Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 2, 2010
OR
     
o   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: 1-11593
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
     
OHIO   31-1414921
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
14111 SCOTTSLAWN ROAD,    
MARYSVILLE, OHIO   43041
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
(937) 644-0011
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o 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.
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
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 issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
     
Class   Outstanding at February 8, 2010
     
Common Shares, $0.01 stated value, no par value   66,581,978 common shares
 
 

 

 


 

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
INDEX
         
    PAGE NO.  
       
 
       
       
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    30  
 
       
    38  
 
       
    39  
 
       
       
 
       
    39  
 
       
    39  
 
       
    46  
 
       
    47  
 
       
    47  
 
       
    48  
 
       
    49  
 
       
 Exhibit 10.1
 Exhibit 10.2
 Exhibit 10.3
 Exhibit 10.4
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32

 

2


Table of Contents

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)
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
Net sales
  $ 302.2     $ 286.1  
Cost of sales
    236.2       207.5  
Cost of sales — product registration and recall matters
    0.9       1.3  
 
           
Gross profit
    65.1       77.3  
 
               
Operating expenses:
               
Selling, general and administrative
    137.6       138.7  
Product registration and recall matters
    1.7       6.2  
Other income, net
    (6.6 )     (1.7 )
 
           
Loss from operations
    (67.6 )     (65.9 )
 
               
Interest expense
    10.7       16.3  
 
           
Loss from continuing operations before taxes
    (78.3 )     (82.2 )
 
               
Income tax benefit from continuing operations
    (28.5 )     (29.3 )
 
           
Loss from continuing operations
    (49.8 )     (52.9 )
 
               
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (7.9 )     (4.1 )
 
           
Net loss
  $ (57.7 )   $ (57.0 )
 
           
 
               
BASIC LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
               
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period
    65.9       64.7  
 
           
 
               
Basic loss per common share from continuing operations
  $ (0.76 )   $ (0.82 )
Basic loss per common share from discontinued operations
    (0.12 )     (0.06 )
 
           
Basic loss per common share
  $ (0.88 )   $ (0.88 )
 
           
 
               
DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
               
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period
    65.9       64.7  
 
           
 
               
Diluted loss per common share from continuing operations
  $ (0.76 )   $ (0.82 )
Diluted loss per common share from discontinued operations
    (0.12 )     (0.06 )
 
           
Diluted loss per common share
  $ (0.88 )   $ (0.88 )
 
           
 
               
Dividends declared per common share
  $ 0.125     $ 0.125  
 
           
See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements

 

3


Table of Contents

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
               
Net loss
  $ (57.7 )   $ (57.0 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Stock-based compensation expense
    2.9       3.7  
Depreciation
    12.2       11.3  
Amortization
    2.9       3.5  
Gain on sale of long-lived assets
    (21.6 )      
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses:
               
Accounts receivable
    125.6       77.0  
Inventories
    (200.0 )     (233.2 )
Prepaid and other current assets
    (10.2 )     (9.2 )
Accounts payable
    106.8       68.3  
Accrued liabilities
    (139.7 )     (24.8 )
Restructuring reserves
          (0.2 )
Other non-current items
          (1.0 )
Other, net
    2.1       (10.7 )
 
           
Net cash used in operating activities
    (176.7 )     (172.3 )
 
           
 
               
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Proceeds from the sale of long-lived assets
    23.6        
Investments in property, plant and equipment
    (19.4 )     (7.9 )
Investments in intellectual property
          (1.0 )
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired
          (8.7 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    4.2       (17.6 )
 
           
 
               
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit
    472.4       315.4  
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit
    (317.0 )     (154.6 )
Dividends paid
    (9.3 )     (8.9 )
Payments on seller notes
          (0.1 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    2.6       0.4  
Cash received from the exercise of stock options
    5.9       2.1  
 
           
Net cash provided by financing activities
    154.6       154.3  
 
           
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (1.2 )     (0.7 )
 
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (19.1 )     (36.3 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    71.6       84.7  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 52.5     $ 48.4  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental cash flow information
               
Interest paid, net of interest capitalized
    (8.7 )     (8.4 )
Income taxes refunded
    4.8       11.8  
See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements

 

4


Table of Contents

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN MILLIONS)
                         
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,     SEPTEMBER 30,  
    2010     2008     2009  
    UNAUDITED     (SEE NOTE 1)  
ASSETS
                       
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 52.5     $ 48.4     $ 71.6  
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $10.7, $10.5 and $11.1, respectively
    265.1       279.2       384.3  
Accounts receivable pledged
    9.7       45.9       17.0  
Inventories, net
    657.9       643.4       458.9  
Prepaid and other assets
    169.6       149.3       159.1  
 
                 
Total current assets
    1,154.8       1,166.2       1,090.9  
 
                       
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $467.5, $461.9 and $492.3, respectively
    372.1       338.4       369.7  
Goodwill
    375.0       370.5       375.2  
Intangible assets, net
    359.8       367.1       364.2  
Other assets
    24.3       20.7       20.1  
 
                 
Total assets
  $ 2,286.0     $ 2,262.9     $ 2,220.1  
 
                 
 
                       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Current portion of debt
  $ 166.7     $ 98.1     $ 160.4  
Accounts payable
    296.1       272.7       190.0  
Other current liabilities
    265.3       288.9       406.4  
 
                 
Total current liabilities
    728.1       659.7       756.8  
 
                       
Long-term debt
    798.8       1,039.3       649.7  
Other liabilities
    220.6       195.2       229.1  
 
                 
Total liabilities
    1,747.5       1,894.2       1,635.6  
 
                       
Commitments and contingencies (notes 3 and 11)
                       
 
                       
Shareholders’ equity:
                       
Common shares and capital in excess of $.01 stated value per share, 66.6, 65.5 and 66.2 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    437.7       460.7       451.5  
Retained earnings
    271.1       150.8       337.5  
Treasury shares, at cost: 1.9, 3.2 and 2.4 shares, respectively
    (105.4 )     (172.9 )     (131.7 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (64.9 )     (69.9 )     (72.8 )
 
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    538.5       368.7       584.5  
 
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 2,286.0     $ 2,262.9     $ 2,220.1  
 
                 
See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements

 

5


Table of Contents

NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts Miracle-Gro”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, together with Scotts Miracle-Gro, the “Company”) are engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and sale of lawn and garden care products. The Company’s primary customers include home centers, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, large hardware chains, independent hardware stores, nurseries, garden centers, food and drug stores, commercial nurseries and greenhouses and specialty crop growers. The Company’s products are sold primarily in North America and the European Union. The Company also operates the Scotts LawnService® business, which provides residential lawn care, lawn aeration, tree and shrub care and limited pest control services in the United States.
Since its acquisition in fiscal 2005, the Company operated Smith & Hawken® (1), an outdoor living and garden lifestyle category brand. As discussed in “NOTE 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS,” on July 8, 2009, the Company announced its intention to close the Smith & Hawken business by the end of calendar 2009. During the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2010, all Smith & Hawken stores were closed and substantially all operational activities of Smith & Hawken were discontinued.
Due to the nature of the lawn and garden business, the majority of sales to customers occur in the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters. On a combined basis, net sales for the second and third fiscal quarters generally represent 70% to 75% of annual net sales.
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Company’s 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 of America (“GAAP”). The condensed, consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Scotts Miracle-Gro and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s consolidation criteria are based on majority ownership (as evidenced by a majority voting interest in the entity) and an objective evaluation and determination of effective management control. 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-Gro’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.
The Company’s Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2009 has been derived from the Company’s audited Consolidated Balance Sheet at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future, actual results ultimately may differ from the estimates.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, which generally occurs when products or services are received by the customer. Provisions for estimated returns and allowances are recorded at the time revenue is recognized based on historical rates and are periodically adjusted for known changes in return levels. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of sales.
Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and Marketing Agreement (the “Marketing Agreement”) between the Company and Monsanto Company (“Monsanto”), the Company, in its role as exclusive agent, performs certain functions, primarily manufacturing conversion, distribution and logistics, and selling and marketing support on behalf of Monsanto in the conduct of the consumer Roundup® (2) business. The actual costs incurred by the Company on behalf of the consumer Roundup business 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.
 
     
(1)  
Smith & Hawken® is a registered trademark of Target Brands, Inc. As discussed in “Note 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS,” the Company sold the Smith & Hawken brand and certain intellectual property rights related thereto on December 30, 2009, and subsequently changed the name of the subsidiary entity formerly known as Smith & Hawken, Ltd. to Teak 2, Ltd. References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to Smith & Hawken refer to Scotts Miracle-Gro’s subsidiary entity, not the brand itself.
(2)  
Roundup® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC, a company affiliated with Monsanto Company.

 

6


Table of Contents

PROMOTIONAL ALLOWANCES
The Company promotes its branded products through, among other things, cooperative advertising programs with retailers. Retailers may also be offered in-store promotional allowances and rebates based on sales volumes. Certain products are promoted with direct consumer rebate programs and special purchasing incentives. Promotion costs (including allowances and rebates) incurred during the year are expensed to interim periods in relation to revenues and are recorded as a reduction of net sales. Accruals for expected payouts under these programs are included in the “Other current liabilities” line in the Company’s Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets.
ADVERTISING
Advertising costs incurred during the year by our Global Consumer segment are expensed to interim periods in relation to revenues. All advertising costs, except for external production costs, are expensed within the fiscal year in which such costs are incurred. External production costs for advertising programs are deferred until the period in which the advertising is first aired.
Scotts LawnService® promotes its service offerings primarily through direct mail campaigns. External costs associated with these campaigns that qualify as direct response advertising costs are deferred and recognized as advertising expense in proportion to revenues over a period not beyond the end of the subsequent calendar year. Costs that do not qualify as direct response advertising costs are expensed within the fiscal year in which such costs are incurred on a monthly basis in proportion to net sales. The costs deferred at January 2, 2010, December 27, 2008 and September 30, 2009 were $1.4 million, $3.9 million and $2.1 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
Goodwill and intangible assets determined to have indefinite lives are not subject to amortization. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment by applying a fair-value based test on an annual basis, as of the first day of the Company’s fiscal fourth quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potential impairment. If it is determined that an impairment has occurred, an impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value and classified as “Impairment, restructuring and other charges” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. No impairment, restructuring or other charges from continuing operations were recorded for the three months ended January 2, 2010 or December 27, 2008.
INCOME TAXES
Income tax benefit from continuing operations was calculated at an effective tax rate of 36.4% and 35.6% for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, respectively. The effective tax rate used for interim reporting purposes was based on management’s best estimate of factors impacting the effective tax rate for the full fiscal year. Factors affecting the estimated effective tax rate include assumptions as to income by jurisdiction (domestic and foreign), the availability and utilization of tax credits and the existence of elements of income and expense that may not be taxable or deductible, as well as other items. 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. 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.
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic loss per common share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding each period. Diluted loss per common share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares (stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and stock appreciation rights) outstanding each period. Because of the first quarter net losses, common share equivalents were not included in the calculation of diluted loss per common share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. These common share equivalents equated to 1.1 million common shares and 0.7 million common shares for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, respectively.

 

7


Table of Contents

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Company evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after January 2, 2010 up through February 11, 2010, the date the Company issued these condensed, consolidated financial statements. During this period, the Company did not have any material recognizable subsequent events. On January 14, 2010, Scotts Miracle-Gro issued $200 million of Senior Notes with a coupon of 7.25% and yield of 7.375% due 2018, described in more detail in “NOTE 6. DEBT.”
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Business Combinations
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued new accounting guidance on business combinations and non-controlling interests in consolidated financial statements. The objective is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. The guidance applies to all transactions or other events in which an entity (the “acquirer”) obtains control of one or more businesses (the “acquiree”), including those sometimes referred to as “true mergers” or “mergers of equals” and combinations achieved without the transfer of consideration. In April 2009, the FASB issued additional guidance which addresses application issues arising from contingencies in a business combination. The Company adopted the new guidance beginning October 1, 2009. The Company had no acquisition activity for the fiscal quarter ended January 2, 2010, and the adoption of the new guidance did not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements
In December 2007, the FASB issued new accounting and reporting guidance for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The new guidance also changes the way the consolidated financial statements are presented, establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation, requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and expands disclosures in the consolidated financial statements that clearly identify and distinguish between the parent’s ownership interest and the interest of the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary. The provisions are to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which the guidance is adopted, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which are to be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The Company adopted the new guidance beginning October 1, 2009, and the adoption of the new guidance did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.
Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets
In April 2008, the FASB issued new accounting guidance which amends the list of factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets. The new guidance applies to: (a) intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets and (b) intangible assets acquired in both business combinations and asset acquisitions. Entities estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset must consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, must consider assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension. The new guidance requires certain additional disclosures beginning October 1, 2009 and prospective application to useful life estimates for intangible assets acquired after September 30, 2009. The adoption of the new guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures.
Employers’ Disclosures About Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets
In December 2008, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on employers’ disclosures about assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. It requires employers to disclose information about fair value measurements of plan assets. The objectives of the disclosures are to provide an understanding of: (a) how investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies, (b) the major categories of plan assets, (c) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, (d) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period and (e) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The Company will disclose the information required by this new guidance at September 30, 2010, the fair value measurement date of its defined benefit pension and retiree medical plans.

