facility in Romania to start in 2011 with production anticipated to begin in late 2011. We expect location of this new facility in Romania to provide many advantages due to its central location, established transportation infrastructure, and access to skilled manufacturing resources. Residential segment sales increased 5.6 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010, primarily as a result of early orders for a new line of zero-turn radius riding mowers and increased product placement and demand for snow thrower products, somewhat offset by lower sales of Pope irrigation products in Australia. Our net earnings were up 58.3 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010, primarily from higher sales volumes and gross margin improvement. In addition, we leveraged our selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses over higher sales volumes to 28.6 percent as a percent of net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to 29.2 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

We continued to focus on improving asset management and our financial condition remains strong. Our receivables increased slightly, by 2.3 percent, as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Our inventory levels increased 25.5 percent as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as we prebuilt inventory in anticipation of expected higher demand for our products in fiscal 2011 compared to last fiscal year. As of the end of our first quarter of fiscal 2011, our average net working capital (accounts receivable plus inventory less trade payables) as a percentage of net sales was 13.5 percent compared to 23.9 percent as of the end of our first quarter of fiscal 2010. We also increased our first quarter cash dividend by 11 percent from $0.18 to $0.20 per share compared to the quarterly cash dividend paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

We recently announced our new multi-year initiative, “Destination 2014” that will take us to our centennial in 2014 and into our second century. This four-year initiative is intended to focus our efforts on driving our legacy of excellence through building caring relationships and engaging in innovation. Through our Destination 2014 initiative financial goals, over the next four years we will strive to achieve $100 million in organic revenue growth each fiscal year and 12 percent operating earnings as a percentage of net sales by the end of fiscal 2014.

 

Our net sales and earnings for the first quarter of our fiscal year are typically lower than other quarters, and the results of our first quarter are not necessarily an indicator of spring season sales trends. Our focus as we enter our peak selling season is on generating customer demand for our innovative new products, while keeping production closely aligned with expected shipment volumes. We will continue to keep a cautionary eye on the global economies and the pace and degree of recovery, retail demand, field inventory levels, commodity prices, weather, competitive actions, expenses, and other factors identified below under the heading “Forward-Looking Information,” which could cause our actual results to differ from our anticipated outlook.

 

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Net Earnings

 

Net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were $17.3 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, compared to $10.9 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, resulting in a net earnings per diluted share increase of 65.6 percent. The primary factors contributing to the net earnings improvement were higher sales volumes, an increase in gross margin, higher other income, and a lower effective tax rate, somewhat offset by an increase in SG&A expense. In addition, fiscal 2011 first quarter diluted net earnings per share were benefited by approximately $0.03 per share compared to the fiscal 2010 first quarter as a result of reduced shares outstanding from repurchases of our common stock.

 

The following table summarizes our results of operations as a percentage of our net sales:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

(64.3

)

(64.9

)

Gross margin

 

35.7

 

35.1

 

SG&A expense

 

(28.6

)

(29.2

)

Interest expense

 

(1.1

)

(1.3

)

Other income, net

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

Provision for income taxes

 

(1.9

)

(1.7

)

Net earnings

 

4.5

%

3.3

%

 

Net Sales

 

Worldwide consolidated net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were $383.2 million compared to $331.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, an increase of 15.6 percent. Worldwide professional segment net sales were up 21.4 percent, as shipments for all professional segment businesses increased due to higher customer demand resulting from consumer optimism from improved economic conditions, the successful introduction of new products, and strong demand for golf equipment and irrigation systems, namely from golf projects in key international markets and domestic renovation projects. Early orders of landscape contractor equipment were strong for the first quarter in anticipation of strong demand from professional contractors for the upcoming spring and summer mowing season. Micro-irrigation product sales also increased for the first quarter due to continued growing market demand, particularly in Eastern Europe, and additional manufacturing capacity that increased production and sales of our water-conserving products. Residential segment sales increased 5.6 percent for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010, primarily as a result of early orders for our new zero-turn radius riding mowers and higher shipments of snow thrower products as a result of expanded product placement and strong demand driven by heavy snowfalls during the 2010/2011 winter season. However, sales of Pope irrigation products sold in Australia were down primarily due to adverse weather conditions in Australia. In addition, worldwide shipments of walk power mowers also declined primarily as a result of efforts to ship products closer to retail demand. A weaker U.S. dollar compared to other worldwide currencies in which we transact business accounted for approximately $1 million of additional net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Gross Profit

