UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2003.2004.

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 55420-1196
Telephone number: (952) 888-8801

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


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

   
Title of Each Class
 Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Share Purchase Rights New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x     No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [  ]o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes x     No o

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of the Common Stock on May 2, 2003,April 30, 2004, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $938,501,869.$1,408,994,620.

The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of January 7,December 17, 2004 was 24,277,301.23,278,656.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held March 12, 200415, 2005 are incorporated by reference into Part III.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Independent Auditors’ Report
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SCHEDULE II
THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
SIGNATURES
EX-12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings
EX-21 Subsidiaries of Registrant
EX-23 Independent Auditors' Consent
EX-31(a) Certification Purusant to Rule 13a-14(a)
EX-31(b) Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
EX-32 Certification Pursuant to Section 906


THE TORO COMPANY

FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
      
DescriptionPage Numbers

    
 
Business
 3-93-10
 
Properties
 1011
 
Legal Proceedings
 1011
 
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
10
Executive Officers of the Registrant 11
 12
    
 
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, and Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 1213
 
Selected Financial Data
 1214
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 13-2114-26
 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 2226-27
 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
  
    2328
    2429
    2530
    2631
    2732
    28-4033-46
 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 4046
 
Controls and Procedures
 4147
Other Information
47
 
    
 
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
 4147
 
Executive Compensation
 4147
 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
and Related Stockholder Matters
 4147
 
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
 4148
 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 4148
 
    
 
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
 42-4448-50
   4551
Specimen Form of Common Stock Certificate
2000 Directors Stock Plan, as amended
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Subsidiaries
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

2


PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Introduction

The Toro Company was incorporated in Minnesota in 1935 as a successor to a business founded in 1914 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1983. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “company,” “Toro,” and “we” refer to The Toro Company and its subsidiaries. Our executive offices are located at 8111 Lyndale Avenue South, Bloomington, Minnesota 55420-1196, telephone number (952) 888-8801. Our Internet address iswww.toro.com for Toro branded product related information andwww.thetorocompany.com for corporate and investor information. The information contained on our web site or connected to our web site is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this report.
  We design, manufacture, and market professional turf maintenance equipment and services, turf and agricultural irrigation systems, landscaping equipment, and residential yard products. We produced our first lawn mower for golf course usage in 1921 and our first lawn mower for home use in 1939, and we have continued to enhance our product lines ever since. We classify our operations into three reportable segments: professional, residential, and distribution. A fourth segment called “other” consists of corporate functions and Toro Credit Company, a wholly owned financing subsidiary. Net sales of our segments accounted for the following approximate percentages of our consolidated net sales for fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002: Professional, 62 percent; Residential, 34 percent; Distribution and Other, 4 percent.
  Our manufactured products are nationally advertised and sold at the retail level under the primary trademarks of Toro®, Toro® Wheel Horse®, Lawn-Boy®, Irritrol® Systems, Exmark®, Toro® Dingo®, Aqua-TraXX®, Pope®, and Lawn Genie®, most of which are registered in the United States and in the principal foreign countries where we market our products. This report also contains trademarks, trade names, and service marks that are owned by other persons or entities, such as The Home Depot.
  We emphasize quality and innovation in our customer service, products, manufacturing, and marketing. We strive to provide well-built, dependable products supported by an extensive service network. We have committed funding for engineering and research in order to improve existing products and develop new products. Through these efforts, we seek to be responsive to trends that may affect our target markets now and in the future. A significant portion of our revenues ishas historically been attributable to new and enhanced products.

Business Strategy

Fiscal 20032004 marked the endbeginning of our three-year “5 by Five” initiative, designed to raise net earnings as a percent of net sales from 2.7 percent in fiscal 1999, to over 5 percent by fiscal 2003 on a sustainable basis. We successfully attained that goal in fiscal 2003 with net earnings as a percent of net sales at 5.5 percent.
  To build on the success of “5 by Five” and bring increasing value to stockholders, we are introducing a next generation initiative in fiscal 2004 called “6 + 8: Teamwork to the Top”.Top.” The goals of this initiative are to achieve ana consistent after-tax return on sales of 6 percent or bettermore and growinggrow revenues at an average annual rate of 8 percent or better bymore over the endthree-year period ending October 31, 2006.
  The focus areas of fiscal 2006. this initiative are:

Lean/No Waste.The mindset of driving change and process improvement developed with theour former “5 by Five” initiative will continue induring fiscal years 2000 through 2003 has continued with this new initiative which will bethat is linked to applying “Lean” methods in our manufacturing plants and offices. Throughout the organization, we are rethinking our business and manufacturing processes to make us more efficient and responsive. Employees are engaged in cross-functional teams of line and staff employees to take a “No Waste” approach bringing additional momentumfresh look at their jobs and processes to profit improvement through the use of “Lean” manufacturing tools, concepts,eliminate waste and methods.

unnecessary steps that do not add value.

Investing in Growth.At the same time, we recognize the need to drive stronger revenue growth through accelerated investments in innovative products and services, product branding, new technologies, and expansion in current and new markets. In addition,We are redirecting a portion of our Lean/ No Waste savings to finding new and better solutions that address customer problems to create market differentiation, generate higher margins, and build strong and unique brands. As sales increase, we will takecontinue to reinvest in research and development to sustain our legacy of market leadership.

Strengthening Culture.We are taking steps to continue to strengthen our long-standing cultural values that are designed to maximize our organizational effectiveness and engage 100 percentcreativity, with particular emphasis on teamwork and partnership, communication, job requirements, and customer responsiveness. We recognize that the collective contributions, energy, and commitment of our employees are the key factors in this important endeavor.

our success. Therefore, we will continue to invest in education, surveys, focus groups, and other methods to ensure all employees are engaged in a mindset of continuous improvement that will deliver sustainable results.

Products by Market

We continue to be a leader in adapting advanced technologies to products and services that provide solutions for landscape, turf care maintenance, and residential demands. Following is a summary of our products by market for the professional and residential segments:

3


Professional –We design professional turf products and market them worldwide through a network of distributors and dealers as well as directly to governmental customers.government customers and rental centers. Products are sold by distributors and dealers to professional users engaged in maintaining and creating landscapes, such as golf courses, sports fields, municipal properties, and residential and commercial landscapes. Professional turf maintenance equipment marketed under the Toro brand name is our oldest product line whichthat began in 1921 with tractor-towed mowers for golf courses. Today,Over time, we have expanded our product lines to include products designed for large turf areas, such as golf courses, schools, parks, cemeteries, sports fields, industrial sites, apartments, and townhouse complexes.

Landscape Contractor Market.Products for the landscape contractor market include zero-turning radius riding mowers, 21-inch heavy-duty walk behind mowers, mid-size walk behind mowers, and compact utility loaders. These products are sold through distributors and dealers, and are also available through rental centers to individuals and companies who maintain and create residential and commercial landscapes on behalf of property owners. We market products to landscape contractors under the Toro, Exmark, and ExmarkLawn-Boy brands. In fiscal 2003,2004, we introduced a new linesline of Toro and Exmark mowers, including the Toro 500400 Series compact zero-turning radius riding mowers and the Exmark Lazer® Z CT series of riding mowers.

  Our compact utility loaders are a cornerstone productproducts for the Toro Sitework Systems product line. These products are designed to improve efficiency in the creation of landscapes. We offer over 35 attachments for our compact utility loaders, including trenchers, augers, vibratory plows, and backhoes. In fiscal 2004, we introduced the Toro Dingo TX 413, our smallest utility loader, offered with a specially designed trailer for the rental market.

3


Sports Fields and Grounds Maintenance Market.Products for the sports fields and grounds maintenance market include riding rotary units with cutting decks ranging from 52 inches to 16 feet, aerators, attachments, and debris management products, which include versatile debris vacuums, blowers, and sweepers. Other products include multipurpose vehicles, such as the Workman®, whichthat can be used for turf maintenance, towing, and industrial hauling. These products are sold through distributors, who then sell to owners and/or managers of sports fields, municipal and institutional properties, cemeteries, and facilities such as airports and corporate headquarters.

Residential/ Commercial Irrigation Market.Turf irrigation products marketed under the Toro and Irritrol Systems brand names include sprinkler heads, brass and plastic valves, and electric and hydraulic control devices designed to be used in residential and commercial turf irrigation systems. These products are professionally installed in new systems and can also be used to replace or retrofit existing systems. Most of the product line is designed for underground irrigation systems. Electric and hydraulic controllers activate valves and sprinkler heads in a typical irrigation system. In fiscal 2003, we acquired R & D Engineering, a provider of patentedWe also offer wireless rain and freeze switches for the residential/commercial irrigation market.on some products in an effort to conserve water usage.

Golf Course Market.Products for the golf course market include large reel and rotary riding products for fairway, rough and trim cutting; riding and walking mowers for putting greens and specialty areas; turf sprayer equipment, utility vehicles, turf aerators, and bunker maintenance equipment. We also manufacture and market underground irrigation systems including sprinkler heads and controllers that activate electric, battery-operated, or hydraulic valves. Our professional irrigation systems are designed to use computerized management systems and a variety of technologies to help customers manage water use. In fiscal 2004, we introduced the ProCoreTM 648 walk-behind aerator with innovative wheel placement and high productivity for golf course aeration. In late fiscal 2004, we also introduced 835S/855S Series golf sprinklers that provide improved water distribution uniformity, nozzle flexibility, and system efficiency.

Agricultural Irrigation Market.Products for the agricultural irrigation market include irrigation emission devices that regulate the flow of drip irrigation, including Blue Stripe™StripeTM polyethylene tubing, Aqua-TraXX irrigation tape, and Drip In® drip line, all used in low water volume agricultural applications. These products are sold through dealers who then sell to growers for use primarily in vegetable fields, fruit and nut orchards, and vineyards.

Residential –We market our residential products to homeowners through a variety of distribution channels, including dealers, hardware retailers, home centers, mass retailers, and over the Internet. These products are sold mainly in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, with the exception of snow removal products, which are sold primarily in North America and Europe.

Walk Power Mower Products.We have manufactured walk power mowers for residential use since 1939. We manufacture and market numerous models under our brand names Toro and Lawn-Boy. Models differ as to cutting width, type of starter mechanism, mulching and bagging attachments,ability to mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings, cast aluminum or steel decks, controls, and power sources, and are either self-propelled or push mowers. Some Toro brand lawn mowers are backed by our “Guaranteed To Start” program. In fiscal 2004, we introduced a new special featured value-priced Toro walk power mower model and a new line of Gold Series® Lawn-Boy walk power mowers. In fiscal 2004, we also introduced a new walk power mower sold under the Pope brand name in Australia.

Riding Products.We manufacture and market riding products under the Toro brand name. Riding mowers and tractors range frominclude a 12 horsepowerrear engine riding mower manufactured and sold in the European market; lawn tractor modelmodels; and garden tractor models, some equipped with a 32-inch deck to a 23 horsepower diesel engine garden tractor model with a 60-inch deck.engine. Many models are available with a variety of decks and accessories. Recycler®

4


cutting decks are available on some models. Models can be equipped with manual or hydrostatic transmissions. In recent years, we introduced a new line of riding products, the TimeCutter® zero-turning radius riding mowers. In fiscal 2003, we introduced a smaller, lighter-weight version of the TimeCutter ZX. We also manufacture riding mower products plus attachments for a third party under a private label agreement.

Home Solutions Products.We design and market electrical products under the Toro brand name. These products include electric and cordlessbattery operated flexible line grass and cordless hedge trimmers, electric blowers, and electric blower vacuums. In late fiscal 2003,2004, we introduced a new line of both cordedthe electric Power Shovel Plus, an innovative machine for every season that can clear snow up to six inches deep and cordless electric trimmers.sweep away dirt, leaves, and other debris on hard surfaces.

Retail Irrigation Products.We design and market underground retail irrigation products under the Toro and Lawn Genie brand names. In Australia, we also design and market underground and hose-end retail irrigation products under the Pope brand name. These products are designed for homeowner installation and include sprinkler heads, plastic valves, and electronic and mechanical timers. We also design and market landscape drip irrigation systems primarily for residential landscapes and gardens.

Snow Removal Products.We manufacture and market a range of electricgas and gaselectric single-stage and gas two-stage snowthrowersnow thrower models under the Toro and Lawn-Boy brand names.name. Single-stage snowthrowers, developed and first introduced in 1965,snow throwers are walk behind units with lightweight two-cycle gasoline engines, most of which we manufacture.engines. Most gas single-stage and electric motor snowthrowersingle-stage snow thrower models include Power Curve® snowthrower technology for general residential use.snow thrower technology. Two-stage snowthrowerssnow throwers are designed for relatively large areas of deep, heavy snowfalls and use two- and four-cycle engines ranging from seven to 13 horsepower.engines. We also manufacture and market a hybrid model of single- and two-stage snowthrowermodels with single-stage snow thrower technology that is self-propelling, providing the operational ease of a single-stage snowthrowersnow thrower with the power of a two-stage unit. In late fiscal 2003, we introduced a new line of innovative two-stage snowthrowersnow thrower models featuring the Power Max™MaxTM auger system for performance and safer operation, and the Quick Stick™StickTM chute control.control technology.

Financial Information About Foreign Operations and Domestic OperationsBusiness Segments

We manufacture our products in the United States, Mexico, Australia, and Italy for sale throughout the world and maintain sales offices in the United States, Canada, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Singapore, Japan, China, and Italy. New product development is pursued primarily in the United States. Our net sales outside the United States were 20.7 percent, 19.3 percent, 18.7 percent,

4


and 18.7 percent of total consolidated net sales for fiscal 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, respectively.
  A portion of our cash flow is derived from sales and purchases denominated in foreign currencies. To reduce the uncertainty of foreign currency exchange rate movements on these sales and purchase commitments, we enter into foreign currency exchange contracts for select transactions. For additional information regarding certain foreign currency exchange contracts, see Item 7A entitled “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.Risk.” For additional financial information regarding our foreign operations and each of our segments, see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements entitled “Segment Data,” included in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Manufacturing and Production

In some areas of our business, we are primarily an assembler, while in others we serve as a fully integrated manufacturer. We have strategically identified specific core manufacturing competencies for vertical integration and have chosen outside vendors to provide other services. We design component parts in cooperation with our vendors, contract with them for the development of tooling, and then enter into agreements with these vendors to purchase component parts manufactured using the tooling. In addition, our vendors regularly test new technologies to be applied to the design and production of component parts. Manufacturing operations include robotic and computer-automated equipment to speed production, reduce costs, and improve the quality, fit, and finish of every product. Operations are also designed to be flexible enough to accommodate product design changes required to respond to market demand.
  In order to utilize manufacturing facilities and technology more effectively, we pursue continuous improvements in manufacturing processes. We have some flexible assembly lines that can handle a wide product mix and deliver products when customers require them. Additionally, considerable effort is directedspent to reducingreduce manufacturing costs through process improvement, product and platform design, application of advanced technology, enhanced environmental management systems, SKU consolidation, and better supply-chain management. We also pursue opportunities for manufacturing and supplyingmanufacture products sold under a private label agreement to a third partiesparty on a competitive basis.
  Our professional products are manufactured throughout the year. Our residential spring and summer products are also generally manufactured inthroughout the winter and spring months andyear; however, our residential fall and winter products are generally manufactured in the summer and fall months. In addition, our products are tested in conditions and locations similar to those in which they are used. We use computer-aided design and manufacturing systems to shorten the time between initial concept and final production.
  Our production levels and inventory management goals are based on estimates of demand for our products, taking into account production capacity, timing of shipments, and field inventory levels. We also periodically shut down production to allow for maintenance, rearrangement, and capital equipment installation at the manufacturing facilities.

5


  Our manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, Mexico, Australia, and Italy. In order to optimally manage manufacturing capacity utilization and reduce product cost, we announced the closing of three manufacturing operations during fiscal 2002 and one manufacturing facility during fiscal 2003, expanded existing facilities, and shifted production of some products between plants. In addition, we opened a second manufacturing operation in Juarez, Mexico, which began production in late fiscal 2002. Capital expenditures for fiscal 20042005 are expected to be slightlyapproximately $5 to $10 million higher than fiscal 2003 due2004 capital expenditures as we continue to the renovationinvest in information service technology, manufacturing equipment, and expansion of some facilities.tooling for new products.

Engineering and Research

We are committed to an ongoing engineering program dedicated to innovating new products and improvements in the quality and performance of existing products. However, a focus on innovation also carries certain risks that new technology will be slow to be accepted by the marketplace. Management mitigates this risk through focus on and commitment to understanding our customers’ needs and requirements. Our engineering expenses are primarily incurred in connection with the improvements of existing products, cost reduction efforts, and the development of new products whichthat may have additional applications or represent extensions of existing product lines. Our expenditures for engineering and research were approximately $48.0 million (2.9 percent of net sales) in fiscal 2004, $41.5 million (2.8 percent of net sales) in fiscal 2003, and $38.5 million (2.7 percent of net sales) in fiscal 2002, and $39.6 million (2.9 percent of net sales) in fiscal 2001.2002. In fiscal 2004,2005, we anticipate engineering and research costs to increase compared to fiscal 20032004 as we continue to invest in new product development as part of the newour “6 + 8: Teamwork to the Top” initiative.

Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

Most of the components of our products are commercially available from a number of sources.sources and in adequate supply. Therefore, we are generally not dependent on any one supplier, except for engines from Japanese suppliers used in some of our professional segment products. We have agreed with some of these suppliers to share the impact of exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and the Japanese yen on a 50/50 split based on a predetermined range of rates.
  In fiscal 2003,2004, we experienced no significant or unusual problems in the purchasework stoppages as a result of shortages of raw materials or commodities. The highest value component costs are generally engines, steel, transmissions, transaxles, hydraulics, electric motors, steel, and plastic resin purchased from several suppliers around the world. In addition, we manufacture two-cycle enginesWe have certain long-term commitments for somethe purchase of our single-various component parts and two-stage snowthrower products.raw materials that are unlikely to be terminated prematurely.

Service and Warranty

Our products are warranted to ensure customer confidence in design, workmanship, and overall quality. Warranty length varies depending on whether useproduct usage is for “residential” or “professional” applications within individual product lines. Some products have an over-the-counter exchange option and some have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Warranty coverage ranges from a period of six months to seven

5


years, and generally covers parts, labor, and other expenses for non-maintenance repairs, provided operator abuse, improper use, or negligence did not necessitate the repair. An authorized Toro distributor or dealer must perform warranty work. Distributors, dealers, and contractors submit claims for warranty reimbursement to us and are credited for the cost of repairs, labor, and other expenses as long as the repairs meet our prescribed standards. Warranty expense is accrued at the time of sale based on, among other factors, historical claims experience by individual product lines. Warranty reserves are also accrued for major rework campaigns. Service support outside of the warranty period is provided by independent Toro distributors and dealers at the customer’s expense. We also sell extended warranty coverage on select products when the factory warranty period expires.

Product Liability

We have rigorous product safety standards and work continually to improve the safety and reliability of our products. We monitor accidents and possible claims and establish liability estimates with respect to claims based on internal evaluations of the merits of individual claims. We purchase excess insurance coverage for catastrophic product liability claims for incidents that exceed our self-insured retention levels.

Patents

We hold patents in the United States and foreign countries and apply for patents as applicable. Although management believes patents have value to us, patent protection does not deter competitors from attempting to develop similar products. Patent protection is considered to be very beneficial, but we are not materially dependent on any one or more of our patents.
  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 patents issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and foreign patent offices as needed. This patent program, consisting of both types ofThese activities helpshelp us minimize risk of patent infringement litigation. We are currently involved in patent litigation cases, both where we are asserting patents and where we are defending against charges of infringement. While the ultimate results of the current cases are unknown at this time, we believe that the outcome of these cases is unlikely to have a materially adversematerial effect on our consolidated financial results.

Seasonality

Sales of our residential products, which accounted for approximately 34 percent of total consolidated net sales in fiscal 2003,2004, are seasonal, with sales of lawn and garden products occurring primarily between February and May, and sales of snow removal equipment occurring primarily between July and January. Opposite seasons in some global markets somewhat moderate this seasonality of residential product sales. Seasonality of

6


professional product sales also exists, but is tempered because the selling season in the West Coast, Southern states, and our markets in the Southern hemisphere such as Australia, Latin America, and Asia continues for a longer portion of the year than in northern regions of the world.
Overall, worldwide sales levels are historically highest in our fiscal second quarter. Historically, accounts receivable balances increase between January and April as a result of higher sales volumes and extended payment terms made available to our customers. Accounts receivable balances decrease between May and December when payments are received. Seasonal cash requirements of the business are financed from operations and with our bank credit lines. Peak borrowing usually occurs between February and May.
  The following table shows total net sales and earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, defined as operatingnet earnings for each quarter as a percentage of the total year.
                          



Fiscal 2003Fiscal 2002Fiscal 2004Fiscal 2003
NetOperatingNetOperatingNetNetNetNet
QuarterSalesEarningsSalesEarningsSalesEarningsSalesEarnings



First
 20% 9% 20% (9)% 19% 9% 20% 9%
Second
 33 51 34 64  33 51 33 51 
Third
 26 33 27 37  28 33 26 33 
Fourth
 21 7 19 8  20 7 21 7 

Effects of Weather

From time to time, unusual weather conditions in a particular worldwide region may adversely affect retail sales of our product retail sales.products. We work to mitigate this effect by taking orders in advance of the selling season and by working with distributors and dealers to move particular products out of that region to another region that is experiencing higher retail demand.season. Nonetheless, weather conditions could materially affect our future sales.

Distribution and Marketing

We market the majority of our products through approximately 50 domestic and 118100 foreign distributors, as well as a number of hardware retailers, home centers, and mass retailers in more than 94 countries worldwide.
  Toro and some Lawn-Boy residential products, such as walk power mowers, riding products, and snowthrowers,snow throwers, are sold to distributors, including Toro-owned distributors, for resale to retail dealers throughout the United States. Walk power mowers, snowthrowers,snow throwers, and some riding products are also sold in somedirectly to dealers and home centers. Toro riding products are primarily sold directly to dealers. Home Solutions products, retail irrigationsolutions products and Lawn-Boyretail irrigation products are sold directly to dealers, hardware retailers, home centers, and mass retailers. We also sell selected residential products over the Internet, mainly through Internet retailers. Internationally, residential products are sold direct to retail dealers and mass merchandisers in Australia Belgium, and Canada. In most other countries, products are sold to distributors for resale to dealers and mass merchandisers.
  Worldwide, professional products are sold mainly to distributors for resale to dealers, sports complexes, industrial facilities, contractors, municipalities, rental stores, and golf courses. We also sell some professional segment products directly to federal

6


customers.government customers and rental centers. Selected residential/commercial irrigation products are also sold directly to professional irrigation distributors. Compact utility loaders and attachments are sold directly to U.S. dealers and rental centers.
  As of October 31, 2003,2004, we owned fourthree domestic distribution companies. Our mainprimary purposes in owning domestic distributorships are primarily to develop a best-practices model of distribution that could be replicated by our independent distributors and to facilitate ownership transfers while improving operations. We may divest some distribution companies we currently own. During fiscal 2003, we sold a distributorship and purchased a southeastern-based distribution company. These distribution companies sell professional and residential products directly to retail dealers and customers primarily in the United States. They marketStates and sell both Toro and non-Toro manufactureda majority of the revenues are derived from Toro-manufactured products.
  Our current marketing strategy is to maintain distinct brands and brand identification for Toro®, Lawn-Boy®, Exmark®, Lawn Genie®, Irritrol® Systems, and Pope® products. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, we sold our southeastern-based distribution company. We also completed the sale of our southwestern-based distribution company in the first quarter of fiscal 2005.
  Our distribution systems are intended to assure quality of sales and market presence as well as effective after-purchase service and support. We consider our distribution network to be a competitive advantage in marketing our products.
  Our current marketing strategy is to maintain distinct brands and brand identification for Toro®, Lawn-Boy®, Exmark®, Lawn Genie®, Irritrol® Systems, and Pope® products.
  We advertise our residential products during appropriate seasons throughout the year on television, radio, in print, and via the Internet. Professional products are advertised in print and through direct mail programs as well as on the Internet. Most of our advertising emphasizes our brand names. Advertising is paidpurchased directly by the company as well as through cooperative programs with distributors, dealers, hardware retailers, home centers, and mass retailers.

Customers

Overall, management believes that long-term we are not dependent on a single customer. However, theThe Home Depot accounted for greater than 10 percent of our total consolidated net sales in fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002. The residential segment is largely dependent on The Home Depot as a customer. While the loss of any substantial customer could have a material short-term impact on our business, we believe that our diverse distribution channels and customer base should reduce the long-term impact of any such loss.

Backlog of Orders

The approximate backlog of orders believed to be firm as of October 31, 2004 and 2003 was $156.3 million and 2002 was $105,618,000 and $90,076,000,$105.6 million, respectively, a 17.348.0 percent increase. The increase reflects continued strong demand for our products as we entered fiscal 2004. However, this increase is not reflective2005. In addition, we received 2005 stock orders from some of the overall expected sales increase for fiscal 2004.our international customers earlier than compared to prior years. We expect the existing backlog of orders will be filled in fiscal 2004.2005.

7


Competition

Our products are sold in highly competitive markets throughout the world. The principal competitive factors in our markets are pricing, product innovation, quality and reliability, product support and customer service, warranty, reputation, distribution, shelf space, and financing options. Pricing has become an increasingly important factor in competition for a majority of our products. Management believes we offer total solutions and full service packages with high quality products that have the latest technology and design innovations. Also, by selling our products through a network of distributors, dealers, hardware retailers, home centers, and mass retailers, we offer comprehensive service support during and after the warranty period. We compete in all product lines with numerous manufacturers, many of whomwho have substantially greater financial resources than we do. Management believes that we have a competitive advantage because we manufacture a broad range of product lines. Managementlines and have a strong focus in maintaining landscapes. In addition, management believes that ourToro’s commitment to customer service, product innovation, and our distribution channels position us well to compete in our various markets.
  Internationally, residential segment products can face more competition where foreign competitors manufacture and market competing products in their respective countries. We experience this competition primarily in Europe and Asia. In addition, fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar may affect the price of our products in foreign markets, thereby affectingimpacting their competitiveness. We provide pricing support to foreign customers, as needed, to remain competitive in international markets.