 

8


Table of Contents

Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets
In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance to improve the information provided in financial statements concerning transfers of financial assets, including the effects of transfers on financial position, financial performance and cash flows, and any continuing involvement of the transferor with the transferred financial assets. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2010. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the guidance may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.
Variable Interest Entities
In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance requiring an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. It also requires enhanced disclosures that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2010. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the guidance may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.
NOTE 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On July 8, 2009, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Smith & Hawken, Ltd., had adopted a plan to close the Smith & Hawken business. During the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2010, all Smith & Hawken stores were closed and substantially all operational activities of Smith & Hawken were discontinued.
As a result, effective in its first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company classified Smith & Hawken as discontinued operations. Accordingly, the Company has reclassified its overall results for the three months ended December 27, 2008 to reflect Smith & Hawken as discontinued operations separate from its results of continuing operations.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company incurred a loss related to the liquidation of the Smith & Hawken business of approximately $25.2 million, largely attributable to charges associated with the termination of retail site lease obligations, third-party agency fees and severance and benefit commitments. These charges were partially offset by a gain of approximately $18 million from the sale of the Smith & Hawken intellectual property on December 30, 2009.
The following table summarizes results of Smith & Hawken classified as discontinued operations in the Company’s Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008 (in millions).
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2, 2010     DECEMBER 27, 2008  
Net sales
  $ 14.7     $ 31.9  
 
               
Operating costs
    22.8       39.5  
Impairment, restructuring and other charges
    17.1        
Other income, net
    (17.9 )     (0.8 )
 
           
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes
    (7.3 )     (6.8 )
 
               
Income tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations
    0.6       (2.7 )
 
           
 
               
Loss from discontinued operations
  $ (7.9 )   $ (4.1 )
 
           

 

9


Table of Contents

The major classes of assets and liabilities of Smith & Hawken were as follows (in millions):
                         
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,     SEPTEMBER 30,  
    2010     2008     2009  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
Inventory
  $     $ 26.9     $ 11.5  
Other current assets
    1.5       7.8       3.3  
Property, plant and equipment, net
          1.8       1.9  
 
                 
Assets of discontinued operations
  $ 1.5     $ 36.5     $ 16.7  
 
                 
 
                       
Accounts payable
  $ 4.9     $ 9.9     $ 6.2  
Other current liabilities
    15.9       6.6       13.2  
Other liabilities
          6.2       2.2  
 
                 
Liabilities of discontinued operations
  $ 20.8     $ 22.7     $ 21.6  
 
                 
NOTE 3. PRODUCT REGISTRATION AND RECALL MATTERS
In April 2008, the Company became aware that a former associate apparently deliberately circumvented Company policies and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) regulations under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1947, as amended (“FIFRA”), by failing to obtain valid registrations for products and/or causing invalid product registration forms to be submitted to regulators. Since that time, the Company has been cooperating with both the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice (“U.S. DOJ”) in related civil and criminal investigations into the pesticide product registration issues.
In late April of 2008, in connection with the U.S. EPA’s investigation, the Company conducted a consumer-level recall of certain consumer lawn and garden products and a Scotts LawnService® product. Subsequently, the Company and the U.S. EPA agreed upon a Compliance Review Plan for conducting a comprehensive, independent review of the Company’s product registration records. Pursuant to the Compliance Review Plan, an independent third-party firm, Quality Associates Incorporated (“QAI”), reviewed substantially all of the Company’s U.S. pesticide product registrations and associated advertisements, some of which were historical in nature and no longer related to sales of the Company’s products. The U.S. EPA investigation and the QAI review process resulted in the temporary suspension of sales and shipments of certain products. In addition, as the QAI review process or the Company’s internal review identified potential FIFRA registration issues (some of which appear unrelated to the actions of the former associate), the Company endeavored to stop selling or distributing the affected products until the issues could be resolved. QAI’s review of the Company’s U.S. pesticide product registrations and associated advertisements is now substantially complete. The results of the QAI review process did not materially affect the Company’s fiscal 2009 or first quarter fiscal 2010 sales and are not expected to materially affect the Company’s sales during the remainder of fiscal 2010.
In late 2008, Scotts Miracle-Gro and its indirect subsidiary, EG Systems, Inc., doing business as Scotts LawnService®, were named as defendants in a purported class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan relating to the application of certain pesticide products by Scotts LawnService®. In the suit, Mark Baumkel, on behalf of himself and the purported classes, sought an unspecified amount of damages, plus costs and attorneys’ fees, for alleged claims involving breach of contract, unjust enrichment, tort, and violation of the State of Michigan’s consumer protection act. On September 28, 2009, the court granted the motion filed by Scotts Miracle-Gro and EG Systems, Inc. and dismissed the suit with prejudice. Since that time, Scotts Miracle-Gro, EG Systems, Inc. and Mr. Baumkel have agreed to a confidential settlement that, among other things, precludes an appeal of the decision. The impact of the confidential settlement did not, and will not, materially affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In fiscal 2008, the Company conducted a voluntary recall of certain of its wild bird food products due to a formulation issue. Certain wild bird food products had been treated with pest control additives to avoid insect infestation, especially at retail stores. While the pest control additives had been labeled for use on certain stored grains that can be processed for human and/or animal consumption, they were not labeled for use on wild bird food products. In October 2008, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration concluded that the recall had been completed and that there had been proper disposition of the recalled products. The results of the wild bird food recall did not materially affect the Company’s fiscal 2009 financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
As a result of these registration and recall matters, the Company has reversed sales associated with estimated returns of affected products, recorded charges for affected inventory and recorded other registration and recall-related costs. The impacts of these adjustments were pre-tax charges of $2.6 million and $7.6 million for the three-month periods ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, respectively. The Company expects to incur $10 to $15 million in fiscal 2010 on recall and registration matters, excluding possible fines, penalties, judgments and/or litigation costs. These fiscal 2010 charges primarily consist of costs associated with the reworking of certain finished goods inventories, the potential disposal of certain products and ongoing third-party professional services related to the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations.

 

10


Table of Contents

The U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations continue and may result in future state, federal or private actions including fines and/or penalties with respect to known or potential additional product registration issues. Until the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations are complete, the Company cannot reasonably determine the scope or magnitude of possible liabilities that could result from known or potential product registration issues, and no reserves for these potential liabilities have been established as of January 2, 2010. However, it is possible that such liabilities, including fines, penalties, judgments and/or litigation costs could be material and have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
The following tables summarize the impact of the product registration and recall matters on the Company’s results of operations during the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008 and on accrued liabilities and inventory reserves as of January 2, 2010 (in millions):
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2, 2010     DECEMBER 27, 2008  
Net sales — product recalls
  $     $ (0.3 )
Cost of sales — product recalls
          (0.2 )
Cost of sales — other charges
    0.9       1.3  
 
           
Gross profit
    (0.9 )     (1.4 )
Selling, general and administrative
    1.7       6.2  
 
           
Loss from operations
    (2.6 )     (7.6 )
Income tax benefit
    0.9       2.7  
 
           
Net loss
  $ (1.7 )   $ (4.9 )
 
           
                                 
            ADDITIONAL                
    RESERVES AT     COSTS AND             RESERVES AT  
    SEPTEMBER 30,     CHANGES IN     RESERVES     JANUARY 2,  
    2009     ESTIMATE     USED     2010  
Inventory reserves
  $ 4.1     $ 0.4     $ (0.1 )   $ 4.4  
Other incremental costs of sales
    4.2       0.5       (0.6 )     4.1  
Other general and administrative costs
    1.4       1.7       (2.6 )     0.5  
 
                       
Accrued liabilities and inventory reserves
  $ 9.7     $ 2.6     $ (3.3 )   $ 9.0  
 
                       
NOTE 4. DETAIL OF INVENTORIES, NET
Inventories, net of provisions for slow moving and obsolete inventory of $28.3 million, $26.5 million and $35.3 million as of January 2, 2010, December 27, 2008 and September 30, 2009, respectively, consisted of:
                         
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,     SEPTEMBER 30,  
    2010     2008     2009  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
Finished goods
  $ 437.9     $ 427.3     $ 239.1  
Work-in-progress
    43.5       51.6       41.5  
Raw materials
    176.5       164.5       178.3  
 
                 
 
  $ 657.9     $ 643.4     $ 458.9  
 
                 
NOTE 5. MARKETING AGREEMENT
The Company is Monsanto’s exclusive agent for the domestic and international marketing and distribution of consumer Roundup® herbicide products. Under the terms of the Marketing Agreement with Monsanto, the Company is entitled to receive an annual commission from Monsanto in consideration for the performance of the Company’s duties as agent. The annual gross commission under the Marketing Agreement is calculated as a percentage of the actual earnings before interest and income taxes (“EBIT”) of the consumer Roundup® business and is based on the achievement of two earnings thresholds, as defined in the Marketing Agreement. In general, the Company begins to record a gross commission from the Marketing Agreement in its second fiscal quarter. The Marketing Agreement also requires the Company to make annual payments to Monsanto as a contribution against the overall expenses of the consumer Roundup® business. The annual contribution payment is defined in the Marketing Agreement as $20 million.
In consideration for the rights granted to the Company under the Marketing Agreement for North America, the Company was required to pay a marketing fee of $32 million to Monsanto. The Company has deferred this amount on the basis that the payment will provide a future benefit through commissions that will be earned under the Marketing Agreement. Based on management’s current assessment of the likely term of the Marketing Agreement, the useful life over which the marketing fee is being amortized is 20 years.

 

11


Table of Contents

Under the terms of the Marketing Agreement, the Company performs certain functions, primarily manufacturing conversion, distribution and logistics, and selling and marketing support, on behalf of Monsanto in the conduct of the consumer Roundup® business. The actual costs incurred for these activities are charged to and reimbursed by Monsanto. The Company records costs incurred under the Marketing Agreement for which the Company is the primary obligor on a gross basis, recognizing such costs in “Cost of sales” and the reimbursement of these costs in “Net sales,” with no effect on gross profit or net income. The related net sales and cost of sales were $16.7 million and $15.6 million for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, respectively.
The elements of the net commission earned under the Marketing Agreement and included in “Net sales” are as follows:
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
Gross commission
  $     $  
Contribution expenses
    (5.0 )     (5.0 )
Amortization of marketing fee
    (0.2 )     (0.2 )
 
           
Net commission expense
    (5.2 )     (5.2 )
Reimbursements associated with Marketing Agreement
    16.7       15.6  
 
           
Total net sales associated with Marketing Agreement
  $ 11.5     $ 10.4  
 
           
The Marketing Agreement has no definite term except as it relates to the European Union countries (the “EU term”). The EU term extends through September 30, 2011, with up to two additional automatic renewal periods of two years each, subject to non-renewal only upon the occurrence of certain performance defaults. Thereafter, the Marketing Agreement provides that the parties may agree to renew the EU term for an additional three years.
The Marketing Agreement provides Monsanto with the right to terminate the Marketing Agreement upon an event of default (as defined in the Marketing Agreement) by the Company, a change in control of Monsanto or the sale of the consumer Roundup® business. The Marketing Agreement provides the Company with the right to terminate the Marketing Agreement in certain circumstances, including an event of default by Monsanto or the sale of the consumer Roundup® business. Unless Monsanto terminates the Marketing Agreement due to an event of default by the Company, Monsanto is required to pay a termination fee to the Company that varies by program year. The termination fee is calculated as a percentage of the value of the consumer Roundup® business exceeding a certain threshold, but in no event will the termination fee be less than $16 million. If Monsanto were to terminate the Marketing Agreement due to an event of default by the Company, however, the Company would not be entitled to any termination fee, and the Company would lose all, or a substantial portion, of the significant source of earnings and overhead expense absorption the Marketing Agreement provides. Monsanto may also be able to terminate the Marketing Agreement within a given region, including North America, without paying a termination fee if unit volume sales to consumers in that region decline: (1) over a cumulative three-fiscal-year period; or (2) by more than 5% for each of two consecutive years.
NOTE 6. DEBT
The components of long-term debt are as follows:
                         
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,     SEPTEMBER 30,  
    2010     2008     2009  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
Credit Facilities:
                       
Revolving loans
  $ 521.7     $ 565.7     $ 330.4  
Term loans
    421.4       540.4       456.4  
Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement
    3.0       10.0       4.2  
Notes due to sellers
    11.1       12.7       11.0  
Foreign bank borrowings and term loans
    0.7       1.0       0.5  
Other
    7.6       7.6       7.6  
 
                 
 
    965.5       1,137.4       810.1  
Less current portions
    166.7       98.1       160.4  
 
                 
 
  $ 798.8     $ 1,039.3     $ 649.7  
 
                 

 

12


Table of Contents

In February 2007, Scotts Miracle-Gro and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the following senior secured credit 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 these credit 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, Australian dollars and Canadian dollars. Amortization payments on the term loan portion of the credit facilities began on September 30, 2007 and are due quarterly through 2012. As of January 2, 2010, the cumulative total amortization payments on the term loan were $138.6 million, reducing the balance of the Company’s term loan and effectively reducing the amount outstanding under the credit facilities.
As of January 2, 2010, there was $1.03 billion of availability under the senior secured credit facilities, including letters of credit. Under the revolving loan facility, the Company has the ability to issue letter of credit commitments up to $65 million. At January 2, 2010, the Company had letters of credit in the aggregate face amount of $38.6 million outstanding.
At January 2, 2010, the Company had outstanding interest rate swaps with major financial institutions that effectively converted a portion of variable-rate debt denominated in U.S. dollars to a fixed rate. The swap agreements had a total U.S. dollar notional amount of $650 million at January 2, 2010. Interest payments made between the effective date and expiration date are hedged by the swap agreement, except as noted below. The effective dates, expiration dates and rates of these swap agreements are shown in the table below.
                     
NOTIONAL AMOUNT     EFFECTIVE   EXPIRATION   FIXED
(IN MILLIONS)     DATE (a)   DATE   RATE  
$ 200     3/30/2007   3/30/2010   4.87%  
200   2/14/2007   2/14/2012   5.20%  
  50     2/14/2012   2/14/2016   3.78%  
  150 (b)     11/16/2009   5/16/2016   3.26%  
  50 (c)     2/16/2010   5/16/2016   3.05%  
     
(a)  
The effective date refers to the date on which interest payments are first hedged by the applicable swap contract.
 
(b)  
Interest payments made during the six-month period beginning November 14 of each year between the effective date and expiration date are hedged by the swap contract.
 
