MIDDLEBY CORP
10-Q, 1998-08-17
REFRIGERATION & SERVICE INDUSTRY MACHINERY
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<PAGE>

                                      FORM 10-Q

                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                                WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


(Mark One)

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

                          FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JULY 4, 1998

                                          or

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

                              Commission File No. 1-9973

                               THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
                 ----------------------------------------------------
                (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


           DELAWARE                                      36-3352497
 ------------------------------              ----------------------------------
(State or Other Jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)

2850 W. GOLF ROAD, SUITE 405, ROLLING MEADOWS, ILLINOIS               60008
- -------------------------------------------------------              --------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                            (Zip Code)


Registrant's Telephone No., including Area Code      (847) 758-3880
                                                    ----------------

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 twelve (12) months (or for such shorter period that 
the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject 
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES    X      NO
                                                         ---        ---

As of July 6, 1998, there were 10,982,021 shares of the Registrant's common 
stock outstanding.

<PAGE>

                  THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                          QUARTER ENDED JULY 4, 1998


                                     INDEX

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

DESCRIPTION                                                          PAGE
<S>                                                                  <C>
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         Item 1.  Consolidated Financial Statements

                  BALANCE SHEETS                                      1
                    July 4, 1998 and January 3, 1998

                  STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS                              2
                      July 4, 1998 and June 28, 1997

                  STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS                            3
                      July 4, 1998 and June 28, 1997

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                       4

         Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis                8
                  of Financial Condition and Results of
                  Operations

         Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
                   About Market Risk                                  13

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION                                            14
</TABLE>
<PAGE>


PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                     THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   (UNAUDITED)
                                                  JULY 4, 1998     JAN. 3, 1998
                                                  ------------     ------------
<S>                                               <C>               <C>
ASSETS
- --------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents.............              $  1,533          $ 12,321
Accounts receivable, net..............                26,182            22,251
Inventories, net......................                26,636            24,072
Prepaid expenses and other............                 1,779             1,248
Current deferred taxes................                 2,462             3,000
                                                    --------          --------
     Total current assets.............                58,592            62,892

Property, plant and equipment, net of
  accumulated depreciation of
  $14,659 and $13,534.................                22,876            21,790

Excess purchase price over net assets
  acquired, net of accumulated
  amortization of $4,907 and
  $4,673..............................                13,782            12,882

Deferred taxes........................                 3,835             3,779

Other assets..........................                 2,322             2,135
                                                    --------          --------
     Total assets.....................              $101,407          $103,478
                                                    --------          --------
                                                    --------          --------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- --------------------------------------
Current maturities of long-term debt..              $  2,757          $  3,595
Accounts payable......................                 8,888            11,600
Accrued expenses......................                 9,287             9,255
                                                    --------          --------
     Total current liabilities........                20,932            24,450

Long-term debt........................                24,287            24,318

Other non-current liabilities.........                 1,934             2,109

Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value;
    nonvoting; 2,000,000 shares
    authorized; none issued...........                     -                 -
  Common stock, $.01 par value;
    20,000,000 shares authorized;
    10,982,000 and 10,895,000 issued
    and outstanding in 1998 and
    1997, respectively................                   110               109
  Paid-in capital.....................                54,583            53,984
  Cumulative translation adjustment...                (1,431)           (1,173)
  Accumulated earnings (deficit)......                   992              (319)
                                                    --------          --------
     Total shareholders' equity.......                54,254            52,601
                                                    --------          --------
            Total liabilities and
              shareholders' equity....              $101,407         $103,478
                                                    --------          --------
                                                    --------          --------
</TABLE>
                                See accompanying notes

                                       - 1 -
<PAGE>

                     THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                     (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             Three Months Ended          Six Months Ended  
                                            --------------------       ---------------------
                                            July 4,     June 28,        July 4,     June 28,
                                              1998        1997            1998        1997  
                                              ----        ----            ----        ----
<S>                                        <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>
Net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    $ 33,641    $ 42,082       $ 64,742     $ 74,780

