Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019	Nov. 22, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares, $0.01 stated value
City Area Code	937
Local Phone Number	644-0011
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	43041
Entity Address, City or Town	Marysville,
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Address, Address Line One	14111 Scottslawn Road,
Entity Tax Identification Number	31-1414921
Entity File Number	001-11593
Document Transition Report	false
Document Annual Report	true
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	SMG
Entity Registrant Name	Scotts Miracle-Gro Co
Entity Central Index Key	0000825542
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		55,819,060
Entity Public Float			$ 3,085,305,949

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 497.7	$ 1,170.3	$ 1,189.9	$ 298.1	$ 433.9	$ 994.6	$ 1,013.3	$ 221.5	$ 3,156.0	$ 2,663.4	$ 2,642.1
Cost of sales									2,130.5	1,778.3	1,669.5
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other									5.9	20.5	0.0
Gross profit	89.5	423.4	472.1	34.5	73.7	347.6	409.2	34.0	1,019.6	864.6	972.6
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative									601.3	540.1	550.9
Impairment, restructuring and other									7.4	132.3	4.9
Other (income) expense, net									1.3	(6.7)	(16.6)
Income (loss) from operations									409.6	198.9	433.4
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates									(3.3)	(4.9)	29.0
Interest expense									101.8	86.4	76.1
Other non-operating (income) expense, net									(270.5)	1.7	13.4
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									581.6	115.7	314.9
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations									144.9	(11.9)	116.6
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(55.5)	178.0	396.9	(82.6)	(130.6)	125.5	152.7	(20.0)	436.7	127.6	198.3
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(2.6)	23.6	(0.5)	2.9	(16.3)	(42.7)	(3.7)	(1.2)	23.5	(63.9)	20.5
Net income (loss)	(58.1)	201.6	396.4	(79.7)	(146.9)	82.8	149.0	(21.2)	460.2	63.7	218.8
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.5	0.0	(0.5)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$ (57.9)	$ 201.7	$ 396.5	$ (79.6)	$ (147.0)	$ 82.9	$ 148.9	$ (21.2)	$ 460.7	$ 63.7	$ 218.3
Basic income (loss) per common share:
Income from continuing operations (USD per share)	$ (0.99)	$ 3.21	$ 7.17	$ (1.49)	$ (2.36)	$ 2.27	$ 2.70	$ (0.35)	$ 7.88	$ 2.27	$ 3.33
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (USD per share)	(0.05)	0.42	(0.01)	0.05	(0.29)	(0.77)	(0.06)	(0.02)	0.42	(1.14)	0.35
Basic net income (loss) per common share (USD per share)	(1.04)	3.63	7.16	(1.44)	(2.65)	1.50	2.64	(0.37)	8.30	1.13	3.68
Diluted income (loss) per common share:
Income from continuing operations (USD per share)	(0.99)	3.15	7.10	(1.49)	(2.36)	2.23	2.66	(0.35)	7.77	2.23	3.29
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (USD per share)	(0.05)	0.41	(0.01)	0.05	(0.29)	(0.76)	(0.07)	(0.02)	0.41	(1.11)	0.34
Diluted net income (loss) per common share (USD per share)	$ (1.04)	$ 3.56	$ 7.09	$ (1.44)	$ (2.65)	$ 1.47	$ 2.59	$ (0.37)	$ 8.18	$ 1.12	$ 3.63

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 460.2	$ 63.7	$ 218.8
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net foreign currency translation adjustment, including reclassifications to net income of $2.5, $11.7 and $18.5 for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively	(8.7)	9.0	28.2
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax of $(5.2), $3.3 and $3.1 for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively	(14.9)	9.3	4.9
Reclassification of net unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments to net income, net of tax of $(0.5), $(1.1) and $1.1 for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively	(1.5)	(3.1)	1.8
Net unrealized gain (loss) in pension and other post-retirement benefits, net of tax of $(3.9), $2.4 and $6.0 for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively	(11.1)	6.7	9.6
Reclassification of net pension and other post-retirement benefit losses to net income, net of tax of $0.7, $0.4 and $2.3 for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively	2.1	1.3	3.6
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(34.1)	23.2	48.1
Comprehensive income	426.1	86.9	266.9
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.5	0.0	(0.9)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest	$ 426.6	$ 86.9	$ 266.0

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net foreign currency translation adjustment reclassifications to net income (loss)	$ 2.5	$ 11.7	$ 18.5
Net unrealized losses on derivative instruments, tax	(5.2)	3.3	3.1
Reclassification of net unrealized losses on derivatives, tax	(0.5)	(1.1)	1.1
Net unrealized gains (losses) in pension and other post retirment benefits, tax	(3.9)	2.4	6.0
Reclassification net pension and postretirement benefit income (loss), tax	$ 0.7	$ 0.4	$ 2.3

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 460.2	$ 63.7	$ 218.8
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Impairment, restructuring and other	0.7	121.5	1.2
Share-based compensation expense	38.4	40.4	25.2
Depreciation	55.9	53.4	55.1
Amortization	33.4	30.0	25.0
Deferred taxes	(33.3)	(87.6)	(17.4)
(Gain) loss on long-lived assets	1.1	(0.6)	(3.3)
(Gain) loss on sale of business / unconsolidated affiliate	(262.6)	0.7	(31.7)
Equity in (income) loss and distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	1.6	(4.9)	32.6
Recognition of accumulated foreign currency translation loss	2.5	11.7	0.0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses:
Accounts receivable	0.6	(2.7)	48.6
Inventories	(65.0)	14.3	3.6
Prepaid and other assets	(11.0)	18.0	(12.2)
Accounts payable	54.3	(3.9)	9.0
Other current liabilities	49.7	4.5	26.9
Restructuring and other	(100.2)	100.1	(8.7)
Other non-current items	(0.3)	(13.6)	(10.4)
Other, net	0.8	(2.5)	0.9
Net cash provided by operating activities	226.8	342.5	363.2
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	2.1	5.1	5.7
Post-closing working capital payment related to sale of International Business	0.0	(35.3)	0.0
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash disposed of	0.0	0.0	180.3
Investments in property, plant and equipment	(42.4)	(68.2)	(69.6)
Investments in loans receivable	0.0	(17.1)	(29.7)
Proceeds from loans receivable	20.8	14.3	0.0
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliates	274.3	0.0	0.0
Net distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	0.0	(0.1)	57.4
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	(6.6)	(492.9)	(121.7)
Other investing, net	7.0	13.5	0.0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	255.2	(580.7)	22.4
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	1,056.2	2,987.0	1,449.3
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	(1,445.5)	(2,312.9)	(1,618.3)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.250% Senior Notes	0.0	0.0	250.0
Financing and issuance fees	(0.2)	(6.1)	(4.4)
Dividends paid	(124.5)	(120.0)	(120.3)
Distribution paid by AeroGrow to noncontrolling interest	0.0	0.0	(8.1)
Purchase of Common Shares	(3.1)	(327.7)	(255.2)
Payments on seller notes	(0.8)	(8.9)	(28.7)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	0.0	0.0	7.9
Cash received from exercise of stock options	21.4	10.5	11.0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	0.0	(70.7)	0.0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(496.5)	151.2	(316.8)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(0.6)	0.4	1.6
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(15.1)	(86.6)	70.4
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year excluding cash classified within assets held for sale	33.9	120.5	28.6
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year classified within assets held for sale	0.0	0.0	21.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	33.9	120.5	50.1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 18.8	$ 33.9	$ 120.5

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 18.8	$ 33.9
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $4.2 in 2019 and $3.6 in 2018	223.9	226.0
Accounts receivable pledged	84.5	84.5
Inventories	540.3	481.4
Prepaid and other current assets	174.2	59.9
Total current assets	1,041.7	885.7
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	0.0	36.1
Property, plant and equipment, net	546.0	530.8
Goodwill	538.7	543.0
Intangible assets, net	707.5	857.3
Other assets	194.8	201.6
Total assets	3,028.7	3,054.5
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	128.1	132.6
Accounts payable	214.2	150.5
Other current liabilities	278.2	329.6
Total current liabilities	620.5	612.7
Long-term debt	1,523.5	1,883.8
Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	0.0	21.9
Other liabilities	161.5	176.5
Total liabilities	2,305.5	2,694.9
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 18, 19 and 20)
Equity:
Common shares and capital in excess of $.01 stated value per share; shares outstanding of 55.8 in 2019 and 55.3 in 2018	442.2	420.3
Retained earnings	1,274.7	919.9
Treasury shares, at cost; 12.4 shares in 2019 and 12.8 shares in 2018	(904.3)	(939.6)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(93.9)	(46.0)
Total equity—controlling interest	718.7	354.6
Noncontrolling interest	4.5	5.0
Total equity	723.2	359.6
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,028.7	$ 3,054.5

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$ 4.2	$ 3.6
Common shares, stated value per share (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares outstanding (in shares)	55.8	55.3
Treasury shares, at cost (in shares)	12.4	12.8

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total	Common Shares	Capital in Excess of Stated Value	Retained Earnings	Treasury Shares	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Parent	Non-controlling Interest
Equity beginning balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016		68.1
Equity beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2016		$ 0.3	$ 401.4	$ 881.8	$ (451.4)	$ (116.9)	$ 715.2
Treasury shares, beginning balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2016					7.8
Noncontrolling interest, beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2016								$ 19.1
Total equity, beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 734.3
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	218.8			218.3			218.3	0.5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	48.1					47.7	47.7	0.4
Share-based compensation	33.4		33.4				33.4
Dividends declared ($2.230 per share) during the period ended September 30, 2019, Dividends declared ($2.140 per share) during the period ended September 30, 2018, Dividends declared ($2.030 per share) during the period ended 2017	(121.9)			(121.9)			(121.9)
Treasury share purchases (in shares)					(2.7)
Treasury share purchases	(255.0)				$ (255.0)		(255.0)
Treasury share issuances (in shares)					(0.5)
Treasury share issuances	12.1		(26.5)		$ 38.6		12.1
Adjustment to noncontrolling interest due to ownership change	0.0		(1.0)				(1.0)	1.0
Distribution declared by AeroGrow	(8.1)							(8.1)
Equity ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017		68.1
Equity ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017		$ 0.3	407.3	978.2	$ (667.8)	(69.2)	648.8
Treasury shares, ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017					10.0
Noncontrolling interest, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017								12.9
Total equity, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017	661.7
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	63.7			63.7			63.7	0.0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	23.2					23.2	23.2	0.0
Share-based compensation	40.5		40.5				40.5
Dividends declared ($2.230 per share) during the period ended September 30, 2019, Dividends declared ($2.140 per share) during the period ended September 30, 2018, Dividends declared ($2.030 per share) during the period ended 2017	(122.0)			(122.0)			(122.0)
Treasury share purchases (in shares)					(3.5)
Treasury share purchases	(326.1)				$ (326.1)		(326.1)
Treasury share issuances (in shares)					(0.7)
Treasury share issuances	32.2		(22.1)		$ 54.3		32.2
Acquisition of remaining noncontrolling interest in Gavita	(13.6)		(5.7)				(5.7)	(7.9)
Equity ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018		68.1
Equity ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	354.6	$ 0.3	420.0	919.9	$ (939.6)	(46.0)	354.6
Treasury shares, ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018					12.8
Noncontrolling interest, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	5.0							5.0
Total equity, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	359.6
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adoption of new accounting pronouncements (see Note 1)	9.1			22.9		(13.8)	9.1
Net income (loss)	460.2			460.7			460.7	(0.5)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(34.1)					(34.1)	(34.1)	0.0
Share-based compensation	38.4		38.4				38.4
Dividends declared ($2.230 per share) during the period ended September 30, 2019, Dividends declared ($2.140 per share) during the period ended September 30, 2018, Dividends declared ($2.030 per share) during the period ended 2017	(128.8)			(128.8)			(128.8)
Treasury share purchases (in shares)					0.0
Treasury share purchases	(2.7)				$ (2.7)		2.7
Treasury share issuances (in shares)					(0.4)
Treasury share issuances	21.5		(16.5)		$ 38.0		21.5
Equity ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019		68.1
Equity ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	718.7	$ 0.3	$ 441.9	$ 1,274.7	$ (904.3)	$ (93.9)	$ 718.7
Treasury shares, ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019					12.4
Noncontrolling interest, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	4.5							$ 4.5
Total equity, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 723.2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts Miracle-Gro” or “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, together with Scotts Miracle-Gro, the “Company”) are engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and sale of products for lawn and garden care and indoor, urban and hydroponic gardening. The Company’s products are sold in North America, Europe and Asia.

Due to the seasonal nature of the consumer lawn and garden business, the majority of the Company’s sales to customers occur in the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters. On a combined basis, net sales for the second and third quarters of the last three fiscal years represented approximately 75% of the Company’s 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 its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been 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. AeroGrow International, Inc. (“AeroGrow”), in which the Company has a controlling interest, is consolidated, with the equity owned by other shareholders shown as noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the other shareholders’ portion of net earnings and other comprehensive income shown as net (income) loss or comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), respectively. The results of businesses acquired or disposed of are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of each acquisition or up to the date of disposal, respectively.

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 and related disclosures. 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.

Advertising

Advertising costs incurred during the year 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. Costs deferred at September 30, 2019 and 2018 were not material. Advertising expenses were $120.3 million, $104.2 million and $123.0 million for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively.

Research and Development

Costs associated with research and development are generally charged to expense as incurred. Expenses for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 were $39.6 million, $42.5 million and $39.9 million, respectively, including product registration costs of $11.0 million, $11.4 million and $10.6 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.

Share-Based Compensation Awards

The fair value of awards is expensed over the requisite service period which is typically the vesting period, generally three to five years, except in cases where employees are eligible for accelerated vesting based on having satisfied retirement requirements relating to age and years of service. Performance-based awards are expensed over the requisite service period based on achievement of performance criteria. The Company uses a binomial model to determine the fair value of its option grants. The Company

classifies share-based compensation expense within selling, general and administrative expenses to correspond with the same line item as cash compensation paid to employees.

Earnings per Common Share

Basic income (loss) per common share of Scotts Miracle-Gro (“Common Share”) is computed by dividing income attributable to controlling interest from continuing operations, income (loss) from discontinued operations or net income attributable to controlling interest by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding each period. Diluted income (loss) per Common Share is computed by dividing income attributable to controlling interest from continuing operations, income (loss) from discontinued operations or net income attributable to controlling interest by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding plus all dilutive potential Common Shares (stock options, performance shares, performance units, restricted stock and restricted stock units) outstanding each period.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents were held in cash depository accounts with major financial institutions around the world or invested in high quality, short-term liquid investments. 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 Company’s 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 for doubtful accounts reflect the Company’s estimate of amounts in its existing accounts receivable that may not be collected due to customer claims or customer inability or unwillingness to pay. The allowance is determined based on a combination of factors, including the Company’s risk assessment regarding the credit worthiness of its customers, historical collection experience and length of time the receivables are past due. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes it is probable the receivable will not be recovered.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, principally determined by the first in, first out method of accounting. Inventories acquired through the acquisition of or subsequently produced by Sunlight Supply (as defined in “NOTE 8. ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS”), which represent approximately 22% of the Company’s consolidated inventories, were initially recorded at fair value at the date of the acquisition and subsequently were measured using the average costing method of inventory valuation. 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 net realizable value. Adjustments to reflect inventories at net realizable values were $8.8 million and $8.1 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During fiscal 2018, the Company determined it was preferable to use the first in, first out inventory valuation method and adopted this method for the remaining U.S. Consumer segment inventories not subject to the first in, first out method. The impact of this change in accounting principle on inventory value and cost of goods sold was immaterial.

Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are carried at outstanding principal amount, and are recognized in the “Other assets” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Loans receivable are impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. If it is determined that an impairment has occurred, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the present value of expected future cash flows. Interest income was $8.6 million, $10.0 million and $10.0 million for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. The Company classified interest income in the “Other non-operating (income) expense, net” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 and in the “Other (income) expense, net” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in fiscal 2017.

At September 30, 2019, the carrying value and estimated fair value of loans receivable were $95.1 million and $105.4 million, respectively. At September 30, 2018, the carrying value and estimated fair value of loans receivable were $112.6 million and $128.2 million, respectively. The estimated fair value was determined using an income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows over the remaining useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount

rate. The estimate requires subjective assumptions to be made, including those related to credit risk and discount rates. The fair value measurement is based on significant inputs unobservable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement.

Long-Lived Assets

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Interest capitalized in property, plant and equipment amounted to $0.5 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million during fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, 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:



Land improvements	10 – 25 years
Buildings	10 – 40 years
Machinery and equipment	3 – 15 years
Furniture and fixtures	6 – 10 years
Software	3 – 8 years

Intangible assets subject to amortization include technology, such as patents, customer relationships, non-compete agreements and certain tradenames. These intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful economic lives, which typically range 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 group would be compared to the asset group 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 and classified as “Impairment, restructuring and other” within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company had non-cash investing activities of $22.1 million, $9.8 million and $16.1 million during fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively, representing unpaid liabilities incurred during each fiscal year to acquire property, plant and equipment.

Statements of Cash Flows

Supplemental cash flow information was as follows:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2017
	(In millions)
Interest paid	$	93.5	$	81.6	$	69.8
Property and equipment acquired under capital leases	25.6		—		0.9
Income taxes paid	166.2		56.3		111.9

During fiscal 2019, the Company paid a post-closing net working capital adjustment obligation of $6.6 million related to the fiscal 2018 acquisition of Sunlight Supply (as defined in “NOTE 8. ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS”), which was classified as an investing activity in the “Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired” line in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. During fiscal 2018, the Company paid contingent consideration of $3.0 million related to the fiscal 2016 acquisition of Gavita Holdings B.V., and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Gavita”) and $5.8 million related to the fiscal 2017 acquisition of Agrolux Holding B.V. (now known as Hawthorne Lighting B.V.), and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Agrolux”), which were classified as financing activities in the “Payments on seller notes” line in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. During fiscal 2017, the Company paid contingent consideration of $6.7 million, $6.5 million and $15.5 million, respectively, related to the fiscal 2014 acquisition of Fafard & Brothers Ltd. (“Fafard”), the fiscal 2016 acquisition of a Canadian growing media operation and the fiscal 2017 acquisition of American Agritech, L.L.C., d/b/a Botanicare (“Botanicare”), which were classified as financing activities in the “Payments on seller notes” line in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The Company uses the “cumulative earnings” approach for determining cash flow presentation of distributions from unconsolidated affiliates. Distributions received are included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as operating activities, unless the cumulative distributions exceed the portion of the cumulative equity in the net earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate, in which case the excess distributions are deemed to be returns of the investment and are classified as investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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, 2019 and 2018, the Company had $13.6 million and $11.2 million, respectively, in unamortized capitalized internal use software costs. Amortization of these costs was $2.9 million, $3.9 million and $5.1 million during fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively.

Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

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, as of the first day of the Company’s fiscal fourth quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. With respect to goodwill, the Company performs either a qualitative or quantitative evaluation for each of its reporting units. Factors considered in the qualitative test include reporting unit specific operating results as well as new events and circumstances impacting the operations or cash flows of the reporting units. For the quantitative test, the Company assesses goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying value of its reporting units to their respective fair values. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The Company has identified seven reporting units. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using a combination of income-based and market-based approaches and incorporates assumptions it believes market participants would utilize. The income-based approach utilizes discounted cash flows while the market-based approach utilizes market multiples. These approaches are dependent upon internally-developed forecasts that are based upon annual budgets and longer-range strategic plans. The Company uses discount rates that are commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the respective reporting units and in the internally-developed forecasts. To further confirm fair value, the Company compares the aggregate fair value of the reporting units to the Company’s total market capitalization.

With respect to indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company performs either a qualitative or quantitative evaluation for each of its indefinite-lived intangible assets. Factors considered in the qualitative test include indefinite-lived intangible asset specific operating results as well as new events and circumstances impacting the cash flows of the indefinite-lived intangible assets. For the quantitative test, the value of all indefinite-lived intangible assets is determined under the income-based approach utilizing discounted cash flows and incorporating assumptions the Company believes market participants would utilize. For tradenames, value 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.

If it is determined that an impairment has occurred, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit or intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value and classified as “Impairment, restructuring and other” within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Insurance and Self-Insurance

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 up to a specified level for individual claims. 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 accruals include an actuarially determined estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement amounts and their respective tax bases. Management reviews the Company’s deferred tax assets to determine whether their value can be realized based upon available evidence. A valuation allowance is established when management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s tax provision in the period of change.

The Company establishes a liability for tax return positions in which there is uncertainty as to whether or not the position will ultimately be sustained. Amounts for uncertain tax positions are adjusted in quarters when new information becomes available or when positions are effectively settled. The Company recognizes interest expense and penalties related to these unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense. GAAP provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement.

U.S. income tax expense and foreign withholding taxes are provided on unremitted foreign earnings that are not indefinitely reinvested at the time the earnings are generated. Where foreign earnings are indefinitely reinvested, no provision for U.S. income or foreign withholding taxes is made. When circumstances change and the Company determines that some or all of the undistributed earnings will be remitted in the foreseeable future, the Company accrues an expense in the current period for U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes attributable to the anticipated remittance.

Translation of Foreign Currencies

The functional currency for each Scotts Miracle-Gro subsidiary is generally its local currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each fiscal 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 accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the determination of net income and classified as “Other (income) expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recognized transactional losses of $1.6 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million during fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively.

Derivative Instruments

The Company is exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. A variety of financial instruments, including forward and swap contracts, are used to manage these exposures. These financial instruments are recognized at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and all changes in fair value are recognized in net income or shareholders’ equity through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). 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.

The Company formally designates and documents instruments at inception that qualify for hedge accounting of underlying exposures in accordance with GAAP. The Company formally assesses, both at inception and at least quarterly, whether the financial instruments used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Fluctuations in the value of these instruments generally are offset by changes in the cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. This offset is driven by the high degree of effectiveness between the exposure being hedged and the hedging instrument. The Company designates certain commodity hedges as cash flow hedges of forecasted purchases of commodities and interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges of interest payments on variable rate borrowings.

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amended accounting guidance that replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard involves a five-step process that includes identifying the contract with the customer, identifying the performance obligations in the contract, determining the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognizing revenue when the entity satisfies the performance obligations. The new standard also results in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Subsequently, additional guidance was issued on several areas including guidance intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation of principal versus agent considerations and clarifications on the identification of performance obligations and implementation of guidance related to licensing.

The Company adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2018 under the modified retrospective approach. The Company’s revenue primarily consists of product sales, which are recognized at a point in time when title transfers to customers and the Company has no further obligation to provide services related to such products. The Company’s timing of recognition of revenue is substantially unchanged under the amended guidance. The new accounting guidance required the Company to recognize earlier certain deferred revenue associated with a license agreement related to the sale of the International Business (as defined in “NOTE 3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS”), resulting in a cumulative adjustment to its fiscal 2019 opening balance of retained earnings of $9.1 million, other current liabilities of $1.4 million and other liabilities of $7.7 million. With the exception of this item, the adoption of the amended accounting guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The additional disclosures required by this guidance are presented within “NOTE 2. REVENUE RECOGNITION” and “NOTE 21. SEGMENT INFORMATION.”

Cash Flow Presentation

In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that amends the guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance on a retrospective basis effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated cash flows.

Business Combinations

In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that clarifies the definition of a business to provide additional guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of either an asset or business. The Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Employee Benefit Plans

In March 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires entities to (1) disaggregate the current-service-cost component from the other components of net benefit cost (the “other components”) and present the current-service-cost with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement, (2) present the other components elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented and (3) limit the amount of costs eligible for capitalization (e.g., as part of inventory or property, plant, and equipment) to only the service-cost component of net benefit cost. The provisions are required to be applied retrospectively for the presentation of cost components in the income statement and prospectively for the capitalization of cost components. The Company adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2018 and has classified non-service-cost components of net benefit cost/income in the “Other non-operating (income) expense, net” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, H.R.1 (the “Act,” formerly known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”) was signed into law. The Act provides for significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Among other items, the Act implemented a territorial tax system, imposed a one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and reduced the federal corporate statutory tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018.

Additionally, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) released Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) which provides guidance on accounting for the Act’s impact under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). The guidance in SAB 118 allowed companies to use provisional estimates to record the effects of the Act and also provided a measurement period (not to exceed one year from the date of enactment) to complete the accounting for the impacts of the Act. The Company completed its accounting for the impacts of the Act during the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

For discussion of the impacts of the Act that are material to the Company and required disclosures related to the Act pursuant to the guidance provided under SAB 118, refer to “NOTE 15. INCOME TAXES.”

Reporting Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Act. The Company elected to adopt this guidance effective October 1, 2018, resulting in a reclassification of $13.8 million from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) to retained earnings upon adoption.

Share-Based Compensation

In June 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services. Under the amended accounting guidance, most of the guidance on such payments to nonemployees would be aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees. The Company elected to adopt this guidance effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Goodwill

In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. The Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis during the third quarter of fiscal 2018.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on lease accounting. This guidance requires lessees to recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements no later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2019 and require a modified retrospective transition approach for leases that exist as of or are entered into after the beginning of either (i) the date of adoption or (ii) the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements.

The Company adopted the new standard on October 1, 2019 and elected certain practical expedients, including the optional transition method that allows for the application of the new standard at its adoption date with no restatement of prior period amounts. As allowed under the new accounting standard, the Company elected to apply practical expedients to carry forward the original lease determinations, lease classifications and accounting of initial direct costs for all asset classes at the time of adoption. The Company anticipates the adoption of this new standard will result in the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets of between approximately $120 million and $140 million and aggregate current and non-current liabilities of between approximately $125 million and $145 million on its Consolidated Balance Sheet with the difference largely due to deferred rent that will be reclassified to the ROU asset. The Company expects no material cumulative effect adjustment to its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the date of adoption. Adoption of the new standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows.

Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The amended accounting guidance changes the impairment model for most financial assets to require measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements no later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020. The Company is continuing to assess the impact of the amended guidance.

Cloud Computing Costs

In August 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements no later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020. The Company is continuing to assess the impact of the amended guidance.

Employee Benefit Plans

In August 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that removes certain disclosures that are not considered cost beneficial, clarifies certain required disclosures and requires certain additional disclosures. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements no later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020. The Company is continuing to assess the impact of the amended guidance.

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Notes)	12 Months Ended
REVENUE RECOGNITION (Notes)	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUE RECOGNITION	REVENUE RECOGNITION Nature of Goods and Services The Company’s revenue is primarily generated from sales of branded and private label lawn and garden care and indoor and hydroponic gardening finished products to home centers, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, large hardware chains, independent hardware stores, nurseries, garden centers, e-commerce platforms, food and drug stores, indoor gardening and hydroponic product distributors, retailers and growers. In addition to product sales, the Company acts as the exclusive agent of Monsanto Company (“Monsanto”) for the marketing and distribution of certain of Monsanto’s consumer Roundup^® branded products in the United States and certain other specified countries, and performs certain other services under ancillary agreements with Monsanto. The Company also provides marketing, research and development and certain ancillary services to Bonnie Plants, Inc. (“Bonnie”). Refer to “NOTE 21. SEGMENT INFORMATION” for disaggregated revenue information and “NOTE 7. MARKETING AGREEMENT” for revenue information related to the Monsanto agreements. Identification and Satisfaction of Performance Obligations Product sales are recognized at a point in time when control of products transfers to customers and the Company has no further obligation to provide services related to such products. Control is the ability of customers to direct the “use of” and “obtain” the benefit from the Company’s products. In evaluating the timing of the transfer of control of products to customers, the Company considers several control indicators, including significant risks and rewards of products, the Company’s right to payment and the legal title of the products. Based on the assessment of control indicators, sales are typically recognized when products are delivered to or picked up by the customer. The Company is generally the principal in a transaction, therefore revenue is primarily recorded on a gross basis. When the Company is a principal in a transaction, it has determined that it controls the ability to direct the use of the product prior to transfer to a customer, is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the product or service to the customer, has discretion in establishing prices, and ultimately controls the transfer of the product or services provided to the customer. Under the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and Marketing Agreement (the “Restated Marketing Agreement”) as amended by the Third Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and Marketing Agreement (the “Third Restated Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company serves as the exclusive agent of Monsanto for the marketing and distribution of Monsanto’s consumer Roundup^® branded products in the United States and certain other specified countries, the Company is entitled to receive an annual commission from Monsanto as consideration for the performance of the Company’s duties as agent. The Restated Marketing Agreement and Third Restated Agreement also require the Company to make annual payments to Monsanto as a contribution against the overall expenses of its consumer Roundup^® business. The gross commission earned under the Restated Marketing Agreement and Third Restated Agreement and the contribution payments to Monsanto are included in the “Net sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company performs other services, including conversion services, pursuant to ancillary agreements with Monsanto. The actual costs incurred for these activities are charged to and reimbursed by Monsanto. The Company records costs incurred for which the Company is the primary obligor on a gross basis, recognizing such costs in the “Cost of sales” line and the reimbursement of these costs in the “Net sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, with no effect on gross profit dollars or net income. Under the terms of the Marketing, R&D and Ancillary Services Agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with Bonnie and its sole shareholder, Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Inc. (“AFC”), the Company provides marketing, research and development and certain ancillary services to Bonnie. In exchange for these services, Bonnie reimburses the Company for certain costs and provides a commission fee earned based on a percentage of the growth in earnings before interest, income taxes and amortization of Bonnie’s business of planting, growing, developing, manufacturing, distributing, marketing, and selling live plants, plant food, fertilizer and potting soil (the “Bonnie Business”). The commission earned under the Services Agreement is included in the “Net sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, the Company records costs incurred under the Services Agreement for which the Company is the primary obligor on a gross basis, recognizing such costs in the “Cost of sales” line and the reimbursement of these costs in the “Net sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, with no effect on gross profit dollars or net income. Transactional Price and Promotional Allowances Revenue for product sales is recorded net of sales returns and allowances. Revenues are measured based on the amount of consideration that the Company expects to receive as derived from a list price, reduced by estimates for variable consideration. Variable consideration includes the cost of current and continuing promotional programs and expected sales returns. Commission income related to the Monsanto and Bonnie agreements is recognized over the program year as the services are being performed based upon the commission income formula in the agreements. The Company’s promotional programs primarily include rebates based on sales volumes, in-store promotional allowances, cooperative advertising programs, direct consumer rebate programs and special purchasing incentives. The cost of promotional programs is estimated considering all reasonably available information, including current expectations and historical experience. 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. 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 accounted for as contract fulfillment costs and included in the “Cost of sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company excludes from revenue any amounts collected from customers for sales or other taxes.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

International Business

Prior to August 31, 2017, the Company operated consumer lawn and garden businesses located in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom (the “International Business”). On April 29, 2017, the Company received a binding and irrevocable conditional offer (the “Offer”) from Exponent Private Equity LLP (“Exponent”) to purchase the International Business for approximately $250.0 million (subject to potential adjustment following closing in respect of the actual financial position at closing) and a deferred payment amount of up to $23.8 million. On July 5, 2017, the Company accepted the Offer and entered into the Share and Business Sale Agreement (the “Agreement”) contemplated by the Offer. Pursuant to the Agreement, Scotts-Sierra Investments LLC, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Sierra”), and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, entered into separate stock or asset sale transactions with respect to the International Business. As a result, effective in its fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company classified its results of operations for all periods presented to reflect the International Business as a discontinued operation and classified the assets and liabilities of the International Business as held for sale.

On August 31, 2017, the Company completed the sale of the International Business for cash proceeds of $150.6 million at closing, which was net of a closing statement adjustment for expected financial position at closing and net of seller financing provided by the Company in the form of a $29.7 million loan for seven years bearing interest at 5% for the first three years, with annual 2.5% increases thereafter. The transaction also included contingent consideration, a non-cash investing activity, with a maximum payout of $23.8 million and an initial fair value of $18.2 million, the payment of which will depend on the achievement of certain performance criteria by the International Business following the closing of the transaction through fiscal 2020. The seller financing loan and the contingent consideration receivable are recorded in the “Other assets” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The cash proceeds from the sale were subject to post-closing adjustments related to the expected working capital adjustment obligation in respect of the actual closing date financial position of the International Business. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of the International Business of $32.7 million, partially offset by the provision for income taxes of $12.0 million, during fiscal 2017. The fiscal 2017 pre-tax gain included a write-off of accumulated foreign currency translation loss adjustments of $18.5 million. During fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a decrease to the pre-tax gain of $0.7 million related to the resolution of post-closing working capital adjustments.

In connection with the transaction, the Company entered into certain ancillary agreements including a transition services agreement and a material supply agreement, which are not material, as well as a licensing agreement for the use of certain of the Company’s brand names with an initial fair value of $14.1 million. Deferred licensing revenues of $12.1 million were recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018. Refer to “NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” for further discussion of the impact of the amended revenue recognition accounting guidance that was adopted during the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

During fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, the Company recognized $1.8 million and $15.5 million, respectively, in transaction related costs associated with the sale of the International Business as well as termination benefits and facility closure costs of zero and $(0.4) million, respectively, in the “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Wild Bird Food

During fiscal 2014, the Company completed the sale of its U.S. and Canadian wild bird food business. As a result, effective in fiscal 2014, the Company classified its results of operations for all periods presented to reflect the wild bird food business as a discontinued operation. During fiscal 2019, the Company recognized a favorable adjustment of $22.5 million as a result of the final resolution of the previously disclosed settlement agreement related to the In re Morning Song Bird Food Litigation legal matter in the “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. This matter relates to a class-action lawsuit filed in 2012 in connection with the sale of wild bird food products that were the subject of a voluntary recall in 2008 by the Company’s previously sold wild bird food business. In addition, during fiscal 2019, the Company recognized insurance recoveries of $13.4 million related to this matter in the “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During fiscal 2018, the Company recognized a pre-tax charge of $85.0 million for a probable loss related to this matter. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, zero and $85.0 million, respectively, was accrued for a probable loss related to this matter in the “Other current liabilities” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to “NOTE 20. CONTINGENCIES” for more information.

The following table summarizes the results of discontinued operations described above and reflected within discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for each of the periods presented:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	294.1
Operating and exit costs	0.6			1.9			275.9
Impairment, restructuring and other	(35.8		)	86.8			15.9
Other (income) expense, net	—			—			1.2
(Gain) loss on sale / contribution of business	—			0.7			(31.7		)
Interest expense	—			—			0.4
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	35.2			(89.4		)	32.4
Income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations	11.7			(25.5		)	11.9
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	23.5		$	(63.9	)	$	20.5

The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows do not present the cash flows from discontinued operations separately from cash flows from continuing operations. Cash (used in) provided by operating activities related to discontinued operations was $(38.6) million, $(1.6) million and $(11.6) million for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. Cash (used in) provided by investing activities related to discontinued operations was zero, $(35.3) million and $148.1 million for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively.

IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER

Activity described herein is classified within the “Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other,” “Impairment, restructuring and other” and “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” lines in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following table details impairment, restructuring and other charges (recoveries) for each of the periods presented:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2017
	(In millions)
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other:
Restructuring and other charges	$	5.1		$	12.3	$	—
Property, plant and equipment impairments	0.8			8.2		—
Operating expenses:
Restructuring and other charges, net	7.4			20.2		3.9
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments	—			112.1		1.0
Impairment, restructuring and other charges from continuing operations	$	13.3		$	152.8	$	4.9
Restructuring and other charges (recoveries) from discontinued operations	(35.8		)	86.8		15.9
Total impairment, restructuring and other charges (recoveries)	$	(22.5	)	$	239.6	$	20.8

The following table summarizes the activity related to liabilities associated with restructuring and other, excluding insurance reimbursement recoveries, for each of the periods presented:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
Amounts accrued for restructuring and other at beginning of year	$	112.2		$	12.1		$	20.8
Restructuring and other charges from continuing operations	13.4			32.7			8.3
Restructuring and other charges (recoveries) from discontinued operations	(22.4		)	86.8			15.9
Payments and other	(91.6		)	(19.4		)	(32.9		)
Amounts accrued for restructuring and other at end of year	$	11.6		$	112.2		$	12.1

Included in restructuring accruals, as of September 30, 2019, is $3.1 million that is classified as long-term. Payments against the long-term accruals will be incurred as the employees covered by the restructuring plan retire or through the passage of time. The remaining amounts accrued will continue to be paid out over the course of the next twelve months.

Project Catalyst

In connection with the acquisition of Sunlight Supply during the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company announced the launch of an initiative called Project Catalyst, which is a company-wide restructuring effort to reduce operating costs throughout the U.S. Consumer, Hawthorne and Other segments and drive synergies from acquisitions within the Hawthorne segment. During fiscal 2019, the Company incurred charges of $13.7 million related to Project Catalyst. The Company incurred charges of $1.1 million in its U.S. Consumer segment, $4.2 million in its Hawthorne segment and $0.6 million in its Other segment in the “Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal 2019 related to employee termination benefits, facility closure costs and impairment of property, plant and equipment. The Company incurred charges of $0.5 million in its U.S. Consumer segment, $3.9 million in its Hawthorne segment, $0.6 million in its Other segment and $2.8 million at Corporate in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal 2019 related to employee termination benefits and facility closure costs. Costs incurred to date since the inception of Project Catalyst are $25.9 million for the Hawthorne segment, $13.2 million for the U.S. Consumer segment, $1.2 million for the Other segment and $2.8 million for Corporate.

During fiscal 2018, the Company incurred charges of $29.4 million related to Project Catalyst. The Company incurred charges of $8.2 million in its U.S. Consumer segment and $12.4 million in its Hawthorne segment in the “Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal 2018 related to employee termination benefits, facility closure costs and impairment of property, plant and equipment. The Company incurred charges of $3.4 million in its U.S. Consumer segment and $5.4 million in its Hawthorne segment in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal 2018 related to employee termination benefits.

Project Focus

In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company announced a series of initiatives called Project Focus designed to maximize the value of its non-core assets and focus on emerging categories of the lawn and garden industry in its core U.S. business. During fiscal 2018, the U.S. Consumer segment recognized adjustments of $0.1 million related to previously recognized termination benefits associated with Project Focus in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During fiscal 2017, the Company recognized restructuring costs related to termination benefits and facility closure costs of $8.3 million in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, including $6.7 million for the U.S. Consumer segment, $0.9 million for the Hawthorne segment and $0.7 million for the Other segment. Costs incurred to date since the inception of the current Project Focus initiatives are $10.0 million for the U.S. Consumer segment, $0.9 million for the Hawthorne segment and $1.2 million for the Other segment.

On August 31, 2017, the Company completed the sale of the International Business. Refer to “NOTE 3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS” for more information. During fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, the Company recognized $1.8 million and $15.5 million, respectively, in transaction related costs associated with the sale of the International Business as well as termination benefits and facility closure costs of zero and $(0.4) million, respectively, in the “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Other

During fiscal 2019, the Company recognized a favorable adjustment of $22.5 million as a result of the final resolution of the previously disclosed settlement agreement related to the In re Morning Song Bird Food Litigation legal matter in the “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, during fiscal 2019, the Company recognized insurance recoveries of $13.4 million related to this matter in the “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During fiscal 2018, the Company recognized a pre-tax charge of $85.0 million for a probable loss related to this matter in the “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to “NOTE 20. CONTINGENCIES” for more information.

During fiscal 2019, the Company recognized a favorable adjustment of $0.4 million related to the previously disclosed legal matter In re Scotts EZ Seed Litigation in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During fiscal 2018, the Company recognized a charge of $11.7 million for a probable loss related to this matter in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to “NOTE 20. CONTINGENCIES” for more information.

During fiscal 2018, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $94.6 million related to a goodwill impairment in the Hawthorne segment in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of the Company’s annual fourth quarter quantitative goodwill impairment test. Refer to “NOTE 5. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET” for more information.

During fiscal 2018, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $17.5 million related to the settlement of a portion of certain previously acquired customer relationships due to the acquisition of Sunlight Supply in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Refer to “NOTE 8. ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS” for more information.

During fiscal 2017, the Company recognized a recovery of $4.4 million related to the reduction of a contingent consideration liability associated with a historical acquisition and recorded a $1.0 million impairment charge on the write-off of a trademark asset due to operating performance and future growth expectations within the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

The following table displays a rollforward of the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment:



	U.S. Consumer			Hawthorne			Other			Total
	(In millions)
Goodwill	$	229.9		$	202.3		$	11.2		$	443.4
Accumulated impairment losses	(1.8		)	—			—			(1.8		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	228.1			202.3			11.2			441.6
Acquisitions, net of purchase price adjustments	—			198.0			—			198.0
Foreign currency translation	—			(1.6		)	(0.4		)	(2.0		)
Impairment	—			(94.6		)	—			(94.6		)

Goodwill	$	229.9		$	398.7		$	10.8		$	639.4
Accumulated impairment losses	(1.8		)	(94.6		)	—			(96.4		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	228.1			304.1			10.8			543.0
Acquisitions, net of purchase price adjustments	—			1.3			—			1.3
Foreign currency translation	—			(5.4		)	(0.2		)	(5.6		)

Goodwill	$	229.9		$	394.6		$	10.6		$	635.1
Accumulated impairment losses	(1.8		)	(94.6		)	—			(96.4		)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	228.1		$	300.0		$	10.6		$	538.7

The Company performed annual impairment testing as of the first day of its fourth fiscal quarter in fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 and, with the exception of the Hawthorne reporting unit in fiscal 2018, concluded that there were no impairments of goodwill as the estimated fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recognized a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $94.6 million related to the Hawthorne reporting unit in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impairment was primarily driven by a downturn in the U.S. retail hydroponic market. This impairment charge did not impact the Company’s liquidity, cash flows from operations or compliance with debt covenants. The fair value estimates utilize significant unobservable inputs and thus represent Level 3 nonrecurring fair value measurements.

The following table presents intangible assets, net:



	September 30, 2019							September 30, 2018
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	(In millions)
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Tradenames	$	254.1	$	(48.9	)	$	205.2	$	258.1	$	(37.8	)	$	220.3
Customer accounts	210.7		(60.6		)	150.1		212.5		(43.2		)	169.3
Technology	49.8		(36.7		)	13.1		49.1		(34.4		)	14.7
Other	24.4		(9.2		)	15.2		24.4		(7.0		)	17.4
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net						383.6							421.7
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Indefinite-lived tradenames						168.2							168.2
Marketing Agreement Amendment						155.7							155.7
Brand Extension Agreement						—							111.7
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets						323.9							435.6
Total intangible assets, net						$	707.5						$	857.3

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company entered into a Brand Extension Agreement Asset Purchase Agreement (the “BEA Purchase Agreement”) under which it sold to Monsanto specified assets related to the development, manufacture, production, advertising, marketing, promotion, distribution, importation, exportation, offer for sale and sale of specified Roundup^® branded products sold outside the non-selective weedkiller category within the residential lawn and garden market. Refer to “NOTE 7. MARKETING AGREEMENT” for more information.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company’s Hawthorne segment recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $17.5 million related to the settlement of a portion of certain previously acquired customer relationships due to the acquisition of Sunlight Supply.

Total amortization expense was $33.4 million, $30.0 million and $23.3 million for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. Amortization expense is estimated to be as follows for the years ending September 30 (in millions):



2020	$	30.8
2021	29.0
2022	26.7
2023	24.8
2024	22.0

MARKETING AGREEMENT

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Marketing Agreement [Abstract]

MARKETING AGREEMENT

The Scotts Company LLC (“Scotts LLC”) is the exclusive agent of Monsanto for the marketing and distribution of certain of Monsanto’s consumer Roundup^® branded products in the United States and certain other specified countries. On May 15, 2015, the Company and Monsanto entered into an Amendment to the Original Marketing Agreement (the “Marketing Agreement Amendment”), a Lawn and Garden Brand Extension Agreement (the “Brand Extension Agreement”) and a Commercialization and Technology Agreement (the “Commercialization and Technology Agreement”). In consideration for these agreements, the Company paid $300.0 million to Monsanto and recorded this amount as intangible assets for which the related economic useful life is indefinite.

On August 31, 2017, in connection with and as a condition to the consummation of the Company’s sale of its International Business, the Company entered into the Second Amended and Restated Agency and Marketing Agreement (the “Restated Marketing Agreement”) and the Amended and Restated Lawn and Garden Brand Extension Agreement - Americas (the “Restated Brand Extension Agreement”) to reflect the Company’s transfer and assignment to the purchaser of such business of the Company’s rights and responsibilities under the Original Marketing Agreement and the Brand Extension Agreement relating to those countries subject to the sale. The Company included $32.6 million of the carrying amount of the intangible asset associated with the Marketing Agreement Amendment with the International Business disposal unit on the basis of the asset’s historical carrying amount and this amount was disposed of as part of the sale of the International Business.

The annual commission payable under the Restated Marketing Agreement is equal to (1) 50% of the actual earnings before interest and income taxes of Monsanto’s consumer Roundup^® business in the markets covered by the Restated Marketing Agreement (“Program EBIT”) for program years 2017 and 2018 and (2) 50% of Program EBIT in excess of $40.0 million for program year 2019. The Restated Marketing Agreement also requires the Company to make annual payments of $18.0 million to Monsanto as

a contribution against the overall expenses of its consumer Roundup^® business. During fiscal 2019, Monsanto agreed to reimburse the Company for $20.0 million of additional expenses incurred by the Company for certain activities connected to the Restated Marketing Agreement, which was recognized in the “Net sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Effective August 1, 2019, the Company entered into the Third Restated Agreement which, among other things:


•	Increases the amount of the commission to which the Company is entitled for program year 2020 and thereafter from 50% of Program EBIT in excess of $40.0 million to 50% of Program EBIT;

•

Provides that if the Program EBIT for any program year is not at least $36 million the contribution payment to be paid by the Company to Monsanto for such program year will be reduced (i) by an amount equal to 50% of the difference between $36 million and the Program EBIT for such program year or (ii) to zero in the event that the difference between $36 million and the Program EBIT is a negative number;


•	Expands the definition of Roundup^® products for which the Company is providing services under the Third Restated Agreement to include BEA products (as defined in the Third Restated Agreement);


•	Expands the Company’s termination rights by authorizing the Company to terminate the Third Restated Agreement (i) for any reason effective as of September 30, 2022 by delivery of notice of termination to Monsanto on January 15, 2021 (a “Convenience Termination”) or (ii) upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of Monsanto;


•	Expands Monsanto’s termination rights by authorizing Monsanto to terminate the Third Restated Agreement in the event that Monsanto decides to decommission the permits, licenses and registrations needed for, and the trademarks, trade names, packages, copyrights and designs used in, the sale of the Roundup^® products in the lawn and garden market (a “Brand Decommissioning Termination”);

•

Updates the termination fee structure to require Monsanto to pay a termination fee to the Company in an amount equal to (i) $175 million if the Company terminates the Third Restated Agreement for convenience, (ii) $375 million upon a brand decommissioning event, and (iii) the greater of $175 million or four times an amount equal to the average of the Program EBIT for the three program years before the year of termination, minus $186.4 million, if Monsanto or its successor terminates the Third Restated Agreement as a result of a Roundup Sale or Change of Control of Monsanto (each, as defined in the Third Restated Agreement); and


•	Permits each party to terminate the Third Restated Agreement if Program EBIT falls below $50 million and, in such case, no termination fee would be payable to either party.

In addition, in connection with the signing of the Third Restated Agreement, the Company also entered into (i) the BEA Purchase Agreement, (ii) a termination agreement regarding the Brand Extension Agreement and (iii) a termination agreement regarding the Commercialization and Technology Agreement. The BEA Purchase Agreement provides for the sale by the Company to Monsanto of specified assets related to, among other things, the development, manufacture, production, advertising, marketing, promotion, distribution, importation, exportation, offer for sale and sale of specified Roundup^® branded products sold outside the non-selective weedkiller category within the residential lawn and garden market. The consideration to be paid by Monsanto is the sum of $112.0 million plus the value of finished goods inventory of $3.5 million. This consideration is payable to the Company on January 15, 2020 and has been recorded in the “Prepaid and other current assets” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying value of the assets sold, which included the brand extension agreement intangible asset with a carrying value of $111.7 million, approximated the consideration received, resulting in an insignificant gain on the sale.

The elements of the net commission and reimbursements earned under the Restated Marketing Agreement and Third Restated Agreement and included in “Net sales” are as follows:



	Year Ended September 30
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
Gross commission	$	58.4		$	80.5		$	87.7
Contribution expenses	(18.0		)	(18.0		)	(18.0		)
Amortization of marketing fee	—			(0.8		)	(0.8		)
Net commission	40.4			61.7			68.9
Reimbursements associated with Roundup^® marketing agreement	73.4			54.5			56.1
Total net sales associated with Roundup^® marketing agreement	$	113.8		$	116.2		$	125.0

ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

FISCAL 2018

Sunlight Supply

On June 4, 2018, the Company’s Hawthorne segment acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of Sunlight Supply, Inc., Sunlight Garden Supply, Inc., Sunlight Garden Supply, ULC, and IP Holdings, LLC, and all of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Columbia River Industrial Holdings, LLC (collectively “Sunlight Supply”), a Vancouver, Washington based leading developer, manufacturer, marketer and distributer of horticultural, organics, lighting, and hydroponics products. Prior to the transaction, Sunlight Supply served as a non-exclusive distributor of the Company. The purchase price of Sunlight Supply was $459.1 million, a portion of which was paid by the issuance of 0.3 million Common Shares, a non-cash investing and financing activity, with a fair value of $23.4 million based on the average share price at the time of payment. The purchase price included contingent consideration, a non-cash investing activity, with an initial fair value of $3.1 million and a maximum payout of $20.0 million, which was finalized during the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and resulted in no additional payment by the Company. The purchase price was also subject to a post-closing net working capital adjustment which was paid during the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

The valuation of the acquired assets included (i) $5.3 million of cash, prepaid and other current assets, (ii) $19.3 million of accounts receivable, (iii) $84.3 million of inventory, (iv) $64.4 million of fixed assets, (v) $11.7 million of accounts payable and other current liabilities, (vi) $151.1 million of finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, and (vii) $146.4 million of tax-deductible goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets included tradenames of $65.1 million, customer relationships of $84.1 million and non-competes of $1.9 million with useful lives ranging between 5 and 25 years. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. The contingent consideration related to the Sunlight Supply acquisition was required to be accounted for as a derivative instrument and was recorded at fair value in the “Other current liabilities” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in fair value recognized in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration was $0.9 million as of September 30, 2018 and the fair value measurement was classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The acquisition of Sunlight Supply also resulted in the settlement of a portion of certain previously acquired customer relationships, which resulted in a non-cash impairment charge of $17.5 million recognized in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the third quarter of fiscal 2018 to reduce the carrying value of these previously acquired customer relationship intangible assets to an estimated fair value of $30.9 million. The estimated fair value was determined using an income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate, and has been included as part of goodwill. Additionally, the Company reduced the value of deferred tax liabilities associated with the write-off of these previously acquired customer relationship intangible assets by $7.3 million, which was recognized in the “Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations” line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2018.

The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined results of operations as if the acquisition of Sunlight Supply had occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2017. Sunlight Supply’s pre-acquisition results have been added to the Company’s historical results. The pro forma results contained in the table below include adjustments for (i) the elimination of intercompany sales, (ii) amortization of acquired intangibles, (iii) increased depreciation expense as a result of acquisition date fair value adjustments, (iv) increased cost of goods sold for fiscal 2017 and decreased cost of goods sold for fiscal 2018 related to the acquisition date inventory fair value adjustment, (v) increased interest expense related to the financing of the acquisition, (vi) removal of the non-cash impairment charge of $17.5 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2018 related to the settlement of a portion of certain previously acquired customer relationships due to the acquisition of Sunlight Supply, (vii) adjustments to tax expense based on condensed consolidated pro forma results, and (viii) the impact of additional Common Shares issued as a result of the acquisition. The pro forma information does not reflect the realization of any potential cost savings or other synergies from the acquisition as a result of restructuring activities and other cost savings initiatives. These pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the acquisitions occurred on the assumed dates, nor are they necessarily an indication of future operating results.



	Year Ended September 30
Unaudited Consolidated Pro Forma Results	2018		2017
	(In millions, except for common share data)
Proforma net sales	$	2,879.7	$	3,032.4
Proforma net income attributable to controlling interest	90.0		228.5
Proforma diluted net income per common share	1.57		3.78

Gavita

On May 26, 2016, the Company’s Hawthorne segment acquired majority control and a 75% economic interest in Gavita. Gavita’s former ownership group initially retained a 25% noncontrolling interest in Gavita consisting of ownership of 5% of the outstanding shares of Gavita and a loan with interest payable based on distributions by Gavita. The loan was recorded at fair value in the “Long-term debt” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recorded a charge of $13.4 million to write-up the fair value of the loan to the noncontrolling ownership group of Gavita to the agreed upon buyout value in the “Other non-operating (income) expense” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. On October 2, 2017, the Company’s Hawthorne segment acquired the remaining 25% noncontrolling interest in Gavita, including Agrolux, for $69.2 million, plus payment of contingent consideration of $3.0 million. The carrying value of the 25% noncontrolling interest consisted of long-term debt of $55.6 million and noncontrolling interest of $7.9 million. The difference between purchase price and carrying value of $5.7 million was recognized in the “Common shares and capital in excess of $0.01 stated value per share” line within “Total equity—controlling interest” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Can-Filters

On October 11, 2017, the Company’s Hawthorne segment completed the acquisition of substantially all of the U.S. and Canadian assets of Can-Filters Group Inc. (“Can-Filters”) for $74.1 million. Based in British Columbia, Can-Filters is a wholesaler of ventilation products for indoor and hydroponic gardening and industrial market customers. The valuation of the acquired assets included (i) $1.5 million of cash, prepaid and other current assets, (ii) $7.7 million of inventory and accounts receivable, (iii) $4.4 million of fixed assets, (iv) $0.7 million of accounts payable and other current liabilities, (v) $39.7 million of finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, and (vi) $21.5 million of tax-deductible goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets included tradenames and customer relationships with useful lives of 25 years. The estimated fair value of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. Net sales for Can-Filters included within the Hawthorne segment for fiscal 2018 were $10.7 million.

FISCAL 2017

Agrolux

On May 26, 2017, the Company’s majority-owned subsidiary Gavita completed the acquisition of Agrolux for $21.8 million. Based in the Netherlands, Agrolux is a worldwide supplier of horticultural lighting. The purchase price included contingent consideration, a non-cash investing activity, with a maximum payout and initial fair value of $5.2 million, which was paid during the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The valuation of the acquired assets included (i) $8.0 million of cash, prepaid and other current assets, (ii) $9.9 million of inventory and accounts receivable, (iii) $0.5 million of fixed assets, (iv) $8.6 million of accounts payable and other current liabilities, (v) $6.7 million of short-term debt, (vi) $16.1 million of finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, (vii) $6.6 million of non-deductible goodwill, and (viii) $4.0 million of deferred tax liabilities. Identifiable intangible assets included tradenames and customer relationships with useful lives ranging between 10 and 20 years. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. Net sales for Agrolux included within the Hawthorne segment for fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 were $53.2 million and $16.4 million, respectively.

Botanicare

On October 3, 2016, the Company’s Hawthorne segment completed the acquisition of Botanicare, an Arizona-based leading producer of plant nutrients, plant supplements and growing systems used for hydroponic gardening, for $92.6 million. The purchase price included contingent consideration, a non-cash investing activity, of $15.5 million, which was paid during the third quarter of fiscal 2017. The valuation of the acquired assets included (i) $1.2 million of cash, prepaid and other current assets, (ii) $8.4 million of inventory and accounts receivable, (iii) $1.4 million of fixed assets, (iv) $2.3 million of accounts payable and other current liabilities, (v) $53.0 million of finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, and (vi) $30.9 million of tax-deductible goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets included tradenames, customer relationships and non-compete arrangements with useful lives ranging between 5 and 25 years. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate.

Other

On August 11, 2017, the Company’s Hawthorne segment completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the exclusive manufacturer and formulator of branded Botanicare products for $32.0 million. The valuation of the acquired assets included (i) $0.3 million of inventory, (ii) $5.0 million of finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, and (iii) $26.7 million of tax-deductible goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets included manufacturing know-how and non-compete agreements with useful lives ranging between 5 and 10 years. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company’s U.S. Consumer segment completed two acquisitions of companies whose products support water positive landscapes and internet-enabled technology for an aggregate purchase price of $3.2 million. The valuation of the acquired assets for the transactions included finite-lived identifiable intangible assets and goodwill of $2.8 million. During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company’s Hawthorne segment completed the acquisition of a company focused on the technology supporting hydroponic growing systems for an aggregate purchase price of $3.5 million, which included finite-lived identifiable intangible assets of $3.2 million.

INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES	12 Months Ended
INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES	Sep. 30, 2019
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES	INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES On April 13, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Contribution and Distribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) between the Company and TruGreen Holding Corporation (“TruGreen Holdings”), the Company completed the contribution of the Scotts LawnService^® business (the “SLS Business”) to Outdoor Home Services Holdings LLC, a lawn services joint venture between the Company and TruGreen Holding Corporation (the “TruGreen Joint Venture”), in exchange for a minority equity interest of approximately 30% in the TruGreen Joint Venture. The Company’s interest had an initial fair value of $294.0 million and was accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In connection with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement on April 13, 2016, the TruGreen Joint Venture obtained debt financing and made a distribution of $196.2 million to the Company and the Company invested $18.0 million in second lien term loan financing to the TruGreen Joint Venture. The Company was reimbursed $1.4 million and $40.2 million during fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively, for expenses incurred pursuant to a short-term transition services agreement, payments on claims associated with insurance programs and an employee leasing agreement. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company received an $87.1 million distribution from the TruGreen Joint Venture in connection with its August 2017 debt refinancing. In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company’s net investment and advances were reduced to a liability and subsequently the Company no longer recorded its proportionate share of the TruGreen Joint Venture earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company received cumulative distributions from the TruGreen Joint Venture in excess of its investment balance, which resulted in an amount recorded in the “Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $21.9 million at September 30, 2018. The Company does not have any contractual obligations to fund losses of the TruGreen Joint Venture. On March 19, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement under which it sold all of its approximately 30% equity interest in the TruGreen Joint Venture to TruGreen Companies L.L.C., a subsidiary of TruGreen Holding Corporation. In connection with this transaction, the Company received cash proceeds of $234.2 million related to the sale of its equity interest in the TruGreen Joint Venture and $18.4 million related to the payoff of second lien term loan financing, which was previously recorded in the “Other assets” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During fiscal 2019, the Company also received a distribution from the TruGreen Joint Venture intended to cover certain required tax payments of $3.5 million, which was classified as an investing activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. During fiscal 2019, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $259.8 million related to this sale in the “Other non-operating (income) expense, net” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company made cash tax payments of $99.5 million as a result of the sale of the Company’s equity interest, of which $47.1 million was previously recorded as deferred tax liabilities and classified in the “Other liabilities” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2018. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company made a $29.4 million investment in an unconsolidated subsidiary whose products support the professional U.S. industrial, turf and ornamental market (the “IT&O Joint Venture”). On April 1, 2019, the Company sold all of its interest in the IT&O Joint Venture for cash proceeds of $36.6 million. During fiscal 2019, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $2.9 million related to this sale in the “Other non-operating (income) expense, net” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During fiscal 2019, the Company received a distribution of net earnings from the IT&O Joint Venture of $4.9 million, which was classified as an operating activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company provided the IT&O Joint Venture with line of credit financing of $14.3 million during fiscal 2018, which was fully repaid as of September 30, 2018.

RETIREMENT PLANS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

RETIREMENT PLANS

The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan for substantially all U.S. associates. The Company matches 200% of associates’ initial 3% contribution and 50% of their remaining contribution up to 6%. The Company may make additional discretionary profit sharing matching contributions to eligible employees on their initial 3% contribution. The Company recorded charges of $18.9 million, $15.3 million and $13.9 million under the plan in fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively.

The Company sponsors two defined benefit pension plans for certain U.S. associates and three defined benefit pension plans associated with the former businesses in the United Kingdom and Germany. Benefits under these plans have been frozen and closed to new associates since 1997 for the U.S. plans, 2010 for the United Kingdom plans and 2017 for the Germany plan. The benefits under the plans are based on years of service and compensation levels. The Company’s funding policy, consistent with statutory requirements and tax considerations, is based on actuarial computations using the Projected Unit Credit method.

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



	U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans						International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	100.1		$	110.0		$	175.0		$	190.7
Interest cost	3.5			3.1			4.0			4.2
Actuarial (gain) loss	11.6			(5.8		)	21.9			(6.8		)
Benefits paid	(7.2		)	(7.2		)	(7.3		)	(8.2		)
Other	—			—			2.6			—
Foreign currency translation	—			—			(11.0		)	(4.9		)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	108.0		$	100.1		$	185.2		$	175.0
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	108.0		$	100.1		$	185.2		$	175.0
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	80.7		$	87.5		$	181.5		$	181.2
Actual return on plan assets	7.6			0.2			26.5			6.5
Employer contribution	0.2			0.2			7.4			7.7
Benefits paid	(7.2		)	(7.2		)	(7.3		)	(8.2		)
Foreign currency translation	—			—			(11.5		)	(5.7		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	81.3		$	80.7		$	196.6		$	181.5
Overfunded (underfunded) status at end of year	$	(26.7	)	$	(19.4	)	$	11.4		$	6.5



	U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans						International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	108.0		$	100.1		$	18.1		$	18.1
Accumulated benefit obligation	108.0			100.1			18.1			18.1
Fair value of plan assets	81.3			80.7			—			—
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Noncurrent assets	$	—		$	—		$	29.5		$	24.7
Current liabilities	(0.2		)	(0.2		)	(0.9		)	(1.0		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(26.5		)	(19.2		)	(17.2		)	(17.2		)
Total amount accrued	$	(26.7	)	$	(19.4	)	$	11.4		$	6.5
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
Actuarial loss	$	44.4		$	37.9		$	41.8		$	42.6
Prior service cost	—			—			2.5			—
Total amount recognized	$	44.4		$	37.9		$	44.3		$	42.6



	U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans						International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions, except percentage figures)
Total change in other comprehensive loss attributable to:
Pension benefit gain (loss) during the period	$	(8.0	)	$	1.3		$	(2.5	)	$	5.9
Reclassification of pension benefit losses to net income	1.5			1.5			0.8			1.1
Prior service cost recognized during the period	—			—			(2.6		)	—
Foreign currency translation	—			—			2.6			1.2
Total change in other comprehensive loss	$	(6.5	)	$	2.8		$	(1.7	)	$	8.2
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 2020 are as follows:
Actuarial loss	$	1.8					$	0.9
Prior service cost	—						0.1
Amount to be amortized into net periodic benefit cost	$	1.8					$	1.0
Weighted average assumptions used in development of projected benefit obligation:
Discount rate	2.77		%	3.95		%	1.60		%	2.57		%



	U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans									International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	2019			2018			2017			2019			2018			2017
	(In millions, except percentage figures)
Components of net periodic benefit (income) cost:
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	0.9
Interest cost	3.5			3.1			2.8			4.0			4.2			3.7
Expected return on plan assets	(4.0		)	(4.6		)	(4.9		)	(7.1		)	(7.2		)	(7.7		)
Net amortization	1.4			1.5			1.7			0.8			1.1			1.8
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	0.9			—			(0.4		)	(2.3		)	(1.9		)	(1.3		)
Settlement	—			—			—			—			—			1.4
Total benefit (income) cost	$	0.9		$	—		$	(0.4	)	$	(2.3	)	$	(1.9	)	$	0.1
Weighted average assumptions used in development of net periodic benefit (income) cost:
Weighted average discount rate - service cost	n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a			1.37		%
Weighted average discount rate - interest cost	3.67		%	2.87		%	2.44		%	2.34		%	2.21		%	1.84		%
Expected return on plan assets	5.25		%	5.50		%	5.50		%	3.94		%	4.45		%	4.55		%
Rate of compensation increase	n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a			3.50		%

Investment Strategy

Target allocation percentages among various asset classes are maintained based on an individual investment policy established for each of the various pension plans. Asset allocations are designed to achieve long-term objectives of return while mitigating against downside risk considering expected cash requirements necessary to fund benefit payments. However, the Company cannot predict future investment returns and therefore cannot determine whether future pension plan funding requirements could materially and adversely affect its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Basis for Long-Term Rate of Return on Asset Assumptions

The Company’s expected long-term rate of return on asset assumptions are derived from studies conducted by third parties. The studies include a review of anticipated future long-term performance of individual asset classes and consideration of the appropriate asset allocation strategy given the anticipated requirements of the plans to determine the average rate of earnings expected. While the studies give appropriate consideration to recent fund performance and historical returns, the assumptions primarily represent expectations about future rates of return over the long term.



	U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans			International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	(In millions, except percentage figures)
Other information:
Plan asset allocations:
Target for September 30, 2020:
Equity securities	22		%	27		%
Debt securities	74		%	73		%
Real estate securities	4		%	—		%
Cash and cash equivalents	—		%	—		%
September 30, 2019
Equity securities	21		%	27		%
Debt securities	72		%	72		%
Real estate securities	4		%	—		%
Cash and cash equivalents	3		%	1		%
September 30, 2018
Equity securities	22		%	34		%
Debt securities	71		%	63		%
Real estate securities	4		%	—		%
Cash and cash equivalents	3		%	1		%
Insurance contracts	—		%	2		%

Expected company contributions in fiscal 2020	$	2.3		$	6.2
Expected future benefit payments:
2020	$	7.8		$	5.5
2021	7.6			5.6
2022	7.5			5.7
2023	7.4			5.9
2024	7.3			6.1
2025 – 2029	33.6			32.4

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets, segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy (in millions):



		U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans				International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	Fair Value Hierarchy Level	2019		2018		2019		2018
Cash and cash equivalents	Level 1	$	2.6	$	2.6	$	1.1	$	1.0
Mutual funds—real estate	Level 2	3.2		3.2		—		—
Mutual funds—equities	Level 2	16.6		18.0		53.3		61.2
Mutual funds—fixed income	Level 2	58.9		56.9		142.2		114.8
Insurance contracts	Level 2	—		—		—		4.5
Total		$	81.3	$	80.7	$	196.6	$	181.5

Mutual funds are valued at the exchange-listed year end closing price or at the net asset value of shares held at the end of the year.

ASSOCIATE MEDICAL BENEFITS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Defined Benefit Plan, Postretirement Medical Plan with Prescription Drug Benefits [Abstract]

ASSOCIATE MEDICAL BENEFITS

The Company provides comprehensive major medical benefits to its associates. The Company is self-insured for certain health benefits up to $0.7 million per occurrence per individual. The cost of such benefits is recognized as expense in the period the claim is incurred. This cost was $31.4 million, $31.2 million and $33.4 million in fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively.

The Company also provides comprehensive major medical benefits to certain retired associates and their dependents. Substantially all of the Company’s domestic associates who were hired before January 1, 1998 become eligible for these benefits if they retire at age 55 or older with more than ten years of service. The retiree medical plan requires certain minimum contributions from retired associates and includes provisions to limit the overall cost increases the Company is required to cover. The Company funds its portion of retiree medical benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis.

The following tables set forth information about the retiree medical plan for domestic associates. The retiree medical plan is valued using a September 30 measurement date.



	2019			2018
	(In millions, except percentage figures)
Change in Accumulated Plan Benefit Obligation (APBO):
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	21.4		$	23.9
Service cost	0.2			0.3
Interest cost	0.8			0.7
Plan participants’ contributions	0.3			0.3
Actuarial (gain) loss	1.9			(1.9		)
Benefits paid	(1.8		)	(1.9		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	22.8		$	21.4
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	—		$	—
Employer contribution	1.5			1.6
Plan participants’ contributions	0.3			0.3
Gross benefits paid	(1.8		)	(1.9		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	—		$	—
Unfunded status at end of year	$	(22.8	)	$	(21.4	)



	2019			2018
	(In millions, except percentage figures)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Current liabilities	$	(1.7	)	$	(1.8	)
Noncurrent liabilities	(21.1		)	(19.6		)
Total amount accrued	$	(22.8	)	$	(21.4	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss consist of:
Actuarial loss	$	3.1		$	1.1
Prior service credit	(3.6		)	(4.7		)
Total amount recognized	$	(0.5	)	$	(3.6	)
Total change in other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to:
Benefit loss (gain) during the period	$	1.9		$	(1.9	)
Reclassification of prior service credit and benefit loss to net income	1.1			0.9
Total change in other comprehensive (income) loss	$	3.0		$	(1.0	)

Discount rate used in development of APBO	3.05		%	4.17		%

Net periodic benefit (income) cost was $(0.1) million, $0.1 million and $0.3 million during fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. The estimated actuarial loss and prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $0.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

For measurement as of September 30, 2019, management has assumed that health care costs will increase at an annual rate of 6.25%, and thereafter decreasing to an ultimate trend rate of 4.75% in 2026. A 100 basis point change in health cost trend rate assumptions would not have a material effect on service costs, interest costs or the APBO.

The following benefit payments under the plan are expected to be paid by the Company and the retirees for the fiscal years indicated:



	Gross Benefit Payments		Retiree Contributions			Net Company Payments
	(In millions)
2020	$	2.3	$	(0.5	)	$	1.8
2021	2.4		(0.6		)	1.8
2022	2.5		(0.7		)	1.8
2023	2.5		(0.7		)	1.8
2024	2.3		(0.7		)	1.6
2025 – 2029	11.3		(3.7		)	7.6

DEBT

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

DEBT

The components of debt are as follows:



	September 30,
	2019		2018
	(In millions)
Credit Facilities:
Revolving loans	$	147.2	$	492.2
Term loans	750.0		790.0
Senior Notes – 5.250%	250.0		250.0
Senior Notes – 6.000%	400.0		400.0
Receivables facility	76.0		76.0
Capital lease obligations	25.8		0.6
Other	10.3		16.9
Total debt	1,659.3		2,025.7
Less current portions	128.1		132.6
Less unamortized debt issuance costs	7.7		9.3
Long-term debt	$	1,523.5	$	1,883.8

The Company’s aggregate scheduled maturities of debt and capital lease obligations are as follows (in millions):



	Capital Lease Obligations			Debt		Total
2020	$	3.0		$	126.0	$	129.0
2021	3.5			40.3		43.8
2022	3.5			40.0		43.5
2023	3.6			777.2		780.8
2024	3.6			400.0		403.6
Thereafter	15.4			250.0		265.4
Total	32.6			1,633.5		1,666.1
Interest	(6.8		)	—		(6.8		)
Total debt	$	25.8		$	1,633.5	$	1,659.3

Credit Facilities

On July 5, 2018, the Company entered into a fifth amended and restated credit agreement (the “Fifth A&R Credit Agreement”), providing the Company and certain of its subsidiaries with five-year senior secured loan facilities in the aggregate principal amount of $2.3 billion, comprised of a revolving credit facility of $1.5 billion and a term loan in the original principal amount of $800.0 million (the “Fifth A&R Credit Facilities”).