(c)  
Interest payments made during the three-month period beginning February 14 of each year between the effective date and expiration date are hedged by the swap contract.
Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement
On April 9, 2008, the Company entered into a Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (the “2008 MARP Agreement”). The 2008 MARP Agreement provided 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 2008 MARP Agreement also provided for specified account debtor sublimit amounts, which provided limits on the amount of receivables owed by individual account debtors that could be sold to the banks. The 2008 MARP Agreement provided an interest rate that approximated the 7-day LIBOR rate plus 85 basis points. The 2008 MARP Agreement expired by its terms on April 8, 2009.
On May 1, 2009, the Company entered into a Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (the “2009 MARP Agreement”), with a stated termination date of May 1, 2010, or such later date as may be mutually agreed by the Company and its lender. The 2009 MARP Agreement provides for the discounted sale, on an uncommitted, revolving basis, of accounts receivable generated by a specified account debtor, with aggregate limits not to exceed $80 million. The 2009 MARP Agreement provides an interest rate that approximates the 7-day LIBOR rate plus 225 basis points.
The Company accounts for the sale of receivables under the 2009 MARP Agreement as short-term debt and continues to carry the receivables on its Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheet, primarily as a result of the Company’s right to repurchase receivables sold. The caption “Accounts receivable pledged” on the accompanying Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets in the amounts of $9.7 million, $45.9 million and $17.0 million as of January 2, 2010, December 27, 2008 and September 30, 2009, respectively, represents the pool of receivables that have been designated as “sold” under the 2009 and 2008 MARP Agreements, respectively, and serve as collateral for short-term debt thereunder in the amounts of $3.0 million, $10.0 million and $4.2 million, as of those dates, respectively.

 

13


Table of Contents

The Company was in compliance with the terms of all borrowing agreements at January 2, 2010.
A description of the Company’s debt instruments and the methods and assumptions used to estimate their fair values is as follows:
Long-Term Debt
The interest rate currently available to the Company fluctuates with the applicable LIBOR rate, prime rate or Federal Funds Effective Rate, and thus the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Accounts Receivable Pledged
The interest rate on the short-term debt associated with accounts receivable pledged under the 2009 MARP Agreement fluctuates with the one-week LIBOR rate, and thus the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Subsequent Event — Issuance of $200 million of 7.25% Senior Notes
On January 14, 2010, Scotts Miracle-Gro issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “Senior Notes”). The proceeds of the offering were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility. The Senior Notes represent general unsecured senior obligations of Scotts Miracle-Gro, and were sold to the public at 99.254% of the principal amount thereof, to yield 7.375% to maturity. The Senior Notes have interest payment dates of January 15 and July 15, commencing on July 15, 2010, and may be redeemed prior to maturity at applicable redemption premiums. The Senior Notes contain usual and customary incurrence-based covenants, which include, but are not limited to, restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the incurrence of liens and the issuance of certain preferred shares, and the making of certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments, as well as other usual and customary covenants, which include, but are not limited to, restrictions on sale and leaseback transactions, restrictions on purchases for or redemptions of Company stock and prepayments of subordinated debt, limitations on asset sales and restrictions on transactions with affiliates. The Senior Notes mature on January 15, 2018. Certain of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s domestic subsidiaries serve as guarantors of the Senior Notes. Refer to “NOTE 16. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS” for more information regarding the guarantor entities.
NOTE 7. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The components of other comprehensive income (expense) and total comprehensive loss were as follows:
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
Net loss
  $ (57.7 )   $ (57.0 )
Other comprehensive income (expense), net of tax:
               
Change in valuation of derivative instruments
    2.4       (18.6 )
Change in pension and other postretirement amounts
    5.8       6.4  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (0.3 )     9.4  
 
           
Comprehensive loss
  $ (49.8 )   $ (59.8 )
 
           
NOTE 8. 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  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
Frozen defined benefit plans
  $ 1.1     $ 0.9  
International benefit plans
    1.9       1.8  
Retiree medical plan
    0.6       0.5  

 

14


Table of Contents

NOTE 9. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AWARDS
The following is a recap of the share-based awards granted over the periods indicated:
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
 
 
Options
    7,500       686,100  
Restricted stock
          240,400  
Restricted stock units (including deferred stock units)
    4,915       190,330  
 
           
Total share-based awards
    12,415       1,116,830  
 
           
 
               
Aggregate fair value at grant dates (in millions)
  $ 0.3     $ 15.0  
Total share-based compensation and the deferred tax benefit recognized were as follows for the periods indicated (in millions):
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
Share-based compensation
  $ 2.9     $ 3.7  
Tax benefit recognized
    1.1       1.3  
Subsequent to January 2, 2010, Scotts Miracle-Gro awarded restricted stock units and stock options covering 0.6 million common shares to key employees with an estimated fair value of $15.3 million on the date of grant.
NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES
The balance of unrecognized tax benefits and the amount of related interest and penalties were as follows:
                 
    JANUARY 2,     SEPTEMBER 30,  
    2010     2009  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
Unrecognized tax benefits
  $ 6.8     $ 6.2  
Portion that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate
    6.8       6.4  
Accrued penalties on unrecognized tax benefits
    0.6       0.6  
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits
    1.4       1.2  
Scotts Miracle-Gro 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 years prior to 2006. The Company is currently under examination by certain foreign and U.S. state and local tax authorities. In regard to the foreign audits, the tax periods under investigation are limited to fiscal years 2006 through 2008. In regards to the U.S. state and local audits, the tax periods under investigation are limited to fiscal years 2001 through 2007. In addition to the aforementioned audits, certain other tax deficiency issues and refund claims for previous years remain unresolved.
The Company currently anticipates that few of its open and active audits will be resolved in the next 12 months. The Company is unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate as to when or if cash settlements with taxing authorities may occur. Although audit outcomes and the timing of audit payments are subject to significant uncertainty, the Company does not anticipate that the resolution of these tax matters or any events related thereto will result in a material change to its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

15


Table of Contents

NOTE 11. CONTINGENCIES
Management regularly evaluates the Company’s contingencies, including various lawsuits and claims which arise in the normal course of business, product and general liabilities, workers’ compensation, property losses and other 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 actuarially 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 final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The following are the more significant of the Company’s identified contingencies:
FIFRA Compliance and the Corresponding Governmental Investigations
For a description of the Company’s ongoing FIFRA compliance efforts and the corresponding governmental investigation, see “NOTE 3. PRODUCT REGISTRATION AND RECALL MATTERS.”
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. The complaint alleged 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. Geiger’s damages expert quantified Geiger’s alleged damages at approximately $3.3 million, which could have been trebled under antitrust laws. Geiger also sought recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs. On January 13, 2009, the U.S. District Court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment and entered judgment for the Company. Geiger has appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
The Company continues to pursue the collection of funds owed to the Company by Geiger as confirmed by the Company’s April 25, 2005 judgment against Geiger.
Other Regulatory Matters
In 1997, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency initiated an enforcement action against the Company with respect to alleged surface water violations and inadequate wastewater treatment capabilities at its 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 January 2, 2010, $2.5 million was accrued for other regulatory matters in the “Other liabilities” line in the Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheet. The amounts accrued are believed to be adequate to cover such 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 Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Other
The Company has been named as a defendant in a number of cases alleging injuries that the lawsuits claim resulted from exposure to asbestos-containing products, apparently based on the Company’s historic use of vermiculite in certain of its products. 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 seek damages from the Company alone. The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit and is vigorously defending against them. It is not currently possible to reasonably estimate a probable loss, if any, associated with these cases and, accordingly, no accrual or reserves have been recorded in the Company’s condensed, consolidated financial statements. 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. 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 Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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 calendar year 2003, the Company and James Hagedorn, individually and as Chairman of the Board and 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 responded in writing to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation with respect to the Proposed Order 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 Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

16


Table of Contents

NOTE 12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Derivatives and Hedging
The Company is exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. To manage the volatility related to these exposures, the Company enters into various financial transactions. The utilization of these financial transactions is governed by policies covering acceptable counterparty exposure, instrument types and other hedging practices. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
The Company formally designates and documents qualifying instruments as hedges of underlying exposures at inception. The Company formally assesses, both at inception and at least quarterly, whether the financial instruments used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Fluctuations in the value of these instruments generally are offset by changes in the fair value or cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. This offset is driven by the high degree of effectiveness between the exposure being hedged and the hedging instrument. GAAP requires all derivative instruments to be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company designates commodity hedges as cash flow hedges of forecasted purchases of commodities and interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges of interest payments on variable rate borrowings. Any ineffective portion of a change in the fair value of a qualifying instrument is immediately recognized in earnings. The amounts recorded in earnings related to ineffectiveness of derivative hedges for the three-month periods ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008 were not significant.
Foreign Currency Swap Contracts
The Company periodically uses foreign currency swap contracts to manage the exchange rate risk associated with intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries that are denominated in local currencies. At January 2, 2010, the notional amount of outstanding foreign currency swap contracts was $72.8 million, with a fair value of $1.2 million. The fair value of foreign currency swap contracts is determined based on changes in spot rates. The unrealized loss on the foreign currency swap contracts approximates the unrealized gain on the intercompany loans recognized by the Company’s lending subsidiaries.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements as a means to hedge its variable interest rate exposure on debt instruments. The fair values are reflected in the Company’s Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net amounts to be received or paid under the swap agreements are reflected as adjustments to interest expense. Since the interest rate swap agreements have been designated as hedging instruments, unrealized gains or losses resulting from adjusting these swaps to fair value are recorded as elements of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCI”) within the Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the swap agreements is determined based on the present value of the estimated future net cash flows using implied rates in the applicable yield curve as of the valuation date.
At January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, the Company had outstanding interest rate swap agreements with major financial institutions that effectively converted a portion of the Company’s variable-rate debt to a fixed rate. The swap agreements had a total U.S. dollar equivalent notional amount of $650 million and $600 million at January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, respectively. Refer to “NOTE 6. DEBT” for the terms of the swap agreements outstanding at January 2, 2010. Included in the AOCI balance at January 2, 2010 was a pre-tax loss of $8.7 million related to interest rate swap agreements that is expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months, consistent with the timing of the underlying hedged transactions.
Commodity Hedges
The Company had outstanding hedging arrangements at January 2, 2010 designed to fix the price of a portion of its urea needs. The contracts are designated as hedges of the Company’s exposure to future cash flow fluctuations associated with the cost of urea. The objective of the hedges is to mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility attributable to the risk of changing prices. Unrealized gains or losses in the fair value of these contracts are recorded to the AOCI component of shareholders’ equity. Realized gains or losses remain as a component of AOCI until the related inventory is sold. Upon sale of the underlying inventory, the gain or loss is reclassified to cost of sales. Included in the AOCI balance at January 2, 2010 was a pre-tax loss of $0.8 million related to urea derivatives that is expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months, consistent with the timing of the underlying hedged transactions.

 

17


Table of Contents

Periodically, the Company also uses fuel derivatives to partially mitigate the effect of fluctuating diesel and gasoline costs on operating results. Historically, the majority of fuel derivatives used by the Company has not qualified for hedge accounting treatment in accordance with GAAP and is marked-to-market, with unrealized gains and losses on open contracts and realized gains or losses on settled contracts recorded as an element of cost of sales.
In fiscal 2009, the Company entered into fuel derivatives for its Scotts LawnService® business that qualify for hedge accounting treatment. Unrealized gains or losses in the fair value of these contracts are recorded to the AOCI component of shareholders’ equity except for any ineffective portion of the change in fair value, which is immediately recorded in earnings. For the effective portion of the change in fair value, realized gains or losses remain as a component of AOCI until the related fuel is consumed by the Scotts LawnService® service vehicles. Upon consumption of the fuel, the gain or loss is reclassified to cost of sales. Included in the AOCI balance at January 2, 2010 was a pre-tax gain of $0.1 million related to fuel derivatives that is expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months, consistent with the timing of the underlying hedged transactions.
As of January 2, 2010, the Company had the following outstanding commodity contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases:
     
Commodity   Volume
Urea
  51,000 tons
Diesel
  336,000 gallons
Gasoline
  168,000 gallons
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments were as follows (in millions):
                         
    Assets/(Liabilities)  
    January 2, 2010     December 27, 2008  
    Balance Sheet Location   Fair Value     Balance Sheet Location   Fair Value  
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
                       
Interest rate swap agreements
  Other assets   $ 3.4     Other assets   $  
 
  Other current liabilities     (14.1 )   Other current liabilities     (1.1 )
 
  Other liabilities     (7.4 )   Other liabilities     (32.1 )
Commodity hedging instruments
  Prepaid and other assets     3.4     Prepaid and other assets      
 
  Other current liabilities         Other current liabilities     (14.8 )
 
                   
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
      $ (14.7 )       $ (48.0 )
 
                   
Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments(1)
                       
Foreign currency swap contracts
  Prepaid and other assets   $ 1.2     Prepaid and other assets   $  
 
  Other current liabilities         Other current liabilities     (5.6 )
 
                   
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments(1)
      $ 1.2         $ (5.6 )
 
                   
Total derivatives
      $ (13.5 )       $ (53.6 )
 
                   
 
     
(1)  
See discussion above for additional information regarding the Company’s purpose for entering into derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and its overall risk management strategy.
Refer to “NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS” for the Company’s fair value measurements of derivative instruments as they relate to the valuation hierarchy.

 

18


Table of Contents

The effect of derivative instruments on AOCI and the Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008 was as follows (in millions):
                 
    Amount of Gain/(Loss)  
    Recognized in OCI  
    Three Months Ended  
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships   January 2, 2010     December 27, 2008  
Interest rate swap agreements
  $ (1.6 )   $ (12.7 )
Commodity hedging instruments
    2.4       (8.0 )
 
           
Total
  $ 0.8     $ (20.7 )
 
           
                         
            Amount of Gain/(Loss)  
            Reclassified From OCI Into Earnings  
Derivatives in Cash Flow   Location of Gain/(Loss)     Three Months Ended  
Hedging Relationships   Reclassified From OCI Into Earnings     January 2, 2010     December 27, 2008  
Interest rate swap agreements
  Interest expense   $ (5.5 )   $ (2.4 )
Commodity hedging instruments
  Cost of sales     0.6       0.1  
 
                   
Total
          $ (4.9 )   $ (2.3 )
 
                   
                         
            Amount of Gain/(Loss)  
            Recognized in Earnings  
Derivatives not Designated As   Location of Gain/(Loss)     Three Months Ended  
Hedging Instruments   Recognized in Income     January 2, 2010     December 27, 2008  
Foreign currency swap contracts
  Interest expense   $ 0.7     $ (6.4 )
 
                   
Total
          $ 0.7     $ (6.4 )
 
                   
NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company adopted the new accounting guidance for all financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis effective October 1, 2008. The Company adopted the new accounting guidance for all non-financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a non-recurring basis effective October 1, 2009. The guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. It defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or the most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
The following describes the valuation methodologies used for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification within the valuation hierarchy.
Derivatives
Derivatives consist of foreign currency, interest rate and commodity derivative instruments. The Company uses foreign currency swap contracts to manage the exchange rate risk associated with intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries that are denominated in U.S. dollars. These contracts are valued using observable forward rates in commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the contracts.
Interest rate derivatives consist of interest rate swap agreements. The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements as a means to hedge its variable interest rate exposure on debt instruments. The fair value of the swap agreements is determined based on the present value of the estimated future net cash flows using implied rates in the applicable yield curve as of the valuation date.