Environmental Matters and Other Governmental Regulation

We are subject to a wide variety of federal, state, and international environmental laws, rules, and regulations. These laws, rules, and regulations may affect the way we conduct our operations, and failure to comply with these regulations could lead to fines and other penalties. We are also involved in the evaluation and clean-up of a limited number of properties currently and previously owned. Management does not expect that these matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
  The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released Phase I regulations for all gas engines under 25 horsepower in June 1995. Our engine suppliers and our manufactured snowthrowersnow thrower two-cycle engines are currently in compliance with these regulations. We received certification from the EPA on these engines that allowed us to produce two-cycle walk power mower engines at our Oxford, Mississippi plant through calendar year 2002. However, we are unable to economically manufacture a two-cycle engine for walk power mowers in order to meet the required Phase II regulation emission levels. This resulted in the decision to close our two-cycle engine manufacturing facility in Oxford, Mississippi. We will continue to produceproduced an adequate quantity of two-cycle engines for snowthrowersnow thrower products to meet demand through the 2004-2005 winter season untilbefore operations ceased on April 30, 2004. In fiscal 2004, we cease operations at this manufacturing facility in fiscal 2004. We are currently evaluating the options of either continuingentered into a joint venture agreement with a leading engine manufacturer to manufacturesource two-cycle snow thrower engines for snowthrower products or purchasing engines for snowthrower products from a third party supplier.us and other customers. Our 2004 Lawn-Boy two-cycle engine walk power mowers will bewere replaced with four-cycle engines purchased from a third party supplier.

7


  Our residential products are subject to various United States statutes designed to protect consumers and are subject to the administrative jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. We are also subject to international, federal and state environmental, occupational safety, transportation, and other regulations, none of which has had a materially adverse effect on our operations or business. Management believes we are in substantial compliance with all such regulations.

Customer Financing

Wholesale Financing –Toro Credit Company, our wholly owned finance subsidiary, provides financing for selectedselect products we manufacture for North American Toro distributors and approximately 200 U.S. dealers. Toro Credit Company purchases select receivables from usThe Toro Company and our distributors for extended periods whichthat assists the distributors and dealers to carry representative inventories of equipment. Down payments are not required and, depending on the finance program for each product line, finance charges are incurred by us, shared between us and the distributor or dealer, or paid by the distributor or dealer. A security interest is retained in the distributors’ and dealers’ inventories, and periodic physical checks are made of those inventories. Generally, terms to the distributors and dealers require payments as the equipment, which secures the indebtedness, is sold to customers, or when payment terms become due, whichever occurs first. Rates are generally fixed or based on prime rate plus a fixed percentage that differs based on whether the financing is for a distributor or dealer. Rates may also vary based on the product that is financed.
  Independent Toro dealers that do not finance through Toro Credit Company finance their inventories with third party sources. The finance charges represent interest for a pre-established length of time based on a predefined rate fromby a contract with third party financing sources. Exmark and some international products sold through dealers are financed primarily with third party financing sources or by the distributor.

End-User Financing –During fiscal 2002, we entered into We have an agreement with a third party financing company to provide lease-financing options to domestic golf course and somesports fields and grounds equipment customers. The purpose of the agreement is ato increase sales and marketing tool to giveby giving end-user buyers of our products alternative financing options when purchasing our products.

8


  During fiscal 2004, we entered into a multi-year agreement with a third party financing company to provide financing programs under a private label program. This program, offered primarily to Toro and Exmark dealers, provides end-user customers a revolving line of credit for Toro and Exmark parts and services.

Distributor Financing – We enter into long-term loan and equity investment agreements with some distributors. These transactions are used for expansion of the distributors’ businesses, acquisitions, refinancing working capital agreements, or ownership changes.

Employees

During fiscal 2003,2004, we employed an average of 5,3675,164 employees. The total number of employees as of October 31, 20032004 was 4,944.5,071. Three collective bargaining agreements cover approximately 1417 percent of these employees, each expiring in the following periods: October 2005, May 2006, and October 2006. From time to time, we also retain consultants, independent contractors, and temporary and part-time workers.

Available Information

We are a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and file reports, proxy statements, and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of these reports, proxy statements, and other information can be inspected and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Because we make filings to the SEC electronically, you may also access this information from the SEC’s home page on the Internet athttp://www.sec.gov.
  We make available, free of charge on our Internet web sitewww.thetorocompany.com,, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. We also make available, free of charge on our Internet web sitewww.thetorocompany.com and in print to any stockholder who requests, our corporate governance guidelines, and the charters of our board committees.committees, and our Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers and Code of Conduct for all employees. Requests for copies can be directed to Investor Relations, telephone: 952-887-7141. The information contained on our web site or connected to our web site is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this report. We have attached the required certifications under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding the quality of our public disclosures as Exhibits 31(a) and 31(b) to this report. We have filed with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) the CEO certification regarding our compliance with the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards as required by NYSE Rule 3030A.12(a) on April 12, 2004.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains or incorporates by reference not only historical information, but also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, we or others on our behalf may make forward-looking statements from time to time in oral presentations, including telephone conferences and/or web casts open to the public, in press releases or reports, on our Internet web sitesites or otherwise. Statements that are not historical are forward-looking and reflect expectations and assumptions. We try to identify forward-looking statements in this report and elsewhere by using words such as “expect”, “looking ahead”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “estimate”, “believe”, “should”, “may”, “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 and regulations and outstanding litigation on our business.
  Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. These uncertainties include factors that affect all businesses operating in a global market as well as matters specific to Toro. The following are some of the factors known to us that could cause our actual results

8


to differ materially from what we have anticipated in our forward-looking statements:
• Changes in global and domestic economies, including but not limited to slow growth rate, slow down in home sales, rise in interest rates, inflation, unemployment, and weaker consumer confidence, and currency exchange rates, which could have a negative impact on our financial results.
• Fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, such as steel and other commodities, and increased dependence on suppliers and our ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships.
• Our ability to achieve goals of the “6 + 8: Teamwork to the Top” initiative that is intended to achieve a consistent after-tax return on sales of 6 percent or more and grow revenues at an average annual rate of 8 percent or more over the three-year period ending October 31, 2006.
• Our ability to implement lean manufacturing and other productivity improvement initiatives, which are intended to improve gross margins, offset a portion of rising raw material costs, and provide investment funding for new products and services.
• Increased dependence on The Home Depot, Inc. as a customer for the residential segment.

9


• Increased competition, including competitive pricing pressures, new competitors entering the markets we serve, potential loss of market share, new product introductions, and financing programs offered by both domestic and foreign companies.
• Rising transportation costs as a result of higher fuel costs, capacity issues in the transportation industry, and government regulation that limits the hours of service and increases fuel consumption.
• Changes in our relationship with and terms from third party financing sources utilized by our customers.
• Weather conditions that reduce demand for our products.
• Continued threat of terrorist acts and war, which may result in heightened security and higher costs for import and export shipments of components or finished goods, and contraction of the U.S. and worldwide economies.
• Our ability to achieve goals of the “6 + 8: Teamwork to the Top” initiative, which is intended to increase our after-tax return on sales to 6 percent or better and grow revenues at an average rate of 8 percent or better by the end of fiscal 2006.
• Increased competition, including competitive pricing pressures, new product introductions, and financing programs offered by both domestic and foreign companies.
• Weather conditions that reduce or increase demand for our products.
• Our ability to acquire, develop, and integrate new businesses, and manage alliances and joint venture arrangements successfully, both of which are important to our revenue growth.
• Our ability to achieve projected sales and earnings growth.growth for fiscal 2005.
• MarketOur ability to develop and introduce new products and market acceptance of new products as well as sales generated from these new products relative to expectations, based on existing and anticipated investments in manufacturing capacity and commitments to fund advertising, marketing, promotional programs, and research and development.
• Elimination or reduction of shelf space for our products at retailers.
• Unforeseen inventory adjustments or changes in purchasing patterns by our customers, which could reduce sales and necessitate lowering manufacturing volumes, or increase inventory above acceptable levels.
• Changes in our relationship with and terms from third party financing sources utilized by our customers.
• Unforeseen product quality problems in the development and production of new and existing products whichthat could result in loss of market share, reduced sales, and higher warranty expense.
• Degree of success in restructuring and plant consolidation, including our ability to cost-effectively expand existing, move production between, and close manufacturing facilities.
• Continued slowGovernment restrictions placed on water usage as well as water availability.
• The level of growth rate in the new golf course construction or existing golf course renovations.market.
• Changing buying patterns, including but not limited to, a trend away from purchases at dealer outlets to price and value sensitive purchases at hardware retailers, home centers, and mass retailers.
• Increased dependence on The Home Depot, Inc. as a customer for the residential segment.
• Reduced government spending for grounds maintenance equipment due to reduced tax revenue and tighter government budgets.
• Financial viability of some distributors and dealers, changes in distributor ownership, our success in partnering with new dealers, and our customers’ ability to pay amounts owed to us.
• Changes in laws and regulations, including changes in accounting standards; taxation changes, including tax rate changes, new tax laws, revised tax law interpretations, or the repeal of the foreign export benefit; changes in tariffs on commodities such as steel;interpretations; and environmental laws.
• FluctuationsUnknown impact on our business and our consolidated operating results or financial condition as a result of the pending litigation against the company and others in our industry that challenges engine horsepower ratings of lawnmower products, of which the cost and availability of raw materials andcompany is currently unable to assess whether the ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships.litigation would have a material adverse effect on the company’s consolidated operating results or financial condition.
• The effects of other litigation, including threatened or pending litigation, on matters relating to patent infringement, employment, and commercial disputes.
• Adverse changes in currency exchange rates or raw material commodity prices, and the costs we incur in providing price support to international customers and suppliers.

  We wish to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement whichthat 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 affecteffect 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 quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

910


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

We utilizeAs of October 31, 2004, we utilized manufacturing, distribution, warehouse, and office facilities which as of October 31, 2003 totaledtotaling approximately 5.35.4 million square feet of space.space, which also included inactive facilities available for sale or subleasing. We also utilize 20.34 acres of land in California as a testing facility and 16.3 acres of land in Nebraska as a parking and testing facility. Plant utilization varies during the year depending on the production cycle. We consider each of our current facilities in use to be in good operating condition and adequate for its present use. Management believes we have sufficient manufacturing capacity for fiscal 2004.2005, in part because we began fiscal 2005 production earlier than prior years. The following schedule outlines our significant facilities by location, ownership, and function as of October 31, 2003:2004:

     

LocationOwnershipProducts Manufactured/Use

Bloomington, MN Owned/ Leased Corporate headquarters, warehouse, and test facility
El Paso, TX Owned/ Leased Professional and residential products and distribution center
Juarez, Mexico Leased Professional and residential products
Plymouth, WI Owned Professional and residential parts distribution center
Tomah, WI Owned/ Leased Professional and residential products and warehouse
Windom, MN Owned/ Leased Residential and professional components and products and warehouse
Baraboo, WI Leased Professional and residential finished goods distribution center
Lakeville, MN Leased Professional and residentialResidential finished goods distribution center
Beatrice, NE Owned Professional products, office, and test facility
Riverside, CA Owned/ Leased Office and test facility
Lincoln, NE Leased Professional products warehouse
Shakopee, MN Owned Components for professional and residential products
Beverley, Australia Owned Professional products, office and finished goods distribution center
El Cajon, CA Owned Professional and residential products and warehouse, office
Mound, MNSanford, FL Leased WarehouseProfessional products and residential service center
Oxford, MS*Owned/ LeasedComponents for professional and residential productswarehouse
Brooklyn Center, MN Leased Distribution facility
Capena, ItalyLeasedDistribution facility
Atlanta, GA Leased Distribution facility
Oevel, Belgium Owned Distribution facility
Hazelwood, MO Leased Distribution facility
Madera, CA*OwnedProfessional and residential products and warehouse
Goodyear, AZ Leased Distribution facility
Braeside, Australia Leased Distribution facility
Itasca, IL Leased Distribution facility
Fiano Romano, Italy Owned Professional products and warehouse, office

Toro-owned facilities that are available for sale or subleasing.

ITEM 3. 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. 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. Management believes that amounts that may be awarded or assessed in connection with these matters will not have a material effect on our financial position. Further, we maintain insurance against some product liability losses.

We are also typically involved in commercial disputes, employment disputes, and patent litigation cases in the ordinary course of business, both as a plaintiff and as a defendant. While the ultimate results of the current cases are unknown at this time, management believes that the outcome of these cases is unlikely to have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial results.
Further, we maintain insurance against some product liability losses.
  As previously disclosed in our most recent quarterly report, on June 3, 2004, eight individuals who claim to have purchased lawnmowers in Illinois and Minnesota filed a lawsuit (Ronnie Phillips et al. v. Sears Roebuck Corporation et. al., No. 04-L-334 (20th Judicial Circuit, St., Clair County, IL) against the company and other defendants alleging that the horsepower labels on the products the plaintiffs purchased were inaccurate. The plaintiffs seek certification of a class of all persons in the United States who, beginning January 1, 1995 through the present, purchased a lawnmower containing a two stroke or four stroke gas combustible engine up to 20 horsepower that was manufactured by the defendants. The complaint seeks an injunction, unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees. No answers have been entered in the case, and there has been no discovery. Management continues to evaluate this lawsuit. We have not established a reserve for any potential loss in connection with this lawsuit since we are unable to provide a reasonable estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from this litigation. We are also unable to assess at this time whether the lawsuit will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operating results or financial condition.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003.2004.

1011


Executive Officers of the Registrant

The list below identifies those persons designated as executive officers of the company, including their age and position with the company as of January 7,December 17, 2004 and positions held by them during the last five or more years. Officers are elected by the Board of Directors or appointed by the Chief Executive Officer annually. All executive officers listed below are subject to Section 16 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

   

Name, Age, and Position with the CompanyBusiness Experience During the Last Five or More Years

Kendrick B. Melrose
63,64, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 Chairman of the Board since December 1987 and Chief Executive Officer since December 1983.

William E. Brown, Jr.

42,43, Vice President and General Manager,
Commercial Business
 Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Business since February 2003. From September 2000 to January 2003, he served as General Manager, Landscape Contractor Business. From September 1998 to August 2000, he served as Managing Director, Landscape Contractor Business.

Philip A. Burkart
42, Vice President and General Manager,
Irrigation Business
 Vice President and General Manager, Irrigation Business since February 2003. From November 2000 to January 2003, he served as Vice President and General Manager, International Business. From October 1999 to October 2000, he served as Managing Director, International Business. From September 1997 to October 1999, he was Director of Marketing, International Business.

Michael D. Drazan
46,47, Vice President,
Corporate Information Services
 Vice President, Corporate Information Services since March 2000. From October 1995 to March 2000, he served as Manager, Food Sector Information Technology for infrastructure and applications at Cargill, Incorporated, an international marketer, processor and distributor of agricultural, food, financial and industrial products and services.

Timothy A. Ford
42, Group Vice President
 Group Vice President, Commercial, andIrrigation, Agricultural Irrigation Businesses, Corporate Accounts, and Distributor Businesses, and Center for Advanced Technology since November 2002. From February 2002 to October 2002, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Business, Corporate Accounts and Distributor Business Development. From August 2001 to January 2002, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Business. From January 1998 to July 2001, he held various executive positions at Honeywell International, a diversified technology and manufacturing company, in the Home and Building Control division, that included responsibilities for marketing, operations, and merger integration planning.

Dennis P. Himan
59,60, Vice President and General Manager,
International Business
 Vice President and General Manager, International Business since February 2003. From January 2002 to January 2003, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Exmark Landscape Contractor Business. From August 1998 to December 2001, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Landscape Contractor Business.

Michael J. Hoffman
48, Group Vice49, President and Chief Operating Officer
 President and Chief Operating Officer since October 2004. From November 2002 to October 2004, he served as Group Vice President, Consumer, Exmark, Landscape Contractor and International Businesses since November 2002.Businesses. From May 2001 to October 2002, he served as Group Vice President, Consumer and Landscape Contractor Businesses. From May 2000 to May 2001, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Business. From November 1997 to April 2000, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Business.

Randy B. James
60,61, Vice President and Controller
 Vice President and Controller since December 1988.

J. Lawrence McIntyre
61,62, Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
 Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel since July 1993.

Sandra J. Meurlot
55,56, Vice President, Operations
 Vice President, Operations since November 2002. From September 2000 to February 2001, she served as Vice President/OMC and President, Boat Group at Outboard Marine Corporation, a manufacturer and marketer of marine engines, boats, and accessories. From August 1999 to September 2000, she served as Senior Vice President, Manufacturing at Outboard Marine Corporation.

Karen M. Meyer
54, Vice President, Administration
 Vice President, Administration since August 1998.

Richard W. Rodier
44, General Manager, Landscape Contractor Business – Toro
General Manager, Landscape Contractor Business – Toro since November 2004. From February 2003 to October 2004, he served as Managing Director, Landscape Contractor Business – Toro. From November 1999 to January 2003, he served as Director of Grounds Marketing for the Commercial Business.

Mark B. Stinson
39, General Manager, Landscape Contractor Business – Exmark
General Manager, Landscape Contractor Business – Exmark since November 2004. From February 2003 to October 2004, he served as Managing Director, Landscape Contractor Business – Exmark. From July 1996 to January 2003, he served as Controller of Exmark Manufacturing.

Thomas M. Swain
51, General Manager, Consumer Business
General Manager, Consumer Business since November 2004. From February 2003 to October 2004, he served as Managing Director, Consumer Business. From November 1994 to January 2003, he served as Director of the Consumer Business.

Stephen P. Wolfe
55,56, Vice President Finance, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
 Vice President Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since June 1997.

  There are no family relationships between any director, executive officer or person nominated to become a director or executive officer.officer of the company. There are no arrangements or understandings between any executive officer and any other person pursuant to which he or she was selected as an officer.

officer of the company.

1112


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Toro Common Stockcommon stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “TTC”.“TTC.” The high, low, and last sales prices for Toro Common Stockcommon stock and cash dividends paid for each of the quarterly periods for fiscal 20032004 and 20022003 were as follows:

                  

Fiscal year ended
October 31, 20031FirstSecondThirdFourth

Market price per share of
common stock –
                
 
High sales price
 $34.15  $38.25  $43.43  $50.41 
 
Low sales price
  30.36   30.15   35.50   37.78 
 
Last sales price
  31.51   38.21   39.35   49.70 
Cash dividends per share of
common stock
2
  0.06   0.06   0.06   0.06 

                  

Fiscal year ended
October 31, 2004FirstSecondThirdFourth

Market price per share of common stock –
                
 
High sales price
 $51.00  $64.25  $71.65  $71.34 
 
Low sales price
  44.45   46.33   52.90   60.45 
 
Last sales price
  47.60   58.15   65.50   68.25 
Cash dividends per share
of common stock2
  0.06   0.06   0.06   0.06 

                  

Fiscal year ended
October 31, 20031FirstSecondThirdFourth

Market price per share of common stock –                
 High sales price $34.15  $38.25  $43.43  $50.41 
 Low sales price  30.36   30.15   35.50   37.78 
 Last sales price  31.51   38.21   39.35   49.70 
Cash dividends per share
of common stock2
  0.06   0.06   0.06   0.06 

1 Per share data and sales prices have been adjusted for all periods presented to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective April 1, 2003.
2 Future cash dividends will depend upon the company’s financial condition, capital requirements, results of operations, and other factors deemed relevant by its boardthe Board of directors.Directors.
                  

Fiscal year ended
October 31, 20021FirstSecondThirdFourth

Market price per share of
common stock –
                
 High sales price $24.60  $31.38  $30.00  $32.11 
 Low sales price  20.96   24.12   23.15   24.35 
 Last sales price  24.46   29.00   24.75   31.93 
Cash dividends per share of
common stock2
  0.06   0.06   0.06   0.06 

Common Stock –50,000,000 shares authorized, $1.00 par value, 24,388,99922,518,329 and 24,342,47424,388,999 shares outstanding as of October 31, 20032004 and 2002,2003, respectively.

Preferred Stock –1,000,000 voting shares authorized and 850,000 non-voting shares authorized, $1.00 par value, no shares outstanding.

  As of January 7,December 17, 2004, Toro had approximately 5,1674,741 stockholders of record.

The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of common stock of the company purchased by the company during each of the three fiscal months ended October 31, 2004.

                 

Total NumberMaximum
of SharesNumber of
Purchased asShares that
Part ofMay Yet be
TotalAveragePubliclyPurchased
Number ofPriceAnnouncedUnder the
SharesPaid PerPlans orPlans or
PeriodPurchased1,2ShareProgramsPrograms1,2,3

July 31, 2004 through September 3, 2004  150,789  $65.02   150,789   1,297,724 
September 4, 2004 through October 1, 2004  248,227   68.19   248,227   2,049,497 
October 2, 2004 through October 31, 2004  165,5394  65.82   165,000   1,884,497 

 
 
Total  564,555  $66.65   564,016     

   
1On September 20, 2001, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 2,000,000 shares of the company’s common stock (doubled from the original amount of 1,000,000 shares as a result of the stock split effective April 1, 2003) in open-market or private transactions. The company purchased 36,006 shares during the periods indicated under this program. There are no shares remaining for repurchase under this program.
2On March 12, 2004, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 shares of the company’s common stock in open-market or private transactions. On May 27, 2004, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 2,000,000 shares under this repurchase program, bringing the total maximum number of shares the company is authorized to repurchase under this program to 3,000,000 shares, and authorizing such repurchases to be made in open-market transactions, tender offers, private transactions or other transactions. This program has no expiration date but may be terminated by the company’s Board of Directors at anytime. The company purchased 528,010 shares during the periods indicated under this program.
3On September 30, 2004, the company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 1,000,000 shares of the company’s common stock in open-market transactions or in private negotiated transactions. This program has no expiration date but may be terminated by the company’s Board of Directors at anytime.
4Includes 539 units (shares) of the company’s common stock purchased in open-market transactions at an average price of $66.31 per share on behalf of a rabbi trust formed to pay benefit obligations of the company to participants in deferred compensation plans. These 539 shares were not repurchased under any of the company’s repurchase programs, as described in footnotes 1, 2, and 3 above.

13


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                                      



(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Fiscal years ended October 312003200220012000199920042003200220012000



Net sales
 $1,496,588 $1,399,273 $1,353,083 $1,338,974 $1,279,706  $1,652,508 $1,496,588 $1,399,273 $1,353,083 $1,338,974 
Gross profit percentage
 35.8% 34.7% 34.0% 34.6% 34.1% 35.9% 35.8% 34.7% 34.0% 34.6%
Earnings from operations1
 $129,268 $100,576 $94,633 $97,205 $74,785  $165,225 $126,994 $98,965 $93,248 $96,108 
Interest expense
 16,285 19,747 22,003 26,414 23,810  15,523 16,285 19,747 22,003 26,414 
Earnings before accounting change1
 81,620 59,931 50,448 45,285 35,059  102,666 81,620 59,931 50,448 45,285 
Percentage of net sales
 5.5% 4.3% 3.7% 3.4% 2.7% 6.2% 5.5% 4.3% 3.7% 3.4%
Net earnings1,2
 $81,620 $35,317 $50,448 $45,285 $35,059  $102,666 $81,620 $35,317 $50,448 $45,285 
Basic net earnings per share1,2,3
 3.26 1.41 1.99 1.78 1.36  4.21 3.26 1.41 1.99 1.78 
Diluted net earnings per share1,2,3
 3.12 1.37 1.93 1.74 1.32  4.04 3.12 1.37 1.93 1.74 
Return on average stockholders’ equity1,2
 20.3% 10.0% 15.3% 15.2% 12.9% 24.7% 20.3% 10.0% 15.3% 15.2%
Total assets
 $927,432 $846,140 $835,674 $779,390 $787,178  $928,747 $927,432 $846,140 $835,674 $779,390 
Long-term debt, including current portion
 178,921 194,581 195,078 194,495 196,237  175,091 178,921 194,581 195,078 194,495 
Stockholders’ equity
 437,202 365,290 341,393 317,218 279,663  395,614 437,202 365,290 341,393 317,218 
Debt to capitalization ratio
 29.3% 34.9% 40.2% 39.4% 47.5% 30.8% 29.3% 34.9% 40.2% 39.4%
Cash dividends per share of common stock3
 $.24 $.24 $.24 $.24 $.24  $.24 $.24 $.24 $.24 $.24 

1 Fiscal 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 19992001 earnings from operations include net restructuring and other (income) expense (income) of $(0.7) million, $1.8 million, $8.4 million, ($0.7) million, and $1.7$(0.7) million, respectively.
2 Fiscal 2002 net earnings and basic and diluted net earnings per share data include the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle of $24.6 million, $0.98 per basic share, and $0.95 per diluted share.
3 Per share data has been adjusted for all fiscal years presented to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective April 1, 2003.

12


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Toro Company is in the business of designing, manufacturing, and marketing professional turf maintenance equipment, turf and agricultural irrigation systems, landscaping equipment, and residential yard products worldwide. Our emphasis is to provide well-built, dependable, and innovative products supported by an extensive service network. A significant portion of our revenues is historically attributable to new and enhanced products, and we will aggressively invest in product development and brand building as we begin our new initiative, “6 + 8: Teamwork to the Top”.

Organization of Financial Information

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides material historical and prospective disclosures intended to enable investors and other users to assess our financial condition and results of operations. Statements that are not historical are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties discussed under the caption “Forward-Looking Statements” in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

OVERVIEW

The Toro Company is in the business of designing, manufacturing, and marketing professional turf maintenance equipment and services, turf and agricultural irrigation systems, landscaping equipment, and residential yard products worldwide. Our products are sold through a network of distributors, dealers, hardware retailers, home centers, mass retailers, and over the Internet, mainly through Internet retailers. Our businesses are organized into three segments: professional, residential, and distribution. A fourth segment called “other” consists of corporate and financing activities. Our emphasis is to provide well-built, dependable, and innovative products supported by an extensive service network. A significant portion of our revenues has historically been attributable to new and enhanced products.

Financial Overview

Fiscal 2004 was another record-setting year with double digit sales and earnings growth. Our net earnings rose 25.8 percent compared to fiscal 2003 on net sales growth of 10.4 percent. In addition, our after-tax return on net sales rose to 6.2 percent from 5.5 percent for fiscal 2003. Sales of most of our product lines were up mainly as a result of successful new products introduced within the past two years, favorable foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar, and overall improving economic conditions that have resulted in strong retail demand in most of our businesses. The following table sets forth for the fiscal years indicated net sales by segment and the related percent change from the prior fiscal year.
             

(Dollars in thousands)2004 vs. 2003
Fiscal years ended October 3120042003% change

Professional
 $1,028,941  $929,434   10.7%
Residential
  554,334   506,466   9.5 
Distribution
  152,234   133,957   13.6 
Other
  (83,001)  (73,269)  (13.3)

   
Total net sales
 $1,652,508  $1,496,588   10.4%

  Our financial condition remains strong with lower average debt levels due to lower average inventory levels and higher earnings compared to the prior fiscal year, offset by only a modest increase in average receivables. This has allowed us to reinvest in product development, brand building, and new technologies.