At September 30, 2019, the Company had letters of credit outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $26.7 million, and $1,326.2 million of borrowing availability under the Fifth A&R Credit Agreement. The weighted average interest rates on average borrowings under the Fifth A&R Credit Agreement and the former credit agreement were 4.6%, 4.0% and 3.9% for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively.

The Fifth A&R Credit Agreement contains, among other obligations, an affirmative covenant regarding the Company’s leverage ratio on the last day of each quarter calculated as average total indebtedness, divided by the Company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), as adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Fifth A&R Credit Agreement (“Adjusted EBITDA”). The maximum leverage ratio is: (i) 5.00 for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 through the first quarter of fiscal 2020; (ii) 4.75 for the second quarter of fiscal 2020 through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020; and (iii) 4.50 for the first quarter of fiscal 2021 and thereafter. The Company’s leverage ratio was 3.67 at September 30, 2019. The Fifth A&R Credit Agreement also contains an affirmative covenant regarding the Company’s interest coverage ratio determined as of the end of each of its fiscal quarters. The interest coverage ratio is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by interest expense, as described in the Fifth A&R Credit Agreement, and excludes costs related to refinancings. The minimum interest coverage ratio was 3.00 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2019. The Company’s interest coverage ratio was 5.78 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2019.

The Fifth A&R Credit Agreement allows the Company to make unlimited restricted payments (as defined in the Fifth A&R Credit Agreement), including dividend payments and Common Share repurchases, as long as the leverage ratio resulting from the making of such restricted payments is 4.00 or less. Otherwise, the Company may make further restricted payments in an aggregate amount for each fiscal year not to exceed the amount set forth in the Fifth A&R Credit Agreement for such fiscal year ($200.0 million for fiscal 2019 and $225.0 million for fiscal 2020 and thereafter).

Senior Notes

On October 13, 2015, Scotts Miracle-Gro issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.000% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “6.000% Senior Notes”). On December 15, 2016, Scotts Miracle-Gro issued $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.250% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “5.250% Senior Notes”). The 6.000% and 5.250% Senior Notes represent general unsecured senior obligations and rank equal in right of payment with the Company’s existing and future unsecured senior debt. The 6.000% Senior Notes have interest payment dates of April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 5.250% Senior Notes have interest payment dates of June 15 and December 15 of each year. Substantially all of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s domestic subsidiaries serve as guarantors of the 6.000% and 5.250% Senior Notes.

On October 22, 2019, Scotts Miracle-Gro issued $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.500% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “4.500% Senior Notes”). The net proceeds of the offering were used to redeem all of our outstanding 6.000% Senior Notes and for general corporate purposes. The 4.500% Senior Notes represent general unsecured senior obligations and rank equal in right of payment with the Company’s existing and future unsecured senior debt. The 4.500% Senior Notes have interest payment dates of April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing April 15, 2020. Substantially all of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s domestic subsidiaries serve as guarantors of the 4.500% Senior Notes.

On October 23, 2019, Scotts Miracle-Gro redeemed all of its outstanding 6.000% Senior Notes for a redemption price of $412.5 million, comprised of $0.5 million of accrued and unpaid interest, $12.0 million of redemption premium, and $400.0 million for outstanding principal amount. The $12.0 million redemption premium will be recognized in the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2020. As of September 30, 2019, the Company classified the $400.0 million of 6.000% Senior Notes as long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Additionally, the Company had $3.1 million in unamortized bond issuance costs as of September 30, 2019, which will be written-off in the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2020.

Receivables Facility

On April 7, 2017, the Company entered into a Master Repurchase Agreement (including the annexes thereto, the “Repurchase Agreement”) and a Master Framework Agreement, as amended annually (the “Framework Agreement” and, together with the Repurchase Agreement, the “Receivables Facility”). Under the Receivables Facility, the Company may sell a portfolio of available and eligible outstanding customer accounts receivable to the purchasers and simultaneously agree to repurchase the receivables on a weekly basis. The eligible accounts receivable consist of accounts receivable generated by sales to three specified customers. The Receivables Facility expires on August 21, 2020. The eligible amount of customer accounts receivables which may be sold under the Receivables Facility is $400.0 million and the commitment amount during the seasonal commitment period beginning on February 28, 2020 and ending on June 19, 2020 is $160.0 million.

The Company accounts for the sale of receivables under the Receivables Facility as short-term debt and continues to carry the receivables on its Consolidated Balance Sheets, primarily as a result of the Company’s requirement to repurchase receivables sold. As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, there were $76.0 million in borrowings on receivables pledged as collateral under the Receivables Facility, and the carrying value of the receivables pledged as collateral was $84.5 million. As of September 30, 2019 and 2018, there was $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of availability under the Receivables Facility.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

The notional amount, effective date, expiration date and rate of each of these swap agreements outstanding at September 30, 2019 are shown in the table below:



Notional Amount (in millions)			Effective Date (a)	Expiration Date	Fixed Rate
$	250	^(b)	1/8/2018	6/8/2020	2.09	%
100			6/20/2018	10/20/2020	2.15	%
200		^(b)	11/7/2018	6/7/2021	2.87	%
100			11/7/2018	7/7/2021	2.96	%
200			11/7/2018	10/7/2021	2.98	%


(a)	The effective date refers to the date on which interest payments were first hedged by the applicable swap agreement.


(b)	Notional amount adjusts in accordance with a specified seasonal schedule. This represents the maximum notional amount at any point in time.

Weighted Average Interest Rate

The weighted average interest rates on the Company’s debt were 4.8%, 4.3% and 4.6% for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively.

EQUITY

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

EQUITY

Authorized and issued shares consisted of the following:



	September 30,
	2019	2018
	(In millions)
Preferred shares, no par value:
Authorized	0.2 shares	0.2 shares
Issued	0.0 shares	0.0 shares
Common shares, no par value, $.01 stated value per share:
Authorized	100.0 shares	100.0 shares
Issued	68.1 shares	68.1 shares

In fiscal 1995, The Scotts Company merged with Stern’s Miracle-Gro Products, Inc. (“Miracle-Gro”). At September 30, 2019, the former shareholders of Miracle-Gro, including the Hagedorn Partnership, L.P., owned approximately 26% of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s outstanding Common Shares on a fully diluted basis and, thus, have the ability to significantly influence the election of directors and other actions requiring the approval of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s shareholders.

Under the terms of the merger agreement with Miracle-Gro, the former shareholders of Miracle-Gro may not collectively acquire, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership of Voting Stock (as that term is defined in the Miracle-Gro merger agreement) representing more than 49% of the total voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock, except pursuant to a tender offer for 100% of that total voting power, which tender offer is made at a price per share which is not less than the market price per share on the last trading day before the announcement of the tender offer and is conditioned upon the receipt of at least 50% of the Voting Stock beneficially owned by shareholders of Scotts Miracle-Gro other than the former shareholders of Miracle-Gro and their affiliates and associates.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recognized a charge of $2.5 million in the “Other non-operating (income) expense, net” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the write-off of accumulated foreign currency translation loss adjustments of a foreign subsidiary that was substantially liquidated. During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company repatriated cash from a foreign subsidiary resulting in the liquidation of substantially all of the assets of the subsidiary and the write-off of accumulated foreign currency translation loss adjustments of $11.7 million within the “Other non-operating (income) expense, net” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Dividends

On August 6, 2018, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of Directors approved an increase in the Company’s quarterly cash dividend from $0.53 to $0.55 per Common Share. On July 30, 2019, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors approved an additional increase in the Company’s quarterly cash dividend from $0.55 to $0.58 per Common Share.

Share Repurchases

In August 2014, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of Common Shares over a five-year period (effective November 1, 2014 through September 30, 2019). On August 3, 2016, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of Directors authorized a $500.0 million increase to the share repurchase authorization ending on September 30, 2019. On August 2, 2019, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors authorized an extension of the current share repurchase authorization through March 28, 2020. The amended authorization allows for repurchases of Common Shares of up to an aggregate amount of $1.0 billion through March 28, 2020. The authorization provides the Company with flexibility to purchase Common Shares from time to time in open market purchases or through privately negotiated transactions. All or part of the repurchases may be made under Rule 10b5-1 plans, which the Company may enter into from time to time and which enable the repurchases to occur on a more regular basis, or pursuant to accelerated share repurchases. The share repurchase authorization may be suspended or discontinued by the Board of Directors at any time, and there can be no guarantee as to the timing or amount of any repurchases. There were no share repurchases under the program during fiscal 2019. During fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, Scotts Miracle-Gro repurchased 3.5 million and 2.7 million Common Shares for $323.1 million and $245.8 million, respectively. From the inception of this share repurchase program in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 through September 30, 2019, Scotts Miracle-Gro repurchased approximately 8.3 million Common Shares for $714.6 million. The “Treasury share purchases” lines in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity includes cash paid to tax authorities to satisfy statutory income tax

withholding obligations related to share-based compensation of $2.7 million, $3.0 million and $9.2 million for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively.

Acquisition of Sunlight Supply

On June 4, 2018, Scotts Miracle-Gro issued 0.3 million Common Shares, which represented a carrying value of $20.7 million, out of its treasury shares for payment of a portion of the purchase price for the acquisition of Sunlight Supply.

Gavita

On October 2, 2017, the Company’s Hawthorne segment acquired the remaining 25% noncontrolling interest in Gavita, including Agrolux, for $69.2 million, plus payment of contingent consideration of $3.0 million. The carrying value of the 25% noncontrolling interest consisted of long-term debt of $55.6 million and noncontrolling interest of $7.9 million. The difference between purchase price and carrying value of $5.7 million was recognized in the “Common shares and capital in excess of $0.01 stated value per share” line within “Total equity—controlling interest” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Exercise of Outstanding AeroGrow Warrants

On November 29, 2016, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary SMG Growing Media, Inc. fully exercised its outstanding warrants to acquire additional shares of common stock of AeroGrow for an aggregate warrant exercise price of $47.8 million in exchange for the issuance of 21.6 million shares of common stock of AeroGrow, which increased the Company’s percentage ownership of AeroGrow’s outstanding shares of common stock (on a fully diluted basis) from 45% to 80%. The financial results of AeroGrow have been consolidated into the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, when the Company obtained control of AeroGrow’s operations through increased involvement, influence and a working capital loan provided to AeroGrow. Following the exercise of the warrants, the Board of Directors of AeroGrow declared a $40.5 million distribution ($1.21 per share) payable on January 3, 2017 to shareholders of record on December 20, 2016. On January 3, 2017, AeroGrow paid a distribution of $8.1 million to its noncontrolling interest holders.

Share-Based Awards

Scotts Miracle-Gro grants share-based awards annually to officers and certain other employees of the Company and non-employee directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro. The share-based awards have consisted of stock options, restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance-based awards. All of these share-based awards have been made under plans approved by the shareholders. Generally, employee share-based awards provide for three-year cliff vesting. Vesting for non-employee director awards is generally one year from the time of the award. Vesting of performance-based awards is dependent on service and achievement of specified performance targets. Share-based awards are forfeited if a holder terminates employment or service with the Company prior to the vesting date, except in cases where employees are eligible for accelerated vesting based on having satisfied retirement requirements relating to age and years of service. The Company estimates that 15% to 20% of its share-based awards will be forfeited based on an analysis of historical trends. This assumption is re-evaluated on an annual basis and adjusted as appropriate. Stock options have exercise prices equal to the market price of the underlying Common Shares on the date of grant with a term of 10 years. If available, Scotts Miracle-Gro will typically use treasury shares, or if not available, newly-issued Common Shares, in satisfaction of its share-based awards.

On January 30, 2017, the Company issued 0.5 million upfront performance-based award units, covering a five-year performance period, with an estimated fair value of $43.3 million on the date of grant to certain senior executives as part of its Project Focus initiative. These awards provide for a five-year vesting period based on achievement of specific performance goals aligned with the strategic objectives of the Company’s Project Focus initiatives. Based on the extent to which the targets are achieved, vested shares may range from 50 to 250 percent of the target award amount. The performance goals include a combination of five year cumulative operating cash flow less capital expenditures; five year average annual non-GAAP diluted EPS growth; and dividend yield. The Company assesses the probability of achievement of performance goals each period and records expense for the awards based on the probable achievement of such metrics. Performance-based award units accrue cash dividend equivalents that are payable upon vesting of the awards.

On October 30, 2017, the Company issued 0.2 million upfront performance-based award units (the “Hawthorne PFAs”), covering a four-year performance period, with an estimated fair value of $20.2 million on the date of grant to certain Hawthorne segment employees as part of its Project Focus initiative. The Hawthorne PFAs were to vest after approximately four years subject to the achievement of specific performance goals aligned with the strategic objectives of the Company’s Project Focus initiatives. Based on the extent to which the performance goals were achieved, vested shares were to range from 50 to 250 percent of the target award amount. The performance goals were based on cumulative Hawthorne non-GAAP adjusted earnings. The Hawthorne PFAs were to accrue cash dividend equivalents payable upon vesting of the awards. During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, in light

of Hawthorne’s acquisition of Sunlight Supply and the fiscal 2018 downturn in the Hawthorne business, the Company authorized the cancellation of the Hawthorne PFAs and the issuance of a one-time performance bonus grant for certain Hawthorne segment employees with targets based on specified levels of Hawthorne non-GAAP adjusted earnings, subject to participant consent. The Company issued 0.1 million one-time performance bonus award units to Hawthorne segment employees during fiscal 2019.

A maximum of 7.3 million Common Shares are available for issuance under share-based award plans. At September 30, 2019, approximately 3.0 million Common Shares were not subject to outstanding awards and were available to underlie the grant of new share-based awards. Common Shares held in treasury totaling 0.5 million, 0.4 million and 0.5 million were reissued in support of share-based compensation awards and employee purchases under the employee stock purchase plan during fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively.

The following is a summary of the share-based awards granted during each of the periods indicated:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2017
Employees
Restricted stock units	166,534		198,807		109,708
Performance units	131,644		246,430		487,809
Board of Directors
Deferred stock units	32,101		25,858		24,291
Total share-based awards	330,279		471,095		621,808

Aggregate fair value at grant dates (in millions)	$	25.5	$	43.5	$	57.8

Total share-based compensation was as follows for each of the periods indicated:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2017
	(In millions)
Share-based compensation	$	38.4	$	40.5	$	25.2
Tax benefit recognized	9.5		10.5		9.8

The tax benefit realized from the tax deductions associated with the exercise of share-based awards and the vesting of restricted stock totaled $2.8 million for fiscal 2019.

Stock Options

Aggregate stock option activity was as follows:



	No. of Options		Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2018	1,217,092		$	58.68
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(354,704	)	56.66
Forfeited	—		—
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2019	862,388		59.52
Exercisable	862,388		59.52

At September 30, 2019, the total pre-tax compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested stock options not yet recognized was zero. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $17.5 million, $17.2 million and $14.5 million during fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of stock options, including amounts received from employee purchases under the employee stock purchase plan, was $21.4 million, $10.5 million and $11.0 million for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. The following summarizes certain information pertaining to stock option awards outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2019 (options in millions):



	Awards Outstanding				Awards Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price	No. of Options	Wtd. Avg. Remaining Life	Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price		No. of Options	Wtd. Avg. Remaining Life	Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price
$45.32 – $49.19	0.3	1.84	$	47.11	0.3	1.84	$	47.11
$63.43 – $68.68	0.6	5.86	66.25		0.6	5.86	66.25
	0.9	4.45	$	59.52	0.9	4.45	$	59.52

The intrinsic values of the stock option awards outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2019 were as follows (in millions):



	2019
Outstanding	$	36.5
Exercisable	36.5

The grant date fair value of stock option awards is estimated using a binomial model. Expected market price volatility is based on implied volatilities from traded options on Common Shares and historical volatility specific to the Common Shares. Historical data, including demographic factors impacting historical exercise behavior, is used to estimate stock option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life (normally ten years) of the stock option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected life of stock options is based on historical experience and expectations for grants outstanding. No stock options were granted in fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 or fiscal 2017.

Restricted share-based awards

Restricted share-based award activity (including restricted stock units and deferred stock units) was as follows:



	No. of Shares		Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2018	403,440		$	87.42
Granted	198,635		76.46
Vested	(88,030	)	71.07
Forfeited	(25,636	)	86.89
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2019	488,409		85.94

At September 30, 2019, the total pre-tax compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested restricted share units not yet recognized was $10.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. The total fair value of restricted stock units and deferred stock units vested was $6.3 million during fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 and $8.7 million during fiscal 2017.

Performance-based awards

Performance-based award activity was as follows (based on target award amounts):



	No. of Units		Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value per Unit
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2018	755,807		$	92.96
Granted	131,644		78.47
Vested	(56,315	)	68.68
Forfeited	(183,005	)	97.63
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2019	648,131		90.13

At September 30, 2019, the total pre-tax compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested performance-based units not yet recognized was $26.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years. The total fair value of performance-based units vested was $3.9 million, $3.4 million and $8.8 million during fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively.

INCOME TAXES

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

The provision (benefit) for income taxes allocated to continuing operations consisted of the following:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
Current:
Federal	$	169.3		$	47.7		$	104.5
State	20.3			10.3			12.4
Foreign	4.2			0.2			8.1
Total Current	193.8			58.2			125.0
Deferred:
Federal	(40.6		)	(58.4		)	(7.4		)
State	(5.4		)	(2.0		)	(0.5		)
Foreign	(2.9		)	(9.7		)	(0.5		)
Total Deferred	(48.9		)	(70.1		)	(8.4		)
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	$	144.9		$	(11.9	)	$	116.6

The domestic and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018			2017
	(In millions)
Domestic	$	554.7	$	159.5		$	296.0
Foreign	26.9		(43.8		)	18.9
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	581.6	$	115.7		$	314.9

A reconciliation of the federal corporate income tax rate and the effective tax rate on income from continuing operations before income taxes is summarized below:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2017
Statutory income tax rate	21.0	%	24.5	%	35.0	%
Effect of foreign operations	0.3		7.4		3.1
State taxes, net of federal benefit	1.8		6.5		2.9
Domestic Production Activities Deduction permanent difference	—		(4.4	)	(3.1	)
Effect of other permanent differences	(0.2	)	(3.0	)	0.4
Research and Experimentation and other federal tax credits	(0.3	)	(1.7	)	(0.4	)
Effect of tax contingencies	1.9		1.3		0.9
Effect of tax reform	—		(38.7	)	—
Other	0.4		(2.2	)	(1.8	)
Effective income tax rate	24.9	%	(10.3	)%	37.0	%

On December 22, 2017, the Act was signed into law. The Act made broad and complex changes to the Code that affected the Company’s financial results in two primary ways.

First, effective January 1, 2018, the Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21%. As the Company’s fiscal year end falls on September 30, the federal corporate statutory tax rate for fiscal 2018 was prorated to 24.5%, with the statutory rate for fiscal 2019 and beyond at 21%. As a result of the lower tax rate, the Company remeasured its U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future and recognized a one-time $44.6 million net tax benefit adjustment reflecting the revaluation of its net deferred tax liability at the lower tax rate.

Second, due to the move to a territorial tax system, the Act required companies to pay a mandatory one-time U.S. transition tax on deemed repatriation of certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The Company recorded a provisional U.S. transition tax of $21.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2018 based on $97.8 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. This expense was largely offset by $18.2 million of foreign tax credits, $0.5 million of which was carried forward from prior periods and offset by a full valuation allowance. The transitional impact was finalized during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, with no material change to tax expense.

In addition, the Act established new tax provisions that became effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2018, including (1) eliminating the U.S. manufacturing deduction; (2) establishing new limitations on deductible interest expense and certain executive compensation; (3) creating the base erosion anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”); (4) creating a new provision designed to tax global intangible low-tax income (“GILTI”); (5) establishing a deduction for foreign-derived intangible income (“FDII”); and (6) generally eliminating U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries. The net effects of these provisions of the Act were immaterial to the Company’s tax provision for the year ended September 30, 2019.

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between financial reporting and tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards for tax purposes. The components of the deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:



	September 30,
	2019			2018
	(In millions)
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Inventories	$	10.2		$	9.3
Accrued liabilities	46.7			68.4
Postretirement benefits	8.4			7.7
Accounts receivable	5.1			4.7
Federal NOL carryovers	10.9			10.9
State NOL carryovers	2.1			1.5
Foreign NOL carryovers	4.6			3.8
Foreign tax credit carryovers	16.8			16.4
Interest rate swaps	2.7			—
Other	1.8			2.0
Gross deferred tax assets	109.3			124.7
Valuation allowance	(35.8		)	(33.6		)
Total deferred tax assets	73.5			91.1
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Property, plant and equipment	(40.2		)	(50.9		)
Intangible assets	(65.5		)	(54.1		)
Outside basis difference in equity investments	—			(45.4		)
Interest rate swaps	—			(1.0		)
Other	(4.1		)	(9.3		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(109.8		)	(160.7		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(36.3	)	$	(69.6	)

GAAP requires that a valuation allowance be recorded against a deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that the tax benefit associated with the asset will not be realized in the future. As shown in the table above, valuation allowances were recorded against $35.8 million and $33.6 million of deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Most of these valuation allowances relate to certain credits and net operating losses (“NOLs”), as explained further below.

Deferred tax assets related to foreign NOLs of certain controlled foreign corporations were $4.6 million as of September 30, 2019, the majority of which have indefinite carryforward periods. Due to a history of losses in many of these entities, a valuation allowance has been established against $4.0 million of these deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance has also been established against deferred tax assets related to other foreign items of $1.8 million.

Foreign tax credits were $16.8 million and $16.4 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. A full valuation allowance has been established against these foreign tax credits as the Company does not expect to utilize them prior to their expiration.

Certain federal NOLs are subject to limitation under IRC §382 from current and prior ownership changes. The Company determined that $10.5 million of these deferred tax assets will expire unutilized due to the closing of statutes of limitation and has established a valuation allowance accordingly. The Company estimates that $0.4 million of deferred tax assets will be available for utilization in tax years ending after September 30, 2019. These remaining NOLs will be utilized gradually through the tax year ending September 30, 2032.

Deferred tax assets related to state NOLs were $2.1 million as of September 30, 2019, with carryforward periods ranging from 5 to 20 years. Any losses not utilized within a specific state’s carryforward period will expire. A valuation allowance was recorded against $1.5 million of these deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2019 for state NOLs that the Company does not expect to realize within their respective carryforward periods. Tax benefits associated with state tax credits will also expire if not utilized and amounted to $1.7 million and $1.4 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. A valuation allowance in the amount of $1.2 million has been established related to state credits the Company does not expect to utilize.

As of September 30, 2019, the Company maintains its assertions of indefinite reinvestment of the earnings of all material foreign subsidiaries with the exception of the cumulative earnings of Scotts Luxembourg Sarl, which are generally taxed on a current basis under “Subpart F” of the Code which prevents deferral of recognition of U.S. taxable income through the use of foreign entities.

The Company had $29.5 million, $13.9 million and $10.2 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions at September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Of these amounts, $6.7 million, $4.8 million and $0.7 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits are related to discontinued operations at September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Included in the September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 balances were $25.2 million, $12.6 million and $8.5 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would have an impact on the effective tax rate.

A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	13.9		$	10.2		$	5.1
Additions for tax positions of the current year	13.8			0.9			1.4
Additions for tax positions of prior years	4.4			6.1			3.9
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(1.7		)	(0.8		)	(0.2		)
Settlements with tax authorities	(0.7		)	(1.9		)	0.9
Expiration of statutes of limitation	(0.2		)	(0.6		)	(0.9		)
Balance at end of year	$	29.5		$	13.9		$	10.2

The Company continues to recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the provision for income taxes. As of September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $2.1 million, $1.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively, accrued for the payment of interest that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. As of September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, accrued for the payment of penalties.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. There are currently no ongoing audits with respect to the U.S. federal or foreign jurisdictions. Subject to the following exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to examination by these tax authorities for fiscal years prior to 2016. The Company is currently under examination by certain U.S. state and local tax authorities covering various periods from fiscal years 2012 through 2018. In addition to the aforementioned audits, certain other tax deficiency notices and refund claims for previous years remain unresolved.

The Company currently anticipates that few of its open and active audits will be resolved within the next twelve months. The Company is unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate as to when or if cash settlements with taxing authorities may occur. Although audit outcomes and the timing of audit payments are subject to significant uncertainty, the Company does not anticipate

that the resolution of these tax matters or any events related thereto will result in a material change to its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

The Company is exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. To manage a portion of the volatility related to these exposures, the Company enters into various financial transactions. The utilization of these financial transactions is governed by policies covering acceptable counterparty exposure, instrument types and other hedging practices. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

Exchange Rate Risk Management

The Company uses currency forward contracts to manage the exchange rate risk associated with intercompany loans and certain other balances denominated in foreign currencies. The notional amount of outstanding currency forward contracts was $120.0 million and $117.2 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Contracts outstanding at September 30, 2019 will mature over the next fiscal quarter.

Interest Rate Risk Management

The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements as a means to hedge its variable interest rate risk on debt instruments. Net amounts to be received or paid under the swap agreements are reflected as adjustments to interest expense. Since the interest rate swap agreements have been designated as hedging instruments, unrealized gains or losses resulting from adjusting these swaps to fair value are recorded as elements of AOCI within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company has outstanding interest rate swap agreements with major financial institutions that effectively convert a portion of the Company’s variable-rate debt to a fixed rate. The swap agreements had a maximum total U.S. dollar equivalent notional amount of $850.0 million and $800.0 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Refer to “NOTE 12. DEBT” for the terms of the swap agreements outstanding at September 30, 2019. Included in the AOCI balance at September 30, 2019 was a loss of $4.2 million related to interest rate swap agreements that is expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months, consistent with the timing of the underlying hedged transactions.

Commodity Price Risk Management

The Company enters into hedging arrangements designed to fix the price of a portion of its projected future urea, diesel and resin requirements. These financial instruments are carried at fair value within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivative contracts that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in AOCI. Realized gains or losses remain as a component of AOCI until the related inventory is sold. Upon sale of the underlying inventory, the gain or loss is reclassified to cost of sales. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recorded as an element of cost of sales. Included in the AOCI balance at September 30, 2019 was a loss of $0.1 million related to commodity hedges that is expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months, consistent with the timing of the underlying hedged transactions.

The Company had the following outstanding commodity contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases:



	September 30,
	2019	2018
Commodity
Urea	78,500 tons	88,000 tons
Resin	14,900,000 pounds	—
Diesel	4,956,000 gallons	5,460,000 gallons
Heating Oil	1,344,000 gallons	1,218,000 gallons

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments were as follows:



		Assets / (Liabilities)
		2019			2018
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
		(In millions)
Interest rate swap agreements	Prepaid and other current assets	$	—		$	2.0
	Other assets	—			1.8
	Other current liabilities	(5.5		)	—
	Other liabilities	(5.3		)	—
Commodity hedging instruments	Prepaid and other current assets	—			6.1
	Other current liabilities	(0.8		)	—
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	(11.6	)	$	9.9

Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments	Balance Sheet Location
Currency forward contracts	Prepaid and other current assets	$	1.7		$	0.9
	Other current liabilities	(0.4		)	(1.5		)
Commodity hedging instruments	Prepaid and other current assets	—			1.7
	Other current liabilities	(0.4		)	—
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		0.9			1.1
Total derivatives		$	(10.7	)	$	11.0

The effect of derivative instruments on AOCI and the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30 was as follows:



	Amount Of Gain / (Loss) Recognized In AOCI
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2019			2018
	(In millions)
Interest rate swap agreements	$	(11.1	)	$	3.7
Commodity hedging instruments	(3.8		)	5.6
Total	$	(14.9	)	$	9.3



	Reclassified From AOCI Into	Amount Of Gain / (Loss)
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Statement Of Operations	2019			2018
		(In millions)
Interest rate swap agreements	Interest expense	$	(0.4	)	$	1.0
Commodity hedging instruments	Cost of sales	1.9			2.1
Total		$	1.5		$	3.1



	Recognized In	Amount Of Gain / (Loss)
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments	Statement of Operations	2019			2018
		(In millions)
Currency forward contracts	Other income / expense, net	$	9.1		$	11.6
Commodity hedging instruments	Cost of sales	(2.9		)	3.3
Total		$	6.2		$	14.9

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or the most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

The following describes the valuation methodologies used for financial assets and liabilities measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification within the valuation hierarchy.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less. The carrying value of these cash equivalents approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.

Derivatives

Derivatives consist of currency, interest rate and commodity derivative instruments. Currency forward contracts are valued using observable forward rates in commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the contracts. Interest rate swap agreements are valued based on the present value of the estimated future net cash flows using implied rates in the applicable yield curve as of the valuation date. Commodity contracts are measured using observable commodity exchange prices in active markets.

Other

Other assets include investment securities in non-qualified retirement plan assets and the Company’s option to increase its economic interest in Bonnie Plants, Inc. (the “Bonnie Option”). Other liabilities included the contingent consideration related to the acquisition of Sunlight Supply. Investment securities in non-qualified retirement plan assets are valued using observable market prices in active markets. The fair value of the Bonnie Option is determined using a simulation approach, whereby the total value of the loan receivable and optional exchange for additional equity is estimated considering a distribution of possible future cash flows discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate.

Debt Instruments

Debt instruments are recorded at cost. The interest rate on borrowings under the Fifth A&R Credit Agreement fluctuates in accordance with the terms of the Fifth A&R Credit Agreement and thus the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair values of the 5.250% Senior Notes and 6.000% Senior Notes were determined based on the trading of these Senior Notes in the open market. The difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the Senior Notes represents the premium or discount on that date. The interest rate on the short-term debt associated with accounts receivable pledged under the Receivables Facility fluctuates in accordance with the terms of the Receivables Facility and thus the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

The following table summarizes the fair value of Company’s assets and liabilities for which disclosure of fair value is required (in millions):



		2019				2018
	Fair Value Hierarchy Level	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Cash equivalents	Level 1	$	2.0	$	2.0	$	1.4	$	1.4
Derivatives
Interest rate swap agreements	Level 2	—		—		3.8		3.8
Currency forward contracts	Level 2	1.7		1.7		0.9		0.9
Commodity hedging instruments	Level 2	—		—		7.8		7.8
Other
Investment securities in non-qualified retirement plan assets	Level 1	21.6		21.6		19.4		19.4
Bonnie Option	Level 3	11.3		11.3		13.0		13.0

Liabilities
Derivatives
Interest rate swap agreements	Level 2	$	10.8	$	10.8	$	—	$	—
Currency forward contracts	Level 2	0.4		0.4		1.5		1.5
Commodity hedging instruments	Level 2	1.2		1.2		—		—
Debt instruments
Credit facilities – revolving loans	Level 2	147.2		147.2		492.2		492.2
Credit facilities – term loans	Level 2	750.0		750.0		790.0		790.0
Senior Notes – 5.250%	Level 1	250.0		263.4		250.0		239.4
Senior Notes – 6.000%	Level 1	400.0		412.5		400.0		411.0
Receivables facility	Level 2	76.0		76.0		76.0		76.0
Other
Debt	Level 2	36.1		36.1		17.5		17.5
Contingent consideration	Level 3	—		—		0.9		0.9

CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
CONTINGENCIES	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	CONTINGENCIES Management regularly evaluates the Company’s contingencies, including various lawsuits and claims which arise in the normal course of business, product and general liabilities, workers’ compensation, property losses and other liabilities for which the Company is self-insured or retains a high exposure limit. Self-insurance accruals are established based on actuarial loss estimates for specific individual claims plus actuarially estimated amounts for incurred but not reported claims and adverse development factors applied to existing claims. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims, lawsuits and other contingencies generally are expensed as incurred. In the opinion of management, the assessment of contingencies is reasonable and related accruals, in the aggregate, are adequate; however, there can be no assurance that final resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Regulatory Matters At September 30, 2019, $3.9 million was accrued in the “Other liabilities” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for environmental actions, the majority of which are for site remediation. The Company believes that the amounts accrued are adequate to cover such known environmental exposures based on current facts and estimates of likely outcomes. Although it is reasonably possible that the costs to resolve such known environmental exposures will exceed the amounts accrued, any variation from accrued amounts is not expected to be material. Other The Company has been named as a defendant in a number of cases alleging injuries that the lawsuits claim resulted from exposure to asbestos-containing products, apparently based on the Company’s historic use of vermiculite in certain of its products. In many of these cases, the complaints are not specific about the plaintiffs’ contacts with the Company or its products. The cases vary, but complaints in these cases generally seek unspecified monetary damages (actual, compensatory, consequential and punitive) from multiple defendants. The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit and is vigorously defending against them. No accruals have been recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the likelihood of a loss is not probable at this time; and the Company does not believe a reasonably possible loss would be material to, nor the ultimate resolution of these cases will have a material adverse effect on, the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. There can be no assurance that future developments related to pending claims or claims filed in the future, whether as a result of adverse outcomes or as a result of significant defense costs, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In connection with the sale of wild bird food products that were the subject of a voluntary recall in 2008, the Company, along with its Chief Executive Officer, had been named as defendants in four actions filed on and after June 27, 2012, which were consolidated, and, on March 31, 2017, certified as a class action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California as In re Morning Song Bird Food Litigation, Lead Case No. 3:12-cv-01592-JAH-AGS. The plaintiffs alleged various statutory and common law claims associated with the Company’s sale of wild bird food products and a plea agreement entered into in previously pending government proceedings associated with such sales. The plaintiffs alleged, among other things, a class action on behalf of all persons and entities in the United States who purchased certain bird food products. The plaintiffs asserted: (i) hundreds of millions of dollars in monetary damages (actual, compensatory, consequential, and restitution); (ii) punitive and treble damages; (iii) injunctive and declaratory relief; (iv) pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; and (v) costs and attorneys’ fees. The Company and its Chief Executive Officer disputed the plaintiffs’ assertions and have vigorously defended the consolidated action. The parties reached an agreement to settle this matter, which the parties memorialized in a settlement agreement submitted to the Court for approval on December 7, 2018. On January 31, 2019, the Court preliminarily approved the settlement, and on June 11, 2019, the Court granted final approval of the settlement. The settlement became effective on July 12, 2019. During the second quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company paid $42.5 million to the settlement fund in accordance with the settlement agreement, and the final payment of $20.0 million was made during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, zero and $85.0 million, respectively, was accrued for a probable loss related to this matter in the “Other current liabilities” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During fiscal 2019, the Company recognized a favorable adjustment of $22.5 million in the “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of the final resolution of the previously disclosed settlement agreement. In addition, during fiscal 2019, the Company recognized insurance recoveries of $13.4 million related to this matter in the “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company was named as a defendant in In re Scotts EZ Seed Litigation, Case No. 12-cv-4727 (VB), a New York and California class action lawsuit filed August 9, 2012 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York that asserted claims under false advertising and other legal theories based on a marketing statement on the Company’s EZ Seed grass seed product from 2009 to 2012. The plaintiffs sought, on behalf of themselves and purported class members, various forms of monetary and non-monetary relief, including statutory damages that they contend could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. The Company defended the action vigorously, and disputed the plaintiffs’ claims and theories, including the recoverability of statutory damages. In 2017, the Court eliminated certain claims, narrowed the case in certain respects, and permitted the case to continue proceeding as a class action. On August 7, 2017, the Court requested briefs on the Company’s request for interlocutory review of issues relating to the recoverability of statutory damages in a class action by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and, on August 31, 2017, approved that request. On January 8, 2018, however, the Second Circuit denied the interlocutory appeal request. The parties engaged in mediation on April 9, 2018 and agreed in principle to a preliminary settlement of the outstanding claims on April 10, 2018. The preliminary settlement required the Company to pay certain attorneys’ and administrative fees and provide certain payments to the class members. The preliminary settlement was approved by the court on December 19, 2018. This case is now settled and the Company made final payment of the claims made by class members during the second quarter of fiscal 2019. At September 30, 2019 and 2018, zero and $11.7 million, respectively, was accrued for a probable loss related to this matter in the “Other current liabilities” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During fiscal 2019, the Company recognized a favorable adjustment of $0.4 million related to this matter in the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of the final payment of the claims made by class members. The Company is involved in other lawsuits and claims which arise in the normal course of business. These claims individually and in the aggregate are not expected to result in a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company divides its operations into three reportable segments: U.S. Consumer, Hawthorne and Other. U.S. Consumer consists of the Company’s consumer lawn and garden business located in the geographic United States. Hawthorne consists of the Company’s indoor, urban and hydroponic gardening business. Other consists of the Company’s consumer lawn and garden business in geographies other than the U.S. and the Company’s product sales to commercial nurseries, greenhouses and other professional customers. In addition, Corporate consists of general and administrative expenses and certain other income and expense items not allocated to the business segments. This identification of reportable segments is consistent with how the segments report to and are managed by the chief operating decision maker of the Company.

