The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company 10-Q
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 28, 2008
OR
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o |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-13292
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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OHIO
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31-1414921 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization)
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Identification No.) |
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14111 SCOTTSLAWN ROAD, |
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MARYSVILLE, OHIO
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43041 |
(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code) |
(937) 644-0011
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
NO CHANGE
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer þ
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Accelerated filer o
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Smaller reporting company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as
of the latest practicable date:
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Class
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Outstanding at July 31, 2008 |
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Common Shares, $0.01 stated value, no par value
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64,619,199 common shares |
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
INDEX
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PAGE NO. |
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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: |
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Financial Statements |
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Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three and nine months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 |
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Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Nine months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 |
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4 |
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Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets June 28, 2008, June 30, 2007, and September 30, 2007 |
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5 |
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Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements |
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6 |
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Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
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21 |
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
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28 |
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Controls and Procedures |
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28 |
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION: |
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Legal Proceedings |
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29 |
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Risk Factors |
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29 |
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Exhibits |
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30 |
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31 |
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Index to Exhibits |
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32 |
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EX-10(C) |
EX-10(D) |
EX-31(A) |
EX-31(B) |
EX-32 |
2
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)
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THREE MONTHS ENDED |
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NINE MONTHS ENDED |
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JUNE 28, |
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JUNE 30, |
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JUNE 28, |
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JUNE 30, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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Net sales |
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$ |
1,170.9 |
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$ |
1,098.4 |
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$ |
2,437.6 |
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$ |
2,362.9 |
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Cost of sales |
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746.9 |
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675.7 |
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1,596.9 |
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1,516.5 |
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Cost of sales product registrations/recalls |
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0.2 |
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22.8 |
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Gross profit |
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423.8 |
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422.7 |
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817.9 |
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846.4 |
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Operating expenses: |
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Selling, general and administrative |
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206.9 |
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199.2 |
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559.6 |
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544.4 |
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SG&A product registrations/recalls |
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5.6 |
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6.8 |
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Impairment, restructuring & other charges |
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123.3 |
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123.3 |
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Other income, net |
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(5.4 |
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(3.6 |
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(9.6 |
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(7.0 |
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Income from operations |
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93.4 |
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227.1 |
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137.8 |
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309.0 |
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Costs related to refinancing |
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18.3 |
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Interest expense |
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22.1 |
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26.2 |
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64.6 |
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52.3 |
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Income before income taxes |
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71.3 |
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200.9 |
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73.2 |
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238.4 |
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Income taxes |
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48.7 |
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71.2 |
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49.4 |
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84.7 |
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Net income |
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$ |
22.6 |
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$ |
129.7 |
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$ |
23.8 |
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$ |
153.7 |
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BASIC NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE: |
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Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period |
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64.6 |
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63.6 |
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64.4 |
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65.6 |
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Basic net income per common share |
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$ |
0.35 |
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$ |
2.04 |
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$ |
0.37 |
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$ |
2.34 |
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DILUTED NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE: |
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Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the
period plus dilutive potential common shares |
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65.3 |
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65.4 |
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65.5 |
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67.5 |
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Diluted net income per common share |
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$ |
0.35 |
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$ |
1.98 |
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$ |
0.36 |
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$ |
2.28 |
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Dividends declared per common share |
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$ |
0.125 |
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$ |
0.125 |
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$ |
0.375 |
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$ |
8.375 |
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See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements
3
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
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NINE MONTHS ENDED |
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JUNE 28, |
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JUNE 30, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
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Net income |
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$ |
23.8 |
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$ |
153.7 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: |
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Impairment of assets |
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123.3 |
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Costs related to refinancing |
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18.3 |
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Stock-based compensation expense |
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9.2 |
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13.6 |
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Depreciation |
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40.1 |
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39.2 |
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Amortization |
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12.8 |
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12.1 |
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Gain on of sale of property, plant, and equipment |
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(0.4 |
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Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses: |
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Accounts receivable |
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(388.2 |
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(321.4 |
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Inventories |
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(64.2 |
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(16.1 |
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Prepaid and other current assets |
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(22.5 |
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(8.8 |
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Accounts payable |
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88.5 |
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69.6 |
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Accrued liabilities |
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139.0 |
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116.0 |
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Restructuring reserves |
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(0.9 |
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(4.6 |
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Other non-current items |
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(5.6 |
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(7.9 |
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Other, net |
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5.2 |
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(1.1 |
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Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
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(39.5 |
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62.2 |
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INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
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Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment |
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1.0 |
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0.5 |
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Investment in property, plant and equipment |
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(35.8 |
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(37.8 |
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Investment in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired |
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(6.5 |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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(34.8 |
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(43.8 |
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FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
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Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit |
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838.0 |
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2,458.3 |
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Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit |
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(651.7 |
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(1,489.3 |
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Repayments of 6 5/8% senior subordinated notes |
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(209.6 |
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Dividends paid |
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(24.4 |
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(536.3 |
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Purchase of common shares and related costs |
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(246.7 |
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Financing fees |
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(13.0 |
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Payments on seller notes |
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(1.8 |
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(1.9 |
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Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements |
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2.1 |
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14.5 |
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Cash received from the exercise of stock options |
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7.2 |
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23.6 |
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Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
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169.4 |
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(0.4 |
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Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
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3.0 |
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0.8 |
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Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
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98.1 |
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18.8 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
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67.9 |
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48.1 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
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$ |
166.0 |
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$ |
66.9 |
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Supplemental cash flow information |
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Interest paid, net of interest capitalized |
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60.7 |
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50.9 |
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Income taxes (refunded) paid |
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(1.7 |
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9.7 |
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See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements
4
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN MILLIONS)
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UNAUDITED |
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(SEE NOTE 1) |
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JUNE 28, |
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JUNE 30, |
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SEPTEMBER 30, |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2007 |
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ASSETS |
Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
166.0 |
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$ |
66.9 |
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$ |
67.9 |
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Accounts receivable, less allowances of
$12.9, $12.9 and $11.4, respectively |
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435.0 |
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403.3 |
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248.3 |
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Accounts receivable pledged |
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361.2 |
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307.8 |
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149.5 |
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Inventories, net |
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474.9 |
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432.4 |
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405.9 |
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Prepaid and other assets |
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153.3 |
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112.7 |
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127.7 |
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Total current assets |
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1,590.4 |
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1,323.1 |
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999.3 |
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Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation of $464.3, $406.4 and $418.8, respectively |
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355.8 |
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364.8 |
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365.9 |
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Goodwill |
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386.7 |
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477.7 |
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462.9 |
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Intangible assets, net |
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377.1 |
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418.7 |
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418.8 |
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Other assets |
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23.9 |
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34.6 |
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30.3 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
2,733.9 |
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$ |
2,618.9 |
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$ |
2,277.2 |
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
Current liabilities: |
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Current portion of debt |
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$ |
292.1 |
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$ |
237.2 |
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$ |
86.4 |
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Accounts payable |
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295.1 |
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274.1 |
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202.5 |
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Other current liabilities |
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443.8 |
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410.0 |
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297.7 |
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Total current liabilities |
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1,031.0 |
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921.3 |
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586.6 |
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Long-term debt |
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1,028.3 |
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1,030.1 |
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1,031.4 |
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Other liabilities |
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174.8 |
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161.4 |
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179.9 |
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Total liabilities |
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2,234.1 |
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2,112.8 |
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1,797.9 |
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Commitments and contingencies (notes 2 and 12) |
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Shareholders equity: |
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Common shares and capital in excess of $.01 stated value per share,
64.6, 63.7 and 64.1 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
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476.6 |
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489.6 |
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480.3 |
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Retained earnings |
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259.9 |
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308.1 |
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260.5 |
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Treasury shares, at cost: 3.6, 4.5, and 4.0 shares, respectively |
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(194.1 |
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(244.8 |
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(219.5 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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(42.6 |
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(46.8 |
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(42.0 |
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Total shareholders equity |
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499.8 |
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506.1 |
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479.3 |
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Total liabilities and shareholders equity |
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$ |
2,733.9 |
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$ |
2,618.9 |
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$ |
2,277.2 |
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See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements
5
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (Scotts Miracle-Gro) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
Company) are engaged in the manufacture, marketing and sale of lawn and garden care products. The
Companys major customers include home improvement centers, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs,
large hardware chains, independent hardware stores, nurseries, garden centers, food and drug
stores, commercial nurseries and greenhouses and specialty crop growers. The Companys products are
sold primarily in North America and the European Union. The Company also operates the Scotts
LawnService® business, which provides lawn, tree and shrub fertilization, insect control and other
related services in the United States of America (the United States or U.S.) and Smith &
Hawken®, a leading brand in the outdoor living and gardening lifestyle category.
Due to the nature of the lawn and garden business, the majority of shipments to retailers occur in
the Companys second and third fiscal quarters. On a combined basis, net sales for the second and
third fiscal quarters generally represent 70% to 75% of annual net sales. As a result of the
seasonal nature of our business, results for the first nine months cannot be annualized to predict
the results of the full year.
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Companys condensed, consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion
of management, these financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States. The condensed, consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of Scotts Miracle-Gro and all wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All
intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The Companys
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.
Interim results reflect all normal and recurring adjustments and are not necessarily indicative of
results for a full year. The interim financial statements and notes are presented as specified by
Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Scotts Miracle-Gros Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.
The Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2007 has been derived from the audited
Consolidated Balance Sheet at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes
required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts
reported in the condensed, consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these
estimates are based on managements best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may
undertake in the future, actual results ultimately may differ from the estimates.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, which generally occurs when products
are received by the customer. Provisions for estimated returns and allowances are recorded at the
time revenue is recognized based on historical rates and are periodically adjusted for known
changes in return levels. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales. Scotts
LawnService® revenues are recognized at the time service is provided to the customer.
Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and Marketing Agreement (the
Marketing Agreement) between the Company and Monsanto, the Company, in its role as exclusive
agent performs certain functions, such as sales support, merchandising, distribution and logistics,
and incurs certain costs in support of the consumer Roundup® business. The actual costs incurred by
the Company on behalf of Roundup® are recovered from Monsanto through the terms of the Marketing
Agreement. The reimbursement of costs for which the Company is considered the primary obligor is
included in net sales.
6
PROMOTIONAL ALLOWANCES
The Company promotes its branded products through cooperative advertising programs with retailers.
Retailers also are offered in-store promotional allowances and rebates based on sales volumes.
Certain products are promoted with direct consumer rebate programs and special purchasing
incentives. Promotion costs (including allowances and rebates) incurred during the year are
expensed to interim periods in relation to revenues and are recorded as a reduction of net sales.
Accruals for expected payouts under these programs are included in the Other current liabilities
line in the Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets.
ADVERTISING
The Company advertises its branded products through national and regional media. 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.
Scotts LawnService® promotes its service offerings primarily through direct mail campaigns.
External costs associated with these campaigns, that qualify as direct response advertising costs,
are deferred and recognized as advertising expense in proportion to revenues over a period not
beyond the end of the subsequent calendar year. The costs deferred at June 28, 2008, June 30, 2007
and September 30, 2007 were $6.6 million, $8.1 million and $5.7 million, respectively.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AWARDS
The fair value of awards is expensed ratably over the vesting period, generally three years. The
Company uses a binomial model to determine the fair value of its option grants.
GOODWILL AND INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS
In accordance with SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, (SFAS 142) goodwill and
intangible assets determined to have indefinite lives are not subject to amortization. Goodwill and
indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment by applying a fair-value based test
on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potential impairment. If it is
determined that an impairment has occurred, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by
which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value and classified as
Impairment, restructuring and other charges in the Condensed, Consolidated Statement of
Operations.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company changed the timing of its annual goodwill
impairment testing from the last day of the fiscal first quarter to the first day of the fiscal
fourth quarter. In addition, the Company also changed the date of its annual indefinite life
intangible impairment testing to the first day of the fiscal fourth quarter. See Note 3
Impairment, restructuring and other charges for a discussion of the impairment analysis performed
as of June 28, 2008.
INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense was calculated assuming an effective tax rate of 67.5% for fiscal 2008, versus
35.5% for fiscal 2007. The increase in the effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 was primarily due to
the goodwill impairment charge which is not deductible for tax purposes. The effective tax rate
used for interim reporting purposes is based on managements best estimate of factors impacting the
effective tax rate for the fiscal year. Factors affecting the estimated rate include assumptions as
to income by jurisdiction (domestic and foreign), the availability and utilization of tax credits,
the existence of elements of income and expense that may not be taxable or deductible, as well as
other items. There can be no assurance that the effective tax rate estimated for interim financial
reporting purposes will approximate the effective tax rate determined at fiscal year end. The
estimated effective tax rate is subject to revision in later interim periods and at fiscal year end
as facts and circumstances change during the course of the fiscal year.
NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
The following represents a reconciliation from basic net income per common share to diluted net
income per common share. Basic net income per common share is computed based on the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding each period. Diluted net income per common
share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential
common shares (stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and stock appreciation rights)
outstanding each period. Stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price
of the underlying common shares are excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share
because they are out-of-the-money. The number of out-of-the-money stock options excluded at June
28, 2008 was 2.6 million. The number of options excluded at June 30, 2007 was immaterial.
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, 2008 |
|
|
JUNE 30, 2007 |
|
|
JUNE 28, 2008 |
|
|
JUNE 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA) |
|
Determination of common shares: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average common shares outstanding |
|
|
64.6 |
|
|
|
63.6 |
|
|
|
64.4 |
|
|
|
65.6 |
|
Assumed conversion of dilutive potential common shares |
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted average common shares outstanding |
|
|
65.3 |
|
|
|
65.4 |
|
|
|
65.5 |
|
|
|
67.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic net income per common share |
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
|
$ |
2.04 |
|
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
$ |
2.34 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted net income per common share |
|
$ |
0.35 |
|
|
$ |
1.98 |
|
|
$ |
0.36 |
|
|
$ |
2.28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Note 4, Recapitalization for a discussion of the Companys recapitalization transactions that
were consummated in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
FIN 48 Accounting For Uncertainty In Income Taxes An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN
48). This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an
enterprises financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN
48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement
recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This
Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties,
accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.
The evaluation of a tax position in accordance with FIN 48 is a two-step process. The first step is
recognition. The enterprise determines whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will
be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes,
based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the
more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the enterprise should presume that the position will be
examined by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant
information. The second step is measurement. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not
recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial
statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than
50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should
be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met.
Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition
threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that
threshold is no longer met.
The Company, as required, adopted FIN 48 as of the beginning of its 2008 fiscal year, resulting in
a $0.4 million decrease to retained earnings at October 1, 2007. See Note 11, Income Taxes, for
additional information.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 Fair Value Measurements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157
defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about
fair value measurements. The Company will be required to adopt SFAS 157 no later than October 1,
2008, the beginning of its 2009 fiscal year. The provisions of SFAS 157 should be applied
prospectively to the beginning of the fiscal year in which SFAS 157 is initially applied, except
with respect to certain financial instruments as defined by SFAS 157. The Company is in the
process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS 157 will have on its financial
statements.
8
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities-Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115, (SFAS 159) which allows
an entity the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for
certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. Subsequent changes in
fair value of these financial assets and liabilities would be recognized in earnings when they
occur. SFAS 159 further establishes certain additional disclosure requirements. SFAS 159 is
effective for the Companys financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2008,
with earlier adoption permitted. No entity is permitted to apply SFAS 159 retrospectively to
fiscal years preceding the effective date unless the entity chooses early adoption. The Company is
in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS 159 will have on its financial
statements.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141(R) Business Combinations
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations, (SFAS 141(R)) which
replaces SFAS 141. The objective of SFAS 141(R) is to improve the relevance, representational
faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its
financial reports about a business combination and its effects. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles
and requirements for how the acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the
identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the
acquiree; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from
a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial
statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R)
applies to all transactions or other events in which an entity (the acquirer) obtains control of
one or more businesses (the acquiree), including those sometimes referred to as true mergers or
mergers of equals and combinations achieved without the transfer of consideration. SFAS 141(R) is
effective for the Companys financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009. The
Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS 141(R) will have on
its financial statements.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 160 Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated
Financial Statements
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS 160). The objective of SFAS 160 is to improve the
relevance, comparability and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity
provides in its consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 amends ARB No. 51 to establish
accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the
deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 also changes the way the consolidated financial
statements are presented, establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parents
ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation, requires that a parent
recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and expands disclosures
in the consolidated financial statements that clearly identify and distinguish between the parents
ownership interest and the interest of the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary. The provisions of
SFAS 160 should be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which SFAS 160
is adopted, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which are to be applied
retrospectively for all periods presented. SFAS 160 is effective for the Companys financial
statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009. The Company is in the process of
evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on its financial statements.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 Disclosures about Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activitiesan amendment of FASB Statement No. 133
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). The objective of SFAS 161 is to
enhance the current disclosure framework in Statement 133 and improve the transparency of financial
reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS 161 requires entities to provide
enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how
derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its
related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an
entitys financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for the
Companys financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2010. The Company is in the
process of evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 161 will have on its financial
statements.
