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2016 ANNUAL REPORT
Helping people express themselves on their own piece of the Earth
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
World Headquarters
14111 Scottslawn Road
Marysville, Ohio 43041
(937) 644-0011
www.scottsmiraclegro.com
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of shareholders will be
held on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 9 a.m. EST.
The annual meeting will be a virtual meeting
and shareholders will be able to participate,
vote and submit questions during the virtual
meeting. A live audio webcast of the meeting
will be available from the investor relations
section of the Company’s corporate website
at http://investor.scotts.com.
NYSE Symbol
The common shares of The Scotts Miracle-Gro
Company trade on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol SMG.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Wells Fargo Shareowner Services
P.O. Box 64874
St. Paul, MN 55164-0874
Shareholder and Investor
Relations Contact
Jim King
Senior Vice President,
Chief Communications Officer
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
14111 Scottslawn Road
Marysville, Ohio 43041
(937) 644-0011
Dividends
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company began paying
dividends in 2005. On August 3, 2015, the
Company began paying a quarterly cash dividend
of $0.47 per share, which was first paid to
shareholders in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
On August 3, 2016, the Company announced
that its Board of Directors had increased the
quarterly cash dividend to $0.50 per share,
which was paid to shareholders in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2016.
The payment of future dividends, if any, on
common shares will be determined by the
Board of Directors of the Company in light
of conditions then existing, including the
Company’s earnings, financial condition and
capital requirements, restrictions in financing
agreements, business conditions and other
factors. The Company’s credit facility restricts
future dividend payments to an aggregate of
$175 million in fiscal 2017 and $200 million for
fiscal 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter if the
Company’s leverage ratio, after giving effect
to any such annual dividend payment, exceeds
4.00. The Company’s leverage ratio was 3.10 as
of September 30, 2016. For further discussion
regarding the restrictions on dividend payments,
see “NOTE 11. DEBT” of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements included in the Company’s
2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Stock Price Performance
See chart at bottom right for stock price
performance. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
common shares have been publicly traded
since January 31, 1992.
Shareholders
As of November 18, 2016, there were
approximately 52,000 shareholders, including
holders of record and The Scotts Miracle-Gro
Company’s estimate of beneficial holders.
Publications for Shareholders
In addition to this 2016 Annual Report,
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company informs
shareholders about the Company through its
Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q, its Current Reports on
Form 8-K and its Notice of Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and Proxy Statement.
Copies of any of these documents may
be obtained without charge on the
Company’s investor relations website at
http://investor.scotts.com or by writing to:
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Attention: Investor Relations
14111 Scottslawn Road
Marysville, Ohio 43041
Stock Price Range
Fiscal year ended
September 30, 2016
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
High
Low
$72.26
$75.13
$73.16
$83.73
$60.25
$62.20
$65.80
$68.24
Fiscal year ended
September 30, 2015
High
Low
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
$62.88
$68.99
$67.40
$66.27
$54.71
$60.18
$59.41
$59.10
Safe Harbor Statement under the
Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995:
Statements contained in this 2016 Annual Report,
other than statements of historical fact, which
address activities, events and developments
that the Company expects or anticipates will
or may occur in the future, including, but not
limited to, information regarding the future
economic performance and financial condition
of the Company, the plans and objectives of
the Company’s management, the Company’s
assumptions regarding such performance and
plans, as well as the amount and timing of
repurchases of the Company’s common shares
are “forward-looking statements” within the
meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws
that are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Actual results could differ materially from
the forward-looking information in this 2016
Annual Report due to a variety of factors.
Additional detailed information concerning
a number of the important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially
from the forward-looking information
contained in this 2016 Annual Report is
readily available in the Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2016, which is filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return*
Among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, The Russell 2000 Index and The S&P Household Products Index
$250
$200
$150
$100
$50
$0
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Russell 2000
S&P Household Products Index
2012
2011
2015
*$100 invested on 9/30/11 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending September 30.
2014
2013
2016
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________________________________________________
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016
OR
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
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
14111 Scottslawn Road,
Marysville, Ohio
(Address of principal executive offices)
31-1414921
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
43041
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
937-644-0011
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Common Shares, without par value
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
______________________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes
No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes
No
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
No
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
No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not
be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-
K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
Accelerated filer
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes
No
The aggregate market value of Common Shares (the only common equity of the registrant) held by non-affiliates (for this purpose, executive officers
and directors of the registrant are considered affiliates) as of April 2, 2016 (the last business day of the most recently completed second quarter) was
approximately $3,300,118,585.
There were 60,086,416 Common Shares of the registrant outstanding as of November 18, 2016.
______________________________________________________________
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the registrant’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K. Such Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
Company Description and Development of the Business
PART I
The discussion below provides a brief description of the business conducted by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts
Miracle-Gro” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we” or “us”), including general developments in the Company’s
business during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 (“fiscal 2016”). For additional information on recent business
developments, see “ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We are a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products. Our products are marketed
under some of the most recognized brand names in the industry. In North America, key brands include Scotts® and Turf Builder®
lawn and grass seed products; Miracle-Gro®, Nature’s Care®, Scotts®, LiquaFeed® and Osmocote®1 gardening and landscape
products; and Ortho®, Roundup®2
, Home Defense® and Tomcat® branded insect control, weed control and rodent control products.
In the United Kingdom, key brands include Miracle-Gro® plant fertilizers; Roundup®2, Weedol® and Pathclear® herbicides;
EverGreen® lawn fertilizers; and Levington® gardening and landscape products. Other significant brands in Europe include
Roundup®2, KB® and Fertiligène® in France; Roundup®2, Celaflor®, Nexa Lotte® and Substral® in Germany and Austria; and
Roundup®2, ASEF®, KB® and Substral® in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. We are the exclusive agent of the Monsanto
Company (“Monsanto”) 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 products in Australia,
the Far East and Latin America. In addition, with our recent acquisitions of Gavita Holdings B.V. (“Gavita”), General Hydroponics,
Inc. (“General Hydroponics”) and Bio-Organic Solutions, Inc. (“Vermicrop”), and control of AeroGrow International, Inc.
(“AeroGrow”), we are a leading producer of liquid plant food products, growing media, advanced indoor garden and lighting
systems and accessories for hydroponic gardening. Prior to April 13, 2016, we operated the Scotts LawnService® business (the
“SLS Business”), which provided residential and commercial lawn care, tree and shrub care and pest control services in the United
States. On April 13, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Contribution and Distribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”)
between the Company and TruGreen Holding Corporation (“TruGreen Holdings”), we completed the contribution of the SLS
Business to a newly formed subsidiary of TruGreen Holdings (the “TruGreen Joint Venture”) in exchange for a minority equity
interest of approximately 30% in the TruGreen Joint Venture. We now participate in the residential and commercial lawn care,
tree and shrub care and pest control services segment in the United States and Canada through our interest in the TruGreen Joint
Venture.
Scotts Miracle-Gro, an Ohio corporation, traces its heritage back to a company founded by O.M. Scott in Marysville, Ohio
in 1868. In the mid-1900s, we became widely known for the development of quality lawn fertilizers and grass seeds that led to
the creation of a new industry-consumer lawn care. In the 1990s, we significantly expanded our product offering with three
powerful leading brands in the U.S. home lawn and garden industry. First, in fiscal 1995, through a merger with Stern’s Miracle-
Gro Products, Inc., which was founded by Horace Hagedorn and Otto Stern in Long Island, New York in 1951, we acquired the
Miracle-Gro® brand, the industry leader in water-soluble garden plant foods. Second and third, in 1998, we acquired the Ortho®
brand in the United States and obtained exclusive rights to market the consumer Roundup® brand within the United States and
other contractually specified countries, thereby adding industry-leading weed, pest and disease control products to our portfolio.
Today, we believe that Scotts®, Turf Builder®, Miracle-Gro®, Ortho® and Roundup® are the most widely recognized brands in the
consumer lawn and garden industry in the United States.
Our strategy is focused on (i) growing our core branded business, primarily in North America where we can leverage our
competitive advantages in emerging areas of growth including organics, hydroponics, live goods, water positive landscapes, and
internet-enabled technology, (ii) maximizing the value of non-core-assets including the divestiture of Scotts LawnService® and
exploring alternatives in Europe, and (iii) cash flow including near-term investments that will drive long-term growth, a natural
mid-term shift to integration of acquired businesses, and a long-term plan to return increasing amounts of cash to shareholders.
________________________
1 Osmocote® is a registered trademark of Everris International B.V., a subsidiary of Israel Chemicals Ltd.
2 Roundup® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC, a company affiliated with Monsanto Company.
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Business Segments
We divide our business into the following reportable segments:
•
•
•
U.S. Consumer
Europe Consumer
Other
This division of reportable segments is consistent with how the segments report to and are managed by our Chief Executive
Officer (the chief operating decision-maker of the Company). Financial information about these segments for each of the three
fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is presented in “NOTE 22. SEGMENT INFORMATION” of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As a result of the completion of the Company’s contribution of the SLS Business to the TruGreen Joint Venture on April
13, 2016, effective in its second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company classified its results of operations for all periods presented
to reflect the SLS Business as a discontinued operation and classified the assets and liabilities of the SLS Business as held for
sale. See “NOTE 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS” for further discussion. Prior to being reported as discontinued operations,
the SLS Business was included as its own reportable segment. Refer to “NOTE 22. SEGMENT INFORMATION” for discussion
of the Company’s new reportable segments identified effective in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.
Principal Products and Services
In our reportable segments, we manufacture, market and sell consumer lawn and garden products in the following categories:
Lawn Care: The lawn care category is designed to help consumers obtain and enjoy the lawn they want. In the United
States and Canada, products within this category include lawn fertilizer products under the Scotts® and Turf Builder® brand names;
grass seed products under the Scotts®, Turf Builder®, EZ Seed®, Water Smart® and PatchMaster® brand names; and lawn-related
weed, pest and disease control products primarily under the Scotts® brand name, including sub-brands such as GrubEx®. A similar
range of products is marketed in Europe and Australia under a variety of brands such as EverGreen®, Fertiligène®, Substral®,
Miracle-Gro® Patch Magic®, Weedol®, Pathclear®, KB® and Celaflor®. The lawn care category also includes spreaders and other
durables under the Scotts® brand name, including Turf Builder® EdgeGuard® spreaders, Snap® spreaders and Handy Green® II
handheld spreaders. In addition, we market outdoor cleaners under the Scotts® OxiCleanTM3 brand name.
Gardening and Landscape: The gardening and landscape category is designed to help consumers grow and enjoy
flower and vegetable gardens and beautify landscaped areas. This category also includes our recent entry into hydroponic, i.e.,
soil less, gardening. In the United States, products within this category include a complete line of water-soluble plant foods under
the Miracle-Gro® brand and sub-brands such as LiquaFeed®, continuous-release plant foods under the Miracle-Gro®, Scotts® and
Osmocote® brands and sub-brands of Miracle-Gro® such as Shake ‘N Feed®; potting mixes and garden soils under the Miracle-
Gro®, Scotts®, Hyponex®, Earthgro® and SuperSoil® brand names; mulch and decorative groundcover products under the Scotts®
brand, including the sub-brands Nature Scapes®, Earthgro® and Hyponex®; plant-related pest and disease control products under
the Ortho® brand; organic garden products under the Miracle-Gro® Organic Choice®, Nature’s Care®, Scotts®, Whitney Farms®
and EcoScraps® brand names; live goods and seeding solutions under the Miracle-Gro® brand and Gro-ables® sub-brand; and
hydroponic gardening products under the General Hydroponics®, Gavita® and AeroGarden® brand names. Internationally, similar
products are marketed under the Miracle-Gro®, Fertiligène®, Substral®, KB®, Celaflor®, ASEF®, Scotts®, Scotts EcoSense®,
Naturen®, Miracle-Gro® Organic Choice® and Fafard® brand names. In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, we entered into a
Marketing, R&D and Ancillary Services Agreement (the “Services Agreement”) and a Term Loan Agreement (the “Term Loan
Agreement”) with Bonnie Plants, Inc. (“Bonnie”) and its sole shareholder, Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Inc. (“AFC”), pursuant
to which we provide financing and certain services to Bonnie’s business of planting, growing, developing, manufacturing,
distributing, marketing, and selling to retail stores throughout the United States live plants, plant food, fertilizer and potting soil
(the “Bonnie Business”). See “Acquisitions and Divestitures” for further discussion.
________________________
OxiCleanTM is a registered trademark of Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
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3
Controls: The controls category is designed to help consumers protect their homes from pests and maintain external
home areas. In the United States, insect control products are marketed under the Ortho® brand name, including Ortho Max®,
Home Defense Max® and Bug B Gon Max® sub-brands; rodent control products are marketed under the Tomcat® and Ortho®
brands; selective weed control products are marketed under the Ortho® Weed B Gon® sub-brand; and non-selective weed control
products are marketed under the Roundup® and Groundclear® brand names. Internationally, products within this category are
marketed under the Nexa Lotte®, Fertiligène®, KB®, Home Defence®, Home Defense®, Weedol®, Pathclear® and Roundup® brands.
Since 1998, we have served as Monsanto’s exclusive agent for the marketing and distribution of consumer Roundup® products
in the consumer lawn and garden market within the United States and other specified countries, including Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. In 2015, the territories were expanded to include
all countries other than Japan and those subject to a comprehensive U.S. trade embargo or certain other embargoes and trade
restrictions. Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and Marketing Agreement (the “Marketing
Agreement”) between the Company and Monsanto, we are jointly responsible with Monsanto for developing global consumer
and trade marketing programs for consumer Roundup®. We provide manufacturing conversion services (in North America),
distribution and logistics, and selling and marketing support for consumer Roundup®. We also entered into a lawn and garden
brand extension agreement during 2015, providing us the ability to extend the Roundup® brand globally into other categories of
lawn and garden beyond non-selective weed control. Monsanto continues to own the consumer Roundup® business and provides
significant oversight of the brand. In addition, Monsanto continues to own and operate the agricultural Roundup® business. For
additional details regarding the Marketing Agreement, see “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS — In the event of termination of the
Marketing Agreement for consumer Roundup® products, we would lose a substantial source of future earnings and overhead
expense absorption” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and “NOTE 6. MARKETING AGREEMENT” of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Acquisitions and Divestitures
On October 3, 2016, the Company, through its subsidiary The Hawthorne Gardening Company, completed the acquisition
of American Agritech, L.L.C., d/b/a Botanicare, an Arizona-based leading producer of plant nutrients, plant supplements and
growing systems used for hydroponic gardening for an estimated purchase price of $90.0 million.
On May 26, 2016, our wholly-owned subsidiary, The Hawthorne Gardening Company, acquired majority control and a 75%
economic interest in Gavita for $136.2 million. Gavita’s former ownership group retained a 25% noncontrolling interest in Gavita
consisting of ownership of 5% of the outstanding shares of Gavita and a loan with interest payable based on distributions by
Gavita. Gavita, which is based in the Netherlands, is a leading producer and marketer of indoor lighting used in the greenhouse
and hydroponic markets, predominately in the United States and Europe. This transaction provides the Company’s Other segment
with a presence in the lighting category of indoor and urban gardening, which is a part of the Company’s long-term growth strategy.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company completed an acquisition to expand its Canadian growing media operations
for an estimated purchase price of $33.9 million.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company entered into the Services Agreement and the Term Loan Agreement with
Bonnie and AFC providing for the Company’s participation in the Bonnie Business. The Term Loan Agreement provides a loan
from the Company to AFC, with Bonnie as guarantor, in the amount of $72.0 million with a fixed coupon rate of 6.95% (the “Term
Loan”). Under the Services Agreement, the Company provides marketing, research and development and certain ancillary services
to the Bonnie Business for a commission fee based on the profits of the Bonnie Business and the reimbursement of certain costs.
On May 15, 2015, we amended our Marketing Agreement with Monsanto and entered into a lawn and garden brand extension
agreement, and a commercialization and technology agreement with Monsanto. We paid Monsanto $300.0 million in consideration
for these agreements on August 14, 2015, using borrowings under our credit facility. These agreements provide us with the
following significant rights:
• The ability to extend the Roundup® brand globally into other categories of lawn and garden beyond non-selective weed
control;
• The opportunity to introduce the consumer Roundup® brand into territories not included in the original Marketing
Agreement, including China and Latin America. Only Japan and countries with U.S. trade embargoes are excluded
from the Marketing Agreement;
• The opportunity to propose changes to product formulations if deemed necessary to grow and/or protect the Roundup®
brand;
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• A right of first offer and a right of last look in the event Monsanto were to sell the consumer Roundup® business and
a credit to the purchase price in an amount equal to the then applicable termination fee in the event we make a bid in
connection with such a sale;
• A “first look” related to Monsanto’s innovation pipeline that would provide Scotts Miracle-Gro with access to new
technology and products that may be commercialized in the residential lawn and garden marketplace;
• The enhancements of our rights in connection with the termination of the Marketing Agreement, including increasing
the termination fee payable thereunder, eliminating certain of Monsanto’s termination rights and delaying the
effectiveness of a termination in connection with a change of control of Monsanto or a sale of the consumer Roundup®
business for five years after the notice of termination; and
• The expanded ability for us to transfer, and thereby monetize, our rights as marketing agent to a third party (1) with
respect to (a) the North America territories and (b) one or more other included markets for up to three other assignments
and (2) in connection with a change of control of Scotts Miracle-Gro.
On March 30, 2015, the Company acquired the assets of General Hydroponics and Vermicrop for $120.0 million and $15.0
million, respectively. The Vermicrop purchase price was paid in common shares of Scotts Miracle-Gro (“Common Shares”) based
on the average share price at the time of payment. This transaction provides the Company’s Other segment with an additional
entry in the indoor and urban gardening category, which is a part of the Company’s long-term growth strategy. General Hydroponics
and Vermicrop are leading producers of liquid plant food products, growing media and accessories for hydroponic gardening.
On September 30, 2014, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Scotts Canada Ltd., acquired Fafard & Brothers Ltd. (“Fafard”) for
$59.8 million. In continuous operation since 1940 and based in Saint-Bonaventure, Quebec, Canada, Fafard is a producer of peat
moss and growing media products for consumer and professional markets including peat-based and bark-based mixes, composts
and premium soils. Fafard serves customers primarily across Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and the eastern United States.
During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 (“fiscal 2014”), as a reflection of our increased control
of the operations of AeroGrow gained through a working capital loan made by the Company, we consolidated AeroGrow’s financial
results into that of the Company. AeroGrow is a developer, marketer, direct-seller, and wholesaler of advanced indoor garden
systems designed for consumer use in gardening, and home and office décor markets. AeroGrow operates primarily in the United
States and Canada, as well as select countries in Europe, Asia and Australia.
On October 14, 2013, we acquired the Tomcat® consumer rodent control business from Bell Laboratories, Inc., located in
Madison, Wisconsin, for $60.0 million in an all-cash transaction. The acquisition included the Tomcat® brand and other intellectual
property, as well as a long-term partnership to bring innovative technologies to the consumer rodent control market. Tomcat®
consumer products are sold at home centers, mass retailers, and grocery, drug and general merchandise stores across the United
States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
In addition, over the past five years, we have completed several smaller acquisitions within our controls and growing media
businesses.
During the past five years, we have completed several divestitures, the largest of which was our April 13, 2016 contribution
of the SLS Business to the TruGreen Joint Venture in exchange for a minority equity interest of 30% in the TruGreen Joint Venture.
In the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 (“fiscal 2012”), we completed the wind down of our professional
grass seed business. In the second quarter of fiscal 2014, we completed the sale of our wild bird food business in the United States
and Canada for $4.1 million in cash and $1.0 million in earn-out payments. We have classified our results of operations for all
periods presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect these businesses as discontinued operations during the applicable
periods. See “NOTE 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.
Principal Markets and Methods of Distribution
We sell our consumer products primarily to home centers, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, large hardware chains,
independent hardware stores, nurseries, garden centers, food and drug stores, and indoor gardening and hydroponic stores through
both a direct sales force and our network of brokers and distributors. In addition, during fiscal 2016, we employed approximately
3,300 full-time and seasonal in-store associates within the United States to help our retail partners merchandise their lawn and
garden departments directly to consumers of our products.
The majority of shipments to customers are made via common carriers or through distributors in the United States and
through a network of public warehouses and distributors in Europe. We primarily utilize third parties to manage the key distribution
centers for our consumer business in North America, which are strategically located across the United States and Canada. The
5
distribution centers for our consumer business internationally are located in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria and
Australia and are also managed by third-party logistics providers. Growing media products are generally shipped direct-to-store
without passing through a distribution center.
Raw Materials
We purchase raw materials for our products from various sources. We are subject to market risk as a result of the fluctuating
prices of raw materials such as urea and other fertilizer inputs, resins, diesel, gasoline, natural gas, sphagnum peat, bark and grass
seed. Our objectives surrounding the procurement of these materials are to ensure continuous supply, minimize costs and improve
predictability. We seek to achieve these objectives through negotiation of contracts with favorable terms directly with vendors.
When appropriate, we commit to purchase a certain percentage of our needs in advance of the season to secure pre-determined
prices. We also hedge certain commodities, particularly diesel, gasoline and urea, to improve cost predictability and control.
Sufficient raw materials were available during fiscal 2016.
Trademarks, Patents and Licenses
We consider our trademarks, patents and licenses to be key competitive advantages. We pursue a vigorous trademark
protection strategy consisting of registration, renewal and maintenance of key trademarks and proactive monitoring and
enforcement activities to protect against infringement. The Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, Ortho®, Tomcat®, Hyponex®, Earthgro®,
General Hydroponics®, Vermicrop® and Gavita® brand names and logos, as well as a number of product trademarks, including
Turf Builder®, EZ Seed®, Snap®, Organic Choice®, Nature’s Care®, Home Defense Max®, Nature Scapes® and Weed B Gon Max®,
are registered in the United States and/or internationally and are considered material to our business.
In addition, we actively develop and maintain an extensive portfolio of utility and design patents covering subject matters
such as fertilizer, chemical and growing media compositions and processes; grass seed varieties; and mechanical dispensing devices
such as applicators, spreaders and sprayers. Our utility patents provide protection generally extending to 20 years from the date
of filing, and many of our patents will continue well into the next decade. We also hold exclusive and non-exclusive patent licenses
and supply arrangements, permitting the use and sale of additional patented fertilizers, pesticides and mechanical devices. Although
our portfolio of patents and patent licenses is important to our success, no single patent or group of related patents is considered
significant to either of our business segments or the business as a whole.
Seasonality and Backlog
Our business is highly seasonal, with more than 75% of our annual net sales occurring in our second and third fiscal quarters
combined. Our annual sales are further concentrated in our second and third fiscal quarters by retailers who rely on our ability to
deliver products closer to when consumers buy our products, thereby reducing retailers’ pre-season inventories.
We anticipate significant orders for the upcoming spring season will start to be received late in the winter and continue
through the spring season. Historically, substantially all orders have been received and shipped within the same fiscal year with
minimal carryover of open orders at the end of the fiscal year.
Significant Customers
We sell our consumer products primarily to home centers, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, large hardware chains,
independent hardware stores, nurseries, garden centers, food and drug stores, and indoor gardening and hydroponic stores. Our
three largest customers are Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart, which are reported within the U.S. Consumer segment and are the
only customers that individually represent more than 10% of reported consolidated net sales. For additional details regarding
significant customers, see “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS — Because of the concentration of our sales to a small number of retail
customers, the loss of one or more of, or a significant reduction in orders from, our top customers could adversely affect our
financial results” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and “NOTE 20. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK” of the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Competitive Marketplace
The markets in which we sell our products are highly competitive. We compete primarily on the basis of product innovation,
product quality, product performance, value, brand strength, supply chain competency, field sales support, in-store sales support,
the strength of our relationships with major retailers and advertising.
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In the U.S. lawn and garden, pest control and indoor gardening and hydroponic markets, our products compete against
private-label as well as branded products. Primary competitors include Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., Bayer AG, Central
Garden & Pet Company, Enforcer Products, Inc., Kellogg Garden Products, Oldcastle Retail, Inc., Lebanon Seaboard Corporation,
Reckitt Benckiser, FoxFarm and Advanced Nutrients. In addition, we face competition from smaller regional competitors who
operate in many of the areas where we compete.
Internationally, we face strong competition in the lawn and garden market, particularly in Europe, Australia and Canada.
Our competitors include Compo AcquiCo SARL, Bayer AG, Westland Horticulture Ltd, Neudorff, Yates, Premier Tech and a
variety of local companies including private label brands.
Research and Development
We continually invest in research and development, both in the laboratory and at the consumer level, to improve our products,
manufacturing processes, packaging and delivery systems. Spending on research and development was $45.5 million, $44.4
million and $46.0 million in fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively, including product registration costs of $14.3
million, $13.0 million and $12.5 million, respectively. In addition to the benefits of our own research and development, we actively
seek ways to leverage the research and development activities of our suppliers and other business partners.
Regulatory Considerations
Local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations affect the manufacture, sale, distribution and application of our products
in several ways. For example, in the United States, all products containing pesticides must comply with the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1947, as amended (“FIFRA”), and most require registration with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (the “U.S. EPA”) and similar state agencies before they can be sold or distributed. Fertilizer and growing media
products are subject to state and foreign labeling regulations. In addition to the regulations already described, federal, state 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. Our grass seed products are regulated by the Federal Seed Act
and various state regulations.
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 (such as “not for use on sod farms or golf
courses”), may require users to post notices on properties to which products have been or will be applied, may require notification
to individuals in the vicinity that products will be applied in the future or may ban the use of certain ingredients.
State, federal and foreign authorities generally require growing media facilities to obtain permits (sometimes on an annual
basis) in order to harvest peat and to discharge storm water run-off or water pumped from peat deposits. The permits typically
specify the condition in which the property must be left after the peat is fully harvested, with the residual use typically being
natural wetland habitats combined with open water areas. We are generally required by these permits to limit our harvesting and
to restore the property consistent with the intended residual use. In some locations, these facilities have been required to create
water retention ponds to control the sediment content of discharged water.