 

19


Table of Contents

The Company has hedging arrangements designed to fix the price of a portion of its urea and fuel needs. The objective of the hedges is to mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility attributable to the risk of changing prices. These contracts are measured using observable commodity exchange prices in active markets.
These derivative instruments are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy and are included within “Other assets” and “Other liabilities” in the Company’s Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets, except for derivative instruments expected to be settled within the next 12 months, which are included within “Prepaid and other assets” and “Other current liabilities.”
For further information on the Company’s derivative instruments, refer to “NOTE 12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES.”
Other
Other financial assets consist of investment securities in non-qualified retirement plan assets. These securities are valued using observable market prices in active markets. These investment securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy and are included within “Other assets” in our Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at January 2, 2010 (in millions):
                                 
    Quoted Prices in Active                    
    Markets for Identical     Significant Other     Unobservable        
    Assets     Observable Inputs     Inputs        
    (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)     Total  
Assets
                               
Derivatives
                               
Interest rate swap agreements
  $     $ 3.4     $     $ 3.4  
Foreign currency swap contracts
          1.2             1.2  
Commodity hedging instruments
          3.4             3.4  
Other
    7.0                   7.0  
 
                       
Total
  $ 7.0     $ 8.0     $     $ 15.0  
 
                       
Liabilities
                               
Derivatives
                               
Interest rate swap agreements
  $     $ (21.5 )   $     $ (21.5 )
 
                       
Total
  $     $ (21.5 )   $     $ (21.5 )
 
                       
The assets and liabilities subject to the new guidance for fair value measurement accounting and disclosures related to non-financial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed on a non-recurring basis primarily include goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets measured at fair value for impairment assessments, long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessments and non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in business combinations. The adoption of this new guidance did not affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the periods presented.
NOTE 14. ACQUISITIONS
Effective October 1, 2008, the Company acquired Humax Horticulture Limited, a privately-owned growing media company in the United Kingdom, for a total cost of $9.3 million. There was no acquisition activity in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.
NOTE 15. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company divides its business into the following segments — Global Consumer, Global Professional, Scotts LawnService® and Corporate & Other. Prior to being reported as discontinued operations, Smith & Hawken was included as part of our Corporate & Other reportable segment. This division of reportable segments is consistent with how the segments report to and are managed by senior management of the Company. Certain reclassifications were made to the Global Consumer and Global Professional prior period amounts to reflect changes in the structure of the Company’s organization effective in fiscal 2010.
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, wild bird food, pesticide and rodenticide products. Products are marketed to mass merchandisers, home centers, large hardware chains, warehouse clubs, distributors, garden centers and grocers in the United States, Canada and Europe.

 

20


Table of Contents

The Global Professional segment is focused on a full line of horticultural products including controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers and plant protection products, wetting agents, grass seed products, spreaders and customer application services. Products are sold to commercial nurseries and greenhouses and specialty crop growers, primarily in North America and Europe.
The Scotts LawnService® segment provides lawn fertilization, disease and insect control and other related services such as core aeration, tree and shrub fertilization and limited pest control services primarily to residential consumers through Company-owned branches and franchises in the United States.
The Corporate & Other segment consists of corporate general and administrative expenses.
Segment performance is evaluated based on several factors, including income from continuing operations before amortization, product registration and recall costs, and impairment, restructuring and other charges, which are not GAAP measures. Senior management of the Company uses this measure of operating profit to gauge segment performance because the Company believes this measure is the most indicative of performance trends and the overall earnings potential of each segment. The following table presents segment financial information.
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
Net sales:
               
Global Consumer
  $ 214.0     $ 188.3  
Global Professional
    55.4       59.5  
Scotts LawnService®
    33.0       38.8  
 
           
Segment total
    302.4       286.6  
Roundup® amortization
    (0.2 )     (0.2 )
Product registration and recall matters-returns
          (0.3 )
 
           
Consolidated
  $ 302.2     $ 286.1  
 
           
 
               
Operating income (loss):
               
Global Consumer
  $ (37.0 )   $ (35.5 )
Global Professional
    0.7       13.8  
Scotts LawnService®
    (6.9 )     (7.8 )
Corporate & Other
    (18.9 )     (25.3 )
 
           
Segment total
    (62.1 )     (54.8 )
Roundup® amortization
    (0.2 )     (0.2 )
Other amortization
    (2.7 )     (3.3 )
Product registration and recall matters
    (2.6 )     (7.6 )
 
           
Consolidated
  $ (67.6 )   $ (65.9 )
 
           
 
               
                         
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,     SEPTEMBER 30,  
    2010     2008     2009  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
Total assets:
                       
Global Consumer
  $ 1,621.5     $ 1,615.9     $ 1,504.5  
Global Professional
    316.0       281.9       334.1  
Scotts LawnService®
    155.3       163.3       176.1  
Corporate & Other
    193.2       201.8       205.4  
 
                 
Consolidated
  $ 2,286.0     $ 2,262.9     $ 2,220.1  
 
                 
Total assets reported for the Company’s operating segments include the intangible assets associated with the acquired businesses within those segments. Corporate & Other assets primarily include deferred financing and debt issuance costs, corporate intangible assets and deferred tax assets and Smith & Hawken assets.

 

21


Table of Contents

NOTE 16. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS
The Senior Notes issued by Scotts Miracle-Gro on January 14, 2010 are guaranteed by certain of its domestic subsidiaries and, therefore, the Company has disclosed condensed, consolidating financial information in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered. The following 100% directly or indirectly owned subsidiaries fully and unconditionally guarantee the Senior Notes on a joint and several basis: EG Systems, Inc., dba Scotts LawnService®; Gutwein & Co., Inc.; Hyponex Corporation; Miracle-Gro Lawn Products, Inc.; OMS Investments, Inc.; Rod McLellan Company; Sanford Scientific, Inc.; Scotts Temecula Operations, LLC; Scotts Manufacturing Company; Scotts Products Co.; Scotts Professional Products Co.; Scotts-Sierra Crop Protection Company; Scotts-Sierra Horticultural Products Company; Scotts-Sierra Investments, Inc.; SMG Growing Media, Inc.; Teak 2, Ltd., f/k/a Smith & Hawken, Ltd.; Swiss Farms Products, Inc.; and The Scotts Company LLC (collectively, the “Guarantors”).
The following information presents condensed, consolidating Statements of Operations and Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, and condensed, consolidating Balance Sheets as of January 2, 2010, December 27, 2008 and September 30, 2009. The condensed, consolidating financial information presents, in separate columns, financial information for: Scotts Miracle-Gro on a Parent-only basis, carrying its investment in subsidiaries under the equity method; Guarantors on a combined basis, carrying investments in subsidiaries which do not guarantee the debt (collectively, the “Non-Guarantors”) under the equity method; Non-Guarantors on a combined basis; and eliminating entries. The eliminating entries primarily reflect intercompany transactions, such as interest expense, accounts receivable and payable, short and long-term debt, and the elimination of equity investments and income in subsidiaries. Because the Parent is obligated to pay the unpaid principal amount and interest on all amounts borrowed by the Guarantors or Non-Guarantors under the senior secured five-year revolving loan facility, the borrowings and related interest expense for the revolving loans outstanding of the Guarantors and Non-Guarantors are also presented in the accompanying Parent-only financial information, and are then eliminated.

 

22


Table of Contents

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Operations
for the three months ended January 2, 2010

(in millions)
                                         
            Subsidiary     Non-              
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
Net sales
  $     $ 212.1     $ 90.1     $     $ 302.2  
Cost of sales
          167.0       69.2             236.2  
Cost of sales — product registration and recall matters
          0.9                   0.9  
 
                             
 
                                       
Gross profit
          44.2       20.9             65.1  
 
                                       
Operating expenses:
                                       
Selling, general and administrative
          103.5       34.1             137.6  
Product registration and recall matters
          1.7                   1.7  
Other income, net
          (4.8 )     (1.8 )           (6.6 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Loss from operations
          (56.2 )     (11.4 )           (67.6 )
 
                                       
Equity income in subsidiaries
    57.2       7.9             (65.1 )      
Other non-operating income
    (7.3 )                 7.3        
Interest expense
    8.0       8.6       1.4       (7.3 )     10.7  
 
                             
 
                                       
Loss before taxes
    (57.9 )     (72.7 )     (12.8 )     65.1       (78.3 )
 
                                       
Income tax benefit
    (0.2 )     (23.6 )     (4.7 )           (28.5 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Loss from continuing operations
    (57.7 )     (49.1 )     (8.1 )     65.1       (49.8 )
 
                                       
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
          (7.9 )                 (7.9 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Net loss
  $ (57.7 )   $ (57.0 )   $ (8.1 )   $ 65.1     $ (57.7 )
 
                             

 

23


Table of Contents

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
for the three months ended January 2, 2010

(in millions)
                                         
            Subsidiary     Non-              
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
                                       
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  $ (1.6 )   $ (132.2 )   $ (42.9 )   $     $ (176.7 )
 
                             
 
                                       
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets
          23.6                   23.6  
Investments in property, plant and equipment
          (18.1 )     (1.3 )           (19.4 )
Investments in intellectual property
                             
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired
                             
 
                             
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
          5.5       (1.3 )           4.2  
 
                                       
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans
          325.4       147.0             472.4  
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans
          (240.2 )     (76.8 )           (317.0 )
Financing and issuance fees
                             
Dividends paid
    (9.3 )                       (9.3 )
Payments on sellers notes
                             
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
          2.6                   2.6  
Cash received from exercise of stock options
    5.9                         5.9  
Intercompany financing
    5.0       36.4       (41.4 )            
 
                             
Net cash provided by financing activities
    1.6       124.2       28.8             154.6  
 
                             
 
                                       
Effect of exchange rate changes
                (1.2 )           (1.2 )
 
                             
Net decrease in cash
          (2.5 )     (16.6 )           (19.1 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
          7.6       64.0             71.6  
 
                             
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $     $ 5.1     $ 47.4     $     $ 52.5  
 
                             

 

24


Table of Contents

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Condensed, Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of January 2, 2010

(in millions)
                                         
            Subsidiary     Non-              
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
                                       
ASSETS
                                       
Current assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 5.1     $ 47.4     $     $ 52.5  
Accounts receivable, net
          156.9       108.2             265.1  
Accounts receivable pledged
          9.7                   9.7  
Inventories, net
          515.1       142.8             657.9  
Prepaid and other assets
          119.8       49.8             169.6  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total current assets
          806.6       348.2             1,154.8  
 
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
          311.5       60.6             372.1  
Goodwill
          305.2       69.8             375.0  
Intangible assets, net
          297.7       62.1             359.8  
Other assets
    6.6       19.3       41.2       (42.8 )     24.3  
Equity investment in subsidiaries
    550.2                   (550.2 )      
Intercompany assets
    929.5                   (929.5 )      
 
                             
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 1,486.3     $ 1,740.3     $ 581.9     $ (1,522.5 )   $ 2,286.0  
 
                             
 
                                       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Current portion of debt
  $ 161.0     $ 5.0     $ 0.7     $     $ 166.7  
Accounts payable
          234.9       61.2             296.1  
Other current liabilities
    0.4       155.9       109.0             265.3  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total current liabilities
    161.4       395.8       170.9             728.1  
 
                                       
Long-term debt
    782.1       246.8       291.7       (521.8 )     798.8  
Other liabilities
    4.3       195.8       63.3       (42.8 )     220.6  
Equity investment in subsidiaries
          168.5             (168.5 )      
Intercompany liabilities
          278.1       129.6       (407.7 )      
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities
    947.8       1,285.0       655.5       (1,140.8 )     1,747.5  
 
                                       
Shareholders’ equity
    538.5       455.3       (73.6 )     (381.7 )     538.5  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,486.3     $ 1,740.3     $ 581.9     $ (1,522.5 )   $ 2,286.0  
 
                             

 

25


Table of Contents

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Operations
for the three months ended December 27, 2008

(in millions)
                                         
            Subsidiary     Non-              
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
 
Net sales
  $     $ 194.0     $ 92.1     $     $ 286.1  
Cost of sales
          152.4       55.1             207.5  
Cost of sales — product registration and recall matters
          1.3                   1.3  
 
                             
 
                                       
Gross profit
          40.3       37.0             77.3  
 
                                       
Operating expenses:
                                       
Selling, general and administrative
          104.6       34.1             138.7  
Product registration and recall matters
          6.2                   6.2  
Other income, net
          (1.9 )     0.2             (1.7 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Income (loss) from operations
          (68.6 )     2.7             (65.9 )
 
                                       
Equity income in subsidiaries
    56.6       0.6             (57.2 )      
Other non-operating income
    (8.6 )                 8.6        
Interest expense
    9.3       11.9       3.7       (8.6 )     16.3  
 
                             
 
                                       
Loss before taxes
    (57.3 )     (81.1 )     (1.0 )     57.2       (82.2 )
 
                                       
Income tax benefit
    (0.3 )     (28.6 )     (0.4 )           (29.3 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Loss from continuing operations
    (57.0 )     (52.5 )     (0.6 )     57.2       (52.9 )
 