9
2. 2008 REGISTRATION AND PRODUCT RECALL MATTERS
In March 2008, the Company announced a voluntary recall of certain wild bird food products which
had been treated with pest control products labeled for use on certain stored grains that can be
processed for human and/or animal consumption. However, these pest control products were not
labeled for use on wild bird food products. These products were treated with pest control products
to avoid insect infestations, especially at retail stores, a practice which pre-dates the Companys
acquisition of Gutwein & Co., Inc. in November 2005.
In April 2008, the Company, in cooperation with an investigation by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA), announced a recall of certain consumer lawn and garden products and a
Scotts LawnService® (SLS) product. These products contain active ingredients that require USEPA
registrations before they can be marketed to consumers or used by SLS. An investigation led by the
USEPA, with the U.S. Department of Justice (the USDOJ), revealed that valid registrations for
these products either had not been obtained or that the products were not properly labeled. To
date, the evidence indicates that an employee of the Company, since terminated, apparently
deliberately circumvented Company policies and USEPA regulations by failing to obtain valid
registrations for the products and/or causing invalid product registration forms to be submitted to
regulators. Since April, the Company has cooperated with the USEPA in conducting an internal
investigation of its pesticide product registrations which has resulted in the identification of
additional registration issues that have been disclosed to the USEPA. As previously disclosed, one
of the issues identified by the Company resulted in the issuance by the USEPA of a stop sale order
for the products in question, including Ortho® Home Defense Max® Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer,
a pest control product that is a significant component of the Ortho® portfolio of products.
However, as also previously reported, shortly after issuing the stop sale order, the USEPA
permitted the Company to continue to sell the Home Defense Max® products pursuant to USEPA
instructions. In addition, as previously disclosed, the Company has agreed with the USEPA on a
Compliance Review Plan for conducting an independent review of the Companys pesticide product
registration records. This independent review is currently under way and, given the extensive
nature of the review, appears likely to result in the identification of additional product
registration issues.
Currently, the Company expects costs related to the recalls and known registration issues to range
from $55 to $60 million, exclusive of potential fines and/or penalties. No reserves have been
established with respect to any potential civil or criminal fines or penalties at the state and/or
federal level related to the product registration issues as the scope and magnitude of such amounts
are not currently estimable. However, it is possible that such fines and/or penalties could be
material and have an adverse effect on the Companys financial condition and results of operations.
For the three and nine month periods ended June 28, 2008, the Company reversed sales associated
with estimated returns of the recalled products, recorded an impairment estimate for affected
inventory, and accrued other registration and recall-related costs. The following tables summarize
the impact of the product registration and recall matters on the results of operations and accrued
liabilities and inventory reserves:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS |
|
|
NINE MONTHS |
|
|
|
ENDED |
|
|
ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, 2008 |
|
|
JUNE 28, 2008 |
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
(5.2 |
) |
|
$ |
(24.2 |
) |
Cost of sales |
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(12.8 |
) |
Cost of sales product registrations/recalls |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
22.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Profit |
|
|
(4.6 |
) |
|
|
(34.2 |
) |
SG&A product registrations/recalls |
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations |
|
|
(10.2 |
) |
|
|
(41.0 |
) |
Income tax benefit |
|
|
(4.0 |
) |
|
|
(15.1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
(6.2 |
) |
|
$ |
(25.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADDITIONAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COSTS AND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
RESERVES AT |
|
|
RESERVES |
|
|
CHANGES IN |
|
|
RESERVES AT |
|
|
|
MARCH 29, 2008 |
|
|
USED |
|
|
ESTIMATES |
|
|
JUNE 28, 2008 |
|
Sales returns product recalls |
|
$ |
19.0 |
|
|
$ |
(17.7 |
) |
|
$ |
5.2 |
|
|
$ |
6.5 |
|
Cost of sales returns product recalls |
|
|
(12.0 |
) |
|
|
9.4 |
|
|
|
(0.8 |
) |
|
|
(3.4 |
) |
Impairment of inventory |
|
|
14.1 |
|
|
|
(7.4 |
) |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
Other incremental costs of sales |
|
|
8.5 |
|
|
|
(3.4 |
) |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
Other general and administrative costs |
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued liabilities and inventory reserves |
|
$ |
30.8 |
|
|
$ |
(19.8 |
) |
|
$ |
10.2 |
|
|
$ |
21.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
The comprehensive investigation into the Companys product registrations continues, and this
investigation may result in future state or federal action with respect to additional product
registration issues. Until such investigation is complete, the Company cannot fully quantify the
extent of additional issues or their consequences. Scotts Miracle-Gro is committed to providing its
customers and consumers with products of superior quality and value to enhance their lawns, gardens
and overall outdoor living environments. The Company believes consumers have come to trust our
brands based on the superior quality and value they deliver, and that trust is highly valued. The
Company is also committed to conducting business with the highest degree of ethical standards and
in adherence to the law. The Company is disappointed in these recent occurrences and is working
diligently to address the issues, including, as described above, retaining independent firms to
conduct examinations of existing product registrations and to recommend enhancements to the
Companys product registration compliance and control processes. However, these events may
nevertheless have a negative impact on future demand for the Companys products.
3. IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
In accordance with SFAS 142, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to
amortization. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment by
applying a fair-value based test on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances indicate
impairment may have occurred. The Company assesses goodwill for impairment by comparing the
carrying value of its reporting units to their respective fair values and reviewing the Companys
market value of invested capital. The Companys reporting units are at or are one level below its
reportable segments. Management engages an independent valuation firm to assist in its impairment
assessment reviews. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units primarily
utilizing discounted cash flows and incorporates assumptions it believes marketplace participants
would utilize. The Company also uses comparative market multiples and other factors to corroborate
the discounted cash flow results used. The value of all indefinite-lived tradenames was
determined using a royalty savings methodology similar to that employed when the associated
businesses were acquired but using updated estimates of sales, cash flow and profitability.
As discussed in Note 1, during the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company changed the timing of
its annual goodwill impairment testing from the last day of the fiscal first quarter to the first
day of the fiscal fourth quarter. As such, annual impairment testing for fiscal 2007 was performed
as of December 30, 2006 and again as of July 1, 2007.
In accordance with SFAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets
(SFAS 144), the Company also evaluates the recoverability of its other long-lived assets,
including amortizing intangible assets, if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred.
This analysis is performed by comparing the carrying values of these assets to their expected
future undiscounted cash flows. If such analysis indicates that the carrying value of the
respective asset is not recoverable, the carrying value of asset is reduced to its fair value.
FISCAL 2008
As a result of a significant decline in the market value of the Companys common stock during the
latter half of the third fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2008, the Companys market value of invested
capital was approximately 60% of the similar impairment metric used in our fourth quarter fiscal
2007 annual impairment testing. Management determined this was an indicator of possible goodwill
impairment and, therefore, interim impairment testing was performed as of June 28, 2008.
The Companys third quarter fiscal 2008 interim impairment review resulted in a non-cash charge of
$123.3 million, $101.9 million net of taxes, to reflect the decline in the fair value of certain
goodwill and other assets as evidenced by the recent decline in the Companys common stock. Of
this impairment charge, $80.8 million was for goodwill, $23.2 million related to indefinite-lived
tradenames, $18.3 million was for SFAS 144 long-lived assets and $1.0 million related to inventory.
On a reportable segment basis, $71.8 million of the impairment was in Global Consumer, $31.4
million of the charge was in Global Professional, with the remaining $20.1 million of impairment
in Corporate & Other. The goodwill portion of this impairment charge is an estimate, as
management is in the process of performing the required SFAS 142 Step 2 goodwill impairment
evaluation for the associated reporting units as of the date of this report. The Company
anticipates finalizing this SFAS 142 Step 2 goodwill impairment evaluation in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2008 and, if necessary, will update the goodwill impairment charge during that reporting
period.
The Company recorded no restructuring and other charges in the three and nine month periods ended
June 28, 2008.
11
FISCAL 2007
The Company recorded no goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges or
restructuring and other charges in the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2007.
The following table summarizes the Companys reserves and reserve activity for accrued
restructuring and other charges, which are included in Other current liabilities in the
Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, 2008 |
|
|
JUNE 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
Amounts reserved for restructuring and other charges at beginning of fiscal year |
|
$ |
2.5 |
|
|
$ |
6.4 |
|
Payments and other |
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
(4.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts reserved for restructuring and other charges at end of period |
|
$ |
1.6 |
|
|
$ |
1.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4. RECAPITALIZATION
On December 12, 2006, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced a recapitalization plan to return $750 million
to its shareholders. This plan expanded and accelerated the previously announced five-year
$500 million share repurchase program (which was canceled) under which Scotts Miracle-Gro
repurchased 2.0 million of its common shares for $87.9 million during fiscal 2006. Pursuant to the
recapitalization plan, on February 14, 2007, Scotts Miracle-Gro completed a modified Dutch
auction tender offer, resulting in the repurchase of 4.5 million of its common shares for an
aggregate purchase price of $245.5 million ($54.50 per share). On February 16, 2007, the Board of
Directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro declared a special one-time cash dividend of $8.00 per share
($508 million in the aggregate), which was paid on March 5, 2007, to shareholders of record on
February 26, 2007.
In order to fund these transactions, Scotts Miracle-Gro and certain of its subsidiaries entered
into credit facilities aggregating $2.15 billion and terminated its prior credit facility. As part
of this debt restructuring, Scotts Miracle-Gro also conducted a cash tender offer to retire its
outstanding 6 5/8% senior subordinated notes in an aggregate principal amount of $200 million.
Reference should be made to Note 7, Debt for further information as to the credit facilities and
the repayment and termination of the prior credit facility and the 6 5/8% senior subordinated
notes.
The payment of the special one-time cash dividend required the Company to adjust the number of
common shares subject to stock options and stock appreciation rights outstanding under the
Companys share-based award programs, as well as the price at which the awards may be exercised.
Reference should be made to Note 10, Stock-Based Compensation Awards for further information.
The Companys interest expense will be significantly higher subsequent to the recapitalization as a
result of the borrowings incurred to fund the cash returned to shareholders. The following pro
forma financial information has been compiled as if the Company had completed the recapitalization
transactions as of October 1, 2006 for fiscal 2007. Borrowing rates in effect as of March 30, 2007
were used to compute pro forma interest expense. As the recapitalization involved a share
repurchase, pro forma diluted common shares are also provided. No pro forma adjustments are
necessary for the three and nine month periods ended June 28, 2008 and the three month period ended
June 30, 2007 as the recapitalization transactions were consummated prior to the start of those
periods.
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRO FORMA |
|
|
|
FINANCIAL |
|
|
|
INFORMATION |
|
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS EXCEPT |
|
|
|
PER SHARE DATA) |
|
Income before income taxes, as reported |
|
$ |
238.4 |
|
Add back reported interest expense |
|
|
52.3 |
|
Add back costs related to refinancing |
|
|
18.3 |
|
Deduct pro forma interest expense |
|
|
(75.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Pro forma income before income taxes |
|
|
233.1 |
|
Pro forma income taxes |
|
|
82.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income |
|
$ |
150.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma basic net income per common share |
|
$ |
2.38 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma diluted net income per common share |
|
$ |
2.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reported interest expense |
|
$ |
52.3 |
|
Incremental interest on recapitalization borrowings |
|
|
21.8 |
|
Credit facilities interest rate differential |
|
|
1.5 |
|
Incremental amortization of credit facilities fees |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma interest expense |
|
$ |
75.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma effective tax rate |
|
|
35.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRO FORMA SHARES |
|
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period |
|
|
65.6 |
|
Incremental full period impact of repurchased common shares |
|
|
(2.4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Pro forma basic common shares |
|
|
63.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during
the period plus dilutive potential common shares |
|
|
67.5 |
|
Incremental full period impact of repurchased common shares |
|
|
(2.4 |
) |
Impact on dilutive potential common shares |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma diluted common shares |
|
|
65.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
5. DETAIL OF INVENTORIES, NET
Inventories, net of provisions for slow moving and obsolete inventory of $28.3 million, $15.8
million, and $15.6 million, as of June 28, 2008, June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2007,
respectively, consisted of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
SEPTEMBER 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
Finished goods |
|
$ |
316.1 |
|
|
$ |
303.6 |
|
|
$ |
289.9 |
|
Work-in-process |
|
|
29.5 |
|
|
|
24.8 |
|
|
|
28.3 |
|
Raw materials |
|
|
129.3 |
|
|
|
104.0 |
|
|
|
87.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
474.9 |
|
|
$ |
432.4 |
|
|
$ |
405.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
6. MARKETING AGREEMENT
The Company is Monsantos exclusive agent for the domestic and international marketing and
distribution of consumer Roundup® herbicide products. Under the terms of the Marketing Agreement
with Monsanto, the Company is entitled to receive an annual
commission from Monsanto in consideration for the performance of the Companys duties as agent. The
annual gross commission under the Marketing Agreement is calculated as a percentage of the actual
earnings before interest and income taxes (EBIT) of the consumer Roundup® business, as defined in
the Marketing Agreement. Each years percentage varies in accordance with the terms of the
Marketing Agreement based on the achievement of two earnings thresholds and on commission rates
that vary by threshold and program year. The Marketing Agreement also requires the Company to make
annual payments to Monsanto as a contribution against the overall expenses of the consumer Roundup®
business. The annual contribution payment is defined in the Marketing Agreement as $20 million.
In consideration for the rights granted to the Company under the Marketing Agreement for North
America, the Company was required to pay a marketing fee of $32 million to Monsanto. The Company
has deferred this amount on the basis that the payment will provide a future benefit through
commissions that will be earned under the Marketing Agreement. Based on managements current
assessment of the likely term of the Marketing Agreement, the useful life over which the marketing
fee is being amortized is 20 years.
Under the terms of the Marketing Agreement, the Company performs certain functions, primarily
manufacturing conversion, selling and marketing support, on behalf of Monsanto in the conduct of
the consumer Roundup® business. The actual costs incurred for these activities are charged to and
reimbursed by Monsanto, for which the Company recognizes no gross profit or net income. The Company
records costs incurred under the Marketing Agreement for which the Company is the primary obligor
on a gross basis, recognizing such costs in Cost of sales and the reimbursement of these costs in
Net sales, with no effect on gross profit or net income. The related net sales and cost of sales
were $15.7 million and $12.0 million for the three-month periods and $45.8 million and
$32.1 million for the nine-month periods ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively.
The elements of the net commission earned under the Marketing Agreement and included in Net sales
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, 2008 |
|
|
JUNE 30, 2007 |
|
|
JUNE 28, 2008 |
|
|
JUNE 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
Gross commission |
|
$ |
33.6 |
|
|
$ |
29.0 |
|
|
$ |
50.7 |
|
|
$ |
50.4 |
|
Contribution expenses |
|
|
(5.0 |
) |
|
|
(5.0 |
) |
|
|
(15.0 |
) |
|
|
(15.0 |
) |
Amortization of marketing fee |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net commission income |
|
|
28.4 |
|
|
|
23.8 |
|
|
|
35.1 |
|
|
|
34.8 |
|
Reimbursements associated with Marketing Agreement |
|
|
15.7 |
|
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
45.8 |
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net sales associated with Marketing Agreement |
|
$ |
44.1 |
|
|
$ |
35.8 |
|
|
$ |
80.9 |
|
|
$ |
66.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Marketing Agreement has no definite term except as it relates to the European Union (EU)
countries. With respect to the EU countries, the term of the Marketing Agreement had previously
been extended through September 30, 2008, with the option of both parties to renew for two
additional successive terms ending on September 30, 2015 and 2018, with a separate determination
being made by the parties at least six months prior to the expiration of each such term as to
whether to commence a subsequent renewal term. On March 28, 2008, the parties agreed to extend the
EU term of the Marketing Agreement through September 30, 2011 plus up to two additional automatic
renewal periods of two years each.
The Marketing Agreement provides Monsanto with the right to terminate the Marketing Agreement for
an event of default (as defined in the Marketing Agreement) by the Company or a change in control
of Monsanto or the sale of the consumer Roundup® business. The Marketing Agreement provides the
Company with the right to terminate the Marketing Agreement in certain circumstances including an
event of default by Monsanto or the sale of the consumer Roundup® business. Unless Monsanto
terminates the Marketing Agreement for an event of default by the Company, Monsanto is required to
pay a termination fee to the Company that varies by program year. If Monsanto terminates the
Marketing Agreement upon a change of control of Monsanto or the sale of the consumer Roundup®
business prior to September 30, 2008, the Company will be entitled to a termination fee of
$100 million. If the Company terminates the Marketing Agreement upon an uncured material breach,
material fraud or material willful misconduct by Monsanto, it is entitled to receive a termination
fee of $100 million if the termination occurs prior to September 30, 2008. For periods subsequent
to September 30, 2008, the termination fee is calculated as a percentage of the value of the
RoundUp® business exceeding a certain threshold, but in no event less than $16 million. If Monsanto
were to terminate the Marketing Agreement for cause, the Company would not be entitled to any
termination fee, and it would lose all, or a significant portion, of the significant source of
earnings and overhead expense absorption the Marketing Agreement provides. Monsanto may also be
able to terminate the Marketing Agreement within a given region, including North America, without
paying a termination fee if unit volume sales to consumers in that region decline: (1) over a
cumulative three-fiscal-year period; or (2) by more than 5% for each of two consecutive years.