  We also increased our emphasis on repurchasing shares of our common stock. During fiscal 2004, we purchased 2.6 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate cost of $169.8 million to utilize excess cash and reduce our shares

14


outstanding that also resulted in a benefit of approximately $0.10 per diluted share in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003.
  The consolidated financial statementsOverall, fiscal 2004 was a strong year and noteswe believe we are presentedin a position for yet another good year in fiscal 2005. Key drivers for our growth in fiscal 2005 will be the continued success of our product innovation, focusing on markets that are underserved by our brands, developing integrated services with our product offering, and adapting to an ever-changing competitive marketplace by becoming a solutions provider, while keeping a cautionary eye on the world economies, weather, field inventory levels, commodity prices, and other factors identified under the caption “Forward-Looking Statements” in Item 81 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Included10-K, which could cause our actual results to differ from our outlook.

Initiative Accelerating our Future

Fiscal 2004 marked the beginning of our next generation initiative called “6 + 8: Teamwork to the Top.” The goals of this initiative are to achieve a consistent after-tax return on sales of 6 percent or more and grow revenues at an average annual rate of 8 percent or more over the three-year period ending October 31, 2006.
  The following are the focus areas of this initiative.

Lean/ No Waste.The mindset of driving change and process improvement developed with our prior “5 by Five” initiative during fiscal years 2000 through 2003 has continued with this new initiative that is linked to applying “Lean” methods in our manufacturing plants and offices. Throughout the organization, we are rethinking our business and manufacturing processes to improve our efficiency and responsiveness. Employees are engaged in cross-functional teams to take a fresh look at their jobs and processes to eliminate waste and unnecessary steps that do not add value while delivering measurable gains in productivity, throughput, and quality.

Investing in Growth.At the same time, we recognize the need to drive stronger revenue growth through accelerated investments in innovative products and services, product branding, new technologies, and expansion in current and new markets. We are redirecting a portion of our Lean/ No Waste savings to finding new and better solutions that address customer problems to create market differentiation, generate higher margins, and build strong and unique brands. As sales increase, we will continue to reinvest in research and development to sustain our legacy of market leadership.

Strengthening Culture.We are taking steps to continue to strengthen our long-standing cultural values that are designed to maximize our organizational effectiveness and creativity, with particular emphasis on teamwork and partnership, communication, job requirements, and customer responsiveness. We recognize that the collective contributions, energy, and commitment of our employees are the key factors in our success. Therefore, we will continue to invest in education, surveys, focus groups, and other methods to ensure all employees are engaged in a mindset of continuous improvement that will deliver sustainable results.

Leadership Transition

On October 18, 2004, the Board of Directors appointed Michael J. Hoffman to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer. This appointment is the latest step in a comprehensive succession plan that the Board of Directors adopted a number of years ago. The plan is designed to culminate in the consolidated financial statements are the consolidated statementselection of earnings, consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of cash flows, and consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity. The notes,a new Chief Executive Officer no later than October 31, 2005, at which are an integral parttime Kendrick B. Melrose will step down from his current role as Chief Executive Officer to become Executive Chairman of the consolidated financial statements, provide additional information required to fully understand the natureBoard of amounts included in the consolidated financial statements.Directors.

Significant Transactions and Financial Trends

Throughout these financial sections, you will read about significant transactions or events that materially contribute to or reduce our earnings and materially affect financial trends. During fiscal 2004, we experienced rising costs for steel and other commodity prices that reduced our gross margins and net earnings. This trend is expected to continue into fiscal 2005 as increased worldwide demand and other factors are driving higher prices for steel and other commodities. To partially offset the higher commodity costs we are experiencing, we have introduced moderate price increases on certain product lines for fiscal 2005. We also plan to generate cost savings through ongoing cost reduction efforts as we continue to implement lean methods and processes in our plants.
Significant transactions discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis includethat affected our prior fiscal years operating results included an impairment charge recorded in fiscal 2003 for automation equipment that will no longer beis used, a gain resulting from a legal settlement in fiscal 2003, restructuring and other (income) expense (income),in fiscal 2002 and to a lesser extent in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004, the cumulative effect of change in accounting principle as a result of adopting Statement of Financial Accounting StandardStandards (SFAS) No. 142 in fiscal 2002, a goodwill amortization change effective the beginning of fiscal 2002, and a one-time federal tax refund in fiscal 2002. These significant transactions result from unique facts and circumstances that likely will not recur with similar materiality or impact on our continuing operations.
  While these items are important in understanding and evaluating our financial results and trends, other transactions or events such as those discussed later in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis may also have a material impact.impact on financial trends. A complete understanding of these transactions is necessary in order to estimate the likelihood that thesefinancial trends will continue.

15


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Fiscal 2004 net earnings were $102.7 million compared to $81.6 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of 25.8 percent. Fiscal 2004 net earnings per diluted share were $4.04, an increase of 29.5 percent over $3.12 per diluted share in fiscal 2003. The primary factors contributing to the net earnings increase were higher sales volumes and improved leveraging of selling, general, and administrative expense. However, the growth in fiscal 2004 net earnings relative to fiscal 2003 was another record-setting year for both net sales and earnings. More importantly, we reached our “5somewhat tempered by Five” goal of achieving an after-tax return on sales of 5.5 percent, which was adjusted from 5.0 percent as a result of no longer amortizing goodwill beginningdecline in other income compared to fiscal 2002 due to the adoption of SFAS No. 142. The “5 by Five” initiative began in May 2000. The goal of this initiative was to improve our after-tax return on sales. The major strategies to achieve this goal included: revising and transforming how we manufacture, purchase, distribute, market, and service products; improving or discontinuing low performing product lines; and reviewing our expense structure to eliminate low-value activities. During this period, we faced many challenges that included slowing growth in the worldwide economies and eventually a recession, extreme weather patterns in key markets, new accounting standards, and more intense competition. Despite these and other business challenges, we persevered during this three-year period and accomplished our goal by reaching a record-setting milestone of 5.5 percent after-tax return on sales.
2003.
  Now that we have laid a new foundation of continuous improvement in productivity and cost reductions with our “5 by Five” initiative, we plan to leverage that momentum and set the bar even higher with our next generation initiative, “6 + 8: Teamwork to the Top”. The goal of this initiative is to achieve an after-tax return on sales of 6 percent or better and grow revenues at an average rate of 8 percent or better by the end of fiscal 2006. The major strategies of this initiative include: building sales growth through investments in engineering, brand building, and market expansion; eliminating waste throughout the company through the use of “Lean” manufacturing tools, concepts, and methods; and strengthen our cultural values by focusing on teamwork, communication, and customer responsiveness.

Net Earnings

Fiscal 2003 net earnings were $81.6 million or $3.12 per diluted share, compared toa significant improvement from fiscal 2002 net earnings of $35.3 million or $1.37 per diluted share in fiscal 2002. Results for fiscal 2003 included pre-tax restructuring and other expenses that reduced net earnings by $1.8 million ($1.2 million net of tax).share. Results for fiscal 2002 included the following three significant items: a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle that reduced net earnings by $24.6 million for the goodwill write-off related to the adoption of SFAS No. 142; restructuring and other expense of $8.4 million ($5.6 million net of tax); and a tax refund that reduced tax expense by $1.8 million. Other factors contributing to the net earnings increase for fiscal 2003 includeincluded higher sales, an increase in gross margin resulting from our “5 by Five” profit improvement initiatives, and lower interest expense. This was somewhat offset by higher selling, general, and administrative expense.
  The following table summarizes the results of operations as a percentage of net sales.
             

Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002

Net sales
  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%
Cost of sales
  64.1   64.2   65.3 

Gross profit
  35.9   35.8   34.7 
Selling, general, and administrative expense
  (25.9)  (27.2)  (27.0)
Restructuring and other expense
     (0.1)  (0.6)
Interest expense
  (0.9)  (1.1)  (1.4)
Other income, net
  0.2   0.7   0.5 
Provision for income taxes
  (3.1)  (2.6)  (1.9)

Earnings before accounting change
  6.2%  5.5%  4.3%

13


  As we enter fiscal 2004,2005, we anticipate continued benefits from our “5 by Five” initiatives while investing inanother strong year of growth due to the future through aggressive engineeringintroduction of new products and brand marketing.anticipated improving economic conditions. Sales are expected to grow at an annual rate of 7 to 9 percent in fiscal 2005 and diluted net earnings per share are expected to grow at an annual rate of 12 to 15 percent over fiscal 2004, which includes the impact of adopting SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” discussed later in the section entitled “New Accounting Pronouncements to be Adopted.”

Fiscal 2004 Compared With Fiscal 2003

Net Sales.Worldwide net sales in fiscal 2004 were $1,652.5 million compared to $1,496.6 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of 10.4 percent. Sales growth was primarily driven by:
• Market acceptance of new products introduced within the past two years across many product lines.
• Continued increase in demand for landscape contractor equipment as a result of continued market growth and acceptance of new products.
• Favorable currency rates that contributed approximately 1 percent of the sales growth for fiscal 2004. International sales grew 18.1 percent driven primarily by a weaker U.S. dollar and new product introductions. Disregarding currency effects, international sales were up 12.0 percent for fiscal 2004.
• Higher distribution segment sales as a result of strong demand and improving economic conditions.
Somewhat offsetting the factors contributing to our sales growth was a decline in domestic irrigation product sales, mainly domestic residential/commercial irrigation products.
  Looking ahead, we expect sales to grow at an annual rate of 7 to 9 percent in fiscal 2005 compared to the sales reported in fiscal 2004, driven primarily by the introduction of new products, expected continuing favorable economic conditions, and strategic marketing activities directed at underserved markets, such as revitalizing the Lawn-Boy brand with new products and accelerating the growth rate in international markets.

Gross Profit.Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased slightly by 0.1 percentage point from 35.8 percent in fiscal 2003 to 35.9 percent in fiscal 2004. This improvement was mainly the result of the following factors:
• Cost reduction efforts, including ongoing benefits from past and continuing profit improvement initiatives, as well as moving production to facilities with lower operating costs.
• Lower manufacturing costs from increased plant utilization as a result of reduced excess manufacturing capacity, mainly related to increased demand for our products.
• Higher international gross margins as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar.
• Fiscal 2003 gross margins were negatively impacted by an impairment charge for automation equipment that was no longer used and subsequently disposed.

Somewhat offsetting those positive factors were:
• Rising steel and other commodity prices.
• Increased outbound freight costs due to higher fuel costs and increased demand for transportation.
  Looking ahead, gross profit as a percentage of net sales is expected to remain the same in fiscal 2005 compared to fiscal 2004. We anticipate benefits from ongoing past and continuing profit improvement initiatives driven by our emphasis on lean manufacturing as well as moderate price increases will be offset by anticipated higher ratecommodity prices.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense (SG&A).SG&A expense increased 5.4 percent from fiscal 2003. SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales decreased to 25.9 percent in fiscal 2004 compared to sales growth27.2 percent in fiscal 2003. DilutedThe decrease in SG&A expense as a percentage of net earnings aresales was due primarily

16


to leveraging fixed SG&A costs over higher sales volumes as well as the following other factors:
• A decline in bad debt expense due mainly to a recovery of a previously written off note receivable.
• Costs for distributor changes in fiscal 2003 that did not occur in fiscal 2004.
• Reduced warranty expense due mainly to lower claims experience on certain product lines.
• Lower warehousing expenses due to consolidation and the reduction of the number of warehousing facilities utilized.
Somewhat offsetting those decreases were:
• Increased investments in engineering, marketing, and information systems as part of our “6 + 8” initiative.
• Higher incentive compensation costs due to the significant improvement in our financial performance, on which incentive compensation is based. In addition, the increase in Toro’s stock price during fiscal 2004 also contributed to higher compensation expense for our Performance Share Plan. See Note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements for additional information.
  Looking ahead, SG&A expense is expected to growincrease in fiscal 2005 compared to fiscal 2004 as we continue to accelerate our investments in engineering and brand marketing as part of our “6 + 8” initiative. However, we expect to continue to leverage SG&A costs over higher sales volumes in fiscal 2005.

Restructuring and Other (Income) Expense.Restructuring and other income for fiscal 2004 was $0.7 million compared to restructuring and other expense of $1.8 million in fiscal 2003. During fiscal 2003, we announced plans to close our two-cycle engine manufacturing facility located in Oxford, Mississippi that resulted in a pre-tax restructuring and other expense charge of $2.3 million. See Item 1, Environmental Matters and Other Governmental Regulation section for additional information. On April 30, 2004, we ceased operations at that facility. During fiscal 2004, we realized a low double-digitnet benefit of $0.2 million mainly as a result of selling assets that were previously identified for disposal in connection with the closure of this facility. We also realized a net benefit of $0.4 million due to the reversal of an impairment write down for the Madera, California facility in anticipation of the sale of that facility, which was sold during the first quarter of fiscal 2005 for a gain.

  Looking ahead, we expect to incur additional, but immaterial ongoing restructuring and other expenses until our Oxford, Mississippi facility is sold.

Interest Expense.Interest expense for fiscal 2004 declined 4.7 percent compared to fiscal 2003 due primarily to lower average debt levels as we continued to use earnings to finance operating activities and pay down debt.

  Looking ahead, interest expense is expected to increase as a result of higher interest rates. We also anticipate average debt levels to increase due to the use of our excess cash for significant purchases of our common stock during fiscal 2004 and anticipated purchases of our common stock in fiscal 2005.

Other Income, Net.Other income, net consists mainly of interest income, financing income, royalty income, litigation settlements and recovery, currency exchange rate overgains and losses, and equity losses from investments. Other income, net for fiscal 2004 decreased $6.7 million compared to fiscal 2003. This decrease was due mainly to the following factors:
• Litigation expense incurred in fiscal 2004. However, during fiscal 2003, we received proceeds from a legal settlement and insurance recoveries.
• Equity losses incurred from an investment and a loss recognized for the sale of a business in fiscal 2004.

Those negative factors were somewhat offset by higher interest income and finance charge revenue.

Provision for Income Taxes.The effective tax rate for fiscal 2004 was 33.0 percent compared to 32.5 percent in fiscal 2003. The increase was due mainly to an increase in tax reserves for certain state and international issues, partially offset by a reduction in the tax on international operations.

  Looking ahead, the tax rate for fiscal 2005 is expected to slightly increase. Legislation has been enacted to repeal certain foreign export tax incentives that we have qualified for in the past fiscal year. This legislation also includes provisions that allows for a deduction from qualified production activities. While the implication of these provisions varies based on the transition rules and the longer term mix of income, we expect the provisions, after fully phased in, to have a favorable impact on our effective tax rate.

Fiscal 2003 Compared With Fiscal 2002

Net Sales.Worldwide net sales in fiscal 2003 were $1,496.6 million compared to $1,399.3 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of 7.0 percent. Sales growth was primarily driven by market acceptance of new product introductions across many product lines. In addition, favorable currency rates contributed approximately 1 percent of the sales growth for the year. International sales grew 10.5 percent driven primarily by a weaker U.S. dollar, making our products less expensive in foreign currencies as well as new product introductions. Disregarding currency effects, international sales were up 3.7 percent for the year. The acquisition of a distribution company and divestiture of a distributorship had minimal impact on total consolidated net sales.by:
  Looking ahead, we expect a slight improvement in sales growth in fiscal 2004 compared to sales growth in fiscal 2003, driven primarily by the introduction of new products, expected improvement in economic conditions, and strategic marketing activities directed at underserved markets.
• Market acceptance of new product introductions across many product lines.
• Favorable currency rates that contributed approximately 1 percent of the sales growth for fiscal 2003. International sales grew 10.5 percent driven primarily by a weaker U.S. dollar, making our products less expensive in foreign currencies. Disregarding currency effects, international sales were up 3.7 percent for fiscal 2003 principally due to new product introductions.

Gross Profit.Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 1.1 percentage points from 34.7 percent in fiscal 2002 to 35.8 percent in fiscal 2003. This increase was mainly the result of: (i) cost reduction efforts that included reducing raw material costs and moving production to facilities with lower operating costs; (ii) lower manufacturing costs from increased plant utilization as a result of reduced excess manufacturing capacity, mainly related to the closure of three facilities and increased demand for our products; (iii) a reduction of the gross profit elimination percentage due to a change in estimate applied to the ending Toro inventory value at our company-owned distributors; and (iv) the lower cost of the U.S. dollar to our foreign customers.
• Cost reduction efforts that included reducing raw material costs and moving production to facilities with lower operating costs.

17


• Lower manufacturing costs from increased plant utilization due to reduced excess manufacturing capacity, mainly related to the closure of three facilities and increased demand for our products.
• A reduction of the gross profit elimination percentage due to a change in estimate applied to the ending Toro inventory value at our company-owned distributors.
• Higher international gross margins as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar.

Somewhat offsetting those positive factors were: (i) higher inbound freight costs as we moved some of our production to Juarez, Mexico and (ii) an impairment charge for automation equipment that will no longer be used.
  Looking ahead, gross profit is expected to continue to improve as a result of fundamental improvements from our “5 by Five” initiatives.
• Higher inbound freight costs as we moved some of our production to Juarez, Mexico.
• An impairment charge for automation equipment no longer used and subsequently disposed.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense (SG&A).SG&A expense increased 7.57.6 percent from last year.in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales increased slightly to 27.027.2 percent in fiscal 2003 compared to 26.927.0 percent in fiscal 2002. These increases were due primarily due to the following factors: (i) higher administrative expenses, mainly from increased investments in information systems and distributor changes; (ii) increased marketing expense tied to higher sales; (iii) higher incentive compensation costs due to successful achievement of financial performance which incentive compensation is based; and (iv) higher warranty expense due to higher sales volumes and changes in estimates.

  Looking ahead, SG&A expense is expected to increase in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003 as we accelerate our investments in engineering and brand marketing as part of the new “6 + 8: Teamwork to the Top” initiative.
• Higher administrative expenses, mainly from increased investments in information systems and distributor changes.
• Increased marketing expense tied to higher sales.
• Higher incentive compensation costs due to successful achievement of financial goals, on which incentive compensation is based.
• Higher warranty expense due to higher sales volumes and changes in estimates.

Restructuring and Other Expense (Income).Expense.Restructuring and other expense for fiscal 2003 was $1.8 million compared to $8.4 million in fiscal 2002. During fiscal 2003, we announced plans to close our two-cycle engine manufacturing facility located in Oxford, Mississippi that resulted in a pre-tax restructuring and other expense charge of $2.3 million. See Item 1, Environmental Matters and Other Governmental Regulation section for additional information. We also recorded a benefit of $0.2 million for the reversal of the remaining accrual for closing a facility in Australia, which was sold during fiscal 2003.

  During fiscal 2002, we announced the closing of three manufacturing operations.facilities. These actions were part of our long-term strategy to reduce production costs and improve long-term competitiveness. Closing these facilities resulted in a pre-tax restructuring and other expense charge of $6.4 million in fiscal 2002. We also incurred a $2.0 million charge for asset impairment related to the write-off of patents and non-compete agreements in the agricultural irrigation business. Based on our evaluation of the recoverability of some acquired intangible assets, we determined that the acquired patents and non-compete agreements in the agricultural irrigation business had no future value due to changes in this business.
  Looking ahead, we expect to incur additional, but immaterial ongoing restructuring and other expenses until operations cease at our Oxford, Mississippi facility and the facility is sold.

Interest Expense.Interest expense for fiscal 2003 declined 17.5 percent compared to fiscal 2002 due primarily to lower levels of average debt levels as we continuecontinued to use earnings to pay down debt.

Other Income, Net.Other income, net for fiscal 2003 increased $2.0$2.6 million or 32.934.7 percent compared to fiscal 2002. This increase was due mainly to the following factors: (i) proceeds from a legal settlement and (ii) insurance recoveries. These positive factors were somewhat offset by: (i)by higher levels of currency exchange rate losses; (ii)losses, lower levels of finance charge revenue;revenue, and (iii) reduced royalty income.

Provision for Income Taxes.The effective tax rate for fiscal 2003 was 32.5 percent compared to 33.0 percent in fiscal 2002, before a one-time federal tax refund of $1.8 million in fiscal 2002. Including the one-time federal tax refund, the effective tax rate was 31.0 percent for fiscal 2002. The decrease was due mainly to additional federal tax credits received in fiscal 2003.

  Looking ahead, the tax rate for fiscal 2004 is expected to increase slightly due to an anticipated increase in domestic earnings. Legislation is pending to repeal certain foreign export incentives. If enacted in the absence of proposed offsetting initiatives, our effective tax rate would increase.

14


Fiscal 2002 Compared with Fiscal 2001

Net Sales. Worldwide net sales in fiscal 2002 were $1,399.3 million compared to $1,353.1 million in fiscal 2001, an increase of 3.4 percent. Positive reaction to and initial stocking orders for a new line of Toro walk power mowers led this increase. In addition, positive acceptance of other new product introductions across many product lines contributed to the sales growth. The acquisition of a distribution company in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 added $5.1 million of incremental net sales for fiscal 2002. International sales grew 3.5 percent driven primarily by new product introductions and stronger than expected demand in the Asian golf market. Disregarding currency effects, international sales were up 3.1 percent for the year.

Gross Profit. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 34.7 percent in fiscal 2002 compared to 34.0 percent in fiscal 2001. This increase was mainly the result of: (i) cost reduction efforts that included moving production to lower cost facilities and (ii) lower material costs resulting from our “5 by Five” program initiatives. Somewhat offsetting those positive factors were: (i) a higher proportion of sales of the new line of Toro walk power mowers; (ii) higher manufacturing costs from lower plant utilization as we curtailed production levels in response to lower professional segment sales and to implement management’s efforts to reduce both customers’ and our inventory levels; (iii) higher floor plan expenses; and (iv) elimination of gross profit previously recorded with respect to sales of Toro products to a distributor that was experiencing financial difficulties and eventually acquired during fiscal 2003.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expense (SG&A). Adjusted to exclude goodwill amortization, SG&A expense increased 5.2 percent from the prior year. Factoring out the acquisition of a distribution company in fiscal 2001 and excluding goodwill amortization for the purpose of comparison, SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales was 26.8 percent in fiscal 2002 and 26.4 percent in fiscal 2001. This increase was due to the following factors: (i) higher bad debt expense; (ii) higher incentive compensation costs; (iii) increased legal and information service spending; and (iv) rising insurance costs.

Restructuring and Other Expense (Income). Restructuring and other expense for fiscal 2002 was $8.4 million, as previously mentioned. During fiscal 2001, we had pre-tax restructuring and other income of $0.7 million. This income was derived from the reversal of the remaining accrual for closing of the Sardis, Mississippi facility, which was sold in fiscal 2001.

Interest Expense. Interest expense for fiscal 2002 declined 10.3 percent compared to fiscal 2001 due primarily to lower levels of short-term debt as a result of using prior years’ earnings to pay down debt, improved asset management during the second half of fiscal 2002, and lower interest rates.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net for fiscal 2002 declined $1.5 million or 19.8 percent compared to fiscal 2001. This decrease was due to the following factors: (i) lower levels of finance charge revenue; (ii) lower currency exchange rate gains; (iii) increased litigation expense; and (iv) lower levels of insurance recoveries. Somewhat offsetting those negative factors were: (i) increased gains on the disposal of property, plant, and equipment, mainly on the sale of one of our owned facilities located in Riverside, California; (ii) lower levels of valuation charges for investments; and (iii) higher royalty income.

Provision for Income Taxes. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2002 was 33.0 percent compared to 37.0 percent in fiscal 2001, before a one-time federal tax refund of $1.8 million in fiscal 2002. Including the one-time federal tax refund, the effective tax rate was 31.0 percent for fiscal 2002. The decrease was due mainly to the adoption of SFAS No. 142 that eliminated goodwill amortization expense as of the beginning of fiscal 2002. Most of the goodwill amortization was not deductible for tax purposes. The tax rate decrease was also due to increased benefits from foreign tax strategies related to our foreign sales corporation. The one-time federal tax refund of $1.8 million related to our foreign sales corporation from prior fiscal years.

Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle.In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, we performed an evaluation of goodwill as of November 1, 2001. The results of this evaluation indicated that goodwill related to the agricultural irrigation reporting unit was impaired. We therefore recognized a $24.6 million non-cash charge, net of income tax benefit of $0.5 million, as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in fiscal 2002.

Business Segments

PERFORMANCE BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

As more fully described in Note 12 of the notes to consolidated financial statements, we operate in three reportable segments;business segments: professional, residential, and distribution. A fourth reportable segment called “other” consists of corporate and financing functions. Operating earnings (loss) by segmentfor each of our three business segments is defined as earnings (loss) from operations plus other income, net,net. Operating losses for the professional, residential, and distribution segments. The otherour fourth “other” segment operating loss consists of corporate activities, including corporate financing activities, other income, net, and interest expense.

  The following information provides perspective on our business segments’ sales and operating results.

Professional –

Net Sales. In fiscal 2003, professionalProfessional segment net sales represented 62 percent of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002. The following table shows the professional segment net sales, operating earnings, and operating earnings as a percent of net sales.
              

(Dollars in millions)
Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002

Net sales
 $1,028.9  $929.4  $862.3 
Operating earnings
  173.1   146.8   111.7 
 
As a percent of net sales
  16.8%  15.8%  13.0%

18


Net Sales.Worldwide net sales for the professional segment in fiscal 2004 were up 10.7 percent compared to fiscal 2003 as a result of the following factors:
• Worldwide shipments of most product lines were up driven primarily by our success of introducing new products within the past two years.
• Continued increase in demand for landscape contractor equipment as a result of the growing market and our customers’ acceptance of new products.
• International sales were up significantly due to strong demand and the successful introduction of new products as well as a weaker U.S. dollar.
• Overall improving economic conditions have resulted in strong retail demand in most of our businesses.

Somewhat offsetting those increases were lower domestic residential/commercial irrigation product shipments as our customers reduced orders to lower their field inventory levels, and unfavorable weather conditions in key markets.
  Field inventory levels for most professional segment equipment product lines were higher as of the end of fiscal 2004 compared to the end of fiscal 2003 as a result of lower than anticipated retail demand in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to unusually strong retail demand in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. In addition, strong orders from our customers also contributed to the increase in field inventory levels due to anticipated strong retail demand in fiscal 2005 as a result of our new innovative products and expectations that economic conditions will continue to improve.
  Worldwide net sales for the professional segment in fiscal 2003 were up 7.8 percent compared to fiscal 2002. Worldwide shipments of most product lines increased due to the successful introduction of new products as well as lower field inventory levels and a stronger order position entering fiscal 2003 as compared to those entering fiscal 2002. In addition, favorable currency exchange rates contributed to sales growth.