For more information regarding how compliance with local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations may affect us,
see “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS — Compliance with environmental and other public health regulations or changes in such
regulations or regulatory enforcement priorities could increase our costs of doing business or limit our ability to market all of our
products” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Regulatory Matters
We are subject to various environmental proceedings, the majority of which are for site remediation. At September 30,
2016, $4.0 million was accrued for such environmental matters. During fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, we expensed
$0.4 million, $0.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively, for such environmental matters. We had no material capital expenditures
during the last three fiscal years related to environmental or regulatory matters.
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Employees
As of September 30, 2016, we employed approximately 5,100 employees. During peak sales and production periods, we
employ approximately 6,500 employees, including seasonal and temporary labor. These numbers do not include approximately
2,040 employees we lease to Outdoor Home Services Holdings LLC as part of an employee leasing agreement entered into in
connection with the contribution of the SLS Business to the TruGreen Joint Venture.
Financial Information About Geographic Areas
For certain information concerning our international revenues and long-lived assets, see “NOTE 22. SEGMENT
INFORMATION” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
General Information
We maintain a website at http://investor.scotts.com (this uniform resource locator, or URL, is an inactive textual reference
only and is not intended to incorporate our website into this Annual Report on Form 10-K). We file reports with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and make available, free of charge, on or through our website, our Annual Reports on
Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as our proxy and information
statements, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The SEC
maintains a website that contains electronic filings by Scotts Miracle-Gro and other issuers at www.sec.gov. In addition, the public
may read and copy any materials Scotts Miracle-Gro files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC
at 1-800-SEC-0330.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the exhibits hereto and the information incorporated by reference herein, as
well as our 2016 Annual Report to Shareholders (our “2016 Annual Report”), contain “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, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Information regarding activities, events and developments that we expect
or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including, but not limited to, information relating to our future growth and profitability
targets and strategies designed to increase total shareholder value, are forward-looking statements based on management’s
estimates, assumptions and projections. Forward-looking statements also include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our
future economic and financial condition and results of operations, the plans and objectives of management and our assumptions
regarding our performance and such plans and objectives, as well as the amount and timing of repurchases of our Common Shares
or other uses of cash flows. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified through the use of words such as “guidance,”
“outlook,” “projected,” “believe,” “target,” “predict,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “strategy,” “may,” “goal,” “expect,” “anticipate,”
“intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “likely,” “will,” “should” and other similar words and variations.
Forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our 2016 Annual Report are predictions
only and actual results could differ materially from management’s expectations due to a variety of factors, including those described
below. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons working on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety
by such risk factors.
The forward-looking statements that we make in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our 2016 Annual Report are based
on management’s current views and assumptions regarding future events and speak only as of their dates. We disclaim any
obligation to update developments of these risk factors or to announce publicly any revisions to any of the forward-looking
statements that we make, or to make corrections to reflect future events or developments, except as required by the federal securities
laws.
Compliance with environmental and other public health regulations or changes in such regulations or regulatory
enforcement priorities 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 most must be registered with the U.S. EPA and
similar state agencies before they can be sold or distributed. Our inability to obtain or maintain such compliance, or the cancellation
of any such registration of our products, could have an adverse effect on our business, the severity of which would depend on such
matters as 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
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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 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.
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 and aggregate 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. We cannot
predict the outcome or the severity of the effect of these 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, among other things, ban the use of certain ingredients or require
(i) that only certified or professional users apply the product, (ii) that certain products be used only on certain types of locations,
(iii) users to post notices on properties to which products have been or will be applied, (iv) notification to individuals in the vicinity
that products will be applied in the future. Even if we are able to comply with all such regulations and obtain all necessary
registrations and licenses, 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.
Our products and operations may be subject to increased regulatory and environmental scrutiny in jurisdictions in which
we do business. For example, we are subject to regulations relating to our harvesting of peat for our growing media business
which 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 Canada and 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 the presence of certain
regulated materials, as well as related costs of investigation and remediation of 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 the presence of such regulated materials at 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 depends upon
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. A significant change in the facts and circumstances surrounding
these assumptions or in current enforcement policies or requirements, or a finding that we are not in substantial compliance with
applicable environmental and public health laws and regulations, could have a material adverse effect on future environmental
capital expenditures and other environmental expenses, as well as our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
9
Damage to our reputation could have an adverse effect on our business.
Maintaining our strong reputation with both consumers and our retail customers is a key component in our success. Product
recalls, our inability to ship, sell or transport affected products and governmental investigations may harm our reputation and
acceptance of our products by consumers and our retail customers, which may materially and adversely affect our business
operations, decrease sales and increase costs.
In addition, 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 variety of products, such as fertilizers, 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.
Certain of our products may be purchased for use in new and emerging industries that are subject to inconsistent and
rapidly changing laws and regulations and consumer perception.
Certain of our products may be purchased for use in new and emerging industries that may not grow or achieve market
acceptance as rapidly as we expect. The demand for such products may be negatively impacted if these industries grow more
slowly than we expect. In addition, certain of our products, including, for example, our hydroponic gardening products, may be
purchased for use in industries or segments that are subject to inconsistent and rapidly changing laws and regulations with evolving
consumer perceptions. The demand for such products may be negatively impacted if the laws, regulations and consumer perceptions
applicable to such industries evolve in a manner that adversely affects the industries. We cannot predict the nature of any future
laws, regulations, administrative policies and consumer perceptions applicable to the industries in which our products are used,
nor can we determine what effect, if any, such additional laws, regulations, administrative policies and consumer perceptions could
have on our business.
Our marketing activities may not be successful.
We invest substantial resources in advertising, consumer promotions and other marketing activities to maintain, extend and
expand our brand image. There can be no assurances that our marketing strategies will be effective or that the amount we invest
in advertising activities will result in a corresponding increase in sales of our products. If our marketing initiatives are not successful,
we will have incurred significant expenses without the benefit of higher revenues.
Our success depends upon the retention and availability of key personnel and the effective succession of senior management.
Our success largely depends on the performance of our management team and other key personnel. Our future operations
could be harmed if we are unable to attract and retain talented, highly qualified senior executives and other key personnel. In
addition, if we are unable to effectively provide for the succession of senior management, including our chief executive officer,
our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may be materially adversely affected.
Disruptions in availability or increases in the prices of raw materials or fuel could adversely affect our results of operations.
We source many of our commodities and other raw materials on a global basis. The general availability and price of those
raw materials can be affected by numerous forces beyond our control, including political instability, trade restrictions and other
government regulations, duties and tariffs, price controls, changes in currency exchange rates and weather.
A significant disruption in the availability of any of our key raw materials could negatively impact our business. In addition,
increases in the prices of key commodities and other raw materials could adversely affect our ability to manage our cost structure.
Market conditions may limit our ability to raise selling prices to offset increases in our raw material costs. Our proprietary
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.
We utilize hedge agreements periodically to fix the prices of a portion of our urea and fuel needs. The hedge agreements
are designed to mitigate the earnings and cash flow fluctuations associated with the costs of urea and fuel. In periods of declining
urea and fuel prices, utilizing hedge agreements may effectively increase our expenditures for these raw materials.
10
Our hedging arrangements expose us to certain counterparty risks.
In addition to commodity hedge agreements, we utilize interest rate swap agreements to hedge our variable interest rate
exposure on debt instruments as well as foreign currency forward contracts to manage the exchange rate risk associated with
certain intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries. Utilizing these hedge agreements exposes us to certain counterparty risks.
The failure of one or more of these counterparties to fulfill their obligations under the hedge agreements, whether as a result of
weakening financial stability or otherwise, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Economic conditions could adversely affect our business.
Uncertain global economic conditions could adversely affect our business. Negative global economic trends, such as
decreased consumer and business spending, high unemployment levels, reduced rates of home ownership and housing starts, high
foreclosure rates and declining consumer and business confidence, pose challenges to our business and could result in declining
revenues, profitability and cash flow. Although we continue to devote significant resources to support our brands, unfavorable
economic conditions may negatively affect consumer demand for our products. Consumers may reduce discretionary spending
during periods of economic uncertainty, which could reduce sales volumes of our products or result in a shift in our product mix
from higher margin to lower margin products.
The highly competitive nature of our markets could adversely affect our ability to maintain or grow revenues.
Each of our operating 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 trade down to lower priced products during challenging economic
times or if current economic conditions worsen. We compete primarily on the basis of product innovation, product quality, product
performance, value, brand strength, supply chain competency, field sales support, in-store 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 and cash flows. Our inability to continue to develop and grow brands with
leading market positions, maintain our relationships with key retailers and deliver high quality products on a reliable basis at
competitive prices could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We may not successfully develop new product lines and products or improve existing product lines and products or maintain
our effectiveness in reaching consumers through rapidly evolving communication vehicles.
Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to improve our existing product lines and products and to develop,
manufacture and market new product lines and products to meet evolving consumer needs, as well as our ability to leverage new
mediums such as digital media and social networks to reach existing and potential consumers. We cannot be certain that we will
be successful in developing, manufacturing and marketing new product lines and products or product innovations which satisfy
consumer needs or achieve market acceptance, or that we will develop, manufacture and market new product lines and products
or product innovations in a timely manner. If we fail to successfully develop, manufacture and market new product lines and
products or product innovations, or if we fail to reach existing and potential consumers, 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. In addition, the development and introduction of new product lines and products and product innovations require
substantial research, development and marketing expenditures, which we may be unable to recoup if such new product lines,
products or innovations do not achieve market acceptance.
Many of the products we manufacture and market contain active ingredients that are subject to regulatory approval. The
need to obtain such approval could delay the launch of new products or product innovations that contain active ingredients or
otherwise prevent us from developing and manufacturing certain products and product innovations.
Our ongoing investment in new product lines and products and technologies is inherently risky, and could disrupt our
ongoing businesses.
We have invested and expect to continue to invest in new product lines, products, and technologies. Such endeavors may
involve significant risks and uncertainties, including distraction of management from current operations, insufficient revenues to
offset liabilities assumed and expenses associated with these new investments, inadequate return of capital on our investments,
and unidentified issues not discovered in our due diligence of such strategies and offerings. Because these new ventures are
inherently risky, no assurance can be given that such strategies and offerings will be successful and will not adversely affect our
reputation, financial condition, and operating results.
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Because of the concentration of our sales to a small number of retail customers, the loss of one or more of, or a significant
reduction in orders from, our top customers could adversely affect our financial results.
Our top three retail customers together accounted for 61% of our fiscal 2016 net sales and 56% of our outstanding accounts
receivable as of September 30, 2016. The loss of, or reduction in orders from, our top three retail customers, Home Depot, Lowe’s,
and Walmart, or any other significant customer could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results
of operations and 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 and 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 sales to key retailers who have significant bargaining strength. 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 key 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.
Our reliance on third-party manufacturers could harm our business.
We rely on third-party service providers to manufacture certain of our products. This reliance generates a number of risks,
including decreased control over the production process, which could lead to production delays or interruptions and inferior product
quality control. In addition, performance problems at these third-party providers could lead to cost overruns, shortages or other
problems, which could increase our costs of production or result in delivery delays to our customers.
If one or more of our third-party manufacturers becomes insolvent or unwilling to continue to manufacture products of
acceptable quality, at acceptable costs, in a timely manner, our ability to deliver products to our retail customers could be significantly
impaired. Substitute manufacturers might not be available or, if available, might be unwilling or unable to manufacture the products
we need on acceptable terms. Moreover, if customer demand for our products increases, we may be unable to secure sufficient
additional capacity from our current third-party manufacturers, or others, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
Our reliance on a limited base of suppliers may result in disruptions to our business and adversely affect our financial
results.
Although we continue to implement risk-mitigation strategies for single-source suppliers, we rely on a limited number of
suppliers for certain of our raw materials, product components and other necessary supplies, including certain active ingredients
used in our products. If we are unable to maintain supplier arrangements and relationships, if we are unable to contract with
suppliers at the quantity and quality levels needed for our business, or if any of our key suppliers becomes insolvent or experience
other financial distress, we could experience disruptions in production, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows.
A significant interruption in the operation of our or our suppliers’ facilities could impact our capacity to produce products
and service our customers, which could adversely affect revenues and earnings.
Operations at our and our suppliers’ facilities are subject to disruption for a variety of reasons, including fire, flooding or
other natural disasters, disease outbreaks or pandemics, acts of war, terrorism, government shut-downs and work stoppages. A
significant interruption in the operation of our or our suppliers’ facilities could significantly impact our capacity to produce products
and service our customers in a timely manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, earnings and financial
position. This is especially true for those products that we manufacture at a limited number of facilities, such as our fertilizer and
liquid products in both the United States and Europe.
Climate change and unfavorable weather conditions could adversely impact financial results.
The issue of climate change is receiving ever increasing attention worldwide. The possible effects, as described in various
public accounts, could include changes in rainfall patterns, water shortages, changing storm patterns and intensities, and changing
temperature levels that could adversely impact our costs and business operations and the supply and demand for our fertilizer,
garden soils and pesticide products. In addition, fluctuating climatic conditions may result in unpredictable modifications in the
manner in which consumers garden or their attitudes towards gardening, making it more difficult for us to provide appropriate
products to appropriate markets in time to meet consumer demand.
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Because of the uncertainty of weather volatility related to climate change and any resulting unfavorable weather conditions,
we cannot predict its potential impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our indebtedness could limit our flexibility and adversely affect our financial condition.
As of September 30, 2016, we had $1,316.1 million of debt. Our inability to meet restrictive financial and non-financial
covenants associated with that debt could adversely affect our financial condition.
Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness, fund planned capital expenditures and acquisitions, pay dividends and
make repurchases of our Common Shares 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 ensure
that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities or that future borrowings will be available to us under
our credit facility in amounts sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.
Our credit facility and the indenture governing our 6.000% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “6.000% Senior Notes”) contain
restrictive covenants and cross-default provisions. In addition, our credit facility requires 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 including
prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. A breach of any of those financial ratio covenants or other covenants
could result in a default. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed
thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, and could cease making further loans and institute
foreclosure proceedings against our assets. We cannot provide any assurance that the holders of such indebtedness 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 credit facility and the indenture governing the 6.000% Senior Notes,
we may incur additional debt in the future. If we incur additional debt, the risks described above could intensify.
Changes in credit ratings issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs) could adversely affect
our cost of financing and the market price of our 6.000% Senior Notes.
NRSROs rate the 6.000% Senior Notes and the Company based on factors that include our operating results, actions that
we take, their view of the general outlook for our industry and their view of the general outlook for the economy. Actions taken
by the NRSROs can include maintaining, upgrading or downgrading the current rating or placing us on a watch list for possible
future downgrading. Downgrading the credit rating of the 6.000% Senior Notes or placing us on a watch list for possible future
downgrading could increase our cost of financing, limit our access to the capital markets and have an adverse effect on the market
price of the 6.000% Senior Notes.
Our postretirement-related costs and funding requirements could increase as a result of volatility in the financial markets,
changes in interest rates and actuarial assumptions.
We sponsor a number of defined benefit pension plans associated with our U.S. and international businesses, as well as a
postretirement medical plan in the United States for certain retired associates and their dependents. The performance of the
financial markets and changes in interest rates impact the funded status of these plans and cause volatility in our postretirement-
related costs and future funding requirements. If the financial markets do not provide the expected long-term returns on invested
assets, we could be required to make significant pension contributions. Additionally, changes in interest rates and legislation
enacted by governmental authorities can impact the timing and amounts of contribution requirements.
We utilize third-party actuaries to evaluate assumptions used in determining projected benefit obligations and the fair value
of plan assets for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. In the event we determine that our assumptions should be
revised, such as the discount rate, the expected long-term rate or expected return on assets, our future pension and postretirement
benefit expenses could increase or decrease. The assumptions we use may differ from actual results, which could have a significant
impact on our pension and postretirement liabilities and related costs and funding requirements.
Our international operations make us susceptible to the costs and risks associated with operating internationally.
We currently operate manufacturing, sales and service facilities outside of the United States, particularly in Canada, France,
the United Kingdom and Germany. In fiscal 2016, sales outside of the United States accounted for 18% 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;
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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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 associated with operating our international business could adversely affect our results of operations,
financial condition and cash flows in the future.
Unanticipated changes in our tax provisions, the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities
could affect our profitability and cash flows.
We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States federal jurisdiction and various local, state and foreign
jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by changes to our operating structure, changes in the
mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets (such as net operating
losses and tax credits) and liabilities, changes in tax laws and the discovery of new information in the course of our tax return
preparation process. In particular, the carrying value of deferred tax assets, which are predominantly related to our operations in
the United States, is dependent on our ability to generate future taxable income of the appropriate character in the relevant
jurisdiction.
From time to time, tax proposals are introduced or considered by the U.S. Congress or the legislative bodies in local, state
and foreign jurisdictions that could also affect our tax rate, the carrying value of our deferred tax assets, or our tax liabilities. Our
tax liabilities are also affected by the amounts we charge for inventory, services, licenses, funding and other items in intercompany
transactions. We are subject to ongoing tax audits in various jurisdictions. In connection with these audits (or future audits), tax
authorities may disagree with our intercompany charges, cross-jurisdictional transfer pricing or other matters and assess additional
taxes. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of our audits in order to determine the appropriateness of our tax provision. As a
result, the ultimate resolution of our tax audits, changes in tax laws or tax rates, and the ability to utilize our deferred tax assets
could materially affect our tax provision, net income and cash flows in future periods.
Our operations may be impaired if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately or if we are the subject
of a data breach or cyber attack.
We rely on information technology systems in order to conduct business, including communicating with employees and our
key retail customers, ordering and managing materials from suppliers, shipping products to retail customers and analyzing and
reporting results of operations. While we have taken steps to ensure the security of our information technology systems, our
systems may nevertheless be vulnerable to computer viruses, security breaches and other disruptions from unauthorized users. If
our information technology systems are damaged or cease to function properly for an extended period of time, whether as a result
of a significant cyber incident or otherwise, our ability to communicate internally as well as with our retail customers could be
significantly impaired, which may adversely impact our business. Additionally, an operational failure or breach of security from
increasingly sophisticated cyber threats could lead to the loss or disclosure of both our and our retail customers’ financial, product,
and other confidential information, as well as personally identifiable information about our employees or customers, result in
regulatory or other legal proceedings, and have a material adverse effect on our business and reputation.
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, tradenames 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 such mark is used. Furthermore, because of the
differences in foreign trademark, patent and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws, we may not receive the same
14
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 and 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, or providing certain products or services
under our recognized brand names, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
In the event of termination of the Marketing Agreement for consumer Roundup® products, we would lose a substantial
source of future earnings and overhead expense absorption.
If we were to (i) become insolvent, (ii) commit a material breach, material fraud or material misconduct under the Marketing
Agreement, (iii) undergo certain events resulting in a change of control of the Company, or (iv) impermissibly assign or delegate
our rights under the Marketing Agreement, Monsanto may have the right to terminate the Marketing Agreement without paying
a termination fee. Monsanto may also be able to terminate the Marketing Agreement in the event of a change of control of Monsanto
or a sale of the Roundup® business, but would have to pay a termination fee to the Company. In the event the Marketing Agreement
terminates, we would lose all, or a substantial portion, of the significant source of earnings and overhead expense absorption the
Marketing Agreement provides.
For additional information regarding the Marketing Agreement, see “NOTE 6. MARKETING AGREEMENT” of the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. beneficially owns approximately 26% of our Common Shares and can significantly influence
decisions that require the approval of shareholders.
Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. beneficially owned approximately 26% of our outstanding Common Shares on a fully diluted
basis as of November 18, 2016. 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 business combination
transactions. In addition, because of the percentage of ownership and voting concentration in Hagedorn Partnership, L.P., elections
of our board of directors will generally be within the control of Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. While all of our shareholders are
entitled to vote on matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, the concentration of our Common Shares and voting control
presently lies with Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. As such, it would be difficult for shareholders to propose and have approved
proposals not supported by Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. Hagedorn Partnership, L.P.’s interests could differ from, or be in conflict
with, the interests of other shareholders.
While we have, over the past few years, increased the rate of cash dividends on, and engaged in repurchases of, our Common
Shares, any future decisions to reduce or discontinue paying cash dividends to our shareholders or repurchasing our Common
Shares pursuant to our previously announced repurchase program could cause the market price for our Common Shares to
decline.
Our payment of quarterly cash dividends on and repurchase of our Common Shares pursuant to our stock repurchase program
are subject to, among other things, our financial position and results of operations, available cash and cash flow, capital requirements,
and other factors. We have, over the past few years, increased the rate of cash dividends on, and repurchases of, our Common
Shares. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we increased the amount of our quarterly cash dividend by 6% to $0.50 per share and
increased the current share repurchase authorization by $500 million. The total remaining share repurchase authorization as of
September 30, 2016 is $854.3 million.
We may further increase or decrease the rate of cash dividends on, and the amount of repurchases of, our Common Shares
in the future. Any reduction or discontinuance by us of the payment of quarterly cash dividends or repurchases of our Common
Shares pursuant to our current share repurchase authorization program could cause the market price of our Common Shares to
decline. Moreover, in the event our payment of quarterly cash dividends on or repurchases of our Common Shares are reduced
or discontinued, our failure or inability to resume paying cash dividends or repurchasing Common Shares at historical levels could
result in a lower market valuation of our Common Shares.
15
Acquisitions, other strategic alliances and investments could result in operating difficulties, dilution, and other harmful
consequences that may adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Acquisitions are an important element of our overall corporate strategy and use of capital, and these transactions could be
material to our financial condition and results of operations. We expect to continue to evaluate and enter into discussions regarding
a wide array of potential strategic transactions. The process of integrating an acquired company, business, or product has created,
and will continue to create, unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. The areas where we face risks include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Diversion of management time and focus from operating our business to acquisition integration challenges.
Failure to successfully further develop the acquired business or product lines.
Implementation or remediation of controls, procedures and policies at the acquired company.
Integration of the acquired company’s accounting, human resources and other administrative systems, and coordination
of product, engineering and sales and marketing functions.
Transition of operations, users and customers onto our existing platforms.
Reliance on the expertise of our strategic partners with respect to market development, sales, local regulatory compliance
and other operational matters.
Failure to obtain required approvals on a timely basis, if at all, from governmental authorities, or conditions placed
upon approval, under competition and antitrust laws which could, among other things, delay or prevent us from
completing a transaction, or otherwise restrict our ability to realize the expected financial or strategic goals of an
acquisition.
In the case of foreign acquisitions, the need to integrate operations across different cultures and languages and to address
the particular economic, currency, political and regulatory risks associated with specific countries.
Cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into our organization, and
retention of employees from the businesses we acquire.
Liability for or reputational harm from activities of the acquired company before the acquisition or from our strategic
partners, including patent and trademark infringement claims, violations of laws, commercial disputes, tax liabilities
and other known and unknown liabilities.
Litigation or other claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims from terminated employees,
customers, former shareholders or other third parties.
Our failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past or future acquisitions and
investments or strategic alliances could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions, investments or
alliances, incur unanticipated liabilities, and harm our business generally.
Our acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities
or amortization expenses, or impairment of goodwill and purchased long-lived assets, and restructuring charges, any of which
could harm our financial condition or results of operations and cash flows. Also, the anticipated benefits of many of our acquisitions
may not materialize.
A failure to dispose of assets or businesses in a timely manner may cause the results of the Company to suffer.
The Company evaluates as necessary the potential disposition of assets and businesses that may no longer help it meet its
objectives. When the Company decides to sell assets or a business, it may encounter difficulty in finding buyers or alternative
exit strategies on acceptable terms in a timely manner, which could delay the accomplishment of its strategic objectives.
Alternatively, the Company may dispose of a business at a price or on terms that are less than it had anticipated. After reaching
an agreement with a buyer or seller for the disposition of a business, the Company is subject to the satisfaction of pre-closing
conditions, which may prevent the Company from completing the transaction. Dispositions may also involve continued financial
involvement in the divested business, such as through continuing equity ownership, guarantees, indemnities or other financial
obligations. Under these arrangements, performance by the divested businesses or other conditions outside the Company’s control
could affect its future financial results.
16
We are involved in a number of legal proceedings and, while we cannot predict the outcomes of such proceedings and other
contingencies with certainty, some of these outcomes could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows.
We are involved in legal proceedings and are subject to investigations, inspections, audits, inquiries and similar actions by
governmental authorities, arising in the course of our business (see the discussion of Legal Proceedings in Part I, Item 3 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K). Legal proceedings, in general, can be expensive and disruptive. Some of these suits may purport
or may be determined to be class actions and/or involve parties seeking large and/or indeterminate amounts of damages, including
punitive or exemplary damages, and may remain unresolved for several years. For example, product liability claims challenging
the safety of our products may also result in a decline in sales for a particular product and could damage the reputation or the value
of related brands.
From time to time, the Company is also involved in legal proceedings as a plaintiff involving contract, intellectual property
and other matters. We cannot predict with certainty the outcomes of these legal proceedings and other contingencies, and the costs
incurred in litigation can be substantial, regardless of the outcome. Substantial unanticipated verdicts, fines and rulings do
sometimes occur. As a result, we could from time to time incur judgments, enter into settlements or revise our expectations
regarding the outcome of certain matters, and such developments could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations
in the period in which the amounts are accrued and/or our cash flows in the period in which the amounts are paid. The outcome
of some of these legal proceedings and other contingencies could require us to take, or refrain from taking, actions which could
negatively affect our operations and, depending on the nature of the allegations, could negatively impact our reputation.
Additionally, defending against these legal proceedings may involve significant expense and diversion of management’s attention
and resources.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
Our corporate headquarters are located in Marysville, Ohio, where we own approximately 706 acres of land and lease
approximately 24 acres of land. We lease property in Ecully, France which serves as the headquarters of our European operations.
In addition, we own and lease numerous industrial, commercial and office properties located in North America, Europe, Australia
and Asia that support the management, manufacturing, distribution and research and development of our products and services.
We believe our properties are suitable and adequate to serve the needs of our business and that our leased properties are subject
to appropriate lease agreements.