14
7. DEBT
The components of long-term debt as of June 28, 2008, June 30, 2007, and September 30, 2007 are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
SEPTEMBER 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
Credit Facilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving loans |
|
$ |
483.4 |
|
|
$ |
455.2 |
|
|
$ |
469.2 |
|
Term loans |
|
|
554.4 |
|
|
|
560.0 |
|
|
|
558.6 |
|
Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement |
|
|
260.2 |
|
|
|
222.6 |
|
|
|
64.4 |
|
Notes due to sellers |
|
|
13.5 |
|
|
|
15.2 |
|
|
|
15.1 |
|
Foreign bank borrowings and term loans |
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
8.7 |
|
|
|
8.4 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,320.4 |
|
|
|
1,267.3 |
|
|
|
1,117.8 |
|
Less current portions |
|
|
292.1 |
|
|
|
237.2 |
|
|
|
86.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,028.3 |
|
|
$ |
1,030.1 |
|
|
$ |
1,031.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In connection with the recapitalization transactions discussed in Note 4, Recapitalization,
Scotts Miracle-Gro and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the following loan facilities
totaling up to $2.15 billion in the aggregate: (a) a senior secured five-year term loan in the
principal amount of $560 million and (b) a senior secured five-year revolving loan facility in the
aggregate principal amount of up to $1.59 billion. Under the terms of the loan facilities, the
Company may request an additional $200 million in revolving credit and/or term credit commitments,
subject to approval from the lenders. Borrowings may be made in various currencies including U.S.
dollars, Euros, British pounds sterling, Australian dollars and Canadian dollars. The
$2.15 billion senior secured credit facilities replaced the Companys former $1.05 billion senior
credit facility. The Company also retired all of the 6 5/8% senior subordinated notes under the
terms of a tender offer, at an aggregate cost of $209.6 million including an early redemption
premium. Amortization payments on the term loan portion of the credit facilities began on September
30, 2007 and will continue quarterly through 2012. As of June 28, 2008, the cumulative total
amortization payments on the term loan were $5.6 million, reducing the balance of the Companys
term loans and effectively reducing the size of the credit facilities.
As of June 28, 2008, there was $1,081.6 million of availability under the revolving loan facility.
Under the revolving loan facility, the Company has the ability to issue letter of credit
commitments up to $65.0 million. At June 28, 2008, the Company had letters of credit in the amount
of $25.0 million outstanding.
At June 28, 2008, the Company had outstanding interest rate swaps with major financial institutions
that effectively converted a portion of variable-rate debt denominated in the Euro, British pound
and U.S. dollar to a fixed rate. The swap agreements have a total U.S. dollar equivalent notional
amount of $724.9 million at June 28, 2008. The term, expiration date and rates of these swaps are
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTIONAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AMOUNT IN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD |
|
|
|
|
EXPIRATION |
|
FIXED |
|
CURRENCY |
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
|
TERM |
|
DATE |
|
RATE |
|
British pound |
|
$ |
57.4 |
|
|
3 years |
|
11/17/2008 |
|
|
4.76 |
% |
Euro |
|
|
67.5 |
|
|
3 years |
|
11/17/2008 |
|
|
2.98 |
% |
U.S. dollar |
|
|
200.0 |
|
|
2 years |
|
3/31/2009 |
|
|
4.90 |
% |
U.S. dollar |
|
|
200.0 |
|
|
3 years |
|
3/31/2010 |
|
|
4.87 |
% |
U.S. dollar |
|
|
200.0 |
|
|
5 years |
|
2/14/2012 |
|
|
5.20 |
% |
Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement
On
April 11, 2007, the Company entered into a one-year Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (the
Original MARP Agreement). On April 9, 2008, the Company
terminated the Original MARP Agreement and entered into a new Master Accounts Receivable Purchase
Agreement (the New MARP Agreement) with a termination date of April 8, 2009, or such later date
as may be extended by mutual agreement of the Company and its lenders. The terms of the New MARP
Agreement are substantially the same as the Original MARP Agreement. The New MARP Agreement
provides for the discounted sale, on a revolving basis, of accounts receivable generated by
specified account debtors, with seasonally adjusted monthly aggregate limits ranging from $10
million to $300 million. The New MARP Agreement also provides for specified account debtor
sublimit amounts, which provide limits on the amount of receivables owed by individual account
debtors that can be sold to the banks.
15
The caption Accounts receivable pledged on the accompanying Condensed, Consolidated Balance
Sheets in the amounts of $361.2 million, 307.8 million and $149.5 million as of June 28, 2008, June
30, 2007 and September 30, 2007, respectively, represents the pool of receivables that have been
designated as sold and serve as collateral for short-term
debt in the amount of $260.2 million, $222.6 million and $64.4 million, as of those dates, respectively.
The Company was in compliance with the terms of all borrowing agreements at June 28, 2008.
8. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The components of other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income for the three and nine
month periods ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
22.6 |
|
|
$ |
129.7 |
|
|
$ |
23.8 |
|
|
$ |
153.7 |
|
Other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in valuation of derivative instruments |
|
|
11.3 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
(6.1 |
) |
|
|
3.9 |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustments |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
$ |
35.2 |
|
|
$ |
133.7 |
|
|
$ |
23.2 |
|
|
$ |
158.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9. RETIREMENT AND RETIREE MEDICAL PLANS COST INFORMATION
The following summarizes the net periodic benefit cost for the various retirement and retiree
medical plans sponsored by the Company:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
Frozen defined benefit plans |
|
$ |
0.1 |
|
|
$ |
0.4 |
|
|
$ |
0.4 |
|
|
$ |
1.3 |
|
International benefit plans |
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
Retiree medical plan |
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AWARDS
The following is a recap of the share-based awards granted over the periods indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, 2008 |
|
|
JUNE 30, 2007 |
|
Key employees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options |
|
|
889,700 |
|
|
|
821,200 |
|
Options and SARs due to recapitalization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
872,147 |
|
Performance shares |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted stock |
|
|
154,900 |
|
|
|
193,550 |
|
Board of Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred stock units, Options |
|
|
30,134 |
|
|
|
127,000 |
|
Options due to recapitalization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
202,649 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total share-based awards |
|
|
1,114,734 |
|
|
|
2,216,546 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate fair value at grant dates (in millions) |
|
$ |
18.7 |
|
|
$ |
22.3 |
|
Total share-based compensation and the tax benefit recognized in compensation expense were as
follows for the periods indicated (in millions):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, 2008 |
|
|
JUNE 30, 2007 |
|
|
JUNE 28, 2008 |
|
|
JUNE 30, 2007 |
|
Share-based compensation |
|
$ |
2.0 |
|
|
$ |
3.6 |
|
|
$ |
9.2 |
|
|
$ |
13.6 |
|
Tax benefit recognized |
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
16
11. INCOME TAXES
The Company adopted FIN 48 as of October 1, 2007, the beginning of its 2008 fiscal year. After
adoption, the Company continues to classify interest and penalties on tax uncertainties as a
component of the provision for income taxes. As of the date of adoption, the total amount of gross
unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, including positions impacting only timing
benefits, was $10.0 million (compared to $9.6 million as of September 30, 2007, prior to adoption).
Of the $10.0 million accrued at the date of adoption, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that,
if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was $9.5 million, which included accrued
interest and penalties of $1.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively. As a result of adoption,
the Company recognized a $0.4 million decrease to retained earnings at October 1, 2007.
As of June 28, 2008, the total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax
positions, including positions impacting only timing benefits, was $9.1 million. The amount of
these unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was $8.3
million, including accrued interest and penalties of $1.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
The reduction in unrecognized tax benefits from the date of adoption was mainly due to closing of
certain statutes of limitations and a tax settlement with the State of New Jersey that was
finalized in the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2008.
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction,
and various state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer
subject to examinations by these tax authorities for fiscal year 2004 and prior. The Company is
under examination by certain foreign and U.S. state and local tax authorities. In addition,
certain other tax deficiency issues and refund claims for previous years remain unresolved. The
foreign audits cover income tax returns from fiscal years 2005 through 2007. There are U.S. state
and local audits covering tax years 2002 through 2006 in process. The Canada Revenue Agency
completed an examination of income tax returns for fiscal years 2002 and 2003 during the quarter
resulting in no material modifications or adjustments to unrecognized tax benefits.
The Company anticipates that few of the open audits will be resolved during fiscal 2008. However,
the Company does believe that some individual audits or issues may be agreed to within the next 12
months. The Company is unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate of when the 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
matters will result in a material change to its consolidated financial condition or results of
operations.
12. CONTINGENCIES
Management continually evaluates the Companys contingencies, including various lawsuits and claims
which arise in the normal course of business, product and general liabilities, workers
compensation, property losses and other fiduciary liabilities for which the Company is self-insured
or retains a high exposure limit. Self-insurance reserves are established based on actuarial loss
estimates for specific individual claims plus actuarial estimated amounts for incurred but not
reported claims and adverse development factors for 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, its assessment of contingencies is reasonable and
related reserves, in the aggregate, are adequate; however, there can be no assurance that future
quarterly or annual operating results will not be materially affected by final resolution of these
matters. The following are the more significant of the Companys identified contingencies.
Product Registrations
On April 10, 2008, the Company learned of a criminal investigation into certain of its product
registrations which is being led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S.
Department of Justice (USDOJ), with assistance from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. To date,
the evidence indicates that one of the Companys employees, since terminated, apparently
deliberately circumvented Company policies and USEPA regulations by failing to obtain valid
registrations for products and/or causing invalid product registration forms to be submitted to
regulators. The sale of products which lack valid registrations is a violation of federal and
state law. The Company has engaged outside firms to conduct a forensic investigation into its
existing product registrations and to review its product registration compliance processes and
procedures. The Companys investigation has resulted in the identification of additional
registration issues that have been disclosed to the USEPA (see Note 2, 2008 Registration And
Product Recall Matters). In addition, as previously disclosed, the Company has agreed with the
USEPA on a Compliance Review Plan for conducting an independent review of the Companys pesticide
product registration records. This independent review is currently under way and, given the
extensive nature of the review, appears likely to result in the identification of additional
product registration issues. Currently, the Company expects costs related to the recalls and known
registration issues to range from $55 to $60 million, exclusive of potential fines and/or
penalties.
17
While disappointed that the actions of one employee could cause unregistered or not properly
labeled products to be marketed and sold, the Company takes full responsibility for ensuring that
each of its products meets all federal and state regulations, and is safe for consumer use. The
ongoing comprehensive investigation into all of the Companys product registrations may result in
future state or federal action with respect to additional product registration issues. Until such
investigation is complete, the Company cannot fully quantify the extent of additional issues.
Furthermore, the Company may be subject to civil or criminal fines or penalties at the state and/or
federal level as a result of these product registration issues. At this time, management cannot
reasonably determine the scope or magnitude of possible liabilities that could result from known or
potential additional product registration issues, and no reserves for these claims have been
established as of June 28, 2008. However, it is possible that such fines and/or penalties could be
material and have an adverse effect on the Companys financial condition and results of operations.
Environmental Matters
In 1997, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (the Ohio EPA) initiated an enforcement action
against the Company with respect to alleged surface water violations and inadequate treatment
capabilities at the Marysville, Ohio facility seeking corrective action under the federal Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act. The action related to discharges from on-site waste water treatment
and several discontinued on-site disposal areas. Pursuant to a Consent Order entered by the Union County Common Pleas Court in 2002, the Company is
actively engaged in restoring the site to eliminate exposure to waste materials from the
discontinued on-site disposal areas.
At June 28, 2008, $3.5 million was accrued for environmental
matters. The amounts accrued are believed to be adequate to cover known environmental exposures
based on current facts and estimates of likely outcomes. However, if facts and circumstances change significantly they could result in a material adverse effect on the Companys results of
operations, financial position or cash flows.
U.S. Horticultural Supply, Inc. (F/K/A E.C. Geiger, Inc.)
On November 5, 2004, U.S. Horticultural Supply, Inc. (Geiger) filed suit against the Company in
the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This complaint alleges that the
Company conspired with another distributor, Griffin Greenhouse Supplies, Inc., to restrain trade in
the horticultural products market, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. On
June 2, 2006, the Court denied the Companys motion to dismiss the complaint. Fact discovery and
expert discovery are closed. Geigers damages expert quantifies Geigers alleged damages at
approximately $3.3 million, which could be trebled under antitrust laws. Geiger also seeks
recovery of attorneys fees and costs. The Company has moved for summary judgment requesting
dismissal of Geigers claims.
The Company continues to vigorously defend against Geigers claims. The Company believes that
Geigers claims are without merit and that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is remote.
Therefore, no accrual has been established related to this matter. However, the Company cannot
predict the ultimate outcome with certainty. If the above action is determined adversely to the
Company, the result could have a material adverse effect on the Companys results of operations,
financial position and cash flows. The Company had previously sued and obtained a judgment against
Geiger on April 25, 2005, based on Geigers default on obligations to the Company, and the Company
is proceeding to collect that judgment.
Other
The Company has been named a defendant in a number of cases alleging injuries that the lawsuits
claim resulted from exposure to asbestos-containing products, apparently based on the Companys
historic use of vermiculite in certain of its products. The complaints in these cases are not
specific about the plaintiffs contacts with the Company or its products. The Company in each case
is one of numerous defendants and none of the claims seeks damages from the Company alone. The
Company believes that the claims against it are without merit and is vigorously defending them. It
is not currently possible to reasonably estimate a probable loss, if any, associated with the cases
and, accordingly, no accrual or reserves have been recorded in the Companys condensed,
consolidated financial statements. There can be no assurance that these cases, whether as a result
of adverse outcomes or as a result of significant defense costs, will not have a material adverse
effect on the Companys financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
The Company is reviewing agreements and policies that may provide insurance coverage or indemnity
as to these claims and is pursuing coverage under some of these agreements and policies, although
there can be no assurance of the results of these efforts.
18
On April 27, 2007, the Company received a proposed Order On Consent from the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (the Proposed Order) alleging that during the calendar
year 2003, the Company and James Hagedorn, individually and as Chairman of the Board and the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, unlawfully donated to a Port Washington, New York youth sports
organization forty bags of Scotts® LawnPro Annual Program Step 3 Insect Control Plus Fertilizer
which, while federally registered, was allegedly not registered in the state of New York. The
Proposed Order requests penalties totaling $695,000. The Company has made its position clear to the
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and is awaiting a response.
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 adverse
effect on the Companys results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
13. ACQUISITIONS
There were no acquisitions in the first nine months of fiscal 2008. In the first nine months of
fiscal 2007, the Company continued to invest in the growth of the Scotts LawnService® business,
investing $8.3 million in acquisitions, comprised of $6.5 million paid in cash and $1.8 million of
notes issued and liabilities assumed.
14. SEGMENT INFORMATION
For fiscal 2008, the Company is divided into the following segments Global Consumer, Global
Professional, Scotts LawnService®, and Corporate & Other. These segments differ from those used in
the prior year due to the realignment of the North America and International segments into the
Global Consumer and Global Professional segments. The prior year amounts have been reclassified to
conform with the fiscal 2008 segments. This division of reportable segments is consistent with how
the segments report to and are managed by senior management of the Company.
The Global Consumer segment consists of the North American Consumer and International Consumer
business groups. The business groups comprising this segment manufacture, market and sell dry,
granular slow-release lawn fertilizers, combination lawn fertilizer and control products, grass
seed, spreaders, water-soluble, liquid and continuous release garden and indoor plant foods, plant
care products, potting, garden and lawn soils, mulches and other growing media products, and
pesticide products. Products are marketed to mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, large
hardware chains, warehouse clubs, distributors, garden centers, and grocers in the United States,
Canada, and Europe.
The Global Professional segment is focused on a full line of horticultural products including
controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers and plant protection products, grass seeds,
spreaders, and customer application services. Products are sold to commercial nurseries and
greenhouses, and specialty crop growers primarily in North America and Europe. Our consumer
businesses in Australia and Latin America are also part of the Global Professional segment.
The Scotts LawnService® segment provides lawn fertilization, disease and insect control and other
related services such as core aeration and tree and shrub fertilization primarily to residential
consumers through company-owned branches and franchises in the United States. In our larger
branches, an exterior barrier pest control service is also offered.