15


  In fiscal 2002, professional segment net sales represented 62 percent of consolidated net sales. Worldwide net sales for the professional segment in fiscal 2002 were up slightly by 0.4 percent compared to fiscal 2001. Commercial equipment product sales were up in fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001 driven by successful new product introductions. Fiscal 2002 irrigation product sales also increased compared to fiscal 2001 due to lower field inventory levels entering fiscal 2002 and favorable weather conditions. International shipments were also higher due to the successful introduction of new products and stronger than expected demand in the Asian golf market. Somewhat offsetting those increases were lower shipments of landscape contractor equipment as we and our customers reduced field inventory levels during fiscal 2002.
  Looking ahead, sales for the professional segment are expected to grow in fiscal 20042005 compared to fiscal 20032004 because we expect new products to be well received whichand anticipate economic conditions to continue to improve. In addition, we introduced price increases for some 2005 products that should cause our market sharealso contribute to grow.sales growth in fiscal 2005.

Operating Earnings.Operating earnings for the professional segment were $146.8 millionin fiscal 2004 increased 18.0 percent compared to fiscal 2003. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, professional segment operating margins increased to 16.8 percent compared to 15.8 percent in fiscal 2003. The following factors impacted professional segment operating earnings:
• Lower SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales contributed to the operating earnings improvement as we leveraged the fixed portion of SG&A costs over higher sales volumes and reduced warranty expense.
• Gross margin rose slightly in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003 due to the same reasons discussed previously in the Gross Profit section.
• Somewhat offsetting the operating earnings improvement was lower other income in fiscal 2004 as we received a gain from a legal settlement in fiscal 2003.

  Operating earnings for the professional segment in fiscal 2003 increased 31.4 percent compared to $111.7 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of 31.4 percent.2002. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, professional segment operating margins increased to 15.8 percent in fiscal 2003 compared to 13.0 percent in fiscal 2002. However, fiscal 2002 operating earnings were reduced by pre-tax restructuring and other expense of $8.4 million. The operating profit improvement was due mainly to higher gross margins as a result of benefits from our “5 by Five” initiatives and slightly lower SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales due to leveraging the fixed portion of SG&A portioncosts over higher sales volumes. In addition, proceeds from a legal settlement contributed to the profit improvement. Somewhat offsetting the increase in operating earnings was an impairment charge for automation equipment discussed previously.
  Adjusted to exclude goodwill amortization for comparable purposes, operating earnings for the professional segment decreased 2.6 percent in fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, professional segment operating margins decreased to 13.0 percent in fiscal 2002 from 13.4 percent in fiscal 2001. However, fiscal 2002 operating earnings were reduced by pre-tax restructuring and other expense of $8.4 million. Fiscal 2002 operating earnings benefited from higher gross margins as a result of cost reduction efforts and lower material costs, somewhat offset by higher manufacturing costs described previously and higher floor plan expenses.
  Looking ahead, professional segment earnings are anticipated to improve in fiscal 20042005 compared to fiscal 20032004 due to expected sales growth, slight improvement in gross margins, and ongoing benefitsleveraging of “5 by Five” initiatives.SG&A costs.

Residential –

Net Sales.In fiscal 2003, residentialResidential segment net sales represented 34 percent of consolidated net sales for fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002. The following table shows the residential segment net sales, operating earnings, and operating earnings as a percent of net sales.
              

(Dollars in millions)
Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002

Net sales
 $554.3  $506.5  $474.3 
Operating earnings
  61.8   55.5   51.9 
 
As a percent of net sales
  11.1%  11.0%  10.9%

Net Sales.Worldwide net sales for the residential segment in fiscal 2004 were up 9.5 percent compared to fiscal 2003 as a result of the following factors:
• Snow thrower sales were up due to customer acceptance of new products and strong demand as a result of heavy snowfalls in key markets during the 2003-2004 winter season that depleted field inventory levels.
• Strong shipments of walk power mowers driven by the introduction of new models as well as strong retail demand.
• Home solutions product shipments increased as a result of additional shelf placement and new product introductions.
• Riding product sales were slightly higher due to initial stocking shipments of new products sold under a private label. However, other riding product sales declined due to continued strong competition.

19


• International sales benefited from a weaker U.S. dollar as well as strong sales of Pope products in Australia and increased sales of snow throwers, home solutions, and walk power mower products.

  Worldwide net sales for the residential segment in fiscal 2003 were up by 6.8 percent compared to fiscal 2002. Riding product shipments increased due to initial stocking orders and positive customer acceptance for the new line of Timecutter Z mowers. However, other riding product lines were down due to continued strong competition consumer preference for lower-priced units, and a shift of sales to the new Timecutter riding mowers. Toro walk power mowers were also up due to successful promotional programs and strong retail demand. SnowthrowerSnow thrower product sales also increased due mainly to initial stocking orders for our new two-stage snowthrowersnow thrower products. Somewhat offsetting this increase was lower electric trimmer and blower shipments due to lost shelf space at a home center customer and poor weather conditions.
  In fiscal 2002, residential segment net sales represented 34 percent of consolidated net sales. Worldwide net sales for the residential segment in fiscal 2002 were up by 9.8 percent compared to fiscal 2001. Walk power mower sales led this increase due to positive reaction to and initial stocking shipments for the new line of Toro walk power mowers. Sales of retail irrigation products were also higher due to additional regional shelf space with a key customer, new product introductions, and increased demand. Somewhat offsetting those increases were lower shipments of riding products due to weak economic conditions that have resulted in lower sales of higher-priced products as well as strong competition and consumer preference for lower-priced units. In addition, fiscal 2001 sales were unusually high because of initial stocking shipments of new riding products, such as the TimeCutter ZX. Lawn-Boy walk power mower shipments also declined as a result of lost shelf space for the four-cycle engine models at a home center customer. Snowthrower shipments were also down compared to fiscal 2001 because the mild 2001-2002 snow season resulted in higher field inventory levels entering the 2002-2003 winter season.
  Looking ahead, residential segment sales are expected to grow in fiscal 20042005 compared to fiscal 20032004 led by the continued success of our walk power mower strategy introduced in fiscal 2002. We also anticipate positive momentum from new products we introduced this year, such as the line of Timecutter Z riding mowers, to continue into fiscal 2004.product introductions and additional shelf space at a key retailer for some new products.

Operating Earnings.Operating earnings for the residential segment in fiscal 2004 increased 6.811.4 percent compared to fiscal 2003. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, residential segment operating margins slightly increased to 11.1 percent compared to 11.0 percent in fiscal 2003. The following factors impacted residential segment operating earnings:
• Lower SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales contributed to the operating earnings improvement as we leveraged the fixed portion of SG&A costs over higher sales volumes.
• Somewhat offsetting the operating earnings improvement was lower gross margin as a result of rising steel and other commodity costs and increased freight expense.
• In addition, fiscal 2003 operating earnings were negatively affected by a restructuring and other expense charge of $2.2 million mainly related to the closure of our two-cycle engine manufacturing facility.

  Operating earnings for the residential segment in fiscal 2003 increased 6.8 percent compared to fiscal 2002. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, residential segment operating margins increased slightly increased to 11.0 percent compared to 10.9 percent in fiscal 2002. Fiscal2002 mainly as a result of higher gross margins. In addition, fiscal 2003 operating earnings were negatively affected by athe restructuring and other expense charge of $2.2 million mainly related to the announced closure of our two-cycle engine manufacturing facility. On a positive note, higher gross margins contributed to fiscal 2003 operating earnings.
  Adjusted to exclude goodwill amortization for comparable purposes, operating earnings for the residential segment increased 22.4 percent in fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, residential segment operating margins increased to 10.9 percent in fiscal 2002 from 9.8 percent in fiscal 2001. This increase was due mainly to leveraging fixed SG&A expenses over higher sales volumes. Somewhat offsetting this profit improvement was a decline in gross margins due to lower margins on the new line of walk power mowers, higher manufacturing costs, and increased floor plan expenses.discussed previously.

16


  Looking ahead, residential segment earnings are expected to improveslightly increase in fiscal 2005 compared to fiscal 2004 due to anticipated higher sales volumes and leveraging SG&A costs.

Distribution

The following table shows the distribution segment net sales and operating earnings (loss).
             

(Dollars in millions)
Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002

Net sales
 $152.2  $134.0  $158.9 
Operating earnings (loss)
  2.2��  (0.5)  2.3 

Net Sales.Net sales for the distribution segment in fiscal 2004 increased 13.6 percent compared to fiscal 20032003. The sales increase was due primarily to strong demand for commercial equipment and irrigation products as we continue to experience benefits generated by “5 by Five” initiatives in addition to expecteda result of improving economic conditions, higher sales volumes.

Distribution –of snow thrower products, and the addition of sales from a southeastern-based distributorship acquired during fiscal 2003. Factoring out sales from the acquired distributorship and a distribution company sold effective December 31, 2002, sales increased 12.9 percent compared to fiscal 2003.

Net Sales.Net sales for the distribution segment in fiscal 2003 decreased 15.7 percent compared to fiscal 2002. The sales decline was primarily the result of selling one of the previously owned distributorships effective December 31, 2002, somewhat offset by the addition of sales from a southeastern-based U.S. distributor acquired during fiscal 2003. Factoring out sales from the distribution company sold distributorship and the acquired distributorship, net sales for the distribution segment were down slightly by 1.8 percent due mainly to lower snowthrowersnow thrower product sales in the Midwestern region as well as a decline in irrigation product sales.
  Net sales for the distribution segment in fiscal 2002 increased 8.4 percent compared to fiscal 2001. The sales increase was due to additional volume contributed by a distribution company acquired in fiscal 2001, which added $15.6 million of incremental net sales for the distribution segment in fiscal 2002. Factoring out sales from this acquisition, net sales for the distribution segment would have been down 2.3 percent. This decline was due to weak economic conditions, mainly in the golf market, which resulted in lower commercial equipment and irrigation product sales.
  Looking ahead, we expect distribution segment sales in fiscal 2005 to decrease as a result of the divestiture of our southeastern-based distributorship during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 and the divestiture of our southwestern-based distributorship during the first quarter of fiscal 2005. Therefore, fiscal 2005 will only include results from two company-owned distributors compared to increase with the introduction of new products and anticipated improvement in economic conditions.four during fiscal 2004.

Operating Earnings (Losses) Earnings..Operating earnings for the distribution segment in fiscal 2004 were $2.2 million compared to operating losses of $0.5 million in fiscal 2003. This favorable change in operating earnings was due mainly to higher sales volumes and operating improvements at the company-owned distributorships.

  Operating losses for the distribution segment in fiscal 2003 were $0.5 million compared to operating earnings of $2.3 million in fiscal 2002, an unfavorable change of $2.8 million. This unfavorable change in operating earnings was due mainly to the divestiture of a previously owned distributorship.
  Operating earnings for the distribution segment in fiscal 2002 were $2.3 million compared to operating losses of $0.4 million in fiscal 2001. This substantial profit improvement was due mainly to operating improvements and cost reductions at some of the company-owned distributorships.
  Looking ahead, we expect fiscal 20042005 operating earnings for this segment to be higher than in fiscal 20032004 as a result of anticipated higher sales volumes.the divestiture in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 of our unprofitable southeastern-based distributorship.

20


Other –

Net Sales.Net sales for the other segment include the elimination of sales from the professional and residential segments to the distribution segment. Shipments from the professionalProfessional and residential segmentssegment shipments to the Toro-owned distribution companiescompany-owned distributorships are eliminated in the other segment because consolidated results reflect those sales in the distribution segment after products are sold by the company-owned distributorships. In addition, elimination of the professional and residential segments’ floor plan interest costs from Toro Credit Company isare also included in this segment. The other segment net sales elimination in fiscal 2004 increased 13.3 percent compared to fiscal 2003. This increase was driven by higher shipments to the distribution companies as a result of strong retail demand.
  The other segment net sales elimination in fiscal 2003 decreased 23.9 percent compared to fiscal 2002. This decline reflectswas due to lower shipments to the distribution companies mainly as a result of the divestiture of a distributorship induring the first quarter of fiscal 2003. This was somewhat offset by the acquisition of a distribution companydistributorship during the second half of fiscal 2003.

Operating loss.

  TheOperating loss for the other segment net sales elimination in fiscal 2002 increased 13.82004 was up 3.8 percent compared to fiscal 2001.2003. This loss increase was due mainly to additional sales eliminatedhigher incentive compensation costs, increased spending for information systems, higher litigation costs, and the fact that fiscal 2003 was favorably impacted by a distribution company acquiredreduction of the gross profit elimination percentage due to a change in estimate applied to the ending Toro inventory at our company-owned distributors. Those increases were somewhat offset by lower bad debt expense and costs for distributor changes in fiscal 2001.

Operating loss.2003 that did not occur in fiscal 2004.

Operating loss for the other segment in fiscal 2003 was up 2.2 percent compared to fiscal 2002. This loss increase was due to higher incentive compensation expenses, rising insurance costs, and increased investments in information systems and distributor changes. Somewhat offsetting the operating loss increase werewas lower interest expense, higher litigation recovery, and a reduction of the gross profit elimination percentage due to a change in estimate applied to the ending Toro inventory value at our company-owned distributors.
  Operating loss for the other segment in fiscal 2002 increased 16.2 percent compared to fiscal 2001. This unfavorable change was due to higher incentive compensation, increased bad debt expense, higher legal costs, rising insurance costs, and higher information service spending, although the increases were somewhat offset by a decline in interest expense.

17


FINANCIAL CONDITION

Working Capital

Our financial condition remains strong.strong with continued emphasis on improving asset management. Our average working capital for fiscal 20032004 was $339.0$364.3 million compared to $282.6$339.0 million in fiscal 2002,2003, an increase of 20.07.5 percent. This increase was due mainly to higher average current assets and lower average short-term debt and higher average cash and cash equivalents, somewhat offset by higher average accrued liabilities in fiscal 20032004 compared to fiscal 2002.2003 as a result of increased average incentive and sales-based marketing accruals.
  The following table highlights several key measures of our working capital performance:performance.
                



(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Fiscal years ended October 312003200220042003



Average cash and cash equivalents
 $32.3 $14.9  $57.5 $32.3 
Average short-term debt
 36.8 65.5  6.1 36.8 
Average inventories, net
 258.3 244.6  246.6 258.3 
Average receivables, net
 343.4 324.6  349.1 343.4 
Average days receivables outstanding
 84 85 
Average days outstanding for receivables
 77 84 
Inventory turnover
 3.72x 3.74x 4.30x 3.72x

Average short-term debt decreased in fiscal 20032004 compared to fiscal 20022003 primarily because we used cash generated from earnings to pay down debt, which also resulted in higher average cash and cash equivalents in fiscal 20032004 compared to fiscal 2002.2003. The increase in average receivables, net was due primarily to higher sales volumes and higher foreign currency exchange rates as a result of the weaker U.S. dollar. However, averageAverage days outstanding for receivables improved to 77 days in fiscal 2004 compared to 84 days in fiscal 2003 compared to 85 days in fiscal 2002 due primarily to a higher proportion of sales that have shorter payment terms.

terms, strong retail demand, and $6.4 million of account receivable balances refinanced to long-term loans for a distributor.
  Average net inventories increased 5.6decreased 4.6 percent and average inventory turnover was down slightlyimproved in fiscal 20032004 compared to fiscal 2002.2003. This unfavorablefavorable change was a result of prebuilding some residential segment products together with lowerdriven by higher than expectedanticipated sales during fiscal 2003. In addition, fiscal 2002 averagevolumes and efforts to improve inventory levels were unusually low as we worked to reduce our professional segment inventory levels through production cuts as well as greater than expected demand for the walk power mower line introduced in fiscal 2002, which resulted in our decision to prebuild product for fiscal 2003. Higher foreign currency exchange rates also contributed to the higher average inventory levels in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002.turnover.
  We expect that average receivables and inventory levels in fiscal 20042005 will increase compared to fiscal 20032004 due to higher planned sales volumes. However, weWe anticipate both average days outstanding for receivables and average inventory turnover to slightly improve in fiscal 20042005 compared to fiscal 20032004 as we continue efforts to improve asset utilization.

Capital Expenditures and Other Long-Term Assets

Long-term assets as of October 31, 2003 were $253.5 million compared to $254.0 million as of October 31, 2002. Net property, plant, and equipment increased by 1.53.5 percent in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003. However, capital expenditures were 5.7 percent lower in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003. This decline was due primarily to higher spending on production equipment. Goodwillequipment and other assets slightly increased fromtooling expenditures in fiscal 2002 due mainly to2003 for new products we introduced within the acquisition of R & D Engineering, a provider of patented wireless rain and freeze switches for residential irrigation systems.
past two years. Capital expenditures for fiscal 20042005 are planned to be slightlyapproximately $5 to $10 million higher than fiscal 2004 as we continue to invest in information service technology, manufacturing equipment, and tooling for new products.
  Long-term assets as of October 31, 2004 were $263.6 million compared to $253.5 million as of October 31, 2003, an increase of 4.0 percent. This increase was due to the renovationan increase of net property, plant, and expansion of some facilities.equipment and long-term loans refinanced from account receivable balances discussed previously.

21


Capital Structure

The following table details our total capitalization components and key ratios:ratios.
               



(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Fiscal years ended October 312003200220042003



Short-term debt
 $2.1 $1.2  $1.1 $2.1 
Long-term debt, including current portion
 178.9 194.6  175.1 178.9 
Stockholders’ equity
 437.2 365.3  395.6 437.2 
Debt to capitalization ratio
 29.3% 34.9% 30.8% 29.3%

The total

Total debt to capitalization ratio improvementwas slightly worse in fiscal 20032004 compared to fiscal 2002 was2003 due mainly to lower debta decrease in stockholders’ equity as cash-related earnings were used to pay down debt.

Stock Split. On March 20, 2003, our Boarda result of Directors declared a two-for-one splitsignificantly higher amounts of shares of our common stock effectedwe repurchased in the form of a 100 percent stock dividend issuedfiscal 2004 compared to stockholders of record as of April 1, 2003 and paid on April 14,fiscal 2003. As a result of this action, approximately 12.5 million shares were issued. Par value of the common stock remains at $1.00 per share and accordingly, approximately $12.5 million was transferred from additional paid-in capital to common stock. All references to the number of common shares and per common share amounts have been adjusted to give retroactive effect to the stock split for all periods presented.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our businesses are seasonally working capital intensive and require funding for purchases of raw materials used in production, and replacement parts inventory, capital expenditures, expansion and upgrading of existing facilities, as well as for financing receivables from customers. We believe that cash generated from operations, together with our fixed rate long-term debt, bank credit lines, and cash on hand, will provide us with adequate liquidity to meet our operating requirements. We believe that the combination of funds available through existing or anticipated financing arrangements, coupled with forecasted cash flows, will be sufficient to provide the necessary capital resources for our anticipated working capital, capital expenditures, debt repayments, dividend payments, and stock repurchases for at least the next twelve months.
  In fiscal 2005, our Board of Directors approved an increase in our first quarter of fiscal 2005 dividend, payable on January 10, 2005, from our historical rate of $.06 per share to $.12 per share.

Cash Flow

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing, and financing activities during the past three fiscal years are shown in the next fiscal year.following table.
             

Cash Provided by (Used In)
(Dollars in millions)
Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002

Operating activities
 $185.1  $118.6  $145.5 
Investing activities
  (38.3)  (40.5)  (44.4)
Financing activities
  (166.2)  (30.7)  (51.1)
Effect of exchange rates on cash
  (0.1)  0.1   (0.1)

Net cash flows (used) provided
 $(19.5) $47.5  $49.9 

Cash and cash equivalents as of fiscal year end
 $90.8  $110.3  $62.8 

Cash Flow.Flows Provided by Operating Activities.Our primary source of funds is cash generated from operations. In fiscal 2003,2004, cash provided by operating activities decreasedincreased significantly by 19.056.1 percent from fiscal 2002.2003. This declineimprovement was due primarily to higher earnings, a lower increase in accounts receivable, and inventory levels described previously, somewhat offset by higher cash-related earnings in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002.accrued liabilities, mainly incentive and marketing accruals. In addition, fiscal 2002an increase of tax benefits related to stock option transactions also contributed to the improvement of cash generated from operations was unusually high as a result of significantly lower levels of receivables and inventoriesflows provided by operating activities.

Cash Flows Used in fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001.Investing Activities.

18


Capital expenditures continue to be a primary use of capital resources. Cash used in investing activities decreased by 8.15.4 percent due mainly to a lower level of purchases of property, plant, and equipment in fiscal 20032004 compared to fiscal 2002. In addition, we received proceeds from an investment and the sale of a previously owned distribution company. This was somewhat offset by cash used for the acquisition of R & D Engineering, a company2003, as discussed previously.

Cash Flows Used in the business of patented wireless rain and freeze switches for residential irrigation systems.

Financing Activities.Cash used in financing activities was 40.0 percent lowersignificantly higher by $135.5 million in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002 due to higher levels of short-term debt repayments during fiscal 20022004 compared to fiscal 2003. This was somewhat offsetprimarily driven by higher repayments of long-term debtincreased funds used to purchase our common stock for $169.8 million in fiscal 20032004 compared to $18.7 million in fiscal 2002.
2003. Refer to section “Share Repurchase Plan” below for additional details.

Credit Lines and Other Capital Resources.Resources

Our business is seasonal, with accounts receivable balances historically increasing between January and April as a result of higher sales volumes and extended payment terms made available to our customers, and decreasing between May and December when payments are received. The seasonality of production and shipments causes working capital requirements to fluctuate during the year. Our U.S. seasonal working capitalpeak borrowing usually occurs between February and May. Seasonal cash requirements are fundedfinanced from operations and with short- and medium-term financing arrangements, including a $175.0 million medium-term committed unsecured banksenior five-year revolving credit line with various banks,facility, which expires in February 2005. In fiscal 2003, weSeptember 2009. We also entered intohave a new $75.0 million secured credit line backed by a multi-year credit agreement, expiring in July 2006, which is expected to reduce our interest costs.renewable annually. Interest expense on these credit lines is determined frombased on a LIBOR or commercial paper rate plus a basis point spread defined in the credit agreements. In addition, our non-U.S. operations and a domestic subsidiary also maintain unsecured short-term lines of credit of approximately $10.9$15.8 million. These facilities bear interest at various rates depending on the rates in their respective countries of operation. We also have a letter of credit subfacility as part of our credit agreements. Average short-term debt was $6.1 million in fiscal 2004 compared to $36.8 million in fiscal 2003, a decrease of $30.7 million. This decline was primarily attributable to our use of cash generated from earnings to pay down debt and finance operating activities. As of October 31, 2003,2004, we had $258.8$264.7 million of unutilized availability under our credit agreements.
  Significant financial covenants in our credit agreements are interest coverage and debt to total capitalization ratios. We were in compliance with all covenants related to our credit agreements as of October 31, 2003,2004, and expect to be in compliance with all

22


covenants in fiscal 2004.2005. Our credit agreements require compliance with all of the covenants defined in the agreements. However, ifIf we were out of compliance with any debt covenant required by our credit agreements, the banks could terminate their commitments unless we could negotiate a covenant waiver from the banks. In addition, our long-term public notes and debentures could become due and payable if we were unable to obtain a covenant waiver or refinance our medium-term debt under our credit agreements. If our credit rating falls below investment grade, the interest rate we currently pay on outstanding debt on the credit agreements would increase, but the credit commitments could not be cancelled by the banks based only on a ratings downgrade. Our debt rating for long-term unsecured senior, non-credit enhanced debt has been unchanged for the past fiscal year by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Group at BBB- and by Moody’s Investors Service at Baa3.

Share Repurchase Plan

  Our business is seasonal, with accounts receivable balances historically increasing between January and AprilDuring fiscal 2004, we increased our emphasis on repurchasing shares of our common stock as a resultmeans of higher sales volumesutilizing excess cash and extended payment terms made available toreducing our customers, and decreasing between May and December when payments are received. Our peak borrowing usually occurs between February and May. Seasonal cash requirements are financed from operations and with short- and medium-term financing arrangements described above.

Share Repurchase Plan.Our Board of Directors has authorized us toshares outstanding. In addition, our repurchase up to 2,000,000 shares of Toro common stock, which was doubled from the original 1,000,000 shares authorized for repurchase as a result of the stock split effective April 1, 2003. As of October 31, 2003, 464,947 shares remained authorized for repurchase. This repurchase program providesprograms provide shares for use in connection with acquisitions andour equity compensation plans so that even withcompensation. In order to accomplish this, our Board of Directors authorized the issuancerepurchase of shares under those plans,of our common stock during fiscal 2004 as follows:

• In March 2004, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 shares of our common stock in open-market or private transactions.
• In May 2004, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 2,000,000 shares, bringing the total number of shares that can be repurchased in open-market transactions, tender offers, private purchases or other transactions to 3,000,000.
• In September 2004, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 1,000,000 shares of our common stock in open-market transactions or privately negotiated purchases.
All of the numberabove repurchase authorizations have no expiration dates but may be terminated by our Board of outstandingDirectors at anytime. As of October 31, 2004, 1,884,497 shares remains relatively constant and the impact on net earningsremained authorized for repurchase. We anticipate repurchasing a significant portion of these shares during fiscal 2005.
  In addition, we repurchased 55,593 shares of our common stock at a price of $60.00 per share on April 21, 2004 through a “Dutch Auction” tender offer.
  The following table provides information with respect to repurchases of issuing such shares is minimal.
  In fiscal 2003, we repurchased 433,345 shares ofour common stock onduring the open market for $18.7 million at an average price of $43.22 per share. Inpast three fiscal 2002, we repurchased 900,640 shares of common stock on the open market for $24.2 million at an average price of $26.83 per share. In fiscal 2001, we repurchased 2,040,820 shares for $44.2 million at an average price of $21.64 per share.years.
             

(Dollars in millions, except for per share data)
Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002

Shares of common stock purchased
  2,635,407   433,345   900,640 
Cost to repurchase common stock
 $169.8  $18.7  $24.2 
Average price paid per share
  64.44   43.22   26.83 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations

It is not our usual business practice to enter into off-balance sheet arrangements, except for off-balance sheet arrangements related to our customer financing activities and inventory purchase commitments described below as well as operating lease commitments and currency contracts disclosed in the table of contractual obligations table below. Moreover, it is not our normal policy to issue guarantees to third parties.

Wholesale Financing.Toro Credit Company (TCC), a wholly owned financing subsidiary, provides financing for our North American Toro distributors and approximately 200 domestic dealers for select products that we manufacture. Independent North American Toro and Exmark distributors and dealers that do not finance through TCC generally finance their inventories with third party financing companies.