 

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 increased 60 basis points to 35.7 percent compared to 35.1 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. This improvement was due mainly to a higher proportionate share of professional segment sales that carry higher average gross margins than residential segment sales and lower manufacturing costs from higher plant utilization, mainly related to increased demand for our products.  Somewhat offsetting those positive factors were higher average prices paid for commodities in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010 and increased freight expense due to higher fuel prices.

 

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense

 

SG&A expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 increased $12.8 million, or 13.3 percent, compared to the same period last fiscal year. However, SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales decreased 60 basis points to 28.6 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to 29.2 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 due primarily to leveraging SG&A costs over higher sales volumes, somewhat offset by higher warranty expense as a result of special provisions for product modifications.

 

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Interest Expense

 

Interest expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 decreased 3.0 percent compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010 due to lower average debt levels.

 

Other Income, Net

 

Other income, net for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was $1.4 million compared to $0.9 million for the same period last fiscal year, an increase of $0.5 million. The increase was due primarily to an increase in income from equity investments.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was down to 29.3 percent compared to 33.6 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The reduction in the effective tax rate was primarily the result of the retroactive reenactment of the federal research and development tax credit.

 

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

 

As described previously, we operate in three reportable business segments: Professional, Residential, and Distribution. Our Distribution segment, which consists of our company-owned domestic distributorships, has been combined with our corporate activities and elimination of intersegment revenues and expenses that is shown as “Other” in the following tables. Operating earnings for our Professional and Residential segments are defined as earnings from operations plus other income, net. Operating loss for “Other” includes earnings (loss) from operations, corporate activities, other income, net, and interest expense.

 

The following table summarizes net sales by segment:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Professional

 

$

258,280

 

$

212,800

 

$

45,480

 

21.4

%

Residential

 

123,293

 

116,756

 

6,537

 

5.6

 

Other

 

1,640

 

1,802

 

(162

)

(9.0

)

Total*

 

$

383,213

 

$

331,358

 

$

51,855

 

15.6

%

* Includes international sales of:

 

$

138,751

 

$

128,383

 

$

10,368

 

8.1

%

 

The following table summarizes segment earnings (loss) before income taxes:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

January 28,

 

January 29,

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2011

 

2010

 

$ Change

 

% Change

 

Professional

 

$

37,919

 

$

25,810

 

$

12,109

 

46.9

%

Residential

 

11,368

 

13,427

 

(2,059

)

(15.3

)

Other

 

(24,834

)

(22,789

)

(2,045

)

(9.0

)

Total

 

$

24,453

 

$

16,448

 

$

8,005

 

48.7

%

 

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Professional

 

Net Sales. Worldwide net sales for the professional segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were up 21.4 percent compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as shipments for all professional segment businesses increased due to higher customer demand resulting from consumer optimism from improved economic conditions, the successful introduction of new products, and strong demand for golf equipment and irrigation systems, namely from golf projects in key international markets and domestic renovation projects. Early orders of landscape contractor equipment were strong during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 in anticipation of strong demand from professional contractors for the upcoming spring and summer mowing season. Micro-irrigation product sales increased for the first quarter comparison due to continued market demand, particularly in Eastern Europe, and additional manufacturing capacity that increased production and sales of our water-conserving products.