The Corporate & Other segment consists of the Smith & Hawken® business and corporate general and
administrative expenses.
The following table presents segment financial information in accordance with SFAS 131,
Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. Pursuant to SFAS 131, the
presentation of the segment financial information is consistent with the basis used by management
(i.e., certain costs not allocated to business segments for internal management reporting purposes
are not allocated for purposes of this presentation).
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS |
|
|
NINE MONTHS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ENDED |
|
|
ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
Net sales: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global Consumer |
|
$ |
935.3 |
|
|
$ |
875.4 |
|
|
$ |
1,922.7 |
|
|
$ |
1,872.3 |
|
Global Professional |
|
|
98.7 |
|
|
|
75.0 |
|
|
|
260.6 |
|
|
|
208.5 |
|
Scotts LawnService® |
|
|
87.4 |
|
|
|
84.6 |
|
|
|
158.1 |
|
|
|
144.1 |
|
Corporate & Other |
|
|
54.9 |
|
|
|
63.6 |
|
|
|
121.0 |
|
|
|
138.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment total |
|
|
1,176.3 |
|
|
|
1,098.6 |
|
|
|
2,462.4 |
|
|
|
2,363.5 |
|
Roundup® amortization |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
Product registrations/recalls |
|
|
(5.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
$ |
1,170.9 |
|
|
$ |
1,098.4 |
|
|
$ |
2,437.6 |
|
|
$ |
2,362.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income (loss): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global Consumer |
|
$ |
207.9 |
|
|
$ |
211.0 |
|
|
$ |
349.1 |
|
|
$ |
375.6 |
|
Global Professional |
|
|
11.9 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
|
34.6 |
|
|
|
29.6 |
|
Scotts LawnService® |
|
|
20.6 |
|
|
|
21.5 |
|
|
|
(9.4 |
) |
|
|
(11.6 |
) |
Corporate & Other |
|
|
(9.0 |
) |
|
|
(11.6 |
) |
|
|
(59.5 |
) |
|
|
(72.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment total |
|
|
231.4 |
|
|
|
231.5 |
|
|
|
314.8 |
|
|
|
321.1 |
|
Roundup® amortization |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
Other amortization |
|
|
(4.3 |
) |
|
|
(4.2 |
) |
|
|
(12.1 |
) |
|
|
(11.5 |
) |
Product registrations/recalls |
|
|
(10.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(41.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Impairment of assets |
|
|
(123.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(123.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
$ |
93.4 |
|
|
$ |
227.1 |
|
|
$ |
137.8 |
|
|
$ |
309.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
SEPTEMBER 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
Total assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global Consumer |
|
$ |
2,038.8 |
|
|
$ |
1,902.2 |
|
|
$ |
1,551.9 |
|
Global Professional |
|
|
302.7 |
|
|
|
285.6 |
|
|
|
308.0 |
|
Scotts LawnService® |
|
|
188.4 |
|
|
|
175.4 |
|
|
|
189.2 |
|
Corporate & Other |
|
|
204.0 |
|
|
|
255.7 |
|
|
|
228.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
$ |
2,733.9 |
|
|
$ |
2,618.9 |
|
|
$ |
2,277.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment operating income or loss represents earnings before amortization of intangible assets,
interest and taxes, since this is the measure of profitability used by management. Accordingly, the
Corporate & Other operating loss for the three and nine month periods ended June 28, 2008 and June
30, 2007 includes unallocated corporate general and administrative expenses, and certain other
income/expense items not allocated to the business segments.
Total assets reported for the Companys operating segments include the intangible assets for the
acquired businesses within those segments. Corporate & Other assets primarily include deferred
financing and debt issuance costs, corporate intangible assets, deferred tax assets and Smith &
Hawken® assets.
20
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
Managements Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) is organized in the following sections:
|
|
Executive summary |
|
|
|
Results of operations |
|
|
|
Segment results |
|
|
|
Liquidity and capital resources |
Executive Summary
We are dedicated to delivering strong, consistent financial results and outstanding shareholder
returns by providing consumers with products of superior quality and value to enhance their outdoor
living environments. We are a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer branded products for
lawn and garden care and professional horticulture in North America and Europe. We are Monsantos
exclusive agent for the marketing and distribution of consumer Roundup® non-selective herbicide
products within the United States and other contractually specified countries. We have a presence
in similar consumer branded and professional horticulture products in Australia, the Far East,
Latin America and South America. In the United States, we operate Scotts LawnService®, the second
largest residential lawn care service business, and Smith & Hawken®, a leading brand in the outdoor
living and garden lifestyle category. In fiscal 2008, our operations are divided into the
following reportable segments: Global Consumer, Global Professional, Scotts LawnService® and
Corporate & Other. The Corporate & Other segment consists of the Smith & Hawken® business and
corporate general and administrative expenses.
As a leading consumer branded lawn and garden company, our marketing efforts are largely focused on
building brand and product level awareness, to inspire consumers and create retail demand. We have
successfully applied this consumer marketing focus for a number of years, consistently investing
approximately 5% of our annual net sales in advertising to support and promote our products and
brands. We continually explore new and innovative ways to communicate with consumers. We believe
that we receive a significant return on these marketing expenditures and anticipate a similar level
of future advertising and marketing investments, with the continuing objective of driving category
growth and increasing market share.
Our sales are susceptible to global weather conditions. For instance, periods of wet weather can
adversely impact sales of certain products, while increasing demand for other products. We believe
that our diversified product line provides some mitigation to this risk. We also believe that our
broad geographic diversification further reduces this risk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent Net Sales by Quarter |
|
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
First Quarter |
|
|
9.5 |
% |
|
|
9.3 |
% |
|
|
10.4 |
% |
Second Quarter |
|
|
34.6 |
% |
|
|
33.6 |
% |
|
|
34.3 |
% |
Third Quarter |
|
|
38.2 |
% |
|
|
38.9 |
% |
|
|
38.0 |
% |
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
17.7 |
% |
|
|
18.2 |
% |
|
|
17.3 |
% |
Due to the nature of our lawn and garden business, significant portions of our shipments occur in
the second and third fiscal quarters. Over the past few years, retailers have reduced their
pre-season inventories as they have come to place greater reliance on our ability to deliver
products in season when consumers buy our products.
Management focuses on a variety of key indicators and operating metrics to monitor the health and
performance of our business. These metrics include consumer purchases (point-of-sale data), market
share, net sales (including volume, pricing and foreign exchange), gross profit margins, income
from operations, net income and earnings per share. To the extent applicable, these measures are
evaluated with and without impairment, restructuring and other charges. We also focus on measures
to optimize cash flow and return on invested capital, including the management of working capital
and capital expenditures.
Given the Companys historical performance and consistent cash flows, our Board of Directors has
undertaken a number of actions over the past several years to return cash to our shareholders. We
began paying a quarterly cash dividend of 12.5 cents per share in the fourth quarter of fiscal
2005. In fiscal 2006, our Board launched a five-year $500 million share repurchase program pursuant
to
21
which we repurchased 2.0 million common shares for $87.9 million during fiscal 2006. Most
recently, in December 2006, the Company announced a recapitalization plan to return $750 million to
the Companys shareholders. This plan expanded and accelerated the previously announced five-year
$500 million share repurchase program (which was canceled). Pursuant to the recapitalization plan,
in February 2007, the Company repurchased 4.5 million of the Companys common shares for an
aggregate purchase price of $245.5 million ($54.50 per share) and paid a special one-time cash
dividend of $8.00 per share ($508 million in the aggregate) in early March 2007.
In order to fund this recapitalization, the Company entered into credit facilities aggregating
$2.15 billion and terminated its prior credit facility. Reference should be made to Note 7 to the
accompanying condensed, consolidated financial statements for further information as to the credit
facilities and the repayment and termination of the prior credit facility and the 6 5/8% senior
subordinated notes.
The actions described above reflect managements confidence in the continued growth of the Company
coupled with strong and consistent cash flows that can support the higher levels of debt incurred
to finance these actions. Even with an increase in borrowings, we believe we will maintain the
capacity to pursue targeted, strategic acquisitions that leverage our core competencies.
2008 PRODUCT REGISTRATION AND RECALL MATTERS
In March 2008, the Company announced a voluntary recall of certain wild bird food products which
had been treated with pest control products labeled for use on certain stored grains that can be
processed for human and/or animal consumption. However, these pest control products were not
labeled for use on wild bird food products. These products were treated with pest control products
to avoid insect infestations, especially at retail stores, a practice which pre-dates the Companys
acquisition of Gutwein & Co., Inc. in November 2005.
In April 2008, the Company, in cooperation with an investigation by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA), announced a recall of certain consumer lawn and garden products and
one Scotts LawnService® (SLS) product. These products contain active ingredients that require
USEPA registrations before they can be marketed to consumers or used by SLS. On April 10, 2008, the
Company learned of a criminal investigation into certain of its product registrations which is
being led by the USEPA and the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ), with assistance from the Ohio
Department of Agriculture. Since April, the Company has cooperated with the USEPA in conducting an
internal investigation of its pesticide product registrations which has resulted in the
identification of additional registration issues that have been disclosed to the USEPA. As
previously disclosed, one of the issues identified by the Company resulted in the issuance by the
USEPA of a stop sale order for the products in question, including Ortho® Home Defense Max®
Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer, a pest control product that is a significant component of the
Ortho® portfolio of products. However, as also previously reported, shortly after issuing the stop
sale order, the USEPA permitted the Company to continue to sell the Home Defense Max® products
pursuant to USEPA instructions. In addition, as previously disclosed, the Company has agreed with
the USEPA on a Compliance Review Plan for conducting an independent review of the Companys
pesticide product registration records. This independent review is currently under way and, given
the extensive nature of the review, appears likely to result in the identification of additional
product registration issues.
While disappointed that the actions of one employee could cause unregistered or not properly
labeled products to be marketed and sold, the Company takes full responsibility for ensuring that
each of its products meets all federal and state regulations, and is safe for consumer use. The
ongoing comprehensive investigation into all of the Companys product registrations may result in
future state or federal action with respect to additional product registration issues. Until such
investigation is complete, the Company cannot fully quantify the extent of additional issues.
Furthermore, the Company may be subject to civil or criminal fines or penalties at the state and/or
federal level as a result of the product registration issues. At this time, management cannot
reasonably determine the scope or magnitude of possible liabilities that could result from known or
potential additional product registration issues, and no reserves for these claims have been
established as of June 28, 2008. However, it is possible that such fines and/or penalties could be
material and have an adverse effect on the Companys financial condition and results of operations.
As a result of these registration and recall matters, the Company has reversed sales associated
with estimated returns of these products, recorded an impairment estimate for affected inventory,
and recorded other registration and recall-related costs. The cumulative impact of these
adjustments reduced income from operations by $10.2 million and $41.0 million for the three and
nine months ended June 28, 2008. Currently, the Company expects costs related to the recalls and
known registration issues to range from $55 to $60 million, exclusive of potential fines and/or
penalties.
Scotts Miracle-Gro is committed to providing its customers and consumers with products of superior
quality and value to enhance their lawns, gardens and overall outdoor living environments. We
believe consumers have come to trust our brands based on the superior quality and value they
deliver, and that trust is highly valued. We are also committed to conducting business with the
highest degree of ethical standards and in adherence to the law. We are disappointed in these
recent occurrences and are working diligently to address the issues, including, as described above,
retaining independent firms to conduct examinations of existing
22
product registrations and to recommend enhancements to the Companys product registration
compliance and control processes. However, these events may nevertheless have a negative impact on
future demand for the Companys products.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the components of income and expense as a percentage of net sales
for the three and nine-month periods ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
JUNE 30, |
|
JUNE 28, |
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
|
(UNAUDITED) |
|
(UNAUDITED) |
Net sales |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
Cost of sales |
|
|
63.8 |
|
|
|
61.5 |
|
|
|
65.5 |
|
|
|
64.2 |
|
Cost of sales product registrations/recalls |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
36.2 |
|
|
|
38.5 |
|
|
|
33.6 |
|
|
|
35.8 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative |
|
|
17.7 |
|
|
|
18.1 |
|
|
|
23.0 |
|
|
|
23.0 |
|
SG&A product registrations/recalls |
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment, restructuring & other charges |
|
|
10.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other income, net |
|
|
(0.5 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations |
|
|
8.0 |
|
|
|
20.7 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
|
Costs related to refinancing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
2.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
6.1 |
|
|
|
18.3 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
Income taxes |
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
3.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
1.9 |
% |
|
|
11.8 |
% |
|
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
6.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales for the third quarter and first nine months of
fiscal 2008 grew 6.6% and 3.2%,
respectively, versus the comparable periods of fiscal 2007. Foreign exchange rates favorably
impacted sales growth rates for the third quarter and first nine months by 200 basis points and 240
basis points, respectively. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates and product registration
and recall matters, sales for the third quarter and first nine months increased 5.1% and 1.8%,
respectively. In our Global Consumer segment, third quarter net sales increased 5.2%, excluding the
impact of foreign exchange rates and product registration and recall matters, driven by pricing and
the recovery of sales in April following the slow start to the lawn and garden season driven by
challenging weather conditions in March. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates and product
registration and recall matters, year-to-date sales in our Global Consumer segment increased 0.7%
driven by pricing offset by volume declines driven by current macroeconomic conditions. Excluding
foreign exchange rates, Global Professional sales increased 22.3% and 16.4% for the third quarter
and first nine months, respectively, driven largely by strong demand for its proprietary technology
and pricing actions taken periodically throughout the year. Scotts LawnService® sales increased
3.2% for the quarter, driven by acquisitions growth and pricing, which offset lower volume driven
by higher cancellation rates resulting from macroeconomic pressure. Year-to-date, Scotts
LawnService® sales increased 9.4% driven by acquisition growth, pricing, and the shifting of late
season lawn treatments to the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Corporate and other sales, primarily
Smith & Hawken®, decreased 13.6% and 12.7% for the third quarter and first nine months,
respectively, driven by decreases across all channels of its business.
As a percentage of net sales, gross profit was 36.2% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal
2008 compared to 38.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2007. For the first nine months of fiscal
2008, our gross profit percentage declined to 33.6% from 35.8% in the comparable period of fiscal
2007. Most of the fiscal 2008 margin decrease was driven by increased commodity costs.
Additionally, product registration and recall matters unfavorably impacted gross profit rates for
the third quarter and first nine months by 20 basis points and 100 basis points, respectively.
Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
|
|
(UNAUDITED) |
|
|
(UNAUDITED) |
|
Advertising |
|
$ |
59.3 |
|
|
$ |
61.7 |
|
|
$ |
123.8 |
|
|
$ |
125.4 |
|
Other selling, general and administrative |
|
|
143.3 |
|
|
|
133.3 |
|
|
|
423.7 |
|
|
|
407.5 |
|
Amortization of intangibles |
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
12.1 |
|
|
|
11.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
206.9 |
|
|
$ |
199.2 |
|
|
$ |
559.6 |
|
|
$ |
544.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23
SG&A expenses increased 3.9% in the third quarter and 2.8% for the first nine months of fiscal
2008. Excluding foreign exchange rates, impairment and product registration and recall costs, SG&A
expenses for the third quarter increased 1.5% and for the first nine months of fiscal 2008
increased 0.5% as the Company has maintained strong controls on spending. Advertising expense has
decreased by 3.9% and 1.3% for the third quarter and first nine months, respectively. The Company
has increased its investments in sales force, R&D, and marketing costs on a quarter and
year-to-date basis. On a full year basis, we expect SG&A to be up 4 to 5 percent.
The Company has recorded $10.2 million of product registration and recall related costs during the
third quarter of fiscal 2008, comprised of $4.6 million of gross profit and $5.6 million of SG&A.
For the first nine months of fiscal 2008, the Company has recorded $41.0 million of product
registration and recall related costs, comprised of $34.2 million of gross profit and $6.8 million
of SG&A.
As a result of a significant decline in the market value of the Companys common stock during the
latter half of the third fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2008, the Companys market value of invested
capital was approximately 60% of the similar impairment metric used in our fourth quarter fiscal
2007 annual impairment testing. Management determined this was an indicator of possible goodwill
impairment and, therefore, interim impairment testing was performed as of June 28, 2008.
The Companys third quarter fiscal 2008 interim impairment review resulted in a non-cash charge of
$123.3 million, $101.9 million net of taxes, to reflect the decline in the fair value of certain
goodwill and other assets as evidenced by the recent decline in the Companys common stock. Of
this impairment charge, $80.8 million was for goodwill, $23.2 million related to indefinite-lived
tradenames, $18.3 million was for SFAS 144 long-lived assets and $1.0 million related to inventory.
On a reportable segment basis, $71.8 million of the impairment was in Global Consumer, $31.4
million of the charge was in Global Professional, with the remaining $20.1 million of impairment in
Corporate & Other. The goodwill portion of this impairment charge is an estimate, as management is
in the process of performing the required SFAS 142 Step 2 goodwill impairment evaluation for the
associated reporting units as of the date of this report. The Company anticipates finalizing this
SFAS 142 Step 2 goodwill impairment evaluation in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 and, if
necessary, will update the goodwill impairment charge during that reporting period.