                                       
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
          (4.1 )                 (4.1 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Net loss
  $ (57.0 )   $ (56.6 )   $ (0.6 )   $ 57.2     $ (57.0 )
 
                             

 

26


Table of Contents

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
for the three months ended December 27, 2008

(in millions)
                                         
            Subsidiary     Non-              
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
 
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  $ (1.3 )   $ (105.5 )   $ (65.5 )   $     $ (172.3 )
 
                             
 
                                       
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets
                             
Investments in property, plant and equipment
          (7.2 )     (0.7 )           (7.9 )
Investments in intellectual property
          (1.0 )                 (1.0 )
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired
                (8.7 )           (8.7 )
 
                             
Net cash used in investing activities
          (8.2 )     (9.4 )           (17.6 )
 
                                       
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                                       
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans
          217.9       97.5             315.4  
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans
          (57.6 )     (97.0 )           (154.6 )
Dividends paid
    (8.9 )                       (8.9 )
Payments on sellers notes
          (0.1 )                 (0.1 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
          0.4                   0.4  
Cash received from exercise of stock options
    2.1                         2.1  
Intercompany financing
    8.1       (46.5 )     38.4              
 
                             
Net cash provided by financing activities
    1.3       114.1       38.9             154.3  
 
                             
 
                                       
Effect of exchange rate changes
                (0.7 )           (0.7 )
 
                             
Net increase (decrease) in cash
          0.4       (36.7 )           (36.3 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
          4.9       79.8             84.7  
 
                             
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $     $ 5.3     $ 43.1     $     $ 48.4  
 
                             

 

27


Table of Contents

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Condensed, Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 27, 2008
(in millions)
                                         
            Subsidiary     Non-              
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
                                       
ASSETS
                                       
Current assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 5.2     $ 43.2     $     $ 48.4  
Accounts receivable, net
          134.8       144.4             279.2  
Accounts receivable pledged
          45.9                   45.9  
Inventories, net
          491.7       151.7             643.4  
Prepaid and other assets
          99.5       49.8             149.3  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total current assets
          777.1       389.1             1,166.2  
 
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
          289.1       49.3             338.4  
Goodwill
          305.3       65.2             370.5  
Intangible assets, net
          302.2       64.9             367.1  
Other assets
    9.9       13.1       42.6       (44.9 )     20.7  
Equity investment in subsidiaries
    379.3                   (379.3 )      
Intercompany assets
    839.8                   (839.8 )      
 
                             
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 1,229.0     $ 1,686.8     $ 611.1     $ (1,264.0 )   $ 2,262.9  
 
                             
 
                                       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Current portion of debt
  $ 84.0     $ 13.0     $ 1.1     $     $ 98.1  
Accounts payable
          197.0       75.7             272.7  
Other current liabilities
    1.3       160.9       126.7             288.9  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total current liabilities
    85.3       370.9       203.5             659.7  
 
                                       
Long-term debt
    769.1       330.0       252.9       (312.7 )     1,039.3  
Other liabilities
    5.9       178.1       56.1       (44.9 )     195.2  
Equity investment in subsidiaries
          163.1             (163.1 )      
Intercompany liabilities
          360.5       166.6       (527.1 )      
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities
    860.3       1,402.6       679.1       (1,047.8 )     1,894.2  
 
                                       
Shareholders’ equity
    368.7       284.2       (68.0 )     (216.2 )     368.7  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,229.0     $ 1,686.8     $ 611.1     $ (1,264.0 )   $ 2,262.9  
 
                             

 

28


Table of Contents

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Condensed, Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2009

(in millions)
                                         
            Subsidiary     Non-              
    Parent     Guarantors     Guarantors     Eliminations     Consolidated  
 
                                       
ASSETS
                                       
Current assets:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 7.6     $ 64.0     $     $ 71.6  
Accounts receivable, net
          270.9       113.4             384.3  
Accounts receivable pledged
          17.0                   17.0  
Inventories, net
          340.3       118.6             458.9  
Prepaid and other assets
          113.4       45.7             159.1  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total current assets
          749.2       341.7             1,090.9  
 
                                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
          308.0       61.7             369.7  
Goodwill
          305.1       70.1             375.2  
Intangible assets, net
          299.2       65.0             364.2  
Other assets
    12.5       14.4       41.3       (48.1 )     20.1  
Equity investment in subsidiaries
    596.8                   (596.8 )      
Intercompany assets
    781.3                   (781.3 )      
 
                             
 
                                       
Total assets
  $ 1,390.6     $ 1,675.9     $ 579.8     $ (1,426.2 )   $ 2,220.1  
 
                             
 
                                       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                       
Current liabilities:
                                       
Current portion of debt
  $ 154.0     $ 5.8     $ 0.6     $     $ 160.4  
Accounts payable
          131.5       58.5             190.0  
Other current liabilities
    1.5       276.9       128.0             406.4  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total current liabilities
    155.5       414.2       187.1             756.8  
 
                                       
Long-term debt
    632.8       125.7       221.6       (330.4 )     649.7  
Other liabilities
    17.8       195.0       64.4       (48.1 )     229.1  
Equity investment in subsidiaries
          160.4             (160.4 )      
Intercompany liabilities
          279.0       171.9       (450.9 )      
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities
    806.1       1,174.3       645.0       (989.8 )     1,635.6  
 
                                       
Shareholders’ equity
    584.5       501.6       (65.2 )     (436.4 )     584.5  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,390.6     $ 1,675.9     $ 579.8     $ (1,426.2 )   $ 2,220.1  
 
                             

 

29


Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The purpose of this discussion is to provide an understanding of the financial condition and results of operations of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts Miracle-Gro”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, together with Scotts Miracle-Gro, the “Company”, “we” or “us”) by focusing on changes in certain key measures from year-to-year. Management’s Discussion and Analysis is divided into the following sections:
   
Executive summary
 
   
Results of operations
 
   
Segment results
 
   
Liquidity and capital resources
 
   
Regulatory matters
 
   
Critical accounting policies and estimates
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We are dedicated to delivering strong, consistent financial results and outstanding shareholder returns by providing products of superior quality and value in order to enhance consumers’ outdoor living environments. We are a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer branded non-durable products for lawn and garden care and professional horticulture products in North America and Europe. We are Monsanto’s 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. Our operations are divided into the following reportable segments: Global Consumer, Global Professional, Scotts LawnService® and Corporate & Other. The Corporate & Other segment consists of corporate general and administrative expenses.
On July 8, 2009, we announced that we were commencing a process to close the Smith & Hawken business. During our first quarter of fiscal 2010, all Smith & Hawken stores were closed and substantially all operational activities of Smith & Hawken were discontinued. As a result, effective in our first quarter of fiscal 2010, we classified Smith & Hawken as discontinued operations. Prior to being reported as discontinued operations, Smith & Hawken was included as part of our Corporate & Other reportable segment.
As a leading consumer branded lawn and garden company, our marketing efforts are largely focused on providing innovative and differentiated products and on continually increasing brand and product awareness to inspire consumers and create retail demand. We have successfully applied this model for a number of years, consistently increasing our investment in research and development and 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 expenditures and anticipate a similar commitment to research and development, advertising and marketing investments in the future, with the continuing objective of driving category growth and increasing market share.
Our sales are susceptible in any one year to weather conditions in the markets in which our products are sold. 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 and our broad geographic diversification reduce this risk. We also believe that weather conditions in any one year, positive or negative, do not materially alter longer-term category growth trends.
Due to the nature of our lawn and garden business, significant portions of our products ship to our retail customers during our second and third fiscal quarters. Our annual sales are further concentrated in the second and third fiscal quarters by retailers who increasingly rely on our ability to deliver products “in season” when consumers buy our products, thereby reducing retailers’ inventories.

 

30


Table of Contents

                         
    Percent of Net Sales from  
    Continuing Operations by Quarter  
    2009     2008     2007  
First Quarter
    9.6 %     9.5 %     8.4 %
Second Quarter
    31.6 %     33.1 %     35.8 %
Third Quarter
    41.3 %     39.5 %     38.5 %
Fourth Quarter
    17.5 %     17.9 %     17.3 %
Management focuses on a variety of key indicators and operating metrics to monitor the financial condition and performance of the continuing operations of our business. These metrics include consumer purchases (point-of-sale data), market share, category growth, net sales (including unit volume, pricing, product mix and foreign exchange movements), organic sales growth (net sales growth excluding the impact of foreign exchange movements, product recalls and acquisitions), 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, which management believes are not indicative of the ongoing earnings capabilities of our businesses. We also focus on measures to optimize cash flow and return on invested capital, including the management of working capital and capital expenditures.
Product Registration and Recall Matters
In April 2008, we became aware that a former associate apparently deliberately circumvented our policies and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) regulations under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1947, as amended (“FIFRA”), by failing to obtain valid registrations for products and/or causing invalid product registration forms to be submitted to regulators. Since that time, we have been cooperating with both the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice (“U.S. DOJ”) in related civil and criminal investigations into our pesticide product registration issues.
In late April of 2008, in connection with the U.S. EPA’s investigation, we conducted a consumer-level recall of certain consumer lawn and garden products and a Scotts LawnService® product. Subsequently, the Company and the U.S. EPA agreed upon a Compliance Review Plan for conducting a comprehensive, independent review of our product registration records. Pursuant to the Compliance Review Plan, an independent third-party firm, Quality Associates Incorporated (“QAI”), reviewed substantially all of our U.S. pesticide product registrations and associated advertising, some of which were historical in nature and no longer related to sales of our products. The U.S. EPA investigation and the QAI review process resulted in the temporary suspension of sales and shipments of certain products. In addition, as the QAI review process or our internal review identified potential FIFRA registration issues (some of which appear unrelated to the actions of the former associate), we endeavored to stop selling or distributing the affected products until the issues could be resolved. QAI’s review of our U.S. pesticide product registrations and associated advertisements is now substantially complete. The results of the QAI review process did not materially affect the Company’s fiscal 2009 or first quarter fiscal 2010 sales and are not expected to materially affect the Company’s sales during the remainder of fiscal 2010.
In late 2008, Scotts Miracle-Gro and its indirect subsidiary, EG Systems, Inc., doing business as Scotts LawnService® were named as defendants in a purported class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan relating to the application of certain pesticide products by Scotts LawnService®. In the suit, Mark Baumkel, on behalf of himself and the purported classes, sought an unspecified amount of damages, plus costs and attorneys’ fees, for alleged claims involving breach of contract, unjust enrichment and violation of the state of Michigan’s consumer protection act. On September 28, 2009, the court granted the motion filed by Scotts Miracle-Gro and EG Systems, Inc. and dismissed the suit with prejudice. Since that time, Scotts Miracle-Gro, EG Systems, Inc. and Mr. Baumkel have agreed to a confidential settlement that, among other things, precludes an appeal of the decision. The impact of the confidential settlement did not, and will not, materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In fiscal 2008, we conducted a voluntary recall of certain of our wild bird food products due to a formulation issue. Certain wild bird food products had been treated with pest control additives to avoid insect infestation, especially at retail stores. While the pest control additives had been labeled for use on certain stored grains that can be processed for human and/or animal consumption, they were not labeled for use on wild bird food products. In October 2008, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration concluded that the recall had been completed and that there had been proper disposition of the recalled products. The results of the wild bird food recall did not materially affect our fiscal 2009 financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
As a result of these registration and recall matters, we have reversed sales associated with estimated returns of affected products, recorded charges for affected inventory and recorded other registration and recall-related costs. The impacts of these adjustments were pre-tax charges of $2.6 million and $7.6 million for the three-month periods ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, respectively. We expect to incur $10 to $15 million in fiscal 2010 on recall and registration matters, excluding possible fines, penalties, judgments and/or litigation costs. These fiscal 2010 charges primarily consist of costs associated with the reworking of certain finished goods inventories, the potential disposal of certain products and ongoing third-party professional services related to the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations.

 

31


Table of Contents

The U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations continue and may result in future state, federal or private actions including fines and/or penalties with respect to known or potential additional product registration issues. Until the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations are complete, we cannot reasonably determine the scope or magnitude of possible liabilities that could result from known or potential product registration issues, and no reserves for these potential liabilities have been established as of January 2, 2010. However, it is possible that such liabilities, including fines, penalties, judgments and/or litigation costs could be material and have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
We are committed to providing our 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 also are committed to conducting business with the highest degree of ethical standards and in adherence to the law. While we are disappointed in these events, we believe we have made significant progress in addressing the issues and restoring customer and consumer confidence in our products.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the three months ended January 2, 2010, we have presented Smith & Hawken as discontinued operations, coinciding with the fiscal quarter during which all stores were closed and substantially all operational activities of Smith & Hawken were discontinued. Consequently, the results of Smith & Hawken for the three months ended January 2, 2010 are reflected in our Results of Operations (unaudited) as discontinued operations. Accordingly, we have reclassified our overall results for the three months ended December 27, 2008 to reflect Smith & Hawken as discontinued operations separate from our results of continuing operations. As a result, and unless specifically stated, all discussions regarding results for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, respectively, reflect results from our continuing operations.
The following table sets forth the components of income and expense as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008:
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
    (UNAUDITED)  
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales
    78.2       72.5  
Cost of sales — product registration and recall matters
    0.3       0.5  
 
           
Gross profit
    21.5       27.0  
Operating expenses:
               
Selling, general and administrative
    45.5       48.4  
Product registration and recall matters
    0.6       2.2  
Other income, net
    (2.2 )     (0.6 )
 
           
Loss from operations
    (22.4 )     (23.0 )
Interest expense
    3.5       5.7  
 
           
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
    (25.9 )     (28.7 )
Income tax benefit from continuing operations
    (9.4 )     (10.2 )
 
           
Loss from continuing operations
    (16.5 )     (18.5 )
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
    (2.6 )     (1.4 )
 
           
Net loss
    (19.1 )%     (19.9 )%
 
           

 

32


Table of Contents

Net sales for the three months ended January 2, 2010 were $302.2 million, an increase of 5.6% from net sales of $286.1 million for the three months ended December 27, 2008. Organic net sales growth, which excludes the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, product recalls and acquisitions, was 2.2% for the three months ended January 2, 2010 as noted in the following table:
         