 

Operating Earnings. Operating earnings for the professional segment were $37.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to $25.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, an increase of 46.9 percent. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, professional segment operating margins increased to 14.7 percent compared to 12.1 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. These profit improvements were primarily attributable to higher sales volumes and an increase in gross margins due to the same factors discussed previously in the Gross Profit section. Lower SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales also contributed to the operating earnings improvement due to leveraging fixed SG&A costs over higher sales volumes.

 

Residential

 

Net Sales. Worldwide net sales for the residential segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 were up by 5.6 percent compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010. This increase was primarily the result of early orders for our new line of zero-turn radius riding mowers due, in part, to increased customer demand resulting from increased consumer optimism and positive response to new products. Shipments of snow thrower products were also higher in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010, primarily from expanded product placement and strong demand driven by heavy snowfalls during the 2010/2011 winter season. However, sales of Pope irrigation products sold in Australia were down due to heavy rains and flooding in Australia. In addition, worldwide shipments of walk power mowers also declined as a result of efforts to ship products closer to retail demand.

 

Operating Earnings. Operating earnings for the residential segment were $11.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to $13.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, a decrease of 15.3 percent. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, residential segment operating margins decreased to 9.2 percent compared to 11.5 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. These decreases were due to lower gross margins as a result of product mix and higher commodity costs in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010. In addition, higher SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales also contributed to the operating earnings decline mainly as a result of an increase in warranty expense due to special provisions for product modifications.

 

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. The other segment net sales decreased slightly, by $0.2 million, for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Operating Losses. Operating losses for the other segment were up $2.0 million, or 9.0 percent, for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the elimination of gross profit previously recorded with respect to sales of our products to our wholly owned distribution companies as a result of higher inventory levels at those distribution companies and an increase in incentive compensation expense due to anticipated improved financial performance, somewhat offset by an increase in income from equity investments.

 

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FINANCIAL POSITION

 

Working Capital

 

We have taken proactive measures to improve working capital utilization, including managing our assets, controlling costs, and adjusting production plans. As such, our financial condition remains strong. We continue to place emphasis on asset management, with a focus on minimizing the amount of working capital in the supply chain and maintaining or improving order replenishment and service levels to end users.

 

Receivables as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2011 increased slightly, by 2.3 percent, compared to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Our average days sales outstanding for receivables improved to 38 days based on sales for the last twelve months ended January 28, 2011, compared to 61 days for the twelve months ended January 29, 2010 primarily as the result of floor plan receivables and certain open account receivables financed with Red Iron, our financing joint venture with TCFIF, instead of with us. Inventory increased as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2011 by 25.5 percent compared to the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as we prebuilt inventory in anticipation of expected higher demand for our products in fiscal 2011 compared to last fiscal year. However, average inventory turnover improved 15.3 percent for the twelve months ended January 28, 2011 compared to the twelve months ended January 29, 2010 as we continued to focus on improving asset management. In addition, as part of our working capital initiative, accounts payable increased as of the end of our first quarter of fiscal 2010 by $40.1 million, or 36.6 percent, driven by higher levels of inventory and production due to increased demand for our products, as well as our supply chain initiatives. As a result of our efforts to reduce working capital, as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2011, we maintained our average net working capital (accounts receivable plus inventory less trade payables) as a percentage of net sales at a level below 20 percent, or “in the teens.” Specifically, our average net working capital as a percentage of net sales for the twelve months ended January 28, 2011 was 13.5 percent.

 

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, payroll and other administrative costs, capital expenditures, establishment of new facilities, expansion and upgrading of existing facilities, as well as for financing of receivables from customers that are not financed with Red Iron. We believe that anticipated 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 anticipated operating requirements. One of the purposes of establishing Red Iron was to free up our working capital for other strategic purposes, which may include, among other things, research and development of innovative new products, improvements in the quality and performance of existing products, strategic acquisitions and investments, and returning value to shareholders through share repurchases and cash dividends. We believe that the funds available through existing financing arrangements and forecasted cash flows will be sufficient to provide the necessary capital resources for our anticipated working capital needs, capital expenditures, investments, debt repayments, quarterly cash dividend payments, and stock repurchases for at least the next twelve months.