  TCC and other third party financefinancing companies purchase selected receivables from us and our distributors and dealers for extended periods whichthat assists those customersour distributors and dealers to carry representative inventories of equipment.products. Down payments are not required and, depending on the finance program for each product line, finance charges are incurred by us, shared between us and the distributor or dealer, or paid by the distributor or dealer. We retain a security interest in the distributors’ and dealers’ inventories, and make periodic physical checks of those inventories. Under the sales terms to distributors and dealers, finance charges are chargedapplied to distributors and dealers on outstanding balances from the earlier of the date when product is sold to a customer, or the expiration of company-supported finance terms granted at the time of sale, to the distributor or dealer, until payment is received by TCC or the third party finance company. Rates are generally fixed or based on the

19


prime rate plus a fixed percentage depending on whether the financing is for a distributor or dealer. Rates may also vary based on the product that is financed. Distributors and dealers cannot cancel purchases after goods are shipped and are responsible for payment even if the equipment is not sold to retail customers.
  Third party financing companies purchased $401.0$431.0 million of receivables of our financed products during fiscal 2003.2004. The outstanding receivable balance owed from our distributors and dealers to third party financing companies was $142.6$152.9 million on

23


October 31, 2003.2004. Our maximum exposure for credit recourse with a third party financing company related to receivables under these financing arrangements was $0.6 million as of October 31, 2003.2004. We also enter into limited inventory repurchase agreements with third party financing companies. As of October 31, 2003,2004, we were contingently liable to repurchase up to $3.7 million of inventory related to receivables under these financing arrangements. We have repurchased only immaterial amounts of inventory from third party financing companies over the past three years. However, a decline in retail sales could cause this situation to change and thereby require us to repurchase financed product.

End-User Financing.During fiscal 2002, we entered intoWe have an agreement with a third party financing company to provide lease-financing options to domestic golf course and some grounds equipment customers. The purpose of the agreement is ato increase sales and marketing tool to giveby giving end-user buyers of our products alternative financing options when purchasing our products. Under the terms of this agreement, we could be contingently liable for a portion of the credit collection and residual realizationvalue risk on the underlying equipment for leasing transactions financed under this program. Our maximum exposure for credit collection and residual value as of October 31, 20032004 was $3.4$7.2 million. We have established a reserve for our estimated exposure related to this program.

  In the normal course of business, we have arrangements with other financial institutions to provide various forms of financing options to end-user customers. From time to time, our company-owned distributorships also guarantee the residual value at the end of leases with third-party financing companies for product sold to customers. The amount of this potential contingent liability as of October 31, 20032004 was $1.0$1.9 million. None of these other arrangements require any additional material financial involvement by us.
  Termination of our end-user financing arrangements, any material change to the terms in the financing arrangements, availability of credit for our customers, or any delay in securing replacement credit sources could have a material impact on our future operating results; however, we do not anticipate those items are likely to occur.

Distributor Financing.We enter into long-term loan and equity investment agreements with some distributors. These transactions are used for expansion of the distributors’ businesses, acquisitions, refinancing working capital agreements, or to facilitate ownership changes. As of October 31, 2004 and 2003, we have loaned and/or invested $4.4$11.8 million and $6.3 million, respectively, in several distribution companies. The increase of $5.5 million was mainly the result of account receivable balances refinanced to long-term loans for a distributor. This amount is included in other current- and long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheet.sheets.

  During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we refinanced $10.5 million of accounts receivable balances to long-term loans. The purpose of this transaction was to facilitate a recapitalization of a distributor’s business.

Purchase Commitments.We have purchase commitments with some suppliers for materials and supplies as part of the normal course of business. There are a limited number of supply contracts that contain penalty provisions for either early termination or failure to purchase contracted quantities. We do not expect potential payments under these provisions to materially affect our results of operations or financial condition. This conclusion is based upon reasonably likely outcomes assumed by reference to historical experience and current business plans.

Contractual Obligations.The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of October 31, 2003:2004:

                 
                



Payments Due By Period
Payments Due By Period


(Dollars in thousands)Less Than1-33-5After 5Less Than1-33-5After 5
Contractual Obligation1 YearYearsYearsYearsTotal1 YearYearsYearsYearsTotal



Long-term debt
 $ 3,830 $91 $75,000 $100,000 $178,921  $45 $75,046 $ $100,000 $175,091 
Purchase obligations
 4,228    4,228  1,782    1,782 
Operating leases
 13,474 19,975 11,687 2,995 48,131  13,980 21,501 9,568 1,154 46,203 
Currency contracts
 24,066    24,066  23,213    23,213 

Total
 $45,598 $20,066 $86,687 $102,995 $255,346  $39,020 $96,547 $9,568 $101,154 $246,289 

As of October 31, 2003,2004, we also had $16.2$10.9 million in outstanding letters of credit issued during the normal course of business, as required by some vendor contracts.

Inflation

We are subject to the effects of inflation and changing prices. In our opinion, changes in net sales and net earnings that have resulted from inflation and changing prices have not been material during the fiscal years presented. However, there is no assurance that inflation will not materially affect us in the future. We attempt to deal with these inflationary pressures by actively pursuing internal cost reduction efforts and introducing slight price increases.

Market Risk

Due to the global nature of our operations, we are subject to exposures that arise from fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodity prices. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, we evaluate our exposures on a global basis to take advantage of the netting opportunities that exist. For the remaining exposures, our risk management policy is to hedge exposure ofto certain risks by entering into various hedging instruments to minimize market risk. We are also exposed to equity market risk pertaining to the trading price of our stock. Additional information is presented in Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, and Note 14 of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
  In fiscal 2004, we experienced rising prices for steel and other commodities that had a negative impact on our gross margins and net earnings. Given the worldwide steel market conditions, we anticipate average prices paid for steel-based raw materials and component parts to increase in fiscal 2005 compared to fiscal 2004.

AcquisitionsInflation

We are subject to the effects of inflation and changing prices. As previously mentioned, we experienced rising prices for steel and other commodities during fiscal 2004 that had a negative impact on our gross margins and net earnings. In fiscal 2005, we expect average prices of steel and other commodities to be higher than the average prices paid in fiscal 2004. We will

24


attempt to mitigate the impact of these anticipated increases in steel and other commodity prices and other inflationary pressures by actively pursuing internal cost reduction efforts and introducing price increases.

Investment in Affiliate and Divestiture

In fiscal 2003,2004, we entered into a joint venture agreement with a leading engine manufacturer to source two-cycle snow thrower engines for us and other customers. We have determined that this new entity is a variable interest entity under the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46R). We have determined that we are not required to consolidate the entity because we are not the primary beneficiary. During fiscal 2004, no material transactions were recorded in this joint venture.
  In fiscal 2004, we completed the purchasesale of R & D Engineering, a provider of patented wireless rain and freeze switches for residential irrigation systems. We also acquired aour southeastern-based U.S. distributor and sold a distributorship, duringwhich was acquired in fiscal 2003. During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, we also completed the sale of our southwestern-based U.S. distribution company.

20


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In preparing theour consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we must make decisions whichthat impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of the appropriate accounting principles to be applied and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgments based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, historical experience, and actuarial valuations. Actual amounts could differ from those estimated at the time the consolidated financial statements are prepared.
  Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. Not allSome of thesethose significant accounting policies require us to make difficult subjective or complex judgments or estimates. An accounting estimate is considered to be critical if it meets both of the following criteria: (i) the estimate requires assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate is made, and (ii) different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, would have a material impact on the presentation of theour financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operation.operations. Our critical accounting estimates include the following:

Warranty Reserve.Warranty coverage on our products ranges from a period of six months to seven years, and covers parts, labor, and other expenses for non-maintenance repairs, provided operator abuse, improper use or negligence did not necessitate the repair. We accrue atAt the time of sale, we accrue a warranty reserve by product line a warranty reserve for estimated costs in connection with future warranty claims. We also establish reserves for major rework campaigns.campaigns upon approval. The amount of our warranty reserves is based primarily on the estimated number of products under warranty, historical average costs incurred to service warranty claims, the trend in the historical ratio of claims to sales, and the historical length of time between the sale and resulting warranty claim, and other factors.claim. We periodically assess the adequacy of our warranty reserves based on changes in these factors and record any necessary adjustments if actual claim experience indicates that adjustments are necessary. Actual claims could be higher or lower than amounts estimated, as the amount and value of warranty claims are subject to variation includingof such factors as performance of new products, significant manufacturing or design defects not discovered until after the product is delivered to customers, product failure rates, and higher or lower than expected service costs for a repair, and other similar factors.repair. We believe that analysis of historical trends and knowledge of potential manufacturing or design problems provide sufficient information to establish a reasonable estimate for warranty claims at the time of sale. However, since we cannot predict with certainty future warranty claims or costs associated with servicing those claims, our actual warranty costs may differ from our estimates. An unexpected increase in warranty claims or in the costs associated with servicing those claims would result in an increase in our warranty accrual and a decrease in our net earnings. As of October 31, 2004, we had $61.0 million accrued related to future estimated warranty claims.

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

25


credit or charge to selling, general, and administrative expense in the period in whichthat we made such a determination. As of October 31, 2004, we had $2.2 million reserved against our accounts and notes receivable.

New Accounting Pronouncements to Bebe Adopted

In January 2003,November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)FASB issued FASB InterpretationSFAS No. 46, “Consolidation151, “Inventory Costs,” which amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46), whichidle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material. This Statement requires an entitythat those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this Statement requires allocation of fixed production overheads to consolidate a variable interest entity if it is designated as the primary beneficiarycosts of that entity even ifconversion be based on the entity does not have a majority of voting interests. A variable interest entity is generally defined as an entity where its equity is inadequate to finance its activities or where the ownersnormal capacity of the entity lack the risk and rewards of ownership. The provisions of this statement apply at inception for any entity created after January 31, 2003. For an entity created before February 1, 2003, the provisions of this interpretation must be applied as of the beginning of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003.production facilities. We are currently evaluating the effects of adopting the provisions of FIN 46.SFAS No. 151 and will adopt it on November 1, 2005, as required.

21


  Effective November 1, 2004, we voluntarily adopted SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” The provisions of SFAS No. 123 require that stock-based compensation, including stock options, be recognized as expense at fair value from the date of grant to the vesting date. Under the fair value method of accounting, stock-based compensation will be measured at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation method. The adoption of SFAS No. 123 is expected to result in a net earnings per diluted share benefit ranging from $0.05 to $0.08 in fiscal 2005. The impact is based on recording expense for the fair value of stock options granted and the change from variable to fixed value method of accounting related to our Performance Share Plan.

ITEM 7A. 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. We are also exposed to equity market risk pertaining to the trading price of our common stock. Changes in these factors could cause fluctuations in our net earnings and cash flows. See further discussions on these market risks below.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk.In the normal course of business, we actively manage the exposure of our foreign currency market risk by entering into various hedging instruments, authorized under company policies that place controls on these activities, with counterparties that are highly rated financial institutions. Our hedging activities involve the use of a variety of derivative financial instruments. We use derivativesderivative instruments only in an attempt to limit underlying exposure from currency fluctuations and to minimize earnings and cash volatility associated with foreign currency exchange rate changes, and not for trading purposes. Our market risk on interest rates relates primarily to short-term debt and 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. See further discussions on these market risks below.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk.We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk arising from transactions in the normal course of business, such as sales and loans to wholly owned subsidiaries as well as sales to third party customers, purchases from suppliers, and bank lines of credit with creditors denominated in foreign currencies. Because our products are manufactured or sourced primarily from the United States, a stronger U.S. dollar generally has a negative impact on results from operations outside the United States while a weaker dollar generally has a positive effect. Our primary exchange rate exposure is with the euro,Euro, the Japanese yen, the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar, the British pound, and the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar.

  We enter into various contracts, principally forward contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change, to protect the value of existing foreign currency assets, liabilities, anticipated sales, and probable commitments. Decisions on whether to use such contracts are made based on the amount of exposures to the currency involved and an assessment of the near-term market value for each currency. Worldwide foreign currency exchange rate exposures are reviewed monthly. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the value of the related exposures. Therefore, changes in market values of these hedge instruments are highly correlated with changes in market values of underlying hedged items both at inception of the hedge and over the life of the hedge contract. During fiscal 2003,2004, the amount of losses reclassified to earnings for such cash flow hedges was $4.6$7.1 million.
  The following foreign currency exchange contracts held by us have maturity dates in fiscal 2004.2005. All items are non-trading and stated in U.S. dollars. Some derivative instruments we enter into do not meet the hedging criteria of SFAS No. 133;133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities;” 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 (AOCL), and fair value impact of derivative instruments in other income, net as of and for the fiscal year ended October 31, 20032004 were as follows:
                 

Value in
AverageAOCLFair Value
Dollars in thousandsContractedNotionalIncomeImpact
(except average contracted rate)RateAmount(Loss)Gain(Loss)

Buy U.S. $/Sell Canadian dollar
  1.4084  $6,585.6  $(313.6)  $  (78.8)
Buy U.S. $/Sell Australian dollar
  0.6610   40,786.3   (1,133.9)  (1,189.0)
Buy U.S. $/Sell Euro
  1.1261   73,729.0   (1,810.6)  41.6 
Buy Australian dollar/ Sell U.S.$
  0.6569   1,231.6      94.7 
Buy British pound/ Sell U.S.$
  1.6418   574.6   10.5   3.5 
Buy Euro/ Sell U.S.$
  1.1672   933.7      (7.5)
Buy Japanese yen/ Sell U.S.$
  117.2474   6,652.6   402.9   78.5 
Buy Mexican peso/ Sell U.S.$
  10.9043   14,673.1   (440.4)   

                 

Value inFair Value
Dollars in thousandsAverageAOCLImpact
(except averageContractedNotionalIncomeGain
contracted rate)RateAmount(Loss)(Loss)

Buy U.S. $/Sell Canadian dollar
  0.7398  $6,247.9  $(597.5) $  (72.2)
Buy U.S. $/Sell Australian dollar
  0.7233   36,306.0   78.7   (1,097.0)
Buy U.S. $/Sell Euro
  1.2385   80,319.7   (1,870.2)  (836.8)
Buy Australian dollar/ Sell U.S. $
  0.7471   4,803.1   (33.8)  2.0 
Buy British pound/ Sell U.S. $
  1.7914   1,191.3   15.6   3.3 
Buy Japanese yen/ Sell U.S. $
  108.0643   7,310.5   192.5   23.1 
Buy Mexican peso/ Sell U.S. $
  12.0108   9,907.7   87.4    

26


  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 reduce reportedimpact net earnings.

Interest Rate Risk.Our market risk on interest rate exposure results fromrates relates primarily to LIBOR-based short-term rates, primarily LIBOR-based debt from commercial banks.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 currently do not use interest rate swaps to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in interest rates. As of October 31, 2003,2004, our financial liabilities with exposure to changes in interest rates consisted mainly of $2.1$1.1 million of short-term debt outstanding. Assuming a hypothetical increase of one percent (100 basis points) in short-term interest rates, with all other variables remaining constant including the average balance of short-term debt outstanding during fiscal 2003,2004, interest expense would have increased $0.4$0.1 million in fiscal 2003.2004. Included in long-term debt is $178.9$175.1 million of fixed-rate debt whichthat is not subject to variable interest rate fluctuations. As a result, we have no earnings or cash flow exposure due to market risks on our long-term debt obligations. As of October 31, 2003,2004, the estimated fair value of long-term debt with fixed interest rates was $196.7$189.7 million compared to its carrying value of $178.9$175.1 million. The fair value is estimated by discounting the projected cash flows using the rate at whichthat similar amounts of debt could currently be borrowed.

Commodities.Commodity Risk.Some raw materials used in our products are exposed to commodity price changes. We manage some of this risk by using a combination of short- and long-term agreements with some vendors. The primary commodity price exposures are with steel, aluminum, plastic resin, and linerboard. Further information regarding rising prices for steel and plastic resin.other commodities is presented in Item 7, section entitled “Inflation.”

22Equity Price Risk.The trading price of Toro common stock impacts compensation expense related to our stock-based compensation plans for our Performance Share Plan. As the price of Toro common stock rises, our compensation expense for our Performance Share Plan increases. Our exposure to equity price risk will be substantially reduced after we adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 123. Additional information is presented in Item 7, section entitled “New Accounting Pronouncements to be Adopted.” Further information is also presented in Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements regarding our stock-based compensation plans.

27


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Report of Independent Auditors’ Report

Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Stockholders and Board of Directors


The Toro Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Toro Company and its subsidiaries as of October 31, 20032004 and 2002,2003, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three year period ended October 31, 2003.2004. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a). 2. These consolidated financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

  We conducted our audits in accordance with auditingthe standards generally accepted inof the United States of America.Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
  In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Toro Company and its subsidiaries as of October 31, 20032004 and 2002,2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended October 31, 20032004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
  As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting StandardStandards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”,Assets,” on November 1, 2001.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

December 8, 20036, 2004

2328


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                      



(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data) Fiscal years ended October 31(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data) Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data) Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002



Net sales
Net sales
��$1,496,588 $1,399,273 $1,353,083 
Net sales
 $1,652,508 $1,496,588 $1,399,273 
Cost of sales
Cost of sales
 961,129 914,010 892,845 
Cost of sales
 1,059,438 961,129 914,010 

Gross profit
 535,459 485,263 460,238 
Gross profit
 593,070 535,459 485,263 
Selling, general, and administrative expense
Selling, general, and administrative expense
 404,365 376,278 366,284 
Selling, general, and administrative expense
 428,527 406,639 377,889 
Restructuring and other expense (income)
 1,826 8,409 (679)
Restructuring and other (income) expense
Restructuring and other (income) expense
 (682) 1,826 8,409 

Earnings from operations
 129,268 100,576 94,633 
Earnings from operations
 165,225 126,994 98,965 
Interest expense
Interest expense
 (16,285) (19,747) (22,003)
Interest expense
 (15,523) (16,285) (19,747)
Other income, net
Other income, net
 7,935 5,970 7,447 
Other income, net
 3,531 10,209 7,581 

Earnings before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 120,918 86,799 80,077 
Earnings before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 153,233 120,918 86,799 
Provision for income taxes
Provision for income taxes
 39,298 26,868 29,629 
Provision for income taxes
 50,567 39,298 26,868 

Earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 81,620 59,931 50,448 
Earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 102,666 81,620 59,931 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle,
net of income tax benefit of $509
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle,
net of income tax benefit of $509
  (24,614)  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax
benefit of $509
   (24,614)

Net earnings
Net earnings
 $81,620 $35,317 $50,448 
Net earnings
 $102,666 $81,620 $35,317 

Basic net earnings per share of common stock, before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
Basic net earnings per share of common stock, before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 $3.26 $2.39 $1.99 
Basic net earnings per share of common stock, before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 $4.21 $3.26 $2.39 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit
  (0.98)  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit
   (0.98)

Basic net earnings per share of common stock
Basic net earnings per share of common stock
 $3.26 $1.41 $1.99 
Basic net earnings per share of common stock
 $4.21 $3.26 $1.41 

Diluted net earnings per share of common stock, before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
Diluted net earnings per share of common stock, before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 $3.12 $2.32 $1.93 
Diluted net earnings per share of common stock, before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
 $4.04 $3.12 $2.32 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit
  (0.95)  
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit
   (0.95)

Diluted net earnings per share of common stock
Diluted net earnings per share of common stock
 $3.12 $1.37 $1.93 
Diluted net earnings per share of common stock
 $4.04 $3.12 $1.37 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding –
 
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding –
Basic
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding –
Basic
 24,364 24,998 25,050 
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding –
Dilutive
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding –
Dilutive
 25,383 26,149 25,873 
Basic
 24,998 25,050 25,400 
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding –
 
Dilutive
 26,149 25,873 26,134 

The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2429


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    



(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) October 31(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) October 3120032002(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) October 3120042003



ASSETS
ASSETS
 
ASSETS
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 $90,756 $110,287 
Cash and cash equivalents
 $110,287 $62,816 
Receivables, net:
 
Receivables, net:
  
Customers (net of $2,195 as of October 31, 2004 and $2,421 as of October 31, 2003 for allowance for doubtful accounts)
 280,969 273,584 
 
Customers (net of $2,421 as of October 31, 2003 and $7,209 as of October 31, 2002 for allowance for doubtful accounts)
 273,584 250,093  
Other
 4,767 6,540 
 
Other
 6,540 5,646 


 
Total receivables, net
 285,736 280,124 
 
Total receivables, net
 280,124 255,739 


Inventories, net
 227,200 228,909 
Inventories, net
 228,909 224,367 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 16,931 12,484 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 12,484 10,497 
Deferred income taxes
 44,552 42,111 
Deferred income taxes
 42,111 38,722 


 
Total current assets
 665,175 673,915 
 
Total current assets
 673,915 592,141 


Property, plant, and equipment, net
 164,665 159,116 
Property, plant, and equipment, net
 159,116 156,779 
Deferred income taxes
  1,181 
Deferred income taxes
 1,181 4,196 
Other assets
 18,652 12,353 
Other assets
 12,353 13,264 
Goodwill
 78,055 78,013 
Goodwill
 78,013 77,855 
Other intangible assets, net
 2,200 2,854 
Other intangible assets, net
 2,854 1,905 


 
Total assets
 $928,747 $927,432 
 
Total assets
 $927,432 $846,140 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 $3,830 $15,825 
Current portion of long-term debt
 $45 $3,830 
Short-term debt
 2,138 1,156 
Short-term debt
 1,099 2,138 
Accounts payable
 73,976 86,180 
Accounts payable
 87,147 73,976 
Accrued liabilities:
 
Accrued liabilities:
 
 
Accrued warranties
 59,372 53,590  
Accrued warranties
 60,988 59,372 
 
Accrued advertising and marketing programs
 38,107 34,373  
Accrued advertising and marketing programs
 41,973 38,107 
 
Accrued compensation and benefit costs
 83,908 65,011  
Accrued compensation and benefit costs
 100,306 83,908 
 
Other
 41,805 37,615  
Other
 49,217 41,805 

 
Total current liabilities
 303,136 293,750  
Total current liabilities
 340,775 303,136 

Long-term debt, less current portion
 175,091 178,756 
Long-term debt, less current portion
 175,046 175,091 
Deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities
 12,003 8,344 
Long-term deferred income taxes
 3,837  
Stockholders’ equity:
 
Deferred revenue and other long-term liabilities
 13,475 12,003 
 
Preferred stock, par value $1.00, authorized 1,000,000 voting and 850,000 non-voting shares, none issued and outstanding
   
Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
Common stock, par value $1.00, authorized 50,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 24,388,999 shares as of October 31, 2003 (net of 2,627,111 treasury shares) and 24,342,474 shares as of October 31, 2002 (net of 2,673,636 treasury shares)
 24,389 24,342  
Preferred stock, par value $1.00, authorized 1,000,000 voting and 850,000 non-voting shares, none issued and outstanding
   
 
Additional paid-in capital
 7,658 11,193  
Common stock, par value $1.00, authorized 50,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 22,518,329 shares as of October 31, 2004 (net of 4,497,781 treasury shares) and 24,388,999 shares as of October 31, 2003 (net of 2,627,111 treasury shares)
 22,518 24,389 
 
Retained earnings
 417,973 342,358  
Additional paid-in capital
  7,658 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 (12,818) (12,603) 
Retained earnings
 384,238 417,973 


 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 (11,142) (12,818)
 
Total stockholders’ equity
 437,202 365,290 


 
Total stockholders’ equity
 395,614 437,202 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 $927,432 $846,140 


 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 $928,747 $927,432 


The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2530


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                           



(Dollars in thousands) Fiscal years ended October 31(Dollars in thousands) Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001(Dollars in thousands) Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002



CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
Net earnings
 $81,620 $35,317 $50,448 
Net earnings
 $102,666 $81,620 $35,317 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
  24,614   
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle
   24,614 
 
Non-cash asset impairment write-off
 6,814 4,099   
Non-cash asset impairment (recovery) write-off
 (726) 6,814 4,099 
 
Provision for depreciation and amortization
 33,173 30,932 37,171  
Provision for depreciation and amortization
 36,093 34,136 30,878 
 
Write-down of investments
   1,926  
Equity losses from an investment
 781   
 
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant, and equipment
 273 (856) (56) 
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment
 (216) 259 (885)
 
(Increase) decrease in deferred income taxes
 (374) 730 6,706  
Decrease in deferred income taxes
 2,758 137 917 
 
Tax benefits related to employee stock option transactions
 2,642 1,508 4,841  
Tax benefits related to employee stock option transactions
 9,857 2,642 1,508 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
Receivables, net
 (23,789) 15,938 (15,538) 
Receivables, net
 (10,717) (27,953) 14,534 
 
Inventories, net
 (2,471) 10,294 (25,884) 
Inventories, net
 (310) 3,746 12,360 
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 (2,152) 32 1,700  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 (4,392) (1,901) 114 
 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and deferred revenue
 21,665 22,364 9,382  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and deferred revenue
 49,354 19,126 22,051 

 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 117,401 144,972 70,696  
Net cash provided by operating activities
 185,148 118,626 145,507 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
 (44,663) (46,031) (35,662)
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment
 (40,812) (43,265) (45,609)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equipment
 2,009 2,964 2,298 
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equipment
 2,098 1,702 3,479 
Decrease in investments in affiliates
 1,000  154 
(Increase) decrease in investments in affiliates
 (1,278) 1,000  
Decrease (increase) in other assets
 115 (2,362) (3,001)
Decrease (increase) in other assets
 1,118 308 (2,286)
Proceeds from sale of business
 1,016   
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 578 1,016  
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 (1,244)  (8,549)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
  (1,244)  

 
Net cash used in investing activities
 (41,767) (45,429) (44,760) 
Net cash used in investing activities
 (38,296) (40,483) (44,416)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
Increase (repayments) of short-term debt
 982 (33,257) 19,219 
(Repayments) increase in short-term debt
 (1,039) 883 (33,365)
(Repayments) issuance of long-term debt
 (15,846) (497) 112 
Repayments of long-term debt
 (3,830) (15,846) (497)
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities
 167 118 (178)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 14,307 8,923 12,941 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 8,923 12,941 17,285 
Purchases of Toro common stock
 (169,821) (18,726) (24,155)
Purchases of common stock
 (18,726) (24,155) (44,153)
Dividends paid on Toro common stock
 (5,839) (6,005) (6,026)
Dividends on common stock
 (6,005) (6,026) (6,108)


 
Net cash used in financing activities
 (166,222) (30,771) (51,102)
 
Net cash used in financing activities
 (30,505) (50,876) (13,823)
Effect of exchange rates on cash
Effect of exchange rates on cash
 (161) 99 (49)

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 2,342 1,273 (215)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 47,471 49,940 11,898 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 (19,531) 47,471 49,940 
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the fiscal year
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the fiscal year
 62,816 12,876 978 
Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of the fiscal year
 110,287 62,816 12,876 

Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the fiscal year
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the fiscal year
 $110,287 $62,816 $12,876 
Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the fiscal year
 $90,756 $110,287 $62,816 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
Cash paid during the fiscal year for:
 