The Company has 52 owned properties and 97 leased properties. These properties are located in the following countries:
Location
United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
United Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rest of world (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owned
Leased
34
7
9
2
—
52
59
6
13
3
16
97
(1) - “Rest of world” includes Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway and Poland
We own or lease 72 manufacturing properties, four distribution properties and two research and development properties in
the United States. We own or lease nine manufacturing properties in the United Kingdom, twenty manufacturing properties in
Canada, two manufacturing properties in France, two manufacturing properties in Australia, one manufacturing property in the
Netherlands, and one manufacturing property in China. We also lease one distribution property and own one research and
development property in the United Kingdom, lease one distribution property in Mexico, lease one research and development
property in Canada, and lease one research and development property in France. Most of the manufacturing properties, which
include growing media properties and peat harvesting properties, have production lines, warehouses, offices and field processing
areas.
17
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As noted in the discussion in “ITEM 1. BUSINESS — Regulatory Considerations — Regulatory Matters” of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K, we are involved in several pending environmental and regulatory matters. We believe that our assessment
of contingencies is reasonable and that the related reserves, in the aggregate, are adequate; however, there can be no assurance
that the final resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash
flows.
We have 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 our historic use of vermiculite in certain of our products. In many of these
cases, the complaints are not specific about the plaintiffs’ contacts with us or our products. The cases vary, but complaints in these
cases generally seek unspecified monetary damages (actual, compensatory, consequential and punitive) from multiple defendants.
We believe that the claims against us are without merit and are vigorously defending against them. It is not currently possible to
reasonably estimate a probable loss, if any, associated with the cases and, accordingly, no reserves have been recorded in our
consolidated financial statements. We are reviewing agreements and policies that may provide insurance coverage or indemnity
as to these claims and are 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 our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In connection with the sale of wild bird food products that were the subject of a voluntary recall in 2008, we, along with
our Chief Executive Officer, have been named as defendants in four putative class actions filed on and after June 27, 2012, which
have now been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California as In re Morning Song Bird
Food Litigation, Lead Case No. 3:12-cv-01592-JAH-RBB. The plaintiffs allege various statutory and common law claims
associated with the Company’s sale of wild bird food products and a plea agreement entered into in previously pending government
proceedings associated with such sales. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, a purported class action on behalf of all persons
and entities in the United States who purchased certain bird food products. The plaintiffs assert hundreds of millions of dollars
in monetary damages (actual, compensatory, consequential, and restitution), punitive and treble damages; injunctive and declaratory
relief; pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; and costs and attorneys’ fees. The Company and our Chief Executive Officer
dispute the plaintiffs’ assertions and intend to vigorously defend the consolidated action. At this point in the proceedings, it is not
currently possible to reasonably estimate a probable loss, if any, associated with the action and, accordingly, no reserves have been
recorded in our consolidated financial statements with respect to the action. There can be no assurance that this action, whether
as a result of an adverse outcome or as a result of significant defense costs, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
We are involved in other lawsuits and claims which arise in the normal course of our business. In our opinion, these claims
individually and in the aggregate are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations
or cash flows.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not Applicable.
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The executive officers of Scotts Miracle-Gro, their positions and, as of November 18, 2016, their ages and years with Scotts
Miracle-Gro (and its predecessors) are set forth below.
Name
James Hagedorn
Michael C. Lukemire
Thomas R. Coleman
Ivan C. Smith
Age
Position(s) Held
61 Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
58 President and Chief Operating Officer
47 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
47 Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief
Compliance Officer
Denise S. Stump
62 Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources and Chief Ethics
Officer
Years with
Company
29
20
17
13
16
Executive officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro and pursuant to executive severance
agreements or other arrangements.
18
The business experience of each of the individuals listed above during at least the past five years is as follows:
Mr. Hagedorn was named Chairman of the Board of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s predecessor in January 2003 and Chief
Executive Officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s predecessor in May 2001. He also served as President of Scotts Miracle-Gro (or its
predecessor) from October 2015 until February 2016, from November 2006 until October 2008 and from April 2000 until December
2005. Mr. Hagedorn serves on Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Board of Directors, a position he has held with Scotts Miracle-Gro (or its
predecessor) since 1995. Mr. Hagedorn is the brother of Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield, a director of Scotts Miracle-Gro.
Mr. Lukemire was named President and Chief Operating Officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro in February 2016. He served
as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro from December 2014 until February 2016. Prior
to this appointment, Mr. Lukemire had served as Executive Vice President, North American Operations of Scotts Miracle-Gro
from April 2014 until December 2014, as Executive Vice President, Business Execution of Scotts Miracle-Gro from May 2013
until April 2014 and as President, U.S. Consumer Regions of Scotts Miracle-Gro from October 2011 until May 2013. Prior to
October 2011, he had served as Regional President for the Southeast region since May 2009.
Mr. Coleman was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro in April 2014.
Prior to this appointment, Mr. Coleman had served as Senior Vice President, Global Finance Operations and Enterprise Performance
Management Analytics for The Scotts Company LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Scotts Miracle-Gro, since January 2011.
Previously, Mr. Coleman served as Senior Vice President, North America Finance of Scotts LLC from November 2007 until
January 2011. Mr. Coleman also previously served as interim principal financial officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro between February
2013 and March 2013.
Mr. Smith was named Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Scotts Miracle-Gro in
July 2013 and Chief Compliance Officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro in October 2013. Prior to July 2013, he had served as Vice
President, Global Consumer Legal and Assistant General Counsel of Scotts LLC since October 2011. Mr. Smith served as Vice
President, North America Legal and Assistant General Counsel from April 2009 to September 2011 and as Vice President, Litigation
of Scotts LLC from October 2007 to March 2009.
Ms. Stump was named Executive Vice President, Global Human Resources of Scotts Miracle-Gro (or its predecessor)
in February 2003 and Chief Ethics Officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro in October 2013.
19
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
The Common Shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SMG.” The quarterly high and low sale
prices for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 were as follows:
FISCAL 2016
First quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Third quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fourth quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
FISCAL 2015
First quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Third quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fourth quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Sale Prices
High
Low
72.26
75.13
73.16
83.73
62.88
68.99
67.40
66.27
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
60.25
62.20
65.80
68.24
54.71
60.18
59.41
59.10
On August 11, 2014, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of Directors had increased the quarterly cash dividend
to $0.45 per Common Share, which was paid in September of fiscal 2014 and December, March and June of fiscal 2015. On
August 3, 2015, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of Directors had increased the quarterly cash dividend to $0.47 per
Common Share, which was paid in September of fiscal 2015 and December, March and June of fiscal 2016. On August 3, 2016,
Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of Directors had further increased the quarterly cash dividend to $0.50 per Common
Share, which was paid in September of fiscal 2016.
The payment of future dividends, if any, on the Common Shares will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of
conditions then existing, including the Company’s earnings, financial condition and capital requirements, restrictions in financing
agreements, business conditions and other factors. The new credit agreement allows the Company to make unlimited restricted
payments (as defined in the new credit agreement), including increased or one-time dividend payments and Common Share
repurchases, as long as the leverage ratio resulting from the making of such restricted payments is 4.00 or less. Otherwise the
Company may only make restricted payments in an aggregate amount for each fiscal year not to exceed the amount set forth for
such fiscal year ($175.0 million for fiscal 2017 and $200.0 million for fiscal 2018 and in each fiscal year thereafter). Our leverage
ratio was 3.10 at September 30, 2016. See “NOTE 11. DEBT” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion regarding the restrictions on dividend payments.
As of November 18, 2016, there were approximately 52,000 shareholders, including holders of record and our estimate of
beneficial holders.
On March 30, 2015, Scotts Miracle-Gro issued 154,737 Common Shares out of its treasury shares for payment of the
acquisition of Vermicrop. The Common Shares were issued in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act of 1933, provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 as a private offering. The issuance did not involve
a public offering, and was made without general solicitation or advertising.
20
The following table shows the purchases of 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 of the three fiscal months in the quarter ended September 30, 2016:
Period
July 3 through July 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . .
July 31 through August 27, 2016. . . . . . . . .
August 28 through September 30, 2016 . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Number
of Common
Shares
Purchased
(1)
Average Price
Paid per
Common
(2)
Share
224,998
189,683
222,380
637,061
$
$
$
$
73.60
80.71
81.61
78.51
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Common Shares
That May Yet
be Purchased
Under the Plans
(3)
or Programs
$
$
$
387,454,088
372,342,681
854,341,229
Total Number
of Common
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or
Programs
(3)
223,602
188,375
220,568
632,545
(1) All of the Common Shares purchased during the quarter were purchased in open market transactions. The total number
of Common Shares purchased during the quarter includes 4,516 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 (as defined in the
ERP), Performance Award (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 account
under the ERP, including employer contributions, 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 account 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.
(2) The average price paid per Common Share is calculated on a settlement basis and includes commissions.
(3) On August 11, 2014, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to
$500 million of Common Shares over a five-year period (effective November 1, 2014 through September 30, 2019). On
August 3, 2016, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of Directors increased the then outstanding authorization
by an additional $500 million. The amended authorization allows for repurchases of Common Shares of $1.0 billion
through September 30, 2019. The dollar amounts in the “Approximate Dollar Value of Common Shares That May Yet
be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs” column reflect the remaining amounts that were available for repurchase
under the original $500 million and incremental $500 million authorized repurchase programs.
21
ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Five-Year Summary(1)
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
(In millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP OPERATING RESULTS:
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2,836.1
$
2,728.0
$
2,578.3
$
2,515.9
$
2,524.7
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to controlling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NON-GAAP ADJUSTED OPERATING RESULTS(2):
Adjusted income from operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Adjusted income from continuing operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted income attributable to controlling interest from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro Forma Adjusted Earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FINANCIAL POSITION:
995.4
459.3
253.3
61.5
314.8
315.3
419.9
241.1
241.6
232.6
$
908.0
262.1
137.8
20.9
158.7
159.8
352.1
196.3
197.4
219.3
$
890.1
283.7
145.5
20.7
166.2
166.5
333.7
185.4
185.7
206.3
$
843.6
280.2
140.2
20.9
161.1
161.1
300.5
153.4
153.4
172.6
$
Working capital(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Current ratio(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total debt to total book capitalization(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total equity—controlling interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
398.6
$
500.6
$
373.4
$
359.8
$
1.7
470.8
2,808.8
1.8
444.1
2,527.2
64.8%
65.1%
1,316.1
715.2
1,157.6
620.7
1.7
429.4
2,058.3
58.6%
782.7
553.7
1.7
414.9
1,937.1
44.4%
568.2
710.5
CASH FLOWS:
Cash flows provided by operating activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Investments in property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in marketing and license agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in loans receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net distributions from unconsolidated affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired and
payments on sellers notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases of Common Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
237.4
58.3
—
90.0
194.1
161.2
116.6
130.8
246.9
61.7
300.0
—
—
181.7
111.3
14.8
$
$
240.9
87.6
$
342.0
60.1
—
—
—
114.8
230.8
120.0
—
—
—
4.0
87.8
—
830.2
212.7
93.0
13.5
106.5
106.5
228.0
104.7
104.7
123.3
555.2
2.4
420.3
2,074.4
56.5%
782.6
601.9
153.4
69.4
—
—
—
7.0
75.4
17.5
PER SHARE DATA:
GAAP earnings per common share from continuing operations:
Basic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
4.15
4.09
$
2.27
2.23
$
2.37
2.32
$
2.27
2.24
1.53
1.50
Non-GAAP adjusted earnings per common share from continuing
operations:
Adjusted diluted(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro Forma Adjusted Earnings(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends per common share(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock price at year-end. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock price range—High . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock price range—Low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OTHER:
3.90
3.75
1.910
83.27
83.73
60.25
3.17
3.53
1.820
60.82
68.99
54.71
2.96
3.29
3.763
55.00
60.30
50.51
2.45
2.76
1.413
55.03
55.99
39.64
1.69
1.99
1.225
43.47
55.95
35.49
Adjusted EBITDA(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Leverage ratio(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest coverage ratio(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common shares and dilutive potential common
shares used in diluted EPS calculation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
517.4
$
471.8
$
412.4
$
390.5
$
302.9
3.10
7.88
61.1
62.0
2.63
9.34
61.1
62.2
2.18
9.41
61.6
62.7
2.05
6.59
61.7
62.6
2.93
4.90
61.0
62.1
22
(1)
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company completed the wind down of its professional seed business (“Pro Seed”).
As a result, effective in our fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, we classified Pro Seed as a discontinued operation in accordance
with GAAP.
(2)
In the second quarter of fiscal 2014, we completed the sale of our wild bird food business. As a result, effective in our
second quarter of fiscal 2014, we classified the wild bird food business as a discontinued operation in accordance with
GAAP.
On April 13, 2016, the Company completed the contribution of the SLS Business to the TruGreen Joint Venture in exchange
for a minority equity interest of 30%. As a result, effective in its second quarter of fiscal 2016, we classified the SLS
Business as a discontinued operation in accordance with GAAP.
The Selected Financial Data has been retrospectively updated to recast Pro Seed, the wild bird food business and the SLS
Business as discontinued operations for each period presented.
The Five-Year Summary includes non-GAAP financial measures, as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K, which
are included as additional supplemental information, of adjusted net income from operations, adjusted net income from
continuing operations, adjusted net income attributable to controlling interest from continuing operations and adjusted
diluted earnings per Common Share from continuing operations (“Adjusted Earnings”), which exclude costs or gains
related to discrete projects or transactions. Items excluded during the five-year period ended September 30, 2016 consisted
of charges or credits relating to impairments, restructurings, product registration and recall matters, discontinued
operations and other unusual items such as costs or gains related to discrete projects or transactions that are apart from
and not indicative of the results of the operations of the business. Adjusted Earnings also exclude charges or credits
relating to transaction related costs, restructurings and other discrete projects or transactions including a non-cash fair
value write down adjustment related to deferred revenue and advertising as part of the transaction accounting that are
apart from and not indicative of the results of the operations of the TruGreen Joint Venture. The comparable GAAP
measures are reported income from operations, reported income from continuing operations and reported diluted earnings
per share from continuing operations.
The Five-Year Summary also includes non-GAAP financial measures, as defined in Item 10(e) of SEC Regulation S-K,
which are included as additional supplemental information, of Pro Forma Adjusted Earnings and Pro Forma Adjusted
Earnings per Common Share. These measures are calculated as net income attributable to controlling interest, excluding
charges or credits relating to impairments, restructurings, product registration and recall matters and other unusual items
such as costs or gains related to discrete projects or transactions that are apart from and not indicative of the results of
the operations of the business. These measures also include income (loss) from discontinued operations related to the
SLS Business; however, exclude the gain on the contribution of the SLS Business to the TruGreen Joint Venture. The
comparable GAAP measures are reported income from operations, reported income from continuing operations and
reported diluted earnings per share from continuing operations.
In addition to our GAAP measures, we use these non-GAAP measures to manage the business because we believe that
these measures provide additional perspective on and, in some circumstances are more closely correlated to, the
performance of our underlying, ongoing business. We believe that disclosure of these non-GAAP financial measures
therefore provides useful supplemental information to investors or other users of the financial statements, such as lenders.
Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Company’s reported
results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable
GAAP measures is presented in the following table:
23
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
(In millions, except per share data)
459.3
$
262.1
$
283.7
$
280.2
$
212.7
Income from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Impairment, restructuring and other (recoveries) charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Product registration and recall matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted income from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest from continuing
operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs related to refinancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Product registration and recall matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment to income tax expense from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
(39.4)
—
419.9
253.3
0.5
253.8
(27.7)
8.8
—
6.7
$
$
90.0
—
352.1
137.8
1.1
138.9
90.0
—
—
50.0
—
333.7
145.5
0.3
145.8
50.0
10.7
—
(31.5)
(20.8)
Adjusted income attributable to controlling interest from continuing
operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income from discontinued operations from SLS Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gain on contribution of SLS Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
241.6
102.9
$
$
(131.2)
Income (loss) from SLS Business in discontinued operations, net of gain
on contribution of SLS Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax benefit from SLS Business in discontinued operations . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from SLS Business in discontinued operations, net of tax . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other from SLS Business in discontinued
operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense from impairment, restructuring and other from SLS
Business in discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro Forma Adjusted Earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted income per share from continuing operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs related to refinancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Product registration and recall matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment to income tax expense from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted diluted income per common share from continuing operations . . . $
Income from discontinued operations from SLS Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gain on contribution of SLS Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from SLS Business in discontinued operations, net of gain
on contribution of SLS Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax benefit from SLS Business in discontinued operations . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from SLS Business in discontinued operations, net of tax . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other from SLS Business in discontinued
operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense from impairment, restructuring and other from SLS
Business in discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
$
$
(28.3)
10.5
(17.8)
13.6
(4.8)
232.6
4.09
(0.45)
0.14
—
0.11
3.90
1.66
(2.12)
(0.46)
0.17
(0.29)
0.22
(0.08)
$
$
$
$
$
$
197.4
32.5
—
32.5
(11.6)
20.9
1.5
(0.5)
219.3
2.23
1.45
—
—
(0.51)
3.17
0.52
—
0.52
(0.19)
0.34
0.02
—
185.7
30.9
—
30.9
(11.0)
19.9
1.0
(0.3)
206.3
2.32
0.80
0.17
—
(0.33)
2.96
0.49
—
0.49
(0.18)
0.32
0.01
—
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
20.3
—
300.5
140.2
—
140.2
20.3
—
—
(7.1)
$
$
153.4
30.3
—
$
$
$
$
30.3
(11.1)
19.2
—
—
172.6
2.24
0.32
—
—
(0.11)
2.45
0.48
—
0.48
(0.18)
0.31
—
—
7.1
8.2
228.0
93.0
—
93.0
7.1
—
8.2
(3.6)
104.7
28.5
—
28.5
(9.9)
18.6
—
—
123.3
1.50
0.11
—
0.13
(0.06)
1.69
0.46
—
0.46
(0.16)
0.30
—
—
Pro Forma Adjusted Earnings per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
3.75
$
3.53
$
3.29
$
2.76
$
1.99
The sum of the components may not equal the total due to rounding.
(3)
(4)
(5)
Working capital is calculated as current assets minus current liabilities. Current ratio is calculated as current assets divided
by current liabilities.
The total debt to total book capitalization percentage is calculated by dividing total debt by total debt plus total equity—
controlling interest.
Scotts Miracle-Gro pays a quarterly dividend to the holders of its Common Shares. On August 8, 2011, Scotts Miracle-
Gro announced that its Board of Directors had increased the quarterly cash dividend to $0.30 per Common Share, which
was first paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. On August 9, 2012, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of
Directors had increased the quarterly cash dividend to $0.325 per Common Share, which was first paid in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2012. On August 6, 2013, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of Directors had increased the
24
(6)
quarterly cash dividend to $0.4375 per Common Share, which was first paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. On
August 11, 2014, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of Directors had (i) further increased the quarterly cash
dividend to $0.45 per Common Share, which was first paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and (ii) declared a special
one-time cash dividend of $2.00 per Common Share, which was paid on September 17, 2014. On August 3, 2015, Scotts
Miracle-Gro announced that its Board of Directors had further increased the quarterly cash dividend to $0.47 per Common
Share, which was first paid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. On August 3, 2016, Scotts Miracle-Gro announced that
its Board of Directors had further increased the quarterly cash dividend to $0.50 per Common Share, which was paid in
September 2016.
We view our credit facility as material to our ability to fund operations, particularly in light of our seasonality. Please
refer to “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS — Our indebtedness could limit our flexibility and adversely affect our financial
condition” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete discussion of the risks associated with our debt and
our credit facility and the restrictive covenants therein. Our ability to generate cash flows sufficient to cover our debt
service costs is essential to our ability to maintain our borrowing capacity. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides
additional information for determining our ability to meet debt service requirements. The presentation of Adjusted
EBITDA herein is intended to be consistent with the calculation of that measure as required by our borrowing agreements,
and used to calculate a leverage ratio (maximum of 4.50 at September 30, 2016) and an interest coverage ratio (minimum
of 3.00 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016). Leverage ratio is calculated as average total indebtedness, as
described in our credit facility, divided by Adjusted EBITDA. Interest coverage ratio is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA
divided by interest expense, as described in our credit facility, and excludes costs related to refinancings. Our leverage
ratio was 3.10 at September 30, 2016 and our interest coverage ratio was 7.88 for the twelve months ended September 30,
2016. Please refer to “ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Borrowing Agreements” of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K for a discussion of our credit facility.
In accordance with the terms of our credit facility, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss) before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization as well as certain other items such as the impact of the cumulative effect of changes
in accounting, costs associated with debt refinancing and other non-recurring or non-cash items affecting net income.
For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company changed its calculation of Adjusted EBITDA to reflect the measure
as defined in our fourth amended credit agreement. Prior periods have not been adjusted as they reflect the presentation
consistent with the calculation as required by our borrowing agreements in place at that time. The revised calculation
adds adjustments for share-based compensation expense, expense on certain leases, and impairment, restructuring and
other charges (including cash and non-cash charges) and no longer includes an adjustment for mark-to-market adjustments
on derivatives. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative
to net income or cash flows from operating activities as determined by GAAP. We make no representation or assertion
that Adjusted EBITDA is indicative of our cash flows from operating activities or results of operations. We have provided
a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to income from continuing operations solely for the purpose of complying with
SEC regulations and not as an indication that Adjusted EBITDA is a substitute measure for income from continuing
operations.
25
A numeric reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to income from continuing operations is as follows:
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income tax expense from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . .
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax. . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense from discontinued operations . . . . . . . .
Gain on contribution of SLS Business, net of tax . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense from gain on contribution of SLS
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs related to refinancings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on investment of unconsolidated affiliate(7) . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other from continuing
operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other from discontinued
operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Product registration and recall matters, non-cash portion . . .
Mark-to-market adjustments on derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expense on certain leases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share-based compensation expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
(In millions, except per share data)
253.3
$
137.8
$
145.5
$
140.2
$
139.4
61.5
41.4
(79.3)
(51.9)
8.8
65.6
53.8
19.7
—
(27.7)
13.6
—
—
3.6
15.6
73.8
20.9
11.6
—
—
—
50.5
51.4
17.6
—
90.0
1.5
—
—
3.5
13.2
80.2
20.7
11.9
—
—
10.7
47.3
50.6
13.8
(3.3)
32.9
0.8
—
1.3
—
—
80.8
20.9
11.8
—
—
—
59.2
54.9
11.2
—
11.2
—
—
0.3
—
—
93.0
57.9
13.5
10.4
—
—
—
61.8
51.5
10.9
—
4.7
—
0.2
(1.0)
—
—
517.4
$
471.8
$
412.4
$
390.5
$
302.9
(7)
Amount represents a gain on our investment in AeroGrow recognized during the fourth quarter of 2014 as a result of our
consolidation of the business. Excluded from this amount is $2.4 million of earnings on AeroGrow’s unconsolidated
results for fiscal year 2014 recorded within “Other income, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
26
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
The purpose of this discussion is to provide an understanding of our financial condition and results of operations by focusing
on changes in certain key measures from year-to-year. Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) 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, long-term financial results and outstanding shareholder returns by providing products
of superior quality and value to enhance consumers’ lawn and garden environments. We are a leading manufacturer and marketer
of consumer branded products for lawn and garden care 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 product categories in Australia, the Far East
and Latin America. In addition, as a result of our recent acquisitions of General Hydroponics, Vermicrop, Gavita and our control
of AeroGrow, we are a leading producer of liquid plant food products, growing media, indoor lighting, advanced indoor garden
systems and accessories for hydroponic gardening. Our operations are divided into three reportable segments: U.S. Consumer,
Europe Consumer and Other. These segments differ from those used in prior years due to the change in our internal organizational
structure associated with Project Focus, which is a series of initiatives announced in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 designed to
maximize the value of our non-core assets and concentrate our focus on emerging categories of the lawn and garden industry in
our core U.S. business.
On April 13, 2016, as part of Project Focus, we, pursuant to the terms of the Contribution and Distribution Agreement (the
“Contribution Agreement”) between the Company and TruGreen Holding Corporation (“TruGreen Holdings”) completed the
contribution of the Scotts LawnService® business (the “SLS Business”) to a newly formed subsidiary of TruGreen Holdings (the
“TruGreen Joint Venture”) in exchange for a minority equity interest of approximately 30% in the TruGreen Joint Venture. The
fair value of this interest was estimated to be $294.0 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $131.2 million. As a result of this
transaction, effective in our second quarter of fiscal 2016, we classified our results of operations for all periods presented to reflect
the SLS Business as a discontinued operation and classified the assets and liabilities of the SLS Business as held for sale. Prior
to being reported as a discontinued operation, the SLS Business was referred to as our former Scotts LawnService® business
segment. At closing, the TruGreen Joint Venture obtained debt financing and, pursuant to the terms of the Contribution and
Distribution Agreement, we received a pro rata cash distribution of $196.2 million, partially offset by an investment of $18.0
million in second lien term loan financing provided by us to the TruGreen Joint Venture and closing working capital adjustments.
As a leading consumer branded lawn and garden company, our product development and marketing efforts are largely
focused on providing innovative and differentiated products and continually increasing brand and product awareness to inspire
consumers and to create retail demand. We have implemented this model for a number of years by focusing on 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
benefit from 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 profitably increasing market share.
Our net sales in any one year are susceptible to weather conditions in the markets in which our products are sold and our
services are offered. For instance, periods of abnormally wet or dry weather can adversely impact the sale of certain products,
while increasing demand for other products, or delay the timing of our provision of certain services. We believe that our diversified
product line and our broad geographic diversification reduce this risk, although to a lesser extent in a year in which unfavorable
weather is geographically widespread and extends across a significant portion of the lawn and garden season. We also believe
that weather conditions in any one year, positive or negative, do not materially impact longer-term category growth trends.
27
Due to the seasonal nature of the lawn and garden business, significant portions of our products ship to our retail customers
during our second and third fiscal quarters, as noted in the chart below. Our annual net sales are further concentrated in the second
and third fiscal quarters by retailers who rely on our ability to deliver products closer to when consumers buy our products, thereby
reducing retailers’ pre-season inventories.