 

Our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.20 per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 paid on January 11, 2011, which was an increase of 11 percent over our cash dividend of $0.18 per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

On December 1, 2010 our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 3 million shares of our common stock in open-market or privately negotiated transactions. This repurchase authorization has no expiration date but may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.

 

Cash Flow. Our first fiscal quarter historically uses more operating cash than other fiscal quarters due to the seasonality of our business. Cash used for operating activities for the first three months of fiscal 2011 was up $20.9 million compared to the first three months of fiscal 2010 as a result of an increase in inventory levels, somewhat offset by higher net earnings. Cash used for investing activities was also up $5.0 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010, due mainly to an increase in cash utilized for an acquisition. Cash used for financing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2011 was higher by $27.8 million compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to higher levels of funds used to repurchase our common stock during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

 

Credit Lines and Other Capital Resources. Our businesses are 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. Seasonal cash requirements are financed from operations, cash on hand, and with short-term financing arrangements, including a $175.0 million unsecured senior revolving credit facility that expires in January 2012. We intend to amend or replace this credit facility prior to its expiration in January 2012. We had no outstanding short-term debt under this revolving credit facility as of January 28, 2011. Interest expense on this

 

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credit line is determined based on a LIBOR rate plus a basis point spread defined in the credit agreement. In addition, our non-U.S. operations maintain unsecured short-term lines of credit in the aggregate amount of approximately $18 million. These facilities bear interest at various rates depending on the rates in their respective countries of operation. As of January 28, 2011, we had no outstanding short-term debt under these lines of credit. We also have a letter of credit subfacility as part of our credit agreement. As of January 28, 2011, we had $10.4 million of outstanding standby letters of credit. As of January 28, 2011, we had $183.3 million of unutilized availability under our credit agreements. In addition, we had $0.2 million in short-term debt for certain receivables for which we provided recourse to Red Iron as of January 28, 2011.

 

On November 9, 2010, we amended the terms of our credit agreement for our revolving credit facility to better match our financing needs to our ongoing capital requirements. The amendment included the following changes: (i) replace the debt-to-capitalization covenant with a debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”) covenant that shall not exceed 3.25 to 1.00 for any four-quarter period; (ii) remove language that prohibits us from repurchasing our own debt; and (iii) reduce the total amount of the credit line from $225.0 million to $175.0 million. This amendment provides us with more flexibility in the deployment of our capital, while reducing ongoing costs to maintain the amount of credit required for ongoing operations. We were in compliance with all covenants related to our credit agreement for our revolving credit facility as of January 28, 2011, and we expect to be in compliance with all covenants during the remainder of fiscal 2011. Our credit agreement for our revolving credit facility requires compliance with all of the covenants defined in the agreement. If we were out of compliance with any debt covenant required by this credit agreement following the applicable cure period, the banks could terminate their commitments unless we could negotiate a covenant waiver from the banks. In addition, our long-term senior notes and debentures could become due and payable if we were unable to obtain a covenant waiver or refinance our short-term debt under our credit agreement. If our credit rating falls below investment grade and/or our average debt to EBITDA ratio rises above 1.50 to 1.00, the basis point spread over LIBOR we currently pay on our outstanding short-term debt under the credit agreement would increase. However, the credit commitment could not be cancelled by the banks based solely on a ratings downgrade. Our debt rating for long-term unsecured senior, non-credit enhanced debt was unchanged during the first quarter of fiscal 2011 by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Group at BBB- and by Moody’s Investors Service at Baa3.