Cost of sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . .      22,969      29,268         44,632       51,492
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------

    Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . .      10,672      12,814         20,110       23,288

Selling and distribution expenses. . . .       5,417       6,035         10,518       10,716

General and administrative expenses. . .       3,193       3,044          5,909        5,719
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------

    Income from operations . . . . . . .       2,062       3,735          3,683        6,853

Interest expense and deferred
  financing amortization . . . . . . . .         759       1,257          1,496        2,338

Other expense(income), net . . . . . . .         141          18            253          (20)
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------

    Earnings before income taxes . . . .       1,162       2,460          1,934        4,535

Provision for income taxes.... . . . . .         371         873            623        1,562
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------

    Earnings from continuing
      operations . . . . . . . . . . . .         791       1,587          1,311        2,973
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------

Loss from discontinued operations,
    net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . .           -        (564)             -         (564)
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------

    Net earnings . . . . . . . . . . . .    $    791    $  1,023       $  1,311     $  2,409
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------


Basic earnings (loss) per share:
 
    Continuing operations. . . . . . . .    $   0.07    $   0.18       $   0.12     $   0.34

    Discontinued operations. . . . . . .        0.00       (0.06)          0.00        (0.06)
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------
    Net earnings per share . . . . . . .    $   0.07    $   0.12       $   0.12     $   0.28 
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------

    Weighted average number of shares. .      11,007       8,481         10,972        8,476


Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

    Continuing operations. . . . . . . .    $   0.07    $   0.18       $   0.12     $   0.34

    Discontinued operations. . . . . . .        0.00       (0.06)          0.00        (0.06)
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------

    Net earnings per share . . . . . . .    $   0.07    $   0.12       $   0.12     $   0.28
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------
                                            --------    --------       --------     --------


Weighted average number of shares. . . .      11,202       8,757         11,170        8,739
</TABLE>

                               See accompanying notes

                                       - 2 -
<PAGE>

                     THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
                                    (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                      --------------------------
                                                      JULY 4, 1998 JUNE 28, 1997
                                                      ------------ -------------
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities-
  Net earnings............................            $   1,311      $   2,409
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings
    to cash provided by continuing
    operating activities-

    Depreciation and amortization.........                1,395          1,500
    Utilization of NOL's..................                  604          1,416
    Discontinued operations...............                    -            564

  Changes in assets and liabilities-
      Accounts receivable.................               (3,931)        (6,525)
      Inventories.........................               (2,564)        (3,725)
      Prepaid expenses and other assets...                 (750)          (914)
      Accounts payable and other
        liabilities.......................               (2,681)         3,407
                                                      ---------      ---------

  Net cash used in continuing
    operating activities..................               (6,616)        (1,868)

  Net cash used in 
    discontinued operations...............                    -         (2,963)
                                                      ---------      ---------
  Net cash used in operating activities...               (6,616)        (4,831)
                                                      ---------      ---------

Cash flows from investing activities-
  Purchase of subsidiary minority 
    interest..............................               (1,134)             -
  Proceeds from sale of discontinued
    operations............................                    -          5,081
  Additions to property and equipment.....               (2,211)        (1,702)
                                                      ---------      ---------
  Net cash (used in) provided by
    investing activities..................               (3,345)         3,379
                                                      ---------      ---------

