UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

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

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio		1-11593		31-1414921
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

14111 Scottslawn Road, Marysville, Ohio		43041
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(937) 644-0011

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

     The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (the “Company”) contemplates the filing of a post-effective amendment to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-163330) on or about January 11, 2010. The post-effective amendment will register guarantees by direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company of debt securities registered under the registration statement and add as co-registrants direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company that may potentially be guarantors of some or all of the debt securities registered under the registration statement. At such time, the Company and the subsidiary guarantors will become subject to the requirements of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission guidance regarding financial information of guarantors and issuers of guaranteed securities registered or being registered. Pursuant to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X, the Company is adding within Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K Note 24 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements at September 30, 2009 and 2008 and for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2009 reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. Note 24 provides the financial information required by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a)-(c) Not applicable

(d) Exhibits:

Exhibit No.		Description
23.1		Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
99.1		“Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and “Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

SIGNATURE

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

Index to Exhibits

Exhibit No.		Description
23.1		Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
99.1		“Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and “Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 033-47073, 333-06061, 333-27561, 333-72715, 333-76697, 333-104490, 333-124503, 333-131466, 333-147397, 333-153925 and 333-154364 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement No. 333-163330 on Form S-3 of our report dated November 24, 2009 (January 11, 2010 as to Note 24) relating to the consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedules of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption of new guidance regarding employers’ accounting for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans as of September 30, 2007) and our report dated November 24, 2009 relating to the effectiveness of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Current Report on Form 8-K of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Columbus, Ohio
January 11, 2010

 

Exhibit 99.1

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

 

All other financial statement schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information has been presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.

 

ANNUAL REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL
CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and our consolidated subsidiaries; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and our consolidated subsidiaries are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and our consolidated subsidiaries, as appropriate; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the assets of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and our consolidated subsidiaries that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2009, the end of our fiscal year. Management based its assessment on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included evaluation of such elements as the design and operating effectiveness of key financial reporting controls, process documentation, accounting policies and our overall control environment. This assessment is supported by testing and monitoring performed under the direction of management.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluations of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control over financial reporting will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.

 

Based on our assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2009, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We reviewed the results of management’s assessment with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, independently audited our internal control over financial reporting and has issued their report which appears herein.

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

Marysville, Ohio

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2009. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedules listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

As discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, on September 30, 2007, the Company adopted new guidance regarding employers’ accounting for defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated November 24, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Columbus, Ohio

November 24, 2009
(January 11, 2010 as to Note 24)

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

Marysville, Ohio

 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Annual Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedules as of and for the year ended September 30, 2009 of the Company and our report dated November 24, 2009 (January 11, 2010 as to Note 24) expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedules.

 

 

Columbus, Ohio

November 24, 2009

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

September 30, 2009 and 2008

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Nature of Operations

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts Miracle-Gro”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, together with Scotts Miracle-Gro, the “Company”) are engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and sale of lawn and garden care products. The Company’s primary customers include home centers, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, large hardware chains, independent hardware stores, nurseries, garden centers, food and drug stores, commercial nurseries and greenhouses and specialty crop growers. The Company’s products are sold primarily in North America and the European Union. The Company also operates the Scotts LawnService^® business, which provides residential lawn care, lawn aeration, tree and shrub care and limited pest control services in the United States.

 

Since its acquisition in fiscal 2005, the Company has also operated Smith & Hawken^®, an outdoor living and garden lifestyle category brand. As discussed in “NOTE 3. IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES,” on July 8, 2009, the Company announced that it intends to cease operating the Smith & Hawken^® business by the end of the calendar year. As of November 17, 2009, all Smith & Hawken^® stores have been closed with all operational activity expected to be substantially complete by December 31, 2009.

 

Due to the nature of the lawn and garden business, the majority of sales to customers occur in the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters. On a combined basis, net sales for the second and third fiscal quarters generally represent 70% to 75% of annual net sales.

 

Organization and Basis of Presentation

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Scotts Miracle-Gro and all wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s consolidation criteria are based on majority ownership (as evidenced by a majority voting interest in the entity) and an objective evaluation and determination of effective management control.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future, actual results ultimately may differ from the estimates.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, which generally occurs when products or services are received by the customer. Provisions for estimated returns and allowances are recorded at the time revenue is recognized based on historical rates and are periodically adjusted for known changes in return levels. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.