 

Customer Financing Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

 

In fiscal 2009, we established our Red Iron joint venture with TCFIF. The purpose of Red Iron is to provide inventory financing, including floor plan and open account receivable financing, to distributors and dealers of our products in the U.S. and to select distributors of our products in Canada to enable our distributors and dealers to carry representative inventories of our products. Some independent international dealers continue to finance their products with a third party finance company. This third party financing company purchased $4.7 million of receivables from us during the first quarter of fiscal 2011. As of January 28, 2011, $11.2 million of receivables financed the third party financing company, excluding Red Iron, were outstanding, which includes outstanding receivables that were financed by third party sources before the establishment of Red Iron. See our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details regarding our customer financing arrangements and contractual obligations.

 

Inflation

 

We are subject to the effects of inflation, deflation, and changing prices. In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, average prices paid for commodities and components we purchase were higher compared to the average prices paid for commodities and components in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, which hampered our gross margin growth rate in the first quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2010. We will continue to closely follow the commodities and components that affect our product lines, and we anticipate average prices paid for commodities and components to be higher for the remainder of fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010. We expect to mitigate the impact of inflationary pressures by engaging in proactive vendor negotiations, reviewing alternative sourcing options, substituting materials, engaging in internal cost reduction efforts, and increasing prices on some of our products, all as appropriate.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

See our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010 for a discussion of our critical accounting policies.

 

New Accounting Pronouncement to be Adopted

 

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820).” ASU No. 2010-06 requires new disclosures regarding activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, including information on purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis in the

 

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reconciliation of Level 3 fair-value measurements. We will adopt the provision of ASU No. 2010-06 for Level 3 fair-value measurements for our second fiscal quarter beginning on January 30, 2011, as required. We do not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2010-06 for Level 3 fair value measurements will have a material impact on our disclosures.

 

No other new accounting pronouncement that has been issued but not yet effective for us during fiscal 2011 has had or is expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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 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,” “strive,” “looking ahead,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “optimistic,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “believe,” “could,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “may,” “possible,” “likely,” “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, new accounting pronouncements, and outstanding litigation on our business and future performance.

 

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied. These risks and 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:

 

·            Economic conditions and outlook in the United States and around the world could adversely affect our net sales and earnings, which includes but is not limited to recessionary conditions; slow or negative economic growth rates; continued slow down or reductions in levels of golf course development, renovation, and improvement; golf course closures; continued slow down or reductions in levels of home ownership, construction, and home sales; home foreclosures; reduced consumer spending levels; reduced credit availability or unfavorable credit terms for our distributors, dealers, and end-user customers; higher commodity and component costs and fuel prices; higher short-term, mortgage, and other interest rates; continued high unemployment rates; inflationary or deflationary pressures; negative consumer confidence; the impact of sovereign and state debt; and general economic and political conditions and expectations in the U.S. and the other countries in which we conduct business.

 

·            Increases in the cost or disruption in the availability of raw materials and components that we purchase and increases in our other costs of doing business, such as transportation costs, may adversely affect our profit margins and business.

 

·            Weather conditions may reduce demand for some of our products and adversely affect our net sales.

 

·            Our professional segment net sales are dependent upon golf course revenues and the amount of investment in golf course renovations and improvements; the level of new golf course development and golf course closures; the level of homeowners who outsource their lawn care; the level of residential and commercial construction; availability of credit to professional segment customers on acceptable terms to finance new product purchases; and the amount of government revenues, budget, and spending levels for grounds maintenance equipment; and other factors.

 

·            Our residential segment net sales are dependent upon The Home Depot, Inc. as a major customer, the amount of product placement at retailers, consumer confidence and spending levels, and changing buying patterns of customers.

 

·            If we are unable to continue to enhance existing products and develop and market new products that respond to customer needs and preferences and achieve market acceptance, or if we experience unforeseen product quality or other problems in the development, production, or use of new and existing products, we may experience a decrease in demand for our products, and our business could suffer.