Interest expense for the third quarter decreased by 15.6%, from $26.2 million in fiscal 2007 to
$22.1 million in fiscal 2008. Average borrowings decreased $27.2 million during the third quarter
of fiscal 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Additionally, weighted average
interest rates decreased by 91 basis points. Interest expense for the first nine months of fiscal
2008 increased by 23.5%, from $52.3 million in fiscal 2007 to $64.6 million in fiscal 2008. The
increase in interest expense for the year-to-date period is primarily attributable to an increase
in borrowings in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 resulting from the recapitalization
transactions that were consummated during the second quarter of fiscal 2007. We also recorded $18.3
million in costs related to the refinancing undertaken to facilitate the recapitalization
transactions in fiscal 2007.
Income tax expense was calculated assuming an effective tax rate of 67.5% for fiscal 2008, versus
35.5% for fiscal 2007. The increase in the effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 was primarily due to
the goodwill impairment charge which is not deductible for tax purposes. The effective tax rate
used for interim reporting purposes is based on managements best estimate of factors impacting the
effective tax rate for the fiscal year. Factors affecting the estimated rate include assumptions as
to income by jurisdiction (domestic and foreign), the availability and utilization of tax credits,
the existence of elements of income and expense that may not be taxable or deductible, as well as
other items. There can be no assurance that the effective tax rate estimated for interim financial
reporting purposes will approximate the effective tax rate determined at fiscal year end. The
estimated effective tax rate is subject to revision in later interim periods and at fiscal year end
as facts and circumstances change during the course of the fiscal year.
Diluted weighted-average common shares used in the diluted net income per common share calculation
decreased from 65.4 million for the third quarter and 67.5 million for the nine months ended June
30, 2007 to 65.3 million for the third quarter and 65.5 million for the nine months ended June 28,
2008. The decreases for the third quarter and nine months are attributable to the 4.5 million
common shares repurchased as part of the recapitalization consummated during the second quarter of
fiscal 2007, weighted for the period outstanding and offset by common shares issued upon the
exercise of share-based awards and the vesting of restricted stock. Diluted weighted-average common
shares included 0.7 million and 1.1 million equivalent shares for the third quarter and
year-to-date periods in fiscal 2008 to reflect the effect of the assumed conversion of dilutive
stock options and restricted stock awards. Equivalent common shares used in fiscal 2007 were 1.8
million for the third quarter and 1.9 million for the year-to-date period. The decrease in diluted
average common shares in fiscal 2008 was the result of the lower average market rate for our stock
driving more outstanding stock options out-of-the-money.
24
SEGMENT RESULTS
The Company is divided into the following segments: Global Consumer, Global Professional, Scotts
LawnService®, and Corporate & Other. These segments differ from those used in the prior year due to
the realignment of the North America and International segments into the Global Consumer and Global
Professional segments. The Corporate & Other segment consists of Smith & Hawken® and corporate
general and administrative expenses. The prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to
the fiscal 2008 segments. Segment performance is evaluated based on several factors, including
income from operations before amortization, and impairment, restructuring and other charges, which
is a non-GAAP measure. Management uses this measure of operating profit to gauge segment
performance because we believe this measure is the most indicative of performance trends and the
overall earnings potential of each segment.
The Global Consumer segment consists of the North American Consumer and International Consumer
business groups which manufacture, market and sell dry, granular slow-release lawn fertilizers,
combination lawn fertilizer and control products, grass seed, spreaders, water-soluble, liquid and
continuous release garden and indoor plant foods, plant care products, potting, garden and lawn
soils, mulches and other growing media products, and pesticide products. Products are marketed to
mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, large hardware chains, warehouse clubs, distributors,
garden centers, and grocers in the United States, Canada and Europe.
The Global Professional segment is focused on a full line of horticultural products including
controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers and plant protection products, grass seed,
spreaders, and customer application services. Products are sold to commercial nurseries and
greenhouses, and specialty crop growers primarily in North America and Europe. Our consumer
businesses in Australia and Latin America are also part of the Global Professional segment.
The Scotts LawnService® segment provides lawn fertilization, disease and insect control and other
related services such as core aeration and tree and shrub fertilization primarily to residential
consumers through company-owned branches and franchises in the United States. In our larger
branches, an exterior barrier pest control service is also offered.
The Corporate & Other segment consists of the Smith & Hawken® business and corporate general and
administrative expenses.
The following table sets forth net sales by segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
|
|
(UNAUDITED) |
|
|
(UNAUDITED) |
|
Global Consumer |
|
$ |
935.3 |
|
|
$ |
875.4 |
|
|
$ |
1,922.7 |
|
|
$ |
1,872.3 |
|
Global Professional |
|
|
98.7 |
|
|
|
75.0 |
|
|
|
260.6 |
|
|
|
208.5 |
|
Scotts LawnService® |
|
|
87.4 |
|
|
|
84.6 |
|
|
|
158.1 |
|
|
|
144.1 |
|
Corporate & Other |
|
|
54.9 |
|
|
|
63.6 |
|
|
|
121.0 |
|
|
|
138.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment total |
|
|
1,176.3 |
|
|
|
1,098.6 |
|
|
|
2,462.4 |
|
|
|
2,363.5 |
|
Roundup® amortization |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
Product registrations/recalls |
|
|
(5.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
$ |
1,170.9 |
|
|
$ |
1,098.4 |
|
|
$ |
2,437.6 |
|
|
$ |
2,362.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table sets
forth operating income
(loss) by segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
NINE MONTHS ENDED |
|
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
JUNE 28, |
|
|
JUNE 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
|
|
(UNAUDITED) |
|
|
(UNAUDITED) |
|
Global Consumer |
|
$ |
207.9 |
|
|
$ |
211.0 |
|
|
$ |
349.1 |
|
|
$ |
375.6 |
|
Global Professional |
|
|
11.9 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
|
34.6 |
|
|
|
29.6 |
|
Scotts LawnService® |
|
|
20.6 |
|
|
|
21.5 |
|
|
|
(9.4 |
) |
|
|
(11.6 |
) |
Corporate & Other |
|
|
(9.0 |
) |
|
|
(11.6 |
) |
|
|
(59.5 |
) |
|
|
(72.5 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment total |
|
|
231.4 |
|
|
|
231.5 |
|
|
|
314.8 |
|
|
|
321.1 |
|
Roundup® amortization |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
Other amortization |
|
|
(4.3 |
) |
|
|
(4.2 |
) |
|
|
(12.1 |
) |
|
|
(11.5 |
) |
Product registrations/recalls |
|
|
(10.2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(41.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Impairment of assets |
|
|
(123.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(123.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated |
|
$ |
93.4 |
|
|
$ |
227.1 |
|
|
$ |
137.8 |
|
|
$ |
309.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
Global Consumer
Excluding the impact of product registration and recall matters, Global Consumer segment net sales were $935.3 million in
the third quarter and $1.92 billion for the first nine months of fiscal 2008, an increase of 6.8%
and 2.7% from the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2007, respectively. The impact of
pricing increased sales by 3.6% for the third quarter and 4.0% for the first nine months of fiscal
2008, while the impact of foreign exchange rate changes increased sales by 1.7% and 2.0% for the
third quarter and first nine months, respectively. Excluding the impact of price increases and
foreign exchange movements, net sales increased by 1.5% from the third quarter of fiscal 2007 and
decreased 3.3% from the first nine months of fiscal 2007. Within Global Consumer, North America
consumer sales, excluding the impact of foreign exchange rate changes and product registration and recall matters,
increased 6.0% and 0.7% for the third quarter and first nine months, respectively, compared to the
respective increases in North American point-of-sale purchases of 7.9% and 1.6% for the third
quarter and first nine months. Point-of-sale purchases of our gardening products, comprised of
growing media and plant foods, increased by 4.3% and 1.2% for the third quarter and first nine
months as consumer purchases of our premium, value-added growing media products increased. Lawns
product consumer purchases, made up of fertilizers, grass seed, and durables, increased by 16.7% in
the third quarter largely driven by favorable weather in April and June. Year-to-date, lawns
product consumer purchases have increased 2.0% as consumers have migrated to lower price point
products. Ortho® consumer purchases decreased by 2.4% and 5.2% for the third quarter and first nine
months of fiscal 2008, respectively. Excluding foreign exchanges rates, International consumer
business sales were relatively flat for both the third quarter and year-to-date, as growth in
France and Central Europe, driven by improved marketing programs and new products, has been offset
by decreased net sales in the UK where the economic environment is more challenged and competition
has been more aggressive.
The Global Consumer segment operating income decreased by $3.1 million and $26.5 million in the
third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, respectively. The decrease in operating income
was driven by a decrease in gross margin rates of 190 basis points and 120 basis points for the
third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008 excluding the impact of product registration and recall matters. The
decrease in gross margin rates is primarily the result of higher commodity costs. SG&A spending,
including media advertising, increased 2.9% for the third quarter and 3.4% for the year-to-date
period excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates primarily related to higher selling and R&D
costs.
Global Professional
Global Professional segment net sales increased $23.7 million, or 31.6%, in the third quarter, and
$52.1 million, or 25.0%, for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. Excluding the effect of exchange
rates, net sales increased by 22.3% and 16.4% for the third quarter and first nine months,
respectively. Demand for our proprietary technology drove the sales growth, along with
pricing actions which increased sales by 8.9% for the third quarter and 4.4% for the first nine
months of fiscal 2008.
Primarily due to the strong growth in net sales, partially offset by increased commodity costs, the
Global Professional segment operating income increased by $1.3 million and $5.0 million in the
third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, respectively.
Scotts LawnService®
Compared to the same periods in the prior fiscal year, Scotts LawnService® revenues increased 3.3%
to $87.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 and 9.7% to $158.1 million in the first nine
months of fiscal 2008. The increase for the third quarter is attributable to acquisition growth of
3.3% and pricing of 3.2%, offset by macroeconomic pressures that have reduced customer count. The
increase for the year-to-date period is attributable to acquisition growth of 4.5%, pricing of
2.6%, and the shifting of late season lawn treatments to the first quarter of fiscal 2008 that
contributed to organic growth of 2.3%.
The Scotts LawnService® segment operating income decreased by $0.9 million in the third quarter
driven by increased costs, including commodities. The Scotts LawnService® segment operating loss
decreased by $2.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 driven by the increase in
revenues and gross profit, partially offset by an increase in SG&A spending.
Corporate & Other
Net sales for the Corporate & Other segment, which pertain primarily to Smith & Hawken®, decreased
$8.7 million, or 13.7%, for the third quarter and $17.6 million, or 12.7%, year-to-date. These
sales decreases were across all channels of Smith & Hawken®. Additionally, the
first half of fiscal 2007 benefited from initial start-up activity with Starbucks®.
The operating loss for Corporate & Other decreased by $2.6 million in the third quarter and $13.0
million for the first nine months of fiscal 2008. The decreases in operating loss for the third
quarter and year-to-date were driven by lower net Corporate spending.
26
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash used in operating activities was $39.5 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2008
compared to cash provided of $62.2 million for the comparable period in fiscal 2007. The decreased
level of operating cash flows in fiscal 2008 versus the prior year is due to increased sales in
June 2008 compared to June 2007, resulting in higher accounts receivable at June 28, 2008, as well
as increased inventory levels caused by the increased commodity costs.
Cash used in investing activities was $34.8 million and $43.8 million for the nine months ended
June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively. There was no acquisition activity in the first nine
months of fiscal 2008 compared to the $6.5 million in acquisitions relating to our Scotts
LawnService® business in the first nine months of fiscal 2007. Capital spending on property, plant
and equipment done in the normal course of business was fairly consistent, with $35.8 million spent
during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 compared to the $37.8 million spent in the first nine
months of fiscal 2007.
Financing activities provided cash of $169.4 million and used cash of $0.4 million for the nine
months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively. The increase in cash provided by
financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2008 is largely due to timing, in part as
payments on outstanding loans have been made subsequent to the June 28, 2008 balance sheet date.
Our recapitalization plan that was consummated during the second quarter of fiscal 2007 returned
$750 million to shareholders. In addition, we repurchased all of our 6 5/8% senior subordinated
notes in an aggregate principal amount of $200 million. These actions were financed by replacing,
effective February 7, 2007, our prior Revolving Credit Agreement with new senior secured
$2.15 billion multicurrency credit facilities that provide for revolving credit and term loans
through February 7, 2012.
On April 11, 2007, the Company entered into a one-year Master Accounts Receivable Purchase
Agreement (the Original MARP Agreement). On April 9, 2008, the Company terminated the Original
MARP Agreement and entered into a new Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (the New MARP
Agreement) with a stated termination date of April 8, 2009, or such later date as may be extended
by mutual agreement of the Company and its lenders. The terms of the New MARP Agreement are
substantially the same as the Original MARP Agreement. The New MARP Agreement was entered into as
it provides an interest rate savings of 40 basis points as compared to borrowing under our senior
secured credit facilities. The New MARP Agreement provides for the sale, on a revolving basis, of
accounts receivable generated by specified account debtors, with seasonally adjusted monthly
aggregate limits ranging from $10 million to $300 million. The New MARP Agreement also provides
for specified account debtor sublimit amounts, which provide limits on the amount of receivables
owed by individual account debtors that can be sold to the banks. Borrowings under the MARP
Agreement at June 28, 2008 were $260.2 million.
At June 28, 2008, the Company had outstanding interest rate swaps with major financial institutions
that effectively converted a portion of our variable-rate debt denominated in the Euro dollar,
British pound and U.S. dollar to a fixed rate. The swaps agreements have a total U.S. dollar
equivalent notional amount of $724.9 million at June 28, 2008. The term, expiration date and rates
of these swaps are shown in the table below.
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NOTIONAL |
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AMOUNT IN |
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USD |
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EXPIRATION |
|
FIXED |
CURRENCY |
|
(IN MILLIONS) |
|
TERM |
|
DATE |
|
RATE |
British pound |
|
$ |
57.4 |
|
|
3 years |
|
|
11/17/2008 |
|
|
|
4.76 |
% |
Euro dollar |
|
|
67.5 |
|
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3 years |
|
|
11/17/2008 |
|
|
|
2.98 |
% |
U.S. dollar |
|
|
200.0 |
|
|
2 years |
|
|
3/31/2009 |
|
|
|
4.90 |
% |
U.S. dollar |
|
|
200.0 |
|
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3 years |
|
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3/31/2010 |
|
|
|
4.89 |
% |
U.S. dollar |
|
|
200.0 |
|
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5 years |
|
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2/14/2012 |
|
|
|
5.20 |
% |
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated by operations and borrowings under our credit
facilities. As of June 28, 2008, there was $1,081.6 million of availability under our credit
facilities and we were in compliance with all debt covenants. Our credit facilities contain, among
other obligations, an affirmative covenant regarding the Companys leverage ratio, calculated as
indebtedness relative to our earnings before taxes, depreciation and amortization. Under the terms
of the credit facilities, the permissible leverage ratio is scheduled to decrease on September 30,
2008 to 4.25. While management continues to monitor its compliance with the leverage ratio and
other covenants contained in the credit facilities, based upon the Companys current operating
assumptions, the Company expects to remain in compliance with the permissible leverage ratio for
the reminder of our fiscal 2008. Should managements view on compliance with this or other
covenants change, the Company believes that it would be able to seek and receive an appropriate
waiver or amendment from its banking group.
We are party to various pending judicial and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary
course of business. These include, among others, proceedings based on accidents or product
liability claims and alleged violations of environmental laws. We have
27
reviewed our pending environmental and legal proceedings, including the probable outcomes,
reasonably anticipated costs and expenses, reviewed the availability and limits of our insurance
coverage and have established what we believe to be appropriate reserves. Other than the
proceedings surrounding the product registration issues, which are separately addressed, we do not
believe that any liabilities that may result from pending judicial and administrative proceedings
are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition or
results of operations; however, there can be no assurance that future quarterly or annual operating
results will not be materially affected by final resolution of these matters.
In our opinion, cash flows from operations and capital resources will be sufficient to meet debt
service and working capital needs during fiscal 2008 and thereafter for the foreseeable future.
However, we cannot ensure that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or
that future borrowings will be available under our credit facilities in amounts sufficient to pay
indebtedness or fund other liquidity needs. Actual results of operations will depend on numerous
factors, many of which are beyond our control.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
We are subject to local, state, federal and foreign environmental protection laws and regulations
with respect to our business operations and believe we are operating in substantial compliance
with, or taking actions aimed at ensuring compliance with, such laws and regulations. We are
involved in several legal actions with various governmental agencies related to environmental
matters. While it is difficult to quantify the potential financial impact of actions involving
environmental matters, particularly remediation costs at waste disposal sites and future capital
expenditures for environmental control equipment, in the opinion of management, the ultimate
liability arising from such environmental matters, taking into account established reserves, should
not have a material adverse effect on our financial position. However, there can be no assurance
that the resolution of these matters will not materially affect our future quarterly or annual
results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Additional information on environmental
matters affecting us is provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2007 under ITEM 1. BUSINESS Environmental and Regulatory Considerations, ITEM 1.