Percent of Net Sales from Continuing
Operations by Quarter
2016
2015
2014
First Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.9%
43.8%
35.1%
14.2%
6.2%
39.3%
40.7%
13.8%
5.6%
40.8%
39.7%
13.9%
The Company follows a 13-week quarterly accounting cycle pursuant to which the first three fiscal quarters end on a Saturday
and the fiscal year always ends on September 30. This fiscal calendar convention requires the Company to cycle forward the first
three fiscal quarter ends every six years. Fiscal 2016 is the most recent year impacted by this process and, as a result, the first
quarter of fiscal 2016 had six additional days and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 had five fewer days compared to the corresponding
quarters of fiscal 2015.
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, and foreign exchange movements), gross profit margins, advertising to net sales
ratios, income from operations, income from continuing 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 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.
In August 2010, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of Common
Shares over a four-year period ending on September 30, 2014. In May 2011, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors authorized
the repurchase of up to an additional $200 million of our Common Shares, resulting in authority to repurchase a total of up to
$700 million of Common Shares through September 30, 2014. From the inception of this share repurchase program in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2010 through its expiration on September 30, 2014, Scotts Miracle-Gro repurchased 9.9 million Common Shares
for $521.2 million to be held in treasury. Common Shares held in treasury totaling 0.6 million and 0.9 million were reissued in
support of share-based compensation awards and employee purchases under the employee stock purchase plan during fiscal 2016
and fiscal 2015, respectively.
In August 2014, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors declared a special one-time cash dividend of $2.00 per Common
Share that was paid on September 17, 2014.
In August 2014, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of Common
Shares over a five-year period (starting November 1, 2014 through September 30, 2019). On August 3, 2016, Scotts Miracle-Gro
announced that its Board of Directors authorized a $500.0 million increase to the share repurchase authorization ending on
September 30, 2019. The amended authorization allows for repurchases of Common Shares of $1.0 billion through September 30,
2019. From the inception of this share repurchase program in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 through September 30, 2016, Scotts
Miracle-Gro repurchased approximately 2.1 million Common Shares for $145.7 million.
On August 3, 2016, we announced that the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors approved an increase in our quarterly
cash dividend from $0.47 to $0.50 per Common Share.
Results of Operations
Effective in our second quarter of fiscal 2016, we classified our results of operations for all periods presented to reflect the
SLS Business as a discontinued operation. Effective in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company classified its results of
operations for all periods presented to reflect the wild bird food business as a discontinued operation. As a result, and unless
specifically stated, all discussions regarding results for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 reflect results
from our continuing operations.
28
The following table sets forth the components of income and expense as a percentage of net sales:
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs related to refinancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations before income taxes . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense from continuing operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net Sales
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
100.0%
64.6
0.3
35.1
21.1
(1.7)
(0.5)
16.2
(0.3)
0.3
2.3
13.9
4.9
9.0
2.2
11.2%
100.0%
66.5
0.2
33.3
21.0
2.8
(0.1)
9.6
—
—
1.9
7.7
2.7
5.0
0.8
5.8%
100.0%
65.5
—
34.5
22.0
1.9
(0.4)
11.0
—
0.4
1.8
8.8
3.2
5.6
0.8
6.4%
Net sales for fiscal 2016 increased 4.0% to $2.84 billion from $2.73 billion in fiscal 2015. Net sales for fiscal 2015 increased
5.8% from $2.58 billion in fiscal 2014. The change in net sales was attributable to the following:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
Acquisitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Volume. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pricing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.8%
1.6
0.4
(0.8)
4.0%
4.7%
4.4
(0.4)
(2.9)
5.8%
The increase in net sales for fiscal 2016 was primarily driven by:
•
•
•
•
•
•
the addition of net sales from acquisitions within our Other segment, primarily from General Hydroponics, Vermicrop,
Gavita and a Canadian growing media operation;
increased sales volume in our Other segment, driven by increased sales of hydroponic gardening products;
the impact of our amended Marketing Agreement for consumer Roundup®; and
a favorable impact of increased pricing in the U.S. Consumer segment;
partially offset by the prior year exit from the U.K. Solus business resulting in a decrease in net sales of $18.1 million in
our Europe Consumer segment; and
the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates as a result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to other
currencies including the Canadian dollar, euro and British pound.
The increase in net sales for fiscal 2015 was primarily driven by:
•
•
the addition of net sales from acquisitions within our Other segment including General Hydroponics, Vermicrop,
AeroGrow, and Fafard; and
increased sales volume in our U.S. Consumer segment, driven by increased sales of controls, including increased sales
of Tomcat® products, as well as growing media and cleaners products;
29
• which were partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates as a result of the strengthening of the
U.S. dollar relative to other currencies including Canadian dollar, euro, and British pound; and
•
an unfavorable impact of decreased pricing in the U.S. Consumer segment related to controls products.
Cost of Sales
The following table shows the major components of cost of sales:
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Manufacturing labor and overhead. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distribution and warehousing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roundup® reimbursements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
2014
1,052.1
369.5
345.9
65.5
1,833.0
7.7
1,840.7
$
$
1,055.6
333.3
361.2
63.3
1,813.4
6.6
1,820.0
$
$
980.5
296.1
348.6
63.0
1,688.2
—
1,688.2
Factors contributing to the change in cost of sales are outlined in the following table:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
Volume and product mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Roundup® reimbursements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Material costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
The increase in cost of sales for fiscal 2016 was primarily driven by:
$
(In millions)
52.0
2.2
(15.7)
(18.9)
19.6
1.1
20.7
$
174.4
0.3
(53.1)
3.6
125.2
6.6
131.8
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
costs related to increased sales in our U.S. Consumer and Other segments;
costs related to sales from acquisitions within our Other segment of $54.2 million, primarily from General Hydroponics,
Vermicrop, Gavita and a Canadian growing media operation;
an increase in net sales attributable to reimbursements under our Marketing Agreement for consumer Roundup®; and
an increase in other charges of $1.1 million primarily related to addressing the consumer complaints regarding our
reformulated Bonus® S product sold during fiscal 2015;
partially offset by lower material costs in our U.S. Consumer segment driven by lower commodity costs primarily related
to fertilizer inputs and resin;
lower distribution costs within our U.S. Consumer segment due to savings from lower fuel prices and reduced costs from
efficiencies in our growing media business; and
the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates as a result of a strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies
including the Canadian dollar, euro and British pound.
The increase in cost of sales for fiscal 2015 was primarily driven by:
•
•
•
costs related to sales from acquisitions of $96.2 million within our U.S. Consumer, Europe Consumer and Other segments;
increased sales volume and unfavorable product mix due to increased sales of growing media products in our U.S.
Consumer segment;
increased material costs within our U.S. Consumer segment for our grass seed and growing media products; and
30
•
restructuring and liquidation costs of $6.6 million primarily related to the liquidation and exit from the U.K. Solus business
and addressing the consumer complaints regarding our newly reformulated Bonus® S product;
• which were partially offset by the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates as a result of a strengthening of the U.S.
dollar relative to other currencies including Canadian dollar, euro, and British pound.
Gross Profit
As a percentage of net sales, our gross profit rate was 35.1%, 33.3% and 34.5% for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014,
respectively. Factors contributing to the change in gross profit rate are outlined in the following table:
Material costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Product mix and volume. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roundup® commissions and reimbursements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pricing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in gross profit rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The increase in the gross profit rate for fiscal 2016 was primarily driven by:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
0.7%
0.6
0.5
0.2
0.1
2.1
(0.3)
1.8%
(0.1)%
(0.1)
0.1
(0.3)
(0.4)
(0.8)
(0.4)
(1.2)%
•
•
•
•
•
•
lower material costs in our U.S. Consumer segment driven by lower commodity costs primarily related to fertilizer inputs
and resin;
lower distribution costs within our U.S. Consumer segment due to savings from lower fuel prices and reduced costs from
efficiencies in our growing media business;
an increase in net sales attributable to our Marketing Agreement for consumer Roundup®;
a favorable impact of increased pricing in the U.S. Consumer segment; and
a favorable net impact from acquisitions, primarily from General Hydroponics and Vermicrop within our Other segment;
partially offset by other charges of $7.7 million primarily related to addressing the consumer complaints regarding our
reformulated Bonus® S product sold during fiscal 2015.
The decrease in the gross profit rate for fiscal 2015 was primarily driven by:
•
•
•
•
unfavorable product mix within our U.S. Consumer segment due to increased sales of growing media and the net impact
of acquisitions;
the unfavorable impact of decreased pricing within our U.S. Consumer segment related to controls products; and
increased material costs within our U.S. Consumer segment for our grass seed and growing media products;
partially offset by increased commission income under our Marketing Agreement for consumer Roundup®.
31
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
The following table sets forth the components of selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”):
Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Advertising as a percentage of net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of intangibles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In millions, except percentage figures)
132.2
$
133.2
$
4.7%
15.6
45.5
16.5
387.3
597.1
$
4.9%
13.2
44.4
12.7
367.9
571.4
$
132.1
5.1%
11.1
46.0
9.5
368.4
567.1
SG&A increased $25.7 million, or 4.5%, during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. Share-based compensation expense
increased $2.4 million, or 18.2%, to $15.6 million in fiscal 2016 compared to $13.2 million in fiscal 2015 as a result of additional
expense associated with fiscal 2016 awards. Share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2015 increased $2.1 million, or 18.9%,
compared to fiscal 2014, primarily as a result of additional expense associated with fiscal 2015 awards as well as lower prior year
expense due to the impact of forfeitures of previously recognized share-based compensation for executive departures during fiscal
2014.
Amortization expense increased $3.8 million, or 29.9%, to $16.5 million in fiscal 2016 compared to $12.7 million in fiscal
2015. Amortization expense in fiscal 2015 increased $3.2 million, or 33.7%, compared to fiscal 2014. These increases are due
to the impact of recent acquisitions.
Other SG&A increased $19.4 million, or 5.3%, in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 driven by increased variable incentive
compensation of $13.5 million and the impact of recent acquisitions and costs related to other transaction activity of $12.2 million,
partially offset by foreign exchange rate impact of $5.4 million as the U.S. dollar has strengthened relative to other currencies
including Canadian dollar, euro, and British pound. In fiscal 2015, other SG&A decreased $0.5 million compared to fiscal 2014.
The primary drivers were a favorable foreign exchange rate impact as the U.S. dollar strengthened relative to other currencies
including Canadian dollar, euro, and British pound, decreased variable incentive compensation and decreased marketing spending,
partially offset by the impact of acquisitions of $25.6 million.
Impairment, Restructuring and Other
The following table sets forth the components of impairment, restructuring and other charges recorded within the “Cost of
sales—impairment, restructuring and other,” “Impairment, restructuring and other” and “Income from discontinued operations,
net of tax” lines in the Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In millions)
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other:
Restructuring and other charges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
7.7
$
6.6
$
Operating expenses:
Restructuring and other (recoveries) charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other (recoveries) charges from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restructuring and other (recoveries) charges from discontinued operations .
Total impairment, restructuring and other (recoveries) charges. . . . . . . . . . . $
(47.2)
—
(39.5) $
13.6
(25.9) $
76.6
—
83.2
1.4
84.6
$
$
—
16.3
33.7
50.0
1.0
51.0
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we announced a series of initiatives called Project Focus designed to maximize the value
of our non-core assets and focus on emerging categories of the lawn and garden industry in our core U.S. business. On April 13,
2016, as part of this project, we completed the contribution of the SLS Business to the TruGreen Joint Venture. As a result, effective
in our second quarter of fiscal 2016, we classified our results of operations for all periods presented to reflect the SLS Business
32
as a discontinued operation and classified the assets and liabilities of the SLS Business as held for sale. Refer to “NOTE 2.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS” for more information. During fiscal 2016, we recognized a charge of $9.0 million for the
resolution of a prior SLS Business litigation matter, as well as $4.6 million in transaction related costs associated with the divestiture
of the SLS Business within the “Income from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In addition, during fiscal 2016, we recognized restructuring costs related to termination benefits of $3.4 million within the
U.S. Consumer segment and $2.0 million within the Europe Consumer segment, as well as costs of $4.6 million related to other
transaction activity. We recorded $8.2 million and $1.8 million of these costs within the “Impairment, restructuring and other” and
the “Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other” lines in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, respectively.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, our U.S. Consumer segment began experiencing an increase in certain consumer
complaints related to our newly reformulated Bonus® S fertilizer product sold in the southeastern United States indicating customers
were experiencing damage to their lawns after application. During fiscal 2016, we recognized $6.4 million in costs related to
resolving these consumer complaints and the recognition of costs we expect to incur for current and expected consumer claims.
Costs incurred through September 30, 2016 since the inception of this matter, excluding insurance reimbursement recoveries, are
$73.8 million. We have received reimbursement payments of $60.8 million through the end of fiscal 2016, including $40.9
million received during fiscal 2016. We recorded offsetting insurance reimbursement recoveries upon resolution of the insurer’s
review of claim documentation in the amount of $4.9 million in fiscal 2015 and $55.9 million in fiscal 2016. We recorded net
recoveries of $55.4 million and costs of $5.9 million within the “Impairment, restructuring and other” and the “Cost of sales—
impairment, restructuring and other” lines in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, respectively.
During fiscal 2015, we recognized $22.2 million in restructuring costs related to termination benefits provided to U.S. and
international personnel as part of our restructuring of the U.S. administrative and overhead functions, the continuation of the
international profitability improvement initiative and the liquidation and exit from the U.K. Solus business. The restructuring
costs for fiscal 2015 include $4.3 million of costs related to the acceleration of equity compensation expense, and were comprised
of $3.7 million related to the U.S. Consumer segment, $10.3 million related to the Europe Consumer segment, $0.2 million related
to the Other segment and $6.6 million related to Corporate. In addition, costs of $1.4 million related to the SLS Business were
recognized within the “Income from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During fiscal 2015, we also recognized $62.4 million in costs related to consumer complaints and claims related to the
reformulated Bonus® S fertilizer product sold in the southeastern United States during fiscal 2015.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, as a result of an impairment review, we recognized an impairment charge for a non-
recurring fair value adjustment of $33.7 million within the U.S. Consumer segment related to the Ortho® brand. The fair value
was calculated based upon the evaluation of the historical performance and future growth expectations of the Ortho® business.
During fiscal 2014, we recognized $12.5 million in restructuring costs related to termination benefits provided to U.S. personnel
as part of our restructuring of the U.S. administrative and overhead functions, including $1.0 million related to the SLS Business
recognized within the “Income from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. We
also recognized $2.8 million of international restructuring and other adjustments during fiscal 2014 for the continuation of the
profitability improvement initiative announced in December 2012. In addition, during fiscal 2014, the Company recognized $2.0
million in additional ongoing monitoring and remediation costs for the Company’s turfgrass biotechnology program.
Other Income, net
Other income is comprised of activities outside our normal business operations, such as royalty income from the licensing
of certain of our brand names, income earned from loans receivable, foreign exchange gains/losses and gains/losses from the sale
of non-inventory assets. Other income, net, was $13.8 million, $2.1 million and $10.7 million in fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal
2014, respectively. The increase in other income for fiscal 2016 was due to a gain on the sale of a growing media plant whose
operations are being relocated, an increase in income on loans receivable and royalty income earned from the TruGreen Joint
Venture related to its use of brand names. The decrease in other income for fiscal 2015 was primarily due to recognition of
investment gains in fiscal 2014 related to our investment in AeroGrow.
Income from Operations
Income from operations in fiscal 2016 was $459.3 million compared to $262.1 million in fiscal 2015, an increase of $197.2
million, or 75.2%. The increase was driven by impairment, restructuring and other recoveries during fiscal 2016 as compared to
charges during fiscal 2015, and an increase in net sales and gross profit rate, partially offset by higher SG&A.
Income from operations in fiscal 2015 was $262.1 million compared to $283.7 million in fiscal 2014, a decrease of $21.6
million, or 7.6%. The decrease was driven by higher impairment, restructuring and other charges during fiscal 2015 as compared
to fiscal 2014, a decrease in gross profit rate, a decrease in other income and an increase in SG&A, partially offset by an increase
in net sales.
33
Equity in Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates
We hold a minority equity interest of 30% in the TruGreen Joint Venture. This interest was initially recorded at fair value
on the transaction date and subsequently is accounted for using the equity method of accounting, with our proportionate share of
TruGreen Joint Venture earnings reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. We recognized equity in
income of unconsolidated affiliates of $7.8 million in fiscal 2016. Included within income of unconsolidated affiliates for fiscal
2016 is our $11.7 million share of restructuring and other charges incurred by the TruGreen Joint Venture. These charges
included $6.0 million for transaction and merger costs, $4.4 million for nonrecurring integration and separation costs and $1.3
million for a non-cash fair value write-down adjustment on deferred revenue and advertising as part of the transaction accounting.
Costs Related to Refinancing
Costs related to refinancing were $8.8 million for fiscal 2016. The costs incurred were associated with the redemption of
our 6.625% Senior Notes on December 15, 2015, and are comprised of $6.6 million of call premium and $2.2 million of unamortized
bond discount and issuance costs that were written off.
Costs related to refinancing were $10.7 million for fiscal 2014. The costs incurred were associated with the redemption of
our 7.25% Senior Notes.
Interest Expense
Interest expense in fiscal 2016 was $65.6 million compared to $50.5 million in fiscal 2015 and $47.3 million in fiscal 2014.
The increase in fiscal 2016 was driven by an increase in average borrowings of $351.2 million, which is net of a decrease of $7.5
million due to the impact of foreign exchange rates. The increase in average borrowings was driven by recent acquisition and
investment activity, primarily related to General Hydroponics, Vermicrop, Bonnie, Gavita, the amendment of our Marketing
Agreement with Monsanto and repurchases of our Common Shares.
The increase in fiscal 2015 was driven by an increase in average borrowings of $252.1 million, which is net of a decrease
of $8.1 million due to the impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by a decrease in our weighted average interest rate of
78 basis points primarily due to reduced rates under our credit facility and the redemption of the 7.25% Senior Notes.
Income Tax Expense
A reconciliation of the federal corporate income tax rate and the effective tax rate on income from continuing operations
before income taxes is summarized below:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
Statutory income tax rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of foreign operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State taxes, net of federal benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Domestic production activities deduction permanent difference
Effect of other permanent differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research and experimentation and other federal tax credits . . . .
Resolution of prior tax contingencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective income tax rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35.0%
0.1
2.7
(2.5)
0.3
(0.2)
(0.2)
0.3
35.5%
35.0%
(0.6)
3.2
(3.2)
0.1
(0.2)
0.4
0.2
34.9%
35.0%
1.7
2.7
(2.7)
0.3
(0.9)
0.2
(0.7)
35.6%
The effective tax rate for continuing operations was 35.5% for fiscal 2016, compared to 34.9% for fiscal 2015 and 35.6%
for fiscal 2014.
Income from Continuing Operations
We reported income from continuing operations of $392.7 million, or $4.09 per diluted share, in fiscal 2016 compared to
$211.6 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, in fiscal 2015. The increase was driven by impairment, restructuring and other recoveries
during fiscal 2016 as compared to charges during fiscal 2015, and an increase in net sales, gross profit rate and equity in income
of unconsolidated affiliates, partially offset by increases in interest expense, costs related to refinancing and SG&A. Diluted
average common shares used in the diluted income per common share calculation were 62.0 million in fiscal 2016 compared to
62.2 million in fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily driven by share repurchases, partially offset by the exercise of stock
options and the issuance of share-based compensation awards and the payment of contingent consideration in Common Shares in
34
connection with the Vermicrop acquisition. Dilutive equivalent shares for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 were 0.9 million and 1.1
million, respectively.
We reported income from continuing operations of $211.6 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, in fiscal 2015 compared to
$225.7 million, or $2.32 per diluted share, in fiscal 2014. The decrease was driven by higher impairment, restructuring and other
charges during fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014, a decrease in gross profit rate and other income, an increase in SG&A and
an increase in interest expense, partially offset by an increase in net sales. Diluted average common shares used in the diluted
income per common share calculation were 62.2 million in fiscal 2015 compared to 62.7 million in fiscal 2014. The decrease was
primarily driven by share repurchases, partially offset by the exercise of stock options and the issuance of share-based compensation
awards and the payment of consideration in Common Shares in connection with the Vermicrop acquisition. Dilutive equivalent
shares for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 were 1.1 million and 1.1 million, respectively.
Income from Discontinued Operations
On April 13, 2016, we completed the contribution of the SLS Business to the TruGreen Joint Venture in exchange for a
minority equity interest of approximately 30% in the TruGreen Joint Venture. As a result of this transaction, effective in our second
quarter of fiscal 2016, we classified our results of operations for all periods presented to reflect the SLS Business as a discontinued
operation and classified the assets and liabilities of the SLS Business as held for sale. In our second quarter of fiscal 2014, we
completed the sale of our wild bird food business at which time we began presenting this business within discontinued operations.
The prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform. During fiscal 2016, we recognized a charge of $9.0 million for the
resolution of a prior SLS Business litigation matter, as well as $4.6 million in transaction related costs associated with the divestiture
of the SLS Business within the “Income from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax in fiscal 2016 was $61.5 million compared to $20.9 million in fiscal 2015.
The increase is primarily driven by the after-tax gain on contribution of $79.3 million, partially offset by a net loss from the
operations of the SLS Business of $17.8 million for fiscal 2016, as compared to net income from the operations of the SLS Business
of $20.9 million for fiscal 2015. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax in fiscal 2014 of $20.7 million includes net
income from the operations of the SLS Business of $19.9 million and net income from the operations of our wild bird food business
of $0.8 million.
Segment Results
We divide our business into three reportable segments: U.S. Consumer, Europe Consumer and Other. These segments differ
from those used in prior periods due to the change in our internal organizational structure associated with Project Focus, which is
a series of initiatives announced in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 designed to maximize the value of our non-core assets and
concentrate our focus on emerging categories of the lawn and garden industry in our core U.S. business. On April 13, 2016, as
part of this project, we completed the contribution of the SLS Business to the TruGreen Joint Venture in exchange for a minority
equity interest of approximately 30% in the TruGreen Joint Venture. As a result, effective in our second quarter of fiscal 2016,
we classified our results of operations for all periods presented to reflect the SLS Business as a discontinued operation and classified
the assets and liabilities of the SLS Business as held for sale. The prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with
the new segments. This division of reportable segments is consistent with how the segments report to and are managed by the
chief operating decision maker of the Company.
U.S. Consumer consists of the Company’s consumer lawn and garden business located in the geographic United States.
Europe Consumer consists of the Company’s consumer lawn and garden business located in geographic Europe. Other consists
of the Company’s consumer lawn and garden business in geographies other than the U.S. and Europe, the Company’s indoor,
urban and hydroponic gardening business, and revenues and expenses associated with the Company’s supply agreements with
Israel Chemicals, Ltd. Corporate consists of general and administrative expenses and certain other income/expense items not
allocated to the business segments.
Segment performance is evaluated based on several factors, including income (loss) from continuing operations before
amortization, impairment, restructuring and other charges, which is not a generally accepted accounting principle (“GAAP”)
measure. Senior management uses this measure of operating profit (loss) to evaluate segment performance because the Company
believes this measure is indicative of performance trends and the overall earnings potential of each segment.
35
The following table sets forth net sales by segment:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
2014
U.S. Consumer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Europe Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2,187.4
274.2
374.5
2,836.1
$
$
2,141.8
304.7
281.5
2,728.0
The following table sets forth segment income from continuing operations before income taxes:
U.S. Consumer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Europe Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Segment total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible asset amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs related to refinancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
U.S. Consumer
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
500.4
13.5
20.8
534.7
(96.8)
(18.0)
27.7
19.5
(8.8)
(65.6)
392.7
$
$
439.2
14.1
12.3
465.6
(98.5)
(15.0)
(90.0)
—
—
(50.5)
211.6
$
$
$
$
2,037.4
336.7
204.2
2,578.3
2014
399.7
20.9
17.4
438.0
(92.0)
(12.3)
(50.0)
—
(10.7)
(47.3)
225.7
U.S. Consumer segment net sales were $2.2 billion in fiscal 2016, an increase of 2.1% from fiscal 2015 net sales of $2.1
billion. The increase was driven by the favorable impact of volume, pricing and acquisitions of 1.3%, 0.7% and 0.1%, respectively.
Increased sales volume in fiscal 2016 was driven by increased sales of growing media and grass seed products, as well as the
favorable impact of the Marketing Agreement for consumer Roundup®, partially offset by decreased sales of fertilizer products.
U.S. Consumer segment operating income increased $61.2 million, or 13.9%, in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.
The change was driven by increased sales and improvements in gross profit rate due to lower material costs driven by commodities
and lower distribution costs due to savings from lower fuel prices and reduced costs from efficiencies in our growing media
business, partially offset by higher SG&A.
U.S. Consumer segment net sales were $2.1 billion in fiscal 2015, an increase of 5.1% from fiscal 2014 net sales of $2.0
billion. The increase was driven by the favorable impact of volume and acquisitions of 4.7% and 0.7%, respectively, partially
offset by the unfavorable impact of pricing of 0.3%. Increased sales volume in fiscal 2015 was driven by increased sales of
controls, including increased sales of Tomcat® products, as well as growing media and cleaners products.
U.S. Consumer segment operating income increased $39.5 million, or 9.9%, in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. The
change was driven by increased sales, partially offset by a decrease in gross profit rate due to unfavorable product mix as a result
of increased sales of growing media and the net impact of acquisitions, the unfavorable impact of decreased pricing related to
controls products and increased material costs for our grass seed and growing media products.
Europe Consumer
Europe Consumer segment net sales were $274.2 million in fiscal 2016, a decrease of 10.0% from fiscal 2015 net sales of
$304.7 million. The decrease was driven by the prior year exit from the U.K. Solus business of $18.1 million, or 5.9%, and the
unfavorable impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and decreased pricing of 3.6% and 1.3%, respectively, partially offset
by the favorable impact of volume of $2.4 million, or 0.8%.
Europe Consumer segment operating income decreased $0.6 million, or 4.3%, in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015.
The change was driven by decreased sales, partially offset by an increase in gross profit rate and lower SG&A.
36
Europe Consumer segment net sales were $304.7 million in fiscal 2015, a decrease of 9.5% from fiscal 2014 net sales of
$336.7 million. The decrease was driven by the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and decreased pricing
of 13.9% and 1.2%, respectively, partially offset by the favorable impact of acquisitions and volume of 5.3% and 0.3%, respectively.