 

·            We face intense competition in all of our product lines with numerous manufacturers, including from some competitors that have greater operations and financial resources than us. We may not be able to compete effectively against competitors’ actions, which could harm our business and operating results.

 

·            A significant percentage of our consolidated net sales are generated outside of the United States, and we intend to continue to expand our international operations. Our international operations require significant management attention and financial resources, expose us to difficulties presented by international economic, political, legal, accounting, and business factors; and may not be successful or produce desired levels of net sales.

 

·            Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could result in declines in our reported net sales and net earnings.

 

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·            We manufacture our products at and distribute our products from several locations in the United States and internationally. Any disruption at any of these facilities or our inability to cost-effectively expand existing, open and manage new, and/or move production between manufacturing facilities could adversely affect our business and operating results. We intend to build a manufacturing facility during fiscal 2011 in Romania for micro-irrigation products. Specifically, if this facility does not produce the anticipated manufacturing or operational efficiencies, or if the micro-irrigation products to be produced at this facility are not accepted into the new geographic markets at expected levels, we may not recover the costs of the new facility and our operating results may be adversely affected.

 

·            We intend to grow our business in part through additional acquisitions and alliances, stronger customer relations, and new joint ventures and partnerships, which are risky and could harm our business, particularly if we are not able to successfully integrate such acquisitions and alliances, joint ventures, and partnerships.

 

·            As a result of our financing joint venture with TCFIF, we are dependent upon the joint venture to provide competitive inventory financing programs, including floor plan and open account receivable financing, to certain distributors and dealers of our products. Any material change in the availability or terms of credit offered to our customers by the joint venture, any termination or disruption of our joint venture relationship or any delay in securing replacement credit sources could adversely affect our net sales and operating results.

 

·            A portion of our international net sales are financed by third parties. The termination of our agreements with these third parties, any material change to the terms of our agreements with these third parties or in the availability or terms of credit offered to our international customers by these third parties, or any delay in securing replacement credit sources, could adversely affect our sales and operating results.

 

·            We rely on our management information systems for inventory management, distribution, and other functions. If our information systems fail to adequately perform these functions or if we experience an interruption in their operation, our business and operating results could be adversely affected.

 

·            Our reliance upon patents, trademark laws, and contractual provisions to protect our proprietary rights may not be sufficient to protect our intellectual property from others who may sell similar products. Our products may infringe the proprietary rights of others.

 

·            Our business, properties, and products are subject to governmental regulation with which compliance may require us to incur expenses or modify our products or operations and non-compliance may expose us to penalties. Governmental regulation may also adversely affect the demand for some of our products and our operating results. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has adopted increasingly stringent engine emission regulations, including Tier 4 emission requirements that beginning in 2012 are applicable to diesel engines in a specified horsepower range that are used in some of our products. Although we are developing plans to achieve substantial compliance with Tier 4 requirements, these plans will be subject to many variables and if we are unable to successfully execute such plans, our ability to sell our products into the market may be inhibited, which could adversely affect our competitive position and financial results.

 

·            Legislative enactments could impact the competitive landscape within our markets and affect demand for our products.

 

·            We are subject to product liability claims, product quality issues, and other litigation from time to time that could adversely affect our operating results or financial condition.

 

·            If we are unable to retain our key employees and attract and retain other qualified personnel, we may not be able to meet strategic objectives and our business could suffer.

 

·            The terms of our credit arrangements and the indentures governing our senior notes and debentures could limit our ability to conduct our business, take advantage of business opportunities, and respond to changing business, market, and economic conditions. Additionally, we are subject to counterparty risk in our credit arrangements. If we are unable to comply with the terms of our credit arrangements and indentures, especially the financial covenants, our credit arrangements could be terminated and our senior notes and debentures could become due and payable.