Cash flows from financing activities-
  Increase in revolving credit line, net..                    -          2,687
  Reduction in term loans.................                    -         (2,595)
  Reduction in capital expenditure loan...                    -            (50)
  Reduction in intellectual property lease                 (451)             -
  Reduction in proceeds from
    foreign bank debt.....................                 (419)         1,142
  Other financing activities, net.........                   43            188
                                                      ---------      ---------
  Net cash (used in) provided by
    financing activities..................                 (827)         1,372
                                                      ---------      ---------
Changes in cash and cash equivalents-
  Net decrease in cash 
    and cash equivalents..................              (10,788)           (80)
  Cash and cash equivalents at
    beginning of year.....................               12,321          1,410
                                                      ---------      ---------
  Cash and cash equivalents at end
    of quarter............................            $   1,533      $   1,330
                                                      ---------      ---------
                                                      ---------      ---------
Interest paid.............................            $   1,152      $   2,011
                                                      ---------      ---------
                                                      ---------      ---------
Income taxes paid.........................            $     558      $     120
                                                      ---------      ---------
                                                      ---------      ---------
</TABLE>
                                See accompanying notes

                                        - 3 -
<PAGE>

                      THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                     JULY 4, 1998
                                      (UNAUDITED)


1)   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     A.   BASIS OF PRESENTATION

          The financial statements have been prepared by The Middleby
          Corporation (the "Company"), without audit, pursuant to the rules and
          regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain
          information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
          statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
          principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and
          regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are
          adequate to make the information not misleading.  These financial
          statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements
          and related notes contained in the Company's 1997 Annual Report. 
          Other than as indicated herein, there have been no significant changes
          from the data presented in said Report.

          In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all
          adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the
          Company as of July 4, 1998 and January 3, 1998, and the results of
          operations for the three and six months ended July 4, 1998 and June
          28, 1997 and cash flows for the six months ended July 4, 1998 and June
          28, 1997. 

    B.    COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

          During the first quarter of 1998, the Company adopted Statement
          of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting
          Comprehensive Income", which requires companies to report all
          changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from
          investment by owners and distribution to owners, in a financial
          statement for the period in which they are recognized. 

          Components of comprehensive income were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  Six Months Ended
                                             July 4, 1998   June 28, 1997
                                             ------------   -------------
                                                    (In thousands)
          <S>                                  <C>            <C>
          Net earnings..................        $ 1,311        $ 2,409
          Cumulative translation
             adjustment.................           (258)             8
                                                -------        -------
                 Comprehensive Income           $ 1,053        $ 2,417
                                                -------        -------
                                                -------        -------
</TABLE>
                                        - 4 -
<PAGE>

    C.    DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

          In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
          Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting
          for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities."  The
          Statement establishes accounting and reporting standards
          requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain
          derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded
          in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at
          its fair value.  The Statement requires that changes in the
          derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings
          unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.  Special
          accounting for qualifying hedges allows a derivative's gains and
          losses to offset related results on the hedged item in the income
          statement, and requires that a company must formally document,
          designate, and assesses the effectiveness of transactions that
          receive hedge accounting.  

          Statement 133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June
          15, 1999 and may be adopted earlier at the Company's election. 
          Statement 133 cannot be applied retroactively.  Statement 133
          must be applied to (a) derivative instruments and (b) certain
          derivative instruments embedded in hybrid contracts that were
          issued, acquired, or substantively modified after December 31,
          1997 (and, at the company's election, before January 1, 1998).  

          The Company does not utilize derivative instruments or hedge any
          transactions and therefore adoption of Statement 133 would not
          materially affect the financial statements as reported.  However,
          the Company may elect to enter into such transactions in the
          future.  Accordingly, adoption of Statement 133 could increase
          volatility in future earnings and other comprehensive income.

2)  INCOME TAXES

    The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
    Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes".

    The Company has recorded an income tax provision of $623,000 for the fiscal
    six months ended July 4, 1998.  The Company has significant tax loss 
    carry-forwards, and although a tax provision is recorded, the Company makes
    no payment of federal tax other than AMT amounts. 