Europe Consumer segment operating income decreased $6.8 million, or 32.5%, in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014.
The change was driven by decreased sales and gross profit rate, partially offset by lower SG&A.
Other
Other segment net sales were $374.5 million in fiscal 2016, an increase of 33.0% from fiscal 2015 net sales of $281.5 million.
The increase was driven by the favorable impact of acquisitions and volume of 26.6% and 10.8%, respectively, partially offset by
the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign exchange rates of 4.3%. Net sales from our indoor and urban gardening businesses
increased $87.3 million in fiscal 2016.
Other segment operating income increased $8.5 million, or 69.1%, in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. The change
was driven by increased sales, partially offset by increased SG&A from acquired businesses and transaction costs related to
acquisition activity.
Other segment net sales were $281.5 million in fiscal 2015, an increase of 37.9% from fiscal 2014 net sales of $204.2 million.
The increase was driven by the favorable impact of acquisitions and volume of 45.0% and 7.4%, respectively, partially offset by
the unfavorable impact of changes in foreign exchange rates and decreased pricing of 14.4% and 0.3%, respectively. Net sales
from our indoor and urban gardening businesses increased $49.2 million in fiscal 2015.
Other segment operating income decreased $5.1 million, or 29.3%, in fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. The change
was driven by increased SG&A from acquired businesses and transaction costs related to acquisition activity, partially offset by
increased sales.
Corporate
Corporate operating loss was $96.8 million in fiscal 2016, a decrease of 1.7% from fiscal 2015 operating loss of $98.5
million. The change was primarily due to an increase in income on loans receivable and royalty income earned from the TruGreen
Joint Venture related to its use of brand names, partially offset by increased variable incentive compensation. Corporate operating
loss was $98.5 million in fiscal 2015, an increase of 7.1% from fiscal 2014 operating loss of $92.0 million. The increase for fiscal
2015 was primarily related to higher share-based compensation expense and litigation settlement activity.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities totaled $237.4 million for fiscal 2016, a decrease of $9.5 million as compared to cash
provided by operating activities of $246.9 million for fiscal 2015. Cash provided by operating activities from the SLS Business
was $26.8 million and $28.2 million for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively. The change was driven by an increase in cash
used for working capital related to increased inventory, timing of customer receipts as compared to payment of current liabilities
and an increase in accounts receivable from the TruGreen Joint Venture of $14.9 million for expenses incurred pursuant to a
transition services agreement and an employee leasing agreement, partially offset by insurance reimbursement recoveries of $40.9
million related to the Bonus® S consumer complaint matter.
Cash provided by operating activities totaled $246.9 million for fiscal 2015, an increase of $6.0 million as compared to cash
provided by operating activities of $240.9 million for fiscal 2014. Cash provided by operating activities from the SLS Business
was $28.2 million and $19.2 million for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. The change was driven by a decrease in cash
used for working capital, partially offset by a decrease in net income. The decrease in cash used for working capital was primarily
due to less growth in accounts receivable and inventory, partially offset by less growth in accounts payable.
The seasonal nature of our operations generally requires cash to fund significant increases in inventories during the first half
of the fiscal year. Receivables and payables also build substantially in our second quarter of the fiscal year in line with the timing
of sales to support our retailers’ spring selling season. These balances liquidate during the June through September period as the
lawn and garden season unwinds.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities totaled $134.4 million for fiscal 2016, a decrease of $402.0 million as compared to cash
used in investing activities of $536.4 million for fiscal 2015. Cash used in investing activities related to the SLS Business was $1.4
million and $24.3 million for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively.
37
During fiscal 2016 we made an investment in Bonnie in the amount of $72.0 million, made an investment in an unconsolidated
subsidiary of $2.0 million, provided a working capital contribution of $24.2 million and an $18.0 million investment in second
lien term loan financing to the TruGreen Joint Venture and completed the acquisitions of Gavita and a Canadian growing media
operation which included cash payments of $158.4 million. Cash used for investments in property, plant and equipment during
fiscal 2016 was $58.3 million. These cash outflows were partially offset by an excess distribution of $196.2 million from the
TruGreen Joint Venture. Significant capital projects during fiscal 2016 included investments in our growing media production
and packaging facilities, additional capital for supply chain optimization projects, investments in information technology and
facility improvement and maintenance.
Cash used in investing activities totaled $536.4 million for fiscal 2015, an increase of $380.8 million as compared to cash
used in investing activities of $155.6 million for fiscal 2014. Cash used in investing activities related to the SLS Business was $24.3
million and $3.4 million for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. The change in cash used in our investing activities was
primarily driven by the payment of $300 million to Monsanto in consideration for Monsanto’s entry into the amendments to our
Marketing Agreement for consumer Roundup®, the lawn and garden brand extension agreement and the commercialization and
technology agreement, and increased acquisitions of $66.2 million. During fiscal 2015, we completed the acquisitions of General
Hydroponics and Vermicrop for $120.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively, in addition to four acquisitions of growing media
operations with an aggregate estimated purchase price of $40.2 million. Additionally, Scotts LawnService® completed the
acquisition of Action Pest for $21.7 million. These acquisitions included cash payments of $180.2 million during fiscal 2015.
Significant capital projects during fiscal 2015 included investments in our growing media production and packaging facilities,
additional capital for supply chain optimization projects, investments in information technology, facility improvement and
maintenance, and investments in fleet vehicles for Scotts LawnService®.
For the three fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, our capital spending was allocated as follows: 70% for expansion and
maintenance of existing productive assets; 13% for new productive assets; 10% to expand our information technology and
transformation and integration capabilities; and 7% for Corporate assets. We expect fiscal 2017 capital expenditures to be consistent
with our recent capital spending amounts and allocations.
Financing Activities
Financing activities used cash of $122.2 million in fiscal 2016 and provided cash of $278.9 million in fiscal 2015. The
change was the result of the repayment of $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.625% Senior Notes, net repayments of
$81.3 million under our credit facilities in fiscal 2016 compared to net borrowings of $378.0 million in fiscal 2015, payment of
financing and issuance fees of $11.2 million related to our new credit agreement and the 6.000% Senior Notes, an increase in
repurchases of our Common Shares of $116.0 million and a decrease in cash received from the exercise of stock options of $9.6
million, partially offset by the issuance of $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.000% Senior Notes.
Financing activities provided cash of $278.9 million in fiscal 2015 and used cash of $124.3 million in fiscal 2014. The
change related to financing activities was the result of the redemption of $200.0 million of our 7.25% Senior Notes during fiscal
2014, a decrease in dividends paid in fiscal 2015 as a result of the prior year special one-time cash dividend of $2.00 per share,
or $122.1 million, and a decrease in repurchases of Common Shares of $105.2 million, partially offset by a decrease in net
borrowings under our credit facility of $29.5 million. Net borrowings under our credit facilities in fiscal 2015 were $378.0 million
compared to $407.5 million in fiscal 2014. Financing activities also included an increase in cash received from the exercise of
stock options of $4.3 million in fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014.
38
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Our cash and cash equivalents were held in cash depository accounts with major financial institutions around the world or
invested in high quality, short-term liquid investments having original maturities of three months or less. The cash and cash
equivalents balances of $50.1 million and $71.4 million at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, included $39.9 million and
$55.1 million, respectively, held by controlled foreign corporations. Our current plans do not demonstrate a need to, nor do we
have plans to, repatriate the retained earnings from these foreign corporations as the earnings are indefinitely reinvested. However,
in the future, if we determine it is necessary to repatriate these funds, or we sell or liquidate any of these foreign corporations, we
may be required to pay associated taxes on the repatriation, sale or liquidation.
Borrowing Agreements
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated by operations and borrowings under our credit facilities, which are
guaranteed by substantially all of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s domestic subsidiaries. On December 20, 2013, we entered into the third
amended and restated credit agreement, providing us with a five-year senior secured revolving loan facility in the aggregate
principal amount of up to $1.7 billion (the “former credit facility”). On October 29, 2015, we entered into the fourth amended
and restated credit agreement (the “new credit agreement”), providing us with five-year senior secured loan facilities in the
aggregate principal amount of $1.9 billion, comprised of a revolving credit facility of $1.6 billion and a term loan in the original
principal amount of $300.0 million (the “new credit facilities”). The new credit agreement also provides us with the right to seek
additional committed credit under the agreement in an aggregate amount of up to $500.0 million plus an unlimited additional
amount, subject to certain specified financial and other conditions. Under the new credit agreement, we have the ability to obtain
letters of credit up to $100.0 million. Borrowings on the revolving credit facility may be made in various currencies, including
U.S. dollars, euro, British pounds, Australian dollars and Canadian dollars.
At September 30, 2016, we had letters of credit outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $26.5 million, and $1.2
billion of availability under the new credit agreement, subject to our continued compliance with the covenants discussed below.
The weighted average interest rates on average borrowings under the new credit agreement and the former credit facility were 3.5%
and 4.0% for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively.
We maintain a Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (as amended, “MARP Agreement”), which provides for
the discretionary sale by us, and the discretionary purchase (outside of the commitment period specified in the MARP Agreement)
by the participating banks, on a revolving basis, of accounts receivable generated by sales to three specified account debtors in
an aggregate amount not to exceed $400.0 million.
On March 23, 2016, we entered into a Waiver and First Amendment to the MARP Agreement that amends the MARP
Agreement in the following significant respects: (1) includes subsidiaries and affiliates of the approved debtors into the definition
of approved debtors; (2) requires Scotts LLC to repurchase all receivables (including any defaulted receivables) from the banks
on each settlement date; and (3) provides the administrative agent and the banks with full recourse to Scotts LLC in case of non-
payment of any purchased receivable on the maturity date thereof, regardless of the reason for such non-payment. Under the terms
of the amended MARP Agreement, the banks have the opportunity to purchase those accounts receivable offered by us at a discount
(from the agreed base value thereof) effectively equal to the one-week LIBO rate plus 0.95%.
There were $138.6 million and $122.3 million in borrowings or receivables pledged as collateral under the MARP Agreement
at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The carrying value of the receivables pledged as collateral was $174.7 million at
September 30, 2016 and $152.9 million at September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, there was $7.6 million of availability
under the MARP Agreement.
The MARP Agreement terminated effective October 14, 2016 in accordance with its terms. We expect the $1.6 billion senior
secured revolving credit facility available to us under the new credit agreement, together with our other existing sources of
committed financing, to be sufficient to meet our funding needs on an ongoing basis. Additionally, we continue to consider
alternative receivables-based funding sources, as our new credit agreement allows for the periodic sale, discounting, factoring or
securitization of accounts receivable up to a maximum at any one time outstanding of $500 million.
On January 15, 2014, we used a portion of our available former credit facility borrowings to redeem all of our outstanding
$200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.25% Senior Notes, paying a redemption price of $214.5 million, which included
$7.25 million of accrued and unpaid interest, $7.25 million of call premium, and $200.0 million for outstanding principal amount.
The $7.25 million call premium charge was recognized within the “Costs related to refinancing” line on the Consolidated Statement
of Operations in our second quarter of fiscal 2014. Additionally, we had $3.5 million in unamortized bond discount and issuance
costs associated with the 7.25% Senior Notes that were written-off and recognized in the “Costs related to refinancing” line on
the Consolidated Statement of Operations in our second quarter of fiscal 2014.
39
On December 15, 2015, we used a portion of our available credit facility borrowings to redeem all $200.0 million aggregate
principal amount of our outstanding 6.625% senior notes due 2020 (the “6.625% Senior Notes”) paying a redemption price
of $213.2 million, comprised of $6.6 million of accrued and unpaid interest, $6.6 million of call premium and $200.0 million for
outstanding principal amount. The $6.6 million call premium charge was recognized within the “Costs related to refinancing”
line on the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Additionally, we had $2.2 million in unamortized
bond discount and issuance costs associated with the 6.625% Senior Notes that were written off and recognized in the “Costs
related to refinancing” line on the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2016.
On October 13, 2015, we issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.000% senior notes due 2023 (the “6.000%
Senior Notes”). The net proceeds of the offering were used to repay outstanding borrowings under our former credit facility. The
6.000% Senior Notes represent general unsecured senior obligations and rank equal in right of payment with our existing and
future unsecured senior debt. The 6.000% Senior Notes have interest payment dates of April 15 and October 15 of each year,
commencing April 15, 2016. The 6.000% Senior Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, on or after October 15, 2018 at
applicable redemption premiums. The 6.000% Senior Notes contain customary covenants and events of default and mature on
October 15, 2023. Substantially all of our domestic subsidiaries serve as guarantors of the 6.000% Senior Notes.
We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2016. Our new credit agreement contains, among other
obligations, an affirmative covenant regarding our leverage ratio on the last day of each quarter, calculated as our net indebtedness
divided by adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The maximum leverage ratio was 4.50 as of
September 30, 2016. Our leverage ratio was 3.10 at September 30, 2016. Our new credit agreement also includes an affirmative
covenant regarding our interest coverage. The minimum interest coverage ratio was 3.00 for the twelve months ended September 30,
2016. Our interest coverage ratio was 7.88 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016. The new credit agreement allows
us to make unlimited restricted payments (as defined in the new credit agreement), including increased or one-time dividend
payments and Common Share repurchases, as long as the leverage ratio resulting from the making of such restricted payments is
4.00 or less. Otherwise we may only make restricted payments in an aggregate amount for each fiscal year not to exceed the
amount set forth in the new credit agreement for such fiscal year ($175.0 million for fiscal 2017 and $200.0 million for fiscal 2018
and each fiscal year thereafter). Please see “ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K
for further details pertaining to the calculations of the foregoing ratios.
We continue to monitor our compliance with the leverage ratio, interest coverage ratio and other covenants contained in the
new credit agreement and, based upon our current operating assumptions, we expect to remain in compliance with the permissible
leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio throughout fiscal 2017. However, an unanticipated shortfall in earnings, an increase in
net indebtedness or other factors could materially affect our ability to remain in compliance with the financial or other covenants
of our new credit agreement, potentially causing us to have to seek an amendment or waiver from our lending group which could
result in repricing of our credit facilities. While we believe we have good relationships with our lending group, we can provide
no assurance that such a request would result in a modified or replacement credit agreement on reasonable terms, if at all.
At September 30, 2016, we had outstanding interest rate swap agreements with major financial institutions that effectively
converted the LIBOR index 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 $650.0 million at September 30, 2016. Interest payments made between the effective date
and expiration date are hedged by the swap agreements, except as noted below. On November 1, 2016, we executed interest rate
swap agreements with notional amounts that adjust in accordance with a specified seasonal schedule and have a maximum total
notional amount at any point in time of $500.0 million. These swap agreements effectively convert the LIBOR index on a portion
of our variable-rate debt to a fixed rate of approximately 0.83% beginning in November 2016 through expiration dates in June
and August 2018.
40
The notional amount, effective date, expiration date and rate of each of these swap agreements outstanding at September 30,
2016 are shown in the table below.
Notional Amount
(in millions)
Effective
Date (a)
Expiration
Date
Fixed
Rate
$
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
50 (d)
200
150 (b)
50 (b)
200 (c)
12/6/2012
2/7/2014
2/7/2017
2/7/2017
12/20/2016
9/6/2017
11/7/2017
5/7/2019
5/7/2019
6/20/2019
2.96%
1.28%
2.12%
2.25%
2.12%
The effective date refers to the date on which interest payments were, or will be, first hedged by the applicable swap agreement.
Interest payments made during the three-month period of each year that begins with the month and day of the effective date are hedged
by the swap agreement.
Interest payments made during the six-month period of each year that begins with the month and day of the effective date are hedged
by the swap agreement.
Interest payments made during the nine-month period of each year that begins with the month and day of the effective date are hedged
by the swap agreement.
We believe that our cash flows from operations and borrowings under our agreements described herein will be sufficient to
meet debt service, capital expenditures and working capital needs 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 borrowing
agreements 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 as further discussed in “Item 1A. RISK FACTORS — Our indebtedness
could limit our flexibility and adversely affect our financial condition” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Judicial and Administrative Proceedings
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 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 these proceedings, whether as a
result of adverse outcomes or as a result of significant defense costs.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our future cash outflows for contractual obligations as of September 30, 2016:
Contractual Cash Obligations
Payments Due by Period
Total
Less Than 1
Year
1-3 Years
3-5 Years
More Than
5 Years
Debt obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense on debt obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase obligations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, primarily retirement plan obligations . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total contractual cash obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1,316.1
286.8
171.0
285.1
97.2
$ 2,156.2
$
$
(In millions)
31.3
$
100.4
66.8
99.9
7.9
306.3
$
$
$
185.0
56.9
40.9
140.4
3.5
426.7
661.5
69.5
41.8
38.6
7.9
819.3
$
$
438.3
60.0
21.5
6.2
77.9
603.9
We have long-term debt obligations and interest payments due primarily under the 6.000% Senior Notes and our new credit
facility. Amounts in the table represent scheduled future maturities of long-term debt principal for the periods indicated.
The interest payments for our new credit facility are based on outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2016. Actual
interest expense will likely be higher due to the seasonality of our business and associated higher average borrowings.
41
Purchase obligations primarily represent commitments for materials used in our manufacturing processes, as well as
commitments for warehouse services, grass seed and outsourced information services which comprise the unconditional purchase
obligations disclosed in “NOTE 18. COMMITMENTS” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
Other obligations include actuarially determined retiree benefit payments and pension funding to comply with local funding
requirements. Pension funding requirements beyond fiscal 2016 are based on preliminary estimates using actuarial assumptions
determined as of September 30, 2016. The above table excludes liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and insurance accruals
as we are unable to estimate the timing of payments for these items.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At September 30, 2016, we have letters of credit in the aggregate face amount of $26.5 million outstanding. Further, we
have a residual value guarantee on our corporate aircraft as disclosed in “NOTE 17. OPERATING LEASES” of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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. 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 effect on our financial condition, 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 “ITEM 1. BUSINESS — Regulatory
Considerations — Regulatory Matters” and “ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial
statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. Certain accounting policies are particularly significant, including
those related to revenue recognition, goodwill and intangibles, certain associate benefits and income taxes. We believe these
accounting policies, and others set forth in “NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES” of the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, should be reviewed as they are integral to
understanding our results of operations and financial position. Our critical accounting policies are reviewed periodically with the
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to use judgment and make estimates that affect the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing
basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to customer programs and incentives, product returns, bad debts,
inventories, intangible assets, income taxes, restructuring, environmental matters, contingencies and litigation. We base our
estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Although actual results historically have not deviated significantly from those determined using our estimates, our results of
operations or financial condition could differ, perhaps materially, from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Revenue Recognition and Promotional Allowances
Most of our revenue is derived from the sale of inventory, and we recognize revenue when title and risk of loss transfer,
generally when products are received by the customer. Provisions for payment discounts, product returns and allowances are
recorded as a reduction of sales at the time revenue is recognized based on historical trends and adjusted periodically as
circumstances warrant. Similarly, reserves for uncollectible receivables due from customers are established based on management’s
judgment as to the ultimate collectability of these balances. We offer sales incentives through various programs, consisting
principally of volume rebates, cooperative advertising, consumer coupons and other trade programs. The cost of these programs
is recorded as a reduction of sales. The recognition of revenues, receivables and trade programs requires the use of estimates.
While we believe these estimates to be reasonable based on the then current facts and circumstances, there can be no assurance
that actual amounts realized will not differ materially from estimated amounts recorded.
42
Income Taxes
Our annual effective tax rate is established based on our pre-tax income (loss), statutory tax rates and the tax impacts of
items treated differently for tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes. We record income tax liabilities utilizing known
obligations and estimates of potential obligations. A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized whenever there are future tax
effects from existing temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Valuation allowances are used to
reduce deferred tax assets to the balances that are more likely than not to be realized. We must make estimates and judgments on
future taxable income, considering feasible tax planning strategies and taking into account existing facts and circumstances, to
determine the proper valuation allowances. When we determine that deferred tax assets could be realized in greater or lesser
amounts than recorded, the asset balance and Consolidated Statements of Operations reflect the change in the period such
determination is made. Due to changes in facts and circumstances and the estimates and judgments that are involved in determining
the proper valuation allowances, differences between actual future events and prior estimates and judgments could result in
adjustments to these valuation allowances. We use an estimate of our annual effective tax rate at each interim period based on the
facts and circumstances available at that time, while the actual effective tax rate is calculated at year-end.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, principally determined by the first-in, first-out method of accounting.
Inventories include the cost of raw materials, labor, manufacturing overhead and freight and in-bound handling costs incurred to
pre-position goods in our warehouse network. Adjustments to net realizable value for excess and obsolete inventory are based on
a variety of factors, including product changes and improvements, changes in active ingredient availability and regulatory
acceptance, new product introductions and estimated future demand. The adequacy of our adjustments could be materially affected
by changes in the demand for our products or regulatory actions.
Long-lived Assets, including Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided on the straight-
line method and is based on the estimated useful economic lives of the assets. Intangible assets with finite lives, and therefore
subject to amortization, include technology (e.g., patents), customer relationships and certain tradenames. These intangible assets
are being amortized over their estimated useful economic lives typically ranging from 3 to 25 years. We review long-lived assets
whenever circumstances change such that the recorded value of an asset may not be recoverable and therefore impaired.
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
We have significant investments in intangible assets and goodwill. Our annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset
testing is performed as of the first day of our fiscal fourth quarter or more frequently if circumstances indicate potential impairment.
In our evaluation of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment, we perform either an initial qualitative or
quantitative evaluation for each of our reporting units and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Factors considered in the qualitative
test include operating results as well as new events and circumstances impacting the operations or cash flows of the reporting unit
and indefinite-lived intangible assets. For the quantitative test, the review for impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible
assets is primarily based on our estimates of discounted future cash flows, which are based upon annual budgets and longer-range
strategic plans. These budgets and plans are used for internal purposes and are also the basis for communication with outside
parties about future business trends. While we believe the assumptions we use to estimate future cash flows are reasonable, there
can be no assurance that the expected future cash flows will be realized. As a result, impairment charges that possibly would have
been recognized in earlier periods may not be recognized until later periods if actual results deviate unfavorably from earlier
estimates. An asset’s value is deemed impaired if the discounted cash flows or earnings projections generated do not substantiate
the carrying value of the asset. The estimation of such amounts requires management to exercise judgment with respect to revenue
and expense growth rates, changes in working capital, future capital expenditure requirements and selection of an appropriate
discount rate, as applicable. The use of different assumptions would increase or decrease discounted future operating cash flows
or earnings projections and could, therefore, change impairment determinations.
Fair value estimates employed in our annual impairment review of indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill were
determined using discounted cash flow models involving several assumptions. Changes in our assumptions could materially
impact our fair value estimates. Assumptions critical to our fair value estimates were: (i) discount rates used in determining the
fair value of the reporting units and intangible assets; (ii) royalty rates used in our intangible asset valuations; (iii) projected revenue
and operating profit growth rates used in the reporting unit and intangible asset models; and (iv) projected long-term growth rates
used in the derivation of terminal year values. These and other assumptions are impacted by economic conditions and expectations
of management and may change in the future based on period specific facts and circumstances.
43
At September 30, 2016, goodwill totaled $373.2 million, with $211.9 million and $161.3 million of goodwill for the U.S.
Consumer and Other segments, respectively. No goodwill impairment was recognized as a result of the annual evaluation performed
as of July 3, 2016. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit with a significant goodwill balance was substantially in excess
of its carrying value as of the annual test date. If we were to alter our impairment testing by increasing the discount rate in the
discounted cash flow analysis by 100 basis points, there still would not be any impairment indicated for any reporting units. At
September 30, 2016, indefinite-lived intangible assets consisted of tradenames of $184.8 million, as well as the Marketing
Agreement Amendment of $188.3 million and Brand Extension Agreement of $111.7 million which were both acquired during
fiscal 2015. The estimated fair value of each tradename was substantially in excess of its carrying value as of the annual test date.
If we were to alter our impairment testing by increasing the discount rate in the discounted cash flow analysis by 100 basis points,
there still would not be any impairment indicated for any tradenames.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, as a result of an impairment review, we recognized an impairment charge for a non-
recurring fair value adjustment of $33.7 million within the U.S. Consumer segment related to the Ortho® brand.
Associate Benefits
We sponsor various post-employment benefit plans, including pension plans, both defined contribution plans and defined
benefit plans, and other post-employment benefit (“OPEB”) plans, consisting primarily of health care for retirees. For accounting
purposes, the defined benefit pension and OPEB plans are dependent on a variety of assumptions to estimate the projected and
accumulated benefit obligations and annual expense determined by actuarial valuations. These assumptions include the following:
discount rate; expected salary increases; certain employee-related factors, such as turnover, retirement age and mortality; expected
return on plan assets; and health care cost trend rates.
Assumptions are reviewed annually for appropriateness and updated as necessary. We base the discount rate assumption
on investment yields available at fiscal year-end on high-quality corporate bonds that could be purchased to effectively settle the
pension liabilities. The salary growth assumption reflects our long-term actual experience, the near-term outlook and assumed
inflation. The expected return on plan assets assumption reflects asset allocation, investment strategy and the views of investment
managers regarding the market. Retirement and mortality rates are based primarily on actual and expected plan experience. The
effects of actual results that differ from our assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods.
Changes in the discount rate and investment returns can have a significant effect on the funded status of our pension plans
and shareholders’ equity. We cannot predict discount rates or investment returns with certainty and, therefore, cannot determine
whether adjustments to our shareholders’ equity for pension-related activity in subsequent years will be significant. We also cannot
predict future investment returns, and therefore cannot determine whether future pension plan funding requirements could
materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. A 100 basis point change in the discount rate would
have an immaterial effect on fiscal 2016 pension expense. A 100 basis point change in the discount rate would have a $63.8 million
change in our projected benefit obligations as of September 30, 2016.
Insurance and Self-Insurance
We maintain insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability, and are
self-insured for employee-related health care benefits up to a specified level for individual claims. We establish reserves for losses
based on our claims experience and industry actuarial estimates of the ultimate loss amount inherent in the claims, including losses
for claims incurred but not reported. Our estimate of self-insured liabilities is subject to change as new events or circumstances
develop which might materially impact the ultimate cost to settle these losses.