    Three Months  
    Ended January 2,  
    2010  
Net sales growth
    5.6 %
Foreign exchange rates
    (3.3 )
Product recall matters — returns
    (0.1 )
 
     
Organic net sales growth
    2.2 %
 
     
Organic net sales in the Global Consumer segment increased 10.3% in the first quarter, driven by 17.2% growth in the United States. In the Global Professional and Scotts LawnService® segments, organic net sales declined for the quarter by 12.2% and 14.7%, respectively. Net sales for our first fiscal quarter typically comprise 8% to 10% of our total year net sales. Therefore, first quarter net sales trends are generally not indicative of the full fiscal year. We anticipate full-year fiscal 2010 net sales will increase by 3% to 5% compared to fiscal 2009.
As a percentage, gross profit was 21.5% of net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to 27.0% in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Gross margin rates for the first fiscal quarter are lower than the full-year average primarily as an outcome of seasonally low sales leveraged across a partially fixed overhead cost base. The decline in gross profit for the quarter relative to fiscal 2009 was primarily attributable to a decline in selling prices in the Global Professional segment and increased input costs in both our Global Consumer and Global Professional segments. Product registration and recall matters unfavorably impacted gross profit rates by 30 and 50 basis points for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, respectively. Excluding the impact of product registration and recall matters, for fiscal 2010 we anticipate the full-year gross profit rate as a percentage of net sales to be approximately flat compared to fiscal 2009. We expect gross profit rates to improve relative to fiscal 2009 in the second half of fiscal 2010 as price reductions begin to reach their anniversary and input costs decline.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
    (UNAUDITED)  
Advertising
  $ 12.2     $ 10.3  
Other selling, general and administrative
    122.8       125.1  
Amortization of intangibles
    2.6       3.3  
 
           
 
  $ 137.6     $ 138.7  
 
           
Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $137.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, a decrease of 0.8% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The decline in SG&A was 3.4% excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates. The change in SG&A for the quarter, excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates, was driven by decreased spending by the Global Professional, Scotts LawnService® and Corporate & Other segments, primarily related to lower compensation-related costs and third-party legal fees. These declines were partially offset by increased spending in the Global Consumer segment driven by increased advertising and costs related to opening regional offices in Florida, Texas and California. We anticipate full-year SG&A to be approximately flat compared to fiscal 2009, driven by trends consistent with our first fiscal quarter.
We recorded $1.7 million and $6.2 million of SG&A-related product registration and recall costs during the first quarters of fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively, which primarily related to third-party compliance review, legal and consulting fees.
Interest expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was $10.7 million, compared to $16.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The decrease in interest expense was attributable to a decrease in average borrowings and weighted average interest rates. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates, average borrowings decreased by approximately $153 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared to the prior year period. Weighted average interest rates decreased by approximately 155 basis points. We expect full-year interest expense to decline slightly compared to fiscal 2009 as lower average borrowings and weighted average interest rates on our senior secured credit facility will be partially offset by higher interest expense attributable to the $200 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes with a coupon of 7.25% and yield of 7.375% due 2018 (the “Senior Notes”) issued on January 14, 2010. We issued the Senior Notes as part of a broader strategy to diversify sources of liquidity and debt maturities in anticipation of the expiration of our current senior secured credit facility in February, 2012. Refer to “NOTE 6. DEBT” of the Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements for a further description of the Senior Notes.

 

33


Table of Contents

The first fiscal quarter income tax benefit was calculated at an effective tax rate of 36.4% and 35.6% for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, respectively. The effective tax rate used for interim reporting purposes was based on management’s best estimate of factors impacting the effective tax rate for the full fiscal year. Factors affecting the estimated effective tax rate include assumptions as to income by jurisdiction (domestic and foreign), the availability and utilization of tax credits and the existence of elements of income and expense that may not be taxable or deductible, as well as other items. 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. 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.
We reported a loss from continuing operations of $49.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to a loss from continuing operations of $52.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2009. This first quarter loss was anticipated due to the seasonal nature of our business, in which our sales are heavily weighted in the spring and summer selling seasons. Average common shares outstanding increased to 65.9 million for the three months ended January 2, 2010 from 64.7 million for the three months ended December 27, 2008, primarily due to common shares issued as a result of stock option exercises. Furthermore, 1.1 million and 0.7 million potential common shares were excluded from the diluted loss per share calculation for the first quarters of fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, respectively, because their effect was anti-dilutive.
For the three months ended January 2, 2010, we began presenting Smith & Hawken as discontinued operations and the prior period has been reclassified to conform to this presentation. We reported a loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $7.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to a loss, net of tax, of $4.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2009. In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we incurred a loss related to the liquidation of the Smith & Hawken business of approximately $25.2 million, largely attributable to charges associated with the termination of retail site lease obligations, third-party agency fees and severance and benefit commitments. These charges were partially offset by a gain of approximately $18 million from the sale of the Smith & Hawken intellectual property on December 30, 2009.
SEGMENT RESULTS
Our operations are divided into the following segments: Global Consumer, Global Professional, Scotts LawnService® and Corporate & Other. The Corporate & Other segment consists of corporate general and administrative expenses. Prior to being reported as a discontinued operation, Smith & Hawken was included as part of our Corporate & Other reportable segment. This division of reportable segments is consistent with how the segments report to and are managed by senior management of the Company. Certain reclassifications were made to the Global Consumer and Global Professional prior period amounts to reflect changes in the structure of the Company’s organization effective in fiscal 2010.
Segment performance is evaluated based on several factors, including income from continuing operations before amortization, product registration and recall costs, and impairment, restructuring and other charges, which are not measures under generally accepted accounting principles. 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 following table sets forth net sales by segment:
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
    (UNAUDITED)  
Global Consumer
  $ 214.0     $ 188.3  
Global Professional
    55.4       59.5  
Scotts LawnService®
    33.0       38.8  
 
           
Segment total
    302.4       286.6  
Roundup® amortization
    (0.2 )     (0.2 )
Product registrations and recall matters — returns
          (0.3 )
 
           
Consolidated
  $ 302.2     $ 286.1  
 
           

 

34


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth operating income (loss) by segment:
                 
    THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    JANUARY 2,     DECEMBER 27,  
    2010     2008  
    (IN MILLIONS)  
    (UNAUDITED)  
Global Consumer
  $ (37.0 )   $ (35.5 )
Global Professional
    0.7       13.8  
Scotts LawnService®
    (6.9 )     (7.8 )
Corporate & Other
    (18.9 )     (25.3 )
 
           
Segment total
    (62.1 )     (54.8 )
Roundup® amortization
    (0.2 )     (0.2 )
Other amortization
    (2.7 )     (3.3 )
Product registrations and recall matters
    (2.6 )     (7.6 )
 
           
Consolidated
  $ (67.6 )   $ (65.9 )
 
           
Global Consumer
Global Consumer segment net sales were $214 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, an increase of 13.6% from net sales of $188.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Organic net sales growth for the quarter was 10.3%, which includes the impact of higher average selling prices of 1.4%. Foreign exchange movements increased sales for the quarter by 3.3%.
Organic net sales in the United States increased 17.2%, including a 1.4% increase resulting from higher average selling prices. The primary driver of the first quarter organic net sales increase was pull through of growth in sales of our products to consumers at the retail shelf (point-of-sales, or “POS”). POS at our largest U.S. customers increased 14.2% for the quarter, largely due to purchases of lawn fertilizer, Ortho® products and growing media. We believe this growth was attributable to increased marketing efforts supporting our fall business, including support of the category by our retail partners, as well as our entrance into the rodenticide category.
Organic net sales in our International Consumer business decreased 6.9%, primarily due to customers delaying orders until closer to consumer seasonal demand. This behavior was partially an outcome of a French government-legislated change in cash payment terms to 30 days, a period shorter than historic practice. From a geographical perspective, net sales increased in the United Kingdom, offset by decreases in net sales in France and Germany.
While we are encouraged by the consumer activity in this quarter, it is important to note that our first fiscal quarter typically represents 7% to 8% of annual net sales for this segment and falls at the end of the growing season in North America and Europe.
Global Consumer segment operating loss increased by $1.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange movements, operating loss increased by $0.9 million as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The increase in net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was offset by higher input costs, resulting in a slight decline in gross profit. In addition, overall SG&A spending for the segment slightly increased in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.
Global Professional
Net sales for the Global Professional segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were $55.4 million, a decrease of $4.1 million, or 6.9%, versus the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Foreign exchange movements increased net sales by 5.3% for the quarter. Organic net sales declined for the quarter by $7.3 million, or 12.2%, which includes the impact of lower average selling prices of 6.4%. Organic net sales for the European, Asia Pacific and Latin America Professional markets decreased in the quarter by 15.6%, 37.8% and 20.5%, respectively. Decreased sales in these markets were driven by declines in volumes, principally due to customers ordering closer to season, and pricing, which peaked for the Global Professional market in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and steadily declined throughout calendar 2009. Organic net sales for the North America Professional business increased in the quarter by 7.6%.
Global Professional operating income decreased from $13.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 to $0.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange movements, operating income decreased by $12.8 million in the quarter due to the reduction in net sales and higher input costs.

 

35


Table of Contents

Scotts LawnService®
Scotts LawnService® revenues decreased 14.9% from $38.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 to $33.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, primarily due to reduced customer count as well as a decline in customer purchases of extra services, such as over-seeding, due to favorable agronomic conditions.
The operating loss for Scotts LawnService® decreased by $0.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2009, driven by improved labor productivity and lower SG&A spending that offset the decline in revenues.
Corporate & Other
The net operating loss for Corporate & Other decreased by $6.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2009, primarily related to gains recorded for the sale of property, plant and equipment in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, as well as decreases in compensation-related costs and third party legal fees.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Operating Activities
Cash used in operating activities amounted to $176.7 million and $172.3 million for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, respectively. The use of cash in the first fiscal quarter is primarily due to the seasonal nature of our operations. The first quarter is historically our lowest net sales period during our fiscal year, while at the same time we are building inventories in preparation for the spring selling season that begins in our second fiscal quarter. Cash outflows in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 related to the payment of variable compensation earned in the prior fiscal year increased significantly compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2009. This increase in cash outflows was offset by improved working capital management.
Investing Activities
Cash provided by investing activities was $4.2 million for the three months ended January 2, 2010, compared to cash used in investing activities of $17.6 million for the three months ended December 27, 2008. During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we received $23.6 million related to the sale of long-lived assets, including the sale of the intellectual property of Smith & Hawken to an unrelated third party, in addition to the sale of certain property, plant and equipment. Capital spending increased from $8.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 to $19.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. A large portion of the growth relates to additional production capacity being added for a key input to our consumer grass seed business. We had acquisition activity in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 totaling $8.7 million. There was no acquisition activity in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.
Financing Activities
Financing activities provided cash of $154.6 million and $154.3 million for the three months ended January 2, 2010 and December 27, 2008, respectively. The increase in cash received in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 from the exercise of stock options was offset by a decline in net borrowings.
Borrowing Agreements
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated by operations and borrowings under our credit agreements. In February 2007, Scotts Miracle-Gro and certain of its subsidiaries entered into the following senior secured credit facilities totaling up to $2.15 billion in the aggregate: (a) a senior secured five-year term loan facility 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 our current structure, we may request an additional $200 million in revolving credit and/or term credit commitments, subject to approval from our lenders. Borrowings may be made in various currencies including U.S. dollars, Euros, British pounds, Australian dollars and Canadian dollars. Amortization payments on the term loan portion of the credit facilities began on September 30, 2007 and are due quarterly through 2012. As of January 2, 2010, the cumulative total amortization payments on the term loan were $138.6 million, reducing the balance of our term loan and effectively reducing the amount outstanding under the credit facilities.

 

36


Table of Contents

As of January 2, 2010, there was $1.03 billion of availability under the senior secured credit facilities, including letters of credit. Under the revolving loan facility, we have the ability to issue letter of credit commitments up to $65 million. At January 2, 2010, we had letters of credit in the aggregate face amount of $38.6 million outstanding.
On January 14, 2010 (subsequent to the end of our first quarter of fiscal 2010), Scotts Miracle-Gro issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% Senior Notes, the proceeds of which were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility. The Senior Notes represent general unsecured senior obligations of Scotts Miracle-Gro, and were sold to the public at 99.254% of the principal amount thereof, to yield 7.375% to maturity. The Senior Notes have interest payment dates of January 15 and July 15, commencing July 15, 2010, and may be redeemed prior to maturity at applicable redemption premiums. The Senior Notes contain usual and customary incurrence-based covenants, which include, but are not limited to, restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the incurrence of liens and the issuance of certain preferred shares, and the making of certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments, as well as other usual and customary covenants, which include, but are not limited to, restrictions on sale and leaseback transactions, restrictions on purchases for or redemptions of Company stock and prepayments of subordinated debt, limitations on asset sales and restrictions on transactions with affiliates. The Senior Notes mature on January 15, 2018. Certain of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s domestic subsidiaries serve as guarantors of the Senior Notes. Refer to “NOTE 16. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS” of the Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the guarantor entities.
At January 2, 2010, we had outstanding interest rate swap agreements with major financial institutions that effectively converted a portion of our variable-rate debt denominated in U.S. dollars to a fixed rate. Interest payments made between the effective date and expiration date are hedged by the swap agreements, except as noted below. The effective dates, expiration dates and rates of these swap agreements are shown in the table below.
                     
NOTIONAL AMOUNT     EFFECTIVE   EXPIRATION   FIXED
(IN MILLIONS)     DATE (a)   DATE   RATE  
$ 200     3/30/2007   3/30/2010   4.87%
200   2/14/2007   2/14/2012   5.20%
  50     2/14/2012   2/14/2016   3.78%
  150 (b)     11/16/2009   5/16/2016   3.26%
  50 (c)     2/16/2010   5/16/2016   3.05%
(a)  
The effective date refers to the date on which interest payments are first hedged by the applicable swap contract.
 