Cash paid during the fiscal year for:
 
 
Interest
 $17,176 $19,647 $22,545  
Interest
 $15,714 $17,176 $19,647 
 
Income taxes
 31,681 22,252 18,006  
Income taxes
 46,933 31,681 22,252 
Stock issued in connection with stock compensation plans
 3,672 3,927 3,232 
Stock issued in connection with stock compensation plans
 5,567 3,672 3,927 
Debt issued in connection with an acquisition
 186  450 
Accounts receivable converted to long-term notes receivable
 6,439   


Debt issued in connection with an acquisition
  186  


The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2631


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                           



AccumulatedAccumulated
AdditionalOtherTotalComprehensiveAdditionalOtherTotalComprehensive
CommonPaid-InRetainedComprehensiveStockholders’IncomeCommonPaid-InRetainedComprehensiveStockholders’Income
(Dollars in thousands)StockCapitalEarningsLossEquity(Loss)StockCapitalEarningsLossEquity(Loss)

Balance as of October 31, 2000 $25,138 $34,971 $268,727 $(11,618) $317,218 

   
Cash dividends paid on common stock   (6,108)  (6,108) 
Issuance of 1,433,748 shares under stock compensation plans 1,434 16,478   17,912 
Contribution of stock to a deferred compensation trust  2,605   2,605 
Purchase of 2,040,820 shares of common stock (2,041) (42,112)   (44,153) 
Tax benefits related to employee stock option transactions  4,841   4,841 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax    (1,288) (1,288) (1,288)
Foreign currency translation adjustments    (215) (215) (215)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax    133 133 133 
Net earnings   50,448  50,448 50,448 
           
 
Total comprehensive income $49,078 


 
 
Balance as of October 31, 2001 $24,531 $16,783 $313,067 $(12,988) $341,393  $24,531 $16,783 $313,067 $(12,988) $341,393 


   
   
Cash dividends paid on common stock   (6,026)  (6,026)    (6,026)  (6,026) 
Issuance of 711,024 shares under stock compensation plans 711 13,412   14,123  711 13,412   14,123 
Contribution of stock to a deferred compensation trust  2,745   2,745   2,745   2,745 
Purchase of 900,640 shares of common stock (900) (23,255)   (24,155)  (900) (23,255)   (24,155) 
Tax benefits related to employee stock option transactions  1,508   1,508   1,508   1,508 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax    (397) (397) (397)    (397) (397) (397)
Foreign currency translation adjustments    1,273 1,273 1,273     1,273 1,273 1,273 
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax    (491) (491) (491)    (491) (491) (491)
Net earnings   35,317  35,317 35,317    35,317  35,317 35,317 
           
            
 
Total comprehensive income $35,702  $35,702 


 
 
 
 
Balance as of October 31, 2002 $24,342 $11,193 $342,358 $(12,603) $365,290  $24,342 $11,193 $342,358 $(12,603) $365,290 


   
   
Cash dividends paid on common stock
   (6,005)  (6,005)    (6,005)  (6,005) 
Issuance of 480,220 shares under stock compensation plans
 480 9,433   9,913  480 9,433   9,913 
Contribution of stock to a deferred compensation trust
  2,683   2,683   2,683   2,683 
Purchase of 433,345 shares of common stock
 (433) (18,293)   (18,726)  (433) (18,293)   (18,726) 
Tax benefits related to employee stock option transactions
  2,642   2,642   2,642   2,642 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax
    (730) (730) (730)    (730) (730) (730)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    2,342 2,342 2,342     2,342 2,342 2,342 
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax
    (1,827) (1,827) (1,827)    (1,827) (1,827) (1,827)
Net earnings
   81,620  81,620 81,620    81,620  81,620 81,620 
           
            
 
Total comprehensive income
 $81,405  $81,405 


 
 
 
 
Balance as of October 31, 2003
 $24,389 $7,658 $417,973 $(12,818) $437,202  $24,389 $7,658 $417,973 $(12,818) $437,202 


   
   
Cash dividends paid on common stock
 (16) (461) (5,362)  (5,839) 
Issuance of 780,064 shares under stock compensation plans
 780 15,597   16,377 
Contribution of stock to a deferred compensation trust
  3,496   3,496 
Purchase of 2,635,407 shares of common stock
 (2,635) (36,147) (131,039)  (169,821) 
Tax benefits related to employee stock option transactions
  9,857   9,857 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax
    156 156 156 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    771 771 771 
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax
    749 749 749 
Net earnings
   102,666  102,666 102,666 
           
 
Total comprehensive income
 $104,342 


 
 
Balance as of October 31, 2004
 $22,518 $ $384,238 $(11,142) $395,614 


   

The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2732


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RELATED DATA

Nature of Operations

The principal business of The Toro Company and its wholly owned and majority-owned domestic and foreign subsidiaries (“Toro” or “the company”) is the development, manufacturing, and selling of outdoor beautification equipment and systems used in the residential and professional markets. Toro products are sold through a network of distributors, dealers, hardware retailers, home centers, mass retailers, and over the Internet, mainly through Internet retailers.

Basis of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company. Other investments (less than 20 percent ownership)The principles of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46R “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46R) and Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements” are recorded at cost.considered when determining whether an entity is subject to consolidation. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts from prior years’ financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Receivables

The company grants credit to customers in the normal course of business. Management performs on-going credit evaluations of customers and maintains allowances for potential credit losses. Receivables are recorded at original carrying value less reserves for potentialestimated uncollectible accounts.

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.
  Inventories as of October 31 were as follows:
                



(Dollars in thousands)2003200220042003



Raw materials and work in progress
 $67,753 $68,296  $64,169 $67,753 
Finished goods and service parts
 208,176 198,860  210,141 208,176 

 275,929 267,156  274,310 275,929 
Less: LIFO
 32,151 26,903  30,227 32,151 
Other reserves
 14,869 15,886 
Reserves for excess and
 
obsolete inventory
 16,883 14,869 

Total
 $228,909 $224,367  $227,200 $228,909 

Property and Depreciation

Property, plant, and equipment are carried at cost. The company provides for depreciation of plant and equipment utilizing the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Buildings, including leasehold improvements, are generally depreciated over 10 to 45 years, and equipment over 3 to 7 years. Tooling costs are generally amortized over 3 to 5 years using the straight-line method. Software and web site development costs are generally amortized over 2 to 5 years utilizing the straight-line method. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments, which substantially increase the useful lives of existing assets, are capitalized, and maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred. Interest is capitalized during the construction period for significant capital projects. During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, the company capitalized $446,000, $493,000, $458,000, and $817,000$458,000 of interest, respectively.
  Property, plant, and equipment as of October 31 was as follows:
                



(Dollars in thousands)2003200220042003



Land and land improvements
 $14,603 $13,723  $16,936 $14,603 
Buildings and leasehold improvements
 95,501 93,218  105,655 95,501 
Equipment
 359,820 333,773  353,526 359,820 

Subtotal
 469,924 440,714  476,117 469,924 
Less accumulated depreciation
 310,808 283,935  311,452 310,808 

Total property, plant, and equipment, net
 $159,116 $156,779  $164,665 $159,116 

  During fiscal years 2004, 2003, and 2002, the company recorded depreciation expense of $34,959,000, $33,054,000, and $29,733,000, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired and accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. On November 1, 2001, the company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting StandardStandards (SFAS) No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” This statement eliminates the amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives and instead requires

33


that they be tested annually for impairment. See section “New Accounting Pronouncements” below in this Note 1 for the effects of adopting this standard.
  Other intangible assets with determinable lives consist primarily of patents and non-compete agreements andthat are amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 3 to 12 years.

28


Impairment of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets

The company reviews long-lived assets, including intangible assets and goodwill, for impairment annually or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events suggest the remaining value may not be recoverable. An asset is deemed impaired and written down to its fair value if estimated related future cash flows are less than its carrying value. The company reviews goodwill for impairment annually in accordance to the provisions of SFAS No. 142. Based on the company’s annual analysis during fiscal 2003,2004, no goodwill was deemed impaired. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the company recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $5.4 million for automation equipment as a result of its decision to no longer use the equipment for production of some professional segment products. In fiscal 2002, the company determined that goodwill, patents, and non-compete agreements related to the agricultural irrigation market were impaired. See section “New Accounting Pronouncements” in this Note 1 for more details regarding this goodwill impairment charge.

Accrued Warranties

The company provides an accrual for estimated future warranty costs at the time of sale. The amount of the liability is based upon the historical relationship of warranty claims to sales by product line and major rework campaigns.
The changes in warranty reserves were as follows:
                



(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 312003200220042003



Beginning Balance
 $53,590 $57,882  $59,372 $53,590 
Warranty provisions
 40,142 38,751  42,304 40,142 
Warranty claims
 (40,285) (47,334) (42,494) (40,285)
Change in estimates
 5,925 4,291 
Changes in estimates
 1,806 5,925 

Ending Balance
 $59,372 $53,590  $60,988 $59,372 

Insurance

The company is self-insured for certain losses relating to medical, dental, workers’ compensation, and product liability claims. Specific stop loss coverages are provided for catastrophic claims in order to limit exposure to significant claims. Losses and claims are charged to operations when it is probable a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Accrued insurance liabilities are based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported.

Derivatives

Derivatives, consisting mainly of foreign currency exchange contracts, are used to hedge most foreign currency transactions and forecasted sales and purchases denominated in foreign currencies. Derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivativesderivative is recorded to a separate component of stockholders’ equity, captioned accumulated other comprehensive loss, and recognized in earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. Derivatives that do not meet the accounting requirements for a hedge are adjusted to fair value through other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

The functional currency of the company’s foreign operations is the applicable local currency. The functional currency is translated into U.S. dollars for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate during the fiscal year. The translation adjustments are deferred as a separate component of stockholders’ equity, captioned accumulated other comprehensive loss. Gains or losses resulting from transactions denominated in foreign currencies are included in other income, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in whichthat those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The company has reflected the necessary deferred tax assets and liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. Management believes the future tax deductions will be realized principally through carryback to taxable income in prior years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, and future taxable income.

Revenue Recognition

Toro recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, when title and risk of ownership passes, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is probable. Generally, these criteria are met at the time product is shipped. ProvisionA provision is made at the time the related revenue is recognized for estimated product returns, cost of product warranties, floor plan costs, price protection, and other sales

34


promotional expenses. Retail customers may obtain financing through a third-party leasing company to assist in their purchase of the company’s products. Most of these leases are classified as sales-type leases. However, based on the terms and conditions of the financing agreements, some transactions are classified as operating leases, which results in recognition of revenue over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Revenue earned from services is recognized ratably over the contractual period. Freight revenuesrevenue billed to customers areis included in net sales, and expenses incurred for shipping products to customers are included in cost of sales.

29


Cost of Financing Distributor/ Dealer Inventory

The company enters into inventory repurchase agreements with third party financing companies. The company has repurchased only immaterial amounts of inventory from third party financing companies over the last three fiscal years. However, an adverse change in retail sales could cause this situation to change and thereby require Toro to repurchase financed product. Any expected cost of repurchasing inventory has been provided for in the allowance for doubtful accounts. See Note 13 for additional information regarding the company’s repurchase arrangements.
  Included in net sales are costs associated with programs inunder which the company shares the expense of financing distributor and dealer inventories, referred to as floor plan expenses. This charge represents interest for a pre-established length of time based on a predefinedpre-defined rate from a contract with a third party financing source to finance distributor and dealer inventory purchases. These financing arrangements are used by the company as a marketing tool to assist customers to buy inventory. The financing costs for distributor and dealer inventories were $10,521,000, $9,405,000, $10,981,000, and $9,204,000$10,981,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, respectively.

Advertising

General advertising expenditures and the related production are expensed in the period in whichthat costs are incurred or the first time advertising takes place. Cooperative advertising represents expenditures for shared advertising costs that the company reimburses to customers. These obligations are accrued and expensed when the related revenues are recognized in accordance with the program established for various product lines. Advertising costs were $38,115,000, $37,279,000, $39,306,000, and $32,477,000$39,306,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

The company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance towith the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB No. 25). This method defines cost for stock-based compensation as the excess of the stock’s market value at the time of grant over the amount that the employee is required to pay.
  The company adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure”. SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”. SFAS No. 123 requires companies to measure employee stock compensation plansgrants based on the fair value method of accounting. Had stock-based compensation costs been recorded at fair value consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, net earnings and net earnings per share would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts:
                     



(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 31Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002



Net earnings, as reported
Net earnings, as reported
 $81,620 $35,317 $50,448 
Net earnings, as reported
 $102,666 $81,620 $35,317 
Add: Stock-based employee compensation costs, net of tax, included in net earnings
Add: Stock-based employee compensation costs, net of tax, included in net earnings
 5,882 3,373 2,402 
Add: Stock-based employee compensation costs, net of tax, included in net earnings
 10,097 5,882 3,373 
Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation costs, net of tax, if fair value method had been applied
Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation costs, net of tax, if fair value method had been applied
 (6,432) (6,152) (4,959)
Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation costs, net of tax, if fair value method had been applied
 (7,020) (6,432) (6,157)

Pro forma net earnings
Pro forma net earnings
 $81,070 $32,538 $47,891 
Pro forma net earnings
 $105,743 $81,070 $32,533 

Net earnings per share data:
Net earnings per share data:
 
Net earnings per share data:
 
As reported – Basic
 $3.26 $1.41 $1.99 
As reported – Basic
 $4.21 $3.26 $1.41 
Pro forma – Basic
 3.24 1.28 1.91 
Pro forma – Basic
 4.34 3.24 1.30 
As reported – Diluted
 3.12 1.37 1.93 
As reported – Diluted
 4.04 3.12 1.37 
Pro forma – Diluted
 3.12 1.27 1.85 
Pro forma – Diluted
 4.17 3.10 1.26 

  The fair value of stock options is estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for options granted in the following fiscal years:

                  



Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001200420032002



Risk-free interest rate
 3.00% 3.92% 5.33% 3.05% 3.00% 3.92%
Expected life of option in years
 5.76 5.78 4.89  5.94 5.76 5.78 
Expected dividend yield
 0.52% 0.76% 1.02% 0.32% 0.52% 0.76%
Expected stock volatility
 28.13% 28.86% 31.39% 27.72% 28.13% 28.86%

  The weighted average fair market value of options issued for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002 was estimated to be $15.37, $9.91, $7.49, and $5.60$7.49 per share, respectively. The weighted average fair market value of Performance Shares amortized in the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002 was estimated to be $32.84, $25.06, $20.10, and $14.99$20.10 per share, respectively.

  See Note 10 for additional information regarding stock-based compensation plans.
  Effective November 1, 2004, the company voluntarily adopted SFAS No. 123.

35


Net Earnings Per Share Calculation

Basic net earnings per share is calculated using net earnings available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year plus the assumed issuance of contingent shares. Diluted net earnings per share is similar to basic net earnings per share except that the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the assumed issuance of contingent shares is increased to include the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of all potentially dilutive shares, such as common stock to be issued upon exercise of options, contingently issuable shares, and non-vested restricted shares.

30


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

BASIC

                  



(Shares in thousands)(Shares in thousands)(Shares in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001200420032002



Weighted average number of shares of common stock
 24,988 25,035 25,382 
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding
 24,353 24,988 25,035 
Assumed issuance of contingent shares
 10 15 18  11 10 15 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock and assumed issuance of contingent shares
 24,998 25,050 25,400 
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and assumed issuance of contingent shares
 24,364 24,998 25,050 

DILUTIVE

             

(Shares in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001

Weighted average number of shares of common stock and assumed issuance of contingent shares
  24,998   25,050   25,400 
Assumed conversion of stock options, contingently issuable shares, and assumed issuance of restricted shares
  1,151   823   734 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock, assumed issuance of contingent and restricted shares, contingently issuable shares, and assumed conversion of options outstanding
  26,149   25,873   26,134 

             

(Shares in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002

Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and assumed issuance of contingent shares
  24,364   24,998   25,050 
Assumed conversion of stock options and assumed issuance of restricted shares
  1,019   1,151   823 

Weighted average number of shares of common stock, assumed issuance of contingent and restricted shares, and assumed conversion of stock options
  25,383   26,149   25,873 

New Accounting Pronouncements

In JanuaryNovember 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs,” which amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing,” to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material. This Statement requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges regardless of whether they meet the criterion of “so abnormal.” In addition, this Statement requires allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The company is currently evaluating the provisions of SFAS No. 151 and will it adopt on November 1, 2005, as required.
  In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)FASB issued FASB InterpretationFIN No. 46,46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46),Entities,” which requires an entity to consolidate a variable interest entity if it is designated as the primary beneficiary of that entity even if the entity does not have a majority of voting interests. A variable interest entity is generally defined as an entity where its equity is inadequate to finance its activities or where the owners of the entity lack the risk and rewards of ownership. The provisions of this statement apply at inception for any entity created after January 31, 2003. For an entity created before February 1, 2003, the provisions of this interpretation must be applied as of the beginning of the first interim or annual period ending after December 15, 2003. We are currently evaluating the effects of adoptingcompany evaluated the provisions of FIN 46.
  OnNo. 46R during the first dayfiscal quarter of fiscal 2003,2004, as required, and determined that the company adopted two new accounting standards, SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” and SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” The adoption of these new accounting standards did not have aany material impact oninterest entities and did not have any variable interest entities that require consolidation into the company’s consolidated financial statements. During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the company entered into a joint venture agreement with a leading engine manufacturer to source two-cycle snow thrower engines for Toro and other customers. The company has determined that this new entity is a variable interest entity under the provisions of FIN 46. The company has determined that it is not required to consolidate the entity because Toro is not the primary beneficiary. During fiscal 2004, no material transactions were recorded in this joint venture.
  In July 2002,December 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.132 (revised 2003), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,SFASamendments of FASB Statements No. 146 requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. The company applied the provisions of SFAS No. 146 for exit87, 88, and disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002, as required.
  In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 (FIN 45), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” FIN 45 elaborates on the106. This statement added certain disclosure requirements for obligations by a guarantor under certain guarantees, as well as requiring the recording of certain guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The company adopted the disclosure requirements of FIN 45 during the first quarter of fiscal 2003, as required.
  In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transitionabout pension and Disclosure.” SFAS No. 148 provides companies with alternative methods of transition to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation. The company uses the intrinsic value method of accounting, and has not elected the fair value based method of accounting. SFAS No. 148 also requires certain pro forma disclosures related to stock-based compensationother postretirement benefit plans, which are presented in interim financial information. The company adopted the pro forma disclosures of SFAS No. 148 during the second quarter of fiscal 2003, as required.
  In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the company adopted Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-21 (EITF No. 00-21), “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” EITF No. 00-21 addresses certain aspects of accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which multiple revenue-generating activities are performed as well as how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting. The adoption of EITF No. 00-21 did not have a material impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements in fiscal 2003.Note 11.
  In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives may no longer be amortized but instead must be tested for impairment annually at the reporting unit level using a two-step impairment test.level. Effective November 1, 2001, the company adopted SFAS No. 142. The company tested for impairment of its reporting units by comparing fair value to carrying value. Fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow and cost methodology. An evaluation of the fair value of ourthe company’s agricultural irrigation reporting unit indicated that all the goodwill recorded for acquisitions in the agricultural irrigation market was impaired. The performance of these acquired businesses has not met management’s original expectations. This is due mainly to lower than anticipated growth rates in the drip line market, which has resulted in lower industry-wide pricing and margins on product sales. Accordingly, non-cash impairment charges on adoption of SFAS No. 142 of $24.6 million, net of income tax benefit of $0.5 million, were recognized as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in the first quarter of fiscal 2002.

3136


  The following table adjusts net earnings and earning per share for the adoption of SFAS No. 142:
             

(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)
Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001

Net earnings:
            
    As reported
 $81,620  $35,317  $50,448 
    Goodwill amortization, net of tax
        8,073 

    Adjusted net earnings
 $81,620  $35,317  $58,521 

Basic earnings per share:
            
    As reported
 $3.26  $1.41  $1.99 
    Goodwill amortization, net of tax
        0.32 

    Adjusted basic earnings per share
 $3.26  $1.41  $2.31 

Diluted earnings per share:
            
    As reported
 $3.12  $1.37  $1.93 
    Goodwill amortization, net of tax
        0.31 

    Adjusted diluted earnings per share
 $3.12  $1.37  $2.24 

2
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS DIVESTITURE, AND INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATEDIVESTITURES

In fiscal 2004, Toro made an equity investment in a start-up technology company that produces innovative irrigation controllers designed to conserve water usage. In fiscal 2003, Toro completed the purchase of R & D Engineering, a company in the business of designing patented wireless rain and freeze switches for residential irrigation systems. The company also acquired a southeastern-based U.S. distributing company.company during fiscal 2003, and subsequently sold it during fiscal 2004. Effective December 31, 2002, the company also sold a previously owned distributorship. These acquisitions, investment, and divestitures were immaterial based on the company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations. Effective December 31, 2002,

  During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the company sold a previously owned distributorship.
  In fiscal 1999, Toro became an equity partner in ProShot Golf, Inc. andcompleted the sale of its successor companies (ProShot). ProShot is a provider of information and communication products to the golf industry. Toro has fully written off this investment and reserved for all financial debt guarantees. Toro recorded valuation charges of $2,828,000 in fiscal 2001 related to the write-down of this investment and related bad debt expense.southwestern-based distribution company.

3
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSEACTIVITIES

In fiscal 2003, the company announced plans to close its two-cycle engine manufacturing facility located in Oxford, Mississippi, which will ceaseceased operations in fiscalon April 30, 2004. Approximately 115 job positions and related staff reductions will be lostwere eliminated in connection with closing this facility. In fiscal 2002, the company announced plans to close its Riverside, California manufacturing operations and its Evansville, Indiana and Madera, California manufacturing facilities. Approximately 550 job positions and related office staff reductions were expected to be lostmade in connection with closing these operations. As of October 31, 2003, of the 550 job position reductions, 543 had been eliminated. In addition, the company will incur ongoing costs after the facilities are closed and until they are sold, which is captioned in “other” below. These actions are part of Toro’s overall long-term strategy to reduce production costs and improve long-term competitiveness. The company also incurred a charge for assetwill incur ongoing costs until the facilities are sold. Asset impairment related to write-downs of patents and non-compete agreements during the first quarter of fiscal 2002. In addition, asset impairment charges also include the write-down of facilities and equipment related to the closure of the aforementioned manufacturing operations. In fiscal 2004, the company realized a net benefit of $0.4 million for the reversal of an impairment write down for the held-for-sale Madera, California facility that was sold during the first quarter of fiscal 2005 for a gain.

  The following is an analysis of the company’s restructuring and other expense reserve accounts:accounts.
                        



AssetSeveranceAssetSeverance
(Dollars in thousands)Impairment& BenefitsOtherTotalImpairment& BenefitsOtherTotal



Balance as of October 31, 2001 $ $ $45 $45 
Initial charge 4,698 3,761 2,726 11,185 
Changes in estimates (599) (362) (1,815) (2,776)
Utilization (4,099) (1,534) (84) (5,717)

Balance as of October 31, 2002 $ $1,865 $872 $2,737  $ $1,865 $872 $2,737 

Initial charge
 901 763 5 1,669  901 763 5 1,669 
Changes in estimates
 374 92 (309) 157  626 106 (575) 157 
Utilization
 (1,275) (1,890) (73) (3,238) (1,527) (1,890) (73) (3,490)

Balance as of October 31, 2003
 $ $830 $495 $1,325  $ $844 $229 $1,073 

Changes in estimates
 (413) (177) (92) (682)
Utilization
 413 (650) (126) (363)


Balance as of October 31, 2004
 $ $17 $11 $28 


  The company expects the majority of the remaining reserve to be utilized by the secondend of the first quarter of fiscal 2004.2005.

4
OTHER INCOME, NET

Other income (expense) is as follows:

                  



(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001200420032002



Interest income
 $613 $1,345 $818  $1,132 $613 $1,345 
Gross finance charge revenue
 2,665 3,664 5,144  3,266 2,665 3,664 
Retail financing revenue
 1,770 1,232 286 
Royalty and licensing income
 1,243 1,802 1,452  992 1,243 1,802 
Foreign currency (losses) gains
 (1,070) 101 887  (1,198) (1,070) 101 
Insurance recovery, net
 1,302  1,886   1,302  
Valuation recovery (charges)
for investments
  395 (1,926)
Litigation recovery (settlement)
 3,171 (1,780) (1,073)
(Loss) gain on sale of businesses
 (853) 567  
Equity losses from an investment
 (781)   
Litigation (settlement) recovery
 (1,400) 3,171 (1,780)
Miscellaneous
 11 443 259  603 486 2,163 

Total
 $7,935 $5,970 $7,447  $3,531 $10,209 $7,581 

5
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill – – The changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal 20032004 were as follows:

                       



ProfessionalResidentialProfessionalResidential
(Dollars in thousands)SegmentSegmentTotalSegmentSegmentTotal



Balance as of October 31, 2002 $68,942 $8,913 $77,855 
Balance as of October 31, 2003 $68,985 $9,028 $78,013 
Translation adjustment 43 115 158  11 31 42 

Balance as of October 31, 2003
 $68,985 $9,028 $78,013 
Balance as of October 31, 2004
 $68,996 $9,059 $78,055 

37


Other Intangible Assets – – Total other intangible assets, net as of October 31, 2004 and 2003 were $2,200,000 and 2002 were $2,854,000, and $1,905,000, respectively. During fiscal 2003, the company recorded some amortizable intangible assets related to the acquisition of R & D Engineering previously mentioned.

32


  The components of other amortizable intangible assets were as follows:
                



(Dollars in thousands)Gross CarryingAccumulatedGross CarryingAccumulated
October 31, 2003AmountAmortization
October 31, 2004AmountAmortization



Patents
 $6,553 $(4,931) $6,553 $(5,275)
Non-compete agreements
 1,000 (593) 1,000 (723)
Other
 1,700 (875) 1,700 (1,055)

Total
 $9,253 $(6,399) $9,253 $(7,053)

                



(Dollars in thousands)Gross CarryingAccumulatedGross CarryingAccumulated
October 31, 2002AmountAmortization
October 31, 2003AmountAmortization



Patents $6,104 $(4,609) $6,553 $(4,931)
Non-compete agreements 800 (405) 1,000 (593)
Other 800 (785) 1,700 (875)

Total $7,704 $(5,799) $9,253 $(6,399)

  Amortization expense for intangible assets for fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002 2001 was $653,000, $601,000, $670,000, and $929,000,$670,000, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the succeeding fiscal years is as follows: 2004, $648,000; 2005, $628,000; 2006, $601,000; 2007, $407,000; 2008, $281,000; 2009, $121,000; and after 2008, $289,000.2009, $162,000.