 

·            Our business is subject to a number of other factors that may adversely affect our operating results, financial condition, or business, such as: our ability to achieve the revenue growth, operating earnings, and employee engagement goals of our new, multi-year employee initiative called “Destination 2014”; natural or man-made disasters or global pandemics that may result in shortages of raw materials, higher fuel costs, and an increase in insurance premiums; financial viability of our distributors and dealers, changes in distributor ownership, changes in channel distribution of our products, relationships with our distribution channel partners, our success in partnering with new dealers, and our customers’ ability to pay amounts owed to us; ability of management to adapt to unplanned events; drug cartel-related violence, which may disrupt our production activities and maquiladora operations based in Juarez, Mexico; and continued threat of terrorist acts and war that may result in heightened security and higher costs for import and export shipments of components or finished goods, reduced leisure travel, and contraction of the U.S. and world economies.

 

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For more information regarding these and other uncertainties and factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from what we have anticipated in our forward-looking statements or otherwise could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or operating results, see our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

 

All forward-looking statements included in this report are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. 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 Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

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. We are also exposed to equity market risk pertaining to the trading price of our common stock.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk. In the normal course of business, we actively manage the exposure of our foreign currency exchange rate 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 primary use of forward currency contracts. We use derivative instruments only in an attempt to limit underlying exposure from currency fluctuations and to minimize earnings and cash flow volatility associated with foreign currency 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 foreign subsidiaries, foreign plant operations, and purchases from suppliers. Because our products are manufactured or sourced primarily from the United States and Mexico, a stronger U.S. dollar and Mexican peso generally has a negative impact on our results from operations, while a weaker dollar and peso generally has a positive effect. Our primary currency exchange rate exposures are with the Euro, the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar, the British pound, the Mexican peso, and the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar.

 

We enter into various contracts, principally forward contracts that change in value as foreign currency 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 market values 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. Additional information regarding gains and losses on our derivative instruments is presented in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in the section entitled “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

 

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The following foreign currency exchange contracts held by us have maturity dates in fiscal 2011 and 2012. All items are non-trading and stated in U.S. dollars. Some derivative instruments we enter into do not meet the cash flow hedging criteria; therefore, changes in 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, and fair value impact of derivative instruments in other income, net as of and for the fiscal period ended January 28, 2011 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

 

0.9220

 

$

52,168.4

 

$

(1,900.4

)

$

(2,621.3

)

Buy US dollar/Sell Canadian dollar

 

0.9649

 

7,043.6

 

(257.6

)

(46.4

)

Buy US dollar/Sell Euro

 

1.3351

 

77,104.1

 

(1,359.2

)

(573.7

)

Buy US dollar/Sell British pound

 

1.5879

 

3,334.6

 

 

(4.1

)

Buy Mexican peso/Sell US dollar

 

12.8705

 

16,704.8

 

824.2

 

350.5

 

Buy Romanian New Lei/Sell Euro

 

4.2688

 

2,363.5

 

 

(4.8

)

 

Our net investment in foreign subsidiaries translated into U.S. dollars is not hedged. Any changes in foreign currency exchange rates would be reflected as a foreign currency translation adjustment, a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity, and would not impact net earnings.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Our market risk on interest rates relates primarily to LIBOR-based short-term debt from commercial banks, as well as the potential increase in fair value of long-term debt resulting from a potential decrease in interest rates. However, we do not have a cash flow or earnings exposure due to market risks on long-term debt. We generally do not use interest rate swaps to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in interest rates. 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. The primary commodity price exposures are with steel, aluminum, fuel, petroleum-based resin, and linerboard. In addition, we are a purchaser of components and parts containing various commodities, including steel, aluminum, copper, lead, rubber, and others which are integrated into our end products. Further information regarding rising prices for commodities is presented in Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in the section entitled “Inflation.”

 

We enter into fixed-price contracts for future purchases of natural gas in the normal course of operations as a means to manage natural gas price risks.