The performance of each reportable segment is evaluated based on several factors, including income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, amortization, impairment, restructuring and other charges (“Segment Profit (Loss)”). Senior management uses Segment Profit (Loss) to evaluate segment performance because the Company believes this measure is indicative of performance trends and the overall earnings potential of each segment.

The following tables present financial information for the Company’s reportable segments for the periods indicated:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
Net sales:
U.S. Consumer	$	2,281.1		$	2,109.6		$	2,160.5
Hawthorne	671.2			344.9			287.2
Other	203.7			208.9			194.4
Consolidated	$	3,156.0		$	2,663.4		$	2,642.1
Segment Profit (Loss):
U.S. Consumer	$	527.8		$	496.6		$	521.5
Hawthorne	53.5			(6.1		)	35.5
Other	10.3			11.2			13.4
Total Segment Profit	591.6			501.7			570.4
Corporate	(135.3		)	(120.8		)	(109.6		)
Intangible asset amortization	(33.4		)	(29.2		)	(22.5		)
Impairment, restructuring and other	(13.3		)	(152.8		)	(4.9		)
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates ^(a)	3.3			4.9			(29.0		)
Interest expense	(101.8		)	(86.4		)	(76.1		)
Other non-operating income (expense), net	270.5			(1.7		)	(13.4		)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	581.6		$	115.7		$	314.9
Depreciation and amortization:
U.S. Consumer	$	44.4		$	46.7		$	47.9
Hawthorne	35.3			27.8			18.4
Other	5.9			5.6			4.8
Corporate	3.7			3.3			2.7
	$	89.3		$	83.4		$	73.8
Capital expenditures:
U.S. Consumer	$	27.6		$	53.2		$	53.4
Hawthorne	11.1			8.7			7.1
Other	3.7			6.3			5.0
	$	42.4		$	68.2		$	65.5


(a)	Included within equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates for fiscal 2017 are charges of $25.2 million, which represent the Company’s share of restructuring and other charges incurred by the TruGreen Joint Venture.



	September 30,
	2019		2018
	(In millions)
Total assets:
U.S. Consumer	$	1,765.1	$	1,702.2
Hawthorne	958.5		978.6
Other	155.1		161.3
Corporate	150.0		212.4
Consolidated	$	3,028.7	$	3,054.5

The following table presents net sales by product category for the periods indicated:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2017
	(In millions)
US Consumer:
Growing media	$	942.5	$	846.9	$	830.2
Lawn care	781.6		706.1		732.0
Controls	310.8		309.0		329.5
Roundup^® marketing agreement	112.1		114.4		123.3
Other, primarily gardening and landscape	134.1		133.2		145.5
Hawthorne:
Indoor, urban and hydroponic gardening	671.2		344.9		287.2
Other:
Growing media	77.8		81.7		81.5
Lawn care	69.2		65.6		62.2
Other, primarily gardening and controls	56.7		61.6		50.7
Total net sales	$	3,156.0	$	2,663.4	$	2,642.1

The Company’s three largest customers accounted for the following percentages of net sales for the fiscal years ended September 30:



	Percentage of Net Sales
	2019		2018		2017
Home Depot	30	%	35	%	35	%
Lowe’s	19	%	17	%	17	%
Walmart	8	%	9	%	9	%

Accounts receivable for these three largest customers as a percentage of consolidated accounts receivable were 61% and 57% as of September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The following table presents net sales by geographic area for the periods indicated:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2017
	(In millions)
Net sales:
United States	$	2,851.9	$	2,375.5	$	2,385.1
International	304.1		287.9		257.0
	$	3,156.0	$	2,663.4	$	2,642.1

Other than the United States, no other country accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s net sales for any period presented above.

The following table presents long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangibles) by geographic area:



	September 30,
	2019		2018
	(In millions)
Long-lived assets:
United States	$	784.1	$	789.8
International	145.5		162.7
	$	929.6	$	952.5

QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations:



	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter			Full Year
	(In millions, except per share data)
FISCAL 2019
Net sales	$	298.1		$	1,189.9		$	1,170.3		$	497.7		$	3,156.0
Gross profit	34.5			472.1			423.4			89.5			1,019.6
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(82.6		)	396.9			178.0			(55.5		)	436.7
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	2.9			(0.5		)	23.6			(2.6		)	23.5
Net income (loss)	(79.7		)	396.4			201.6			(58.1		)	460.2
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	(79.6		)	396.5			201.7			(57.9		)	460.7
Basic income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(1.49	)	$	7.17		$	3.21		$	(0.99	)	$	7.88
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0.05			(0.01		)	0.42			(0.05		)	0.42
Basic net income (loss) per Common Share	$	(1.44	)	$	7.16		$	3.63		$	(1.04	)	$	8.30
Common Shares used in basic EPS calculation	55.3			55.4			55.5			55.7			55.5
Diluted income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(1.49	)	$	7.10		$	3.15		$	(0.99	)	$	7.77
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0.05			(0.01		)	0.41			(0.05		)	0.41
Diluted net income (loss) per Common Share	$	(1.44	)	$	7.09		$	3.56		$	(1.04	)	$	8.18
Common Shares and dilutive potential Common Shares used in diluted EPS calculation	55.3			55.9			56.6			55.7			56.3
FISCAL 2018
Net sales	$	221.5		$	1,013.3		$	994.6		$	433.9		$	2,663.4
Gross profit	34.0			409.2			347.6			73.7			864.6
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(20.0		)	152.7			125.5			(130.6		)	127.6
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(1.2		)	(3.7		)	(42.7		)	(16.3		)	(63.9		)
Net income (loss)	(21.2		)	149.0			82.8			(146.9		)	63.7
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	(21.2		)	148.9			82.9			(147.0		)	63.7
Basic income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.35	)	$	2.70		$	2.27		$	(2.36	)	$	2.27
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(0.02		)	(0.06		)	(0.77		)	(0.29		)	(1.14		)
Basic net income (loss) per Common Share	$	(0.37	)	$	2.64		$	1.50		$	(2.65	)	$	1.13
Common Shares used in basic EPS calculation	57.6			56.5			55.4			55.4			56.2
Diluted income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.35	)	$	2.66		$	2.23		$	(2.36	)	$	2.23
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(0.02		)	(0.07		)	(0.76		)	(0.29		)	(1.11		)
Diluted net income (loss) per Common Share	$	(0.37	)	$	2.59		$	1.47		$	(2.65	)	$	1.12
Common Shares and dilutive potential Common Shares used in diluted EPS calculation	57.6			57.4			56.3			55.4			57.1

The sum of the quarters may not equal full year due to rounding.

Common share equivalents, such as share-based awards, are excluded from the diluted loss per Common Share calculation in periods where there is a loss from continuing operations because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The Company’s business is highly seasonal, with approximately 75% of net sales occurring in the second and third fiscal quarters. Refer to “NOTE 3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS” and “NOTE 4. IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER” for more information regarding significant impairment, restructuring and other charges / recoveries reflected in the quarterly financial information.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS

The 6.000% and 5.250% Senior Notes were issued on October 13, 2015 and December 15, 2016, respectively, and are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and, therefore, the Company reports consolidating financial information in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered. The guarantees are “full and unconditional,” as those terms are used in Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, except that a subsidiary’s guarantee will be released in certain customary circumstances, such as (1) upon any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the subsidiary (including by way of merger or consolidation) to any person other than Scotts Miracle-Gro or any “restricted subsidiary” under the indentures governing the 6.000% and 5.250% Senior Notes; (2) if the subsidiary merges with and into Scotts Miracle-Gro, with Scotts Miracle-Gro surviving such merger; (3) if the subsidiary is designated an “unrestricted subsidiary” in accordance with the indentures governing the 6.000% and 5.250% Senior Notes or otherwise ceases to be a “restricted subsidiary” (including by way of liquidation or dissolution) in a transaction permitted by such indenture; (4) upon legal or covenant defeasance; (5) at the election of Scotts Miracle-Gro following the subsidiary’s release as a guarantor under the Fifth A&R Credit Agreement, except a release by or as a result of the repayment of the Fifth A&R Credit Agreement; or (6) if the subsidiary ceases to be a “restricted subsidiary” and the subsidiary is not otherwise required to provide a guarantee of the 6.000% and 5.250% Senior Notes pursuant to the indentures governing the 6.000% and 5.250% Senior Notes.

The following 100% directly or indirectly owned subsidiaries fully and unconditionally guarantee at September 30, 2019 the 6.000% and 5.250% Senior Notes on a joint and several basis: Hyponex Corporation; Miracle-Gro Lawn Products, Inc.; OMS Investments, Inc.; Rod McLellan Company; Sanford Scientific, Inc.; Scotts Temecula Operations, LLC; Scotts Manufacturing Company; Scotts Products Co.; Scotts Professional Products Co.; Scotts-Sierra Investments LLC; SMG Growing Media, Inc.; Swiss Farms Products, Inc.; SMGM LLC; The Scotts Company LLC; The Hawthorne Gardening Company; Hawthorne Hydroponics LLC; HGCI, Inc. and GenSource, Inc. (collectively, the “Guarantors”). Effective in the three-month period ending July 1, 2017, American Agritech, L.L.C. was merged into Hawthorne Hydroponics LLC, and has been classified as a Guarantor for all periods presented. Effective in the three-month period ending September 30, 2018, SMG ITO Holdings, Inc. was added as a Guarantor and has been classified as a Guarantor for all periods presented. Effective in the three month period ending March 30, 2019, Gutwein & Co., Inc. was dissolved and its subsidiary guarantee was released. Effective in the three month period ending June 29, 2019, SLS Holdings, Inc. and SMG ITO Holdings, Inc. were dissolved and their subsidiary guarantees were released.

The following information presents Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for each of the three years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the three years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years ended September 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, and Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2019 and 2018. The consolidating financial information presents, in separate columns, financial information for: Scotts Miracle-Gro on a Parent-only basis, carrying its investment in subsidiaries under the equity method; Guarantors on a combined basis, carrying their investments in subsidiaries which do not guarantee the debt (collectively, the “Non-Guarantors”) under the equity method; Non-Guarantors on a combined basis; and eliminating entries. The eliminating entries primarily reflect intercompany transactions, such as interest expense, accounts receivable and payable, short and long-term debt, and the elimination of equity investments, return on investments and income in subsidiaries. Because the Parent is obligated to pay the unpaid principal amount and interest on all amounts borrowed by the Guarantors or Non-Guarantors under the Fifth A&R Credit Facilities (and was obligated to pay the unpaid principal amount and interest on all amounts borrowed by the Guarantors and Non-Guarantors under the previous senior secured five-year revolving loan facility), the borrowings and related interest expense for the loans outstanding of the Guarantors and Non-Guarantors are also presented in the accompanying Parent-only financial information, and are then eliminated.

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	2,806.3		$	349.7		$	—		$	3,156.0
Cost of sales	—			1,854.2			276.3			—			2,130.5
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other	—			4.0			1.9			—			5.9
Gross profit	—			948.1			71.5			—			1,019.6
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	—			533.3			66.8			1.2			601.3
Impairment, restructuring and other	—			6.8			0.6			—			7.4
Other (income) expense, net	(0.4		)	0.8			0.9			—			1.3
Income (loss) from operations	0.4			407.2			3.2			(1.2		)	409.6
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries	(500.5		)	(10.5		)	—			511.0			—
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates	—			(3.4		)	0.1			—			(3.3		)
Interest expense	72.0			73.9			3.6			(47.7		)	101.8
Other non-operating (income) expense, net	(20.2		)	(270.7		)	(27.3		)	47.7			(270.5		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	449.1			617.9			26.8			(512.2		)	581.6
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	(12.8		)	151.1			6.6			—			144.9
Income (loss) from continuing operations	461.9			466.8			20.2			(512.2		)	436.7
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			23.8			(0.3		)	—			23.5
Net income (loss)	$	461.9		$	490.6		$	19.9		$	(512.2	)	$	460.2
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			0.5			0.5
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	461.9		$	490.6		$	19.9		$	(511.7	)	$	460.7

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	461.9		$	490.6		$	19.9		$	(512.2	)	$	460.2
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	(8.7		)	—			(8.7		)	8.7			(8.7		)
Net change in derivatives	(16.4		)	(5.7		)	—			5.7			(16.4		)
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits	(9.0		)	(7.1		)	(1.9		)	9.0			(9.0		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(34.1		)	(12.8		)	(10.6		)	23.4			(34.1		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	427.8		$	477.8		$	9.3		$	(488.8	)	$	426.1
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			0.5			0.5
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	427.8		$	477.8		$	9.3		$	(488.3	)	$	426.6

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES ^(a)	$	(32.8	)	$	266.7		$	17.5		$	(24.6	)	$	226.8
INVESTING ACTIVITIES ^(a)
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	—			0.4			1.7			—			2.1
Investments in property, plant and equipment	—			(36.4		)	(6.0		)	—			(42.4		)
Proceeds from loans receivable	—			20.8			—			—			20.8
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—			274.3			—			—			274.3
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(6.6		)	—			—			(6.6		)
Return of investments from affiliates	3,001.0			2.3			—			(3,003.3		)	—
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates	(2,862.0		)	(2.2		)	(3.7		)	2,867.9			—
Other investing, net	—			2.0			5.0			—			7.0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	139.0			254.6			(3.0		)	(135.4		)	255.2
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			876.3			179.9			—			1,056.2
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			(1,262.0		)	(183.5		)	—			(1,445.5		)
Financing and issuance fees	—			(0.2		)	—			—			(0.2		)
Dividends paid	(124.5		)	(3,001.0		)	(26.9		)	3,027.9			(124.5		)
Purchase of Common Shares	(3.1		)	—			—			—			(3.1		)
Payments on seller notes	—			(0.8		)	—			—			(0.8		)
Cash received from exercise of stock options	21.4			—			—			—			21.4
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates	—			2,865.7			2.2			(2,867.9		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(106.2		)	(522.0		)	(28.3		)	160.0			(496.5		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(0.6		)	—			(0.6		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			(0.7		)	(14.4		)	—			(15.1		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	—			3.0			30.9			—			33.9
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	—		$	2.3		$	16.5		$	—		$	18.8

(a)

Cash received by the Parent from the Guarantors and Non-Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $3,001.0 million represent return of investments and are included in cash flows from investing activities. Cash received by the Parent from the Guarantors and Non-Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $24.6 million represent return on investments and are included in cash flows from operating activities. Cash received by the Guarantors from the Non-Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $2.3 million represent return of investments and are included in cash flows from investing activities.

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2019

(In millions)



	Parent		Subsidiary Guarantors		Non- Guarantors		Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	2.3	$	16.5	$	—		$	18.8
Accounts receivable, net	—		182.0		41.9		—			223.9
Accounts receivable pledged	—		84.5		—		—			84.5
Inventories	—		460.0		80.3		—			540.3
Prepaid and other current assets	—		166.8		7.4		—			174.2
Total current assets	—		895.6		146.1		—			1,041.7
Property, plant and equipment, net	—		485.5		60.5		—			546.0
Goodwill	—		421.9		105.2		11.6			538.7
Intangible assets, net	—		614.9		86.3		6.3			707.5
Other assets	7.6		146.9		40.3		—			194.8
Equity investment in subsidiaries	1,223.4		—		—		(1,223.4		)	—
Intercompany assets	1,065.8		—		—		(1,065.8		)	—
Total assets	$	2,296.8	$	2,564.8	$	438.4	$	(2,271.3	)	$	3,028.7
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	$	48.7	$	119.4	$	8.7	$	(48.7	)	$	128.1
Accounts payable	—		192.5		21.7		—			214.2
Other current liabilities	27.4		230.0		20.8		—			278.2
Total current liabilities	76.1		541.9		51.2		(48.7		)	620.5
Long-term debt	1,499.5		779.9		101.3		(857.2		)	1,523.5
Other liabilities	2.5		135.5		23.5		—			161.5
Equity investment in subsidiaries	—		76.6		—		(76.6		)	—
Intercompany liabilities	—		59.1		74.3		(133.4		)	—
Total liabilities	1,578.1		1,593.0		250.3		(1,115.9		)	2,305.5
Total equity—controlling interest	718.7		971.8		188.1		(1,159.9		)	718.7
Noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		4.5			4.5
Total equity	718.7		971.8		188.1		(1,155.4		)	723.2
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,296.8	$	2,564.8	$	438.4	$	(2,271.3	)	$	3,028.7

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	2,322.8		$	340.6		$	—		$	2,663.4
Cost of sales	—			1,507.1			271.2			—			1,778.3
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other	—			14.7			5.8			—			20.5
Gross profit	—			801.0			63.6			—			864.6
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	—			467.6			71.2			1.3			540.1
Impairment, restructuring and other	—			83.1			49.2			—			132.3
Other (income) expense, net	(0.9		)	(3.5		)	(2.3		)	—			(6.7		)
Income (loss) from operations	0.9			253.8			(54.5		)	(1.3		)	198.9
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries	(121.4		)	29.3			—			92.1			—
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates	—			(4.8		)	(0.1		)	—			(4.9		)
Interest expense	75.9			51.7			3.8			(45.0		)	86.4
Other non-operating (income) expense, net	(23.9		)	(10.1		)	(9.3		)	45.0			1.7
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	70.3			187.7			(48.9		)	(93.4		)	115.7
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	5.2			(22.2		)	5.1			—			(11.9		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	65.1			209.9			(54.0		)	(93.4		)	127.6
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(64.5		)	0.6			—			(63.9		)
Net income (loss)	$	65.1		$	145.4		$	(53.4	)	$	(93.4	)	$	63.7
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			—			—
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	65.1		$	145.4		$	(53.4	)	$	(93.4	)	$	63.7

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018

(In millions)



	Parent		Subsidiary Guarantors		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	65.1	$	145.4	$	(53.4	)	$	(93.4	)	$	63.7
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	9.0		—		9.0			(9.0		)	9.0
Net change in derivatives	6.2		3.5		—			(3.5		)	6.2
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits	8.0		2.8		5.2			(8.0		)	8.0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	23.2		6.3		14.2			(20.5		)	23.2
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	88.3	$	151.7	$	(39.2	)	$	(113.9	)	$	86.9
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—		—		—			—			—
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	88.3	$	151.7	$	(39.2	)	$	(113.9	)	$	86.9

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES ^(a)	$	6.1		$	294.2		$	68.4		$	(26.2	)	$	342.5
INVESTING ACTIVITIES ^(a)
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	—			4.7			0.4			—			5.1
Post-closing working capital payment related to sale of International Business	—			(35.3		)	—			—			(35.3		)
Investments in property, plant and equipment	—			(61.1		)	(7.1		)	—			(68.2		)
Investments in loans receivable	—			(16.6		)	(0.5		)	—			(17.1		)
Proceeds from loans receivable	—			14.3			—			—			14.3
Net distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			(0.1		)	—			(0.1		)
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(455.9		)	(37.0		)	—			(492.9		)
Return of investments from affiliates	1,306.9			—			—			(1,306.9		)	—
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates	(869.9		)	(90.8		)	(81.5		)	1,042.2			—
Other investing, net	—			12.7			0.8			—			13.5
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	437.0			(628.0		)	(125.0		)	(264.7		)	(580.7		)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			2,658.4			328.6			—			2,987.0
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			(2,005.5		)	(307.4		)	—			(2,312.9		)
Financing and issuance fees	(5.9		)	(0.2		)	—			—			(6.1		)
Dividends paid	(120.0		)	(1,306.9		)	(26.2		)	1,333.1			(120.0		)
Purchase of Common Shares	(327.7		)	—			—			—			(327.7		)
Payments on seller notes	—			(0.2		)	(8.7		)	—			(8.9		)
Cash received from exercise of stock options	10.5			—			—			—			10.5
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	—			—			(70.7		)	—			(70.7		)
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates	—			951.4			90.8			(1,042.2		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(443.1		)	297.0			6.4			290.9			151.2
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			0.4			—			0.4
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			(36.8		)	(49.8		)	—			(86.6		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	—			39.8			80.7			—			120.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	—		$	3.0		$	30.9		$	—		$	33.9

(a)

Cash received by the Parent from the Guarantors and Non-Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $1,306.9 million represent return of investments and are included in cash flows from investing activities. Cash received by the Parent from the Guarantors and Non-Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $24.4 million represent return on investments and are included in cash flows from operating activities. Cash received by the Guarantors from the Non-Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $1.8 million represent return on investments and are included in cash flows from operating activities.

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2018

(In millions)



	Parent		Subsidiary Guarantors		Non- Guarantors		Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	3.0	$	30.9	$	—		$	33.9
Accounts receivable, net	—		172.5		53.5		—			226.0
Accounts receivable pledged	—		84.5		—		—			84.5
Inventories	—		394.5		86.9		—			481.4
Prepaid and other current assets	2.2		44.6		13.1		—			59.9
Total current assets	2.2		699.1		184.4		—			885.7
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—		35.2		0.9		—			36.1
Property, plant and equipment, net	—		464.7		66.1		—			530.8
Goodwill	—		420.6		110.8		11.6			543.0
Intangible assets, net	—		752.3		97.5		7.5			857.3
Other assets	11.4		164.8		25.4		—			201.6
Equity investment in subsidiaries	860.0		—		—		(860.0		)	—
Intercompany assets	1,422.8		—		6.5		(1,429.3		)	—
Total assets	$	2,296.4	$	2,536.7	$	491.6	$	(2,270.2	)	$	3,054.5
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	$	40.0	$	118.4	$	14.2	$	(40.0	)	$	132.6
Accounts payable	—		119.0		31.5		—			150.5
Other current liabilities	17.8		278.3		33.5		—			329.6
Total current liabilities	57.8		515.7		79.2		(40.0		)	612.7
Long-term debt	1,883.0		1,140.9		102.1		(1,242.2		)	1,883.8
Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	—		21.9		—		—			21.9
Other liabilities	1.0		143.6		26.9		5.0			176.5
Equity investment in subsidiaries	—		1.5		—		(1.5		)	—
Intercompany liabilities	—		125.0		—		(125.0		)	—
Total liabilities	1,941.8		1,948.6		208.2		(1,403.7		)	2,694.9
Total equity—controlling interest	354.6		588.1		283.4		(871.5		)	354.6
Noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		5.0			5.0
Total equity	354.6		588.1		283.4		(866.5		)	359.6
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,296.4	$	2,536.7	$	491.6	$	(2,270.2	)	$	3,054.5

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	2,308.4		$	333.7		$	—		$	2,642.1
Cost of sales	—			1,415.8			253.7			—			1,669.5
Gross profit	—			892.6			80.0			—			972.6
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	—			480.4			69.1			1.4			550.9
Impairment, restructuring and other	—			4.5			0.4			—			4.9
Other (income) expense, net	(0.8		)	(14.2		)	(1.6		)	—			(16.6		)
Income (loss) from operations	0.8			421.9			12.1			(1.4		)	433.4
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries	(250.4		)	(15.9		)	—			266.3			—
Other non-operating (income) loss	(20.7		)	—			(21.4		)	42.1			—
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates	—			28.9			0.1			—			29.0
Interest expense	70.1			43.8			4.3			(42.1		)	76.1
Other non-operating (income) expense, net	—			—			13.4			—			13.4
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	201.8			365.1			15.7			(267.7		)	314.9
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	(18.0		)	128.8			5.8			—			116.6
Income (loss) from continuing operations	219.8			236.3			9.9			(267.7		)	198.3
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(0.7		)	21.2			—			20.5
Net income (loss)	$	219.8		$	235.6		$	31.1		$	(267.7	)	$	218.8
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(0.5		)	(0.5		)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	219.8		$	235.6		$	31.1		$	(268.2	)	$	218.3

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017

(In millions)



	Parent		Subsidiary Guarantors		Non- Guarantors		Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	219.8	$	235.6	$	31.1	$	(267.7	)	$	218.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	28.2		—		28.2		(28.2		)	28.2
Net change in derivatives	6.7		2.8		—		(2.8		)	6.7
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits	13.2		3.7		9.5		(13.2		)	13.2
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	48.1		6.5		37.7		(44.2		)	48.1
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	267.9	$	242.1	$	68.8	$	(311.9	)	$	266.9
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		(0.9		)	(0.9		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	267.9	$	242.1	$	68.8	$	(312.8	)	$	266.0

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES ^(a)	$	(48.3	)	$	471.4		$	(16.1	)	$	(43.8	)	$	363.2
INVESTING ACTIVITIES ^(a)
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	—			5.6			0.1			—			5.7
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash disposed of	—			178.6			1.7			—			180.3
Investments in property, plant and equipment	—			(59.5		)	(10.1		)	—			(69.6		)
Investments in loans receivable	—			(29.7		)	—			—			(29.7		)
Net distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated affiliates	—			57.7			(0.3		)	—			57.4
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(112.5		)	(9.2		)	—			(121.7		)
Return of investments from affiliates	918.6			32.4			—			(951.0		)	—
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates	(759.9		)	(208.6		)	—			968.5			—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	158.7			(136.0		)	(17.8		)	17.5			22.4
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			1,196.1			253.2			—			1,449.3
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			(1,319.6		)	(298.7		)	—			(1,618.3		)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.250% Senior Notes	250.0			—			—			—			250.0
Financing and issuance fees	(3.8		)	(0.6		)	—			—			(4.4		)
Dividends paid	(120.3		)	(918.6		)	(43.8		)	962.4			(120.3		)
Distribution paid by AeroGrow to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(40.5		)	32.4			(8.1		)
Purchase of Common Shares	(255.2		)	—			—			—			(255.2		)
Payments on seller notes	—			(15.5		)	(13.2		)	—			(28.7		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	7.9			—			—			—			7.9
Cash received from exercise of stock options	11.0			—			—			—			11.0
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates	—			759.9			208.6			(968.5		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(110.4		)	(298.3		)	65.6			26.3			(316.8		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			1.6			—			1.6
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			37.1			33.3			—			70.4
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year excluding cash classified within assets held for sale	—			2.7			25.9			—			28.6
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year classified within assets held for sale	—			—			21.5			—			21.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	—			2.7			47.4			—			50.1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	—		$	39.8		$	80.7		$	—		$	120.5

(a)