                                       - 5 -
<PAGE>

3)  EARNINGS PER SHARE

    During the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company adopted Statement of
    Financial Accounting Standards No. 128 ("SFAS 128"), "Earnings Per Share"
    which specifies modifications to the calculation of earnings per share from
    that historically used by the Company.  Under SFAS 128, "basic earnings per
    share" is calculated based upon the weighted average number of common
    shares actually outstanding, and "diluted earnings per share" is calculated
    based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding,
    warrants and other potential common shares, if they are dilutive.  The
    Company's common share equivalents consist of shares issuable on exercise
    of outstanding options computed using the treasury method and amounted to
    195,000 and 276,000 for the three-month period and 198,000 and 263,000 for
    the six-month period ended July 4, 1998 and June 28, 1997, respectively. 
    All prior periods have been restated to present all earnings per share data
    on a consistent basis.

4)  INVENTORIES

    Inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out method.

    Inventories consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             July 4, 1998   Jan. 3, 1998
                                             ------------   ------------
                                                    (In thousands)
<S>                                            <C>            <C>
    Raw materials and parts..........           $  7,052       $  6,073
    Work-in-process..................              7,456          6,804
    Finished goods...................             12,128         11,195
                                                --------       --------
                                                $ 26,636       $ 24,072
                                                --------       --------
                                                --------       --------
</TABLE>

5)  ACCRUED EXPENSES

    Accrued expenses consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             July 4, 1998   Jan. 3, 1998
                                             ------------   ------------
                                                    (In thousands)
<S>                                            <C>            <C>
    Accrued payroll and
      related expenses...............           $  2,871       $  3,601
    Accrued commissions..............              1,683          1,510
    Accrued warranty.................              1,341          1,172
    Other accrued expenses...........              3,392          2,972
                                                --------       --------
                                                $  9,287       $  9,255
                                                --------       --------
                                                --------       --------
</TABLE>

                                        - 6 -
<PAGE>

6)  ACQUISITION OF SUBSIDIARY MINORITY INTEREST

    During the first quarter of 1998, the Company acquired the remaining
    minority interest in Asbury Associates, Inc. and the Middleby
    Philippines Corporation, from the founder and president of Asbury
    Associates, Inc.  The remaining interest was acquired for $500,000 in
    cash, 50,000 shares of common stock with a market value of $387,000 at
    the date of issuance, and forgiveness of certain minority interest
    liabilities owed by the minority shareholder.  This transaction
    increased the Company's ownership interest in these subsidiaries to
    100%. The excess purchase price over the value of assets acquired of
    $1.1 million was allocated to goodwill, and is to be amortized over a
    period of 15 years.

                                        - 7 -
<PAGE>

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED).

INFORMATIONAL NOTE

This report contains forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor 
created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The Company 
cautions readers that these statements are highly dependent upon a variety of 
important factors which could cause such results or events to differ 
materially from such statements.  Such factors include, but are not limited 
to, changing market conditions; the availability and cost of raw materials; 
the impact of competitive products and pricing; the timely development and 
market acceptance of the Company's products; foreign exchange and political 
risks affecting international sales, including the current economic crisis in 
certain Asian countries; and other risks detailed herein and from 
time-to-time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, 
including those discussed under the heading  "Risk Factors" in the Company's 
Registration Statement on Form S-2 (No. 333-35397) filed with the  Securities 
and Exchange Commission.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                 NET SALES SUMMARY
                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED                                  SIX MONTHS ENDED
                               JULY 4, 1998           JUNE 28, 1997              JULY 4, 1998           JUNE 28, 1997
                            Sales      Percent      Sales      Percent        Sales      Percent       Sales       Percent
<S>                       <C>           <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>            <C>
BUSINESS DIVISIONS
Conveyor oven
  equipment.............   $12,601        37.5%      $17,008       40.4%     $22,142        34.2%     $29,438        39.4%
Counterline cooking
  equipment and
   specialty products...     4,391        13.1%        4,580       10.9%       8,395        13.0%       8,812        11.8%
Core cooking
  equipment.............    10,129        30.1%        8,574       20.4%      19,649        30.3%      16,005        21.4%
                           -------       -----       -------      -----      -------       -----      -------       ----- 
    TOTAL COOKING AND
      WARMING EQUIPMENT
      DIVISIONS.........    27,121        80.6%       30,162       71.7%      50,186        77.5%      54,255        72.6%
International specialty
  equipment.............     1,248         3.7%        1,763        4.2%       2,613         4.0%       3,739         5.0%
International
  distribution (1)......     9,710        28.9%       14,203       33.8%      18,991        29.3%      23,673        31.7%     
                           -------       -----       -------      -----      -------       -----      -------       ----- 
    TOTAL INTERNATIONAL
      DIVISIONS.........    10,958        32.6%       15,966       37.9%      21,604        33.4%      27,412        36.7%