 

Item 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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 our management, including our 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 are required to apply our judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible internal controls. Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our 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 our company and our consolidated subsidiaries is made known to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, particularly during the period when our periodic reports are being prepared. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our fiscal quarter ended January 28, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

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. Although we are self-insured to some extent, we maintain insurance against certain product liability losses. 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. To prevent possible infringement of our patents by others, we periodically review competitors’ products. To avoid potential liability with respect to others’ patents, we regularly review certain patents issued by the USPTO and foreign patent offices. We believe these activities help us minimize our risk of being a defendant in patent infringement litigation. We are currently involved in patent litigation cases where we are asserting patent infringement.

 

For a description of our material legal proceedings, see Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under the heading “Litigation” included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which is incorporated into this Part II. Item 1 by reference.

 

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

 

We are affected by risks specific to us as well as factors that affect all businesses operating in a global market. The significant factors known to us that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or operating results or could cause our actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results or other expectations, including those expressed in any forward-looking statement made in this report, are described in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K (Item 1A. Risk Factors). There has been no material change in those risk factors.

 

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

 

The following table shows our first quarter of fiscal 2011 stock repurchase activity:

 

Period

 

Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased (1)

 

Average
Price
Paid per
Share
(or Unit)

 

Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased
As Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

 

Maximum Number
of Shares (or Units)
that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs (1)(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November  1, 2010 through November 26, 2010

 

 

$

 

 

1,329,238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 27, 2010 through December 31, 2010

 

19,689

 

63.33

 

19,689

 

4,309,549

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1, 2011 through January 28, 2011

 

463,651

(3)

61.84

 

462,300

 

3,847,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

483,340

 

$

61.90

 

481,989

 

 

 

 

(1)          On July 21, 2009, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 5,000,000 shares of the company’s common stock in open-market 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. As of January 28, 2011, there were 847,249 shares remaining for repurchase under this program.

 

(2)          On December 1, 2010, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 3,000,000 shares of the company’s common stock in open-market 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. No shares were repurchased under this program during the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

(3)          Includes 1,351 units (shares) of the company’s common stock purchased in open-market transactions at an average price of $61.95 per share on behalf of a rabbi trust formed to pay benefit obligations of the company to participants in deferred compensation plans. These 1,351 shares were not repurchased under the company’s repurchase programs described in footnotes 1 and 2 above.

 

Item 6.  EXHIBITS

 

(a)

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1 and 4.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The Toro Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 17, 2008, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2 and 4.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of The Toro Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 17, 2008, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.3

 

Specimen Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2008, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.4

 

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

 

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4.5

 

Indenture dated as of April 20, 2007, between Registrant and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to The Toro Company’s 6.625% Notes due May 1, 2037 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2007, Registration No. 333-142282).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.6

 

First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 26, 2007, between Registrant and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to The Toro Company’s 6.625% Notes due May 1, 2037 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 23, 2007, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.7

 

Form of The Toro Company 6.625% Note due May 1, 2037 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 23, 2007, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

 

The Toro Company Change in Control Severance Compensation Policy and attached Form of Release (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 18, 2011, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

 

Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2010, by and among The Toro Company, Toro Credit Company, Toro Manufacturing LLC, Exmark Manufacturing Company Incorporated, Toro International Company, Tover Overseas B.V., and Toro Factoring Company Limited, each as a Borrower, each lender from time to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender, and L/C Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 9, 2010, Commission File No. 1-8649).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.1

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31.2

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 (furnished herewith).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101

 

The following financial information from The Toro Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended January 28, 2011, filed with the SEC on March 4, 2011, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the three-month periods ended January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 28, 2011, January 29, 2010, and October 31, 2010, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three-month periods ended January 28, 2011 and January 29, 2010, and (iv) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.*

 

 

 

 

 

* Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed part of a registration statement, prospectus or other document filed under Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of those sections, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filings.

 

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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: March 4, 2011

By

/s/ Stephen P. Wolfe

 

Stephen P. Wolfe

 

Vice President, Finance

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

(duly authorized officer and principal financial officer)

 

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