Outdoor maintenance solutions provider Toro (TTC -3.37%) reported mixed fiscal 2025 first-quarter financial results on Thursday, March 6. Adjusted EPS of $0.65 surpassed analysts' consensus expectations of $0.63. However, Q1 revenue was $995 million, falling short of the anticipated $1 billion. Challenges in the Residential segment contributed to this shortfall.
Overall, the quarter showcased strong performance in the Professional segment but highlighted areas needing attention in residential operations.
| Metric | Q1 2025 | Analysts' Estimate | Q1 2024 | Change (YOY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EPS | $0.65 | $0.63 | $0.64 | 1.6% |
| Revenue | $995 million | $1.01 billion | $1 billion | (0.7%) |
| Professional Segment earnings | $127.2 million | N/A | $112.8 million | 12.8% |
| Adj. operating earnings margin | 9.4% | N/A | 9.2% | 20 bps |
Source: Toro. Note: Analyst consensus estimates for the quarter provided by FactSet. YOY = Year over year.
The Toro Company, based in Bloomington, Minnesota, specializes in outdoor environment maintenance products including turf equipment and irrigation systems. It operates through two segments: Professional and Residential. The company's focus on quality and innovation drives its product offerings, from professional golf course equipment to residential lawn mowers.
Recently, the company has been emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and technological advancement. Its strategies involve developing alternative power and smart-connected products to meet evolving customer needs. In particular, expanding its Professional segment remains crucial for stability and future growth, as it accounted for a significant portion of total revenues.
During the first quarter, Toro saw its Professional segment posting strong results. The segment's earnings increased 12.8% year over year to $127.2 million, highlighting growth due to higher shipments of golf and grounds products. The earnings margin in this segment grew from 14.9% to 16.5%, emphasizing operational efficiency and strategic market positioning.
Conversely, the Residential segment faced challenges with a significant 8% decrease in net sales amounting to $221 million. Lower snow product shipments and higher promotions impacted sales negatively. Moreover, the prior sale of Pope Products continued to echo, affecting current sales figures. The segment earnings fell to $17.2 million primarily due to escalating material costs. Robust global operations helped international sales rise to $211.4 million, a sign of Toro enhancing its global footprint.
The quarter featured noteworthy financial adjustments including a reduction in interest expenses by $1.2 million to $15 million, reflecting disciplined financial management. However, material and promotional costs exerted pressure on the company's net earnings, which were $52.8 million (reported) and $65.9 million (adjusted).
Looking ahead, Toro management remains optimistic, maintaining its full-year fiscal forecast of 0% to 1% net sales growth, with an adjusted EPS expectation between $4.25 and $4.40. The company anticipates stable demand and supply dynamics, barring unforeseen changes in weather patterns or economic conditions.
Key focus areas for the upcoming quarters include continued innovation in autonomous and connected solutions, increasing Professional segment dominance, and achieving further gains in operational productivity through its AMP initiative. Monitoring these areas will be crucial for investors moving forward, as the company fences against potential residential market headwinds and aims for geographic expansion.
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