Intercompany
  sales (2).............    (4,687)      (13.9%)      (4,920)     (11.7%)     (7,777)      (12.0%)     (8,502)      (11.4%)
Other...................       249         0.7%          874        2.1%         729         1.1%       1,615         2.2%
                           -------       -----       -------      -----      -------       -----      -------       -----
    TOTAL................  $33,641       100.0%      $42,082      100.0%     $64,742       100.0%     $74,780       100.0%
                           -------       -----       -------      -----      -------       -----      -------       ----- 
                           -------       -----       -------      -----      -------       -----      -------       ----- 
</TABLE>

(1)  Consists of sales of products manufactured by Middleby and products
     manufactured by third parties.
(2)  Consists of sales to the Company's international distribution division from
     the Company's other business divisions.

                                        - 8 -
<PAGE>

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth certain consolidated statements of earnings 
items as a percentage of net sales for the periods presented.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED                 SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                   JULY 4, 1998   JUNE 28, 1997      JULY 4, 1998  JUNE 28, 1997
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>                 <C>            <C>
Net Sales ....................................        100.0%        100.0%              100.0%         100.0%
Cost of Sales ................................         68.3%         69.6%               68.9%          68.9%
                                                      -----         -----               -----          -----

  Gross Profit. ..............................         31.7%         30.4%               31.1%          31.1%
Selling, general and administrative expenses..         25.6%         21.5%               25.4%          21.9%
                                                      -----         -----               -----          -----

  Income from operations......................          6.1%          8.9%                5.7%           9.2%
Interest expense and deferred financing
 amortization, net............................          2.2%          3.0%                2.3%           3.2%
Other (income) expense, net...................          0.4%          0.1%                0.4%          (0.0%)
                                                      -----         -----               -----          -----

  Earnings before income taxes................          3.5%          5.8%                3.0%           6.0%
Provision (benefit) for income taxes..........          1.1%          2.1%                1.0%           2.1%
                                                      -----         -----               -----          -----
  Net earnings from continuing operations.....          2.4%          3.7%                2.0%           3.9%
                                                      -----         -----               -----          -----
                                                      -----         -----               -----          -----
</TABLE>

THREE MONTHS ENDED JULY 4, 1998 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 28, 1997

NET SALES.  Net sales in the three-month period ended July 4, 1998 decreased 
$8.5 million or 20% to $33.6 million as compared to $42.1 million in the 
three-month period ended June 28, 1997.  The prior year's second quarter 
included $3.3 million in non-recurring parts sales for equipment upgrades and 
field service revenue for a major chain customer.  In addition, the company 
experienced lower unit volume in the Company's cooking and warming equipment 
divisions and international divisions.

Sales of the Company's cooking and warming equipment divisions decreased 10% 
for the three-month period ended July 4,1998 compared to the prior 
three-month period. Sales of the core cooking equipment division increased 
18% from continued market penetration and new products. However, these gains 
were more than offset by a 26% decrease in sales of the conveyor oven 
equipment division in the three-month period due primarily to the 
non-recurring parts and field service revenue discussed above. Sales of the 
counterline cooking equipment and specialty products division decreased 4% 
due to lower international sales.