 

Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and Marketing Agreement (the “Marketing Agreement”) between the Company and Monsanto Company (“Monsanto”), the Company, in its role as exclusive agent, performs certain functions, such as sales support, merchandising, distribution and logistics, and incurs certain costs in support of the consumer Roundup^® business. The actual costs incurred by the Company on behalf of Roundup^® are recovered from Monsanto through the terms of the Marketing Agreement. The reimbursement of costs for which the Company is considered the primary obligor is included in net sales.

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Promotional Allowances

 

The Company promotes its branded products through, among other things, cooperative advertising programs with retailers. Retailers may also be offered in-store promotional allowances and rebates based on sales volumes. Certain products are promoted with direct consumer rebate programs and special purchasing incentives. Promotion costs (including allowances and rebates) incurred during the year are expensed to interim periods in relation to revenues and are recorded as a reduction of net sales. Accruals for expected payouts under these programs are included in the “Other current liabilities” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Advertising

 

Advertising costs incurred during the year by our Global Consumer segment are expensed to interim periods in relation to revenues. All advertising costs, except for external production costs, are expensed within the fiscal year in which such costs are incurred. External production costs for advertising programs are deferred until the period in which the advertising is first aired.

 

Scotts LawnService^® promotes its service offerings primarily through direct mail campaigns. External costs associated with these campaigns that qualify as direct response advertising costs are deferred and recognized as advertising expense in proportion to revenues over a period not beyond the end of the subsequent calendar year. Costs that do not qualify as direct response advertising costs are expensed within the fiscal year incurred on a monthly basis in proportion to net sales. The costs deferred at September 30, 2009 and 2008 were $2.1 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

 

Advertising expenses were $141.2 million in fiscal 2009, $142.4 million in fiscal 2008 and $150.9 million in fiscal 2007.

 

Research and Development

 

All costs associated with research and development are charged to expense as incurred. Expenses for fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 were $56.3 million, $44.7 million and $38.8 million, respectively, including product registration costs of $15.6 million, $9.8 million and $9.3 million, respectively.

 

Environmental Costs

 

The Company recognizes environmental liabilities when conditions requiring remediation are probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. Expenditures which extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized. Environmental liabilities are not discounted or reduced for possible recoveries from insurance carriers.

 

Stock-Based Compensation Awards

 

The fair value of awards is expensed ratably over the vesting period, generally three years. The Company uses a binomial model to determine the fair value of its option grants.

 

Earnings per Common Share

 

Basic earnings per common share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding each period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares (stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and stock appreciation rights) outstanding each period.

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash deposits in banks which from time to time exceed the amount of deposit insurance available. Management periodically assesses the financial condition of the banks and believes that the risk of any potential credit loss is minimal.

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowances

 

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Allowances reflect our best estimate of amounts in our existing accounts receivable that may not be collected due to customer claims, the return of goods, or customer inability or unwillingness to pay. We determine the allowance based on customer risk assessment and historical experience. We review our allowances monthly. Past due balances over 90 days and in excess of a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility. All other balances are reviewed on a pooled basis by type of receivable. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we feel it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, principally determined by the FIFO method. Inventories include the cost of raw materials, labor, manufacturing overhead and freight and in-bound handling costs incurred to pre-position goods in the Company’s warehouse network. The Company makes provisions for obsolete or slow-moving inventories as necessary to properly reflect inventory at the lower of cost or market value. Lower of cost-or-market reserves were $35.3 million and $26.2 million at September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill and intangible assets determined to have indefinite lives are not subject to amortization. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment by applying a fair-value based test on an annual basis, as of the first day of the Company’s fiscal fourth quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potential impairment. If it is determined that an impairment has occurred, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value and classified as “Impairment, restructuring and other charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Long-lived Assets

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Interest capitalized on capital projects amounted to $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.4 million during fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gain or loss being reflected in income from operations.

 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided on the straight-line method and is based on the estimated useful economic lives of the assets as follows:

 

 

Intangible assets with finite lives, and therefore subject to amortization, include technology (e.g., patents), customer relationships, non-compete agreements and certain tradenames. These intangible assets are being

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

amortized on the straight-line method over periods typically ranging from 3 to 25 years. The Company’s fixed assets and intangible assets subject to amortization are required to be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If an evaluation of recoverability was required, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if a write-down is required. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds fair value.

