diff --git a/src/ex_cmds2.c b/src/ex_cmds2.c
index 018f44c..19210f3 100644
--- a/src/ex_cmds2.c
+++ b/src/ex_cmds2.c
@@ -1179,7 +1179,7 @@
 {
     timer_T	*timer;
     long	this_due;
-    long	next_due;
+    long	next_due = -1;
     proftime_T	now;
     int		did_one = FALSE;
 # ifdef WIN3264