                                       - 9 -
<PAGE>

Sales of the international divisions represented 33% of total sales in the 
three-month period compared to 38% in the prior year period, and decreased 
31% as compared to the prior year. Sales of the Company's international 
specialty equipment division decreased 29% primarily due to deferred new 
store openings by a major chain customer directly related to the ongoing 
currency and economic crisis in Asia. Sales of the Company's international 
distribution division decreased 32% primarily due to lower sales in certain 
Asian and Middle Eastern markets. Sales to certain other international 
markets, such as Latin America, were higher as compared to the prior year.

GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit decreased $2.1 million or 17% in the three-month 
period to $10.7 million as compared to $12.8 million in the prior year 
period.  The decrease in gross profit was due to the lower sales volume.  As 
a percentage of net sales, gross profit margin increased 1.3% to 31.7% from 
30.4%. The increase in gross margin percent was primarily due to a more 
favorable product mix, principally a higher percentage of manufactured 
product versus distributed product.  Additionally, the prior year period 
included revenue from a non-recurring parts sales and field service upgrade 
program that carried a lower margin.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.  Selling, general and 
administrative expenses decreased $0.5 million or 5% in the three-month 
period to $8.6 million as compared to $9.1 million in the prior year's second 
quarter. The decrease was primarily due to lower variable selling expenses 
associated with the lower sales volume.  As a percentage of sales, selling, 
general and administrative expenses increased to 25.6% from 21.5% as a higher 
expense base to support the Company's expanded international infrastructure 
was spread over lower sales.

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS.  Income from operations decreased $1.6 million or 43% 
to $2.1 million for the three-month period ended July 4, 1998 from $3.7 
million in the prior year's second quarter. The lower sales volume and gross 
profit resulted in the lower income from operations. 

INTEREST EXPENSE AND DEFERRED FINANCING AMORTIZATION.  Interest expense and 
deferred financing amortization for the three months ended July 4, 1998 
decreased 38% to $0.8 million as compared to $1.3 million in the prior year's 
second quarter. The decrease was due to a lower average outstanding debt 
balance as a result of the Company's stock offering completed during the 
fourth quarter of 1997.

INCOME TAXES.  The Company recorded a net tax provision of $0.3 million for 
the three-month period ended July 4, 1998 as compared to a net tax provision 
of $0.9 million in the prior year's second quarter.

NET EARNINGS.  As a result of the above factors, for the three-month period 
ended July 4, 1998, the Company recorded net earnings of $0.8 million as 
compared to $1.6 million in the prior year's second quarter. 

                                       - 10 -
<PAGE>

SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 4, 1998 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 28, 1997

NET SALES.  Net sales in the six-month period ended July 4, 1998 decreased 
$10.4 million or 13% to $64.7 million as compared to $74.8 million in the 
six-month period ended June 28, 1997, reflecting lower unit volume in the 
Company's cooking and warming equipment divisions and international 
divisions.  The Asia currency and economic crisis, slowed purchases by two 
major customers and a non-recurring equipment upgrade program during the 
prior year's period were the primary causes.

Sales of the Company's cooking and warming equipment divisions decreased 8% 
for the six-month period ended July 4,1998. Sales of the core cooking 
equipment division increased 23% from continued market penetration and new 
products. These gains were more than offset by a 25% decrease in sales of the 
conveyor oven equipment division in the six-month period as one major chain 
customer slowed purchases during the first two months of the year to reduce 
inventory in its system and another major chain embarked on a store 
restructuring program. Additionally, the 1997 six-month period included 
conveyor oven service and equipment upgrade billings for a major chain 
customer that was not repeated in 1998.  Sales of the counterline cooking 
equipment and specialty products division decreased 5% due to lower 
international sales.