 

Internal Use Software

 

The costs of internal use software are expensed or capitalized depending on whether they are incurred in the preliminary project stage, application development stage or the post-implementation/operation stage. As of September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company had $23.4 million and $21.9 million, respectively, in unamortized capitalized internal use computer software costs. Amortization of these costs was $8.2 million, $7.2 million and $12.1 million during fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.

 

Accruals for Self-Insured Losses

 

The Company maintains insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability, and is self-insured for employee related health care benefits. The Company accrues for the expected costs associated with these risks by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other relevant information. Costs are recognized in the period the claim is incurred, and the financial statement accruals include an actuarially determined estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported.

 

Translation of Foreign Currencies

 

For all foreign operations, the functional currency is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of these operations are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each year-end. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average rate of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation gains and losses arising from the use of differing exchange rates from period to period are included in other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the determination of net income (loss).

 

Derivative Instruments

 

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, the value of foreign currencies and the cost of commodities. A variety of financial instruments, including forward and swap contracts, are used to manage these exposures. The Company’s objective in managing these exposures is to better control these elements of cost and mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in the applicable rates and prices.

 

The Company has established policies and procedures that encompass risk-management philosophy and objectives, guidelines for derivative-instrument usage, counterparty credit approval, and the monitoring and reporting of derivative activity. The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for the purpose of speculation.

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

GAAP provides a framework for identifying variable interest entities (“VIE’s”) and determining when a company should include the assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and results of operations of a VIE in its consolidated financial statements. In general, a VIE is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or any other legal structure used to conduct activities or hold assets that either: (1) has an insufficient amount of equity to carry out its principal activities without additional subordinated financial support, (2) has a group of equity owners that are unable to make significant decisions about its activities or (3) has a group of equity owners that do not have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive returns generated by its operations.

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

GAAP requires a VIE to be consolidated if a party with an ownership, contractual or other financial interest in the VIE (a variable interest holder) is obligated to absorb a majority of the risk of loss from the VIE’s activities, is entitled to receive a majority of the VIE’s residual returns (if no party absorbs a majority of the VIE’s losses), or both. A variable interest holder that consolidates the VIE is called the primary beneficiary. Upon consolidation, the primary beneficiary generally must initially record all of the VIE’s assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests at fair value and subsequently account for the VIE as if it were consolidated based on majority voting interest. GAAP also requires disclosures about VIEs that the variable interest holder is not required to consolidate but in which it has a significant variable interest.

 

The Company’s Scotts LawnService^® business sells new franchise territories, primarily in small to mid-size markets, under arrangements where a portion of the franchise fee is paid in cash with the balance due under a promissory note. The Company believes that it may be the primary beneficiary for certain of its franchisees initially, but ceases to be the primary beneficiary as the franchisees develop their businesses and the promissory notes are repaid. At September 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company had approximately $2.4 million and $1.8 million in notes receivable from such franchisees, respectively. The effect of consolidating the entities where the Company may be the primary beneficiary for a limited period of time is not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Subsequent Events

 

The Company adopted new accounting guidance for subsequent events, which is intended to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after September 30, 2009 up through November 24, 2009, the date the Company issued these consolidated financial statements. During this period, the Company did not have any material recognizable subsequent events.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

FASB Accounting Standards Codification

 

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued new accounting guidance which establishes two levels of GAAP, authoritative and non-authoritative. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) is the source of authoritative, nongovernmental GAAP, except for rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. All other non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become non-authoritative. This standard is effective for financial statements for interim or annual reporting periods ended after September 15, 2009. The Company began using the new guidelines and numbering system prescribed by the Codification when referring to GAAP in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

On October 1, 2008, the Company adopted new accounting guidance on fair value measurements. The new guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The effect of the adoption was not material and required no adjustment to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. Refer to “NOTE 16. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS” for further information regarding the effect of the adoption with respect to financial assets and liabilities. In February 2008, the FASB issued additional guidance which removed leasing transactions from the scope of fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB also delayed the effective date of the new fair value guidance for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The guidance states that a measurement is recurring if it happens at least annually and defines nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities as all assets and liabilities other than those meeting the definition of a financial asset or financial

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

liability. The Company is completing its evaluation of the guidance issued in February 2008 and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that allows an entity the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. Subsequent changes in fair value of these financial assets and liabilities would be recognized in earnings when they occur. The guidance further establishes certain additional disclosure requirements. The Company adopted the guidance as of October 1, 2008. The Company has not elected to measure any financial assets or liabilities at fair value which were not previously required to be measured at fair value.