6
SHORT-TERM CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of October 31, 2003,2004, the company had available medium-term committeda $175.0 million unsecured lines ofsenior five-year revolving credit with various domestic banksfacility, which expires in the aggregate of $178,000,000.September 2009. The company also has a $75,000,000$75.0 million secured credit line of credit backed by a multi-year credit agreement, expiring in July 2006, which is renewable annually. This credit line is secured by certain domestic receivables. Interest expense on these credit lines is determined from a LIBOR or commercial paper rate plus a basis point spread defined in the credit agreements. Most of these agreements also require the company to pay a fee of 0.200 – 0.225 percent per year on the available lines of credit, which is included in interest expense. The company’s non-U.S. operations and a domestic subsidiary maintain unsecured short-term lines of credit of $7,939,000.$1,592,000. These facilities bear interest at various rates depending on the rates in their respective countries of operation. The company had $1,099,000 outstanding as of October 31, 2004 and $2,138,000 outstanding as of October 31, 2003 and $1,156,000 outstanding as of October 31, 2002 under these lines of credit, which included 600,000 Australian dollar and 36,000 euroEuro denominated short-term debt outstanding as of October 31, 2003 and 1,900,000 Australian dollar and 103,000 euro denominated short-term debt outstanding as of October 31, 2002.2003. The weighted average interest rate on short-term debt outstanding as of October 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002 was 2.732.10 percent and 4.742.73 percent, respectively. The company was in compliance with all covenants related to the lines of credit described above as of October 31, 2003.

2004.

7
LONG-TERM DEBT

A summary of long-term debt is as follows:

                 



(Dollars in thousands) October 31(Dollars in thousands) October 312003200220042003



7.000% Notes, due February 17, 2003
 $ $15,761 
7.125% Notes, due June 15, 2007
7.125% Notes, due June 15, 2007
 75,000 75,000  $75,000 $75,000 
Industrial Revenue Bond due
 
November 1, 2017
 3,600 3,600 
Industrial Revenue Bond due November 1, 2017
  3,600 
7.800% Debentures, due June 15, 2027
7.800% Debentures, due June 15, 2027
 100,000 100,000  100,000 100,000 
Other
Other
 321 220  91 321 

 178,921 194,581  175,091 178,921 
Less current portion
Less current portion
 3,830 15,825  45 3,830 

Long-term debt, less current portion
Long-term debt, less current portion
 $175,091 $178,756  $175,046 $175,091 

  In fiscal 2004, theThe industrial revenue bond for $3.6 million due November 1, 2017 was called and subsequently paid in the first quarter of fiscal 2004.
  In connection with the issuance in June 1997 of the $175.0 million in long-term debt securities, the company paid $23.7 million to terminate three forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with notional amounts totaling $125.0 million. These swap agreements had been entered into to reduce exposure to interest rate risk prior to the issuance of the new long-term debt securities. As of the inception of one of the swap agreements, the company had received payments whichthat were recorded as deferred income to be recognized as an adjustment to interest expense over the term of the new debt securities. As of the date the swaps were terminated, this deferred income totaled $18.7 million. The excess termination fees over the deferred income recorded has been deferred and is being recognized as an adjustment to interest expense over the term of the new debt securities issued.
  Principal payments required on long-term debt in each of the next five fiscal years ending October 31 are as follows: 2004, $3,830,000; 2005, $45,000; 2006, $46,000; 2007, $75,000,000; 2008, $0; and after 2008,2009, $100,000,000.

8
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Stock repurchase program –TheIn March 2004, the company’s Board of Directors has authorized the cumulative repurchase of up to 2,000,0001,000,000 shares of the company’s common stock, which was doubled fromstock. In May 2004, the originalBoard of Directors authorized an additional 2,000,000 shares for repurchase. In September 2004, the Board of Directors authorized an additional 1,000,000 shares authorized for repurchase, as a resultbringing the total maximum number of the stock split effective April 1, 2003.shares to 4,000,000. During fiscal 2003,2004, Toro paid $18,726,000$169.8 million to repurchase 433,3452,635,407 shares. As of October 31, 2003, 464,9472004, 1,884,497 shares remained authorized for repurchase.

38


Shareholder rights plan –Under the terms of a Rights Agreement dated as of May 20, 1998 between Toro and Wells Fargo Bank, Minnesota, National Association (the successor to Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association), each share of the company’s common stock entitles its holder to one preferred share purchase right. These rights become exercisable only if a person or group acquires, or announces a tender offer that would result in, ownership of 15 percent or more of Toro’s common stock. Each

33


right will then entitle the holder to buy a one two-hundredth interest in a share of a series of preferred stock, at a price of $180 per one one-hundredth of a preferred share. Among other things under the plan, if a person or group acquires 15 percent or more of Toro’s outstanding common stock, each right entitles its holder (other than the acquiring person or group) to purchase the number of shares of common stock of Toro having a market value of twice the exercise price of the right. The Board of Directors may redeem the rights for $0.005 per right at any time before a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15 percent or more of the common stock.

Stock Splitsplit –On March 20, 2003, the company’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one split of the company’s common stock, effected in the form of a 100 percent stock dividend issued to stockholders of record as of April 1, 2003 and paid on April 14, 2003. As a result of this action, approximately 12.5 million shares were issued. Par value of the common stock remains at $1.00 per share and accordingly, approximately $12.5 million was transferred from additional paid-in capital to common stock. All references to the number of common shares and per common share amounts have been adjusted to give retroactive effect to the stock split for all periods presented.

9
INCOME TAXES

A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the company’s consolidated effective tax rate is summarized as follows:

                   



Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001200420032002



Statutory federal income tax rate
 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
Increase (reduction) in income taxes resulting from:
  
Benefits from export incentives
 (1.6) (1.7) (2.2) (1.6) (1.6) (1.7)
Refund related to prior years’ foreign sales corporation
  (2.0)     (2.0)
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
 1.1 1.2 1.3  0.9 1.1 1.2 
Effect of foreign source income
 (0.6) (0.4) (1.0) (1.9) (0.6) (0.4)
Goodwill and other amortization
 0.1 0.1 2.8 
Other, net
 (1.5) (1.2) 1.1  0.6 (1.4) (1.1)

Consolidated effective tax rate
 32.5% 31.0% 37.0% 33.0% 32.5% 31.0%

  Components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:
                      



(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 31Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002



Provision for income taxes:
Provision for income taxes:
 
Provision for income taxes:
 
Current –
Current –
 
Current –
 
Federal
 $34,470 $22,789 $22,187 
Federal
 $47,894 $34,470 $22,789 
State
 1,812 1,588 1,002 
State
 2,401 1,812 1,588 
Non-U.S.
 1,449 694 196 
Non-U.S.
 1,287 1,449 694 

Current provision
 $37,731 $25,071 $23,385 
Current provision
 $51,582 $37,731 $25,071 

Deferred –
Deferred –
 
Deferred –
 
Federal
 $1,719 $1,357 $5,434 
Federal
 $(106) $1,719 $1,357 
State
 218 (27) 641 
State
 (304) 218 (27)
Non-U.S.
 (370) 467 169 
Non-U.S.
 (605) (370) 467 

Deferred provision
 1,567 1,797 6,244 
Deferred provision
 (1,015) 1,567 1,797 

Total provision for income taxes
Total provision for income taxes
 $39,298 $26,868 $29,629 
Total provision for income taxes
 $50,567 $39,298 $26,868 

  The company has net operating loss carryfowardscarryforwards of approximately $11.0$2.9 million in foreign jurisdictions with unlimited expiration.
  Earnings before income taxes and accounting change were as follows:
                       



(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 31Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001Fiscal years ended October 31200420032002



Earnings before income taxes and accounting change:
Earnings before income taxes and accounting change:
 
Earnings before income taxes and accounting change:
 
U.S. 
 $116,442 $82,407 $77,472 
U.S.
 $142,982 $116,442 $82,407 
Non-U.S. 
 4,476 4,392 2,605 
Non-U.S.
 10,251 4,476 4,392 

Total
Total
 $120,918 $86,799 $80,077 
Total
 $153,233 $120,918 $86,799 

  The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are presented below:
               



(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 312003200220042003



Allowance for doubtful accounts
 $3,043 $3,576  $1,697 $3,043 
Inventory items
 2,617 4,515  (1,062) 2,617 
Depreciation
 (284) 3,366  (3,837) (284)
Warranty reserves
 5,030 3,940  4,885 5,030 
Employee benefits
 14,269 12,426  16,773 14,269 
Other nondeductible accruals
 18,617 15,095 
Other accruals not yet deductible
 22,259 18,617 

Deferred income tax assets, net
 $43,292 $42,918  $40,715 $43,292 

  During the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively, $9,857,000, $2,642,000, and 2001, respectively, $2,642,000, $1,508,000, and $4,841,000$1,580,000 was added to additional paid-in capital in accordance with APB No. 25 reflecting the permanent book to tax difference in accounting for tax benefits related to employee stock option transactions.
  As of October 31, 2004, the company had approximately $16.8 million of accumulated undistributed earnings of subsidiaries outside of the United States that are considered to be reinvested indefinitely. No deferred tax liability has been provided for such earnings.

39


10
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

Under the company’s stock option plans, certain employees and non-employee directors have been granted options to purchase shares of common stock at prices equal to fair market value of the company’s common stock on the date the option was granted. Options granted through fiscal 20032004 are generally exercisable immediately or become exercisable over three years, and expire five to ten years after the date of grant.

  Under The Toro Company 2000 Stock Option Plan, 3,000,000 shares are authorized for issuance; under The Toro

34


Company 1993 Stock Option Plan, 3,200,000 shares are authorized for issuance; under The Toro Company Directors Stock Plan, 130,000 shares are authorized for issuance; and under The Toro Company 2000 Directors Stock Plan, 240,000 shares are authorized for issuance. As of October 31, 2003, 913,3812004, 628,261 shares were available for future grants under The Toro Company 2000 Stock Option Plan, 11,9979,882 shares were available for future grants under The Toro Company Directors Stock Plan, and 140,000120,000 shares were available for future grants under The Toro Company 2000 Directors Stock Plan. There were no shares available for future grants under The Toro Company 1993 Stock Option Plan.
  A summary of stock option activity under the plans previously described is presented below:
                



WeightedWeighted
averageaverage
OptionsexerciseOptionsexercise
outstandingpriceOutstandingprice

2001 
Outstanding as of the beginning of the year 2,900,008 $14.49 
Granted 741,212 17.52 
Exercised (1,379,044) 12.27 
Cancelled (56,390) 16.58 

Outstanding as of October 31, 2001 2,205,786 $16.84 

Exercisable as of October 31, 2001 1,604,786 $17.05 





2002  
Outstanding as of the beginning of the year 2,205,786 $16.84  2,205,786 $16.84 
Granted 659,548 23.56  659,548 23.56 
Exercised (653,530) 19.54  (653,530) 19.54 
Cancelled (52,000) 15.97  (52,000) 15.97 

Outstanding as of October 31, 2002 2,159,804 $18.10  2,159,804 $18.10 

Exercisable as of October 31, 2002 1,591,804 $18.60  1,591,804 $18.60 

2003
  
Outstanding as of the beginning of the year
 2,159,804 $18.10  2,159,804 $18.10 
Granted
 553,000 32.40  553,000 32.40 
Exercised
 (442,744) 19.70  (442,744) 19.70 
Cancelled
 (32,000) 15.97  (32,000) 15.97 

Outstanding as of October 31, 2003
 2,238,060 $21.30  2,238,060 $21.30 

Exercisable as of October 31, 2003
 1,702,060 $22.77  1,702,060 $22.77 



2004
 
Outstanding as of the beginning of the year
 2,238,060 $21.30 
Granted
 332,800 48.46 
Exercised
 (733,453) 19.26 


Outstanding as of October 31, 2004
 1,837,407 $27.04 


Exercisable as of October 31, 2004
 1,669,207 $24.92 


  The table below presents the number, weighted average remaining contractual life, and weighted average exercise price for options outstanding as of October 31, 2003:2004:
                        



WeightedWeighted
WeightedaverageWeightedaverage
averageremainingaverageremaining
Number ofexercisecontractualNumber ofexercisecontractual
Exercise price rangeoptionspricelifeoptionspricelife



$12.4688 – $18.8125 1,218,454 $15.90 4.3 years  661,005 $15.92 4.3 years 
$21.2750 – $27.8650 522,496 23.33 5.6 years  433,390 23.36 5.1 years 
$32.2750 – $40.4200 497,110 32.41 6.5 years  434,402 32.38 5.8 years 
$48.3200 – $50.7000 308,610 48.47 6.7 years 

Total
 2,238,060 $21.30 5.1 years  1,837,407 $27.04 5.2 years 

In fiscal years ended October 31, 2002, 2001, and 2000, the company granted 27,000, 57,000, and 584,000 options, respectively, that were to vest at the earlier of December 15, 2003 or when the company’s fiscal year net earnings divided by net sales exceeded five percent (a five percent return on sales). Since the company achieved this financial goal in fiscal 2003, these options vested in December 2003, and will expire on December 31, 2006. The company cancelled 32,000, 44,000, 46,000, and 10,000 of these options during fiscal years ended October 31, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively, due to employee terminations.
  In 1999, the company’s stockholders first approved a long-term incentive plan called The Toro Company Performance Share Plan. Under this plan, Performance Shares are granted to key employees of the company. A Performance Share is the right to receive shares of Common Stockcommon stock or deferred Common Stockcommon stock units, contingent on the achievement of performance goals of the company, generally over a three-year period. The number of shares of Common Stockcommon stock authorized for issuance under this plan is 2,000,000. 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. In fiscal 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, the company granted 140,600, 229,800, 265,200, and 318,800265,200 Performance Shares, respectively, that vested over one- to three-year periods. The participants earned 178,766, 115,202, 113,762, and 165,394113,762 Performance Shares in fiscal 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, respectively. The company recognized compensation expense related to this plan of $16,027,000, $9,337,000, $5,604,000, and $3,812,000$5,604,000 during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, respectively.
  The company’s stockholders have approved The Toro Company Annual Management Incentive Plan II, (annual incentive plan), which includes a Common Stockcommon stock acquisition and retention feature (Stock Retention Award). If the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors grants a Stock Retention Award, the recipient may elect to convert up to 50 percent of a cash bonus award into Common Stock,common stock, or defer up to 50 percent of the cash bonus through The Toro Company Deferred Compensation Plan for

40


Officers into units having a value based on shares of Common Stock.common stock. In either case, the participant would receive additional compensation in the form of one additional share or unit of Common Stockcommon stock for every two shares or units acquired upon conversion. These matching shares or units vest in increments of 25 percent of the total number of matching shares or units as of the end of each of the second, third, fourth, and fifth years after the date the shares are issued or units are credited. Compensation expense related to this plan was $3,732,000, $2,326,000, $2,273,000, and $1,587,000$2,273,000 for fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, respectively. No matching awards were granted with respect to fiscal 2004, 2003, 2002, or 2001.and 2002.
  On July 31, 1995, the company issued 34,934 shares of restricted stock and 34,934 performance units to the Chief Executive Officer under the terms of The Toro Company Chief Executive Officer Succession Incentive Award Agreement, which was approved by stockholders in 1995.1994. The value of each performance unit is equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock. The restricted stock and performance units vest based upon achievement of specified succession planning goals. Dividends are paid with respect to the restricted stock and the

35


shares may be voted. Portions of the restricted stock and performance unit awards may be forfeited if specified goals are not achieved at various dates, ending on October 31, 2005 or termination of employment. For each of the fiscal years ended October 31, 2000 and 1999, 5,240 shares and performance units vested. Compensation expense related to this plan was $1,107,000, $1,293,000, $730,000, and $439,000$730,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, respectively. 24,454 shares and 24,454 performance units remain unvested as of October 31, 2003.2004.

11
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The company maintains The Toro Company Investment, Savings and Employee Stock Ownership Plan for eligible employees. The company’s expenses under this plan were $14,200,000, $13,493,000, $12,660,000, and $12,300,000$12,660,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, respectively.

  The company also sponsors a plan that provides health-care benefits to eligible employees upon retirement, up to age 65. The health-care benefit plan is contributory, with retiree contributions based on active employee participation rates. The company funds these benefits for retirees on an annual basis. The company uses fiscal year end as the measurement date for this plan.
  Reconciliation of the funded status of this plan is as follows:
                  



(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 31Fiscal years ended October 3120032002Fiscal years ended October 3120042003



Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected Benefit Obligation
 
Projected Benefit Obligation
 
Beginning obligations
 $6,462 $3,443 
Beginning obligations
 $14,733 $6,462 
Service cost
 388 193 
Service cost
 950 388 
Interest cost
 427 246 
Interest cost
 871 427 
Actuarial loss
 7,764 2,900 
Amendment
 (1,981)  
Benefits paid
 (308) (320)
Actuarial (gain) loss
 (4,986) 7,764 


Benefits paid
 (427) (308)


Ending Obligations
Ending Obligations
 $14,733 $6,462 
Ending Obligations
 $9,160 $14,733 

Funded Status of Plan
Funded Status of Plan
 $(14,733) $(6,462)
Funded Status of Plan
 $(9,160) $(14,733)
Unrecognized actuarial loss
 11,812 4,310 
Unrecognized prior service cost
 (1,981)  
Unrecognized actuarial loss
 6,115 11,812 

Net Amount Recognized
Net Amount Recognized
 $(2,921) $(2,152)
Net Amount Recognized
 $(5,026) $(2,921)

  The ending obligation increase fromcompany amended its health-care benefit plan as of the end of fiscal 20022004 to reduce benefits offered to certain eligible employees over a transition period. This modification did not result in any financial impact for the company during fiscal 2003 was the result of a significant change in assumption related to higher level of participants receiving benefits under the plan due to a higher than anticipated early retirement rate.2004.
  Assumptions used in calculations are:
               



Fiscal years ended October 312003200220042003



Discount rate used to determine year-end obligation
 6.00% 6.75% 5.75% 6.00%
Discount rate used to determine fiscal year expense
 6.75% 7.50% 6.00% 6.75%
Annual increase in cost of benefits
 10.00% 18.00% 11.00% 10.00%

  The annual increase in cost of postretirement benefits is assumed to increase to 12 percent in fiscal 2004 and then decrease gradually in future years, reaching an ultimate rate of 4.55 percent in fiscal 2010.2011.
  Components of net benefit cost each fiscal year are as follows:
                  



(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001200420032002



Service cost
 $388 $193 $154  $950 $388 $193 
Interest cost
 427 246 257  871 427 246 
Amortization of losses
 262 80 93  712 262 80 

Net expense
 $1,077 $519 $504  $2,533 $1,077 $519 

  Assumed trend rates for health-care costs have an important effect on the amounts reported for postretirement benefit plans. If the health-care cost trend rate increased by 1 percentage point, the postretirement benefit obligation as of October 31, 20032004 would increase by $1,637,000. If the health-care cost trend rate decreased by 1 percentage point, the postretirement benefit obligation as of October 31, 20032004 would decrease by $1,353,000.
  The benefits expected to be paid by the company in each fiscal year from fiscal years 2005-2009 are $555,000, $589,000, $544,000, $560,000, and $602,000, respectively. The aggregate benefits expected to be paid by the company in the five fiscal years from 2010-2014 are $4,214,000. The expected benefits to be paid are based on the same assumptions used to measure the company’s benefit obligation as of October 31, 2004.

41


  In addition, the company and its subsidiaries have defined benefit, supplemental, and other retirement plans covering certain employees. The plan assets, liabilities, and expenses related to these plans were not significant to the company’s consolidated operating results or financial results.position.

12
SEGMENT DATA

Toro develops, manufactures, and sells a wide variety of turf maintenance products used in the professional and residential markets. The company’s principal businesses are based on Toro’s ability to provide comprehensive, integrated solutions that create, maintain, enhance, and conserve beautiful and functional landscapes. The company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately based on fundamental differences in their operations.

Reportable Segments

The professional segment consists of turf equipment and irrigation products. Turf equipment products include sports fields and grounds maintenance equipment, golf course mowing and maintenance equipment, landscape contractor mowing equipment, landscape creation equipment, and other maintenance equipment. Irrigation products consist of sprinkler heads, electric and hydraulic valves, controllers, computer irrigation central control systems, and agricultural drip tape and hose products. These products are sold mainly through a network of distributors and dealers to professional users engaged in maintaining golf courses, sports fields, municipal and industrial properties, agricultural grounds, and residential and commercial landscapes.
  The residential segment consists of walk power mowers, riding mowers and tractors, snowthrowers,snow throwers, homeowner-installed irrigation systems, replacement parts, and electricelectrical home solutions products, including trimmers, blowers, and blower vacuums. These products are sold to homeowners through a network of distributors and dealers, and through a broad array of hardware retailers, home centers, and mass retailers as well as over the Internet.

36


  The distribution segment consists of four company-owned domestic distributor operations. These distribution companies sell Toro and non-Toro professional and residential products directly to dealers, retailers, and end-user customers.
  The other segment consists of corporate activities, including corporate financing activities and elimination of intersegment revenues and expenses. Corporate activities include general corporate expenditures (finance, human resources, legal, information services, public relations, and similar activities) and other unallocated corporate assets and liabilities, such as corporate facilities, financing receivables, parts inventory, and deferred tax assets.
  The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1. The company evaluates the performance of its professional, residential, and distribution business segment results based on earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle. The other segment operating loss includes corporate activities, other income, net, and interest expense. The business segment’s operating profits or losses include direct costs incurred at the segment’s operating level plus allocated expenses, such as profit sharing and manufacturing expenses. The allocated expenses represent costs whichthat these operations would have incurred otherwise, but do not include general corporate expenses, interest expense, and income taxes. The company accounts for intersegment gross sales at current market prices.

42


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

                                   



(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 31Professional1Residential2DistributionOtherTotalProfessional1Residential2DistributionOtherTotal


2004
 
Net sales
 $1,028,941 $554,334 $152,234 $(83,001) $1,652,508 
Intersegment gross sales
 89,893 8,999  (98,892)  
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
 173,111 61,777 2,203 (83,858) 153,233 
Total assets
 419,000 187,860 35,195 286,692 928,747 
Capital expenditures
 25,772 5,802 455 8,783 40,812 
Depreciation and amortization
 17,641 8,027 792 9,633 36,093 



2003
  
Net sales
 $929,434 $506,466 $133,957 $(73,269) $1,496,588  $929,434 $506,466 $133,957 $(73,269) $1,496,588 
Intersegment gross sales
 81,421 7,985  (89,406)   81,421 7,985  (89,406)  
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
 146,756 55,460 (505) (80,793) 120,918  146,756 55,460 (505) (80,793) 120,918 
Total assets
 412,361 180,767 46,232 288,072 927,432  412,361 180,767 46,232 288,072 927,432 
Capital expenditures
 23,838 12,759 413 7,653 44,663  22,440 12,759 413 7,653 43,265 
Depreciation and amortization
 16,196 7,816 636 8,525 33,173  17,159 7,816 636 8,525 34,136 

2002  
Net sales $862,294 $474,333 $158,935 $(96,289) $1,399,273  $862,294 $474,333 $158,935 $(96,289) $1,399,273 
Intersegment gross sales 99,553 10,764  (110,317)   99,553 10,764  (110,317)  
Earnings (loss) before income taxes and accounting change 111,709 51,916 2,251 (79,077) 86,799  111,709 51,916 2,251 (79,077) 86,799 
Total assets 399,024 162,442 51,823 232,851 846,140  399,024 162,442 51,823 232,851 846,140 
Capital expenditures 21,240 17,789 685 6,317 46,031  20,818 17,789 685 6,317 45,609 
Depreciation and amortization 16,860 6,559 537 6,976 30,932  16,806 6,559 537 6,976 30,878 

2001 
Net sales $858,855 $432,176 $146,642 $(84,590) $1,353,083 
Intersegment gross sales 90,068 10,445  (100,513)  
Earnings (loss) before income taxes 106,600 41,904 (361) (68,066) 80,077 
Total assets 430,637 142,361 61,836 200,840 835,674 
Capital expenditures 16,828 12,422 971 5,441 35,662 
Depreciation and amortization 24,980 5,779 981 5,431 37,171 

1 Includes restructuring and other income of $0.6 million and $0.4 million in fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, andrespectively. Includes restructuring and other expense of $8.4 million in fiscal 2002.
2 Includes restructuring and other income of $0.1 million in fiscal 2004 and restructuring and other expense of $2.2 million in fiscal 2003 and restructuring and other income of $0.7 million in fiscal 2001.2003.

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

                      



(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal years ended October 31200320022001200420032002



Corporate expenses
 $(88,789) $(77,414) $(67,465) $(96,062) $(91,063) $(79,025)
Interest expense, net
 (16,285) (19,747) (22,003) (15,523) (16,285) (19,747)
Finance charge revenue
 2,665 3,664 5,144  3,266 2,665 3,664 
Elimination of corporate financing expense
 15,095 14,712 15,923  16,005 15,095 14,712 
Other income (expenses)
 6,521 (292) 335 
Other income
 8,456 8,795 1,319 

Total
 $(80,793) $(79,077) $(68,066) $(83,858) $(80,793) $(79,077)

  Sales to one customer accounted for 13 percent of consolidated net sales in fiscal 2004, 2003, and 2002. There were no sales over 10 percent of consolidated net sales to any single customer in fiscal 2001.

Geographic Data

The following geographic area data includes net sales based on product shipment destination. Net property, plant, and equipment is based on physical location in addition to allocated capital tooling from United States plant facilities.
                        



(Dollars in thousands)UnitedForeignUnitedForeign
Fiscal years ended October 31StatesCountriesTotalStatesCountriesTotal


2004
 
Net sales
 $1,311,148 $341,360 $1,652,508 
Net property, plant, and equipment
 139,831 24,834 164,665 



2003
  
Net sales
 $1,207,590 $288,998 $1,496,588  $1,207,590 $288,998 $1,496,588 
Net property, plant, and equipment
 135,826 23,290 159,116  135,826 23,290 159,116 

2002  
Net sales $1,137,670 $261,603 $1,399,273  $1,137,670 $261,603 $1,399,273 
Net property, plant, and equipment 137,309 19,470 156,779  137,309 19,470 156,779 

2001 
Net sales $1,100,255 $252,828 $1,353,083 
Net property, plant, and equipment 132,678 9,567 142,245 

37


13
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Leases

As of October 31, 2003, totalTotal rental expense for operating leases was $19,446,000, $17,899,000, $16,732,000, and $15,933,000$16,732,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, respectively. As of October 31, 2003,2004, future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases amounted to $48,131,000$46,203,000 as follows: 2004, $13,474,000; 2005, $11,142,000;$13,980,000; 2006, $8,833,000;$12,232,000; 2007, $6,407,000;$9,269,000; 2008, $5,280,000;$6,963,000; 2009, $2,605,000; and after 2008, $2,995,000.2009, $1,154,000.