Cash received by the Parent from the Guarantors and the Non-Guarantors in the form of distributions in the amount of $918.6 million represent return of investments and are included in cash flows from investing activities. Cash received by the Parent from the Guarantors and Non-Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $28.8 million represent return on investments and are included in cash flows from operating activities. Cash received by the Guarantors from the Non-Guarantors in the form of distributions in the amount of $32.4 million represent return of investments and are included in cash flows from investing activities. Cash received by the Guarantors from the Non-Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $15.0 million represent return on investments and are included in cash flows from operating activities.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts Miracle-Gro” or “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, together with Scotts Miracle-Gro, the “Company”) are engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and sale of products for lawn and garden care and indoor, urban and hydroponic gardening. The Company’s products are sold in North America, Europe and Asia. Due to the seasonal nature of the consumer lawn and garden business, the majority of the Company’s sales to customers occur in the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters. On a combined basis, net sales for the second and third quarters of the last three fiscal years represented approximately 75% of the Company’s annual net sales.
Organization and Basis of Presentation	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 its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been 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. AeroGrow International, Inc. (“AeroGrow”), in which the Company has a controlling interest, is consolidated, with the equity owned by other shareholders shown as noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the other shareholders’ portion of net earnings and other comprehensive income shown as net (income) loss or comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), respectively. The results of businesses acquired or disposed of are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of each acquisition or up to the date of disposal, respectively.
Use of Estimates	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 and related disclosures. 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.
Advertising	Advertising Advertising costs incurred during the year 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.
Research and Development	Research and Development Costs associated with research and development are generally charged to expense as incurred.
Environmental Costs	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.
Share-Based Compensation Awards	Share-Based Compensation Awards The fair value of awards is expensed over the requisite service period which is typically the vesting period, generally three to five years, except in cases where employees are eligible for accelerated vesting based on having satisfied retirement requirements relating to age and years of service. Performance-based awards are expensed over the requisite service period based on achievement of performance criteria. The Company uses a binomial model to determine the fair value of its option grants. The Company classifies share-based compensation expense within selling, general and administrative expenses to correspond with the same line item as cash compensation paid to employees.
Earnings per Common Share	Earnings per Common Share Basic income (loss) per common share of Scotts Miracle-Gro (“Common Share”) is computed by dividing income attributable to controlling interest from continuing operations, income (loss) from discontinued operations or net income attributable to controlling interest by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding each period. Diluted income (loss) per Common Share is computed by dividing income attributable to controlling interest from continuing operations, income (loss) from discontinued operations or net income attributable to controlling interest by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding plus all dilutive potential Common Shares (stock options, performance shares, performance units, restricted stock and restricted stock units) outstanding each period.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents were held in cash depository accounts with major financial institutions around the world or invested in high quality, short-term liquid investments. 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 Company’s banks and believes that the risk of any potential credit loss is minimal.
Accounts Receivable and Allowances	Accounts Receivable and Allowances Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Allowances for doubtful accounts reflect the Company’s estimate of amounts in its existing accounts receivable that may not be collected due to customer claims or customer inability or unwillingness to pay. The allowance is determined based on a combination of factors, including the Company’s risk assessment regarding the credit worthiness of its customers, historical collection experience and length of time the receivables are past due. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes it is probable the receivable will not be recovered.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, principally determined by the first in, first out method of accounting. Inventories acquired through the acquisition of or subsequently produced by Sunlight Supply (as defined in “NOTE 8. ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS”), which represent approximately 22% of the Company’s consolidated inventories, were initially recorded at fair value at the date of the acquisition and subsequently were measured using the average costing method of inventory valuation. 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 net realizable value. Adjustments to reflect inventories at net realizable values were $8.8 million and $8.1 million at September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During fiscal 2018, the Company determined it was preferable to use the first in, first out inventory valuation method and adopted this method for the remaining U.S. Consumer segment inventories not subject to the first in, first out method.
Loans Receivable	Loans Receivable Loans receivable are carried at outstanding principal amount, and are recognized in the “Other assets” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Loans receivable are impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. If it is determined that an impairment has occurred, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the present value of expected future cash flows. Interest income was $8.6 million, $10.0 million and $10.0 million for fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, respectively. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. The Company classified interest income in the “Other non-operating (income) expense, net” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018 and in the “Other (income) expense, net” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in fiscal 2017. At September 30, 2019, the carrying value and estimated fair value of loans receivable were $95.1 million and $105.4 million, respectively. At September 30, 2018, the carrying value and estimated fair value of loans receivable were $112.6 million and $128.2 million, respectively. The estimated fair value was determined using an income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows over the remaining useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. The estimate requires subjective assumptions to be made, including those related to credit risk and discount rates. The fair value measurement is based on significant inputs unobservable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement.
Long-lived Assets	Intangible assets subject to amortization include technology, such as patents, customer relationships, non-compete agreements and certain tradenames. These intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful economic lives, which typically range 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 group would be compared to the asset group 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 and classified as “Impairment, restructuring and other” within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Long-Lived Assets Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Interest capitalized in property, plant and equipment amounted to $0.5 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million during fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, 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.
Internal Use Software	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.
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets 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, as of the first day of the Company’s fiscal fourth quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. With respect to goodwill, the Company performs either a qualitative or quantitative evaluation for each of its reporting units. Factors considered in the qualitative test include reporting unit specific operating results as well as new events and circumstances impacting the operations or cash flows of the reporting units. For the quantitative test, the Company assesses goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying value of its reporting units to their respective fair values. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The Company has identified seven reporting units. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using a combination of income-based and market-based approaches and incorporates assumptions it believes market participants would utilize. The income-based approach utilizes discounted cash flows while the market-based approach utilizes market multiples. These approaches are dependent upon internally-developed forecasts that are based upon annual budgets and longer-range strategic plans. The Company uses discount rates that are commensurate with the risks and uncertainty inherent in the respective reporting units and in the internally-developed forecasts. To further confirm fair value, the Company compares the aggregate fair value of the reporting units to the Company’s total market capitalization. With respect to indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company performs either a qualitative or quantitative evaluation for each of its indefinite-lived intangible assets. Factors considered in the qualitative test include indefinite-lived intangible asset specific operating results as well as new events and circumstances impacting the cash flows of the indefinite-lived intangible assets. For the quantitative test, the value of all indefinite-lived intangible assets is determined under the income-based approach utilizing discounted cash flows and incorporating assumptions the Company believes market participants would utilize. For tradenames, value 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. If it is determined that an impairment has occurred, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit or intangible asset exceeds its estimated fair value and classified as “Impairment, restructuring and other” within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Insurance and Self-Insurance	Insurance and Self-Insurance 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 up to a specified level for individual claims. 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 accruals include an actuarially determined estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement amounts and their respective tax bases. Management reviews the Company’s deferred tax assets to determine whether their value can be realized based upon available evidence. A valuation allowance is established when management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the Company’s tax provision in the period of change. The Company establishes a liability for tax return positions in which there is uncertainty as to whether or not the position will ultimately be sustained. Amounts for uncertain tax positions are adjusted in quarters when new information becomes available or when positions are effectively settled. The Company recognizes interest expense and penalties related to these unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense. GAAP provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. U.S. income tax expense and foreign withholding taxes are provided on unremitted foreign earnings that are not indefinitely reinvested at the time the earnings are generated. Where foreign earnings are indefinitely reinvested, no provision for U.S. income or foreign withholding taxes is made. When circumstances change and the Company determines that some or all of the undistributed earnings will be remitted in the foreseeable future, the Company accrues an expense in the current period for U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes attributable to the anticipated remittance.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	Translation of Foreign Currencies The functional currency for each Scotts Miracle-Gro subsidiary is generally its local currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each fiscal 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 accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the determination of net income and classified as “Other (income) expense, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments The Company is exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. A variety of financial instruments, including forward and swap contracts, are used to manage these exposures. These financial instruments are recognized at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and all changes in fair value are recognized in net income or shareholders’ equity through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). 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. The Company formally designates and documents instruments at inception that qualify for hedge accounting of underlying exposures in accordance with GAAP. The Company formally assesses, both at inception and at least quarterly, whether the financial instruments used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Fluctuations in the value of these instruments generally are offset by changes in the cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. This offset is driven by the high degree of effectiveness between the exposure being hedged and the hedging instrument. The Company designates certain commodity hedges as cash flow hedges of forecasted purchases of commodities and interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges of interest payments on variable rate borrowings.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amended accounting guidance that replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard involves a five-step process that includes identifying the contract with the customer, identifying the performance obligations in the contract, determining the transaction price, allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognizing revenue when the entity satisfies the performance obligations. The new standard also results in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Subsequently, additional guidance was issued on several areas including guidance intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation of principal versus agent considerations and clarifications on the identification of performance obligations and implementation of guidance related to licensing. The Company adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2018 under the modified retrospective approach. The Company’s revenue primarily consists of product sales, which are recognized at a point in time when title transfers to customers and the Company has no further obligation to provide services related to such products. The Company’s timing of recognition of revenue is substantially unchanged under the amended guidance. The new accounting guidance required the Company to recognize earlier certain deferred revenue associated with a license agreement related to the sale of the International Business (as defined in “NOTE 3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS”), resulting in a cumulative adjustment to its fiscal 2019 opening balance of retained earnings of $9.1 million, other current liabilities of $1.4 million and other liabilities of $7.7 million. With the exception of this item, the adoption of the amended accounting guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The additional disclosures required by this guidance are presented within “NOTE 2. REVENUE RECOGNITION” and “NOTE 21. SEGMENT INFORMATION.” Cash Flow Presentation In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that amends the guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this guidance on a retrospective basis effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated cash flows. Business Combinations In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that clarifies the definition of a business to provide additional guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of either an asset or business. The Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Employee Benefit Plans In March 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires entities to (1) disaggregate the current-service-cost component from the other components of net benefit cost (the “other components”) and present the current-service-cost with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement, (2) present the other components elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented and (3) limit the amount of costs eligible for capitalization (e.g., as part of inventory or property, plant, and equipment) to only the service-cost component of net benefit cost. The provisions are required to be applied retrospectively for the presentation of cost components in the income statement and prospectively for the capitalization of cost components. The Company adopted this guidance effective October 1, 2018 and has classified non-service-cost components of net benefit cost/income in the “Other non-operating (income) expense, net” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Income Taxes On December 22, 2017, H.R.1 (the “Act,” formerly known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”) was signed into law. The Act provides for significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Among other items, the Act implemented a territorial tax system, imposed a one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, and reduced the federal corporate statutory tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018. Additionally, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) released Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) which provides guidance on accounting for the Act’s impact under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). The guidance in SAB 118 allowed companies to use provisional estimates to record the effects of the Act and also provided a measurement period (not to exceed one year from the date of enactment) to complete the accounting for the impacts of the Act. The Company completed its accounting for the impacts of the Act during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. For discussion of the impacts of the Act that are material to the Company and required disclosures related to the Act pursuant to the guidance provided under SAB 118, refer to “NOTE 15. INCOME TAXES.” Reporting Comprehensive Income In February 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Act. The Company elected to adopt this guidance effective October 1, 2018, resulting in a reclassification of $13.8 million from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) to retained earnings upon adoption. Share-Based Compensation In June 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services. Under the amended accounting guidance, most of the guidance on such payments to nonemployees would be aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees. The Company elected to adopt this guidance effective October 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Goodwill In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of the goodwill. The Company adopted this guidance on a prospective basis during the third quarter of fiscal 2018. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued its final standard on lease accounting. This guidance requires lessees to recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset for the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements no later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2019 and require a modified retrospective transition approach for leases that exist as of or are entered into after the beginning of either (i) the date of adoption or (ii) the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company adopted the new standard on October 1, 2019 and elected certain practical expedients, including the optional transition method that allows for the application of the new standard at its adoption date with no restatement of prior period amounts. As allowed under the new accounting standard, the Company elected to apply practical expedients to carry forward the original lease determinations, lease classifications and accounting of initial direct costs for all asset classes at the time of adoption. The Company anticipates the adoption of this new standard will result in the recognition of right-of-use (“ROU”) assets of between approximately $120 million and $140 million and aggregate current and non-current liabilities of between approximately $125 million and $145 million on its Consolidated Balance Sheet with the difference largely due to deferred rent that will be reclassified to the ROU asset. The Company expects no material cumulative effect adjustment to its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the date of adoption. Adoption of the new standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows. Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The amended accounting guidance changes the impairment model for most financial assets to require measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements no later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020. The Company is continuing to assess the impact of the amended guidance. Cloud Computing Costs In August 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements no later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020. The Company is continuing to assess the impact of the amended guidance. Employee Benefit Plans In August 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that removes certain disclosures that are not considered cost beneficial, clarifies certain required disclosures and requires certain additional disclosures. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements no later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020. The Company is continuing to assess the impact of the amended guidance.
Revenue Recognition	Nature of Goods and Services The Company’s revenue is primarily generated from sales of branded and private label lawn and garden care and indoor and hydroponic gardening finished products to home centers, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, large hardware chains, independent hardware stores, nurseries, garden centers, e-commerce platforms, food and drug stores, indoor gardening and hydroponic product distributors, retailers and growers. In addition to product sales, the Company acts as the exclusive agent of Monsanto Company (“Monsanto”) for the marketing and distribution of certain of Monsanto’s consumer Roundup^® branded products in the United States and certain other specified countries, and performs certain other services under ancillary agreements with Monsanto. The Company also provides marketing, research and development and certain ancillary services to Bonnie Plants, Inc. (“Bonnie”). Refer to “NOTE 21. SEGMENT INFORMATION” for disaggregated revenue information and “NOTE 7. MARKETING AGREEMENT” for revenue information related to the Monsanto agreements. Identification and Satisfaction of Performance Obligations Product sales are recognized at a point in time when control of products transfers to customers and the Company has no further obligation to provide services related to such products. Control is the ability of customers to direct the “use of” and “obtain” the benefit from the Company’s products. In evaluating the timing of the transfer of control of products to customers, the Company considers several control indicators, including significant risks and rewards of products, the Company’s right to payment and the legal title of the products. Based on the assessment of control indicators, sales are typically recognized when products are delivered to or picked up by the customer. The Company is generally the principal in a transaction, therefore revenue is primarily recorded on a gross basis. When the Company is a principal in a transaction, it has determined that it controls the ability to direct the use of the product prior to transfer to a customer, is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the product or service to the customer, has discretion in establishing prices, and ultimately controls the transfer of the product or services provided to the customer. Under the terms of the Second Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and Marketing Agreement (the “Restated Marketing Agreement”) as amended by the Third Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and Marketing Agreement (the “Third Restated Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company serves as the exclusive agent of Monsanto for the marketing and distribution of Monsanto’s consumer Roundup^® branded products in the United States and certain other specified countries, the Company is entitled to receive an annual commission from Monsanto as consideration for the performance of the Company’s duties as agent. The Restated Marketing Agreement and Third Restated Agreement also require the Company to make annual payments to Monsanto as a contribution against the overall expenses of its consumer Roundup^® business. The gross commission earned under the Restated Marketing Agreement and Third Restated Agreement and the contribution payments to Monsanto are included in the “Net sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company performs other services, including conversion services, pursuant to ancillary agreements with Monsanto. The actual costs incurred for these activities are charged to and reimbursed by Monsanto. The Company records costs incurred for which the Company is the primary obligor on a gross basis, recognizing such costs in the “Cost of sales” line and the reimbursement of these costs in the “Net sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, with no effect on gross profit dollars or net income. Under the terms of the Marketing, R&D and Ancillary Services Agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with Bonnie and its sole shareholder, Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Inc. (“AFC”), the Company provides marketing, research and development and certain ancillary services to Bonnie. In exchange for these services, Bonnie reimburses the Company for certain costs and provides a commission fee earned based on a percentage of the growth in earnings before interest, income taxes and amortization of Bonnie’s business of planting, growing, developing, manufacturing, distributing, marketing, and selling live plants, plant food, fertilizer and potting soil (the “Bonnie Business”). The commission earned under the Services Agreement is included in the “Net sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, the Company records costs incurred under the Services Agreement for which the Company is the primary obligor on a gross basis, recognizing such costs in the “Cost of sales” line and the reimbursement of these costs in the “Net sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, with no effect on gross profit dollars or net income. Transactional Price and Promotional Allowances Revenue for product sales is recorded net of sales returns and allowances. Revenues are measured based on the amount of consideration that the Company expects to receive as derived from a list price, reduced by estimates for variable consideration. Variable consideration includes the cost of current and continuing promotional programs and expected sales returns. Commission income related to the Monsanto and Bonnie agreements is recognized over the program year as the services are being performed based upon the commission income formula in the agreements. The Company’s promotional programs primarily include rebates based on sales volumes, in-store promotional allowances, cooperative advertising programs, direct consumer rebate programs and special purchasing incentives. The cost of promotional programs is estimated considering all reasonably available information, including current expectations and historical experience. 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. 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 accounted for as contract fulfillment costs and included in the “Cost of sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company excludes from revenue any amounts collected from customers for sales or other taxes.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Results of discontinued operations and schedule of the major classes of assets and liabilities



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	294.1
Operating and exit costs	0.6			1.9			275.9
Impairment, restructuring and other	(35.8		)	86.8			15.9
Other (income) expense, net	—			—			1.2
(Gain) loss on sale / contribution of business	—			0.7			(31.7		)
Interest expense	—			—			0.4
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	35.2			(89.4		)	32.4
Income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations	11.7			(25.5		)	11.9
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	23.5		$	(63.9	)	$	20.5

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

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+ Details

IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]

Schedule of Impairment, Restructuring, and Other Charges

The following table details impairment, restructuring and other charges (recoveries) for each of the periods presented:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018		2017
	(In millions)
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other:
Restructuring and other charges	$	5.1		$	12.3	$	—
Property, plant and equipment impairments	0.8			8.2		—
Operating expenses:
Restructuring and other charges, net	7.4			20.2		3.9
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments	—			112.1		1.0
Impairment, restructuring and other charges from continuing operations	$	13.3		$	152.8	$	4.9
Restructuring and other charges (recoveries) from discontinued operations	(35.8		)	86.8		15.9
Total impairment, restructuring and other charges (recoveries)	$	(22.5	)	$	239.6	$	20.8

Schedule of Reserve

The following table summarizes the activity related to liabilities associated with restructuring and other, excluding insurance reimbursement recoveries, for each of the periods presented:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
Amounts accrued for restructuring and other at beginning of year	$	112.2		$	12.1		$	20.8
Restructuring and other charges from continuing operations	13.4			32.7			8.3
Restructuring and other charges (recoveries) from discontinued operations	(22.4		)	86.8			15.9
Payments and other	(91.6		)	(19.4		)	(32.9		)
Amounts accrued for restructuring and other at end of year	$	11.6		$	112.2		$	12.1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Rollforward of Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment

The following table displays a rollforward of the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment:



	U.S. Consumer			Hawthorne			Other			Total
	(In millions)
Goodwill	$	229.9		$	202.3		$	11.2		$	443.4
Accumulated impairment losses	(1.8		)	—			—			(1.8		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	228.1			202.3			11.2			441.6
Acquisitions, net of purchase price adjustments	—			198.0			—			198.0
Foreign currency translation	—			(1.6		)	(0.4		)	(2.0		)
Impairment	—			(94.6		)	—			(94.6		)

Goodwill	$	229.9		$	398.7		$	10.8		$	639.4
Accumulated impairment losses	(1.8		)	(94.6		)	—			(96.4		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	228.1			304.1			10.8			543.0
Acquisitions, net of purchase price adjustments	—			1.3			—			1.3
Foreign currency translation	—			(5.4		)	(0.2		)	(5.6		)

Goodwill	$	229.9		$	394.6		$	10.6		$	635.1
Accumulated impairment losses	(1.8		)	(94.6		)	—			(96.4		)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	228.1		$	300.0		$	10.6		$	538.7

Schedule of Finite-lived Intangible Assets

The following table presents intangible assets, net:



	September 30, 2019							September 30, 2018
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	(In millions)
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Tradenames	$	254.1	$	(48.9	)	$	205.2	$	258.1	$	(37.8	)	$	220.3
Customer accounts	210.7		(60.6		)	150.1		212.5		(43.2		)	169.3
Technology	49.8		(36.7		)	13.1		49.1		(34.4		)	14.7
Other	24.4		(9.2		)	15.2		24.4		(7.0		)	17.4
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net						383.6							421.7
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Indefinite-lived tradenames						168.2							168.2
Marketing Agreement Amendment						155.7							155.7
Brand Extension Agreement						—							111.7
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets						323.9							435.6
Total intangible assets, net						$	707.5						$	857.3

Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

The following table presents intangible assets, net:



	September 30, 2019							September 30, 2018
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	(In millions)
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Tradenames	$	254.1	$	(48.9	)	$	205.2	$	258.1	$	(37.8	)	$	220.3
Customer accounts	210.7		(60.6		)	150.1		212.5		(43.2		)	169.3
Technology	49.8		(36.7		)	13.1		49.1		(34.4		)	14.7
Other	24.4		(9.2		)	15.2		24.4		(7.0		)	17.4
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net						383.6							421.7
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Indefinite-lived tradenames						168.2							168.2
Marketing Agreement Amendment						155.7							155.7
Brand Extension Agreement						—							111.7
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets						323.9							435.6
Total intangible assets, net						$	707.5						$	857.3

Schedule of Future Estimates of Amortization Expense

Amortization expense is estimated to be as follows for the years ending September 30 (in millions):



2020	$	30.8
2021	29.0
2022	26.7
2023	24.8
2024	22.0

DETAIL OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Summary of Balance Sheet Accounts

The following is detail of certain financial statement accounts:



	September 30,
	2019		2018
	(In millions)
INVENTORIES:
Finished goods	$	344.9	$	292.1
Work-in-progress	63.6		60.1
Raw materials	131.8		129.2
	$	540.3	$	481.4
PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS:
Receivable associated with brand extension asset sale	$	115.2	$	—
Other	59.0		59.9
	$	174.2	$	59.9



	September 30,
	2019			2018
	(In millions)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Land and improvements	$	129.4		$	122.8
Buildings	255.9			249.1
Machinery and equipment	554.5			567.1
Furniture and fixtures	45.7			42.8
Software	107.0			99.9
Capital leases	26.6			0.6
Aircraft	16.6			16.6
Construction in progress	38.3			42.4
	1,174.0			1,141.3
Less: accumulated depreciation	(628.0		)	(610.5		)
	$	546.0		$	530.8
OTHER ASSETS:
Loans receivable	$	95.1		$	112.6
Accrued pension, postretirement and executive retirement assets	50.8			44.0
Contingent consideration receivable	16.7			17.7
Bonnie Option	11.3			13.0
Unamortized debt issuance costs	7.7			9.6
Other	13.2			4.7
	$	194.8		$	201.6



	September 30,
	2019		2018
	(In millions)
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accrued restructuring and other	$	8.5	$	111.4
Advertising and promotional accruals	74.0		52.5
Payroll and other compensation accruals	73.2		39.2
Accrued interest	16.7		16.7
Accrued insurance and claims	11.7		12.6
Accrued taxes	22.4		11.3
Other	71.7		85.9
	$	278.2	$	329.6
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accrued pension, postretirement and executive retirement liabilities	$	86.9	$	75.7
Deferred tax liabilities	36.3		69.6
Deferred licensing revenue	—		10.7
Other	38.3		20.5
	$	161.5	$	176.5

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss



	September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax of $2.8, $(2.9) and $(1.3), respectively	$	(8.1	)	$	8.3		$	2.0
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, net of tax of $22.8, $31.4 and $33.4, respectively	(68.4		)	(45.6		)	(54.5		)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(17.4		)	(8.7		)	(16.7		)
	$	(93.9	)	$	(46.0	)	$	(69.2	)

RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Schedule of Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The defined benefit pension plans are valued using a September 30 measurement date.



	U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans						International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	100.1		$	110.0		$	175.0		$	190.7
Interest cost	3.5			3.1			4.0			4.2
Actuarial (gain) loss	11.6			(5.8		)	21.9			(6.8		)
Benefits paid	(7.2		)	(7.2		)	(7.3		)	(8.2		)
Other	—			—			2.6			—
Foreign currency translation	—			—			(11.0		)	(4.9		)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	108.0		$	100.1		$	185.2		$	175.0
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	108.0		$	100.1		$	185.2		$	175.0
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	80.7		$	87.5		$	181.5		$	181.2
Actual return on plan assets	7.6			0.2			26.5			6.5
Employer contribution	0.2			0.2			7.4			7.7
Benefits paid	(7.2		)	(7.2		)	(7.3		)	(8.2		)
Foreign currency translation	—			—			(11.5		)	(5.7		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	81.3		$	80.7		$	196.6		$	181.5
Overfunded (underfunded) status at end of year	$	(26.7	)	$	(19.4	)	$	11.4		$	6.5



	U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans						International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions)
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	$	108.0		$	100.1		$	18.1		$	18.1
Accumulated benefit obligation	108.0			100.1			18.1			18.1
Fair value of plan assets	81.3			80.7			—			—
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Noncurrent assets	$	—		$	—		$	29.5		$	24.7
Current liabilities	(0.2		)	(0.2		)	(0.9		)	(1.0		)
Noncurrent liabilities	(26.5		)	(19.2		)	(17.2		)	(17.2		)
Total amount accrued	$	(26.7	)	$	(19.4	)	$	11.4		$	6.5
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
Actuarial loss	$	44.4		$	37.9		$	41.8		$	42.6
Prior service cost	—			—			2.5			—
Total amount recognized	$	44.4		$	37.9		$	44.3		$	42.6



	U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans						International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	2019			2018			2019			2018
	(In millions, except percentage figures)
Total change in other comprehensive loss attributable to:
Pension benefit gain (loss) during the period	$	(8.0	)	$	1.3		$	(2.5	)	$	5.9
Reclassification of pension benefit losses to net income	1.5			1.5			0.8			1.1
Prior service cost recognized during the period	—			—			(2.6		)	—
Foreign currency translation	—			—			2.6			1.2
Total change in other comprehensive loss	$	(6.5	)	$	2.8		$	(1.7	)	$	8.2
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 2020 are as follows:
Actuarial loss	$	1.8					$	0.9
Prior service cost	—						0.1
Amount to be amortized into net periodic benefit cost	$	1.8					$	1.0
Weighted average assumptions used in development of projected benefit obligation:
Discount rate	2.77		%	3.95		%	1.60		%	2.57		%

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost



	U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans									International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	2019			2018			2017			2019			2018			2017
	(In millions, except percentage figures)
Components of net periodic benefit (income) cost:
Service cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	0.9
Interest cost	3.5			3.1			2.8			4.0			4.2			3.7
Expected return on plan assets	(4.0		)	(4.6		)	(4.9		)	(7.1		)	(7.2		)	(7.7		)
Net amortization	1.4			1.5			1.7			0.8			1.1			1.8
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	0.9			—			(0.4		)	(2.3		)	(1.9		)	(1.3		)
Settlement	—			—			—			—			—			1.4
Total benefit (income) cost	$	0.9		$	—		$	(0.4	)	$	(2.3	)	$	(1.9	)	$	0.1
Weighted average assumptions used in development of net periodic benefit (income) cost:
Weighted average discount rate - service cost	n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a			1.37		%
Weighted average discount rate - interest cost	3.67		%	2.87		%	2.44		%	2.34		%	2.21		%	1.84		%
Expected return on plan assets	5.25		%	5.50		%	5.50		%	3.94		%	4.45		%	4.55		%
Rate of compensation increase	n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a			n/a			3.50		%

Schedule of Other Information



	U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans			International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	(In millions, except percentage figures)
Other information:
Plan asset allocations:
Target for September 30, 2020:
Equity securities	22		%	27		%
Debt securities	74		%	73		%
Real estate securities	4		%	—		%
Cash and cash equivalents	—		%	—		%
September 30, 2019
Equity securities	21		%	27		%
Debt securities	72		%	72		%
Real estate securities	4		%	—		%
Cash and cash equivalents	3		%	1		%
September 30, 2018
Equity securities	22		%	34		%
Debt securities	71		%	63		%
Real estate securities	4		%	—		%
Cash and cash equivalents	3		%	1		%
Insurance contracts	—		%	2		%

Expected company contributions in fiscal 2020	$	2.3		$	6.2
Expected future benefit payments:
2020	$	7.8		$	5.5
2021	7.6			5.6
2022	7.5			5.7
2023	7.4			5.9
2024	7.3			6.1
2025 – 2029	33.6			32.4

Fair Value of The Company's Pension Plan Asset

The following tables set forth the fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets, segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy (in millions):



		U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans				International Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	Fair Value Hierarchy Level	2019		2018		2019		2018
Cash and cash equivalents	Level 1	$	2.6	$	2.6	$	1.1	$	1.0
Mutual funds—real estate	Level 2	3.2		3.2		—		—
Mutual funds—equities	Level 2	16.6		18.0		53.3		61.2
Mutual funds—fixed income	Level 2	58.9		56.9		142.2		114.8
Insurance contracts	Level 2	—		—		—		4.5
Total		$	81.3	$	80.7	$	196.6	$	181.5

ASSOCIATE MEDICAL BENEFITS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Defined Benefit Plan, Postretirement Medical Plan with Prescription Drug Benefits [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations

The following tables set forth information about the retiree medical plan for domestic associates. The retiree medical plan is valued using a September 30 measurement date.



	2019			2018
	(In millions, except percentage figures)
Change in Accumulated Plan Benefit Obligation (APBO):
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	21.4		$	23.9
Service cost	0.2			0.3
Interest cost	0.8			0.7
Plan participants’ contributions	0.3			0.3
Actuarial (gain) loss	1.9			(1.9		)
Benefits paid	(1.8		)	(1.9		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	22.8		$	21.4
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	—		$	—
Employer contribution	1.5			1.6
Plan participants’ contributions	0.3			0.3
Gross benefits paid	(1.8		)	(1.9		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	—		$	—
Unfunded status at end of year	$	(22.8	)	$	(21.4	)



	2019			2018
	(In millions, except percentage figures)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Current liabilities	$	(1.7	)	$	(1.8	)
Noncurrent liabilities	(21.1		)	(19.6		)
Total amount accrued	$	(22.8	)	$	(21.4	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss consist of:
Actuarial loss	$	3.1		$	1.1
Prior service credit	(3.6		)	(4.7		)
Total amount recognized	$	(0.5	)	$	(3.6	)
Total change in other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to:
Benefit loss (gain) during the period	$	1.9		$	(1.9	)
Reclassification of prior service credit and benefit loss to net income	1.1			0.9
Total change in other comprehensive (income) loss	$	3.0		$	(1.0	)

Discount rate used in development of APBO	3.05		%	4.17		%

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments

The following benefit payments under the plan are expected to be paid by the Company and the retirees for the fiscal years indicated:



	Gross Benefit Payments		Retiree Contributions			Net Company Payments
	(In millions)
2020	$	2.3	$	(0.5	)	$	1.8
2021	2.4		(0.6		)	1.8
2022	2.5		(0.7		)	1.8
2023	2.5		(0.7		)	1.8
2024	2.3		(0.7		)	1.6
2025 – 2029	11.3		(3.7		)	7.6

DEBT (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Long-Term Debt

The components of debt are as follows:



	September 30,
	2019		2018
	(In millions)
Credit Facilities:
Revolving loans	$	147.2	$	492.2
Term loans	750.0		790.0
Senior Notes – 5.250%	250.0		250.0
Senior Notes – 6.000%	400.0		400.0
Receivables facility	76.0		76.0
Capital lease obligations	25.8		0.6
Other	10.3		16.9
Total debt	1,659.3		2,025.7
Less current portions	128.1		132.6
Less unamortized debt issuance costs	7.7		9.3
Long-term debt	$	1,523.5	$	1,883.8

Schedule of Company's Debt Maturities

The Company’s aggregate scheduled maturities of debt and capital lease obligations are as follows (in millions):



	Capital Lease Obligations			Debt		Total
2020	$	3.0		$	126.0	$	129.0
2021	3.5			40.3		43.8
2022	3.5			40.0		43.5
2023	3.6			777.2		780.8
2024	3.6			400.0		403.6
Thereafter	15.4			250.0		265.4
Total	32.6			1,633.5		1,666.1
Interest	(6.8		)	—		(6.8		)
Total debt	$	25.8		$	1,633.5	$	1,659.3

Schedule of Derivative Instruments

The notional amount, effective date, expiration date and rate of each of these swap agreements outstanding at September 30, 2019 are shown in the table below:



Notional Amount (in millions)			Effective Date (a)	Expiration Date	Fixed Rate
$	250	^(b)	1/8/2018	6/8/2020	2.09	%
100			6/20/2018	10/20/2020	2.15	%
200		^(b)	11/7/2018	6/7/2021	2.87	%
100			11/7/2018	7/7/2021	2.96	%
200			11/7/2018	10/7/2021	2.98	%


(a)	The effective date refers to the date on which interest payments were first hedged by the applicable swap agreement.


(b)	Notional amount adjusts in accordance with a specified seasonal schedule. This represents the maximum notional amount at any point in time.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pertinent information about a derivative or group of derivatives on a disaggregated basis, such as for individual instruments, or small groups of similar instruments. May include a combination of the type of instrument, risks being hedged, notional amount, hedge designation, related hedged item, inception date, maturity date, or other relevant item.

+ References

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+ Details

EQUITY (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of Authorized and Issued Shares

Authorized and issued shares consisted of the following:



	September 30,
	2019	2018
	(In millions)
Preferred shares, no par value:
Authorized	0.2 shares	0.2 shares
Issued	0.0 shares	0.0 shares
Common shares, no par value, $.01 stated value per share:
Authorized	100.0 shares	100.0 shares
Issued	68.1 shares	68.1 shares

Schedule of Share-Based Awards Granted

The following is a summary of the share-based awards granted during each of the periods indicated:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2017
Employees
Restricted stock units	166,534		198,807		109,708
Performance units	131,644		246,430		487,809
Board of Directors
Deferred stock units	32,101		25,858		24,291
Total share-based awards	330,279		471,095		621,808

Aggregate fair value at grant dates (in millions)	$	25.5	$	43.5	$	57.8

Schedule of Share-Based Compensation

Total share-based compensation was as follows for each of the periods indicated:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2017
	(In millions)
Share-based compensation	$	38.4	$	40.5	$	25.2
Tax benefit recognized	9.5		10.5		9.8

Schedule of Aggregate Stock Option Activity

Aggregate stock option activity was as follows:



	No. of Options		Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2018	1,217,092		$	58.68
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(354,704	)	56.66
Forfeited	—		—
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2019	862,388		59.52
Exercisable	862,388		59.52

Summary of Certain Information Pertaining to Stock Option Awards Outstanding and Exercisable

The following summarizes certain information pertaining to stock option awards outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2019 (options in millions):



	Awards Outstanding				Awards Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price	No. of Options	Wtd. Avg. Remaining Life	Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price		No. of Options	Wtd. Avg. Remaining Life	Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price
$45.32 – $49.19	0.3	1.84	$	47.11	0.3	1.84	$	47.11
$63.43 – $68.68	0.6	5.86	66.25		0.6	5.86	66.25
	0.9	4.45	$	59.52	0.9	4.45	$	59.52

Schedule of Intrinsic Value of Stock Option Awards Outstanding and Exercisable

The intrinsic values of the stock option awards outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2019 were as follows (in millions):



	2019
Outstanding	$	36.5
Exercisable	36.5

Schedule of Restricted Share-Based Award Activity

Restricted share-based award activity (including restricted stock units and deferred stock units) was as follows:



	No. of Shares		Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2018	403,440		$	87.42
Granted	198,635		76.46
Vested	(88,030	)	71.07
Forfeited	(25,636	)	86.89
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2019	488,409		85.94

Schedule of Performance-Based Award Activity

Performance-based award activity was as follows (based on target award amounts):



	No. of Units		Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value per Unit
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2018	755,807		$	92.96
Granted	131,644		78.47
Vested	(56,315	)	68.68
Forfeited	(183,005	)	97.63
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2019	648,131		90.13

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding.

+ References

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+ Details

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes Allocated to Continuing Operations

The provision (benefit) for income taxes allocated to continuing operations consisted of the following:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
Current:
Federal	$	169.3		$	47.7		$	104.5
State	20.3			10.3			12.4
Foreign	4.2			0.2			8.1
Total Current	193.8			58.2			125.0
Deferred:
Federal	(40.6		)	(58.4		)	(7.4		)
State	(5.4		)	(2.0		)	(0.5		)
Foreign	(2.9		)	(9.7		)	(0.5		)
Total Deferred	(48.9		)	(70.1		)	(8.4		)
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	$	144.9		$	(11.9	)	$	116.6

The Domestic and Foreign Components of Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

The domestic and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018			2017
	(In millions)
Domestic	$	554.7	$	159.5		$	296.0
Foreign	26.9		(43.8		)	18.9
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	581.6	$	115.7		$	314.9

Reconciliation of the Federal Corporate Income Tax Rate and the Effective Tax Rate

A reconciliation of the federal corporate income tax rate and the effective tax rate on income from continuing operations before income taxes is summarized below:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2017
Statutory income tax rate	21.0	%	24.5	%	35.0	%
Effect of foreign operations	0.3		7.4		3.1
State taxes, net of federal benefit	1.8		6.5		2.9
Domestic Production Activities Deduction permanent difference	—		(4.4	)	(3.1	)
Effect of other permanent differences	(0.2	)	(3.0	)	0.4
Research and Experimentation and other federal tax credits	(0.3	)	(1.7	)	(0.4	)
Effect of tax contingencies	1.9		1.3		0.9
Effect of tax reform	—		(38.7	)	—
Other	0.4		(2.2	)	(1.8	)
Effective income tax rate	24.9	%	(10.3	)%	37.0	%

Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities



	September 30,
	2019			2018
	(In millions)
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Inventories	$	10.2		$	9.3
Accrued liabilities	46.7			68.4
Postretirement benefits	8.4			7.7
Accounts receivable	5.1			4.7
Federal NOL carryovers	10.9			10.9
State NOL carryovers	2.1			1.5
Foreign NOL carryovers	4.6			3.8
Foreign tax credit carryovers	16.8			16.4
Interest rate swaps	2.7			—
Other	1.8			2.0
Gross deferred tax assets	109.3			124.7
Valuation allowance	(35.8		)	(33.6		)
Total deferred tax assets	73.5			91.1
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Property, plant and equipment	(40.2		)	(50.9		)
Intangible assets	(65.5		)	(54.1		)
Outside basis difference in equity investments	—			(45.4		)
Interest rate swaps	—			(1.0		)
Other	(4.1		)	(9.3		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(109.8		)	(160.7		)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(36.3	)	$	(69.6	)

Reconciliation of the Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
Balance at beginning of year	$	13.9		$	10.2		$	5.1
Additions for tax positions of the current year	13.8			0.9			1.4
Additions for tax positions of prior years	4.4			6.1			3.9
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(1.7		)	(0.8		)	(0.2		)
Settlements with tax authorities	(0.7		)	(1.9		)	0.9
Expiration of statutes of limitation	(0.2		)	(0.6		)	(0.9		)
Balance at end of year	$	29.5		$	13.9		$	10.2

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Outstanding Commodity Contracts that Hedge Forecasted Purchases

The Company had the following outstanding commodity contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases:



	September 30,
	2019	2018
Commodity
Urea	78,500 tons	88,000 tons
Resin	14,900,000 pounds	—
Diesel	4,956,000 gallons	5,460,000 gallons
Heating Oil	1,344,000 gallons	1,218,000 gallons

Summary of Fair Values of the Company's Derivative Instruments

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments were as follows:



		Assets / (Liabilities)
		2019			2018
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
		(In millions)
Interest rate swap agreements	Prepaid and other current assets	$	—		$	2.0
	Other assets	—			1.8
	Other current liabilities	(5.5		)	—
	Other liabilities	(5.3		)	—
Commodity hedging instruments	Prepaid and other current assets	—			6.1
	Other current liabilities	(0.8		)	—
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	(11.6	)	$	9.9

Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments	Balance Sheet Location
Currency forward contracts	Prepaid and other current assets	$	1.7		$	0.9
	Other current liabilities	(0.4		)	(1.5		)
Commodity hedging instruments	Prepaid and other current assets	—			1.7
	Other current liabilities	(0.4		)	—
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		0.9			1.1
Total derivatives		$	(10.7	)	$	11.0

Schedule of the Effect of Derivative Instruments on AOCI and Operations

The effect of derivative instruments on AOCI and the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 30 was as follows:



	Amount Of Gain / (Loss) Recognized In AOCI
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2019			2018
	(In millions)
Interest rate swap agreements	$	(11.1	)	$	3.7
Commodity hedging instruments	(3.8		)	5.6
Total	$	(14.9	)	$	9.3



	Reclassified From AOCI Into	Amount Of Gain / (Loss)
Derivatives In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Statement Of Operations	2019			2018
		(In millions)
Interest rate swap agreements	Interest expense	$	(0.4	)	$	1.0
Commodity hedging instruments	Cost of sales	1.9			2.1
Total		$	1.5		$	3.1



	Recognized In	Amount Of Gain / (Loss)
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments	Statement of Operations	2019			2018
		(In millions)
Currency forward contracts	Other income / expense, net	$	9.1		$	11.6
Commodity hedging instruments	Cost of sales	(2.9		)	3.3
Total		$	6.2		$	14.9

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the fair value of Company’s assets and liabilities for which disclosure of fair value is required (in millions):



		2019				2018
	Fair Value Hierarchy Level	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Cash equivalents	Level 1	$	2.0	$	2.0	$	1.4	$	1.4
Derivatives
Interest rate swap agreements	Level 2	—		—		3.8		3.8
Currency forward contracts	Level 2	1.7		1.7		0.9		0.9
Commodity hedging instruments	Level 2	—		—		7.8		7.8
Other
Investment securities in non-qualified retirement plan assets	Level 1	21.6		21.6		19.4		19.4
Bonnie Option	Level 3	11.3		11.3		13.0		13.0

Liabilities
Derivatives
Interest rate swap agreements	Level 2	$	10.8	$	10.8	$	—	$	—
Currency forward contracts	Level 2	0.4		0.4		1.5		1.5
Commodity hedging instruments	Level 2	1.2		1.2		—		—
Debt instruments
Credit facilities – revolving loans	Level 2	147.2		147.2		492.2		492.2
Credit facilities – term loans	Level 2	750.0		750.0		790.0		790.0
Senior Notes – 5.250%	Level 1	250.0		263.4		250.0		239.4
Senior Notes – 6.000%	Level 1	400.0		412.5		400.0		411.0
Receivables facility	Level 2	76.0		76.0		76.0		76.0
Other
Debt	Level 2	36.1		36.1		17.5		17.5
Contingent consideration	Level 3	—		—		0.9		0.9

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of financial instruments measured at fair value, including those classified in shareholders' equity measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Disclosures include, but are not limited to, fair value measurements recorded and the reasons for the measurements, level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements are categorized and transfers between levels 1 and 2. Nonrecurring fair value measurements are those that are required or permitted in the statement of financial position in particular circumstances.

+ References + Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Financial Information

The following tables present financial information for the Company’s reportable segments for the periods indicated:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2017
	(In millions)
Net sales:
U.S. Consumer	$	2,281.1		$	2,109.6		$	2,160.5
Hawthorne	671.2			344.9			287.2
Other	203.7			208.9			194.4
Consolidated	$	3,156.0		$	2,663.4		$	2,642.1
Segment Profit (Loss):
U.S. Consumer	$	527.8		$	496.6		$	521.5
Hawthorne	53.5			(6.1		)	35.5
Other	10.3			11.2			13.4
Total Segment Profit	591.6			501.7			570.4
Corporate	(135.3		)	(120.8		)	(109.6		)
Intangible asset amortization	(33.4		)	(29.2		)	(22.5		)
Impairment, restructuring and other	(13.3		)	(152.8		)	(4.9		)
Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates ^(a)	3.3			4.9			(29.0		)
Interest expense	(101.8		)	(86.4		)	(76.1		)
Other non-operating income (expense), net	270.5			(1.7		)	(13.4		)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$	581.6		$	115.7		$	314.9
Depreciation and amortization:
U.S. Consumer	$	44.4		$	46.7		$	47.9
Hawthorne	35.3			27.8			18.4
Other	5.9			5.6			4.8
Corporate	3.7			3.3			2.7
	$	89.3		$	83.4		$	73.8
Capital expenditures:
U.S. Consumer	$	27.6		$	53.2		$	53.4
Hawthorne	11.1			8.7			7.1
Other	3.7			6.3			5.0
	$	42.4		$	68.2		$	65.5


(a)	Included within equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates for fiscal 2017 are charges of $25.2 million, which represent the Company’s share of restructuring and other charges incurred by the TruGreen Joint Venture.