 

Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities. The objective is to enhance the disclosure framework and improve the transparency of financial reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The guidance requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The Company adopted the new accounting guidance for the fiscal quarter ended March 28, 2009. Refer to “NOTE 15. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES” for the applicable disclosures.

 

Business Combinations

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on business combinations and non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements. The objective is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. The guidance applies to all transactions or other events in which an entity (the “acquirer”) obtains control of one or more businesses (the “acquiree”), including those sometimes referred to as “true mergers” or “mergers of equals” and combinations achieved without the transfer of consideration. In April 2009, the FASB issued additional guidance which addresses application issues arising from contingencies in a business combination. The new guidance is effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year that began October 1, 2009. The Company will adopt the new guidance prospectively as applicable.

 

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The new guidance also changes the way the consolidated financial statements are presented, establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation, requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and expands disclosures in the consolidated financial statements that clearly identify and distinguish between the parent’s ownership interest and the interest of the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary. The provisions are to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the guidance is adopted, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which are to be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The new guidance will be effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the guidance may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets

 

In April 2008, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which amends the list of factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets. The new guidance applies to: (a) intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets and (b) intangible assets acquired in both business combinations and asset acquisitions. Entities estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset must consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, must consider assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension. The new guidance will require certain additional disclosures beginning October 1, 2009 and prospective application to useful life estimates for intangible assets acquired after September 30, 2009. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the guidance may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Employers’ Disclosures About Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets

 

In December 2008, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on employers’ disclosures about assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. It requires employers to disclose information about fair value measurements of plan assets. The objectives of the disclosures are to provide an understanding of: (a) how investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies, (b) the major categories of plan assets, (c) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, (d) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period and (e) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The disclosures required will be effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year that began October 1, 2009. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the guidance may have on its financial statement disclosures.

 

Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance to improve the information provided in financial statements concerning transfers of financial assets, including the effects of transfers on financial position, financial performance and cash flows, and any continuing involvement of the transferor with the transferred financial assets. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2010. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the guidance may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance requiring an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. It also requires enhanced disclosures that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2010. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the guidance may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

 

 

In April 2008, the Company became aware that a former associate apparently deliberately circumvented the Company’s policies and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “U.S. EPA”) regulations under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1947, as amended (“FIFRA”), by failing to obtain valid registrations for certain products and/or causing certain invalid product registration forms to be submitted to regulators. Since that time, the Company has been cooperating with both the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice (the “U.S. DOJ”) in related civil and criminal investigations into the pesticide product registration issues.

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

In late April of 2008, in connection with the U.S. EPA’s investigation, the Company conducted a consumer-level recall of certain consumer lawn and garden products and a Scotts LawnService^® product. Subsequently, the Company and the U.S. EPA agreed upon a Compliance Review Plan for conducting a comprehensive, independent review of the Company’s product registration records. Pursuant to the Compliance Review Plan, an independent third-party firm, Quality Associates Incorporated (“QAI”), reviewed substantially all of the Company’s U.S. pesticide product registrations and associated advertisements, some of which were historical in nature and no longer related to sales of the Company’s products. The U.S. EPA investigation and the QAI review process resulted in the temporary suspension of sales and shipments of certain products. In addition, as the QAI review process or the Company’s internal review identified potential FIFRA registration issues (some of which appear unrelated to the actions of the former associate), the Company endeavored to stop selling or distributing the affected products until the issues could be resolved. QAI’s review of the Company’s U.S. pesticide product registrations and associated advertisements is now substantially complete. The results of the QAI review process did not materially affect, and are not expected to materially affect, the Company’s fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010 sales, respectively.