Customer Financing

Wholesale Financing –Independent Toro dealers that do not finance through Toro Credit Company finance their inventories with third party financing sources. Exmark and international products sold to dealers are financed primarily with third party financing sources or by the distributor. Third party financing companies purchased $401,002,000$430,954,000 of receivables of the company’s financed products during fiscal 2003.2004. The outstanding receivable balance owed from the company’s distributors and dealers to third party financing companies was $142,554,000$152,910,000 on October 31, 2003.2004. The company’s maximum exposure for credit recourse with a third party financing company related to receivables under these financing arrangements was $550,000 as of October 31, 2003.2004. Toro also enters into limited inventory repurchase agreements with third party financing companies. As of October 31, 2003,2004, the company was contingently liable to

43


repurchase up to $3,728,000$3,745,000 of inventory related to receivables under these financing arrangements. Toro has repurchased only immaterial amounts of inventory from third party financing companies over the last three years.

End-User Financing –During fiscal 2002, Toro entered intoThe company has an agreement with a third party financing company to provide lease-financing options to domestic golf course and somesports fields and grounds equipment customers. Under the terms of this agreement, the company could be contingently liable for a portion of the credit collection and residual realization risk on the underlying equipment for leasing transactions under this program. The company’s maximum exposure for credit collection and residual value as of October 31, 20032004 was $3,415,000.$7,155,000. The company has established a reserve for the estimated exposure related to this program.

  In the normal course of business, the company has arrangements with other financial institutions to provide various forms of financing options to end-user customers. From time to time, Toro’s company-owned distributorshipswholly-owned subsidiaries also guarantee the residual value at the end of leases with third party financing companies for product sold to customers. The amount of this potential contingent liability as of October 31, 2004 and 2003 was $965,000.$1,940,000 and $2,185,000, respectively.

Purchase Commitments

As of October 31, 2003,2004, the company had $4,228,000$1,782,000 of purchase commitments with some suppliers for materials and supplies as part of the normal course of business. There are a limited number of supply contracts that contain penalty provisions for either early termination or failure to purchase contracted quantities. The company does not expect potential payments under these provisions to materially affecteffect its results of operations or financial condition.

Letters of Credit

Letters of credit are issued by the company during the normal course of business, as required by some vendor contracts. As of October 31, 20032004 and 2002,2003, the company had $16,211,000$10,941,000 and $12,159,000,$16,211,000, respectively, in outstanding letters of credit.

Litigation

In the ordinary course of business, the company may become liable with respect to pending and threatened litigation, tax, environmental, and other matters. While the ultimate results of current claims, investigations, and lawsuits involving the company are unknown at this time, management does not expect that these matters will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the company.company, except for the lawsuit discussed below.
  To prevent possible infringement of its patents by others, the company periodically reviews competitors’ products. To avoid potential liability with respect to others’ patents, the company regularly reviews patents issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and foreign patent offices as needed. This patent program, consisting of both types of activities, helps the company minimize risk of patent infringement litigation. The company is currently involved in commercial disputes and patent litigation cases, both where it is asserting patents and commercial disputes and where it is defending against charges of infringement and commercial disputes.infringement. While the ultimate results of the current cases are unknown at this time, management believes that the outcome of these cases is unlikely to have a materially adverse effect on the consolidated financial results of the company.
  On June 3, 2004, eight individuals who claim to have purchased lawnmowers in Illinois and Minnesota filed a lawsuit(Ronnie Phillips et al. v. Sears Roebuck Corporation et. al.,No. 04-L-334 (20th Judicial Circuit, St., Clair County, IL) against the company and other defendants alleging that the horsepower labels on the products the plaintiffs purchased were inaccurate. The plaintiffs seek certification of a class of all persons in the United States who, beginning January 1, 1995 through the present, purchased a lawnmower containing a two stroke or four stroke gas combustible engine up to 20 horsepower that was manufactured by the defendants. The complaint seeks an injunction, unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and attorneys’ fees. No answers have been entered in the case, and there has been no discovery. Management continues to evaluate this lawsuit. The company has not established a reserve for any potential loss in connection with this lawsuit since the company is unable to provide a reasonable estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from this litigation. The company is also unable to assess at this time whether the lawsuit will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated operating results or financial condition.

14
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of accounts receivable whichthat are concentrated in three business segments;segments: professional, residential, and distribution markets for outdoor landscape equipment and systems. The credit risk associated with these segments is limited because of the large number of customers in the company’s customer base and their geographic dispersion, except for the residential segment that has significant sales to The Home Depot.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The company uses derivative instruments to manage exposure to foreign currency.currency exchange rates. Toro uses derivativesderivative instruments only in an attempt to limit underlying exposure from currency rate fluctuations, and not for trading purposes.

44


The company documents all relationsrelationships between hedging

38


instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk-management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The company assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivativesderivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged item.
  The company enters into foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge the risk from forecasted settlement in local currencies of trade sales and purchases. These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges with the fair value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)loss and as a hedge asset or liability in prepaid expenses or accrued liabilities, as applicable. Once the forecasted transaction has been recognized as a sale or inventory purchase and a related asset or liability recorded in the balance sheet, the related fair value of the derivative hedge contract is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)loss to earnings. During fiscal 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001,2002, the amount of losses reclassified to earnings for such cash flow hedges was $7,149,000, $4,574,000, $513,000, and $1,063,000,$513,000, respectively. As of October 31, 2003,2004, the amount of such contracts outstanding was $95,995,000.$98,613,000. The unrecognized after-tax loss portion of the fair value of the contracts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of October 31, 20032004 was $2,185,000.$1,437,000.
  The company also enters into other foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge intercompany financing transactions and other activities, which do not meet the hedge accounting criteria of SFAS No. 133;133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” therefore, changes in fair value of these instruments are recorded in other income, net.
  The company also enters into foreign currency exchange contracts on behalf of certain distributors in order to cover a portion of the payments owed by the distributor to the company. Any currency gains or losses incurred by the company are reimbursed to or by the distributor.

Fair Value

Estimated fair value amounts have been determined using available information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Because considerable judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. For cash and cash equivalents, receivables, short-term debt, and accounts payable, carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The estimate of fair value for the company’s foreign currency contracts as of October 31, 20032004 and 20022003 was a net liability of $3,963,000$4,108,000 and $996,000,$3,963,000, respectively.
  As of October 31, 2004, the estimated fair value of long-term debt with fixed interest rates was $189,694,000 compared to its carrying value of $175,091,000. As of October 31, 2003, the estimated fair value of long-term debt with fixed interest rates was $196,686,000 compared to its carrying value of $178,921,000. As of October 31, 2002, the estimated fair value of long-term debt with fixed interest rates was $204,227,000 compared to its carrying value of $194,581,000. The fair value is estimated by discounting the projected cash flows using the rate at which similar amounts of debt could currently be borrowed.

15
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA(unaudited)

Summarized quarterly financial data for fiscal 20032004 and fiscal 20022003 are as follows:

                        



Fiscal year endedFiscal year endedFiscal year ended
October 31, 2003
October 31, 2004October 31, 2004
(Dollars in thousands,(Dollars in thousands,(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)except per share data)except per share data)
QuarterFirstSecond1Third2Fourth3FirstSecondThirdFourth



Net sales
 $295,962 $495,840 $394,524 $310,262  $313,573 $548,027 $454,044 $336,864 
Gross profit
 105,581 175,632 146,950 107,296  112,610 198,879 164,202 117,379 
Net earnings
 6,981 41,971 27,044 5,624  9,325 52,199 34,213 6,929 
Basic net earnings per share
 0.28 1.68 1.08 0.22 
Diluted net earnings per share
 0.27 1.61 1.03 0.21 
Basic net earnings per share1
 0.37 2.10 1.40 0.30 
Diluted net earnings per share1
 0.36 2.00 1.33 0.28 

1 Includes restructuringNet earnings per share amounts do not sum to equal full year total due to changes in the number of shares outstanding during the periods and other income of $0.2 million.
2Includes restructuring and other expense of $1.7 million.
3Includes restructuring and other expense of $0.3 million.rounding.
                 

Fiscal year ended
October 31, 2002
(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)
QuarterFirst1,2SecondThirdFourth3

Net sales $277,915  $470,314  $375,632  $275,412 
Gross profit  95,307   162,052   128,939   98,964 
Earnings (loss) before accounting change  (5,121)  38,138   21,922   4,992 
Net earnings (loss)  (29,735)  38,138   21,922   4,992 
Basic net earnings (loss) per share before accounting change  (0.20)  1.51   0.87   0.20 
Basic net earnings (loss) per share  (1.19)  1.51   0.87   0.20 
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share before accounting change  (0.20)  1.46   0.84   0.19 
Diluted net earnings (loss) per share  (1.19)  1.46   0.84   0.19 

                 

Fiscal year ended
October 31, 2003
(Dollars in thousands,
except per share data)
QuarterFirstSecondThirdFourth

Net sales $295,962  $495,840  $394,524  $310,262 
Gross profit  105,581   175,632   146,950   107,296 
Net earnings  6,981   41,971   27,044   5,624 
Basic net earnings per share  0.28   1.68   1.08   0.22 
Diluted net earnings per share  0.27   1.61   1.03   0.21 

1Includes non-cash impairment charges of $24.6 million, net of income tax benefit of $0.5 million, recognized as a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.
2Includes restructuring and other expense of $9.9 million.
3Includes restructuring and other income of $1.5 million.

3945


16
ELEVEN-YEAR FINANCIAL DATA (unaudited)

                                                        



(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share data)
Fiscal years ended October 311,8Fiscal years ended October 311,82003200220012000199919984199771996199519941993Fiscal years ended October 311,82004200320022001200019991998419977199619951994



OPERATING RESULTS:
OPERATING RESULTS:
 
OPERATING RESULTS:
 
Net sales2
Net sales2
 $1,496.6 $1,399.3 $1,353.1 $1,339.0 $1,279.7 $1,111.3 $1,052.8 $930.9 $919.4 $864.3 $706.6 
Net sales2
 $1,652.5 $1,496.6 $1,399.3 $1,353.1 $1,339.0 $1,279.7 $1,111.3 $1,052.8 $930.9 $919.4 $864.3 
Net sales growth from prior year
Net sales growth from prior year
 7.0% 3.4% 1.1% 4.6% 15.1% 5.6% 13.1% 1.3% 6.4% 22.3% 10.6%
Net sales growth from prior year
 10.4% 7.0% 3.4% 1.1% 4.6% 15.1% 5.6% 13.1% 1.3% 6.4% 22.3%
Earnings, before accounting change3,5,6
Earnings, before accounting change3,5,6
 $81.6 $59.9 $50.4 $45.3 $35.1 $4.1 $34.8 $36.4 $32.4 $32.4 $15.3 
Earnings, before accounting change3,5,6
 $102.7 $81.6 $59.9 $50.4 $45.3 $35.1 $4.1 $34.8 $36.4 $32.4 $32.4 
Percentage of net sales
Percentage of net sales
 5.5% 4.3% 3.7% 3.4% 2.7% 0.4% 3.3% 3.9% 3.5% 3.8% 2.2%
Percentage of net sales
 6.2% 5.5% 4.3% 3.7% 3.4% 2.7% 0.4% 3.3% 3.9% 3.5% 3.8%
Net earnings3
Net earnings3
 $81.6 $35.3 $50.4 $45.3 $35.1 $4.1 $34.8 $36.4 $32.4 $32.4 $15.3 
Net earnings3
 $102.7 $81.6 $35.3 $50.4 $45.3 $35.1 $4.1 $34.8 $36.4 $32.4 $32.4 
Diluted net earnings per share, before accounting change3,5,6
Diluted net earnings per share, before accounting change3,5,6
 3.12 2.32 1.93 1.74 1.32 0.16 1.40 1.45 1.25 1.25 0.61 
Diluted net earnings per share, before accounting change3,5,6
 4.04 3.12 2.32 1.93 1.74 1.32 0.16 1.40 1.45 1.25 1.25 
Return on average stockholders’ equity
Return on average stockholders’ equity
 20.3% 10.0% 15.3% 15.2% 12.9% 1.6% 15.3% 18.0% 17.5% 20.2% 11.4%
Return on average stockholders’ equity
 24.7% 20.3% 10.0% 15.3% 15.2% 12.9% 1.6% 15.3% 18.0% 17.5% 20.2%
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
 
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION:
 
Working capital
Working capital
 $370.8 $298.4 $271.6 $249.3 $225.9 $221.2 $234.2 $197.1 $165.1 $176.2 $156.9 
Working capital
 $324.4 $370.8 $298.4 $271.6 $249.3 $225.9 $221.2 $234.2 $197.1 $165.1 $176.2 
Long-term debt, less current portion
Long-term debt, less current portion
 175.1 178.8 194.6 194.5 195.6 196.8 177.7 53.0 53.4 70.4 87.3 
Long-term debt, less current portion
 175.0 175.1 178.8 194.6 194.5 195.6 196.8 177.7 53.0 53.4 70.4 
Stockholders’ equity
Stockholders’ equity
 437.2 365.3 341.4 317.2 279.7 263.4 241.2 213.6 190.9 178.7 141.9 
Stockholders’ equity
 395.6 437.2 365.3 341.4 317.2 279.7 263.4 241.2 213.6 190.9 178.7 
Debt to capitalization ratio
Debt to capitalization ratio
 29.3% 34.9% 40.2% 39.4% 47.5% 46.4% 47.6% 30.7% 36.6% 33.8% 46.5%
Debt to capitalization ratio
 30.8% 29.3% 34.9% 40.2% 39.4% 47.5% 46.4% 47.6% 30.7% 36.6% 33.8%
OTHER STATISTICAL DATA:
OTHER STATISTICAL DATA:
 
OTHER STATISTICAL DATA:
 
Book value per share of common stock
Book value per share of common stock
 17.93 15.01 13.92 12.62 11.13 10.32 9.90 8.88 7.85 7.03 5.74 
Book value per share of common stock
 17.12 17.93 15.01 13.92 12.62 11.13 10.32 9.90 8.88 7.85 7.03 
Cash dividends per share of common stock
Cash dividends per share of common stock
 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 
Cash dividends per share of common stock
 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 0.24 
Market price range –
Market price range –
 
Market price range –
 
High price
 50.41 32.11 25.00 19.000 19.7500 23.1563 21.88 18.125 16.125 15.250 13.375 
High price
 71.65 50.41 32.11 25.00 19.000 19.7500 23.1563 21.88 18.125 16.125 15.250 
Low price
 30.15 20.96 16.38 14.063 11.0938 8.2500 15.75 14.188 12.813 10.438 7.063 
Low price
 44.45 30.15 20.96 16.38 14.063 11.0938 8.2500 15.75 14.188 12.813 10.438 
Average number of employees
Average number of employees
 5,367 5,395 5,380 5,040 4,923 4,695 4,309 3,610 3,638 3,434 3,117 
Average number of employees
 5,164 5,367 5,395 5,380 5,040 4,923 4,695 4,309 3,610 3,638 3,434 

1 In 1995, the company changed its fiscal year end from July 31 to October 31. Therefore, the year-end’s prior to 1996 arewere derived from unaudited and were restated to includeamounts reflecting twelve months of data through the Friday closest to October 31 for comparative purposes.
2 The adoption of Emerging Issues Task Force issues 00-10, 00-14, and 00-25 resulted in a (decrease) increase of net sales for fiscal 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, and 1997 by ($5.2)$(5.2) million, $2.1 million, $4.7 million, $0.9 million, and $1.6 million, respectively. 1996 and prior years have not been restated.
3 Fiscal 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1998, and 1997, includes net restructuring and other (income) expense (income) of $(0.7) million, $1.8 million, $8.4 million, ($0.7)$(0.7) million, $1.7 million, $15.0 million, and $2.6 million, respectively.
4 The company’s consolidated financial statements include results of operations of Exmark from November 1, 1997 and Drip In from February 1, 1998, dates of acquisition.
5 Fiscal 2002 net earnings and diluted net earnings per share after cumulative effect of change in accounting principle of $24.6 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, were $35.3 million and $1.37, respectively.
6 Fiscal 1997 net earnings and diluted net earnings per share includes a loss on the early retirement of debt of $1.7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share.
7 The company’s consolidated financial statements include results of operations of the James Hardie Irrigation Group from December 1, 1996, the date of acquisition.
8 Per share data has been adjusted for all fiscal years presented to reflect a two-for-one stock split effective April 1, 2003.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

4046


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports it files or submits 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 the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

  The company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on that evaluation, the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of such period. There was no change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the company’s fourth fiscal fourth quarter ended October 31, 20032004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

See “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I of this report for information regarding the executive officers of the company, which is incorporated by reference in this section.

  Information regarding the directors of the company, additional information regarding certain executive officers, information regarding the company’s Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, and other information required by Item 10 of Part III of this report is incorporated by reference to information to be contained under the captions “Proposal One – Election of Directors – Nominees for Election to Board of Directors”, “Proposal One – Election of Directors – Members of Board of Directors”Directors Continuing in Office”, “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”, and “Corporate Governance – Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers”, in the company’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the next annual meeting of stockholders, which involves the election of directors or, if such Proxy Statement is not filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K, such information will be filed as part of an amendment to this Form 10-K not later than the end of the 120-day period.
The company intends to satisfy disclosure requirements regarding amendments to or waivers from its code of ethics by posting such information on the company’s web site at www.thetorocompany.com.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information concerning executive compensation and other information required by Item 11 of Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to information to be contained under the caption “Executive Compensation” and “Proposal One – Election of Directors – Board Compensation” in the company’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the next annual meeting of stockholders, which involves the election of directors or, if such Proxy Statement is not filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K, such information will be filed as part of an amendment to this Form 10-K not later than the end of the 120-day period.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management of the company, equity compensation plan information, and other information required by Item 12 of Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to information to be contained under the captions “Stock Ownership” and “Executive Compensation – Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the company’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the next annual meeting of stockholders, which involves the election of directors or, if such Proxy Statement is not filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K, such information will be filed as part of an amendment to this Form 10-K not later than the end of the 120-day period.

47


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

None.Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions required by Item 13 of Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to information to be contained under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions”, in the company’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the next annual meeting of stockholders, which involves the election of directors or, if such Proxy Statement is not filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K, such information will be filed as part of an amendment to this Form 10-K not later than the end of the 120-day period.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information regarding the company’s independent auditor fees and services and other information required by Item 14 of Part III of this report is incorporated herein by reference to information to be contained under the captions “Proposal Two – Ratify Selection of Independent Auditor – Audit, Audit-Related, Tax and Other Fees” and “Proposal Two – Ratify Selection of Independent Auditor – Auditor Fees Pre-approval Policy” in the company’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to the next annual meeting of stockholders, which involves the election of directors or, if such Proxy Statement is not filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K, such information will be filed as part of an amendment to this Form 10-K not later than the end of the 120-day period.

41


PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) 1. List of Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of The Toro Company and its subsidiaries are included in Item 8 of Part II:
• Report of Independent Auditors’ ReportRegistered Public Accounting Firm
• Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002
• Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 20032004 and 20022003
• Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002
• Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 20012002
• Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a) 2. List of Financial Statement Schedules

The following financial statement schedule of The Toro Company and its subsidiaries are included herein:
• Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

  All other schedules are omitted because the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

(a) 3. List of Exhibits

The following exhibits are incorporated herein by reference or are filed with this report as indicated below:

Exhibit Number                             Description


3(i) and 4(a)      Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(b) to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 28, 2003, Commission File No. 1-8649).

3(ii) and 4(b)      Bylaws of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 28, 2003, Commission File No. 1-8649).

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

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

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

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

10(a)      Form of Employment Agreement in effect for executive officers of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 30, 1999).*

48


10(b)      Offer letter dated October 14, 2004 between The Toro Company and Michael J. Hoffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 14, 2004, Commission File No. 1-8649).*

10(c)      The Toro Company Directors Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 28, 2000).*

10(c)10(d)      The Toro Company Annual Management Incentive Plan II for officers of Registrant (incorporated by reference to the appendix to Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A filed with the Commission on January 31, 2002).*

10(d)10(e)      The Toro Company 1993 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(f) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 30, 1999).*

10(e)10(f)      The Toro Company Performance Share Plan (incorporated by reference to the appendix to Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A filed with the Commission on January 31, 2002).*

10(f)10(g)      The Toro Company 2000 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to the appendix to Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Form DEF 14A filed with the Commission on January 31, 2002).*

10(g)10(h)      The Toro Company Supplemental Management Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 28, 2000).*

10(h)10(i)      Amendment to The Toro Company Supplemental Management Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 30, 2004).*

10(j)      The Toro Company Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 30, 1999).*

10(i)10(k)      The Toro Company Chief Executive Officer Succession Incentive Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(j) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 2, 2002).*

10(j)10(l)      The Toro Company Deferred Compensation Plan for Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(k) to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2002).*

42


10(k)10(m)      The Toro Company Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(l) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 28, 2000).*

10(l)10(n)      The Toro Company 2000 Directors Stock Plan, as amended.*

10(o)      Form of Stock Option Agreement between The Toro Company and its non-employee directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(m)1 to Registrant’s QuarterlyCurrent Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 28, 2000)8-K dated November 1, 2004, Commission File No. 1-8649).*

10(m)10(p)      Multi-YearForm of Stock Option Agreement between The Toro Company and its officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 2, 2004, Commission File No. 1-8649).*

10(q)      Form of Performance Share Award Agreement between The Toro Company and its officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 2, 2004, Commission File No. 1-8649).*

10(r)      Credit Agreement dated as of February 22, 2002, by andSeptember 8, 2004, among The Toro Company, and Toro Credit Company, Toro Manufacturing Company, Incorporated, and certain subsidiaries, as Borrowers, the borrowers and other obligated parties named therein,lenders from time to time party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, U.S. Bank National AssociationSwing Line Lender and Suntrust Bank as co-syndication agents, Harris Trust and Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as co-documentation agents, and BancLetter of America Securities LLC as sole lead arranger and sole book managerCredit Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(n)10(a) to Registrant’s QuarterlyCurrent Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2003)8-K dated September 8, 2004, Commission File No. 1-8649).

10(n)      Amendment No. 1 to Multi-Year Credit Agreement dated as of December 11, 2002, by and among The Toro Company and Toro Credit Company, the borrowers, Toro Manufacturing LLC, Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, and each of the Banks as defined in the Multi-Year Credit Agreement dated as of February 22, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(o) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2003).

10(o)      Amendment No. 2 to Multi-Year Credit Agreement dated as of July 9, 2003, by and among The Toro Company and Toro Credit Company, the borrowers, Exmark Manufacturing Company Incorporated, Bank of America, N.A. as Administrative Agent, and each of the Banks as defined in the Multi-Year Credit Agreement dated as of February 22, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(p) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2003).

10(p)10(s)      Loan Agreement dated as of July 9, 2003 among Toro Receivables Company, as borrower, and The Toro Company, as servicer, and Three Pillars Funding Corporation, as lender, and Suntrust Capital Markets, Inc., as administrator (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(p) to Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2003).

12      Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

21      Subsidiaries of Registrant

23      Consent of Independent Auditors’ ConsentRegistered Public Accounting Firm

49


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

31(b)      Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002).

32      Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(c).

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K

During the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2003, Toro furnished a Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 26, 2003 pursuant to Item 12 that attached a press release announcing Toro’s financial results for the fiscal quarter ended August 1, 2003.

(c)      Exhibits

See Item 15(a)(3) above.

(d)(c)      Financial Statement Schedules

See Item 15(a)(2) above.

43


SCHEDULE II

THE TORO COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                                        



Balance as ofCharged toBalance as ofBalance as ofCharged toBalance as of
the beginningcosts andthe end ofthe beginningcosts andthe end of
Descriptionof the fiscal yearexpenses1Other2Deductions3the fiscal yearof the fiscal yearexpensesaOtherbDeductionscthe fiscal year



Fiscal year ended October 31, 2004
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable reserves
 $2,421,000 $698,000  $924,000 $2,195,000 


Fiscal year ended October 31, 2003
  
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable reserves
 $7,209,000 $1,347,000 $(249,000) $5,886,000 $2,421,000  $7,209,000 $1,347,000 $(249,000) $5,886,000 $2,421,000 

Fiscal year ended October 31, 2002  
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable reserves $5,105,000 $4,702,000  $2,598,000 $7,209,000  $5,105,000 $4,702,000  $2,598,000 $7,209,000 

Fiscal year ended October 31, 2001 
Allowance for doubtful accounts and notes receivable reserves $6,908,000 $1,548,000 $104,000 $3,455,000 $5,105,000 

1a Provision, net of recoveries.Provision.
 
2b Addition (reduction) to allowance for doubtful accounts due to acquisitions and divestiture.divestitures.
 
3c Uncollectible accounts charged off.
                 

Balance as ofCharged toBalance as of
the beginningcosts andthe end of
Descriptionof the fiscal yearexpenses1Deductions2the fiscal year

Fiscal year ended October 31, 2003
                
Accrued warranties
 $53,590,000  $46,067,000  $40,285,000  $59,372,000 

Fiscal year ended October 31, 2002                
Accrued warranties $57,882,000  $43,042,000  $47,334,000  $53,590,000 

Fiscal year ended October 31, 2001                
Accrued warranties $55,985,000  $43,418,000  $41,521,000  $57,882,000 

1Provision, net of recoveries.
2Warranty claims processed.

4450


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

       
  THE TORO COMPANY

(Registrant)
    
By  /s/ Stephen P. Wolfe   Dated: January 12,December 20, 2004
  
    
  Stephen P. Wolfe
Vice President – Finance Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
    

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

       

SignatureTitleDate

 
/s/ Kendrick B. Melrose

Kendrick B. Melrose
 Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
(principal executive officer)
 January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Stephen P. Wolfe

Stephen P. Wolfe
 Vice President – Finance, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
 January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Randy B. James

Randy B. James
 Vice President, Controller
(principal accounting officer)
 January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Ronald O. Baukol

Ronald O. Baukol
 Director January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Robert C. Buhrmaster

Robert C. Buhrmaster
 Director January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Winslow H. Buxton

Winslow H. Buxton
 Director January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Janet K. Cooper

Janet K. Cooper
 Director January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Katherine J. Harless

Katherine J. Harless
 Director January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Robert H. Nassau

Robert H. Nassau
 Director January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Dale R. Olseth

Dale R. Olseth
 Director January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Gregg W. Steinhafel

Gregg W. Steinhafel
 Director January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Christopher A. Twomey

Christopher A. Twomey
 Director January 12,December 20, 2004
 
/s/ Edwin H. Wingate

Edwin H. Wingate
 Director January 12,December 20, 2004

4551