BUSINESS Regulatory Actions and ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preceding discussion and analysis of the consolidated results of operations and financial
position should be read in conjunction with our condensed, consolidated financial statements
included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 includes additional information about the Company, our
operations, our financial position, our critical accounting policies and accounting estimates, and
should be read in conjunction with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risks have not changed significantly from those disclosed in Scotts Miracle-Gros Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
With the participation of the Scotts Miracle-Gros principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, Scotts Miracle-Gro management has evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the Exchange Act), as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q. Based upon that evaluation, Scotts Miracle-Gros principal executive officer and
principal financial officer have concluded that:
|
(A) |
|
information required to be disclosed by Scotts Miracle-Gro in this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q and the other reports that Scotts Miracle-Gro files or submits under the Exchange
Act would be accumulated and communicated to its management, including its principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure; |
|
|
(B) |
|
information required to be disclosed by Scotts Miracle-Gro in this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q and the other reports that Scotts Miracle-Gro files or submits under the Exchange
Act would be recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified
in the SECs rules and forms; and |
|
|
(C) |
|
Scotts Miracle-Gros disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of
the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. |
28
In addition, there were no changes in Scotts Miracle-Gros internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during its third
fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2008, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, Scotts Miracle-Gros internal control over financial reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In April 2008, the Company, in cooperation with an investigation by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA), announced a recall of certain consumer lawn and garden products and a
Scotts LawnService® (SLS) product. These products contain active ingredients that require USEPA
registrations before they can be marketed to consumers or used by SLS. An investigation led by the
USEPA, with the U.S. Department of Justice (the USDOJ), revealed that valid registrations for
these products either had not been obtained or that the products were not properly labeled. To
date, the evidence indicates that an employee of the Company, since terminated, apparently
deliberately circumvented Company policies and USEPA regulations by failing to obtain valid
registrations for the products and/or causing invalid product registration forms to be submitted to
regulators. Since April, the Company has cooperated with the USEPA in conducting an internal
investigation of its pesticide product registrations which has resulted in the identification of
additional registration issues that have been disclosed to the USEPA. As previously disclosed, one
of the issues identified by the Company resulted in the issuance by the USEPA of a stop sale order
for the products in question, including Ortho® Home Defense Max® Perimeter & Indoor Insect Killer,
a pest control product that is a significant component of the Ortho® portfolio of products.
However, as also previously reported, shortly after issuing the stop sale order, the USEPA
permitted the Company to continue to sell the Home Defense Max® products pursuant to USEPA
instructions. In addition, as previously disclosed, the Company has agreed with the USEPA on a
Compliance Review Plan for conducting an independent review of the Companys pesticide product
registration records. This independent review is currently under way and, given the extensive
nature of the review, appears likely to result in the identification of additional product
registration issues. There can be no assurance that the ultimate outcome of the investigation will
not result in further action, whether administrative, civil or criminal, by the USEPA, USDOJ or
state regulatory agencies against the Company. Such actions may include the imposition of
regulatory fines and/or penalties against the Company, and there can be no assurance that any such
fines and/or penalties, in addition to the costs the Company has already incurred and expects to
incur in connection with the product registrations/recalls and related investigation, will not have
a material and adverse effect on the Companys financial condition and results of operations.
On April 27, 2007, the Company received a proposed Order On Consent from the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (the Proposed Order) alleging that during the calendar
year 2003, the Company and James Hagedorn, individually and as Chairman of the Board and the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, unlawfully donated to a Port Washington, New York youth sports
organization forty bags of Scotts® LawnPro Annual Program Step 3 Insect Control Plus Fertilizer
which, while federally registered, was allegedly not registered in the state of New York. The
Proposed Order requests penalties totaling $695,000. The Company is currently investigating this
matter.
Other than as discussed in the preceding paragraphs, pending material legal proceedings have not
changed significantly since the first quarter of fiscal 2008.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements
We have made and will make forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q and in other contexts relating to future growth and profitability targets and
strategies designed to increase total shareholder value. Forward-looking statements also include,
but are not limited to, information regarding our future economic and financial condition, the
plans and objectives of our management and our assumptions regarding our performance and these
plans and objectives.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking
statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those statements
are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements
identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
discussed in the forward-looking statements. We desire to take advantage of the safe harbor
provisions of that Act.
Some forward-looking statements that we make in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other
contexts represent challenging goals for the Company, and the achievement of these goals is subject
to a variety of risks and assumptions and numerous factors beyond our control. All forward-looking
statements attributable to us or persons working on our behalf are expressly qualified in their
entirety by those cautionary statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make are included in Part I, Item 1A.
Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
29
ended September 30, 2007. Updates to our risk factors as a result of our 2008 product recalls and
the related governmental investigation are discussed below.
Costs associated with product recalls and the corresponding governmental investigation could
materially and adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
In April 2008, we learned of a criminal investigation which is being led by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ), with assistance from the
Ohio Department of Agriculture, related to the status of the registrations of these products, some
of which had entered commerce and some of which had not. During the same time period, we announced
that an employee, since terminated, apparently deliberately circumvented our policies, causing
unregistered or not properly labelled products to be marketed and sold. As a result of the
investigation, we recalled, or are in the process of recalling, certain consumer lawn and garden
products and one Scotts LawnService® product.
In connection with the registration investigation and product recalls, we have recorded, and in the
future may record, charges and costs, based on our most recent estimates, of retailer inventory
returns, consumer returns and replacement costs, associated legal and professional fees and costs
associated with advertising and administration of the registration investigation and product
recalls. Because these current and expected future charges are based on estimates, they may
increase as a result of numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the
amount of products that may be returned by consumers and retailers, the number and type of legal or
regulatory proceedings relating to these product recalls and regulatory or judicial orders or
decrees that may require us to take certain actions in connection with product recalls or to pay
civil or criminal fines and/or penalties at the state and/or federal level.
The costs associated with these product recalls and any potential fines and/or penalties, both
those which we have estimated to date and any amounts in excess of our current estimates, could
have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, and could
affect our compliance with certain covenants contained in the Companys credit facilities.
In addition, there can be no assurance that the ultimate outcome of the investigation will not
result in further action against us, whether administrative, civil or criminal by the USEPA, USDOJ
or state regulatory agencies, and any such action, in addition to the costs we have incurred and
will continue to incur in connection therewith, could materially and adversely affect us or our
financial condition and results of operations.
Product recalls and the corresponding governmental investigation may harm our reputation and
acceptance of our products by our retail customers and consumers, which may materially and
adversely affect our business operations, decrease sales and increase costs.
The product recalls we announced in April 2008, together with the corresponding governmental
investigation by the USEPA and USDOJ, have resulted in coverage critical of us in the press and
media. While we believe that these recalls are the result of the misguided actions of a former
employee who misled us and that we have acted promptly, responsibly and in the public interest,
these product recalls may harm our reputation and the acceptance of our products by consumers and
our retailer customers. Our retailer customers may be less willing to purchase our products or to
provide marketing support for those products, such as shelf space, promotions, and advertising or
may impose additional requirements that would adversely affect our business operations, decrease
sales and increase costs.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
See Index
to Exhibits at page 32 for a list of the exhibits included herewith.
30
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
|
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|
|
|
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY |
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Date: August 7, 2008
|
|
/s/ DAVID C. EVANS
David C. Evans
|
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Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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(Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer) |
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(Duly Authorized Officer) |
|
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31
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
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Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
|
Location |
|
10(a)
|
|
Termination and Release, dated as of
April 9, 2008, by and among The Scotts
Company LLC, The Scotts Miracle-Gro
Company and LaSalle Bank National
Association
|
|
Incorporated herein
by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to The
Scotts Miracle-Gro
Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K
dated and filed on
April 15, 2008
(File No. 1-13292) |
|
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10(b)
|
|
Master Accounts Receivable Purchase
Agreement, dated as of April 9, 2008,
among The Scotts Company LLC as seller,
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company as
guarantor and Bank of America, N.A. as
purchaser
|
|
Incorporated herein
by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to The
Scotts Miracle-Gro
Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K
dated and filed on
April 15, 2008.
(File No 1-13292) |
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10(c)
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The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Supplemental Incentive Plan for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 2008
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* |
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10(d)
|
|
Employment Agreement for Vincent C.
Brockman, made, entered into and effective
as of June 1, 2008, between The Scotts
Company LLC and Vincent C. Brockman
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* |
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31(a)
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Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
Certification (Principal Executive Officer)
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* |
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31(b)
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Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
Certification (Principal Financial Officer)
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|
* |
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32
|
|
Section 1350 Certification (Principal
Executive Officer and Principal Financial
Officer)
|
|
* |
32
EX-10(C)
EXHIBIT 10(c)
The Scotts Company LLC
Supplemental Incentive Plan Description
Detailed Description
The following outline provides an explanation of the Supplemental Incentive Plan (the SIP) for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008 (FY08). The SIP is designed to supplement and operate
within the parameters of The Scotts Company LLC Amended and Restated Executive/Management Incentive
Plan (the EMIP), which was originally approved by shareholders of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
in January 2006.
The SIP is designed to provide executive officers and key management employees of The Scotts
Company LLC and its subsidiaries an opportunity to earn an annual cash compensation award based
upon the achievement by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
Company) of established financial targets.
|
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|
Purpose/
Objectives
|
|
The SIP is a single global incentive plan that is intended to unite the
organization with a common focus on delivering two key financial
performance measures (earnings per share and modified free cash flow)
within the range of guidance the Company communicated to the investment
community for FY08 in the Companys May 5, 2008 earnings release. The
SIP is a supplement to the EMIP for FY08, which will continue as
previously communicated. |
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Plan Year
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|
The SIP will correspond to the Companys FY08 with the exception of
Scotts Lawn Service (SLS) which will be based on the 2008 calendar
year. |
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Eligibility and
Participation |
|
Eligibility for the SIP is open to all 2008 Plan Year EMIP participants.
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Participants must be actively employed in an eligible job/position for
at least 13 consecutive weeks during the 2008 Plan Year. The 2008 Plan
Year cut-off for new participants and/or changes need to be effective
prior to 6/22/08 for bi-weekly payrolls or prior to 7/2/08 for monthly
payrolls (9/28/08 for SLS bi-weekly payrolls and 10/1/08 for SLS
monthly payrolls). Participants must be employed by the Company on the
last day of the fiscal year (calendar year for SLS) to be eligible for
a payment under the SIP. Participants whose employment terminates
during the 2008 Plan Year (other than in cases of retirement) will not
be eligible for any payment under the SIP. |
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Retirement
|
|
Participants who retire
during the 2008 Plan
Year will be eligible
for a prorated award
based on the percentage
of the 2008 Plan Year
(as applicable to such
participants) worked. |
|
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Performance
Measures
|
|
Performance Measures for the 2008 Plan Year are: |
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Participant Group |
|
Applicable Performance Measures |
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All SIP Participants
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Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Per Share |
|
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Consolidated Modified Free Cash Flow |
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|
Performance Measures Defined
|
|
The Performance Measures defined below are
all calculated at the consolidated Company
level. |
|
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Adjusted Earnings Per Share
Adjusted Net
Income (defined below) / outstanding common
shares and dilutive potential common shares
outstanding. |
|
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|
Adjusted Net Income Earnings after
amortization, interest and taxes, excluding
charges related to impairment, restructuring
and other non-recurring items. For purposes
of the SIP, foreign currency translation is
calculated based on budgeted exchange rates. |
|
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Modified Free Cash Flow Adjusted Net Income
with certain adjustments, as shown below. |
|
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Adjusted Net Income |
|
|
Add: non-cash expenses (depreciation,
amortization and stock-based compensation) |
|
|
Subtract: capital expenditures |
|
|
Adjust: (add/subtract) for change in working
capital, calculated using an average of 13 month-end balances |
2
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Award
Determination/Payouts
|
|
The SIP is designed to recognize and reward performance
against established financial targets. Payouts for each SIP
participant will be calculated in the following manner: |
|
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Incentive Target The incentive opportunity for SIP
participants is based on a percentage (referred to as the
Incentive Target) of each participants Incentive Eligible
Earnings for the 2008 Plan Year. The Incentive Target for
purposes of the SIP, which varies by position level, is the
same as each participants Incentive Target under the EMIP
for the 2008 Plan Year. |
|
|
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|
|
Components, Performance Measures, and Weights Incentive
payouts will begin accruing after the threshold level of
performance is achieved for each of the performance measures.
Maximum performance against each performance measure will
result in a calculated payout amount equal to 100 percent of
the target payout. Performance between the threshold and
maximum performance levels will be incrementally calculated
so participants will receive a payout calculated on a
straight-line basis. The calculated payout for each
performance measure will be multiplied by the assigned
weighting to determine the actual payout under the SIP. |
|
|
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|
|
Funding Trigger No payments will be paid for any component
of the SIP unless the Company achieves the EPS threshold for
the full 2008 Plan Year. This is referred to as the funding
trigger achievement of that level of performance triggers
a funding of the SIP. |
|
|
|
|
|
Higher of SIP or EMIP Payout
Each SIP particpipant will be
eligible to receive the highest payout calculated under the
SIP or the EMIP for the 2008 Plan Year. In no case will a
participant receive a payout under both plans. |
|
|
|
|
|
Payment of Incentive Awards Incentive awards earned under
the SIP are subject to the terms and conditions of the SIP.
With the exception of SLS participants who are on a calendar
year EMIP, any awards earned under the SIP will be paid out
after the close of the 2008 Plan Year and no later than
December 15, 2008. SLS participants will be paid by March 15,
2009. |
3
|
|
|
Incentive Eligible
Earnings Under SIP
|
|
For purposes of the SIP, incentive eligible earnings are
defined as the gross salary/wages, overtime, vacation,
holiday and sick days paid during the eligible FY08 or
Calendar 2008 pay periods: |
|
|
|
|
|
Eligible FY2008 Pay Periods: |
|
|
|
|
|
Monthly Pay ScheduleOctober 1, 2007 through |
|
|
September 30, 2008 (last pay date September 25, 2008); and |
|
|
|
|
|
Bi-Weekly Pay ScheduleSeptember 16, 2007 through
September 13, 2008 (last pay date September 19, 2008). |
|
|
|
|
|
Eligible Calendar 2008 Pay Periods (for SLS participants): |
|
|
|
|
|
Monthly Pay
ScheduleJanuary 1, 2008 through
December 31, 2008 (last pay date December 24, 2008); and |
|
|
|
|
|
Bi-Weekly Pay ScheduleDecember 23, 2007 through
December 20, 2008 (last pay date December 26, 2008). |
|
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|
|
Note: The following earnings are excluded from the incentive
eligible earnings calculation: |
|
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|
Short-term and long-term disability earnings, and |
|
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|
Workers compensation payments, and |
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|
Sign-on or other bonus payments, and |
|
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|
Perks such as a car allowance. |
|
|
|
|
|
Final payout calculations for the SIP will be based on
natural rounding to the nearest whole dollar. This applies
to both incentive eligible earnings and final payout
calculations. |
|
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
Participants shall not have any right with respect to any
award until an award shall, in fact, be paid to them. |
|
|
|
|
|
Nothing in this document confers any rights upon any
associate to participate in the SIP or to remain in the
employ of the Company. Neither the adoption nor the
operation of the SIP shall in any way affect the right of the
associate or the Company to terminate the employment
relationship at any time.
. |
4
EX-10(D)
Exhibit
10(d)
Execution Copy
Employment Agreement for
Vincent C. Brockman
The Scotts Company LLC
June 1, 2008
Contents
|
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|
Article 1. Term of Employment |
|
|
1 |
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|
Article 2. Definitions |
|
|
2 |
|
|
Article 3. Position and Responsibilities |
|
|
6 |
|
|
Article 4. Standard of Care |
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6 |
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|
Article 5. Compensation |
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6 |
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Article 6. Expenses |
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7 |
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Article 7. Employment Terminations |
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7 |
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Article 8. Assignment |
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11 |
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Article 9. Notice |
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11 |
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Article 10. Confidentiality, Noncompetition, and Nonsolicitation |
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11 |
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Article 11. Miscellaneous |
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12 |
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Article 12. Governing Law |
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13 |
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Article 13. Indemnification |
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13 |
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The Scotts Company LLC
Employment Agreement for Vincent C. Brockman
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT is made, entered into, and is effective as of this first day of June
2008 (herein referred to as the Effective Date), by and between The Scotts Company LLC
(Company), an Ohio corporation, and Vincent C. Brockman (Executive).