 

In late 2008, the Company and its indirect subsidiary EG Systems, Inc., doing business as Scotts LawnService^®, were named as defendants in a purported class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan relating to Scotts LawnService’s application of certain pesticide products. In the suit, Mark Baumkel, on behalf of himself and the purported classes, sought an unspecified amount of damages, plus costs and attorneys’ fees, for alleged claims involving breach of contract, unjust enrichment, tort, and violation of the State of Michigan’s consumer protection act. On September 28, 2009, the court granted the Company’s and Scotts LawnService’s motion and dismissed the suit with prejudice. Since that time, the Company and Mr. Baumkel have agreed to a confidential settlement that, among other things, precludes an appeal of the decision. The impact of the confidential settlement did not, and will not, materially affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In fiscal 2008, the Company conducted a voluntary recall of certain of its wild bird food products due to a formulation issue. Certain wild bird food products had been treated with pest control additives to avoid insect infestation, especially at retail stores. While the pest control additives had been labeled for use on certain stored grains that can be processed for human and/or animal consumption, they were not labeled for use on wild bird food products. In October, 2008, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration concluded that the recall had been completed and that there had been proper disposition of the recalled products. The results of the wild bird food recall did not materially affect the Company’s fiscal 2009 financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

As a result of these registration and recall matters, the Company has reversed sales associated with estimated returns of affected products, recorded charges for affected inventory and recorded other registration and recall-related costs. The effects of these adjustments were pre-tax charges of $28.6 million and $51.1 million for the years ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company expects to incur an additional $10-$15 million in fiscal 2010 on recall and registration matters, excluding possible fines, penalties, judgments and/or litigation costs. The Company expects that these charges will include costs associated with the rework of certain finished goods inventories, the potential disposal of certain products and ongoing third-party professional services related to the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations.

 

The U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations continue and may result in future state, federal or private rights of action including fines and/or penalties with respect to known or potential additional product registration issues. Until the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations are complete, the Company cannot reasonably determine the scope or magnitude of possible liabilities that could result from known or potential product registration issues, and no reserves for these potential liabilities have been established as of September 30, 2009. However, it is possible that such liabilities, including fines, penalties, judgments and/or litigation costs could be material and have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following tables summarize the impact of the product registration and recall matters on the results of operations during fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 and on accrued liabilities and inventory reserves as of September 30, 2009 and 2008 (in millions):

 

 

 

 

On July 8, 2009, the Company announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Smith & Hawken, Ltd., adopted a plan (the “Plan”) to close the business and to engage the services of an outside consultant to supervise and assist with the closure process.

 

The Smith & Hawken, Ltd. Board of Directors had been actively exploring its strategic options for the business and determined that shutting down the business presented the best alternative. As a result of the decision, which was supported by the Board of Directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro, the Company expects to incur pre-tax charges of approximately $35-$40 million, primarily related to the termination of retail site lease obligations, agency fees, severance and benefit commitments, charges related to inventories, and impairment of retail site improvements and fixtures. Based on the best estimates of the Company, the Plan is expected to have a neutral to slightly positive impact on cash as the recovery of working capital, together with anticipated tax benefits, will approximately offset the related charges. As of November 17, 2009, all Smith & Hawken^® stores have been closed with all operational activity expected to be substantially complete by December 31, 2009.

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The Company recorded net restructuring and other charges of $14.7 million, $1.0 million and $1.1 million in fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. Other charges in fiscal 2009 relate to the closure process of Smith & Hawken^®. Other charges in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 related to the Company’s turfgrass biotechnology program.

 

Property, plant and equipment charges of $15.8 million in fiscal 2008 related primarily to Smith & Hawken^®. Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges of $120.0 million and $35.3 million were recorded in fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively. The nature of the impairment charges are discussed further in “NOTE 4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET.”

 

The following table details impairment, restructuring and other charges and rolls forward the cash portion of the restructuring and other charges accrued in fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 (in millions):

 

 

 

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment by applying a fair-value based test on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying value of its reporting units to their respective fair values and reviewing the Company’s market value of invested capital. Management engages an independent valuation firm to assist in its impairment assessment reviews. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units primarily utilizing discounted cash flows and incorporates assumptions it believes marketplace participants would utilize. The Company also uses comparative market multiples and other factors to corroborate the discounted cash flow results used. The value of all indefinite-lived tradenames was determined using a royalty savings methodology similar to that employed when the associated businesses were acquired but using updated estimates of sales, cash flow and profitability.

 

Fiscal 2009

 

The Company completed its impairment analysis as of June 28, 2009 and determined that no charge for impairment was required.