(b)  
Interest payments made during the six-month period beginning November 14 of each year between the effective date and expiration date are hedged by the swap contract.
 
(c)  
Interest payments made during the three-month period beginning February 14 of each year between the effective date and expiration date are hedged by the swap contract.
On April 9, 2008, we entered into a Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (the “2008 MARP Agreement”). The 2008 MARP Agreement provided 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 2008 MARP Agreement also provided for specified account debtor sublimit amounts, which provided limits on the amount of receivables owed by individual account debtors that could be sold to the banks. The 2008 MARP Agreement provided an interest rate that approximated the 7-day LIBOR rate plus 85 basis points. The 2008 MARP Agreement expired by its terms on April 8, 2009.
On May 1, 2009, we entered into a Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (the “2009 MARP Agreement”), with a stated termination date of May 1, 2010, or such later date as may be mutually agreed by us and our lender. The 2009 MARP Agreement provides for the discounted sale, on an uncommitted, revolving basis, of accounts receivable generated by a specified account debtor, with aggregate limits not to exceed $80 million. The 2009 MARP Agreement provides an interest rate that approximates the 7-day LIBOR rate plus 225 basis points. Borrowings under the 2009 MARP Agreement at January 2, 2010 were $3.0 million.

 

37


Table of Contents

As of January 2, 2010, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. Our senior secured credit facilities contain, among other obligations, an affirmative covenant regarding our leverage ratio, calculated as indebtedness relative to our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Under the terms of the senior secured credit facilities, the maximum leverage ratio was 3.75 as of January 2, 2010 and is scheduled to decrease to 3.50 on September 30, 2010. Our senior secured credit facilities also include an affirmative covenant regarding our interest coverage. Under the terms of the senior secured credit facilities, the minimum interest coverage ratio was 3.50 for the twelve months ended January 2, 2010. We continue to monitor our compliance with the leverage ratio, interest coverage ratio and other covenants contained in the senior secured credit facilities and, based upon our current operating assumptions, we expect to remain in compliance with the permissible leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio throughout fiscal 2010. However, an unanticipated charge to earnings, an increase in debt or other factors could materially adversely affect our ability to remain in compliance with the financial or other covenants of our senior secured credit facilities, potentially causing us to have to seek an amendment or waiver from our lending group which would be likely to result in repricing of our senior secured credit facilities to then current market rates. While we believe we have good relationships with our banking group, we can provide no assurance that such a request would be likely to result in a modified or replacement credit facility on reasonable terms, if at all.
Judicial and Administrative Proceedings
Apart from the proceedings surrounding the FIFRA compliance matters, which are discussed separately, we are party to various pending judicial and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including, among others, proceedings based on accidents or product liability claims and alleged violations of environmental laws. We have reviewed these pending judicial and administrative proceedings, including the probable outcomes, reasonably anticipated costs and expenses, and the availability and limits of our insurance coverage, and have established what we believe to be appropriate reserves. We do not believe that any liabilities that may result from these pending judicial and administrative proceedings are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows; however, there can be no assurance that future quarterly or annual operating results will not be materially affected by final resolution of these matters.
Liquidity
In our opinion, cash flows from operations and capital resources will be sufficient to meet debt service and working capital needs during fiscal 2010, 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.
REGULATORY 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. Apart from the proceedings surrounding the FIFRA compliance matters, which are discussed separately, 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 these 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, results of operations or cash flows. 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 Scotts Miracle Gro’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, under “ITEM 1. BUSINESS — Regulatory Considerations,” “ITEM 1. BUSINESS — FIFRA Compliance, the Corresponding Governmental Investigations and Similar Matters,” “ITEM 1. BUSINESS — Other Regulatory Matters” and “ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.”
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preceding discussion and analysis of our consolidated results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our condensed, consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 includes additional information about us, our operations, our financial condition, 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-Gro’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.

 

38


Table of Contents

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
With the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (the “Registrant”), the Registrant’s management has evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s 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, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that:
(A) information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the other reports that the Registrant files or submits under the Exchange Act has been accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s 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 the Registrant in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the other reports that the Registrant files or submits under the Exchange Act has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and
(C) the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
In addition, there were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the Registrant’s fiscal quarter ended January 2, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Other than as discussed in “NOTE 3. PRODUCT REGISTRATION AND RECALL MATTERS” and “NOTE 11. CONTINGENCIES” of the Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements, pending material legal proceedings have not changed significantly since those disclosed in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009.
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, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other contexts relating to matters including 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 and results of operations, 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.
Forward-looking statements that we make in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other contexts are subject to a variety of risks and assumptions and numerous factors beyond our control. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make include those described below. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons working on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the following cautionary statements.

 

39


Table of Contents

The ongoing governmental investigations regarding our compliance with FIFRA could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Our products that contain pesticides must comply with FIFRA and be registered with the U.S. EPA (and similar state agencies) before they can be sold or distributed. In April 2008, we became aware that a former associate apparently deliberately circumvented Company policies and U.S. EPA regulations under FIFRA by failing to obtain valid registrations for products and/or causing invalid product registration forms to be submitted to regulators. Since that time, internal and third-party reviews have identified additional potential pesticide product registration issues (some of which appear unrelated to the actions of the former associate) and we have been cooperating with both the U.S. EPA and the U.S. DOJ in related civil and criminal investigations into the pesticide product registration issues.
In connection with the registration investigations and FIFRA compliance review process, we have recorded, and in the future expect to record, charges and costs for estimated retailer inventory returns, consumer returns and replacement costs, costs to rework existing products, inventory write-downs and legal and professional fees and costs associated with administration of the registration investigations and compliance review process. Because these 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 number and type of legal or regulatory proceedings relating to the registration investigations and FIFRA compliance review process and regulatory or judicial orders or decrees that may require us to take certain actions in connection with the registration investigations and FIFRA compliance review process or to pay civil or criminal fines and/or penalties at the state and/or federal level.
The U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations continue and may result in future state, federal or private actions including fines and/or penalties with respect to known or potential additional product registration issues. Until the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations are complete, we cannot reasonably determine the scope or magnitude of possible liabilities that could result from known or potential product registration issues, and no reserves for these potential liabilities have been established as of January 2, 2010. However, it is possible that such liabilities, including fines, penalties, judgments and/or litigation costs could be material and have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
There can be no assurance that the ultimate outcome of the investigations will not result in further action against us, whether administrative, civil or criminal, by the U.S. EPA, the U.S. DOJ, state regulatory agencies or private litigants, and any such action, in addition to the costs we have incurred and would continue to incur in connection therewith, could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. For example, the realization of a significant fine, penalty or judgment against us could materially affect our ability to remain in compliance with the leverage ratio or other covenants of our senior secured credit facilities, potentially causing us to have to seek an amendment or waiver from our lending group, which may increase our costs of borrowing.
Product recalls, our inability to ship, sell or transport affected products and the on-going governmental investigations 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.
Compliance with environmental and other public health regulations could increase our costs of doing business or limit our ability to market all of our products.
Local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations relating to environmental matters affect us in several ways. In the United States, all products containing pesticides must comply with FIFRA and be registered with the U.S. EPA (and similar state agencies) before they can be sold or distributed. The inability to obtain or maintain such compliance, or the cancellation of any registration, could have an adverse effect on our business, the severity of which would depend on the products involved, whether another product could be substituted and whether our competitors were similarly affected. We attempt to anticipate regulatory developments and maintain registrations of, and access to, substitute active ingredients, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to avoid or reduce these risks. In the European Union (the “EU”), the European Parliament has adopted various forms of regulation which may substantially restrict or eliminate our ability to market and sell certain of our consumer and professional pesticide products in their current form in the EU. In addition, in Canada, regulations have been adopted by several provinces that substantially restrict our ability to market and sell certain of our consumer pesticide products.

 

40


Table of Contents

Under the Food Quality Protection Act, enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1996, food-use pesticides are evaluated to determine whether there is reasonable certainty that no harm will result from the cumulative effects of pesticide exposures. Under this Act, the U.S. EPA is evaluating the cumulative risks from dietary and non-dietary exposures to pesticides. The pesticides in our products, certain of which may be used on crops processed into various food products, are typically manufactured by independent third parties and continue to be evaluated by the U.S. EPA as part of this exposure risk assessment. The U.S. EPA or the third-party registrant may decide that a pesticide we use in our products will be limited or made unavailable to us. For example, in December 2000, the U.S. EPA reached agreement with various parties, including manufacturers of the active ingredient diazinon, regarding a phased withdrawal from retailers by December 2004 of residential uses of products containing diazinon, which was also used in our lawn and garden products. We cannot predict the outcome or the severity of the effect of continuing evaluations.
In addition, the use of certain pesticide and fertilizer products is regulated by various local, state, federal and foreign environmental and public health agencies. These regulations may include requirements that only certified or professional users apply the product or that certain products be used only on certain types of locations, require users to post notices on properties to which products have been or will be applied, or require notification to individuals in the vicinity that products will be applied in the future or ban the use of certain ingredients. Even if we are able to comply with all such regulations and obtain all necessary registrations, we cannot provide assurance that our products, particularly pesticide products, will not cause injury to the environment or to people under all circumstances. The costs of compliance, remediation or products liability have adversely affected operating results in the past and could materially adversely affect future quarterly or annual operating results.
Perceptions that the products we produce and market are not safe could adversely affect us and contribute to the risk we will be subjected to legal action. We manufacture and market a number of complex chemical products, such as fertilizers, certain growing media, herbicides and pesticides. On occasion, allegations are made that some of our products have failed to perform up to expectations or have caused damage or injury to individuals or property. Based on reports of contamination at a third-party supplier’s vermiculite mine, the public may perceive that some of our products manufactured in the past using vermiculite are or may be contaminated. Public perception that our products are not safe, whether justified or not, could impair our reputation, involve us in litigation, damage our brand names and have a material adverse effect on our business.
The harvesting of peat for our growing media business has come under increasing regulatory and environmental scrutiny. In the United States, state regulations frequently require us to limit our harvesting and to restore the property to an agreed-upon condition. In some locations, we have been required to create water retention ponds to control the sediment content of discharged water. In the United Kingdom, our peat extraction efforts are also the subject of regulation.
In addition to the regulations already described, local, state, federal and foreign agencies regulate the disposal, transport, handling and storage of waste, remediation of contaminated sites, air and water discharges from our facilities, and workplace health and safety.
Under certain environmental laws, we may be liable for the costs of investigation, and remediation of certain regulated materials, as well as related costs of investigation and damage to natural resources, at various properties, including our current and former properties, as well as offsite waste handling or disposal sites that we have used. Liability may be imposed upon us without regard to whether we knew of or caused the presence of such materials and, under certain circumstances, on a joint and several basis. There can be no assurances that any such locations, or locations that we may acquire in the future, will not result in liability to us under such laws or expose us to third-party actions such as tort suits based on alleged conduct or environmental conditions.
The adequacy of our current non-FIFRA compliance related environmental reserves and future provisions is based on our operating in substantial compliance with applicable environmental and public health laws and regulations, as well as the assumptions that we have both identified all of the significant sites that must be remediated and that there are no significant conditions of potential contamination that are unknown to us.
If there is a significant change in the facts and circumstances surrounding these assumptions, or in current enforcement policies or requirements, or if we are found not to be in substantial compliance with applicable environmental and public health laws and regulations, there could be a material adverse impact on future environmental capital expenditures and other environmental expenses and our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Increases in the prices of certain raw materials could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our ability to manage our cost structure can be adversely affected by movements in commodity and other raw material prices. Market conditions may limit our ability to raise selling prices to offset increases in our raw material costs. The uniqueness of our technologies can limit our ability to locate or utilize alternative inputs for certain products. For certain inputs, new sources of supply may have to be qualified under regulatory standards, which can require additional investment and delay bringing a product to market.

 

41


Table of Contents

We face risks related to the current economic crisis.
The continued credit crisis and related turmoil in the global financial system may have an impact on our business and our financial condition. Global economic conditions have significantly impacted economic markets generally with certain sectors, including financial industries and retail business, being particularly impacted. Our ability to generate revenue depends significantly on discretionary consumer spending. It is difficult to predict new general economic conditions that could impact consumer and customer demand for our products or our ability to manage normal commercial relationships with our customers, suppliers and creditors. If the current situation deteriorates significantly, our business could be negatively impacted, including as a result of reduced demand for our products or supplier or customer disruptions. Any significant decrease in discretionary consumer spending could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, results of operations and financial condition.
The highly competitive nature of our markets could adversely affect our ability to grow or maintain revenues.
Each of our segments participates in markets that are highly competitive. Our products compete against national and regional products and private label products produced by various suppliers. Many of our competitors sell their products at prices lower than ours. Our most price sensitive customers may be more likely to trade down to lower price point products in a more challenging economic environment. We compete primarily on the basis of product innovation, product quality, product performance, value, brand strength, supply chain competency, field sales support, the strength of our relationships with major retailers and advertising. Some of our competitors have significant financial resources. The strong competition that we face in all of our markets may prevent us from achieving our revenue goals, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Our inability to continue to develop and grow brands with leading market positions, maintain our relationships with key retailers and deliver products on a reliable basis at competitive prices could have a material adverse effect on us.
In addition, our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to improve our existing products and to develop, manufacture and market new, innovative products to meet evolving consumer needs. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in the development, manufacturing and marketing of any new products or product innovations, or that we will develop and market in a timely manner innovations to our existing products which satisfy customer needs or achieve market acceptance. If we fail to successfully develop, manufacture and market new or enhanced products or develop product innovations, our ability to maintain or grow our market share may be adversely affected, which in turn could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because of the concentration of our sales to a small number of retail customers, the loss of one or more of, or significant reduction in orders from, our top customers could adversely affect our financial results.
Global Consumer net sales represented approximately 78% of our worldwide net sales in fiscal 2009. Our top three North American retail customers together accounted for 70% of our Global Consumer segment fiscal 2009 net sales and 42% of our outstanding accounts receivable as of September 30, 2009. Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart represented approximately 33%, 19% and 18%, respectively, of our fiscal 2009 Global Consumer net sales. The loss of, or reduction in orders from, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart or any other significant customer could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, as could customer disputes regarding shipments, fees, merchandise condition or related matters. Our inability to collect accounts receivable from one of our major customers, or a significant deterioration in the financial condition of one of these customers, including a bankruptcy filing or a liquidation, could also have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
We do not have long-term sales agreements with, or other contractual assurances as to future sales to, any of our major retail customers. In addition, continued consolidation in the retail industry has resulted in an increasingly concentrated retail base, and as a result, we are significantly dependent upon key retailers whose bargaining strength is strong. To the extent such concentration continues to occur, our net sales and income from operations may be increasingly sensitive to deterioration in the financial condition of, or other adverse developments involving our relationship with, one or more of our customers. In addition, our business may be negatively affected by changes in the policies of our retailers, such as inventory destocking, limitations on access to shelf space, price demands and other conditions.
Adverse weather conditions could adversely impact financial results.
Weather conditions in North America and Europe can have a significant impact on the timing of sales in the spring selling season and overall annual sales. An abnormally wet and/or cold spring throughout North America or Europe could adversely affect both fertilizer and pesticide sales and, therefore, our financial results.