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive intend that the Executive shall serve Scotts and the
Company as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.
WHEREAS, the Executive possesses considerable experience and an intimate knowledge of the
business, and, as such, the Executive has demonstrated unique qualifications to act in an executive
capacity for the Company, Scotts or any of their affiliates.
WHEREAS, the Company is desirous of assuring the employment of the Executive in the above
stated capacity, and the Executive is desirous of such assurance.
WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to enter into an agreement embodying the terms of
such employment.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements of
the parties set forth in this Agreement, and of other good and valuable consideration the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally
bound, agree as follows:
Article 1. Term of Employment
The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive and the Executive agrees to serve the
Company, Scotts and their affiliates in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein,
for an initial period of three (3) years commencing as of the Effective Date; subject, however, to
earlier termination as expressly provided herein.
The initial three (3) year period of employment shall be extended for one (1) additional year
at the end of the initial three (3) year term and then again after each successive year thereafter.
However, either party may terminate this Agreement at the end of the initial three (3) year term,
or at the end of any successive one (1) year term thereafter, by delivering to the other party
written notice of its intent not to renew at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of such initial
three (3) year term or successive term.
In the event such notice of intent not to renew is properly delivered, this Agreement
automatically shall expire at the end of the initial three (3) year term or successive term then in
progress.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if at any time during the initial three (3) year term of the
Agreement or any successive term, a Change in Control occurs, then the term of this Agreement shall
be the later of the remainder of the initial three (3) year term or two (2) years beyond the month
in which the effective date of such Change in Control occurs.
Article 2. Definitions
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2.1 |
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Agreement means this Employment Agreement for Vincent C. Brockman. |
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2.2 |
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Annual Bonus Award means the annual bonus to be paid to the Executive in accordance
with the terms of the annual bonus program(s) maintained by the Company, Scotts or any of
their affiliates in which the Executive is a participant. |
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2.3 |
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Award Period means the performance period applicable to Long-Term Incentive Awards
granted under the relevant Company long-term incentive plan. |
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2.4 |
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Base Salary means the salary of record paid to the Executive as annual salary,
pursuant to Section 5.1, excluding all other amounts received including under incentive or
other bonus plans, whether or not deferred. |
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2.5 |
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Beneficiary means the individuals or entities designated or deemed designated by
the Executive pursuant to Section 11.6 herein. |
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2.6 |
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Board or Board of Directors means the Board of Directors of Scotts. |
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2.7 |
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Cause means the Executives: |
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(a) |
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Continued failure to substantially perform his duties with the Company,
Scotts or any of their affiliates after a written demand for substantial
performance is delivered to the Executive that specifically identifies the manner
in which the Company believes that the Executive has failed to substantially
perform his duties, and after the Executive has failed to resume substantial
performance of his duties on a continuous basis within thirty (30) calendar days of
receiving such demand; or |
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(b) |
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Conviction of a felony; or |
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(c) |
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Engagement in illegal conduct, an act of dishonesty, violation of
Scotts policies or other similar conduct, that in the Companys sole discretion,
which shall be exercised in good faith, is injurious to the Company, Scotts or any
of their affiliates; or |
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(d) |
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Material breach of any provision of this Agreement; provided, however,
that the Executives willful and material breach of Article 4 shall not constitute
Cause unless the Executive has first been provided with written notice detailing
such breach and a thirty (30) calendar day period to cure such breach; or |
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(e) |
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Breach of Scotts code of business conduct or ethics as determined in
good faith by the Company; or |
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(f) |
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Violation of Scotts insider-trading policies as determined in good
faith by the Company; or |
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(g) |
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Material breach of his fiduciary duties to the Company, Scotts or any
of their affiliates as determined in good faith by the Company. |
2
For purposes of determining Cause, no act or omission by the Executive shall be
considered willful unless it is done or omitted in bad faith or without reasonable
belief that the Executives action or omission was in the best interests of the Company.
Any act or failure to act based upon: (i) authority given pursuant to a resolution duly
adopted by the Board; or (ii) advice of counsel for the Company, shall be conclusively
presumed to be done or omitted to be done by the Executive in good faith and in the best
interests of the Company.
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2.8 |
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Change in Control means the occurrence of any of the following events after the
Effective Date of this Agreement: |
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(a) |
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Any person or group (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and
14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act))
other than Scotts, subsidiaries of Scotts, an employee benefit plan sponsored by
Scotts, or Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. or its successor or any party related to
Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. (as determined by the Board of Directors) becomes the
beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, of more than thirty percent (30%) of the combined voting stock of
Scotts; |
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(b) |
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The shareholders of Scotts adopt or approve a definitive agreement or
series of related agreements for the merger or other business consolidation with
another person, the agreement(s) become effective and, immediately after giving
effect to the merger or consolidation, (i) less than fifty percent (50%) of the
total voting power of the outstanding voting stock of the surviving or resulting
person is then beneficially owned (within the meaning of Rule l3d-3 under the
Exchange Act) in the aggregate by (x) the shareholders of Scotts immediately prior
to such merger or consolidation, or (y) if a record date has been set to determine
the shareholders of Scotts entitled to vote with respect to such merger or
consolidation, the shareholders of Scotts as of such record date and (ii) any
person or group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange
Act) has become the direct or indirect beneficial owner (as defined in Rule l3d-3
under the Exchange Act) of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power of the
voting stock of the surviving or resulting person; |
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(c) |
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Scotts, either individually or in conjunction with one or more of its
subsidiaries, sells, assigns, conveys, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of,
or the subsidiaries sell, assign, convey, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of,
all or substantially all of the properties and assets of Scotts and the
subsidiaries, taken as a whole (either in one transaction or a series of related
transactions), to any person (other than Scotts or a wholly owned subsidiary); |
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(d) |
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For any reason, Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. or its successor or any
party related to Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. (as determined by the Board of
Directors) becomes the beneficial owner, as defined above, directly or indirectly,
of securities of Scotts representing more than forty-nine percent (49%) of the
combined voting power of Scotts then-outstanding voting securities; or |
3
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(e) |
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The adoption or authorization by the shareholders of Scotts of a plan
providing for the liquidation or dissolution of Scotts. |
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2.9 |
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Code means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
For purposes of this Agreement, references to sections of the Code shall be deemed to
include references to any applicable regulations thereunder and any successor or similar
provision. |
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2.10 |
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Committee means the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board or a
subcommittee thereof, or any other committee designated by the Board to take any actions
referenced in this Agreement. The members of the Committee shall be appointed from time to
time by and shall serve at the discretion of the Board. If the Committee does not exist or
cannot function for any reason, the Board may take any action under this Agreement that
would otherwise be the responsibility of the Committee. |
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2.11 |
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Company means The Scotts Company LLC, an Ohio corporation, or any successor company
thereto as provided in Section 8.1 herein. |
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2.12 |
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Director means any individual who is a member of the Board of Directors of Scotts. |
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2.13 |
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Disability or Disabled means for all purposes of this Agreement, a consecutive
period of ninety (90) calendar days during which the Executive is unable to perform his
duties. |
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2.14 |
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Effective Date means June 1, 2008. |
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2.15 |
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Effective Date of Termination means the date on which a termination of the
Executives employment occurs. For purposes of this Agreement, references to a
termination of employment or any form thereof shall mean a separation from service as
defined under Section 409A of the Code. |
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2.16 |
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Executive means Vincent C. Brockman. |
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2.17 |
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Good Reason means, without the Executives consent, the existence of one or more of
the following conditions: |
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(a) |
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A material diminution in the Executives base compensation; |
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(b) |
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A material diminution in the Executives authority, duties, or
responsibilities; |
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(c) |
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A material diminution in the authority, duties, or responsibilities of
the supervisor to whom the Executive is required to report; |
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(d) |
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A material diminution in the budget over which the Executive retains
authority; |
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(e) |
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A material change in the geographic location at which the Executive
must perform services; or |
4
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(f) |
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Any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the
Company of this Agreement (including under Section 8.1). |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) an event described in this Section 2.17 shall
constitute Good Reason only if the Company fails to cure such event within thirty (30)
days after receipt from the Executive of written notice of the event which constitutes
Good Reason and (ii) Good Reason shall cease to exist for an event on the ninetieth
(90th) day following the later of its occurrence or the Executives knowledge
thereof, unless the Executive has given the Company written notice of such event prior
to such date.
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2.18 |
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Long-Term Incentive Award means the Long-Term Incentive Award to be paid to the
Executive in accordance with the Companys long-term incentive plan as described in
Section 5.3 herein. |
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2.19 |
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Notice of Termination means a written notice which shall indicate the specific
termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, and shall set forth in reasonable
detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the
Executives employment under the provisions so indicated. |
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2.20 |
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Prorated Annual Bonus Award means, for any fiscal year, the Annual Bonus Award that
the Executive would have received had the Executive remained employed for the entire
fiscal year/performance period, but prorated based on the actual Base Salary paid to the
Executive during such fiscal year for services rendered through the Effective Date of
Termination. |
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2.21 |
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Prorated Target Annual Bonus Award means, for any fiscal year, the amount of money
determined by multiplying the Executives bonus target percentage with respect to his
Annual Bonus Award by the actual Base Salary paid to the Executive during such fiscal year
for services rendered through the Effective Date of Termination. For example, if the
Executives Base Salary is $100,000.00, but only $40,000.00 of the Base Salary was earned
for services rendered during the fiscal year through the Effective Date of Termination,
and the Executives bonus target percentage with respect to his Annual Bonus Award is 25%,
then the Executives Prorated Target Annual Bonus Award is $10,000.00. |
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2.22 |
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Scotts means The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, an Ohio corporation. |
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2.23 |
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Specified Executive means a specified employee within the meaning of Treasury
Regulation §1.409A-1(i) and as determined under the Companys policy for determining
specified employees. |
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2.24 |
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Target Annual Bonus Award means, for any fiscal year, the amount of money
determined by multiplying the Executives bonus target percentage with respect to his
Annual Bonus Award by the Executives then Base Salary. For example, if the Executives
Base Salary is $100,000.00 and the Executives bonus target percentage with respect to his
Annual Bonus Award is 25%, then the Executives Target Annual Bonus Award is $25,000.00. |
5
Article 3. Position and Responsibilities
During the term of this Agreement, the Executive agrees to serve as Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Company and Scotts. In this capacity, the
Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Scotts, and shall
perform the duties and responsibilities normally associated with such positions and such other
duties and responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer may assign him during the term of this
Agreement.
Article 4. Standard of Care
During the term of this Agreement, the Executive agrees to devote his full time, attention,
and energies to the Companys business and shall not be engaged in any other business activity,
whether or not such business activity is pursued for gain, profit, or other pecuniary advantage
unless such business activity is approved in writing by the Board or Committee, provided, however,
that board positions with nonprofit or philanthropic organizations which do not interfere with the
Executives performance of his duties and responsibilities shall not require Board or Committee
approval. The Executive covenants, warrants, and represents that he shall:
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(a) |
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Devote his full and best efforts to the fulfillment of his employment obligations;
and |
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(b) |
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Adhere to Scotts code of business conduct or ethics as determined by the Board, the
Committee or the Company and exercise the highest standards of conduct in the performance
of his duties. |
Article 5. Compensation
As remuneration for all services to be rendered by the Executive during the term of this
Agreement, and as consideration for complying with the covenants herein, the Company shall pay and
provide to the Executive the following.
5.1 Base Salary. The Company shall pay the Executive a Base Salary in the amount of Three
hundred and no thousand dollars ($300,000.00) per year. This Base Salary shall be paid to the
Executive in equal installments throughout the year, consistent with the normal payroll practices
of the Company. The Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually following the Effective Date of
this Agreement, while this Agreement is in force, to ascertain whether, in the judgment of the
Committee, such Base Salary should be modified. If modified, the Base Salary as stated above shall,
likewise, be modified for all purposes of this Agreement.
5.2 Annual Bonus. The Executive shall be eligible to receive, in addition to his Base Salary,
an Annual Bonus Award. The amount of the Annual Bonus Award, if any, with respect to any fiscal
year shall be based upon performance targets and award levels determined by the Committee in its
sole discretion, in accordance with the applicable annual bonus program(s) as in effect from time
to time.
5.3 Long-Term Incentives. The Executive shall be eligible to receive, in addition to his Base
Salary and Annual Bonus Award, a Long-Term Incentive Award for services rendered during an Award
Period established by the Committee. The amount of the Long-Term Incentive Award, if any, with
respect to any Award Period shall be based upon award levels determined by the Committee in its
sole discretion, in accordance with the Companys or Scotts long-term incentive compensation plan,
as the case may be, as in effect for executives from time to time.
6
5.4 Retirement Benefits. During the term of this Agreement, and as otherwise provided within
the provisions of each of the respective plans, the Company shall provide to the Executive all
retirement benefits to which other executives and employees of the Company are entitled to receive,
subject to the eligibility requirements and other provisions of such arrangements as applicable to
executives of the Company generally.
5.5 Employee Benefits. During the term of this Agreement, and as otherwise provided within the
provisions of each of the respective plans, the Company shall provide to the Executive all benefits
to which other executives and employees of the Company are entitled to receive, subject to the
eligibility requirements and other provisions of such arrangements as applicable to executives of
the Company generally. Such benefits shall include, but shall not be limited to, life insurance,
comprehensive health and major medical insurance, dental insurance, prescription drug insurance,
vision insurance, and short-term and long-term disability. The Executive shall likewise participate
in any additional benefit as may be established during the term of this Agreement, by standard
written policy of the Company.
5.6 Perquisites. The Company shall provide to the Executive on an annual basis an automobile
allowance of twelve thousand dollars ($12,000.00). This allowance shall be paid to the Executive in
equal installments throughout the year, consistent with the normal payroll practices of the
Company. Additionally, the Company shall provide to the Executive on an annual basis either (a) a
four thousand dollar ($4,000.00) amount to be used in lieu of the provision of personal financial
planning, or (b) personal financial planning up to a cost or value of such amount. The value of
such services or such amount will be added to the Executives taxable income. Some or all of such
value or amount of the benefits described in this Section 5.6 may be tax deductible by the
Executive, but the Company makes no tax representation relating thereto.
Article 6. Expenses
Upon presentation of appropriate documentation, the Company shall pay, or reimburse the
Executive, for all ordinary and necessary expenses, in a reasonable amount, which the Executive
incurs in performing his duties under this Agreement including, but not limited to, travel,
entertainment, professional dues and subscriptions, and all dues, fees, and expenses associated
with membership in various professional, business, and civic associations and societies in which
the Executives participation is in the best interest of the Company, in accordance with Company
policy.
Article 7. Employment Terminations
7.1 Termination Due to Death. In the event of the Executives death during the term of this
Agreement, this Agreement shall terminate effective immediately and the Companys obligations under
this Agreement shall immediately expire.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Executive the
following:
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(a) |
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Base Salary through the Effective Date of Termination within thirty
(30) days following such Effective Date of Termination; |
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(b) |
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Subject to the Executives estate signing and not revoking a release of
claims satisfactory to the Company (a Release) within sixty (60) days following
the Effective Date of Termination, the Prorated Target Annual Bonus Award. Such |
7
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amount shall be paid no later than seventy (70) days following the Effective Date
of Termination; and |
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(c) |
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All other rights and benefits the Executive is vested in, pursuant to
other plans and programs of the Company. Such rights and benefits shall be paid or
provided, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan or
program. |
The Company and the Executive thereafter shall have no further obligations under this
Agreement.
7.2 Termination Due to Disability. Subject to any applicable legal requirement, in the event
that the Executive becomes Disabled during the term of this Agreement, the Company shall have the
right to terminate the Executives active employment by giving the Executive notice of such
termination. Upon the Effective Date of Termination, the Companys obligations under this
Agreement shall immediately expire.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall be obligated to pay to the Executive the
following:
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(a) |
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Base Salary through the Effective Date of Termination (subject to an
offset for any disability payments that the Executive receives during this period)
within thirty (30) days following such Effective Date of Termination; |
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(b) |
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Subject to the Executive signing and not revoking a Release within
sixty (60) days following the Effective Date of Termination, the Prorated Target
Annual Bonus Award. Such amount shall be paid no later than seventy (70) days
following the Effective Date of Termination; and |
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(c) |
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All other rights and benefits the Executive is vested in, pursuant to
other plans and programs of the Company. Such rights and benefits shall be paid or
provided, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of the applicable plan or
program. |
With the exception of the covenants referenced in Article 10 (which survive the termination of
the Executives employment), after the payments and execution of the Release, the Company and the
Executive shall have no further obligations under this Agreement.
7.3 Voluntary Termination by the Executive. The Executive may terminate this Agreement at any
time by giving the Company written notice of his intent to terminate, delivered at least sixty (60)
calendar days prior to the Effective Date of Termination; provided, however, that the Company may
waive all or a portion of such sixty (60) day notice period. If the Company waives all or a
portion of such sixty (60) day notice period, this Agreement shall not continue for the full sixty
(60) day notice period but shall terminate upon the Executives separation from service as
defined under Section 409A of the Code, which date shall be the Effective Date of Termination.