	September 30,
	2019		2018
	(In millions)
Total assets:
U.S. Consumer	$	1,765.1	$	1,702.2
Hawthorne	958.5		978.6
Other	155.1		161.3
Corporate	150.0		212.4
Consolidated	$	3,028.7	$	3,054.5

Net sales by product category

The following table presents net sales by product category for the periods indicated:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2017
	(In millions)
US Consumer:
Growing media	$	942.5	$	846.9	$	830.2
Lawn care	781.6		706.1		732.0
Controls	310.8		309.0		329.5
Roundup^® marketing agreement	112.1		114.4		123.3
Other, primarily gardening and landscape	134.1		133.2		145.5
Hawthorne:
Indoor, urban and hydroponic gardening	671.2		344.9		287.2
Other:
Growing media	77.8		81.7		81.5
Lawn care	69.2		65.6		62.2
Other, primarily gardening and controls	56.7		61.6		50.7
Total net sales	$	3,156.0	$	2,663.4	$	2,642.1

Percentages of Three Largest Customers Consolidated Net Sales

The Company’s three largest customers accounted for the following percentages of net sales for the fiscal years ended September 30:



	Percentage of Net Sales
	2019		2018		2017
Home Depot	30	%	35	%	35	%
Lowe’s	19	%	17	%	17	%
Walmart	8	%	9	%	9	%

Net Sales and Long-lived Assets by Geographic Area

The following table presents long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangibles) by geographic area:



	September 30,
	2019		2018
	(In millions)
Long-lived assets:
United States	$	784.1	$	789.8
International	145.5		162.7
	$	929.6	$	952.5

The following table presents net sales by geographic area for the periods indicated:



	Year Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2017
	(In millions)
Net sales:
United States	$	2,851.9	$	2,375.5	$	2,385.1
International	304.1		287.9		257.0
	$	3,156.0	$	2,663.4	$	2,642.1

QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of the Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations

The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations:



	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter			Full Year
	(In millions, except per share data)
FISCAL 2019
Net sales	$	298.1		$	1,189.9		$	1,170.3		$	497.7		$	3,156.0
Gross profit	34.5			472.1			423.4			89.5			1,019.6
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(82.6		)	396.9			178.0			(55.5		)	436.7
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	2.9			(0.5		)	23.6			(2.6		)	23.5
Net income (loss)	(79.7		)	396.4			201.6			(58.1		)	460.2
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	(79.6		)	396.5			201.7			(57.9		)	460.7
Basic income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(1.49	)	$	7.17		$	3.21		$	(0.99	)	$	7.88
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0.05			(0.01		)	0.42			(0.05		)	0.42
Basic net income (loss) per Common Share	$	(1.44	)	$	7.16		$	3.63		$	(1.04	)	$	8.30
Common Shares used in basic EPS calculation	55.3			55.4			55.5			55.7			55.5
Diluted income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(1.49	)	$	7.10		$	3.15		$	(0.99	)	$	7.77
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0.05			(0.01		)	0.41			(0.05		)	0.41
Diluted net income (loss) per Common Share	$	(1.44	)	$	7.09		$	3.56		$	(1.04	)	$	8.18
Common Shares and dilutive potential Common Shares used in diluted EPS calculation	55.3			55.9			56.6			55.7			56.3
FISCAL 2018
Net sales	$	221.5		$	1,013.3		$	994.6		$	433.9		$	2,663.4
Gross profit	34.0			409.2			347.6			73.7			864.6
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(20.0		)	152.7			125.5			(130.6		)	127.6
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(1.2		)	(3.7		)	(42.7		)	(16.3		)	(63.9		)
Net income (loss)	(21.2		)	149.0			82.8			(146.9		)	63.7
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	(21.2		)	148.9			82.9			(147.0		)	63.7
Basic income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.35	)	$	2.70		$	2.27		$	(2.36	)	$	2.27
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(0.02		)	(0.06		)	(0.77		)	(0.29		)	(1.14		)
Basic net income (loss) per Common Share	$	(0.37	)	$	2.64		$	1.50		$	(2.65	)	$	1.13
Common Shares used in basic EPS calculation	57.6			56.5			55.4			55.4			56.2
Diluted income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.35	)	$	2.66		$	2.23		$	(2.36	)	$	2.23
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(0.02		)	(0.07		)	(0.76		)	(0.29		)	(1.11		)
Diluted net income (loss) per Common Share	$	(0.37	)	$	2.59		$	1.47		$	(2.65	)	$	1.12
Common Shares and dilutive potential Common Shares used in diluted EPS calculation	57.6			57.4			56.3			55.4			57.1

The sum of the quarters may not equal full year due to rounding.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2017

Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	2,308.4		$	333.7		$	—		$	2,642.1
Cost of sales	—			1,415.8			253.7			—			1,669.5
Gross profit	—			892.6			80.0			—			972.6
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	—			480.4			69.1			1.4			550.9
Impairment, restructuring and other	—			4.5			0.4			—			4.9
Other (income) expense, net	(0.8		)	(14.2		)	(1.6		)	—			(16.6		)
Income (loss) from operations	0.8			421.9			12.1			(1.4		)	433.4
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries	(250.4		)	(15.9		)	—			266.3			—
Other non-operating (income) loss	(20.7		)	—			(21.4		)	42.1			—
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates	—			28.9			0.1			—			29.0
Interest expense	70.1			43.8			4.3			(42.1		)	76.1
Other non-operating (income) expense, net	—			—			13.4			—			13.4
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	201.8			365.1			15.7			(267.7		)	314.9
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	(18.0		)	128.8			5.8			—			116.6
Income (loss) from continuing operations	219.8			236.3			9.9			(267.7		)	198.3
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(0.7		)	21.2			—			20.5
Net income (loss)	$	219.8		$	235.6		$	31.1		$	(267.7	)	$	218.8
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			(0.5		)	(0.5		)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	219.8		$	235.6		$	31.1		$	(268.2	)	$	218.3

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	2,322.8		$	340.6		$	—		$	2,663.4
Cost of sales	—			1,507.1			271.2			—			1,778.3
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other	—			14.7			5.8			—			20.5
Gross profit	—			801.0			63.6			—			864.6
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	—			467.6			71.2			1.3			540.1
Impairment, restructuring and other	—			83.1			49.2			—			132.3
Other (income) expense, net	(0.9		)	(3.5		)	(2.3		)	—			(6.7		)
Income (loss) from operations	0.9			253.8			(54.5		)	(1.3		)	198.9
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries	(121.4		)	29.3			—			92.1			—
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates	—			(4.8		)	(0.1		)	—			(4.9		)
Interest expense	75.9			51.7			3.8			(45.0		)	86.4
Other non-operating (income) expense, net	(23.9		)	(10.1		)	(9.3		)	45.0			1.7
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	70.3			187.7			(48.9		)	(93.4		)	115.7
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	5.2			(22.2		)	5.1			—			(11.9		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	65.1			209.9			(54.0		)	(93.4		)	127.6
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			(64.5		)	0.6			—			(63.9		)
Net income (loss)	$	65.1		$	145.4		$	(53.4	)	$	(93.4	)	$	63.7
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			—			—
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	65.1		$	145.4		$	(53.4	)	$	(93.4	)	$	63.7

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	2,806.3		$	349.7		$	—		$	3,156.0
Cost of sales	—			1,854.2			276.3			—			2,130.5
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other	—			4.0			1.9			—			5.9
Gross profit	—			948.1			71.5			—			1,019.6
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	—			533.3			66.8			1.2			601.3
Impairment, restructuring and other	—			6.8			0.6			—			7.4
Other (income) expense, net	(0.4		)	0.8			0.9			—			1.3
Income (loss) from operations	0.4			407.2			3.2			(1.2		)	409.6
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries	(500.5		)	(10.5		)	—			511.0			—
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates	—			(3.4		)	0.1			—			(3.3		)
Interest expense	72.0			73.9			3.6			(47.7		)	101.8
Other non-operating (income) expense, net	(20.2		)	(270.7		)	(27.3		)	47.7			(270.5		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	449.1			617.9			26.8			(512.2		)	581.6
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	(12.8		)	151.1			6.6			—			144.9
Income (loss) from continuing operations	461.9			466.8			20.2			(512.2		)	436.7
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			23.8			(0.3		)	—			23.5
Net income (loss)	$	461.9		$	490.6		$	19.9		$	(512.2	)	$	460.2
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			0.5			0.5
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	461.9		$	490.6		$	19.9		$	(511.7	)	$	460.7

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	461.9		$	490.6		$	19.9		$	(512.2	)	$	460.2
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	(8.7		)	—			(8.7		)	8.7			(8.7		)
Net change in derivatives	(16.4		)	(5.7		)	—			5.7			(16.4		)
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits	(9.0		)	(7.1		)	(1.9		)	9.0			(9.0		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(34.1		)	(12.8		)	(10.6		)	23.4			(34.1		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	427.8		$	477.8		$	9.3		$	(488.8	)	$	426.1
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			—			0.5			0.5
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	427.8		$	477.8		$	9.3		$	(488.3	)	$	426.6

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018

(In millions)



	Parent		Subsidiary Guarantors		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	65.1	$	145.4	$	(53.4	)	$	(93.4	)	$	63.7
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	9.0		—		9.0			(9.0		)	9.0
Net change in derivatives	6.2		3.5		—			(3.5		)	6.2
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits	8.0		2.8		5.2			(8.0		)	8.0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	23.2		6.3		14.2			(20.5		)	23.2
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	88.3	$	151.7	$	(39.2	)	$	(113.9	)	$	86.9
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—		—		—			—			—
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	88.3	$	151.7	$	(39.2	)	$	(113.9	)	$	86.9

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017

(In millions)



	Parent		Subsidiary Guarantors		Non- Guarantors		Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	219.8	$	235.6	$	31.1	$	(267.7	)	$	218.8
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net foreign currency translation adjustment	28.2		—		28.2		(28.2		)	28.2
Net change in derivatives	6.7		2.8		—		(2.8		)	6.7
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits	13.2		3.7		9.5		(13.2		)	13.2
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	48.1		6.5		37.7		(44.2		)	48.1
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	267.9	$	242.1	$	68.8	$	(311.9	)	$	266.9
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		(0.9		)	(0.9		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	267.9	$	242.1	$	68.8	$	(312.8	)	$	266.0

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES ^(a)	$	(32.8	)	$	266.7		$	17.5		$	(24.6	)	$	226.8
INVESTING ACTIVITIES ^(a)
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	—			0.4			1.7			—			2.1
Investments in property, plant and equipment	—			(36.4		)	(6.0		)	—			(42.4		)
Proceeds from loans receivable	—			20.8			—			—			20.8
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—			274.3			—			—			274.3
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(6.6		)	—			—			(6.6		)
Return of investments from affiliates	3,001.0			2.3			—			(3,003.3		)	—
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates	(2,862.0		)	(2.2		)	(3.7		)	2,867.9			—
Other investing, net	—			2.0			5.0			—			7.0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	139.0			254.6			(3.0		)	(135.4		)	255.2
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			876.3			179.9			—			1,056.2
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			(1,262.0		)	(183.5		)	—			(1,445.5		)
Financing and issuance fees	—			(0.2		)	—			—			(0.2		)
Dividends paid	(124.5		)	(3,001.0		)	(26.9		)	3,027.9			(124.5		)
Purchase of Common Shares	(3.1		)	—			—			—			(3.1		)
Payments on seller notes	—			(0.8		)	—			—			(0.8		)
Cash received from exercise of stock options	21.4			—			—			—			21.4
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates	—			2,865.7			2.2			(2,867.9		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(106.2		)	(522.0		)	(28.3		)	160.0			(496.5		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(0.6		)	—			(0.6		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			(0.7		)	(14.4		)	—			(15.1		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	—			3.0			30.9			—			33.9
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	—		$	2.3		$	16.5		$	—		$	18.8

(a)

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES ^(a)	$	6.1		$	294.2		$	68.4		$	(26.2	)	$	342.5
INVESTING ACTIVITIES ^(a)
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	—			4.7			0.4			—			5.1
Post-closing working capital payment related to sale of International Business	—			(35.3		)	—			—			(35.3		)
Investments in property, plant and equipment	—			(61.1		)	(7.1		)	—			(68.2		)
Investments in loans receivable	—			(16.6		)	(0.5		)	—			(17.1		)
Proceeds from loans receivable	—			14.3			—			—			14.3
Net distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated affiliates	—			—			(0.1		)	—			(0.1		)
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(455.9		)	(37.0		)	—			(492.9		)
Return of investments from affiliates	1,306.9			—			—			(1,306.9		)	—
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates	(869.9		)	(90.8		)	(81.5		)	1,042.2			—
Other investing, net	—			12.7			0.8			—			13.5
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	437.0			(628.0		)	(125.0		)	(264.7		)	(580.7		)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			2,658.4			328.6			—			2,987.0
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			(2,005.5		)	(307.4		)	—			(2,312.9		)
Financing and issuance fees	(5.9		)	(0.2		)	—			—			(6.1		)
Dividends paid	(120.0		)	(1,306.9		)	(26.2		)	1,333.1			(120.0		)
Purchase of Common Shares	(327.7		)	—			—			—			(327.7		)
Payments on seller notes	—			(0.2		)	(8.7		)	—			(8.9		)
Cash received from exercise of stock options	10.5			—			—			—			10.5
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	—			—			(70.7		)	—			(70.7		)
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates	—			951.4			90.8			(1,042.2		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(443.1		)	297.0			6.4			290.9			151.2
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			0.4			—			0.4
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			(36.8		)	(49.8		)	—			(86.6		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	—			39.8			80.7			—			120.5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	—		$	3.0		$	30.9		$	—		$	33.9

(a)

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017

(In millions)



	Parent			Subsidiary Guarantors			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES ^(a)	$	(48.3	)	$	471.4		$	(16.1	)	$	(43.8	)	$	363.2
INVESTING ACTIVITIES ^(a)
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	—			5.6			0.1			—			5.7
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash disposed of	—			178.6			1.7			—			180.3
Investments in property, plant and equipment	—			(59.5		)	(10.1		)	—			(69.6		)
Investments in loans receivable	—			(29.7		)	—			—			(29.7		)
Net distributions from (investments in) unconsolidated affiliates	—			57.7			(0.3		)	—			57.4
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(112.5		)	(9.2		)	—			(121.7		)
Return of investments from affiliates	918.6			32.4			—			(951.0		)	—
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates	(759.9		)	(208.6		)	—			968.5			—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	158.7			(136.0		)	(17.8		)	17.5			22.4
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			1,196.1			253.2			—			1,449.3
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	—			(1,319.6		)	(298.7		)	—			(1,618.3		)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.250% Senior Notes	250.0			—			—			—			250.0
Financing and issuance fees	(3.8		)	(0.6		)	—			—			(4.4		)
Dividends paid	(120.3		)	(918.6		)	(43.8		)	962.4			(120.3		)
Distribution paid by AeroGrow to noncontrolling interest	—			—			(40.5		)	32.4			(8.1		)
Purchase of Common Shares	(255.2		)	—			—			—			(255.2		)
Payments on seller notes	—			(15.5		)	(13.2		)	—			(28.7		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	7.9			—			—			—			7.9
Cash received from exercise of stock options	11.0			—			—			—			11.0
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates	—			759.9			208.6			(968.5		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(110.4		)	(298.3		)	65.6			26.3			(316.8		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			1.6			—			1.6
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	—			37.1			33.3			—			70.4
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year excluding cash classified within assets held for sale	—			2.7			25.9			—			28.6
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year classified within assets held for sale	—			—			21.5			—			21.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	—			2.7			47.4			—			50.1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	—		$	39.8		$	80.7		$	—		$	120.5

(a)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2019

(In millions)



	Parent		Subsidiary Guarantors		Non- Guarantors		Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	2.3	$	16.5	$	—		$	18.8
Accounts receivable, net	—		182.0		41.9		—			223.9
Accounts receivable pledged	—		84.5		—		—			84.5
Inventories	—		460.0		80.3		—			540.3
Prepaid and other current assets	—		166.8		7.4		—			174.2
Total current assets	—		895.6		146.1		—			1,041.7
Property, plant and equipment, net	—		485.5		60.5		—			546.0
Goodwill	—		421.9		105.2		11.6			538.7
Intangible assets, net	—		614.9		86.3		6.3			707.5
Other assets	7.6		146.9		40.3		—			194.8
Equity investment in subsidiaries	1,223.4		—		—		(1,223.4		)	—
Intercompany assets	1,065.8		—		—		(1,065.8		)	—
Total assets	$	2,296.8	$	2,564.8	$	438.4	$	(2,271.3	)	$	3,028.7
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	$	48.7	$	119.4	$	8.7	$	(48.7	)	$	128.1
Accounts payable	—		192.5		21.7		—			214.2
Other current liabilities	27.4		230.0		20.8		—			278.2
Total current liabilities	76.1		541.9		51.2		(48.7		)	620.5
Long-term debt	1,499.5		779.9		101.3		(857.2		)	1,523.5
Other liabilities	2.5		135.5		23.5		—			161.5
Equity investment in subsidiaries	—		76.6		—		(76.6		)	—
Intercompany liabilities	—		59.1		74.3		(133.4		)	—
Total liabilities	1,578.1		1,593.0		250.3		(1,115.9		)	2,305.5
Total equity—controlling interest	718.7		971.8		188.1		(1,159.9		)	718.7
Noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		4.5			4.5
Total equity	718.7		971.8		188.1		(1,155.4		)	723.2
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,296.8	$	2,564.8	$	438.4	$	(2,271.3	)	$	3,028.7

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of September 30, 2018

(In millions)



	Parent		Subsidiary Guarantors		Non- Guarantors		Eliminations/ Consolidations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	3.0	$	30.9	$	—		$	33.9
Accounts receivable, net	—		172.5		53.5		—			226.0
Accounts receivable pledged	—		84.5		—		—			84.5
Inventories	—		394.5		86.9		—			481.4
Prepaid and other current assets	2.2		44.6		13.1		—			59.9
Total current assets	2.2		699.1		184.4		—			885.7
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	—		35.2		0.9		—			36.1
Property, plant and equipment, net	—		464.7		66.1		—			530.8
Goodwill	—		420.6		110.8		11.6			543.0
Intangible assets, net	—		752.3		97.5		7.5			857.3
Other assets	11.4		164.8		25.4		—			201.6
Equity investment in subsidiaries	860.0		—		—		(860.0		)	—
Intercompany assets	1,422.8		—		6.5		(1,429.3		)	—
Total assets	$	2,296.4	$	2,536.7	$	491.6	$	(2,270.2	)	$	3,054.5
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	$	40.0	$	118.4	$	14.2	$	(40.0	)	$	132.6
Accounts payable	—		119.0		31.5		—			150.5
Other current liabilities	17.8		278.3		33.5		—			329.6
Total current liabilities	57.8		515.7		79.2		(40.0		)	612.7
Long-term debt	1,883.0		1,140.9		102.1		(1,242.2		)	1,883.8
Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	—		21.9		—		—			21.9
Other liabilities	1.0		143.6		26.9		5.0			176.5
Equity investment in subsidiaries	—		1.5		—		(1.5		)	—
Intercompany liabilities	—		125.0		—		(125.0		)	—
Total liabilities	1,941.8		1,948.6		208.2		(1,403.7		)	2,694.9
Total equity—controlling interest	354.6		588.1		283.4		(871.5		)	354.6
Noncontrolling interest	—		—		—		5.0			5.0
Total equity	354.6		588.1		283.4		(866.5		)	359.6
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,296.4	$	2,536.7	$	491.6	$	(2,270.2	)	$	3,054.5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2018 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) unit	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of annual net sales from combined second and third quarter sales			75.00%	75.00%	75.00%
Advertising expenses			$ 120.3	$ 104.2	$ 123.0
Research and development charge			39.6	42.5	39.9
Product registration costs			$ 11.0	11.4	10.6
Award vesting period			3 years
Adjustment to reflect inventories at net realizable values			$ 8.8	8.1
Loans receivable			95.1	112.6
Loans receivable, fair value			105.4	128.2
Interest capitalized on capital projects			0.5	0.3	0.1
Noncash investing activities for unpaid liabilities incurred			22.1	9.8	16.1
Unamortized capitalized software costs			13.6	11.2
Amortization of capitalized internal use computer software			$ 2.9	3.9	5.1
Number of reporting units \| unit			7
Recognition of accumulated foreign currency translation loss			$ 1.6	0.9	0.8
Sunlight Supply
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Post-closing net working capital adjustment obligation			$ 6.6
Gavita Holdings B.V.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Contingent consideration paid		$ 3.0		3.0
Agrolux Holding B.V.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Contingent consideration paid				5.8
Fafard & Brothers Ltd. \| Scotts Canada, Ltd.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Contingent consideration paid					6.7
Growing Media Acquisition, Canada
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Contingent consideration paid					6.5
American Agritech, L.L.C.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Contingent consideration paid					15.5
Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Award vesting period			3 years
Intangible assets amortization period			3 years
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Award vesting period			5 years
Intangible assets amortization period			25 years
Product Concentration \| Inventories
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration percentage			22.00%
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest income on loans receivable			$ 8.6	$ 10.0
Other Operating Income (Expense)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Interest income on loans receivable					$ 10.0
Retained Earnings \| Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred licensing revenues	$ 9.1
Other current liabilities \| Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred licensing revenues	1.4
Other liabilities \| Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred licensing revenues	7.7
Retained Earnings
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax	$ 13.8
Pro Forma \| Minimum \| Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Right-of-use asset			120.0
Lease liability			125.0
Pro Forma \| Maximum \| Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Right-of-use asset			140.0
Lease liability			$ 145.0

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Estimated Useful Economic Lives of Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Land improvements \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful economic lives	10 years
Land improvements \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful economic lives	25 years
Buildings \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful economic lives	10 years
Buildings \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful economic lives	40 years
Machinery and equipment \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful economic lives	3 years
Machinery and equipment \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful economic lives	15 years
Furniture and fixtures \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful economic lives	6 years
Furniture and fixtures \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful economic lives	10 years
Software \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful economic lives	3 years
Software \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful economic lives	8 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest paid	$ 93.5	$ 81.6	$ 69.8
Property and equipment acquired under capital leases	25.6	0.0	0.9
Income taxes paid	$ 166.2	$ 56.3	$ 111.9

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities from discontinued operations		$ (38,600,000)	$ (1,600,000)	$ (11,600,000)
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities from discontinued operations		0	(35,300,000)	148,100,000
International Business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Sale price of operations	$ 250,000,000.0
Contingent consideration maximum payout	23,800,000
Proceeds from sale of business, net of seller financing	150,600,000
Vendor financing loan	$ 29,700,000
Financing loan term	7 years
Annual interest rate	5.00%
Annual interest rate increases	2.50%
Fair value of contingent consideration	$ 18,200,000
Pre-tax gain on disposal				32,700,000
Provision for income taxes				12,000,000.0
Write-off of foreign currency translation adjustment				18,500,000
Adjustment to gain on the contribution			(700,000)
License agreements	$ 14,100,000
Restructuring transaction related charges			1,800,000	15,500,000
Restructuring costs			0	$ (400,000)
International Consumer Business
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Deferred licensing revenues			12,100,000
Wild Bird Food
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to previously disclosed legal matter		22,500,000
Insurance reimbursement recoveries		13,400,000
Pre-tax charge recognized			85,000,000.0
Loss contingency accrual		$ 0	$ 85,000,000.0

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Results of Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Net sales									$ 0.0	$ 0.0	$ 294.1
Operating and exit costs									0.6	1.9	275.9
Impairment, restructuring and other									(35.8)	86.8	15.9
Other (income) expense, net									0.0	0.0	1.2
(Gain) loss on sale / contribution of business									0.0	0.7	(31.7)
Interest expense									0.0	0.0	0.4
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes									35.2	(89.4)	32.4
Income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations									11.7	(25.5)	11.9
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (2.6)	$ 23.6	$ (0.5)	$ 2.9	$ (16.3)	$ (42.7)	$ (3.7)	$ (1.2)	$ 23.5	$ (63.9)	$ 20.5

IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER - Schedule of Impairment, Restructuring, and Other Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges (recoveries)	$ 7.4	$ 132.3	$ 4.9
Impairment, restructuring and other charges from continuing operations	13.3	152.8	4.9
Restructuring and other charges (recoveries) from discontinued operations	(35.8)	86.8	15.9
Total impairment, restructuring and other charges (recoveries)	(22.5)	239.6	20.8
Restructuring Reserve
Amounts accrued for restructuring and other at beginning of year	112.2	12.1	20.8
Restructuring and other charges from continuing operations	13.4	32.7	8.3
Restructuring and other charges (recoveries) from discontinued operations	(35.8)	86.8	15.9
Payments and other	(91.6)	(19.4)	(32.9)
Amounts accrued for restructuring and other at end of year	11.6	112.2	12.1
Restructuring And Other Related Charges, excluding Recoveries, Discontinued Operations	(22.4)
Restructuring and other charges, net \| Cost of sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges (recoveries)	5.1	12.3	0.0
Restructuring and other charges, net \| Operating expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges (recoveries)	7.4	20.2	3.9
Property, plant and equipment impairments \| Cost of sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges (recoveries)	0.8	8.2	0.0
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments \| Operating expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges (recoveries)	0.0	112.1	$ 1.0
Project Catalyst [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 13.7	29.4
U.S. Consumer \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges from continuing operations		$ 3.4

IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring reserves classified as long-term		$ 3.1
Impairment, restructuring and other charges		13.3	$ 152.8	$ 4.9
Goodwill impairment loss			94.6
Restructuring recoveries				4.4
U.S. Consumer
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss			0.0
Hawthorne
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss			94.6
Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss			0.0
International Business
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs			0.0	(0.4)
Restructuring transaction related charges			1.8	15.5
Wild Bird Food
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to previously disclosed legal matter		22.5
Insurance reimbursement recoveries		13.4
Pre-tax charge recognized			85.0
Project Catalyst [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs		13.7	29.4
Project Catalyst [Member] \| U.S. Consumer
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost incurred to date		13.2
Project Catalyst [Member] \| Hawthorne
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost incurred to date		25.9
Project Catalyst [Member] \| Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost incurred to date		1.2
Project Catalyst [Member] \| Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost incurred to date		2.8
Project Focus
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges				8.3
Project Focus \| U.S. Consumer
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs			0.1
Impairment, restructuring and other charges				6.7
Restructuring cost incurred to date		10.0
Project Focus \| Hawthorne
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges				0.9
Restructuring cost incurred to date		0.9
Project Focus \| Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges				0.7
Restructuring cost incurred to date		1.2
Employee Termination, Facility Closure, And Impairment Of Property, Plant And Equipment \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| U.S. Consumer
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges		1.1	8.2
Employee Termination, Facility Closure, And Impairment Of Property, Plant And Equipment \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| Hawthorne
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges		4.2	12.4
Employee Termination, Facility Closure, And Impairment Of Property, Plant And Equipment \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges		0.6
Employee Termination And Facility Closure \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| U.S. Consumer
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges		0.5
Employee Termination And Facility Closure \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| Hawthorne
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges		3.9
Employee Termination And Facility Closure \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges		0.6
Employee Termination And Facility Closure \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges		2.8
Employee Severance [Member] \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| U.S. Consumer
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges			3.4
Employee Severance [Member] \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| Hawthorne
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment, restructuring and other charges			5.4
In re Scotts EZ Seed Litigation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Favorable adjustment to previously disclosed legal matter		$ 0.4
Pre-tax charge recognized			$ 11.7
Customer accounts \| Sunlight Supply \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| Hawthorne
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Noncash impairment charge	$ 17.5
Trademark \| U.S. Consumer
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment charge				$ 1.0

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Rollforward of Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross (beginning of period)	$ 639.4	$ 443.4
Accumulated impairment losses	(96.4)	(1.8)
Goodwill, net (beginning of period)	543.0	441.6
Acquisitions, net of purchase price adjustments	1.3	198.0
Foreign currency translation	(5.6)	(2.0)
Impairment		(94.6)
Goodwill, gross (end of period)	635.1	639.4
Accumulated impairment losses	(96.4)	(96.4)
Goodwill, net (end of period)	538.7	543.0
U.S. Consumer
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross (beginning of period)	229.9	229.9
Accumulated impairment losses	(1.8)	(1.8)
Goodwill, net (beginning of period)	228.1	228.1
Acquisitions, net of purchase price adjustments	0.0	0.0
Foreign currency translation	0.0	0.0
Impairment		0.0
Goodwill, gross (end of period)	229.9	229.9
Accumulated impairment losses	(1.8)	(1.8)
Goodwill, net (end of period)	228.1	228.1
Hawthorne
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross (beginning of period)	398.7	202.3
Accumulated impairment losses	(94.6)	0.0
Goodwill, net (beginning of period)	304.1	202.3
Acquisitions, net of purchase price adjustments	1.3	198.0
Foreign currency translation	(5.4)	(1.6)
Impairment		(94.6)
Goodwill, gross (end of period)	394.6	398.7
Accumulated impairment losses	(94.6)	(94.6)
Goodwill, net (end of period)	300.0	304.1
Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, gross (beginning of period)	10.8	11.2
Accumulated impairment losses	0.0	0.0
Goodwill, net (beginning of period)	10.8	11.2
Acquisitions, net of purchase price adjustments	0.0	0.0
Foreign currency translation	(0.2)	(0.4)
Impairment		0.0
Goodwill, gross (end of period)	10.6	10.8
Accumulated impairment losses	0.0	0.0
Goodwill, net (end of period)	$ 10.6	$ 10.8

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss			$ 94.6
Amortization expense		$ 33.4	30.0	$ 23.3
Hawthorne
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss			$ 94.6
Project Catalyst [Member] \| Sunlight Supply \| Hawthorne \| Customer accounts
Goodwill [Line Items]
Noncash impairment charge	$ 17.5

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 323.9	$ 435.6
Total intangible assets, net	707.5	857.3
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	383.6	421.7
Tradenames
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	168.2	168.2
Marketing Agreement Amendment
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	155.7	155.7
Brand Extension Agreement
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	0.0	111.7
Tradenames
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	254.1	258.1
Accumulated Amortization	(48.9)	(37.8)
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	205.2	220.3
Customer accounts
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	210.7	212.5
Accumulated Amortization	(60.6)	(43.2)
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	150.1	169.3
Technology
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	49.8	49.1
Accumulated Amortization	(36.7)	(34.4)
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	13.1	14.7
Other
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	24.4	24.4
Accumulated Amortization	(9.2)	(7.0)
Total finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 15.2	$ 17.4

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Schedule of Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense in 2020	$ 30.8
Amortization expense in 2021	29.0
Amortization expense in 2022	26.7
Amortization expense in 2023	24.8
Amortization expense in 2024	$ 22.0

DETAIL OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTS - Summary of Balance Sheet Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
INVENTORIES:
Finished goods	$ 344.9	$ 292.1
Work-in-progress	63.6	60.1
Raw materials	131.8	129.2
Inventories	540.3	481.4
PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS:
Receivable associated with brand extension asset sale	115.2	0.0
Other	59.0	59.9
Prepaid and other current assets	174.2	59.9
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,174.0	1,141.3
Less: accumulated depreciation	(628.0)	(610.5)
Property, plant and equipment, net	546.0	530.8
OTHER ASSETS:
Loans receivable	95.1	112.6
Accrued pension, postretirement and executive retirement assets	50.8	44.0
Contingent consideration receivable	16.7	17.7
Bonnie Option	11.3	13.0
Unamortized debt issuance costs	7.7	9.6
Other	13.2	4.7
Other assets	194.8	201.6
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accrued restructuring and other	8.5	111.4
Advertising and promotional accruals	74.0	52.5
Payroll and other compensation accruals	73.2	39.2
Accrued interest	16.7	16.7
Accrued insurance and claims	11.7	12.6
Accrued taxes	22.4	11.3
Other	71.7	85.9
Other current liabilities	278.2	329.6
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accrued pension, postretirement and executive retirement liabilities	86.9	75.7
Deferred tax liabilities	36.3	69.6
Deferred licensing revenue	0.0	10.7
Other	38.3	20.5
Other non-current liabilities	161.5	176.5
Land and improvements
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Property, plant and equipment, gross	129.4	122.8
Buildings
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Property, plant and equipment, gross	255.9	249.1
Machinery and equipment
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Property, plant and equipment, gross	554.5	567.1
Furniture and fixtures
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Property, plant and equipment, gross	45.7	42.8
Software
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Property, plant and equipment, gross	107.0	99.9
Capital Lease Obligations
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Property, plant and equipment, gross	26.6	0.6
Aircraft
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Property, plant and equipment, gross	16.6	16.6
Construction in progress
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 38.3	$ 42.4

DETAIL OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTS - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Unrecognized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax of $2.8, $(2.9) and $(1.3), respectively	$ (8.1)	$ 8.3	$ 2.0
Tax impact on unrecognized loss on derivatives	(2.8)	2.9	1.3
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, net of tax of $22.8, $31.4 and $33.4, respectively	(68.4)	(45.6)	(54.5)
Tax impact on pension and other postretirement liabilities	22.8	31.4	33.4
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(17.4)	(8.7)	(16.7)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (93.9)	$ (46.0)	$ (69.2)

- Definition

Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses.