 

Fiscal 2008

 

The Company’s fiscal 2008 impairment review resulted in a non-cash charge of $136.8 million to reflect the decline in the fair value of certain goodwill and other assets as evidenced by the decline in the Company’s common shares. In total, the fiscal 2008 impairment charges were comprised of $80.8 million for goodwill, $19.0 million

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

related to indefinite-lived tradenames and $37.0 million for long-lived assets. Of the $37.0 million impairment charge recorded for long-lived assets, $15.1 million was recorded in cost of sales. On a reportable segment basis, $64.5 million of the impairment was in Global Consumer, $38.4 million was in Global Professional, with the remaining $33.9 million in Corporate & Other.

 

Fiscal 2007

 

The Company’s fourth quarter fiscal 2007 impairment review resulted in a non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment charge of $35.3 million, of which, $29.2 million related to Smith & Hawken^® goodwill and intangibles, $2.2 million for a goodwill impairment charge related to its turfgrass biotechnology program and $3.9 million was associated with information technology initiatives in the Company’s Scotts LawnService^® segment.

 

The following table presents goodwill and intangible assets as of September 30, 2009 and 2008 (dollars in millions).

 

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The changes to the net carrying value of goodwill by segment for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 are as follows (in millions):

 

 

The total amortization expense for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $12.5 million, $16.4 million and $16.1 million, respectively. Amortization expense is estimated to be as follows for the years ending September 30 (in millions):

 

 

 

On December 12, 2006, the Company announced a recapitalization plan to return $750 million to the Company’s shareholders. This plan expanded and accelerated the previously announced five-year, $500 million share repurchase program (which was canceled) under which the Company repurchased $87.9 million of its common shares during fiscal 2006. Pursuant to the recapitalization plan, on February 14, 2007, the Company completed a modified “Dutch auction” tender offer, resulting in the repurchase of 4.5 million of the Company’s common shares for an aggregate purchase price of $245.5 million ($54.50 per share). On February 16, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special one-time cash dividend of $8.00 per share ($508 million in the aggregate), which was paid on March 5, 2007, to shareholders of record on February 26, 2007.

 

In order to fund these transactions, the Company entered into new credit facilities aggregating $2.15 billion and terminated its prior credit facility. As part of this debt restructuring, the Company also conducted a cash tender offer for any and all of its outstanding 65/8% senior subordinated notes in an aggregate principal amount of $200 million. Please refer to “NOTE 11. DEBT” for further information as to the current credit facilities and the repayment and termination of the prior credit facility and the 65/8% senior subordinated notes.

 

The payment of the special one-time cash dividend required the Company to adjust the number of common shares subject to stock options and stock appreciation rights outstanding under the Company’s share-based awards programs, as well as the price at which the awards may be exercised. Please refer to “NOTE 12. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY” for further information.

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The Company’s interest expense has been significantly higher for periods subsequent to the recapitalization transactions as a result of the borrowings incurred to fund the cash returned to shareholders. The following pro forma financial information has been compiled as if the Company had completed the recapitalization transactions as of October 1, 2006 for fiscal 2007. Borrowing rates in effect as of March 30, 2007 were used to compute pro forma interest expense. As the recapitalization involved a share repurchase, pro forma diluted common shares are also provided.

 

 

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

 

The Company is Monsanto’s exclusive agent for the domestic and international marketing and distribution of consumer Roundup^® herbicide products. Under the terms of the Marketing Agreement with Monsanto, the Company is entitled to receive an annual commission from Monsanto in consideration for the performance of the Company’s duties as agent. The annual gross commission under the Marketing Agreement is calculated as a percentage of the actual earnings before interest and income taxes (“EBIT”) of the consumer Roundup^® business and is based on the achievement of two earnings thresholds, as defined in the Marketing Agreement. The Marketing Agreement also requires the Company to make annual payments to Monsanto as a contribution against the overall expenses of the consumer Roundup^® business. The annual contribution payment is defined in the Marketing Agreement as $20 million.

 

In consideration for the rights granted to the Company under the Marketing Agreement for North America, the Company was required to pay a marketing fee of $32 million to Monsanto. The Company has deferred this amount on the basis that the payment will provide a future benefit through commissions that will be earned under the Marketing Agreement. Based on management’s current assessment of the likely term of the Marketing Agreement, the useful life over which the marketing fee is being amortized is 20 years.