Upon the Effective Date of Termination, the Company shall pay the Executive (a) his accrued
and unpaid Base Salary at the rate then in effect, through the Effective Date of Termination within
thirty (30) days following such Effective Date of Termination, plus (b) all other benefits to which
the Executive has a vested right as of the Effective Date of Termination pursuant to the terms and
conditions of the applicable plans and programs of the Company. With the exception of the
8
covenants referenced in Article 10 (which survive the termination of the Executives
employment), the Company and the Executive shall have no further obligations under this Agreement.
7.4 Termination by the Company without Cause or by the Executive with Good Reason unrelated to
a Change in Control. At all times during the term of this Agreement, the Company may terminate the
Executives employment for reasons other than death, Disability, or for Cause, by providing to the
Executive a Notice of Termination, at least sixty (60) calendar days prior to the Effective Date of
Termination. Such Notice of Termination shall be irrevocable absent express written, mutual consent
of the parties. Additionally, the Executive may terminate employment with the Company for Good
Reason by providing the Company with a Notice of Termination for Good Reason. The Notice of
Termination must set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a
basis for such Good Reason termination.
Upon the Effective Date of Termination, the Executive shall be entitled to:
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(a) |
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An amount equal to the Executives accrued and unpaid Base Salary through the
Effective Date of Termination within thirty (30) days following such Effective Date of
Termination. |
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(b) |
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Subject to the Executive signing and not revoking a Release within sixty (60) days
following the Effective Date of Termination: |
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(i) |
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A lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the Executives Base Salary,
at the rate in effect on the Effective Date of Termination; |
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(ii) |
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A lump sum payment equal to the Prorated Annual Bonus Award; and |
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(iii) |
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A lump sum payment equal to the product of (A) the then current cost
of one (1) months premiums for COBRA continuation coverage under the medical and
dental insurance plans in which the Executive and his dependents were participating
on the Effective Date of Termination (assuming the same coverage level as in effect
as of the Effective Date of Termination), and (B) twelve (12). |
Except as otherwise required by Section 7.7, the lump sum payments described in this
Section 7.4(b)(i) and (iii) shall be made by the Company no later than seventy (70) days
following the Effective Date of Termination and the lump sum payment described in this
Section 7.4(b)(ii) shall be made no later than the fifteenth (15th) day of
the third (3rd) month following the end of the fiscal year in which the
Effective Date of Termination occurs. The Company shall provide the Release to the
Executive on or shortly after the Effective Date of Termination, and the Executive shall
execute the Release during the time period permitted by applicable law.
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(c) |
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All other benefits to which the Executive has a vested right as of the Effective
Date of Termination, according to the provisions of the governing plan or program. Such
rights and benefits shall be paid or provided, as applicable, in accordance with the
terms of the applicable plan or program. |
9
With the exception of the covenants referenced in Article 10 (which survive the termination of
the Executives employment), after the payments and execution of the Release, the Company and the
Executive shall have no further obligations under this Agreement.
7.5 Termination for Cause. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Company
from terminating the Executives employment under this Agreement for Cause.
In the event this Agreement is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Company shall pay the
Executive his Base Salary through the Effective Date of Termination within thirty (30) days
following such Effective Date of Termination, and the Executive shall immediately thereafter
forfeit all rights and benefits (other than vested benefits) he would otherwise have been entitled
to receive under this Agreement. With the exception of the covenants referenced in Article 10
(which survive the termination of the Executives employment), the Company and the Executive shall
have no further obligations under this Agreement.
7.6 Subsequent to a Change in Control, Termination by the Company without Cause or by the
Executive with Good Reason. If within two (2) years following a Change in Control, the Company
terminates the Executives employment for any reason other than death, Disability, or Cause or the
Executive terminates employment for Good Reason, the Company shall pay and provide to the
Executive:
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(a) |
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An amount equal to the Executives accrued and unpaid Base Salary through the
Effective Date of Termination within thirty (30) days following such Effective Date of
Termination. |
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(b) |
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Subject to the Executive signing and not revoking a Release within sixty (60) days
following the Effective Date of Termination: |
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(i) |
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A lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the Executives annual Base
Salary, at the Base Salary amount in effect on the Effective Date of Termination; |
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(ii) |
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A lump sum payment equal to two (2) times the Target Annual Bonus
Award; |
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(iii) |
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A lump sum payment that is equal to the Prorated Target Annual Bonus
Award; and |
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(iv) |
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A lump sum payment equal to the product of (A) the then current cost of
one (1) months premiums for COBRA continuation coverage under the medical and
dental insurance plans in which the Executive and his dependents were participating
on the Effective Date of Termination (assuming the same coverage level as in effect
as of the Effective Date of Termination), and (B) eighteen (18). |
Except as otherwise required by Section 7.7, the lump sum payments described in
this Section 7.6(b) shall be made by the Company within seventy (70) days following the
Effective Date of Termination. The Company shall provide the Release to the Executive
on or shortly after the Effective Date of Termination, and the Executive shall execute
the Release during the time period permitted by applicable law.
10
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(c) |
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All other benefits to which the Executive has a vested right as of the Effective Date
of Termination, according to the provisions of the governing plan or program. Such rights
and benefits shall be paid or provided, as applicable, in accordance with the terms of the
applicable plan or program. |
With the exception of the covenants referenced in Article 10 (which survive the termination of
the Executives employment), after the payments and execution of the Release, the Company and the
Executive shall have no further obligations under this Agreement.
7.7 Required Postponement for Specified Executives. If the Executive is considered a
Specified Executive and payment of any amounts under this Agreement is required to be delayed for a
period of six months after a separation from service pursuant to Section 409A of the Code, payment
of such amounts shall be delayed as required by Section 409A of the Code, and the accumulated
postponed amounts shall be paid in a lump sum payment within five (5) days after the end of the six
(6) month period. If the Executive dies during the postponement period prior to the payment of
such amounts, the amounts postponed on account of Section 409A of the Code shall be paid to the
Executives Beneficiary within sixty (60) days after the date of the Executives death.
Article 8. Assignment
8.1 Assignment by the Company. This Agreement may and shall be assigned or transferred
to, and shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of any successor company. For the
purposes of this Section 8.1, a successor shall include a purchaser of all of the equity of the
Company or all or substantially all of the assets or business of the Company. Any such successor
company shall be deemed substituted for all purposes of the Company under the terms of this
Agreement.
Failure of the Company to obtain the agreement of any successor company to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement prior to the effectiveness of any such succession shall be a breach of this
Agreement, and an event constituting Good Reason (as described in Section 2.17). Except as herein
provided, this Agreement may not otherwise be assigned by the Company.
8.2 Assignment by the Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by the Executives personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators,
successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, and legatees. If the Executive dies during the term of
this Agreement, the Companys obligations to make payments or provide benefits are described
entirely in Sections 7.1 and 7.7 and all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall
be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the Executives Beneficiary.
Article 9. Notice
Any notices, requests, demands, or other communications provided by this Agreement shall be
sufficient if in writing and if sent by registered or certified mail to the Executive at the last
address he has filed in writing with the Company or, in the case of the Company, at its principal
offices.
Article 10. Confidentiality, Noncompetition, and Nonsolicitation
This Agreement shall not supersede or nullify in any way the Employee Confidentiality,
Noncompetition, Nonsolicitation Agreement executed by the Executive on May 11, 2006 and, if
applicable, on subsequent dates. The Employee Confidentiality, Noncompetition, Nonsolicitation
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and any requirements of such agreement shall be
11
incorporated by reference into this Agreement. The provisions of this Article 10 shall survive
the termination of this Agreement and the termination of the Executives employment.
Article 11. Miscellaneous
11.1 Entire Agreement. Unless otherwise specified herein, this Agreement supersedes any prior
agreements or understandings, oral or written, between the parties hereto or between the Executive
and the Company, with respect to the subject matter hereof, including the Employment Agreement
between the parties dated March 1, 2006 and constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with
respect thereto. Nothing in this Section 11.1 shall be construed, however, to supersede any prior
award agreements between the parties under Scotts equity-based incentive compensation plans.
11.2 Amendment or Modification. This Agreement shall not be varied, altered, modified,
canceled, changed, or in any way amended except by mutual agreement of the parties in a written
instrument executed by the parties hereto or their legal representatives. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Company may amend the Agreement, to take effect retroactively or otherwise, as
deemed necessary or advisable for the purpose of conforming the Agreement to any present or future
law relating to agreements of this or similar nature (including, but not limited to, Section 409A
of the Code), and to the administrative regulations and rulings promulgated thereunder. None of
the Company, Scotts or any of their respective affiliates shall have any liability to the Executive
for any failure to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
11.3 Severability. In the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement shall be
determined to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall be unaffected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.
11.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one (1) or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same
Agreement.
11.5 Tax Withholding. The Company may withhold from any benefits payable under this Agreement
all federal, state, city, or other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental
regulation or ruling.
11.6 Beneficiaries. For the purposes of any payments or benefits due under Sections 7.1 and
7.7 of this Agreement, the Executive may designate one or more individuals or entities as the
primary and/or contingent Beneficiaries of any amounts to be received. Such designation must be in
the form of a signed writing acceptable to the Company. The Executive may make or change such
designation at any time. An acceptable form is attached hereto as Exhibit A. If no Beneficiary is
validly designated, then the benefits payable under this Agreement shall be paid to the Executives
surviving spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, the Executives estate.
11.7 Payment Obligation Absolute. All amounts payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid
without notice or demand. Subject to the covenants set forth in Article 10 and the terms of any
bonus, long-term incentive or other such plan or program, each and every payment made hereunder by
the Company shall be final, and the Company shall not seek to recover all or any part of such
payment from the Executive or from whomsoever may be entitled thereto, for any reasons whatsoever.
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The restrictive covenants referenced in Article 10 are independent of any other contractual
obligations in this Agreement or otherwise owed by the Company to the Executive. Except as provided
in this Section 11.7, the existence of any claim or cause of action by the Executive against the
Company, whether based on this Agreement or otherwise, shall not create a defense to the
enforcement by the Company of any restrictive covenant contained herein.
11.8 Contractual Rights to Benefits. Subject to approval by the Company, this Agreement
establishes and vests in the Executive a contractual right to the benefits to which he is entitled
hereunder. However, nothing herein contained shall require or be deemed to require, or prohibit or
be deemed to prohibit, the Company to segregate, earmark, or otherwise set aside any funds or other
assets, in trust or otherwise, to provide for any payments to be made or required hereunder.
11.9 Specific Performance. The Executive acknowledges that the obligations undertaken by him
pursuant to this Agreement are unique and that the Company will likely have no adequate remedy at
law if the Executive shall fail to perform any of his obligations hereunder. The Executive
therefore confirms that the Companys right to specific performance of the terms of this Agreement
is essential to protect the rights and interests of the Company. Accordingly, in addition to any
other remedies that the Company may have at law or in equity, the Company shall have the right to
have all obligations, covenants, agreements, and other provisions of this Agreement specifically
performed by the Executive and the Company shall have the right to obtain preliminary injunctive
relief to secure specific performance and to prevent a breach or contemplated breach of this
Agreement by the Executive.
11.10 Voiding of Agreement Provision. If any provision under this Agreement causes an amount
to be considered deferred under Section 409A of the Code and as such become subject to income tax,
excise tax, or penalties under the Code prior to the time such amount is paid to the Executive,
such amount shall be deemed null and void with respect to such amount deferred and the Company may
amend or modify this Agreement in order to accomplish the objectives of the Agreement without
causing early taxation of such amounts and without the Company incurring additional cost or
liability.
Article 12. Governing Law
To the extent not preempted by federal law, the provisions of this Agreement shall be
construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state of Ohio, excluding any conflicts or
choice of law rule or principle that might otherwise refer construction or interpretation of the
Agreement to the substantive law of another jurisdiction.
Article 13. Indemnification
The Company hereby covenants and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Executive against
and in respect to any and all actions, suits, proceedings, claims, demands, judgments, costs,
expenses, losses, and damages resulting from the Executives performance of his duties and
obligations under the terms of this Agreement; provided however, the Executive acted in good faith
and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company
or its shareholders, and with respect to a criminal action or proceeding, the Executive had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
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Executive |
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/s/ Vincent C. Brockman
Vincent C. Brockman
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Date: 6/26/08 |
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The Scotts Company LLC |
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/s/ James Hagedorn
James Hagedorn, Chief Executive Officer
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Date: 6/27/08 |
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14
EXHIBIT A
THE SCOTTS COMPANY LLC
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION FORM
RELATING TO CONTINGENT PAYMENTS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
ENTERED INTO BETWEEN BY AND BETWEEN VINCENT C. BROCKMAN
AND THE SCOTTS COMPANY LLC
1.00 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THIS BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION FORM
You may use this Beneficiary Designation Form to (1) name the person you want to receive any amount
due under the Employment Agreement, effective May___, 2008, by and between you and The Scotts
Company LLC (Agreement) after your death or (2) change the person who will receive these
benefits.
There are several things you should know before you complete this Beneficiary Designation Form.
FIRST, if you do not elect a beneficiary, any amount due to you under the Agreement when you die
will be paid to your surviving spouse or, if you have no surviving spouse, to your estate.
SECOND, your election will not be effective (and will not be implemented) unless you complete all
applicable portions of this Beneficiary Designation Form and return it with a signed copy of the
Agreement to the legal department.
THIRD, all elections will remain in effect until they are changed (or until all death benefits are
paid).
FOURTH, this beneficiary designation supersedes and revokes all other beneficiary designations with
respect to payments under the Agreement.
2.00 DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY
2.01 PRIMARY BENEFICIARY:
I designate the following person as my Primary Beneficiary to receive any amount due after my death
under the Agreement:
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(Name)
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(Relationship) |
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Address: |
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2.02 CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY
If my Primary Beneficiary dies before I die, I direct that any amount due after my death under the
terms of the Agreement be distributed to:
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(Name)
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(Relationship) |
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Address: |
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Elections made on this Beneficiary Designation Form will be effective only after this Form is
received by the legal department and only if it is fully and properly completed and signed.
VINCENT C. BROCKMAN
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Address: |
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1993 Massachusetts Avenue NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33703 |
Sign and attach this Beneficiary Designation Form to the Agreement.
To be Completed by the Company:
Received on:
By:
2
EX-31(A)
Exhibit 31(a)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
(Principal Executive Officer)
I, James Hagedorn, certify that:
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I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company for
the quarterly period ended June 28, 2008; |
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Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the
period covered by this report; |
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Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included
in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report; |
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4. |
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The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
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Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls
and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information
relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us
by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is
being prepared; |
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Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal
control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles; |
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c. |
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Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures
and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure
controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such
evaluation; and |
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Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control
over financial reporting; and |
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The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and
the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent functions): |
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All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of
internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect
the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information;
and |
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Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who
have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
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Dated: August 7, 2008
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By:
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/s/ JAMES HAGEDORN
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Printed Name: James Hagedorn |
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Title: President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board |
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EX-31(B)
Exhibit 31(b)
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
(Principal Financial Officer)
I, David C. Evans, certify that:
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I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company for
the quarterly period ended June 28, 2008; |
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Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the
period covered by this report; |
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3. |
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Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included
in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report; |
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4. |
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The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
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Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls
and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information
relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by
others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
prepared; |
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Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal
control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation
of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles; |
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Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and
presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls
and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such
evaluation; and |
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Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control
over financial reporting; and |
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The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and
the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent functions): |
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All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of
internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect
the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information;
and |
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Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who
have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
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Dated: August 7, 2008
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By:
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/s/ DAVID C. EVANS
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Printed Name: David C. Evans |
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Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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EX-32
Exhibit 32
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION*
In connection with the Quarterly Report of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (the Company) on Form
10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 28, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on the date hereof (the Report), the undersigned James Hagedorn, President, Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company, and David C. Evans, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter
63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, that, to the best of their knowledge:
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The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934; and |
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The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries. |
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/s/ JAMES HAGEDORN
James Hagedorn
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/s/ DAVID C. EVANS
David C. Evans
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President, Chief Executive Officer
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Executive Vice President |
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and Chairman of the Board
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and Chief Financial Officer |
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August 7, 2008
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August 7, 2008 |
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* |
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THIS CERTIFICATION IS BEING FURNISHED AS REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(b) UNDER THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (THE EXCHANGE ACT) AND SECTION 1350 OF CHAPTER 63 OF TITLE 18 OF THE
UNITED STATES CODE, AND SHALL NOT BE DEEMED FILED FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 18 OF THE EXCHANGE
ACT OR OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO THE LIABILITY OF THAT SECTION. THIS CERTIFICATION SHALL NOT BE
DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO ANY FILING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR THE
EXCHANGE ACT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATES THIS
CERTIFICATION BY REFERENCE. |