+ References + Details

MARKETING AGREEMENT - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)			3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2019	Aug. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Schedule of Costs Related to Purchase Obligations [Line Items]
Net sales			$ 497,700,000	$ 1,170,300,000	$ 1,189,900,000	$ 298,100,000	$ 433,900,000	$ 994,600,000	$ 1,013,300,000	$ 221,500,000	$ 3,156,000,000.0	$ 2,663,400,000	$ 2,642,100,000
Restated Marketing Agreement
Schedule of Costs Related to Purchase Obligations [Line Items]
Commission threshold, percentage of program earnings		50.00%
Commission threshold		$ 40,000,000.0
Annual contribution payment		$ 18,000,000.0
Net sales											$ 20,000,000.0
Third Restated Agreement
Schedule of Costs Related to Purchase Obligations [Line Items]
Commission threshold, percentage of program earnings	50.00%
Minimum EBIT to avoid reduction of contribution payment	$ 36,000,000
Reduction of contribution payment as a percentage of difference between the EBIT threshold and EBIT (percentage)	50.00%
Contribution payment if difference between EBIT threshold and EBIT is negative	$ 0
Minimum termination fee payable	175,000,000
Brand decommissioning event payable	$ 375,000,000
Minimum termination fee payable, multiple of average program earnings, prior 3 years	4
Minimum termination fee payable, threshold	$ 186,400,000
Minimum EBIT	50,000,000
Brand Extension Asset Purchase Agreement
Schedule of Costs Related to Purchase Obligations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of productive assets	112,000,000.0
Disposal group, inventory	3,500,000
Disposal group, assets	$ 111,700,000

MARKETING AGREEMENT - Net Commission Earned Under the Marketing Agreement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Marketing Agreement [Line Items]
Contribution expenses	$ (2,130.5)	$ (1,778.3)	$ (1,669.5)
Monsanto Marketing Agreement
Marketing Agreement [Line Items]
Gross commission	58.4	80.5	87.7
Contribution expenses	(18.0)	(18.0)	(18.0)
Amortization of marketing fee	0.0	(0.8)	(0.8)
Net commission	40.4	61.7	68.9
Reimbursements associated with Roundup® marketing agreement	73.4	54.5	56.1
Total net sales associated with Roundup® marketing agreement	$ 113.8	$ 116.2	$ 125.0

ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions							3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Jun. 04, 2018	Oct. 11, 2017	Oct. 02, 2017	Aug. 11, 2017	May 26, 2017	Oct. 03, 2016	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	May 26, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other non-operating income (expense), net																	$ 270.5	$ (1.7)	$ (13.4)
Net sales							$ 497.7	$ 1,170.3	$ 1,189.9	$ 298.1	$ 433.9	$ 994.6	$ 1,013.3	$ 221.5			3,156.0	2,663.4	2,642.1
Goodwill							538.7				543.0						538.7	543.0	441.6
Sunlight Supply
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration transferred	$ 459.1
Fair value of equity interest issued	23.4
Contingent consideration	3.1										0.9							0.9
Maximum payout	20.0
Cash, prepaids, and other current assets acquired	5.3
Accounts receivables acquired	19.3
Inventory acquired	84.3
Fixed assets acquired	64.4
Accounts payable acquired	11.7
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	151.1
Tax deductible goodwill from business combination	$ 146.4
Proforma net sales																		2,879.7	3,032.4
Proforma net income attributable to controlling interest																		$ 90.0	$ 228.5
Proforma diluted net income per common share (USD per share)																		$ 1.57	$ 3.78
Sunlight Supply \| Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful lives	5 years
Sunlight Supply \| Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful lives	25 years
Gavita Holdings B.V.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration transferred			$ 69.2
Economic interest acquired			25.00%																	75.00%
Equity ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners																				5.00%
Other non-operating income (expense), net																			$ (13.4)
Contingent consideration paid			$ 3.0															$ 3.0
Long-term debt			55.6
Acquisition of remaining noncontrolling interest in Gavita			(7.9)
Can-Filters Group Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration transferred		$ 74.1
Cash, prepaids, and other current assets acquired		1.5
Fixed assets acquired		4.4
Accounts payable acquired		0.7
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired		39.7
Tax deductible goodwill from business combination		$ 21.5
Useful lives		25 years
Inventory and accounts receivable acquired		$ 7.7
Net sales																		10.7
Agrolux Holding B.V.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration transferred					$ 21.8
Contingent consideration					5.2
Cash, prepaids, and other current assets acquired					8.0
Fixed assets acquired					0.5
Accounts payable acquired					8.6
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired					16.1
Contingent consideration paid																		5.8
Inventory and accounts receivable acquired					9.9
Net sales																		53.2	16.4
Long term debt acquired					6.7
Goodwill					6.6
Deferred tax liabilities acquired					$ 4.0
Agrolux Holding B.V. \| Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful lives					10 years
Agrolux Holding B.V. \| Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful lives					20 years
Botanicare
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration transferred						$ 92.6
Cash, prepaids, and other current assets acquired						1.2
Fixed assets acquired						1.4
Accounts payable acquired						2.3
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired						53.0
Tax deductible goodwill from business combination						30.9
Contingent consideration paid															$ 15.5
Inventory and accounts receivable acquired						$ 8.4
Botanicare \| Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful lives						5 years
Botanicare \| Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful lives						25 years
Botanicare Manufacturer And Formulator
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration transferred				$ 32.0
Inventory acquired				0.3
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired				5.0
Tax deductible goodwill from business combination				$ 26.7
Botanicare Manufacturer And Formulator \| Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful lives				5 years
Botanicare Manufacturer And Formulator \| Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Useful lives				10 years
Emerging Area Support Companies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration transferred																$ 3.2
Acquired assets including finite-lived intangible assets and goodwill																$ 2.8
Hydroponic Growth System Technology Company
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total consideration transferred															3.5
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired															$ 3.2
Hawthorne
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales																	671.2	344.9	287.2
Goodwill							$ 300.0				304.1						$ 300.0	304.1	$ 202.3
Tradenames \| Sunlight Supply
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 65.1
Customer accounts \| Sunlight Supply
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	84.1
Intangible asset estimated fair value											30.9							$ 30.9
Reduction of deferred tax liability associated with write-off											$ 7.3
Customer accounts \| Hawthorne \| Project Catalyst [Member] \| Sunlight Supply
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncash impairment charge												$ 17.5
Noncompete Agreements \| Sunlight Supply
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired	$ 1.9
Treasury Shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Treasury share issuances (in shares)																	0.4	0.7	0.5
Treasury Shares \| Sunlight Supply
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Treasury share issuances (in shares)	0.3
Capital in Excess of Stated Value \| Gavita Holdings B.V.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of remaining noncontrolling interest in Gavita			$ (5.7)

INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions				3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2019	Mar. 19, 2019	Apr. 13, 2016	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Excess distribution recorded as return of investment						$ 0.0	$ 0.0	$ 0.0
Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate				$ 0.0		0.0	21.9
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliates						274.3	0.0	0.0
Distributions intended to cover required tax payments						255.2	(580.7)	22.4
Equity investment in subsidiaries				0.0		0.0	0.0
Investments in loans receivable						0.0	17.1	29.7
TruGreen Joint Venture
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Initial fair value of interest			$ 294.0
Excess distribution recorded as return of investment			196.2
Investment in second lien term loan financing			$ 18.0
Reimbursement of expenses due to transition service agreement							1.4	40.2
Proceeds from dividend payments received					$ 87.1
U.S. Consumer \| Industrial Turf and Ornamental Market Investment
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 36.6
Gain on sale of investments				$ 2.9
Equity investment in subsidiaries					$ 29.4			$ 29.4
Distribution of earnings from unconsolidated affiliate						4.9
Investments in loans receivable							$ 14.3
Outdoor Home Services Holdings LLC \| TruGreen Joint Venture
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliates		$ 234.2
Proceeds collection of second lien term loan financing		$ 18.4
Distributions intended to cover required tax payments						3.5
Gain on sale of investments						259.8
Tax payments due to sale of equity interest						99.5
Deferred tax liabilities, reclassified due to joint venture						$ 47.1

RETIREMENT PLANS - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) plan	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Compensation charges \| $	$ 18.9	$ 15.3	$ 13.9
401(K) \| Company matches 150% of associates’ initial 4% contribution
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer match of employee contribution	200.00%
Employee contribution of gross pay	3.00%
401(K) \| Company matches 50% of associates' contribution up to 6%
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer match of employee contribution	50.00%
Employee contribution of gross pay	6.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan \| U.S. Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Number of defined benefit plans for certain U.S. associates	2
Defined Benefit Pension Plan \| International Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Number of frozen defined benefit pension plans associated with former international businesses	3

RETIREMENT PLANS - Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Annual Expense, Assumptions and Other Information of the Company's Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Noncurrent assets	$ 50.8	$ 44.0
Noncurrent liabilities	(86.9)	(75.7)
U.S. Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	100.1	110.0
Interest cost	3.5	3.1
Actuarial (gain) loss	11.6	(5.8)
Benefits paid	(7.2)	(7.2)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	108.0	100.1
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	108.0	100.1
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	80.7	87.5
Actual return on plan assets	7.6	0.2
Employer contribution	0.2	0.2
Benefits paid	(7.2)	(7.2)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	81.3	80.7
Unfunded status at end of year	(26.7)	(19.4)
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	108.0	100.1
Accumulated benefit obligation	108.0	100.1
Fair value of plan assets	81.3	80.7
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Noncurrent assets	0.0	0.0
Current liabilities	(0.2)	(0.2)
Noncurrent liabilities	(26.5)	(19.2)
Total amount accrued	(26.7)	(19.4)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
Actuarial loss	44.4	37.9
Total amount recognized	44.4	37.9
Total change in other comprehensive loss attributable to:
Pension benefit gain (loss) during the period	(8.0)	1.3
Reclassification of pension benefit losses to net income	1.5	1.5
Prior service cost recognized during the period	0.0	0.0
Foreign currency translation	0.0	0.0
Total change in other comprehensive loss	(6.5)	$ 2.8
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 2020 are as follows:
Actuarial loss	1.8
Prior service cost	0.0
Amount to be amortized into net periodic benefit cost	$ 1.8
Weighted average assumptions used in development of projected benefit obligation:
Discount rate	2.77%	3.95%
International Plan \| Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 175.0	$ 190.7
Interest cost	4.0	4.2
Actuarial (gain) loss	21.9	(6.8)
Benefits paid	(7.3)	(8.2)
Other	2.6
Foreign currency translation	(11.0)	(4.9)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	185.2	175.0
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	185.2	175.0
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	181.5	181.2
Actual return on plan assets	26.5	6.5
Employer contribution	7.4	7.7
Benefits paid	(7.3)	(8.2)
Foreign currency translation	(11.5)	(5.7)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	196.6	181.5
Unfunded status at end of year	11.4	6.5
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation	18.1	18.1
Accumulated benefit obligation	18.1	18.1
Fair value of plan assets	0.0	0.0
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Noncurrent assets	29.5	24.7
Current liabilities	(0.9)	(1.0)
Noncurrent liabilities	(17.2)	(17.2)
Total amount accrued	11.4	6.5
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
Actuarial loss	41.8	42.6
Prior service cost	2.5	0.0
Total amount recognized	44.3	42.6
Total change in other comprehensive loss attributable to:
Pension benefit gain (loss) during the period	(2.5)	5.9
Reclassification of pension benefit losses to net income	0.8	1.1
Prior service cost recognized during the period	(2.6)	0.0
Foreign currency translation	2.6	1.2
Total change in other comprehensive loss	(1.7)	$ 8.2
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 2020 are as follows:
Actuarial loss	0.9
Prior service cost	0.1
Amount to be amortized into net periodic benefit cost	$ 1.0
Weighted average assumptions used in development of projected benefit obligation:
Discount rate	1.60%	2.57%

RETIREMENT PLANS - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Weighted Average Assumptions (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
U.S. Plan
Components of net periodic benefit (income) cost:
Interest cost	$ 3.5	$ 3.1	$ 2.8
Expected return on plan assets	(4.0)	(4.6)	(4.9)
Net amortization	1.4	1.5	1.7
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	0.9		(0.4)
Total benefit (income) cost	$ 0.9	$ 0.0	$ (0.4)
Weighted average assumptions used in development of net periodic benefit (income) cost:
Weighted average discount rate - interest cost	3.67%	2.87%	2.44%
Expected return on plan assets	5.25%	5.50%	5.50%
International Plan
Components of net periodic benefit (income) cost:
Service cost			$ 0.9
Interest cost	$ 4.0	$ 4.2	3.7
Expected return on plan assets	(7.1)	(7.2)	(7.7)
Net amortization	0.8	1.1	1.8
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	(2.3)	(1.9)	(1.3)
Settlement	0.0	0.0	1.4
Total benefit (income) cost	$ (2.3)	$ (1.9)	$ 0.1
Weighted average assumptions used in development of net periodic benefit (income) cost:
Weighted average discount rate - service cost			1.37%
Weighted average discount rate - interest cost	2.34%	2.21%	1.84%
Expected return on plan assets	3.94%	4.45%	4.55%
Rate of compensation increase			3.50%

RETIREMENT PLANS - Plan Asset Allocations and Expected Future Benefit Payments (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
U.S. Plan
Plan asset allocations:
Expected company contributions in fiscal 2020	$ 2.3
Expected future benefit payments:
2020	7.8
2021	7.6
2022	7.5
2023	7.4
2024	7.3
2025 – 2029	$ 33.6
U.S. Plan \| Equity securities
Plan asset allocations:
Plan asset allocations	22.00%	21.00%	22.00%
U.S. Plan \| Debt securities
Plan asset allocations:
Plan asset allocations	74.00%	72.00%	71.00%
U.S. Plan \| Real estate securities
Plan asset allocations:
Plan asset allocations	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
U.S. Plan \| Cash and cash equivalents
Plan asset allocations:
Plan asset allocations	0.00%	3.00%	3.00%
U.S. Plan \| Insurance contracts
Plan asset allocations:
Plan asset allocations			0.00%
International Plan
Plan asset allocations:
Expected company contributions in fiscal 2020	$ 6.2
Expected future benefit payments:
2020	5.5
2021	5.6
2022	5.7
2023	5.9
2024	6.1
2025 – 2029	$ 32.4
International Plan \| Equity securities
Plan asset allocations:
Plan asset allocations	27.00%	27.00%	34.00%
International Plan \| Debt securities
Plan asset allocations:
Plan asset allocations	73.00%	72.00%	63.00%
International Plan \| Real estate securities
Plan asset allocations:
Plan asset allocations	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
International Plan \| Cash and cash equivalents
Plan asset allocations:
Plan asset allocations	0.00%	1.00%	1.00%
International Plan \| Insurance contracts
Plan asset allocations:
Plan asset allocations			2.00%

RETIREMENT PLANS - Fair Value of The Company's Pension Plan Asset (Details) - Defined Benefit Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
U.S. Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 81.3	$ 80.7	$ 87.5
U.S. Plan \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) \| Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2.6	2.6
U.S. Plan \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0.0	0.0
U.S. Plan \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Mutual funds \| Mutual funds—real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3.2	3.2
U.S. Plan \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Mutual funds \| Mutual funds—equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	16.6	18.0
U.S. Plan \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Mutual funds \| Mutual funds—fixed income
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	58.9	56.9
International Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	196.6	181.5	$ 181.2
International Plan \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) \| Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1.1	1.0
International Plan \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0.0	4.5
International Plan \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Mutual funds \| Mutual funds—real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0.0	0.0
International Plan \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Mutual funds \| Mutual funds—equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	53.3	61.2
International Plan \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Mutual funds \| Mutual funds—fixed income
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 142.2	$ 114.8

ASSOCIATE MEDICAL BENEFITS - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) Year	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Self-insurance per occurrence	$ 700,000
Benefits cost recognized	$ 31,400,000	$ 31,200,000	$ 33,400,000
Health care cost trend rate	6.25%
Ultimate trend rate	4.75%
U.S. Plan \| Postretirement Medical Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Minimum retirement age \| Year	55
Number of years of service	10 years
Net periodic benefit (income)	$ (100,000)	$ 100,000	$ 300,000
Actuarial loss to be amortized into net periodic benefit cost	200,000
Prior service cost	$ (1,100,000)

ASSOCIATE MEDICAL BENEFITS - Retiree Medical Plan for Domestic Associates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Noncurrent liabilities	$ (86.9)	$ (75.7)
Postretirement Medical Benefits \| U.S. Plan
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	21.4	23.9
Service cost	0.2	0.3
Interest cost	0.8	0.7
Plan participants’ contributions	0.3	0.3
Actuarial (gain) loss	1.9	(1.9)
Benefits paid	(1.8)	(1.9)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	22.8	21.4
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0	0.0
Employer contribution	1.5	1.6
Plan participants’ contributions	0.3	0.3
Gross benefits paid	(1.8)	(1.9)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Unfunded status at end of year	(22.8)	(21.4)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Current liabilities	(1.7)	(1.8)
Noncurrent liabilities	(21.1)	(19.6)
Total amount accrued	(22.8)	(21.4)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
Actuarial loss	3.1	1.1
Prior service credit	(3.6)	(4.7)
Total amount recognized	(0.5)	(3.6)
Total change in other comprehensive (income) loss attributable to:
Benefit loss (gain) during the period	1.9	(1.9)
Reclassification of prior service credit and benefit loss to net income	1.1	0.9
Total change in other comprehensive (income) loss	$ 3.0	$ (1.0)
Discount rate used in development of APBO	3.05%	4.17%

ASSOCIATE MEDICAL BENEFITS - Expected Benefit Payments Under the Plan By The Company and Retirees (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Gross Benefit Payments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2020	$ 2.3
2021	2.4
2022	2.5
2023	2.5
2024	2.3
2025 – 2029	11.3
Retiree Contribution
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2020	0.5
2021	0.6
2022	0.7
2023	0.7
2024	0.7
2025 – 2029	3.7
Net Company Payments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2020	1.8
2021	1.8
2022	1.8
2023	1.8
2024	1.6
2025 – 2029	$ 7.6

DEBT - Components of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 15, 2016	Oct. 13, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 1,659.3	$ 2,025.7
Less current portions	128.1	132.6
Less unamortized debt issuance costs	7.7	9.6
Long-term debt	$ 1,523.5	1,883.8
Senior Notes – 6.000%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (percent)	6.00%				6.00%
Credit Facilities \| Revolving loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 147.2	492.2
Credit Facilities \| Term loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	750.0	790.0
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes – 5.250%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 250.0	$ 250.0
Interest rate (percent)	5.25%	5.25%	5.25%	5.25%
Senior Notes \| Senior Notes – 6.000%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 400.0	$ 400.0
Interest rate (percent)	6.00%	6.00%
Receivables facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 76.0	$ 76.0
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	25.8	0.6
Other
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	10.3	16.9
Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 7.7	$ 9.3

DEBT - Company's Debt Maturing in Next Fiscal Years (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
2020	$ 3.0
2021	3.5
2022	3.5
2023	3.6
2024	3.6
Thereafter	15.4
Total capital obligations	32.6
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment [Abstract]
2020	126.0
2021	40.3
2022	40.0
2023	777.2
2024	400.0
Thereafter	250.0
Total debt	1,633.5
2020	129.0
2021	43.8
2022	43.5
2023	780.8
2024	403.6
Thereafter	265.4
Total capital lease obligations and debt	1,666.1
Interest	(6.8)
Total debt - Capital Lease Obligations	25.8
Total debt - Capital Lease Obligations and Debt	$ 1,659.3

DEBT - Credit Facilities (Details)	Jul. 05, 2018 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2021	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, weighted average interest rate (percentage)				4.80%	4.30%	4.60%
Fifth Amended And Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 2,300,000,000
Leverage ratio				3.67
Interest coverage ratio				5.78
Restricted payment threshold				4.00
Restricted payment limitation, year one				$ 200,000,000.0
Restricted payment limitation, years two and thereafter				$ 225,000,000.0
Fifth Amended And Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio				5.00
Fifth Amended And Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest coverage ratio				3.00
Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facilities, available borrowing capacity				$ 1,326,200,000
Credit Facilities \| Fifth Amended And Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, maturity period	5 years
Revolving loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, weighted average interest rate (percentage)				4.60%	4.00%	3.90%
Letter of Credit \| Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate face amount of letters of credit outstanding				$ 26,700,000
Scenario, Forecast \| Fifth Amended And Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio		4.50	4.75
Revolving loans \| Fifth Amended And Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 1,500,000,000
Secured Term Loan \| Fifth Amended And Restated Senior Secured Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 800,000,000.0

DEBT - Senior Notes - 6.000% (Details) - Senior Notes – 6.000% - USD ($) $ in Millions			12 Months Ended
	Oct. 23, 2019	Oct. 13, 2015	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (percent)		6.00%	6.00%
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceed from issuance of unsecured debt		$ 400.0	$ 400.0
Interest rate (percent)			6.00%	6.00%
Unamortized debt issuance costs			$ 3.1
Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payment for debt redemption	$ 412.5
Accrued interest	0.5
Redemption premium	12.0
Outstanding principal	$ 400.0

DEBT - Receivables Facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 07, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings or receivables pledged as collateral		$ 1,659.3	$ 2,025.7
Accounts receivable pledged		84.5	84.5
MARP Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings or receivables pledged as collateral		76.0	76.0
MARP Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Accounts receivable pledged		84.5
Senior secured credit facilities, available borrowing capacity		$ 0.1	$ 0.4
Amendments
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate amount	$ 400.0
Committed up to limit under agreement	$ 160.0

DEBT - Interest Rate Swap Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Interest Rate Swap, Instrument 1
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 250.0
Fixed rate (percentage)	2.09%
Interest Rate Swap, Instrument 2
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 100.0
Fixed rate (percentage)	2.15%
Interest Rate Swap, Instrument 3
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 200.0
Fixed rate (percentage)	2.87%
Interest Rate Swap, Instrument 4
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 100.0
Fixed rate (percentage)	2.96%
Interest Rate Swap, Instrument 5
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 200.0
Fixed rate (percentage)	2.98%
Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 850.0	$ 800.0

EQUITY - Schedule of Authorized and Issued Shares (Details) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Preferred shares, no par value:
Authorized (in shares)	200,000	200,000
Issued (in shares)	0.0	0.0
Common shares, no par value, $.01 stated value per share:
Common shares, stated value per share (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Authorized (in shares)	100,000,000.0	100,000,000.0
Issued (in shares)	68,100,000	68,100,000

EQUITY - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)									1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended			62 Months Ended
EQUITY - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2019	Aug. 06, 2018	Jun. 04, 2018	Oct. 30, 2017	Oct. 02, 2017	Jan. 30, 2017	Jan. 03, 2017	Nov. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Nov. 28, 2016	Aug. 03, 2016	May 26, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Write off of foreign currency loss adjustment											$ 2,500,000		$ 11,700,000	$ (2,500,000)	$ (11,700,000)	$ (18,500,000)
Dividends declared (USD per share)	$ 0.58	$ 0.55										$ 0.53		$ 2.23	$ 2.140	$ 2.03
Stock repurchase authorization									$ 500,000,000.0										$ 1,000,000,000.0
Stock repurchase period (years)									5 years
Additional shares authorized repurchase																			$ 500,000,000.0
Number of common shares repurchased (in shares)														0	3,500,000	2,700,000	8,300,000
Value of common shares repurchased to be held in treasury															$ 323,100,000	$ 245,800,000	$ 714,600,000
Value of treasury shares for payment														$ 21,500,000	32,200,000	12,100,000
Distribution declared by AeroGrow																8,100,000
Award vesting period														3 years
Common share available for issue under share-based plan (in shares)										7,300,000				7,300,000			7,300,000
Common shares were available to underlie the grant of new share-based award (in shares)										3,000,000.0				3,000,000.0			3,000,000.0
Tax benefit realized from tax deduction associated with exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted share awards														$ 2,800,000
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised														17,500,000	17,200,000	14,500,000
Cash received from exercise of stock options														$ 21,400,000	$ 10,500,000	$ 11,000,000.0
Treasury Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share issued under employee purchase plan (in shares)														400,000	700,000	500,000
Value of treasury shares for payment														$ 38,000,000.0	$ 54,300,000	$ 38,600,000
Capital in Excess of Stated Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of treasury shares for payment														$ (16,500,000)	$ (22,100,000)	(26,500,000)
Non-controlling Interest
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Distribution declared by AeroGrow																8,100,000
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period														3 years
Expected forfeiture rate														15.00%
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period														5 years
Expected forfeiture rate														20.00%
Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period														1 year
Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation costs not yet recognized, net										$ 0				$ 0			$ 0
Options granted (in shares)														0	0
Options \| Project Focus \| Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period														10 years
Performance units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation awards granted, other than options (in shares)														131,644
Expected weighted average period for unrecognized compensation cost														2 years 1 month 6 days
Compensation costs net yet recognized, restricted units, net										$ 26,600,000				$ 26,600,000			26,600,000
Total fair value of share-based payment awards vested														$ 3,900,000	$ 3,400,000	$ 8,800,000
Performance units \| Hawthorne
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation awards granted, other than options (in shares)										100,000
Performance units \| Project Focus \| Hawthorne
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period				4 years
Share-based compensation awards granted, other than options (in shares)				200,000
Performance period				4 years
Fair value of award units granted				$ 20,200,000
Performance units \| Project Focus \| Minimum \| Hawthorne
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percent of target award				50.00%
Performance units \| Project Focus \| Maximum \| Hawthorne
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percent of target award				250.00%
Performance units \| Project Focus \| Officer
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period						5 years
Share-based compensation awards granted, other than options (in shares)						500,000
Performance period						5 years
Fair value of award units granted						$ 43,300,000
Performance units \| Project Focus \| Officer \| Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percent of target award						50.00%
Performance units \| Project Focus \| Officer \| Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percent of target award						250.00%
Share-Based Compensation Awards And Employee Stock Purchase Plan \| Treasury Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share issued under employee purchase plan (in shares)														500,000	400,000	500,000
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation awards granted, other than options (in shares)														198,635
Expected weighted average period for unrecognized compensation cost														1 year 9 months 18 days
Compensation costs net yet recognized, restricted units, net										$ 10,200,000				$ 10,200,000			$ 10,200,000
Total fair value of share-based payment awards vested														$ 6,300,000	$ 6,300,000	$ 8,700,000
Principal Owner
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Ownership of outstanding common shares										26.00%				26.00%			26.00%
Condition for ownership of voting stock										50.00%				50.00%			50.00%
Tender offer for ownership of voting power (as a percent)										100.00%				100.00%			100.00%
Miracle-Gro
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Condition for ownership of voting stock										49.00%				49.00%			49.00%
Sunlight Supply
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total consideration transferred			$ 459,100,000
Sunlight Supply \| Treasury Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share issued under employee purchase plan (in shares)			300,000
Value of treasury shares for payment			$ 20,700,000
Gavita Holdings B.V.
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Economic interest acquired					25.00%															75.00%
Total consideration transferred					$ 69,200,000
Contingent consideration paid					3,000,000.0										3,000,000.0
Long-term debt					55,600,000
Noncontrolling interest					7,900,000
Gavita Holdings B.V. \| Capital in Excess of Stated Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest					$ 5,700,000
AeroGrow International, Inc
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividends declared (USD per share)								$ 1.21
Percent ownership								80.00%										45.00%
Dividends payable								$ 40,500,000
US Consumer: \| AeroGrow International, Inc
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of shares called by warrants								$ 47,800,000
Number of shares called by warrants (in shares)								21,600,000
AeroGrow International, Inc \| Non-controlling Interest
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Distribution declared by AeroGrow							$ 8,100,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cash payments to tax authority when shares are withheld														$ 2,700,000	$ 3,000,000.0	$ 9,200,000

EQUITY - Share-Based Compensation Awards Granted (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Total share-based awards (in shares)	330,279	471,095	621,808
Aggregate fair value at grant dates (in millions)	$ 25.5	$ 43.5	$ 57.8
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation awards granted, other than options (in shares)	198,635
Performance units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation awards granted, other than options (in shares)	131,644
Employees \| Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation awards granted, other than options (in shares)	166,534	198,807	109,708
Employees \| Performance units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation awards granted, other than options (in shares)	131,644	246,430	487,809
Board of Directors \| Deferred stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation awards granted, other than options (in shares)	32,101	25,858	24,291

EQUITY - Schedule of Aggregate Stock Option Activity (Details) - Options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
No. of Options
Beginning balance (shares)	1,217,092
Granted (in shares)	0	0
Exercised (shares)	(354,704)
Forfeited (shares)	0
Ending balance (shares)	862,388	1,217,092
Exercisable (shares)	862,388
Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price
Beginning balance (USD per share)	$ 58.68
Granted (USD per share)	0
Exercised (USD per share)	56.66
Forfeited (USD per share)	0
Ending balance (USD per share)	59.52	$ 58.68
Exercisable (USD per share)	$ 59.52

EQUITY - Summary of Certain Information Pertaining to Stock Option Awards Outstanding and Exercisable (Details) - Options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Awards Outstanding
No. of Options (in shares)	862,388	1,217,092
Wtd. Avg. Remaining Life	4 years 5 months 12 days
WTD. Avg. Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 59.52	$ 58.68
Awards Exercisable
No. of Options (in shares)	862,388
Wtd. Avg. Remaining Life	4 years 5 months 12 days
WTD. Avg. Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 59.52
$38.81 - $49.19
Range of Exercise Price
Exercise Price, minimum (USD per share)	45.42
Exercise Price, maximum (USD per share)	$ 49.19
Awards Outstanding
No. of Options (in shares)	300,000
Wtd. Avg. Remaining Life	1 year 10 months 2 days
WTD. Avg. Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 47.11
Awards Exercisable
No. of Options (in shares)	300,000
Wtd. Avg. Remaining Life	1 year 10 months 2 days
WTD. Avg. Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 47.11
$63.43 - $68.68
Range of Exercise Price
Exercise Price, minimum (USD per share)	63.43
Exercise Price, maximum (USD per share)	$ 68.68
Awards Outstanding
No. of Options (in shares)	600,000
Wtd. Avg. Remaining Life	5 years 10 months 9 days
WTD. Avg. Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 66.25
Awards Exercisable
No. of Options (in shares)	600,000
Wtd. Avg. Remaining Life	5 years 10 months 9 days
WTD. Avg. Exercise Price (USD per share)	$ 66.25

EQUITY - Schedule of Restricted Share-Based Award Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 $ / shares shares
No. of Shares
Beginning Balance (in shares) \| shares	403,440
Granted (in shares) \| shares	198,635
Vested (in shares) \| shares	(88,030)
Forfeited (in shares) \| shares	(25,636)
Ending Balance (in shares) \| shares	488,409
Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Beginning Balance (USD per share) \| $ / shares	$ 87.42
Granted (USD per share) \| $ / shares	76.46
Vested (USD per share) \| $ / shares	71.07
Forfeited (USD per share) \| $ / shares	86.89
Ending Balance (USD per share) \| $ / shares	$ 85.94

EQUITY - Schedule of Performance-Based Award Activity (Details) - Performance Based Units	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 $ / shares shares
No. of Units
Beginning Balance (in shares) \| shares	755,807
Granted (in shares) \| shares	131,644
Vested (in shares) \| shares	(56,315)
Forfeited (in shares) \| shares	(183,005)
Ending Balance (in shares) \| shares	648,131
Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value per Unit
Beginning Balance (USD per share) \| $ / shares	$ 92.96
Granted (USD per share) \| $ / shares	78.47
Vested (USD per share) \| $ / shares	68.68
Forfeited (USD per share) \| $ / shares	97.63
Ending Balance (USD per share) \| $ / shares	$ 90.13

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - Schedule of Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ (55.5)	$ 178.0	$ 396.9	$ (82.6)	$ (130.6)	$ 125.5	$ 152.7	$ (20.0)	$ 436.7	$ 127.6	$ 198.3
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.5	0.0	(0.5)
Income attributable to controlling interest from continuing operations									437.2	127.6	197.8
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(2.6)	23.6	(0.5)	2.9	(16.3)	(42.7)	(3.7)	(1.2)	23.5	(63.9)	20.5
Net income	(58.1)	201.6	396.4	(79.7)	(146.9)	82.8	149.0	(21.2)	460.2	63.7	218.8
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$ (57.9)	$ 201.7	$ 396.5	$ (79.6)	$ (147.0)	$ 82.9	$ 148.9	$ (21.2)	$ 460.7	$ 63.7	$ 218.3
BASIC INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
Weighted-average Common Shares outstanding during the period (in shares)	55.7	55.5	55.4	55.3	55.4	55.4	56.5	57.6	55.5	56.2	59.4
Income from continuing operations (USD per share)	$ (0.99)	$ 3.21	$ 7.17	$ (1.49)	$ (2.36)	$ 2.27	$ 2.70	$ (0.35)	$ 7.88	$ 2.27	$ 3.33
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (USD per share)	(0.05)	0.42	(0.01)	0.05	(0.29)	(0.77)	(0.06)	(0.02)	0.42	(1.14)	0.35
Basic net income (loss) per common share (USD per share)	$ (1.04)	$ 3.63	$ 7.16	$ (1.44)	$ (2.65)	$ 1.50	$ 2.64	$ (0.37)	$ 8.30	$ 1.13	$ 3.68
DILUTED INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:
Weighted-average Common Shares outstanding during the period (in shares)	55.7	55.5	55.4	55.3	55.4	55.4	56.5	57.6	55.5	56.2	59.4
Dilutive potential Common Shares (in shares)									0.8	0.9	0.8
Weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding and dilutive potential Common Shares (in shares)	55.7	56.6	55.9	55.3	55.4	56.3	57.4	57.6	56.3	57.1	60.2
Income from continuing operations (USD per share)	$ (0.99)	$ 3.15	$ 7.10	$ (1.49)	$ (2.36)	$ 2.23	$ 2.66	$ (0.35)	$ 7.77	$ 2.23	$ 3.29
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (USD per share)	(0.05)	0.41	(0.01)	0.05	(0.29)	(0.76)	(0.07)	(0.02)	0.41	(1.11)	0.34
Diluted net income (loss) per common share (USD per share)	$ (1.04)	$ 3.56	$ 7.09	$ (1.44)	$ (2.65)	$ 1.47	$ 2.59	$ (0.37)	$ 8.18	$ 1.12	$ 3.63

INCOME TAXES - Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes Allocated to Continuing Operation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Current:
Federal	$ 169.3	$ 47.7	$ 104.5
State	20.3	10.3	12.4
Foreign	4.2	0.2	8.1
Total Current	193.8	58.2	125.0
Deferred:
Federal	(40.6)	(58.4)	(7.4)
State	(5.4)	(2.0)	(0.5)
Foreign	(2.9)	(9.7)	(0.5)
Total Deferred	(48.9)	(70.1)	(8.4)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ 144.9	$ (11.9)	$ 116.6

INCOME TAXES - Domestic and Foreign Components of Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 554.7	$ 159.5	$ 296.0
Foreign	26.9	(43.8)	18.9
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 581.6	$ 115.7	$ 314.9

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of The Federal Corporate Income Tax Rate and The Effective Tax Rate (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory income tax rate	21.00%	24.50%	35.00%
Effect of foreign operations	0.30%	7.40%	3.10%
State taxes, net of federal benefit	1.80%	6.50%	2.90%
Domestic Production Activities Deduction permanent difference	0.00%	(4.40%)	(3.10%)
Effect of other permanent differences	(0.20%)	(3.00%)	0.40%
Research and Experimentation and other federal tax credits	(0.30%)	(1.70%)	(0.40%)
Effect of tax contingencies	1.90%	1.30%	0.90%
Effect of tax reform	0.00%	(38.70%)	0.00%
Other	0.40%	(2.20%)	(1.80%)
Effective income tax rate	24.90%	(10.30%)	37.00%

INCOME TAXES - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Statutory income tax rate	21.00%	24.50%	35.00%
Provisional net benefit		$ 44.6
Transition tax as result of measurement period adjustments		21.2
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries		97.8
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount		18.2
Valuation allowance of excess foreign tax credits		0.5
Valuation allowance for net operating losses	$ 35.8	33.6
Foreign net operating losses	4.6	3.8
Foreign tax credit carryovers	16.8	16.4
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	29.5	13.9	$ 10.2	$ 5.1
Unrecognized tax benefits that would have an impact on the effective tax rate	25.2	12.6	8.5
Unrecognized tax benefits accrued payment of interest	2.1	1.5	1.1
Unrecognized tax benefits accrued payment of penalties	0.4	0.4	0.4
AeroGrow International Inc.
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Statutory tax benefit of net operating loss carryovers and related valuation allowances	10.5
Utilized by September 2018 \| AeroGrow International Inc.
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Federal net operating loss	0.4
Foreign Country
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Valuation allowance for net operating losses	4.0
Foreign net operating losses	4.6
Foreign tax credit carryovers	16.8	16.4
U.S. state and local tax authorities
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Valuation allowance for net operating losses	1.5
State net operating losses carryforward	$ 2.1
State net operating losses carryforward period, minimum	5 years
State net operating losses carryforward period, maximum	20 years
Tax benefits associated with state tax credits	$ 1.7	1.4
Valuation allowance for state credits	1.2
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	6.7	$ 4.8	$ 0.7
State Administration of Taxation, China \| Foreign Country
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Valuation allowance for net operating losses	$ 1.8