Derivative Instruments
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, the value of foreign currencies and the cost
of commodities. A variety of financial instruments, including forward and swap contracts, are used to manage these exposures.
Our objective in managing these exposures is to better control these elements of cost and mitigate the earnings and cash flow
volatility associated with changes in the applicable rates and prices. We have established policies and procedures that encompass
risk-management philosophy and objectives, guidelines for derivative-instrument usage, counterparty credit approval, and the
monitoring and reporting of derivative activity. We do not enter into derivative instruments for the purpose of speculation.
Contingencies
As described more fully in “NOTE 19. CONTINGENCIES” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included
in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are involved in environmental and legal proceedings which have a high degree of
uncertainty associated with them. We continually assess the likely outcome of these proceedings and the adequacy of reserves,
if any, provided for their resolution. There can be no assurance that the ultimate outcomes of these proceedings will not differ
44
materially from our current assessment of them, nor that all proceedings that may currently be brought against us are known by
us at this time.
Other Significant Accounting Policies
Other significant accounting policies, primarily those with lower levels of uncertainty than those discussed above, are also
critical to understanding the consolidated financial statements. The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K contain additional information related to our accounting policies, including recent accounting
pronouncements, and should be read in conjunction with this discussion.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As part of our ongoing business, we are exposed to certain market risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, foreign
currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Financial derivative and other instruments are used to manage these risks. These
instruments are not used for speculative purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
We had variable rate debt instruments outstanding at September 30, 2016 and 2015 that are impacted by changes in interest
rates. As a means of managing our interest rate risk on these debt instruments, we entered into interest rate swap agreements with
major financial institutions to effectively fix the LIBOR index on certain variable-rate debt obligations.
At September 30, 2016 and 2015, we had outstanding interest rate swap agreements with a total U.S. dollar equivalent
notional value of $650.0 million and $1,300.0 million, respectively. The weighted average fixed rate of swap agreements
outstanding at September 30, 2016 was 1.9%.
The following table summarizes information about our derivative financial instruments and debt instruments that are sensitive
to changes in interest rates as of September 30, 2016 and 2015. For debt instruments, the table presents principal cash flows and
related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For interest rate swap agreements, the table presents expected
cash flows based on notional amounts and weighted-average interest rates by contractual maturity dates. Weighted-average variable
rates are based on rates in effect at September 30, 2016 and 2015. A change in our variable interest rate of 100 basis points for a
full twelve-month period would have a $2.5 million impact on interest expense assuming approximately $250 million of our
average fiscal 2016 variable-rate debt had not been hedged via an interest rate swap agreement. The information is presented in
U.S. dollars (in millions):
Fair
Value
$ 715.8
—
$ 556.0
—
$
(6.4)
—
2016
Long-term debt:
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
After
Total
Expected Maturity Date
Fixed rate debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable rate debt . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ — $ — $ — $ — $ 288.8
$ 400.0
$ 688.8
—
$ 138.6
—
—
—
2.6%
6.0%
5.7%
$ — $ — $ — $ 417.4
$ — $ 556.0
1.4%
—
—
—
2.1%
—
1.9%
$ — $ — $ — $ (6.4)
1.9%
—
—
—
Interest rate derivatives:
Interest rate swaps . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ (0.8)
3.0%
$ (0.9)
1.3%
$ (4.7)
2.1%
45
2015
Long-term debt:
Fixed rate debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable rate debt . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest rate derivatives:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
After
Total
Expected Maturity Date
$ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 200.0
$ 200.0
—
$ 122.3
—
—
$ — $ — $ 816.3
—
—
6.6%
6.6%
$ — $ — $ 938.6
0.9%
—
—
2.3%
—
—
2.1%
Interest rate swaps . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ (6.2)
2.9%
$ (1.6)
3.0%
$ (2.4)
1.3%
$ (3.2)
2.1%
$ — $ — $ (13.4)
2.0%
—
—
Fair
Value
$ 206.3
—
$ 938.6
—
$ (13.4)
—
Excluded from the information provided above are $71.3 million and $19.0 million at September 30, 2016 and 2015,
respectively, of miscellaneous debt instruments.
Other Market Risks
Through fiscal 2016, we had transactions that were denominated in currencies other than the currency of the country of
origin. We use currency forward contracts to manage the exchange rate risk associated with intercompany loans with foreign
subsidiaries that are denominated in local currencies. At September 30, 2016, the notional amount of outstanding currency forward
contracts was $165.8 million with a fair value of $0.4 million. At September 30, 2015, the notional amount of outstanding currency
forward contracts was $52.3 million with a negative fair value of $0.7 million.
We are subject to market risk from fluctuating prices of certain raw materials, including urea and other fertilizer inputs,
resins, diesel, gasoline, natural gas, sphagnum peat, bark and grass seed. Our objectives surrounding the procurement of these
materials are to ensure continuous supply and to control costs. We seek to achieve these objectives through negotiation of contracts
with favorable terms directly with vendors. In addition, we use derivatives to partially mitigate the effect of fluctuating diesel
and gasoline costs on our businesses. We had outstanding derivative contracts for 8,106,000 and 8,022,000 gallons of fuel at
September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The outstanding derivative contracts had a negative fair value of $0.1 million at
September 30, 2016, compared to a negative fair value of $3.2 million at September 30, 2015. We also enter into hedging
arrangements designed to fix the price of a portion of our projected future urea requirements of our business. We had outstanding
derivative contracts for 40,500 and 52,500 aggregate tons of urea at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The outstanding
derivative contracts had a negative fair value of $0.3 million at September 30, 2016, compared to a negative fair value of $1.3
million at September 30, 2015.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements and other information required by this Item are contained in the Consolidated Financial Statements,
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules Supporting the Consolidated Financial Statements listed in the “Index
to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” on page 53 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
With the participation of the principal executive officer and the 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 of the end of the fiscal year covered by
this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial
officer have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the fiscal year
covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
46
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The “Annual Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” required by Item 308(a) of SEC
Regulation S-K is included on page 54 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” required by Item 308(b) of SEC Regulation S-K is included
on page 55 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
No changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the Registrant’s fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2016, that have materially affected,
or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
47
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
PART III
Directors, Executive Officers and Persons Nominated or Chosen to Become Directors or Executive Officers
The information required by Item 401 of SEC Regulation S-K concerning the directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro and the
nominees for election or re-election as directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January
27, 2017 (the “2017 Annual Meeting”) is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure which will be included under the
caption “PROPOSAL NUMBER 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s definitive Proxy Statement relating
to the 2017 Annual Meeting (“Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Definitive Proxy Statement”), which will be filed pursuant to SEC
Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.
The information required by Item 401 of SEC Regulation S-K concerning the executive officers of Scotts Miracle-Gro is
incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure included under the caption “SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM. EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
The information required by Item 405 of SEC Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure which
will be included under the caption “SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE” in Scotts
Miracle-Gro’s Definitive Proxy Statement.
Procedures for Recommending Director Nominees
Information concerning the procedures by which shareholders of Scotts Miracle-Gro may recommend nominees to Scotts
Miracle-Gro’s Board of Directors is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures which will be included under the captions
“CORPORATE GOVERNANCE — Nominations of Directors” and “MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD —
Committees of the Board — Nominating and Governance Committee” in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Definitive Proxy Statement. These
procedures have not materially changed from those described in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2016
Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on January 28, 2016.
Audit Committee
The information required by Items 407(d)(4) and 407(d)(5) of SEC Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from
the disclosure which will be included under the caption “MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD — Committees
of the Board” in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Definitive Proxy Statement.
Committee Charters; Code of Business Conduct & Ethics; Corporate Governance Guidelines
The Board of Directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro has adopted charters for each of the Audit Committee, the Nominating and
Governance Committee, the Compensation and Organization Committee, the Innovation and Technology Committee and the
Finance Committee, as well as Corporate Governance Guidelines, as contemplated by the applicable sections of the New York
Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual.
In accordance with the requirements of Section 303A.10 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual and
Item 406 of SEC Regulation S-K, the Board of Directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro has adopted a Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
covering the members of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Board of Directors and associates (employees) of Scotts Miracle-Gro and its
subsidiaries, including, without limitation, Scotts Miracle-Gro’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal
accounting officer. Scotts Miracle-Gro intends to disclose the following events, if they occur, on its Internet website located at
http://investor.scotts.com within four business days following their occurrence: (A) the date and nature of any amendment to a
provision of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics that (i) applies to Scotts Miracle-Gro’s principal executive
officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, (ii) relates
to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of SEC Regulation S-K, and (iii) is not a technical,
administrative or other non-substantive amendment; and (B) a description of any waiver (including the nature of the waiver, the
name of the person to whom the waiver was granted and the date of the waiver), including an implicit waiver, from a provision
of the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics granted to Scotts Miracle-Gro’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, that relates to one or more of the elements of
the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of SEC Regulation S-K. In addition, Scotts Miracle-Gro will disclose any
waivers from the provisions of the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics granted to an executive officer or a director of Scotts
48
Miracle-Gro on Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Internet website located at http://investor.scotts.com within four business days of the
determination to grant any such waiver.
The text of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics, Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Corporate Governance
Guidelines, the Audit Committee charter, the Nominating and Governance Committee charter, the Compensation and Organization
Committee charter, the Innovation and Technology Committee charter and the Finance Committee charter are posted under the
“Corporate Governance” link on Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Internet website located at http://investor.scotts.com. Interested persons
and shareholders of Scotts Miracle-Gro may also obtain copies of each of these documents without charge by writing to The Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company, Attention: Corporate Secretary, 14111 Scottslawn Road, Marysville, Ohio 43041.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 402 of SEC Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures which
will be included under the captions “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION,” “NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION,”
“EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES,” “SEVERANCE AND CHANGE IN CONTROL (CIC) ARRANGEMENTS,” and
“PAYMENTS ON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND/OR CHANGE IN CONTROL” in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Definitive
Proxy Statement.
The information required by Item 407(e)(4) of SEC Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure
which will be included under the caption “MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD — Compensation and Organization
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Definitive Proxy Statement.
The information required by Item 407(e)(5) of SEC Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure
which will be included under the caption “COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT” in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Definitive Proxy
Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Ownership of Common Shares of Scotts Miracle-Gro
The information required by Item 403 of SEC Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure which
will be included under the caption “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT”
in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Definitive Proxy Statement.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The information required by Item 201(d) of SEC Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosure
which will be included under the caption “EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION” in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s
Definitive Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions
The information required by Item 404 of SEC Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures which
will be included under the caption “CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS” in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s
Definitive Proxy Statement.
Director Independence
The information required by Item 407(a) of SEC Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures
which will be included under the captions “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE — Director Independence” and “MEETINGS AND
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD” in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Definitive Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference from the disclosures which will be included
under the captions “AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS — Fees of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and
“AUDIT COMMITTEE MATTERS — Pre-Approval of Services Performed by the Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm” in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Definitive Proxy Statement.
49
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) LIST OF DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT
1 and 2. Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules:
The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Reference is made to the “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” on page 53 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(b) EXHIBITS
The exhibits listed on the “Index to Exhibits” beginning on page 126 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are filed or
furnished with this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated herein by reference as noted in the “Index to Exhibits.”
(c) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The financial statement schedule filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K is submitted in a separate section hereof. For
a description of such financial statement schedules, see “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedules” on page 53 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
50
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
SIGNATURES
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
By:
/s/ JAMES HAGEDORN
James Hagedorn, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board
Dated: November 28, 2016
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ THOMAS RANDAL COLEMAN Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President
November 28, 2016
Thomas Randal Coleman
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ JAMES HAGEDORN
James Hagedorn
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and Director November 28, 2016
(Principal Executive Officer)
November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016
/s/ BRIAN D. FINN*
Director
Brian D. Finn
/s/ ADAM HANFT*
Director
Adam Hanft
/s/ MICHELLE A. JOHNSON*
Director
Michelle A. Johnson
/s/ STEPHEN L. JOHNSON*
Director
Stephen L. Johnson
/s/ THOMAS N. KELLY JR.*
Director
Thomas N. Kelly Jr.
/s/ KATHERINE HAGEDORN
LITTLEFIELD*
Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield
Director
51
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ JAMES F. MCCANN*
Director
James F. McCann
/s/ NANCY G. MISTRETTA*
Nancy G. Mistretta
Director
/s/ JOHN R. VINES*
Director
John R. Vines
November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016
*
The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this Report on behalf of each of the directors of the Registrant
identified above pursuant to Powers of Attorney executed by the directors identified above, which Powers of Attorney are
filed with this Report as exhibits.
By:
/s/ THOMAS RANDAL COLEMAN
Thomas Randal Coleman, Attorney-in-Fact
52
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Consolidated Financial Statements of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and Subsidiaries:
Annual Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014. . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and
2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2016 and 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page
54
55
57
58
59
60
61
62
Schedules Supporting the Consolidated Financial Statements:
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
125
All other financial statement schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information has been
presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.
53
ANNUAL REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON INTERNAL
CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal control over
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and our consolidated
subsidiaries; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and
expenditures of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and our consolidated subsidiaries are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of management and directors of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and our consolidated subsidiaries, as appropriate;
and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of
the assets of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and our consolidated subsidiaries that could have a material effect on our consolidated
financial statements.
Management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, assessed the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016, the end of our fiscal year. Management based its
assessment on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included evaluation of such elements as the design and
operating effectiveness of key financial reporting controls, process documentation, accounting policies and our overall control
environment. This assessment is supported by testing and monitoring performed under the direction of management. As allowed
by the SEC guidance, management excluded from the assessment the internal control over financial reporting at Gavita Holdings
B.V. and its subsidiaries and a Canadian growing media operation, which were acquired in fiscal 2016. These acquisitions
constituted 9.5% of total assets, 1.4% and 0.5% of revenues and net income, respectively, included in our consolidated financial
statements as of and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluations of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even an
effective system of internal control over financial reporting will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial
statement preparation.
Based on our assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of
September 30, 2016, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. We reviewed the results of management’s assessment with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of The Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, independently audited our internal control over
financial reporting as of September 30, 2016 and has issued their attestation report which appears herein.
/s/ JAMES HAGEDORN
James Hagedorn
/s/ THOMAS RANDAL COLEMAN
Thomas Randal Coleman
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Dated: November 28, 2016
Dated: November 28, 2016
54
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Marysville, Ohio
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income,
shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2016. Our audits also included
the financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are
the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and
financial statement schedules based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Company at September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended September 30, 2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements
taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal
Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and
our report dated November 28, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Columbus, Ohio
November 28, 2016
55
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Marysville, Ohio
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and subsidiaries (the
“Company”) as of September 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As described in Annual Report of Management on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting
at Gavita Holdings B.V. and its subsidiaries and a Canadian growing media operation which were acquired in fiscal 2016. These
acquisitions constituted 9.5% of total assets, 1.4% and 0.5% of revenues and net income, respectively, included in the consolidated
financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal
control over financial reporting at Gavita International BV. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective
internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting,
included in the accompanying Annual Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control
over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in
the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s
principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board
of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A
company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of
records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2)
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance
with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or
timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or
improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a
timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods
are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
September 30, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules as of and for the year ended September 30, 2016 of the
Company and our report dated November 28, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial
statement schedules.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Columbus, Ohio
November 28, 2016
56
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In millions, except per share data)
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
2,836.1
1,833.0
7.7
995.4
$
2,728.0
1,813.4
6.6
908.0
2,578.3
1,688.2
—
890.1
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs related to refinancing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to controlling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Basic income per common share:
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic net income per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted income per common share:
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted net income per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
597.1
(47.2)
(13.8)
459.3
(7.8)
8.8
65.6
392.7
139.4
253.3
61.5
314.8
0.5
315.3
4.15
1.01
5.16
4.09
1.00
5.09
$
$
$
$
$
$
571.4
76.6
(2.1)
262.1
—
—
50.5
211.6
73.8
137.8
20.9
158.7
1.1
159.8
2.27
0.35
2.62
2.23
0.34
2.57
$
$
$
$
$
$
567.1
50.0
(10.7)
283.7
—
10.7
47.3
225.7
80.2
145.5
20.7
166.2
0.3
166.5
2.37
0.33
2.70
2.32
0.33
2.65
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
57
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In millions)
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net foreign currency translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0.9, $5.3
and $3.0 for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. . . . . . .
Reclassification of net unrealized losses on derivatives to net income, net
of tax of $3.6, $4.0 and $5.9 for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014,
respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net unrealized losses in pension and other post retirement benefits, net of
tax of $6.2, $4.6 and $4.9 for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014,
respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclassification of net pension and post-retirement benefit income to net
income, net of tax of $1.1, $1.9 and $1.9 for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and
fiscal 2014, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
314.8
$
158.7
$
166.2
(6.2)
(1.5)
(14.2)
(8.6)
(8.2)
(4.9)
5.8
6.5
9.5
(10.0)
(7.4)
(7.9)
1.8
(10.1)
304.7
—
3.1
(20.6)
138.1
—
304.7
$
138.1
$
3.1
(8.4)
157.8
—
157.8
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
58
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
314.8
$
158.7
$
166.2
Year Ended September 30,
2015
2014
2016
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs related to refinancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Gain) loss on sale of long-lived assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on contribution of SLS Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on investment of unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses:
Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid and other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of business, net of transaction costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in loans receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale and leaseback transaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash contributed to TruGreen Joint Venture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net distributions from unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in marketing and license agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of credit and term loans. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from issuance of 6.000% Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment of 6.625% Senior Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment of 7.25% Senior Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financing and issuance fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase of Common Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments on sellers notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash received from exercise of stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
0.2
2.2
15.6
53.8
19.7
83.6
(0.8)
(131.2)
—
(0.3)
—
(29.8)
(29.4)
(9.3)
(45.3)
22.9
(7.3)
(18.4)
(3.6)
237.4
2.4
—
(58.3)
(90.0)
—
(24.2)
194.1
—
(158.4)
(134.4)
4.3
—
13.2
51.4
17.6
1.3
—
—
—
—
—
(12.5)
(17.5)
1.8
6.9
12.9
12.1
(3.4)
0.1
246.9
5.5
—
(61.7)
—
—
—
—
(300.0)
(180.2)
(536.4)
2,069.1
(2,150.4)
400.0
(200.0)
—
(11.2)
(116.6)
(130.8)
(2.8)
5.8
14.7
(122.2)
(2.1)
(21.3)
71.4
50.1
$
1,836.0
(1,458.0)
—
—
—
(0.5)
(111.3)
(14.8)
(1.5)
4.7
24.3
278.9
(7.3)
(17.9)
89.3
71.4
$
33.7
3.5
11.1
50.6
13.8
12.1
1.1
—
(1.4)
—
(5.7)
(29.4)
(38.7)
(3.2)
52.6
(22.9)
4.9
(14.6)
7.2
240.9
3.7
7.2
(87.6)
—
35.1
—
—
—
(114.0)
(155.6)
1,932.8
(1,525.3)
—
—
(200.0)
(6.1)
(230.8)
(120.0)
(0.8)
5.9
20.0
(124.3)
(1.5)
(40.5)
129.8
89.3
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
59
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions, except stated value per share)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $7.2 in 2016 and $6.5 in 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable pledged. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accounts payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 17, 18 and 19)
Equity:
Common shares and capital in excess of $.01 stated value per share; shares outstanding
of 60.3 in 2016 and 61.4 in 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury shares, at cost; 7.8 shares in 2016 and 6.7 shares in 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total equity—controlling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities and equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
September 30,
2016
2015
50.1
196.4
174.7
448.2
—
122.3
991.7
101.0
470.8
373.2
750.9
121.2
2,808.8
185.0
165.9
—
242.2
593.1
1,131.1
350.3
2,074.5
401.7
881.8
(451.4)
(116.9)
715.2
19.1
734.3
2,808.8
$
$
$
$
71.4
157.7
152.9
395.8
220.3
121.1
1,119.2
—
444.1
283.8
655.1
25.0
2,527.2
132.6
193.1
41.7
251.2
618.6
1,025.0
250.5
1,894.1
400.4
684.2
(357.1)
(106.8)
620.7
12.4
633.1
2,527.2
60
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(In millions, except per share data)
Common Shares
Shares
Amount
Capital in
Excess of
Stated
Value
Retained
Earnings
Treasury Shares
Shares
Amount
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
Non-
controlling
Interest
Total
Total
Balance at September 30, 2013. . . . . .
68.1
$
0.3
$
397.2
$
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income . . . . . . .
Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . .
Dividends declared ($3.7625 per
share). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury share purchases . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury share issuances. . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in noncontrolling interest .
11.1
(13.3)
Balance at September 30, 2014. . . . . .
68.1
0.3
395.0
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . .
Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . .
Dividends declared ($1.8200 per
share). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury share purchases . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury share issuances. . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at September 30, 2015. . . . . .
68.1
0.3
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . .
Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . .
Dividends declared ($1.9100 per
share). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury share purchases . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury share issuances. . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in noncontrolling interest .
17.5
(12.4)
400.1
21.6
(20.3)
703.4
166.5
(233.0)
636.9
159.8
(112.5)
684.2
315.3
(117.7)
6.1
$ (312.6) $
(77.8) $ 710.5
$
— $ 710.5
(8.4)
166.5
(8.4)
11.1
(233.0)
(120.0)
27.0
—
2.1
(0.8)
(120.0)
40.3
7.4
(392.3)
(86.2)
553.7
(0.3)
166.2
(8.4)
11.1
(233.0)
(120.0)
27.0
13.8
567.2
13.8
13.5
159.8
(1.1)
158.7
(20.6)
(20.6)
17.5
(112.5)
(14.8)
37.6
(20.6)
17.5
(112.5)
(14.8)
37.6
(106.8)
620.7
12.4
633.1
315.3
(0.5)
314.8
(10.1)
(10.1)
21.6
(117.7)
(130.8)
16.2
—
(10.1)
21.6
(117.7)
(130.8)
16.2
7.2
7.2
0.2
(0.9)
6.7
(14.8)
50.0
(357.1)
1.8
(0.7)
(130.8)
36.5
Balance at September 30, 2016. . . . . .
68.1
$
0.3
$
401.4
$
881.8
7.8
$ (451.4) $
(116.9) $ 715.2
$
19.1
$ 734.3
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
61
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts Miracle-Gro” or “Parent”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, together with Scotts
Miracle-Gro, the “Company”) are engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and sale of consumer branded products for lawn and
garden care. 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, and indoor gardening and hydroponic stores.
The Company’s products are sold primarily in North America and the European Union.
Prior to April 13, 2016, the Company operated the Scotts LawnService® business (the “SLS Business”), which provided
residential and commercial lawn care, tree and shrub care and pest control services in the United States. On April 13, 2016,
pursuant to the terms of the Contribution and Distribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) between the Company and
TruGreen Holding Corporation (“TruGreen Holdings”), the Company completed the contribution of the SLS Business to a newly
formed subsidiary of TruGreen Holdings (the “TruGreen Joint Venture”) in exchange for a minority equity interest of 30% in the
TruGreen Joint Venture. As a result, effective in its second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company classified its results of operations
for all periods presented to reflect the SLS Business as a discontinued operation and classified the assets and liabilities of the SLS
Business as held for sale. See “NOTE 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS” and “NOTE 8. INVESTMENT IN
UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES” for further discussion. Refer to “NOTE 22. SEGMENT INFORMATION” for discussion
of the Company’s new reportable segments identified effective in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.
In March 2014, the Company completed the sale of its U.S. and Canadian wild bird food business. As a result, effective in
the second quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company classified its results of operations for all periods presented to reflect the wild bird
food business as a discontinued operation.
Due to the nature of the consumer lawn and garden business, the majority of the Company’s sales to customers occur in the
Company’s second and third fiscal quarters. On a combined basis, net sales for the second and third quarters of the last three fiscal
years represented in excess of 75% of the Company’s annual net sales.
The Company follows a 13-week quarterly accounting cycle pursuant to which the first three fiscal quarters end on a Saturday
and the fiscal year always ends on September 30. This fiscal calendar convention requires the Company to cycle forward the first
three fiscal quarter ends every six years. Fiscal 2016 is the most recent year impacted by this process and, as a result, the first
quarter of fiscal 2016 had six additional days and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 had five fewer days compared to the corresponding
quarters of fiscal 2015.
Organization and Basis of Presentation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Scotts Miracle-Gro and
its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s consolidation
criteria are based on majority ownership (as evidenced by a majority voting interest in the entity) and an objective evaluation and
determination of effective management control. AeroGrow International, Inc. (“AeroGrow”), and Gavita Holdings B.V., and its
subsidiaries (collectively, “Gavita”), in which the Company has controlling interests, are consolidated, with the equity owned by
other shareholders shown as noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the other shareholders’ portion of net
earnings and other comprehensive income shown as net income (loss) or comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling
interest in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, respectively.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and related disclosures. Although
these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the future,
actual results ultimately may differ from the estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when title and risk of loss transfer, which generally occurs when products or services are received
by the retail customer. Provisions for estimated returns and allowances are recorded at the time revenue is recognized based on
62
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
historical rates and are periodically adjusted for known changes in return levels. Outbound 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”),
pursuant to which the Company has served, since its 1998 fiscal year, as the exclusive agent to the Monsanto Company (“Monsanto”)
for the marketing and distribution of consumer Roundup® herbicide products, the Company performs certain functions, primarily
manufacturing conversion services (in North America), 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 the “Cost of sales” line and the reimbursement of these costs in the
“Net sales” line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations, with no effect on gross profit dollars or net income.
Under the terms of the Marketing, R&D and Ancillary Services Agreement (the “Services Agreement”) with Bonnie Plants,
Inc. (“Bonnie”) and its sole shareholder, Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Inc. (“AFC”), entered into in the second quarter of fiscal
2016, the Company provides marketing, research and development and certain ancillary services to Bonnie for reimbursement of
certain costs and a commission fee earned based on a percentage of the growth in earnings before interest, income taxes and
amortization of Bonnie’s business of planting, growing, developing, manufacturing, distributing, marketing, and selling live plants,
plant food, fertilizer and potting soil (the “Bonnie Business”). The commission earned under the Services Agreement is included
in the “Net sales” line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Additionally, the Company records costs incurred under the
Services Agreement for which the Company is the primary obligor on a gross basis, recognizing such costs in the “Cost of sales”
line and the reimbursement of these costs in the “Net sales” line, with no effect on gross profit dollars or net income.