Sales of the international divisions represented 33% of total sales in the 
six-month period and decreased 21% as compared to the prior year period. 
Sales of the Company's international specialty equipment division decreased 
30% due to deferred new store openings in Asia by a major chain customer. 
Sales of the Company's international distribution division decreased 20% 
primarily due to lower sales in certain Asian and Middle Eastern markets. 
Sales to certain other international markets, such as Latin America, were 
higher as compared to the prior year.

GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit decreased $3.2 million or 14% in the six-month 
period to $20.1 million as compared to $23.3 million in the prior year 
period. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit margin stayed at 31.1%.  
Favorable product mix was offset by the decreased volume and increased 
warranty expenses.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.  Selling, general and 
administrative expenses remained unchanged for the six-month period at $16.4 
million. Lower variable selling expenses were offset by increases due to 
expansion of the Company's international sales and service capabilities, 
including the establishment of sales and distribution offices in Japan, Korea 
and Mexico during the second quarter of 1997.  As a percentage of sales, 
selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 25.3% from 21.9% as 
the higher expense base to support the expanded international infrastructure 
was spread over lower sales.

                                        - 11 -

<PAGE>

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS.  Income from operations decreased $3.2 million or 46% 
to $3.7 million for the six-month period ended July 4, 1998 from $6.9 million 
in the prior year period. The lower sales volume and increased expense base 
resulted in the lower income from operations. 

INTEREST EXPENSE AND DEFERRED FINANCING AMORTIZATION.  Interest expense and 
deferred financing amortization for the six months ended July 4, 1998 
decreased 35% to $0.8 million as compared to $1.5 million in the prior year 
period. The decrease was due to a lower average outstanding debt balance as a 
result of the Company's stock offering completed during the fourth quarter of 
1997.

INCOME TAXES.  The Company recorded a net tax provision of $0.6 million for 
the six-month period ended July 4, 1998 as compared to a net tax provision of 
$1.6 million in the prior year period.

NET EARNINGS.  As a result of the above factors, for the six-month period 
ended July 4, 1998, the Company recorded net earnings of $1.3 million as 
compared to $3.0 million in the prior year period. 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

For the six months ended July 4, 1998, net cash provided by operating 
activities before changes in assets and liabilities was  $3.3 million as 
compared to $5.9 million for the six months ended June 28, 1997.  The decline 
is largely due to the lower profits.  Net cash used by continuing operating 
activities after changes in assets and liabilities was $6.6 million as 
compared to net cash used of $1.9 million in the prior year six-month period. 
Historically, the Company has been a net cash user during the first half of 
the year and a net cash generator during the second half of the year. 
Accounts receivables have increased $3.9 million due to the timing of 
shipments during the second quarter, the timing of collections at the end of 
the prior fiscal year and the application of dealer rebates.  Inventories 
have increased $2.6 million, due to difficulties in forecasting demand in 
Asian markets and the timing of orders and shipments during the quarter.  
Accounts payables have decreased $2.6 million due to timing of payments at 
the prior fiscal year-end.

During the first six months of 1998, the Company decreased its overall 
outstanding debt by $0.9 million under various facilities. The Company 
decreased its borrowings under the Middleby Philippines subsidiary's credit 
facility by $1.9 million and reduced the amount outstanding under its 
intellectual property lease by $0.5 million. The Company entered into a $1.5 
million yen-denominated loan at its Japanese subsidiary, under the unsecured 
multi-currency revolving credit line discussed in the following paragraph. 
During this same period the Company decreased its cash and cash equivalents 
to $1.5 million from $12.3 million at January 3, 1998. The cash was used 
primarily to fund the working capital needs discussed above, capital 
expenditures of $2.2 million, and other investing activities of $1.1 million.

In July 1998, the Company's board of directors adopted a stock repurchase 
program and authorized the purchase of up to 300,000 common shares from time 
to time in open market purchases. As of August 14, 1998 no shares have been 
purchased under this program.