INCOME TAXES - Components of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Inventories	$ 10.2	$ 9.3
Accrued liabilities	46.7	68.4
Postretirement benefits	8.4	7.7
Accounts receivable	5.1	4.7
Federal NOL carryovers	10.9	10.9
State NOL carryovers	2.1	1.5
Foreign NOL carryovers	4.6	3.8
Foreign tax credit carryovers	16.8	16.4
Interest rate swaps	2.7	0.0
Other	1.8	2.0
Gross deferred tax assets	109.3	124.7
Valuation allowance	(35.8)	(33.6)
Total deferred tax assets	73.5	91.1
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Property, plant and equipment	(40.2)	(50.9)
Intangible assets	(65.5)	(54.1)
Outside basis difference in equity investments	0.0	(45.4)
Interest rate swaps	0.0	(1.0)
Other	(4.1)	(9.3)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(109.8)	(160.7)
Net deferred tax liability	$ 36.3	$ 69.6

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of the Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 13.9	$ 10.2	$ 5.1
Additions for tax positions of the current year	13.8	0.9	1.4
Additions for tax positions of prior years	4.4	6.1	3.9
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(1.7)	(0.8)	(0.2)
Settlements with tax authorities	(0.7)	(1.9)	0.9
Expiration of statutes of limitation	(0.2)	(0.6)	(0.9)
Balance at end of year	$ 29.5	$ 13.9	$ 10.2

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments \| Currency forward contracts
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 120.0	$ 117.2
Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional amount	850.0	$ 800.0
Interest rate gain amount expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months	(4.2)
Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Commodity hedging instruments
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Commodity gain amount expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months	$ (0.1)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Fair Values of the Company's Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives instruments	$ (10.7)	$ 11.0
Designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives instruments	(11.6)	9.9
Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swap agreements \| Prepaid and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0.0	2.0
Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swap agreements \| Other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0.0	1.8
Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swap agreements \| Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(5.5)	0.0
Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Interest rate swap agreements \| Other liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(5.3)	0.0
Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Commodity hedging instruments \| Prepaid and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0.0	6.1
Designated as Hedging Instruments \| Commodity hedging instruments \| Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(0.8)	0.0
Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Total derivatives instruments	0.9	1.1
Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments \| Commodity hedging instruments \| Prepaid and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0.0	1.7
Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments \| Commodity hedging instruments \| Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(0.4)	0.0
Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments \| Currency forward contracts \| Prepaid and other current assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset	1.7	0.9
Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments \| Currency forward contracts \| Other current liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	$ (0.4)	$ (1.5)

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Effect of Derivative Instruments on OCI and the Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Statement of Operations	$ 6.2	$ 14.9
Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments \| Currency forward contracts \| Other income / expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Statement of Operations	9.1	11.6
Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments \| Commodity hedging instruments \| Cost of sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Statement of Operations	(2.9)	3.3
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI	(14.9)	9.3
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified From AOCI Into Statement of Operations	1.5	3.1
Cash Flow Hedging \| Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI	(11.1)	3.7
Cash Flow Hedging \| Interest rate swap agreements \| Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified From AOCI Into Statement of Operations	(0.4)	1.0
Cash Flow Hedging \| Commodity hedging instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in AOCI	(3.8)	5.6
Cash Flow Hedging \| Commodity hedging instruments \| Cost of sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified From AOCI Into Statement of Operations	$ 1.9	$ 2.1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Fair Value Schedules (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$ 2.0	$ 1.4
Other	21.6	19.4
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Interest rate swap agreements
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0.0	3.8
Derivative liabilities	10.8	0.0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Currency forward contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	1.7	0.9
Derivative liabilities	0.4	1.5
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Commodity hedging instruments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets	0.0	7.8
Derivative liabilities	1.2	0.0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other	11.3	13.0
Reported Value Measurement \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0.0	0.9
Reported Value Measurement \| Receivables facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	76.0	76.0
Reported Value Measurement \| Other Long-term Debt \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	36.1	17.5
Reported Value Measurement \| Revolving loans \| Credit Facilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	147.2	492.2
Reported Value Measurement \| Term loans \| Credit Facilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	750.0	790.0
Reported Value Measurement \| Senior Notes – 5.250% \| Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	250.0	250.0
Reported Value Measurement \| Senior Notes – 6.000% \| Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	400.0	400.0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	0.0	0.9
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| Receivables facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	76.0	76.0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| Other Long-term Debt \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring \| Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	36.1	17.5
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| Revolving loans \| Credit Facilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	147.2	492.2
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| Term loans \| Credit Facilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	750.0	790.0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| Senior Notes – 5.250% \| Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	263.4	239.4
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement \| Senior Notes – 6.000% \| Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 412.5	$ 411.0

OPERATING LEASES - Future Minimum Lease Payments for Operating Leases (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2020	$ 52.8
2021	40.3
2022	28.1
2023	15.4
2024	7.9
Thereafter	12.6
Total future minimum lease payments	$ 157.1

COMMITMENTS (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2020	$ 228.7
2021	133.1
2022	66.9
2023	16.6
2024	10.4
Thereafter	2.0
Unrecognized Unconditional Purchase Obligations	$ 457.7

CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued liabilities related to other regulatory matters which are accounted for in the Other liabilities	$ 3.9		$ 3.9
Wild Bird Food
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation settlement, amount awarded to other party	20.0	$ 42.5
Loss contingency accrual	0.0		0.0	$ 85.0
Pre-tax charge recognized				85.0
Favorable adjustment to previously disclosed legal matter			22.5
Insurance recoveries			13.4
In re Scotts EZ Seed Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency accrual	$ 0.0		0.0	11.7
Pre-tax charge recognized				$ 11.7
Favorable adjustment to previously disclosed legal matter			$ 0.4

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 497.7	$ 1,170.3	$ 1,189.9	$ 298.1	$ 433.9	$ 994.6	$ 1,013.3	$ 221.5	$ 3,156.0	$ 2,663.4	$ 2,642.1
Intangible asset amortization									(33.4)	(30.0)	(23.3)
Impairment, restructuring and other									(7.4)	(132.3)	(4.9)
Equity in (income)/loss of unconsolidated affiliates									3.3	4.9	(29.0)
Interest expense									(101.8)	(86.4)	(76.1)
Other non-operating income (expense), net									270.5	(1.7)	(13.4)
Depreciation and amortization									89.3	83.4	73.8
Capital expenditures									42.4	68.2	65.5
Assets	3,028.7				3,054.5				3,028.7	3,054.5
TruGreen Joint Venture
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring costs											25.2
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization									3.7	3.3	2.7
Assets	150.0				212.4				150.0	212.4
U.S. Consumer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									2,281.1	2,109.6	2,160.5
Depreciation and amortization									44.4	46.7	47.9
Capital expenditures									27.6	53.2	53.4
U.S. Consumer \| Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,765.1				1,702.2				1,765.1	1,702.2
Hawthorne
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									671.2	344.9	287.2
Depreciation and amortization									35.3	27.8	18.4
Capital expenditures									11.1	8.7	7.1
Hawthorne \| Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	958.5				978.6				958.5	978.6
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									203.7	208.9	194.4
Depreciation and amortization									5.9	5.6	4.8
Capital expenditures									3.7	6.3	5.0
Other \| Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 155.1				$ 161.3				155.1	161.3
Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									581.6	115.7	314.9
Intangible asset amortization									(33.4)	(29.2)	(22.5)
Impairment, restructuring and other									(13.3)	(152.8)	(4.9)
Equity in (income)/loss of unconsolidated affiliates									3.3	4.9	(29.0)
Interest expense									(101.8)	(86.4)	(76.1)
Other non-operating income (expense), net									270.5	(1.7)	(13.4)
Continuing Operations \| Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									591.6	501.7	570.4
Continuing Operations \| Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									(135.3)	(120.8)	(109.6)
Continuing Operations \| U.S. Consumer \| Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									527.8	496.6	521.5
Continuing Operations \| Hawthorne \| Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									53.5	(6.1)	35.5
Continuing Operations \| Other \| Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									$ 10.3	$ 11.2	$ 13.4

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net Sales by Product Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 497.7	$ 1,170.3	$ 1,189.9	$ 298.1	$ 433.9	$ 994.6	$ 1,013.3	$ 221.5	$ 3,156.0	$ 2,663.4	$ 2,642.1
U.S. Consumer \| Growing media
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									942.5	846.9	830.2
U.S. Consumer \| Lawn care
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									781.6	706.1	732.0
U.S. Consumer \| Controls
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									310.8	309.0	329.5
U.S. Consumer \| Roundup marketing agreement
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									112.1	114.4	123.3
U.S. Consumer \| Other, primarily gardening and landscape
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									134.1	133.2	145.5
Hawthorne
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									671.2	344.9	287.2
Hawthorne \| Indoor, urban and hydroponic gardening
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									671.2	344.9	287.2
Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									203.7	208.9	194.4
Other \| Growing media
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									77.8	81.7	81.5
Other \| Lawn care
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									69.2	65.6	62.2
Other \| Other, primarily gardening and controls
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 56.7	$ 61.6	$ 50.7

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) - Customer Concentration Risk	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Net Sales \| Home Depot
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	30.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Net Sales \| Lowe's
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	19.00%	17.00%	17.00%
Net Sales \| Walmart
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	8.00%	9.00%	9.00%
Net Accounts Receivable \| Three Largest Customers
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	61.00%	57.00%

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net sales and long-lived assets by geographic area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 497.7	$ 1,170.3	$ 1,189.9	$ 298.1	$ 433.9	$ 994.6	$ 1,013.3	$ 221.5	$ 3,156.0	$ 2,663.4	$ 2,642.1
Long-lived assets	929.6				952.5				929.6	952.5
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									2,851.9	2,375.5	2,385.1
Long-lived assets	784.1				789.8				784.1	789.8
International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales									304.1	287.9	$ 257.0
Long-lived assets	$ 145.5				$ 162.7				$ 145.5	$ 162.7

QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) - Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 497.7	$ 1,170.3	$ 1,189.9	$ 298.1	$ 433.9	$ 994.6	$ 1,013.3	$ 221.5	$ 3,156.0	$ 2,663.4	$ 2,642.1
Gross profit	89.5	423.4	472.1	34.5	73.7	347.6	409.2	34.0	1,019.6	864.6	972.6
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(55.5)	178.0	396.9	(82.6)	(130.6)	125.5	152.7	(20.0)	436.7	127.6	198.3
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(2.6)	23.6	(0.5)	2.9	(16.3)	(42.7)	(3.7)	(1.2)	23.5	(63.9)	20.5
Net income (loss)	(58.1)	201.6	396.4	(79.7)	(146.9)	82.8	149.0	(21.2)	460.2	63.7	218.8
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$ (57.9)	$ 201.7	$ 396.5	$ (79.6)	$ (147.0)	$ 82.9	$ 148.9	$ (21.2)	$ 460.7	$ 63.7	$ 218.3
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (USD per share)	$ (0.99)	$ 3.21	$ 7.17	$ (1.49)	$ (2.36)	$ 2.27	$ 2.70	$ (0.35)	$ 7.88	$ 2.27	$ 3.33
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (USD per share)	(0.05)	0.42	(0.01)	0.05	(0.29)	(0.77)	(0.06)	(0.02)	0.42	(1.14)	0.35
Basic net income (loss) per common share (USD per share)	$ (1.04)	$ 3.63	$ 7.16	$ (1.44)	$ (2.65)	$ 1.50	$ 2.64	$ (0.37)	$ 8.30	$ 1.13	$ 3.68
Common shares used in basic EPS calculation (in shares)	55.7	55.5	55.4	55.3	55.4	55.4	56.5	57.6	55.5	56.2	59.4
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (USD per share)	$ (0.99)	$ 3.15	$ 7.10	$ (1.49)	$ (2.36)	$ 2.23	$ 2.66	$ (0.35)	$ 7.77	$ 2.23	$ 3.29
Income (loss) from discontinued operations (USD per share)	(0.05)	0.41	(0.01)	0.05	(0.29)	(0.76)	(0.07)	(0.02)	0.41	(1.11)	0.34
Diluted net income (loss) per common share (USD per share)	$ (1.04)	$ 3.56	$ 7.09	$ (1.44)	$ (2.65)	$ 1.47	$ 2.59	$ (0.37)	$ 8.18	$ 1.12	$ 3.63
Weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding and dilutive potential Common Shares (in shares)	55.7	56.6	55.9	55.3	55.4	56.3	57.4	57.6	56.3	57.1	60.2

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS - Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 497.7	$ 1,170.3	$ 1,189.9	$ 298.1	$ 433.9	$ 994.6	$ 1,013.3	$ 221.5	$ 3,156.0	$ 2,663.4	$ 2,642.1
Cost of sales									2,130.5	1,778.3	1,669.5
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other									5.9	20.5	0.0
Gross profit	89.5	423.4	472.1	34.5	73.7	347.6	409.2	34.0	1,019.6	864.6	972.6
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative									601.3	540.1	550.9
Impairment, restructuring and other									7.4	132.3	4.9
Other (income) expense, net									1.3	(6.7)	(16.6)
Income (loss) from operations									409.6	198.9	433.4
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries									0.0	0.0
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates									(3.3)	(4.9)	29.0
Interest expense									101.8	86.4	76.1
Other non-operating (income) loss									(270.5)	1.7	13.4
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									581.6	115.7	314.9
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations									144.9	(11.9)	116.6
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(55.5)	178.0	396.9	(82.6)	(130.6)	125.5	152.7	(20.0)	436.7	127.6	198.3
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(2.6)	23.6	(0.5)	2.9	(16.3)	(42.7)	(3.7)	(1.2)	23.5	(63.9)	20.5
Net income (loss)	(58.1)	201.6	396.4	(79.7)	(146.9)	82.8	149.0	(21.2)	460.2	63.7	218.8
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.5	0.0	(0.5)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest	$ (57.9)	$ 201.7	$ 396.5	$ (79.6)	$ (147.0)	$ 82.9	$ 148.9	$ (21.2)	460.7	63.7	218.3
Reportable Legal Entities \| Parent
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0.0	0.0	0.0
Cost of sales									0.0	0.0	0.0
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other									0.0	0.0
Gross profit									0.0	0.0	0.0
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative									0.0	0.0	0.0
Impairment, restructuring and other									0.0	0.0	0.0
Other (income) expense, net									(0.4)	(0.9)	(0.8)
Income (loss) from operations									0.4	0.9	0.8
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries									(500.5)	(121.4)	(250.4)
Other non-operating (income) loss											(20.7)
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates									0.0	0.0	0.0
Interest expense									72.0	75.9	70.1
Other non-operating (income) loss									(20.2)	(23.9)	0.0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									449.1	70.3	201.8
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations									(12.8)	5.2	(18.0)
Income (loss) from continuing operations									461.9	65.1	219.8
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									0.0	0.0	0.0
Net income (loss)									461.9	65.1	219.8
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.0	0.0	0.0
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									461.9	65.1	219.8
Reportable Legal Entities \| Subsidiary Guarantors
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									2,806.3	2,322.8	2,308.4
Cost of sales									1,854.2	1,507.1	1,415.8
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other									4.0	14.7
Gross profit									948.1	801.0	892.6
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative									533.3	467.6	480.4
Impairment, restructuring and other									6.8	83.1	4.5
Other (income) expense, net									0.8	(3.5)	(14.2)
Income (loss) from operations									407.2	253.8	421.9
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries									(10.5)	29.3	(15.9)
Other non-operating (income) loss											0.0
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates									(3.4)	(4.8)	28.9
Interest expense									73.9	51.7	43.8
Other non-operating (income) loss									(270.7)	(10.1)	0.0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									617.9	187.7	365.1
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations									151.1	(22.2)	128.8
Income (loss) from continuing operations									466.8	209.9	236.3
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									23.8	(64.5)	(0.7)
Net income (loss)									490.6	145.4	235.6
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.0	0.0	0.0
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									490.6	145.4	235.6
Reportable Legal Entities \| Non- Guarantors
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									349.7	340.6	333.7
Cost of sales									276.3	271.2	253.7
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other									1.9	5.8
Gross profit									71.5	63.6	80.0
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative									66.8	71.2	69.1
Impairment, restructuring and other									0.6	49.2	0.4
Other (income) expense, net									0.9	(2.3)	(1.6)
Income (loss) from operations									3.2	(54.5)	12.1
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries									0.0	0.0
Other non-operating (income) loss											(21.4)
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates									0.1	(0.1)	0.1
Interest expense									3.6	3.8	4.3
Other non-operating (income) loss									(27.3)	(9.3)	13.4
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									26.8	(48.9)	15.7
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations									6.6	5.1	5.8
Income (loss) from continuing operations									20.2	(54.0)	9.9
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									(0.3)	0.6	21.2
Net income (loss)									19.9	(53.4)	31.1
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.0	0.0	0.0
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									19.9	(53.4)	31.1
Eliminations/ Consolidations
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0.0	0.0	0.0
Cost of sales									0.0	0.0	0.0
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other									0.0	0.0
Gross profit									0.0	0.0	0.0
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative									1.2	1.3	1.4
Impairment, restructuring and other									0.0	0.0	0.0
Other (income) expense, net									0.0	0.0	0.0
Income (loss) from operations									(1.2)	(1.3)	(1.4)
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries									511.0	92.1	266.3
Other non-operating (income) loss											42.1
Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates									0.0	0.0	0.0
Interest expense									(47.7)	(45.0)	(42.1)
Other non-operating (income) loss									47.7	45.0
Income from continuing operations before income taxes									(512.2)	(93.4)	(267.7)
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations									0.0	0.0	0.0
Income (loss) from continuing operations									(512.2)	(93.4)	(267.7)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax									0.0	0.0	0.0
Net income (loss)									(512.2)	(93.4)	(267.7)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.5	0.0	(0.5)
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest									$ (511.7)	$ (93.4)	$ (268.2)

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS - Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ (58.1)	$ 201.6	$ 396.4	$ (79.7)	$ (146.9)	$ 82.8	$ 149.0	$ (21.2)	$ 460.2	$ 63.7	$ 218.8
Net foreign currency translation adjustment									(8.7)	9.0	28.2
Net change in derivatives									(16.4)	6.2	6.7
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits									(9.0)	8.0	13.2
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									(34.1)	23.2	48.1
Comprehensive income									426.1	86.9	266.9
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.5	0.0	(0.9)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest									426.6	86.9	266.0
Reportable Legal Entities \| Parent
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									461.9	65.1	219.8
Net foreign currency translation adjustment									(8.7)	9.0	28.2
Net change in derivatives									(16.4)	6.2	6.7
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits									(9.0)	8.0	13.2
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									(34.1)	23.2	48.1
Comprehensive income									427.8	88.3	267.9
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.0	0.0	0.0
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest									427.8	88.3	267.9
Reportable Legal Entities \| Subsidiary Guarantors
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									490.6	145.4	235.6
Net foreign currency translation adjustment									0.0	0.0	0.0
Net change in derivatives									(5.7)	3.5	2.8
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits									(7.1)	2.8	3.7
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									(12.8)	6.3	6.5
Comprehensive income									477.8	151.7	242.1
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.0	0.0	0.0
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest									477.8	151.7	242.1
Reportable Legal Entities \| Non- Guarantors
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									19.9	(53.4)	31.1
Net foreign currency translation adjustment									(8.7)	9.0	28.2
Net change in derivatives									0.0	0.0	0.0
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits									(1.9)	5.2	9.5
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									(10.6)	14.2	37.7
Comprehensive income									9.3	(39.2)	68.8
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.0	0.0	0.0
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest									9.3	(39.2)	68.8
Eliminations/ Consolidations
Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss)									(512.2)	(93.4)	(267.7)
Net foreign currency translation adjustment									8.7	(9.0)	(28.2)
Net change in derivatives									5.7	(3.5)	(2.8)
Net change in pension and other post-retirement benefits									9.0	(8.0)	(13.2)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)									23.4	(20.5)	(44.2)
Comprehensive income									(488.8)	(113.9)	(311.9)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest									0.5	0.0	(0.9)
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest									$ (488.3)	$ (113.9)	$ (312.8)

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS - Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 15, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES	$ 226.8	$ 342.5	$ 363.2
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	2.1	5.1	5.7
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash disposed of	0.0	0.0	180.3
Post-closing working capital payment related to sale of International Business	0.0	(35.3)	0.0
Investments in property, plant and equipment	(42.4)	(68.2)	(69.6)
Investments in loans receivable	0.0	(17.1)	(29.7)
Proceeds from loans receivable	20.8	14.3	0.0
Net distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	0.0	(0.1)	57.4
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliates	274.3	0.0	0.0
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	(6.6)	(492.9)	(121.7)
Return of investments from affiliates	0.0	0.0	0.0
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates	0.0	0.0	0.0
Other investing, net	7.0	13.5	0.0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	255.2	(580.7)	22.4
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	1,056.2	2,987.0	1,449.3
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	(1,445.5)	(2,312.9)	(1,618.3)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.250% Senior Notes	0.0	0.0	250.0
Financing and issuance fees	(0.2)	(6.1)	(4.4)
Dividends paid	(124.5)	(120.0)	(120.3)
Distribution paid by AeroGrow to noncontrolling interest	0.0	0.0	(8.1)
Purchase of Common Shares	(3.1)	(327.7)	(255.2)
Payments on seller notes	(0.8)	(8.9)	(28.7)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	0.0	0.0	7.9
Cash received from exercise of stock options	21.4	10.5	11.0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	0.0	(70.7)	0.0
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(496.5)	151.2	(316.8)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(0.6)	0.4	1.6
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(15.1)	(86.6)	70.4
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	33.9	120.5	28.6
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	18.8	33.9	120.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year classified within assets held for sale					$ 21.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	33.9	120.5	50.1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	18.8	33.9	120.5
Reportable Legal Entities \| Parent
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(32.8)	6.1	(48.3)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	0.0	0.0	0.0
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash disposed of			0.0
Post-closing working capital payment related to sale of International Business		0.0
Investments in property, plant and equipment	0.0	0.0	0.0
Investments in loans receivable		0.0	0.0
Proceeds from loans receivable	0.0	0.0
Net distributions from unconsolidated affiliates		0.0	0.0
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliates	0.0
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	0.0	0.0	0.0
Return of investments from affiliates	3,001.0	1,306.9	918.6
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates	(2,862.0)	(869.9)	(759.9)
Other investing, net	0.0	0.0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	139.0	437.0	158.7
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	0.0	0.0	0.0
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	0.0	0.0	0.0
Proceeds from issuance of 5.250% Senior Notes			250.0
Financing and issuance fees	0.0	(5.9)	(3.8)
Dividends paid	(124.5)	(120.0)	(120.3)
Distribution paid by AeroGrow to noncontrolling interest			0.0
Purchase of Common Shares	(3.1)	(327.7)	(255.2)
Payments on seller notes	0.0	0.0	0.0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements			7.9
Cash received from exercise of stock options	21.4	10.5	11.0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests		0.0
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(106.2)	(443.1)	(110.4)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year classified within assets held for sale					0.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		0.0	0.0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year			0.0
Return on investment	24.6	24.4	28.8
Reportable Legal Entities \| Subsidiary Guarantors
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES	266.7	294.2	471.4
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	0.4	4.7	5.6
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash disposed of			178.6
Post-closing working capital payment related to sale of International Business		(35.3)
Investments in property, plant and equipment	(36.4)	(61.1)	(59.5)
Investments in loans receivable		(16.6)	(29.7)
Proceeds from loans receivable	20.8	14.3
Net distributions from unconsolidated affiliates		0.0	57.7
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliates	274.3
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	(6.6)	(455.9)	(112.5)
Return of investments from affiliates	2.3	0.0	32.4
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates	(2.2)	(90.8)	(208.6)
Other investing, net	2.0	12.7
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	254.6	(628.0)	(136.0)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	876.3	2,658.4	1,196.1
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	(1,262.0)	(2,005.5)	(1,319.6)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.250% Senior Notes			0.0
Financing and issuance fees	(0.2)	(0.2)	(0.6)
Dividends paid	(3,001.0)	(1,306.9)	(918.6)
Distribution paid by AeroGrow to noncontrolling interest			0.0
Purchase of Common Shares	0.0	0.0	0.0
Payments on seller notes	(0.8)	(0.2)	(15.5)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements			0.0
Cash received from exercise of stock options	0.0	0.0	0.0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests		0.0
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates	2,865.7	951.4	759.9
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(522.0)	297.0	(298.3)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(0.7)	(36.8)	37.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	3.0	39.8	2.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	2.3	3.0	39.8
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year classified within assets held for sale					0.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		39.8	2.7
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year			39.8
Return on investment		1.8	15.0
Reportable Legal Entities \| Non- Guarantors
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES	17.5	68.4	(16.1)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	1.7	0.4	0.1
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash disposed of			1.7
Post-closing working capital payment related to sale of International Business		0.0
Investments in property, plant and equipment	(6.0)	(7.1)	(10.1)
Investments in loans receivable		(0.5)	0.0
Proceeds from loans receivable	0.0	0.0
Net distributions from unconsolidated affiliates		(0.1)	(0.3)
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliates	0.0
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	0.0	(37.0)	(9.2)
Return of investments from affiliates	0.0	0.0	0.0
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates	(3.7)	(81.5)	0.0
Other investing, net	5.0	0.8
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(3.0)	(125.0)	(17.8)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	179.9	328.6	253.2
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	(183.5)	(307.4)	(298.7)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.250% Senior Notes			0.0
Financing and issuance fees	0.0	0.0	0.0
Dividends paid	(26.9)	(26.2)	(43.8)
Distribution paid by AeroGrow to noncontrolling interest			(40.5)
Purchase of Common Shares	0.0	0.0	0.0
Payments on seller notes	0.0	(8.7)	(13.2)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements			0.0
Cash received from exercise of stock options	0.0	0.0	0.0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests		(70.7)
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates	2.2	90.8	208.6
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(28.3)	6.4	65.6
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(0.6)	0.4	1.6
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(14.4)	(49.8)	33.3
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	30.9	80.7	25.9
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	16.5	30.9	80.7
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year classified within assets held for sale					21.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		80.7	47.4
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year			80.7
Eliminations/ Consolidations
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES	(24.6)	(26.2)	(43.8)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	0.0	0.0	0.0
Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash disposed of			0.0
Post-closing working capital payment related to sale of International Business		0.0
Investments in property, plant and equipment	0.0	0.0	0.0
Investments in loans receivable		0.0	0.0
Proceeds from loans receivable	0.0	0.0
Net distributions from unconsolidated affiliates		0.0	0.0
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliates	0.0
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired	0.0	0.0	0.0
Return of investments from affiliates	(3,003.3)	(1,306.9)	(951.0)
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates	2,867.9	1,042.2	968.5
Other investing, net	0.0	0.0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(135.4)	(264.7)	17.5
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	0.0	0.0	0.0
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans	0.0	0.0	0.0
Proceeds from issuance of 5.250% Senior Notes			0.0
Financing and issuance fees	0.0	0.0	0.0
Dividends paid	3,027.9	1,333.1	962.4
Distribution paid by AeroGrow to noncontrolling interest			32.4
Purchase of Common Shares	0.0	0.0	0.0
Payments on seller notes	0.0	0.0	0.0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements			0.0
Cash received from exercise of stock options	0.0	0.0	0.0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests		0.0
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates	(2,867.9)	(1,042.2)	(968.5)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	160.0	290.9	26.3
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year classified within assets held for sale					$ 0.0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		$ 0.0	0.0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year			$ 0.0
Senior Notes – 5.250% \| Senior Notes
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate (percent)	5.25%	5.25%	5.25%	5.25%

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 18.8	$ 33.9	$ 120.5	$ 28.6
Accounts receivable, net	223.9	226.0
Accounts receivable pledged	84.5	84.5
Inventories	540.3	481.4
Prepaid and other current assets	174.2	59.9
Total current assets	1,041.7	885.7
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	0.0	36.1
Property, plant and equipment, net	546.0	530.8
Goodwill	538.7	543.0	441.6
Intangible assets, net	707.5	857.3
Other assets	194.8	201.6
Equity investment in subsidiaries	0.0	0.0
Intercompany assets	0.0	0.0
Total assets	3,028.7	3,054.5
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	128.1	132.6
Accounts payable	214.2	150.5
Other current liabilities	278.2	329.6
Total current liabilities	620.5	612.7
Long-term debt	1,523.5	1,883.8
Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate	0.0	21.9
Other liabilities	161.5	176.5
Equity investment in subsidiaries	0.0	0.0
Intercompany liabilities	0.0
Total liabilities	2,305.5	2,694.9
Total equity—controlling interest	718.7	354.6
Noncontrolling interest	4.5	5.0
Total equity	723.2	359.6	$ 661.7	$ 734.3
Total liabilities and equity	3,028.7	3,054.5
Reportable Legal Entities \| Parent
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0.0	0.0
Accounts receivable, net	0.0	0.0
Accounts receivable pledged	0.0	0.0
Inventories	0.0	0.0
Prepaid and other current assets	0.0	2.2
Total current assets	0.0	2.2
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		0.0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0.0	0.0
Goodwill	0.0	0.0
Intangible assets, net	0.0	0.0
Other assets	7.6	11.4
Equity investment in subsidiaries	1,223.4	860.0
Intercompany assets	1,065.8	1,422.8
Total assets	2,296.8	2,296.4
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	48.7	40.0
Accounts payable	0.0	0.0
Other current liabilities	27.4	17.8
Total current liabilities	76.1	57.8
Long-term debt	1,499.5	1,883.0
Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate		0.0
Other liabilities	2.5	1.0
Equity investment in subsidiaries	0.0	0.0
Intercompany liabilities	0.0	0.0
Total liabilities	1,578.1	1,941.8
Total equity—controlling interest	718.7	354.6
Noncontrolling interest	0.0	0.0
Total equity	718.7	354.6
Total liabilities and equity	2,296.8	2,296.4
Reportable Legal Entities \| Subsidiary Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	2.3	3.0
Accounts receivable, net	182.0	172.5
Accounts receivable pledged	84.5	84.5
Inventories	460.0	394.5
Prepaid and other current assets	166.8	44.6
Total current assets	895.6	699.1
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		35.2
Property, plant and equipment, net	485.5	464.7
Goodwill	421.9	420.6
Intangible assets, net	614.9	752.3
Other assets	146.9	164.8
Equity investment in subsidiaries	0.0	0.0
Intercompany assets	0.0	0.0
Total assets	2,564.8	2,536.7
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	119.4	118.4
Accounts payable	192.5	119.0
Other current liabilities	230.0	278.3
Total current liabilities	541.9	515.7
Long-term debt	779.9	1,140.9
Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate		21.9
Other liabilities	135.5	143.6
Equity investment in subsidiaries	76.6	1.5
Intercompany liabilities	59.1	125.0
Total liabilities	1,593.0	1,948.6
Total equity—controlling interest	971.8	588.1
Noncontrolling interest	0.0	0.0
Total equity	971.8	588.1
Total liabilities and equity	2,564.8	2,536.7
Reportable Legal Entities \| Non- Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	16.5	30.9
Accounts receivable, net	41.9	53.5
Accounts receivable pledged	0.0	0.0
Inventories	80.3	86.9
Prepaid and other current assets	7.4	13.1
Total current assets	146.1	184.4
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		0.9
Property, plant and equipment, net	60.5	66.1
Goodwill	105.2	110.8
Intangible assets, net	86.3	97.5
Other assets	40.3	25.4
Equity investment in subsidiaries	0.0	0.0
Intercompany assets	0.0	6.5
Total assets	438.4	491.6
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	8.7	14.2
Accounts payable	21.7	31.5
Other current liabilities	20.8	33.5
Total current liabilities	51.2	79.2
Long-term debt	101.3	102.1
Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate		0.0
Other liabilities	23.5	26.9
Equity investment in subsidiaries	0.0	0.0
Intercompany liabilities	74.3
Total liabilities	250.3	208.2
Total equity—controlling interest	188.1	283.4
Noncontrolling interest	0.0	0.0
Total equity	188.1	283.4
Total liabilities and equity	438.4	491.6
Eliminations/ Consolidations
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0.0	0.0
Accounts receivable, net	0.0	0.0
Accounts receivable pledged	0.0	0.0
Inventories	0.0	0.0
Prepaid and other current assets	0.0	0.0
Total current assets	0.0	0.0
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates		0.0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0.0	0.0
Goodwill	11.6	11.6
Intangible assets, net	6.3	7.5
Other assets	0.0
Equity investment in subsidiaries	(1,223.4)	(860.0)
Intercompany assets	(1,065.8)	(1,429.3)
Total assets	(2,271.3)	(2,270.2)
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	(48.7)	(40.0)
Accounts payable	0.0	0.0
Other current liabilities	0.0	0.0
Total current liabilities	(48.7)	(40.0)
Long-term debt	(857.2)	(1,242.2)
Distributions in excess of investment in unconsolidated affiliate		0.0
Other liabilities	0.0	5.0
Equity investment in subsidiaries	(76.6)	(1.5)
Intercompany liabilities	(133.4)	(125.0)
Total liabilities	(1,115.9)	(1,403.7)
Total equity—controlling interest	(1,159.9)	(871.5)
Noncontrolling interest	4.5	5.0
Total equity	(1,155.4)	(866.5)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (2,271.3)	$ (2,270.2)

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Additions Charged to Expense		$ 0.5
Allowance for doubtful accounts
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 3.6	3.1	$ 4.8
Reserves Acquired	0.0	0.0	0.0
Additions Charged to Expense	1.4	0.8	1.0
Deductions Credited and Write-Offs	(0.8)	(0.3)	(2.7)
Balance at End of Period	4.2	3.6	3.1
Income tax valuation allowance
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	33.6	29.7	4.1
Reserves Acquired	0.0	0.0	0.0
Additions Charged to Expense	2.4	12.3	25.6
Deductions Credited and Write-Offs	(0.2)	(8.4)
Balance at End of Period	$ 35.8	$ 33.6	$ 29.7

DEBT - Senior Notes - 5.250% (Details) - Senior Notes - Senior Notes – 5.250% - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 15, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount				$ 250.0
Interest rate (percent)	5.25%	5.25%	5.25%	5.25%

DEBT - Senior Notes - 4.500% (Details) - Subsequent Event - Senior Notes - Senior Notes - 4.500% $ in Millions	Oct. 22, 2019 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceed from issuance of unsecured debt	$ 450.0
Interest rate (percent)	4.50%

EQUITY - Schedule of Intrinsic Value of Stock Option Awards Outstanding and Exercisable (Details) - Options $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding	$ 36.5
Exercisable	$ 36.5

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Outstanding Commodity Contracts that Hedge Forecasted Purchases (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 T lb gal	Sep. 30, 2018 T lb gal
Urea
Derivative [Line Items]
Outstanding commodity contracts, mass \| T	78,500	88,000
Resin
Derivative [Line Items]
Outstanding commodity contracts, mass \| lb	14,900,000	0
Diesel
Derivative [Line Items]
Outstanding commodity contracts, volume	4,956,000	5,460,000
Heating Oil
Derivative [Line Items]
Outstanding commodity contracts, volume	1,344,000	1,218,000

OPERATING LEASES - Residual Value Guarantee Amounts (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)
Car and Light Truck Leases
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items]
Residual value guarantee	$ 3.4

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION - Additional Information (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019 segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS - Additional Information (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 15, 2016	Oct. 13, 2015
Senior Notes – 6.000%
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%				6.00%
Senior Notes – 6.000% \| Senior Notes
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%	6.00%
Senior Notes – 5.250% \| Senior Notes
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.25%	5.25%	5.25%	5.25%