Promotional Allowances
The Company promotes its branded products through, among other things, cooperative advertising programs with retailers.
Retailers may also be offered in-store promotional allowances and rebates based on sales volumes. Certain products are promoted
with direct consumer rebate programs and special purchasing incentives. Promotion costs (including allowances and rebates)
incurred during the year are expensed to interim periods in relation to revenues and are recorded as a reduction of net sales. Accruals
for expected payouts under these programs are included in the “Other current liabilities” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Advertising
Advertising costs incurred during the year 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. The costs deferred at September 30,
2016 and 2015 were $0.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
Advertising expenses were $132.2 million in fiscal 2016, $133.2 million in fiscal 2015 and $132.1 million in fiscal 2014.
Research and Development
All costs associated with research and development are charged to expense as incurred. Expenses for fiscal 2016, fiscal
2015 and fiscal 2014 were $45.5 million, $44.4 million and $46.0 million, respectively, including product registration costs of
$14.3 million, $13.0 million and $12.5 million, respectively.
Environmental Costs
The Company recognizes environmental liabilities when conditions requiring remediation are probable and the amounts can
be reasonably estimated. Expenditures which extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental
contamination are capitalized. Environmental liabilities are not discounted or reduced for possible recoveries from insurance
carriers.
Share-Based Compensation Awards
The fair value of awards is expensed over the requisite service period which is typically the vesting period, generally three
years, except in cases where employees are eligible for accelerated vesting based on having satisfied retirement requirements
relating to age and years of service. Performance-based awards are expensed over the requisite service period based on achievement
of performance criteria. The Company uses a binomial model to determine the fair value of its option grants. The Company
classifies share-based compensation expense within selling, general and administrative expenses to correspond with the same line
item as cash compensation paid to employees.
63
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Earnings per Common Share
Basic earnings per Common Share is computed based on the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding each
period. Diluted earnings per Common Share is computed based on the weighted-average number of Common Shares and dilutive
potential Common Shares (stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares and restricted stock unit awards) outstanding
each period.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash
equivalents. The Company maintains cash deposits in banks which from time to time exceed the amount of deposit insurance
available. Management periodically assesses the financial condition of the Company’s banks and believes that the risk of any
potential credit loss is minimal.
Accounts Receivable and Allowances
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Allowances for doubtful accounts
reflect the Company’s estimate of amounts in its existing accounts receivable that may not be collected due to customer claims or
customer inability or unwillingness to pay. The allowance is determined based on a combination of factors, including the Company’s
risk assessment regarding the credit worthiness of its customers, historical collection experience and length of time the receivables
are past due. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes it is probable the receivable
will not be recovered.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, principally determined by the first in, first out method of accounting.
Inventories include the cost of raw materials, labor, manufacturing overhead and freight and in-bound handling costs incurred to
pre-position goods in the Company’s warehouse network. The Company makes provisions for obsolete or slow-moving inventories
as necessary to properly reflect inventory at the lower of cost or market value. Adjustments to reflect inventories at net realizable
values were $10.8 million and $17.8 million at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Loans Receivable
Loans receivable are carried at outstanding principal amount, and are recognized in the “Other assets” line in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets. Loans receivable are impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company
will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. If it is determined that an
impairment has occurred, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the
present value of expected future cash flows and recorded within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis, and is recognized in the “Other income, net” line in the Consolidated Statements
of Operations.
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis, and is recognized in the “Other income, net” line in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations. Interest income was $3.9 million for fiscal 2016 and zero for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014.
Long-Lived Assets
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Interest capitalized in property, plant and equipment amounted to $0.3
million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million during fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. Expenditures for maintenance
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost of the asset and the
related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gain or loss being reflected in income from
operations.
64
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is provided on the straight-line method and is based on the estimated useful
economic lives of the assets as follows:
Land improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Furniture and fixtures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 – 25 years
10 – 40 years
3 – 15 years
6 – 10 years
3 – 8 years
Intangible assets subject to amortization include technology, such as patents, customer relationships, non-compete agreements
and certain tradenames. These intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful economic lives, which typically
range from 3 to 25 years. The Company’s fixed assets and intangible assets subject to amortization are required to be tested for
recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. If an evaluation
of recoverability was required, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows associated with the asset would be compared to the
asset’s carrying amount to determine if a write-down is required. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount,
an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds fair value and classified as “Impairment, restructuring
and other charges” within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company had non-cash investing activities of $12.4 million, $8.5 million and $7.0 million during fiscal 2016, fiscal
2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively, representing unpaid liabilities incurred during each fiscal year to acquire property, plant and
equipment.
Statements of Cash Flows
Supplemental cash flow information was as follows for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014:
Interest paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Call premium on 6.625% Senior Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Call premium on 7.25% Senior Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In millions)
(54.1) $
(6.6)
—
(80.9)
(47.6) $
—
—
(108.3)
(46.9)
—
(7.3)
(55.3)
The Company uses the “cumulative earnings” approach for determining cash flow presentation of distributions from
unconsolidated affiliates. Distributions received are included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as operating activities,
unless the cumulative distributions exceed the portion of the cumulative equity in the net earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate,
in which case the excess distributions are deemed to be returns of the investment and are classified as investing activities in the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Internal Use Software
The costs of internal use software are expensed or capitalized depending on whether they are incurred in the preliminary
project stage, application development stage or the post-implementation/operation stage. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, the
Company had $11.3 million and $18.3 million, respectively, in unamortized capitalized internal use computer software costs.
Amortization of these costs was $6.8 million, $6.0 million and $8.3 million during fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014,
respectively.
65
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible
assets are reviewed for impairment by applying a fair-value based test on an annual basis, as of the first day of the Company’s
fiscal fourth quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. With respect to goodwill, the
Company performs either a qualitative or quantitative evaluation for each of its reporting units. Factors considered in the qualitative
test include reporting unit specific operating results as well as new events and circumstances impacting the operations of the
reporting units. For the quantitative test, the Company assesses goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying value of its
reporting units to their respective fair values and reviewing the Company’s market value of invested capital. A reporting unit is
defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The Company has identified five reporting units. The
Company determines the fair value of its reporting units under the income-based approach utilizing discounted cash flows and
incorporates assumptions it believes marketplace participants would utilize. The Company also uses a comparative market-based
approach using market multiples and other factors to corroborate the discounted cash flow results used.
With respect to indefinite-lived intangible assets, the Company performs either a qualitative or quantitative evaluation for
each of its indefinite-lived intangible assets. Factors considered in the qualitative test include indefinite-lived intangible asset
specific operating results as well as new events and circumstances impacting the cash flows of the indefinite-lived intangible assets.
For the quantitative test, the value of all indefinite-lived intangible assets is determined under the income-based approach utilizing
discounted cash flows and incorporating assumptions the Company believes marketplace participants would utilize. For
tradenames, value was determined using a royalty savings methodology similar to that employed when the associated businesses
were acquired but using updated estimates of sales, cash flow and profitability. If it is determined that an impairment has occurred,
an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value and
classified as “Impairment, restructuring and other charges” within “Operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations.
Insurance and Self-Insurance
The Company maintains insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability and vehicle liability,
and is self-insured for employee-related health care benefits up to a specified level for individual claims. The Company accrues
for the expected costs associated with these risks by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors
and other relevant information. Costs are recognized in the period the claim is incurred, and accruals include an actuarially
determined estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized
for the anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement amounts and their respective
tax bases. Management reviews the Company’s deferred tax assets to determine whether their value can be realized based upon
available evidence. A valuation allowance is established when management believes that it is more likely than not that some
portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances from period to period are included in the
Company’s tax provision in the period of change.
The Company establishes a liability for tax return positions in which there is uncertainty as to whether or not the position
will ultimately be sustained. Amounts for uncertain tax positions are adjusted in quarters when new information becomes available
or when positions are effectively settled. The Company recognizes interest expense and penalties related to these unrecognized
tax benefits within income tax expense.
U.S. income tax expense and foreign withholding taxes are provided on unremitted foreign earnings that are not indefinitely
reinvested at the time the earnings are generated. Where foreign earnings are indefinitely reinvested, no provision for U.S. income
or foreign withholding taxes is made. When circumstances change and the Company determines that some or all of the undistributed
earnings will be remitted in the foreseeable future, the Company accrues an expense in the current period for U.S. income taxes
and foreign withholding taxes attributable to the anticipated remittance.
66
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Translation of Foreign Currencies
The functional currency for each Scotts Miracle-Gro subsidiary is generally its local currency. Assets and liabilities of these
subsidiaries are translated at the exchange rate in effect at each fiscal year-end. Income and expense accounts are translated at the
average rate of exchange prevailing during the year. Translation gains and losses arising from the use of differing exchange rates
from period to period are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency
transaction gains and losses are included in the determination of net income and classified as “Other income, net” in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations.
Derivative Instruments
The Company is exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices.
A variety of financial instruments, including forward and swap contracts, are used to manage these exposures. These financial
instruments are recognized at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and all changes in fair value are recognized in net
income or shareholders’ equity through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company’s objective in managing
these exposures is to better control these elements of cost and mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes
in the applicable rates and prices.
The Company has established policies and procedures that encompass risk-management philosophy and objectives,
guidelines for derivative-instrument usage, counterparty credit approval, and the monitoring and reporting of derivative activity.
The Company does not enter into derivative instruments for the purpose of speculation.
The Company formally designates and documents instruments at inception that qualify for hedge accounting of underlying
exposures in accordance with GAAP. The Company formally assesses, both at inception and at least quarterly, whether the financial
instruments used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in cash flows of the related underlying exposure.
Fluctuations in the value of these instruments generally are offset by changes in the cash flows of the underlying exposures being
hedged. This offset is driven by the high degree of effectiveness between the exposure being hedged and the hedging instrument.
GAAP requires all derivative instruments to be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the 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.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amended accounting guidance that replaces most
existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that
depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company
expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about
the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. Subsequently,
additional guidance was issued on several areas including guidance intended to improve the operability and understandability of
the implementation of principal versus agent considerations and clarifications on the identification of performance obligations and
implementation of guidance related to licensing. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements no later than
the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition
method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated results of operations, financial position
and cash flows.
Discontinued Operations Reporting
In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that amends the accounting guidance related to discontinued
operations. This amendment defines discontinued operations as a component or group of components that is disposed of or is
classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial
results. This amendment also introduces new disclosures for disposals that do not meet the criteria of discontinued operations.
The provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2014 and apply to new disposals and new classifications
of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date. The adoption of the amended guidance impacts presentation and
disclosure of future divestitures and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results
of operations or cash flows.
67
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Going Concern
In April 2014, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that requires management to assess if there is substantial doubt
about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for each annual and interim period. If conditions or events give rise to
substantial doubt, disclosures are required. The new accounting standard will be effective as of December 31, 2016 and is not
expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial statement disclosures.
Inventory
In July 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires inventory to be measured “at the lower of cost
and net realizable value,” thereby simplifying the current guidance that requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost or
market (market in this context is defined as one of three different measures, one of which is net realizable value). The provisions
are effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and are not expected to have a significant impact
on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt
liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the corresponding debt liability rather than as an asset. The
provisions are effective retrospectively for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2016. The
adoption of the amended guidance impacts presentation and disclosure of debt issuance costs and is not expected to have a significant
impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company had unamortized debt
issuance costs of $16.7 million and $11.3 million at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Cloud Computing Arrangements
In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that clarifies how customers in cloud computing arrangements
should determine whether the arrangement includes a software license, and requires acquired software licenses to be accounted
for as licenses of intangible assets. The provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and are not
expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Business Combinations
In September 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to simplify the accounting for measurement-period
adjustments by requiring an acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement
period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, and requiring disclosure of the portion of the
amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the
adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The provisions are effective prospectively
for the Company’s financial statements no later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2016 and are not expected to have a
significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Income Taxes
In November 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes
by requiring that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position.
The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements no later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017. The
standard allows for either a retrospective or prospective transition method and is not expected to have a significant impact on the
Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. At September 30, 2016, net current deferred tax
assets classified with prepaid and other current assets were $62.1 million.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which significantly changes the accounting for leases.
This guidance requires lessees to recognize a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset for
the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial statements no
later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2019 and require a modified retrospective transition approach for leases that exist
or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is
currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
68
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Share-Based Compensation
In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee
share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding
requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The provisions are effective for the Company’s financial
statements no later than the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard
on its consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
NOTE 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Scotts LawnService®
On April 13, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Contribution Agreement, the Company completed the contribution of the
SLS Business to the TruGreen Joint Venture in exchange for a minority equity interest of 30% in the TruGreen Joint Venture. As
a result, effective in its second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company classified its results of operations for all periods presented to
reflect the SLS Business as a discontinued operation and classified the assets and liabilities of the SLS Business as held for sale.
The Company’s gain on the contribution of $131.2 million, partially offset by the provision for deferred income taxes of $51.9
million, has been recorded in fiscal 2016 within results from discontinued operations.
Wild Bird Food
In March 2014, the Company completed the sale of its U.S. and Canadian wild bird food business, including intangible
assets, certain on-hand inventory and fixed assets, for $4.1 million in cash and $1.0 million in earn-out payments. As a result,
effective in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company classified its results of operations for all periods presented to reflect
the wild bird food business as a discontinued operation. In addition, in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company received $3.1
million for the sale of the remaining wild bird food manufacturing facilities resulting in a gain of $1.2 million.
The following table summarizes the results of the SLS Business and the wild bird food business within discontinued
operations for each of the periods presented:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In millions)
Net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Operating costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of wild bird food assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on contribution of SLS Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes . . . . . .
Income tax expense from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
101.2
117.4
13.6
(1.5)
—
(131.2)
102.9
41.4
61.5
$
$
288.5
258.6
1.4
(4.0)
—
—
32.5
11.6
20.9
$
$
281.1
252.7
1.0
(4.0)
(1.2)
—
32.6
11.9
20.7
69
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities of the SLS Business for each of the periods presented:
Accounts receivable, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid and other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill and intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Current portion of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year Ended September 30,
2015
(In millions)
33.6
11.8
8.3
9.6
157.0
220.3
2.2
4.8
29.2
3.5
2.0
41.7
The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows do not present the cash flows from discontinued operations separately from
cash flows from continuing operations. Cash provided by operating activities from the SLS Business was $26.8 million, $28.2
million and $19.2 million for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. Cash used in investing activities related to the
SLS Business was $1.4 million, $24.3 million and $3.4 million for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively.
NOTE 3. IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
Activity described herein is classified within the “Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other,” “Impairment,
restructuring and other” and “Income from discontinued operations, net of tax” lines in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following table details impairment, restructuring and other charges during fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In millions)
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other:
Restructuring and other charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
7.7
$
6.6
$
Operating expenses:
Restructuring and other (recoveries) charges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill and intangible asset impairments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other (recoveries) charges from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restructuring and other (recoveries) charges from discontinued operations .
Total impairment, restructuring and other (recoveries) charges . . . . . . . . . . . $
(47.2)
—
(39.5) $
13.6
(25.9) $
76.6
—
83.2
1.4
84.6
$
$
—
16.3
33.7
50.0
1.0
51.0
70
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table summarizes the activity related to liabilities associated with the restructuring and other, excluding
insurance reimbursement recoveries, during fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In millions)
Amounts reserved for restructuring and other at beginning of year . . . . . . . . $
Restructuring and other charges from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring and other charges from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts reserved for restructuring and other at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
28.1
16.4
13.6
(37.3)
20.8
$
$
16.0
83.2
1.4
(72.5)
28.1
$
$
11.1
16.3
1.0
(12.4)
16.0
Included in the restructuring reserves, as of September 30, 2016, is $1.5 million that is classified as long-term. Payments
against the long-term reserves will be incurred as the employees covered by the restructuring plan retire or through the passage
of time. The remaining amounts reserved will continue to be paid out over the course of the next twelve months.
Fiscal 2016
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company announced a series of initiatives called Project Focus designed to maximize
the value of its non-core assets and focus on emerging categories of the lawn and garden industry in its core U.S. business. On
April 13, 2016, as part of this project, the Company completed the contribution of the SLS Business to the TruGreen Joint Venture.
As a result, effective in its second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company classified its results of operations for all periods presented
to reflect the SLS Business as a discontinued operation and classified the assets and liabilities of the SLS Business as held for sale.
Refer to “NOTE 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS” for more information. During fiscal 2016, the Company recognized a
charge of $9.0 million for the resolution of a prior SLS Business litigation matter, as well as $4.6 million in transaction related
costs associated with the divestiture of the SLS Business within the “Income from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, during fiscal 2016, the Company recognized restructuring costs related to
termination benefits of $3.4 million within the U.S. Consumer segment and $2.0 million within the Europe Consumer segment,
as well as costs of $4.6 million related to other transaction activity within the “Impairment, restructuring and other” line in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company’s U.S. Consumer segment began experiencing an increase in certain
consumer complaints related to the reformulated Bonus® S fertilizer product sold in the southeastern United States during fiscal
2015 indicating customers were experiencing damage to their lawns after application. During fiscal 2016, the Company
recognized $6.4 million in costs related to resolving these consumer complaints and the recognition of costs the Company expects
to incur for current and expected consumer claims. Costs incurred through September 30, 2016 since the inception of this matter,
excluding insurance reimbursement recoveries, are $73.8 million. The Company has received reimbursement payments of $60.8
million through the end of fiscal 2016, including $40.9 million received during fiscal 2016. The Company recorded offsetting
insurance reimbursement recoveries upon resolution of the insurer’s review of claim documentation in the amount of $4.9 million in
fiscal 2015 and $55.9 million in fiscal 2016.
Fiscal 2015
During fiscal 2015, the Company recognized $22.2 million in restructuring costs related to termination benefits provided to
U.S. and international personnel as part of the Company’s restructuring of its U.S. administrative and overhead functions, the
continuation of the international profitability improvement initiative and the liquidation and exit from the U.K. Solus business.
The restructuring costs for fiscal 2015 include $4.3 million of costs related to the acceleration of equity compensation expense,
and were comprised of $3.7 million related to the U.S. Consumer segment, $10.3 million related to the Europe Consumer segment,
$0.2 million related to the Other segment and $6.6 million related to Corporate. In addition, costs of $1.4 million related to the
SLS Business were recognized within the “Income from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated Statements
of Operations.
During fiscal 2015, the Company recognized $62.4 million in costs related to consumer complaints and claims related to the
reformulated Bonus® S fertilizer product sold in the southeastern United States during fiscal 2015.
71
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Fiscal 2014
During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, as a result of financial performance, the Company recognized an impairment charge
for a non-recurring fair value adjustment of $33.7 million within the U.S. Consumer segment related to the Ortho® brand. The
fair value was calculated based upon the evaluation of the historical performance and future growth expectations of the Ortho®
business.
During fiscal 2014, the Company recognized $12.5 million in restructuring costs related to termination benefits provided to
U.S. personnel as part of the Company’s restructuring of its U.S. administrative and overhead functions, including $1.0 million
related to the SLS Business recognized within the “Income from discontinued operations, net of tax” line in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations. The Company also recognized $2.8 million of international restructuring and other adjustments during
fiscal 2014 for the continuation of the profitability improvement initiative announced in December 2012, associated with the
international restructuring plan to reduce headcount and streamline management decision making. In addition, during fiscal 2014,
the Company recognized $2.0 million in additional ongoing monitoring and remediation costs for the Company’s turfgrass
biotechnology program.
NOTE 4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
The following table displays a rollforward of the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment:
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accumulated impairment losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at September 30, 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions, net of purchase price adjustments and foreign
currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accumulated impairment losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at September 30, 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions, net of purchase price adjustments and foreign
currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accumulated impairment losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at September 30, 2016. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
U.S.
Consumer
Europe
Consumer
Other
Total
(In millions)
202.5
(1.8)
200.7
10.6
213.1
(1.8)
211.3
0.6
213.7
(1.8)
211.9
$
$
$
$
58.5
(58.5)
—
—
58.5
(58.5)
—
—
58.5
(58.5)
$
$
20.8
(2.5)
18.3
54.2
75.0
(2.5)
72.5
88.8
$
161.3
—
— $
161.3
$
$
$
$
281.8
(62.8)
219.0
64.8
346.6
(62.8)
283.8
89.4
433.5
(60.3)
373.2
72
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table presents intangible assets, net:
September 30, 2016
September 30, 2015
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Amount
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Amount
70.3
$
144.7
150.7
97.9
(59.2) $
(41.2)
(22.3)
(74.8)
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Customer accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tradenames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total finite-lived intangible assets,
net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Indefinite-lived tradenames . . . . . . . .
Marketing Agreement Amendment . .
Brand Extension Agreement . . . . . . .
Total indefinite-lived intangible
assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Fiscal 2016
(In millions)
11.1
$
103.5
128.4
23.1
266.1
184.8
188.3
111.7
484.8
750.9
$
69.7
95.6
94.6
88.7
(56.9) $
(32.1)
(16.9)
(72.4)
$
12.8
63.5
77.7
16.3
170.3
184.8
188.3
111.7
484.8
655.1
As a result of the annual impairment review in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company determined that no charges
for impairment of goodwill or intangible assets were required. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit with a significant
goodwill balance was substantially in excess of its carrying value as of the annual test date. Each of the indefinite-lived tradenames,
the Marketing Agreement Amendment, and Brand Extension Agreement had an estimated fair value substantially in excess of its
carrying value as of the annual test date.
Fiscal 2015
As a result of the annual impairment review, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company determined that no charges
for impairment of goodwill or intangible assets were required. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit with a significant
goodwill balance was substantially in excess of its carrying value as of the annual test date. Each of the indefinite-lived tradenames
had an estimated fair value substantially in excess of its carrying value as of the annual test date, with the exception of the Ortho®
brand.
Fiscal 2014
During the third quarter of 2014, the Company completed an impairment review and recognized an impairment charge for
a non-recurring fair value adjustment of $33.7 million, within the U.S. Consumer segment related to the Ortho® brand. The fair
value was calculated based upon the evaluation of the historical performance and future growth expectations of the Ortho® business.
The impact of the fair value adjustment was to reduce the carrying value of the indefinite-lived Ortho® brand and sub-brands from
$126.0 million to $92.3 million. The impairment charge is discussed further in “NOTE 3. IMPAIRMENT, RESTRUCTURING
AND OTHER CHARGES.” As a result of the annual impairment review, the Company also determined that no other charges for
impairment of goodwill or intangible assets were required. The estimated fair value of each reporting unit with a significant
goodwill balance was substantially in excess of its carrying value as of the annual test date. Each of the indefinite-lived tradenames
had an estimated fair value substantially in excess of its carrying value as of the annual test date, with the exception of the Ortho®
brand.
73
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Total amortization expense for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $18.8 million, $15.7 million and
$13.0 million, respectively. Amortization expense is estimated to be as follows for the years ending September 30 (in millions):
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NOTE 5. DETAIL OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTS
The following is detail of certain financial statement accounts:
September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
INVENTORIES:
Finished goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Work-in-progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Raw materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS:
Deferred tax asset. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accounts receivable, non-trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
248.7
56.9
142.6
448.2
62.1
17.7
42.5
122.3
$
$
$
$
September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Land and improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Furniture and fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Construction in progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: accumulated depreciation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
OTHER ASSETS:
Unamortized debt issuance costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Loans receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
113.0
249.1
552.2
39.8
114.8
6.7
28.5
1,104.1
(633.3)
470.8
16.7
90.0
14.5
121.2
$
$
$
$
19.2
18.5
17.2
16.4
15.9
218.9
48.3
128.6
395.8
78.2
10.9
32.0
121.1
96.5
219.7
538.3
36.8
111.5
6.7
28.5
1,038.0
(593.9)
444.1
11.3
—
13.7
25.0
74
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Payroll and other compensation accruals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Advertising and promotional accruals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accrued pension and postretirement liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Unrecognized loss on derivatives, net of tax of $2.8, $5.6 and $4.3 . . . . . . . $
Pension and other postretirement liabilities, net of tax of $41.2, $39.3 and
$38.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
72.6
65.8
103.8
242.2
94.8
219.1
36.4
350.3
$
$
$
$
56.5
67.0
127.7
251.2
92.5
125.4
32.6
250.5
September 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In millions)
(4.7) $
(9.0) $
(6.9)
(66.9)
(45.3)
(116.9) $
(63.7)
(34.1)
(106.8) $
(62.4)
(16.9)
(86.2)
NOTE 6. MARKETING AGREEMENT
The Scotts Company LLC (“Scotts LLC”) and Monsanto are parties to the Marketing Agreement, pursuant to which the
Company has served since its 1998 fiscal year, as Monsanto’s exclusive agent for the marketing and distribution of consumer
Roundup® herbicide products (with additional rights to new products containing glyphosate or other similar non-selective
herbicides) in the consumer lawn and garden market. Under the terms of the Marketing Agreement, the Company is entitled to
receive an annual commission from Monsanto as 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 of the consumer Roundup® business in the markets covered by the Marketing Agreement subject to the achievement of
annual earnings thresholds. The Marketing Agreement also requires the Company to make annual payments of $20.0 million to
Monsanto as a contribution against the overall expenses of the consumer Roundup® business. From 1998 until May 15, 2015, the
Marketing Agreement covered the United States and other specified countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada,
France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. On May 15, 2015, the territories were expanded to cover additional
countries as outlined below.
In consideration for the rights granted to the Company under the Marketing Agreement in 1998, the Company paid a marketing
fee of $32 million to Monsanto. The Company deferred this amount on the basis that the payment will provide a future benefit
through commissions that will be earned under the Marketing Agreement. The economic useful life over which the marketing
fee is being amortized is twenty years, with a remaining unamortized amount of $1.6 million and remaining amortization period
of two years as of September 30, 2016.