 

42


Table of Contents

Our historical seasonality could impair our ability to pay obligations as they come due, including our operating expenses.
Because our products are used primarily in the spring and summer, our business is highly seasonal. For the past three fiscal years, 70% to 75% of our annual net sales have occurred in the second and third fiscal quarters combined. Our working capital needs and borrowings typically peak during the initial weeks of our third fiscal quarter because we are incurring expenditures in preparation for the spring selling season, while the majority of our revenue collections occur later in our third fiscal quarter. If cash on hand is insufficient to pay our obligations as they come due, including interest payments or operating expenses, at a time when we are unable to draw on our senior secured revolving credit facility, this seasonality could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business. Adverse weather conditions could heighten this risk.
Our substantial indebtedness could limit our flexibility and adversely affect our financial condition.
We have a substantial amount of debt. Our inability to meet restrictive financial and non-financial covenants associated with that debt, or to generate sufficient cash flow to repay maturing debt, could adversely affect our financial condition. For example, our debt level could:
   
make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
 
   
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flows from operating activities to payments on our indebtedness, which would reduce the cash flows available to fund working capital, capital expenditures, advertising, research and development efforts and other general corporate requirements;
 
   
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
 
   
limit our ability to borrow additional funds;
 
   
expose us to risks inherent in interest rate fluctuations because some of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest, which could result in higher interest expense in the event of increases in interest rates; and
 
   
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt.
Our ability to make payments and to refinance our indebtedness, fund planned capital expenditures and acquisitions and pay dividends will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This, to some extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities or that future borrowings will be available to us under our senior secured credit facilities in amounts sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. Our senior secured credit facilities mature in 2012. We will need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness under our senior secured credit facilities on or before maturity. We also cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance our indebtedness or that we will be able to refinance it on commercially reasonable terms or terms consistent with the terms currently in place. Any refinancing of our indebtedness could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could restrict our business operations.
Our senior secured credit facilities and the indenture governing our Senior Notes contain restrictive covenants and cross-default provisions. In addition, our senior secured credit facilities require us to maintain specified financial ratios. Our ability to comply with those covenants and satisfy those financial ratios can be affected by events beyond our control. A breach of any of those financial ratio covenants or other covenants could result in a default. Upon the occurrence of such an event of default, the lenders could elect to declare all of the outstanding indebtedness immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit. We cannot assure you that our lenders would waive a default or that we could pay the indebtedness in full if it were accelerated.
Subject to compliance with certain covenants under our senior secured credit facilities and the indenture governing our Senior Notes, we may incur additional debt in the future. If we incur additional debt, the risks described above could intensify.

 

43


Table of Contents

Our significant international operations make us susceptible to fluctuations in currency exchange rates and to other costs and risks associated with international regulation.
We currently operate manufacturing, sales and service facilities outside of the United States, particularly in Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands. In fiscal 2009, international net sales, including Canada, accounted for approximately 19% of our total net sales. Accordingly, we are subject to risks associated with operating in foreign countries, including:
   
fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
 
   
limitations on the remittance of dividends and other payments by foreign subsidiaries;
 
   
additional costs of compliance with local regulations;
 
   
historically, in certain countries, higher rates of inflation than in the United States;
 
   
changes in the economic conditions or consumer preferences or demand for our products in these markets;
 
   
restrictive actions by multi-national governing bodies, foreign governments or subdivisions thereof;
 
   
changes in foreign labor laws and regulations affecting our ability to hire and retain employees;
 
   
changes in U.S. and foreign laws regarding trade and investment;
 
   
less robust protection of our intellectual property under foreign laws; and
 
   
difficulty in obtaining distribution and support for our products.
In addition, our operations outside the United States are subject to the risk of new and different legal and regulatory requirements in local jurisdictions, potential difficulties in staffing and managing local operations and potentially adverse tax consequences. The costs related to our international and Canadian operations could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows in the future.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights that are material to our business.
Our ability to compete effectively depends in part on our rights to service marks, trademarks, trade names and other intellectual property rights we own or license, particularly our registered brand names and issued patents. We have not sought to register every one of our marks either in the United States or in every country in which they are used. Furthermore, because of the differences in foreign trademark, patent and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws, we may not receive the same protection in other countries as we would in the United States with respect to the registered brand names and issued patents we hold. If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, proprietary information and/or brand names, we could suffer a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect our proprietary information, or to defend against claims by third parties that our products or services infringe their intellectual property rights. Any litigation or claims brought by or against us could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources. A successful claim of trademark, patent or other intellectual property infringement against us, or any other successful challenge to the use of our intellectual property, could subject us to damages or prevent us from providing certain products or services under our recognized brand names, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

44


Table of Contents

We depend on key personnel and may not be able to retain those employees or recruit additional qualified personnel.
We are highly dependent on the continuing efforts of our senior management team and other key personnel. Our businesses, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if we lose the services of more than one of these persons in a short period of time and are unable to attract and retain qualified replacements.
If Monsanto were to terminate the Marketing Agreement for consumer Roundup® products without being required to pay any termination fee, we would lose a substantial source of future earnings and overhead expense absorption.
If we were to commit a serious default under the Marketing Agreement with Monsanto for consumer Roundup® products, Monsanto may have the right to terminate the Marketing Agreement. If Monsanto were to terminate the Marketing Agreement for cause, we would not be entitled to any termination fee, and we would lose all, or a substantial portion, of the significant source of earnings and overhead expense absorption the Marketing Agreement provides. Monsanto may also be able to terminate the Marketing Agreement within a given region, including North America, without paying us a termination fee if unit volume sales to consumers in that region decline: (i) over a cumulative three-fiscal-year period; or (ii) by more than 5% for each of two consecutive years.
Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. beneficially owns approximately 31% of our outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis and can significantly influence decisions that require the approval of shareholders, whether or not such decisions are in the best interests of other shareholders.
Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. beneficially owned approximately 31% of our outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis as of February 8, 2010. As a result, it has sufficient voting power to significantly influence the election of directors and the approval of other actions requiring the approval of our shareholders, including the entering into of certain corporate transactions. Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. may have an interest in our pursuing transactions that it believes may enhance the value of its equity investment in us, even though such transactions may involve increased risks to us.
We may pursue acquisitions, dispositions, investments, dividends, share repurchases and/or other corporate transactions that we believe will maximize equity returns of our shareholders but may involve risks.
From time to time, we consider opportunities for acquisitions of businesses, product lines or other assets, dispositions of all or part of one or more of our businesses other than our core Global Consumer business (including our Global Professional business and/or Scotts LawnService®) and other strategic transactions. These transactions may involve risks, such as risks of integration of acquired businesses and loss of cash flows and market positions of disposed businesses. In addition, if our business performs according to our financial plan, subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and to market and other conditions we may, over time, significantly increase the rate of dividends on, and the amount of repurchases of, our common shares. There can be no assurance that we will effect any of these transactions, but, if we do, certain risks may be increased, possibly materially.

 

45


Table of Contents

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table shows the purchases of common shares of Scotts Miracle-Gro (“Common Shares”) made by or on behalf of Scotts Miracle-Gro or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of Scotts Miracle-Gro for each fiscal month in the three months ended January 2, 2010:
                             
                    Total Number of      
                    Common Shares     Maximum Number of
            Average Price     Purchased as     Common Shares That
    Total Number of     Paid     Part of Publicly     May Yet Be
    Common Shares     per Common     Announced Plans or     Purchased Under the
Period   Purchased(1)     Share     Programs     Plans or Programs
October 1 through October 31, 2009
    312     $ 42.05       0     Not applicable
November 1 through November 28, 2009
    3,202     $ 41.42       0     Not applicable
November 29, 2009 through January 2, 2010
    1,537     $ 39.40       0     Not applicable
 
                       
Total
    5,051     $ 40.52       0     Not applicable
 
                       
 
     
(1)  
Amounts in this column represent Common Shares purchased by the trustee of the rabbi trust established by the Company as permitted pursuant to the terms of The Scotts Company LLC Executive Retirement Plan (the “ERP”). The ERP is an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan which, among other things, provides eligible employees the opportunity to defer compensation above specified statutory limits applicable to The Scotts Company LLC Retirement Savings Plan and with respect to any Executive Management Incentive Pay, Performance Award (each as defined in the ERP) or other bonus awarded to such eligible employees. Pursuant to the terms of the ERP, each eligible employee has the right to elect an investment fund, including a fund consisting of Common Shares (the “Scotts Miracle-Gro Common Stock Fund”), against which amounts allocated to such employee’s accounts under the ERP will be benchmarked (all ERP accounts are bookkeeping accounts only and do not represent a claim against specific assets of the Company). Amounts allocated to employee accounts under the ERP represent deferred compensation obligations of the Company. The Company established the rabbi trust in order to assist the Company in discharging such deferred compensation obligations. When an eligible employee elects to benchmark some or all of the amounts allocated to such employee’s accounts against the Scotts Miracle-Gro Common Stock Fund, the trustee of the rabbi trust purchases the number of Common Shares equivalent to the amount so benchmarked. All Common Shares purchased by the trustee are purchased on the open market and are held in the rabbi trust until such time as they are distributed pursuant to the terms of the ERP. All assets of the rabbi trust, including any Common Shares purchased by the trustee, remain, at all times, assets of the Company, subject to the claims of its creditors. The terms of the ERP do not provide for a specified limit on the number of Common Shares that may be purchased by the trustee of the rabbi trust.
 
   
None of the Common Shares purchased during the three months ended January 2, 2010 were purchased pursuant to a publicly announced plan or program.

 

46


Table of Contents

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Scotts Miracle-Gro (the “Annual Meeting”) was held in Marysville, Ohio on January 21, 2010.
The results of the vote of the shareholders in the election of four directors, each for a term to expire at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, were as follows:
                 
        VOTES        
NOMINEE   VOTES FOR   WITHHELD   BROKER NON-VOTES   ABSTENTIONS
Mark R. Baker
  54,133,073   3,264,288   3,947,776   N/A
Joseph P. Flannery
  43,364,712   14,032,649   3,947,776   N/A
Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield
  54,129,559   3,267,801   3,947,776   N/A
Adam Hanft
  52,820,181   4,577,179   3,947,776   N/A
Each of the nominees designated by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors was elected. The other directors whose terms of office continue after the Annual Meeting are Alan H. Barry, James Hagedorn, William G. Jurgensen, Thomas N. Kelly Jr., Carl F. Kohrt, Ph.D., Nancy G. Mistretta, Stephanie M. Shern and John S. Shiely. Patrick J. Norton’s term as a member of the Board of Directors expired on January 21, 2010.
The result of the vote of the shareholders regarding the ratification of the selection by the Audit Committee of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Scotts Miracle-Gro’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010 was as follows:
             
Votes For   Votes Against   Abstentions   Broker Non-Votes
61,025,168   299,840   20,129   N/A
The Audit Committee’s selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Scotts Miracle-Gro’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010 was ratified.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
See Index to Exhibits at page 49 for a list of the exhibits included herewith.

 

47


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
 
 
Date: February 11, 2010  /s/ DAVID C. EVANS    
  David C. Evans   
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Principal Accounting Officer)
(Duly Authorized Officer) 
 

 

48


Table of Contents

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 2, 2010
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
         
EXHIBIT        
NO.   DESCRIPTION   LOCATION
4.1
  Indenture, dated as of January 14, 2010, among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the guarantors from time to time party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee   Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (the “Registrant”) filed January 14, 2010 (File No. 1-11593) [Exhibit 4.1]
 
       
4.2
  First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 14, 2010, among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee   Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 14, 2010 (File No. 1-11593) [Exhibit 4.2]
 
       
4.3
  Form of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2018 (included in Exhibit 4.2)   Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 14, 2010 (File No. 1-11593) [Included in Exhibit 4.2]
 
       
10.1
  Specimen form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement for Nonemployee Directors (with Related Dividend Equivalents) used to evidence grants of Deferred Stock Units which may be made under The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Amended and Restated 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Deferral of Cash Retainer — post-January 21, 2010 version)   *
 
       
10.2
  Specimen form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Employees (with Related Dividend Equivalents) used to evidence grants of Restricted Stock Units which may be made under The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Amended and Restated 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (post-January 19, 2010 version)   *
 
       
10.3
  Specimen form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Employees (with Related Dividend Equivalents) used to evidence grants of Restricted Stock Units which may be made under The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Amended and Restated 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (French Specimen) [post-January 19, 2010 version]   *
 
       
10.4
  Specimen form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Employees used to evidence grants of Nonqualified Stock Options which may be made under The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Amended and Restated 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (post-January 19, 2010 version)   *
 
       
10.5
  First Amendment to Employment Agreement of Mark R. Baker, effective as of December 10, 2009   Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 16, 2009 (File No. 1-11593) [Exhibit 10.2]
 
       
31.1
  Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications (Principal Executive Officer)   *
 
       
31.2
  Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications (Principal Financial Officer)   *
 
       
32
  Section 1350 Certifications (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)   *
     
*  
Filed herewith

 

49