 

Under the terms of the Marketing Agreement, the Company performs certain functions, primarily manufacturing conversion, distribution and logistics, and selling and marketing support, on behalf of Monsanto in the conduct of the consumer Roundup^® business. The actual costs incurred for these activities are charged to and reimbursed by Monsanto. The Company records costs incurred under the Marketing Agreement for which the Company is the primary obligor on a gross basis, recognizing such costs in “Cost of sales” and the reimbursement of these costs in “Net sales,” with no effect on gross profit or net income. The related net sales and cost of sales were $67.8 million, $58.0 million and $47.7 million for fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.

 

The elements of the net commission earned under the Marketing Agreement and included in “Net sales” for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2009 were as follows (in millions):

 

 

The Marketing Agreement has no definite term except as it relates to the European Union countries (the “EU term”). The EU term extends through September 30, 2011, with up to two additional automatic renewal periods of two years each, subject to non-renewal only upon the occurrence of certain performance defaults. Thereafter, the Marketing Agreement provides that the parties may agree to renew the EU term for an additional three years.

 

The Marketing Agreement provides Monsanto with the right to terminate the Marketing Agreement upon an event of default (as defined in the Marketing Agreement) by the Company, a change in control of Monsanto or the sale of the consumer Roundup^® business. The Marketing Agreement provides the Company with the right to terminate the Marketing Agreement in certain circumstances, including an event of default by Monsanto or the sale of the consumer Roundup^® business. Unless Monsanto terminates the Marketing Agreement due to an event of default by the Company, Monsanto is required to pay a termination fee to the Company that varies by program year. The termination fee is calculated as a percentage of the value of the Roundup^® business exceeding a certain threshold, but in no event will the termination fee be less than $16 million. If Monsanto were to terminate the Marketing Agreement due to an event of default by the Company, however, the Company would not be entitled to

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

any termination fee, and the Company would lose all, or a substantial portion, of the significant source of earnings and overhead expense absorption the Marketing Agreement provides. Monsanto may also be able to terminate the Marketing Agreement within a given region, including North America, without paying a termination fee if unit volume sales to consumers in that region decline: (1) over a cumulative three-fiscal-year period; or (2) by more than 5% for each of two consecutive years.

 

 

Effective October 1, 2008, the Company acquired Humax Horticulture Limited (“Humax”), a privately-owned growing media company in the United Kingdom, for a total cost of $9.3 million. Purchase accounting allocations have been recorded for Humax, including the allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Pro forma net sales, net income and net income per common share for fiscal 2008 would not have been significantly different had the acquisition of Humax occurred as of October 1, 2007.

 

Scotts LawnService^®

 

During fiscal 2007, the Company’s Scotts LawnService^® segment acquired 11 individual lawn service entities for a total cost of approximately $22.5 million. The following table summarizes the details of these transactions (dollar amounts in millions):

 

 

 

The Company sponsors a defined contribution profit sharing and 401(k) plans for substantially all U.S. associates. The Company provides a base contribution equal to 2% of compensation up to 50% of the Social Security taxable wage base plus 4% of remaining compensation. Associates also may make pretax contributions from compensation that are matched by the Company at 100% of the associates’ initial 3% contribution and 50% of their remaining contribution up to 5%. The Company recorded charges of $15.3 million, $11.4 million and $10.7 million under the plan in fiscal 2009, fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007, respectively.

 

The Company sponsors two defined benefit plans for certain U.S. associates. Benefits under these plans have been frozen and closed to new associates since 1997. The benefits under the primary plan are based on years of service and the associates’ average final compensation or stated amounts. The Company’s funding policy, consistent with statutory requirements and tax considerations, is based on actuarial computations using the Projected Unit Credit method. The second frozen plan is a non-qualified supplemental pension plan. This plan provides for incremental pension payments so that total pension payments equal amounts that would have been payable from the Company’s pension plan if it were not for limitations imposed by the income tax regulations.

 

The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans associated with its international businesses in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany and France. These plans generally cover all associates of the respective businesses, with retirement benefits primarily based on years of service and compensation levels. During fiscal 2004, the U.K. plans were closed to new participants, but existing participants continue to accrue benefits. All newly hired associates of the U.K. business now participate in a defined contribution plan.

 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following tables present information about benefit obligations, plan assets, annual expense, assumptions and other information about the Company’s defined benefit pension plans (in millions). The defined benefit plans are valued using a September 30 measurement date.