                                       - 12 -
<PAGE>

In March 1998, the Company entered into a $20.0 million unsecured 
multi-currency revolving credit line with a major international bank. This 
new credit facility enhances the Company's ability to manage its financing 
activities related to its international operations. Concurrently with the 
initiation of the unsecured revolving line of credit, the $15.0 million 
senior secured note became unsecured. The note's maturity and interest rate 
remain unchanged. The Company continues to remain in compliance with debt 
covenants.  Management believes that the Company will have sufficient 
financial resources available to meet its anticipated requirements for 
working capital, growth strategies, capital expenditures and debt 
amortization for the foreseeable future.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

The Company has assessed and continues to assess the impact of the Year 2000 
issue on its reporting systems and operations.  The Year 2000 issue exists 
because many computer systems and applications currently use two-digit date 
fields to designate a year.  As the century date occurs, date sensitive 
systems may recognize the year 2000 as 1900 or not at all.  This inability to 
recognize or properly treat the year 2000 may cause our systems to process 
critical financial and operational information incorrectly.  

The Company is currently implementing new information systems to enhance its 
current transaction processing and information reporting capabilities.  These 
systems are Year 2000 compliant. Costs to modify existing computer systems 
and applications are not material.  The Company is also in the process of 
contacting its major third-party relationships.  Thus far, these parties have 
stated they intend to be Year 2000 compliant by January 1, 2000.  

If the Company's systems implementation plan is not successful, there could 
be a significant disruption of the Company's ability to transact business 
with its major customers and suppliers.  

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Not Applicable.

                                        - 13 -
<PAGE>

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

The Company was not required to report the information pursuant to Items 1 
through 6 of Part II of Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 4, 1998, 
except as follows:

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES 

c)   During the second quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company issued 375 shares to
     a division executive pursuant to the exercise of stock options, for $1,969.
     Such options were granted at an exercise price of $5.25 per share. The
     issuance of such shares was exempt under the Securities Act of 1933, as
     amended, pursuant to section 4(2) thereof, as a transaction not involving a
     public offering.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

The Securities and Exchange Commission has recently amended Rules 14a-4 and 
14a-5 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 
"1934 Act"), in respect of the Company's exercise of discretionary voting 
authority in connection with annual shareholder meetings, and in particular 
with respect to matters not submitted under the Shareholder Proposal rule set 
forth in Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act.  

Under the amended Rules, a company is permitted discretionary voting 
authority in those instances in which the company did not have notice of the 
matter by a date more than 45 days before the month and day in the current 
year corresponding to the date on which the company first mailed its proxy 
materials for the prior year's annual meeting of shareholders, or by a date 
established by an overriding advance notice provision in a company's articles 
of incorporation or bylaws.  The Company has not implemented such an advance 
notice provision. Accordingly, in connection with the 1999 Annual Meeting of 
Stockholders of the Company, the date after which notice of a stockholder 
proposal submitted outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act is 
considered untimely is February 21, 1999.  

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

a)   Exhibits - The following Exhibits are filed herewith:


          Exhibit (27) - Financial Data Schedule (EDGAR only)

                                       - 14 - 

<PAGE>


                                     SIGNATURES


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

                                        THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
                                        (Registrant)


Date:      August 17, 1998              By: /s/ John J. Hastings
      ----------------------------         -----------------------------------
                                           John J. Hastings, Executive
                                           Vice President, Chief
                                           Financial Officer and
                                           Secretary
                                           (Principal Financial and
                                           Accounting Officer)

                                        - 15 -

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-02-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-04-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-04-1998
<CASH>                                           1,533
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   26,182
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     26,636
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                58,592
<PP&E>                                          27,783
<DEPRECIATION>                                   4,907
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 101,407
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           20,932
<BONDS>                                         24,287
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           110
<OTHER-SE>                                      54,144
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   101,407
<SALES>                                         64,742
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                64,742
<CGS>                                           44,632
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   44,632
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                16,427
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               1,496
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  1,934
<INCOME-TAX>                                       623
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,311
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,311
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.12
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.12
        

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