On May 15, 2015, the Company and Monsanto entered into an Amendment to the Marketing Agreement (the “Marketing
Agreement Amendment”), a Lawn and Garden Brand Extension Agreement (the “Brand Extension Agreement”) and a
Commercialization and Technology Agreement (the “Commercialization and Technology Agreement”). In consideration for these
agreements, the Company paid $300.0 million to Monsanto on August 14, 2015 using borrowings under its credit facility.
Among other things, the Marketing Agreement Amendment amends the Marketing Agreement in the following significant
respects:
75
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
• Expands the territories in which the Company may serve as Monsanto’s exclusive agent in the consumer lawn and
garden market to include all countries other than Japan and countries subject to a comprehensive U.S. trade embargo
or certain other embargoes and trade restrictions.
• Eliminates the initial and renewal terms that the original Marketing Agreement applied to European Union (“EU”)
countries. As amended, the term of the Marketing Agreement will now continue indefinitely for all included markets,
including EU countries within the included markets, unless and until otherwise terminated in accordance with the
Marketing Agreement.
• Revises the procedures of the Marketing Agreement relating to a potential sale of the consumer Roundup® business to
(1) require Monsanto to negotiate exclusively with the Company with respect to any potential Roundup® sale for 60
days after the Company receives notice from Monsanto regarding a potential Roundup® sale and (2) provide the
Company with a right of first offer and a right of last look in connection with a potential Roundup® sale to a third party.
In addition, if the Company makes a bid in connection with a Roundup® sale, the then-applicable termination fee would
serve as a credit against the purchase price and the Monsanto board of directors would not be permitted to discount
the value of the Company’s bid compared to a competing bid as a result of the termination fee discount.
• Requires the Company to (1) provide notice to Monsanto of certain proposals and processes that may result in a sale
of the Company and (2) conduct non-exclusive negotiations with Monsanto with respect to such a sale.
•
Increases the minimum termination fee payable under the Marketing Agreement to the greater of (1) $200.0 million
or (2) four times (A) the average of the program earnings before interest or income taxes for the three trailing program
years prior to the year of termination, minus (B) the 2015 program earnings before interest or income taxes.
• Amends Monsanto’s termination rights and provides additional rights to the Company in the event of a termination,
as follows:
delays the effectiveness of a notice of termination given by Monsanto as a result of a change of control with
respect to Monsanto or a sale of the consumer Roundup® business to a third party from (1) the end of the later
of 12 months or the next program year to (2) the end of the fifth full program year after Monsanto gives such
notice;
eliminates Monsanto’s termination rights for a regional performance default, a change of significant ownership
of the Company or an uncured or incurable egregious injury (as each is defined in the Marketing Agreement);
and
eliminates Monsanto’s termination rights in connection with a change in control of the Company or Scotts
Miracle-Gro as long as the Company has determined, in its reasonable commercial opinion, that the acquirer
can and will fully perform the duties and obligations of the Company under the Marketing Agreement.
• Expands the Company’s termination rights to include termination for a brand decline event (as defined in the Marketing
Agreement Amendment) occurring before program year 2023.
• Expands the Company’s assignment rights to allow the Company to transfer its rights, interests and obligations under
the Marketing Agreement with respect to (1) the North America territories and (2) one or more other included markets
for up to three other assignments.
• Amends the commission structure by (1) eliminating the commission threshold for program years 2016, 2017 and
2018, (2) setting the commission threshold for the subsequent program years at $40 million and (3) establishing the
commission payable by Monsanto to the Company for each program year at an amount equal to 50% of the program
earnings before interest and income taxes for such program year.
The Brand Extension Agreement provides the Company a worldwide, exclusive license to use the Roundup® brand on
additional products offered by the Company outside of the non-selective weed category within the residential lawn and garden
market. The application of the Roundup® brand to these additional products is subject to a product review and approval process
developed between the Company and Monsanto. Monsanto will maintain oversight of its brand, the handling of brand registrations
covering these new products and new territories, as well as primary responsibility for brand enforcement. The Brand Extension
Agreement has an initial term of twenty years, which will automatically renew for additional successive twenty year terms, at the
Company’s sole option, for no additional monetary consideration.
76
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Commercialization and Technology Agreement provides for the Company and Monsanto to further develop and
commercialize new products and technology developed at Monsanto and intended for introduction into the residential lawn and
garden market. Under the Commercialization and Technology Agreement, the Company receives an exclusive first look at new
Monsanto technology and products and an annual review of Monsanto’s developing products and technologies. The
Commercialization and Technology Agreement has a term of thirty years (subject to early termination upon a termination event
under the Marketing Agreement or the Brand Extension Agreement).
The Company recorded the $300.0 million consideration paid by the Company to Monsanto in connection with the entry
into the Marketing Agreement Amendment, the Brand Extension Agreement and the Commercialization and Technology
Agreement as intangible assets and the related economic useful life of such assets is indefinite. The identifiable intangible assets
include the Marketing Agreement Amendment and the Brand Extension Agreement with allocated fair value of $188.3 million
and $111.7 million, respectively. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an income-
based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining useful
life discounted to present value using an appropriate rate of return.
Under the terms of the Marketing Agreement, the Company performs certain functions, primarily manufacturing conversion
services (in North America), 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 the “Cost of sales” line and the reimbursement of these costs in the “Net sales” line in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations, with no effect on gross profit dollars or net income.
The gross commission earned under the Marketing Agreement, the contribution payments to Monsanto and the amortization
of the initial marketing fee paid to Monsanto in 1998 are included in the calculation of net sales in the Company’s Consolidated
Statements of Operations. The elements of the net commission and reimbursements earned under the Marketing Agreement and
included in “Net sales” are as follows:
Year Ended September 30
2016
2015
2014
(In millions)
Gross commission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Contribution expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of marketing fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net commission income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reimbursements associated with Marketing Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total net sales associated with Marketing Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
109.1
(20.0)
(0.8)
88.3
65.5
153.8
$
$
88.7
(20.0)
(0.8)
67.9
63.3
131.2
$
$
85.2
(20.0)
(0.8)
64.4
63.0
127.4
NOTE 7. ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS
Fiscal 2016
On May 26, 2016, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary The Hawthorne Gardening Company, acquired majority
control and a 75% economic interest in Gavita for $136.2 million. The remaining 25% interest was retained by Gavita’s former
ownership group. This transaction provides the Company’s Other segment with a presence in the lighting category of indoor and
urban gardening, which is a part of the Company’s long-term growth strategy. Gavita, which is based in the Netherlands, is a
leading producer and marketer of indoor lighting used in the greenhouse and hydroponic markets, predominately in the United
States and Europe. The purchase price includes contingent consideration with an estimated fair value of $2.5 million, the payment
of which will depend on the performance of the business through calendar year 2019. The preliminary valuation of the acquired
assets included (i) $6.4 million of cash, prepaid and other current assets, (ii) $38.3 million of inventory and accounts receivable,
(iii) $1.5 million in fixed assets, (iv) $18.7 million of accounts payable and other current liabilities, (v) $5.5 million of short term
debt, (vi) $102.6 million of finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, (vii) $82.7 million of goodwill, and (viii) $25.7 million of
deferred tax liabilities. Identifiable intangible assets included tradenames, customer relationships and non-compete arrangements
with useful lives ranging between 5 and 25 years. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined
using an income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over
the remaining useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. Net sales for Gavita included within the
Other segment for fiscal 2016 were $35.7 million. Gavita’s former ownership group has retained a 25% noncontrolling interest
in Gavita consisting of ownership of 5% of the outstanding shares of Gavita and a loan with interest payable based on distributions
77
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
by Gavita. The loan represents a non-cash financing activity and has been recorded at fair value in the “Long-term debt” line in
the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The preliminary valuation of the loan was $37.7 million. The fair value measurement was
classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company completed an acquisition within the Other segment to expand its Canadian
growing media operations for an estimated purchase price of $33.9 million. The purchase price includes contingent consideration
with an estimated fair value of $10.8 million, the payment of which will depend on the performance of the business in fiscal years
2016 and 2017. The preliminary valuation of the acquired assets included (i) $4.7 million of inventory and accounts receivable,
(ii) $18.6 million in fixed assets, (iii) $11.4 million of finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, (iv) $1.4 million of deferred tax
liabilities, (v) an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture of $0.7 million and (vi) $2.1 million of goodwill. Identifiable
intangible assets included peat bog lease rights, tradenames, customer relationships and non-compete arrangements with useful
lives ranging between 5 and 25 years. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an
income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining
useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. Net sales related to this acquisition included within the
Other segment for fiscal 2016 were $6.4 million.
These acquisitions include non-cash investing activities of $13.3 million representing contingent consideration. The payment
of these amounts will depend on the future performance of the business, subject to adjustment for certain contractually defined
metrics.
On October 3, 2016, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary The Hawthorne Gardening Company, completed
the acquisition of American Agritech, L.L.C., d/b/a Botanicare, an Arizona-based leading producer of plant nutrients, plant
supplements and growing systems used for hydroponic gardening for an estimated purchase price of $90.0 million.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company entered into definitive agreements with Bonnie and its sole shareholder,
AFC, providing for the Company’s participation in the Bonnie Business. The Company’s participation includes a Term Loan
Agreement from the Company to AFC, with Bonnie as guarantor, in the amount of $72.0 million with a fixed coupon rate
of 6.95% (the “Term Loan”) as well as a Services Agreement pursuant to which the Company will provide marketing, research
and development and certain ancillary services to the Bonnie Business for a commission fee based on the profits of the Bonnie
Business and the reimbursement of certain costs. These agreements also include options beginning in fiscal 2020 that provide for
either (i) the Company to increase its economic interest in the Bonnie Business or (ii) AFC and Bonnie to repurchase the Company’s
economic interest in the Bonnie Business. During fiscal 2016, the Company recognized commission fees of $3.6 million and
recognized cost reimbursements of $0.6 million, respectively.
The Company’s option to increase its economic interest in the Bonnie Business (the “Bonnie Option”) is required to be
accounted for as a derivative instrument and is recorded at fair value in the “Other assets” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheets,
with changes in fair value recognized in the “Other income (loss), net” line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The
estimated fair value of the Bonnie Option was determined using a simulation approach, whereby the total value of the loan receivable
and optional exchange for additional equity was estimated considering a distribution of possible future cash flows discounted to
present value using an appropriate discount rate. The estimated fair value of the Bonnie Option was $10.9 million as of September
30, 2016, and the fair value measurement was classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Fiscal 2015
On March 30, 2015, the Company acquired the assets of General Hydroponics, Inc. (“General Hydroponics”) and Bio-
Organic Solutions, Inc. (“Vermicrop”) for $120.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively. This transaction provided the Company’s
Other segment with an additional entry into the indoor and urban gardening market, which is a part of the Company’s long-term
growth strategy. General Hydroponics and Vermicrop are leading producers of liquid plant food products, growing media, and
accessories for the hydroponic markets. The General Hydroponics purchase price included non-cash investing activity of $1.0
million representing the deferral of a portion of the purchase price into fiscal 2016, of which $0.5 million was paid in the second
quarter of fiscal 2016. The Vermicrop purchase price included $5.0 million of contingent consideration, which was paid during
the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The Vermicrop purchase price and contingent consideration was paid in common shares of Scotts
Miracle-Gro (“Common Shares”) based on the average share price at the time of payment. The valuation of the acquired assets
was determined during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 and included (i) $14.2 million of inventory and accounts receivable, (ii)
$5.7 million in fixed assets, (iii) $65.0 million of finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, and (iv) $53.9 million of tax-deductible
goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets included tradenames, customer relationships and non-compete arrangements with useful
lives ranging between 5 and 26 years. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an
income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining
useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. Net sales for General Hydroponics and Vermicrop
included within the Other segment for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 were $64.1 million and $30.9 million, respectively.
78
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
During fiscal 2015, the Company completed four acquisitions of growing media operations, two within the U.S. Consumer
segment and two within the Other segment, for an aggregate purchase price of $40.2 million. These acquisitions expand the
Company’s growing media operations and distribution capabilities within its U.S. Consumer and Other segments. The valuation
of the acquired assets for the transactions included (i) $10.1 million in finite-lived identifiable intangible assets, (ii) $11.4 million
in fixed assets, (iii) $10.6 million in tax deductible goodwill, and (iv) $9.9 million of inventory and accounts receivable. Identifiable
intangible assets include tradenames and customer relationships with useful lives ranging between 7 and 20 years. The estimated
fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an income-based approach, which includes market participant
expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate
discount rate.
The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations for these business combinations from the date of each
acquisition.
Fiscal 2014
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company obtained control of the operations of AeroGrow through its increased
involvement, influence, and working capital loan of $4.5 million provided in July 2014. AeroGrow is a developer, marketer,
direct-seller, and wholesaler of advanced indoor garden systems designed for consumer use in gardening, cooking, healthy eating,
and home and office décor markets. AeroGrow operates primarily in the United States and Canada, as well as Australia and select
countries in Europe and Asia. The valuation of acquired assets included finite-lived identifiable intangible assets of $13.7 million,
and goodwill of $11.6 million. Identifiable intangible assets included tradename and customer relationships with useful lives
ranging between 9 to 20 years. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an income-
based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining useful
life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. Net sales for AeroGrow included in the Other segment for
fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 were $21.4 million, $17.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
On September 30, 2014, Scotts Miracle-Gro’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Scotts Canada Ltd., acquired Fafard & Brothers
Ltd. (“Fafard”) for $59.8 million. Fafard is a Canadian based producer of peat moss and growing media products for the consumer
and professional markets, including peat-based and bark-based mixes, composts and premium soils. The acquisition of Fafard
increases the Company’s presence within Canada as Fafard serves customers primarily across Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick.
The valuation of acquired assets included working capital of $17.6 million, property, plant, and equipment of $23.4 million, finite-
lived identifiable intangible assets of $12.6 million, and tax deductible goodwill of $7.9 million. Working capital included accounts
receivable of $4.7 million, inventory of $17.7 million, and accounts payable of $4.8 million. Identifiable intangible assets included
tradename, customer relationships, non-compete agreements, and peat harvesting rights with useful lives ranging between 1 to 20
years. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an income-based approach, which
includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining useful life discounted to
present value using an appropriate discount rate. Included in the purchase price of Fafard is $7.1 million of contingent consideration,
the payment of which will depend on the performance of the business through fiscal 2016. Net sales for Fafard included in the
Other segment for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 were $37.5 million and $37.8 million, respectively.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, in an effort to expand the rodenticide product offerings, the Company completed
the $60.0 million all-cash acquisition of the assets of the Tomcat® consumer rodent control business from Bell Laboratories, Inc.
located in Madison, Wisconsin. Tomcat® consumer products are sold at home centers, mass retailers, and grocery, drug and general
merchandise stores across the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. The valuation of the acquired assets included finite-
lived identifiable intangible assets of $39.8 million, and tax deductible goodwill of $18.2 million. Also, the Company received
a $2.0 million credit toward the purchase of finished goods in the months subsequent to acquisition date. Identifiable intangible
assets included tradename, technology, customer relationships, product registrations and non-compete agreements with useful
lives ranging between 10 to 30 years. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets were determined using an
income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows that an asset will generate over the remaining
useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate rate of return.
The Company completed an acquisition of the assets of the U.K. based Solus Garden and Leisure Limited (“Solus”) in fiscal
2014 within its Europe Consumer segment for $7.4 million, $1.1 million of which was paid in cash and $6.3 million of which was
paid through the forgiveness of outstanding accounts receivable owed by Solus to the Company. Solus is a supplier of garden and
leisure products and offers a diverse mix of brands.
The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations for these business combinations from the date of each
acquisition.
79
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
NOTE 8. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES
As of September 30, 2016, the Company held a minority equity interest of 30% in the TruGreen Joint Venture. This interest
was initially recorded at an estimated fair value of $294.0 million on the transaction date and subsequently is accounted for using
the equity method of accounting, with the Company’s proportionate share of the TruGreen Joint Venture earnings reflected in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, the Company and TruGreen Holdings entered into a limited liability company
agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) governing the management of the TruGreen Joint Venture, as well as certain ancillary agreements
including a transition services agreement and an employee leasing agreement. The LLC Agreement provides the Company with
minority representation on the board of directors of the TruGreen Joint Venture.
In connection with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Contribution Agreement on April 13, 2016, the
TruGreen Joint Venture obtained debt financing and made an excess distribution of $196.2 million to the Company which has
been recorded as a return of investment and classified as a cash inflow from investing activities in the Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows. The Company also invested $18.0 million in second lien term loan financing to the TruGreen Joint Venture. The
Company was reimbursed $52.6 million during fiscal 2016, has accounts receivable of $14.9 million at September 30, 2016 for
expenses incurred pursuant to a short-term transition services agreement and an employee leasing agreement and has an
indemnification asset of $9.6 million at September 30, 2016 for future payments on claims associated with insurance programs. The
Company received distributions from unconsolidated affiliates intended to cover required tax payments of $7.5 million during
fiscal 2016.
The following tables present summarized financial information for the TruGreen Joint Venture as of September 30, 2016
and for the Company’s fiscal 2016:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Current portion of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities and equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
September 30, 2016
(in millions)
92.3
159.1
916.8
165.3
376.0
1,709.5
210.9
6.9
726.0
80.6
685.1
1,709.5
Year Ended September 30,
2016
(in millions)
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general, administrative and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring and other charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
808.4
308.6
51.2
30.8
164.8
34.8
27.0
80
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The summarized financial information for the TruGreen Joint Venture includes activity from the date of formation of the
TruGreen Joint Venture on April 13, 2016 through September 30, 2016. Net income does not include income taxes, which are
recognized and paid by the partners of the TruGreen Joint Venture. The income taxes associated with the Company’s share of net
income has been recorded in the “Income tax expense from continuing operations” line in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The Company recognized equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates of $7.8 million in fiscal 2016. Included within
income of unconsolidated affiliates for fiscal 2016 is the Company’s $11.7 million share of restructuring and other charges incurred
by the TruGreen Joint Venture. These charges included $6.0 million for transaction and merger costs, $4.4 million for nonrecurring
integration and separation costs and $1.3 million for a non-cash fair value write-down adjustment on deferred revenue and
advertising as part of the transaction accounting. At September 30, 2016, consolidated retained earnings contained undistributed
earnings of $0.2 million, net of tax, of unconsolidated affiliates.
NOTE 9. RETIREMENT PLANS
The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan for substantially all U.S. associates. The Company matches
150% of associates’ initial 4% contribution and 50% of their remaining contribution up to 6%. The Company may make additional
discretionary profit sharing matching contributions to eligible employees on their initial 4% contribution. The Company recorded
charges of $13.0 million, $11.5 million and $11.7 million under the plan in fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively.
The Company sponsors two defined benefit pension plans for certain U.S. associates. Benefits under these plans have been
frozen and closed to new associates since 1997. The benefits under the primary plan are based on years of service and the associates’
average final compensation or stated amounts. The Company’s funding policy, consistent with statutory requirements and tax
considerations, is based on actuarial computations using the Projected Unit Credit method. The second frozen plan is a non-
qualified supplemental pension plan. This plan provides for incremental pension payments so that total pension payments equal
amounts that would have been payable from the Company’s pension plan if it were not for limitations imposed by the income tax
regulations.
The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans associated with its international businesses in the United Kingdom,
Germany, France and the Netherlands. These plans generally cover all associates of the respective businesses, with retirement
benefits primarily based on years of service and compensation levels. In fiscal 2013, the Company’s remaining obligations were
settled for the defined benefit pension plan associated with its Netherlands business. On July 1, 2010, the Company froze its two
U.K. defined benefit pension plans and transferred participants to an amended defined contribution plan. Under the frozen defined
benefit plans, participants are no longer credited for future service; however, future salary increases will continue to be factored
into each participant’s final pension benefit.
81
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following tables present information about benefit obligations, plan assets, annual expense, assumptions and other
information about the Company’s defined benefit pension plans. The defined benefit pension plans are valued using a September 30
measurement date.
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Projected benefit obligation at end of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . $
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Actual return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employer contribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Underfunded status at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Information for pension plans with an accumulated
benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:
Projected benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accumulated benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
consist of:
Noncurrent assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncurrent liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total amount accrued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Amounts recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive loss consist of:
Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total amount recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
U.S. Defined
Benefit Pension Plans
International
Defined
Benefit Pension Plans
2016
2015
2016
2015
(In millions)
117.3
$
109.2
$
198.1
$
208.3
—
4.3
3.8
(7.2)
—
—
118.2
118.2
83.5
9.9
3.2
(7.2)
—
—
$
$
$
—
4.0
11.4
(7.3)
—
—
117.3
117.3
89.8
(1.4)
2.4
(7.3)
—
—
$
$
$
$
89.4
(28.8) $
$
83.5
(33.8) $
1.1
6.5
45.5
(8.0)
(0.9)
(26.9)
215.4
209.7
168.6
37.1
$
$
$
6.1
(8.0)
(26.4)
(0.9)
$
176.5
(38.9) $
118.2
$
117.3
$
215.4
$
118.2
89.4
117.3
83.5
209.7
176.5
— $
(0.2)
(28.6)
(28.8) $
46.4
—
46.4
$
$
— $
(0.2)
(33.6)
(33.8) $
49.2
—
49.2
$
$
$
0.5
(0.9)
(38.5)
(38.9) $
64.2
0.3
64.5
$
$
1.2
7.3
4.5
(6.4)
(1.1)
(15.7)
198.1
192.0
166.3
13.9
7.4
(6.4)
(11.5)
(1.1)
168.6
(29.5)
198.1
192.0
168.6
2.4
(0.9)
(31.0)
(29.5)
57.8
0.3
58.1
82
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Total change in other comprehensive loss attributable to:
Pension benefit (loss) gain during the period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Reclassification of pension benefit losses to net income . . . . .
Foreign currency translation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total change in other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss
expected to be recognized as components of net periodic
benefit cost in fiscal 2017 are as follows:
Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amount to be amortized into net periodic benefit cost . . . . . . $
Weighted average assumptions used in development of
projected benefit obligation:
U.S. Defined
Benefit Pension Plans
International
Defined
Benefit Pension Plans
2016
2015
2016
2015
(In millions, except percentage figures)
1.1
1.8
—
2.9
1.7
—
1.7
$
$
(18.2)
3.3
—
(14.9)
$
$
$
$
(15.8)
1.6
7.8
(6.4)
$
$
0.5
1.7
4.8
7.0
2.1
—
2.1
Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.07%
n/a
3.82%
n/a
2.07%
3.46%
3.52%
3.49%
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net periodic benefit cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contractual termination benefits . . . . . . . . . . .
Total benefit cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Weighted average assumptions used in
development of net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. Defined
Benefit Pension Plans
International
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
(In millions, except percentage figures)
— $
4.3
(5.0)
1.8
1.1
—
1.1
$
— $
4.0
(5.4)
3.3
1.9
—
1.9
$
— $
4.5
(5.2)
3.7
3.0
—
3.0
$
1.1
6.5
(7.4)
1.6
1.8
—
1.8
$
$
1.2
7.3
(8.9)
1.7
1.3
—
1.3
$
$
1.2
8.3
(9.4)
1.4
1.5
0.3
1.8
3.81%
5.50%
n/a
3.81%
6.25%
n/a
4.32%
6.25%
n/a
3.52%
4.70%
3.5%
3.73%
5.63%
3.7%
4.32%
6.17%
3.7%
83
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
U.S. Defined
Benefit Pension
Plans
International
Defined
Benefit
Pension Plans
(In millions, except percentage
figures)
Other information:
Plan asset allocations:
Target for September 30, 2017:
Equity securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Insurance contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2016:
Equity securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Insurance contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30, 2015:
Equity securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Insurance contracts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected Company contributions in fiscal 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Expected future benefit payments:
25%
70%
5%
—%
—%
23%
70%
4%
3%
—%
23%
70%
4%
3%
—%
3.7
2017. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2022 – 2027. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.6
36.5
30%
68%
—%
—%
2%
29%
69%
—%
—%
2%
31%
67%
—%
—%
2%
$
$
4.7
6.0
6.3
6.6
6.6
7.0
41.8
84
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following tables set forth the fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets, segregated by level within the fair value
hierarchy:
September 30, 2016
Quoted Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
(In millions)
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets
Cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Mutual funds—real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mutual funds—equities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mutual funds—fixed income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
International Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Insurance contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mutual funds—equities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mutual funds—fixed income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2.2
—
—
—
2.2
0.7
—
—
—
0.7
$
$
$
$
— $
3.8
20.9
62.5
87.2
$
— $
2.6
51.8
121.4
175.8
$
— $
—
—
—
— $
— $
—
—
—
— $
September 30, 2015
Quoted Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
(In millions)
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets
Cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Mutual funds—real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mutual funds—equities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mutual funds—fixed income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
International Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Insurance contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mutual funds—equities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mutual funds—fixed income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2.6
—
—
—
2.6
0.6
—
—
—
0.6
$
$
$
$
— $
3.5
19.0
58.4
80.9
$
— $
2.6
52.3
113.1
168.0
$
— $
—
—
—
— $
— $
—
—
—
— $
2.2
3.8
20.9
62.5
89.4
0.7
2.6
51.8
121.4
176.5
2.6
3.5
19.0
58.4
83.5
0.6
2.6
52.3
113.1
168.6
The fair value of the mutual funds are valued at the exchange-listed year end closing price or at the net asset value of shares
held by the fund at the end of the year. Insurance contracts are valued by discounting the related cash flows using a current year
end market rate or at cash surrender value, which is presumed to equal fair value.
85
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Investment Strategy
Target allocation percentages among various asset classes are maintained based on an individual investment policy established
for each of the various pension plans. Asset allocations are designed to achieve long-term objectives of return while mitigating
against downside risk and considering expected cash requirements necessary to fund benefit payments. However, the Company
cannot predict future investment returns and therefore cannot determine whether future pension plan funding requirements could
materially and adversely affect its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Basis for Long-Term Rate of Return on Asset Assumptions
The Company’s expected long-term rate of return on asset assumptions are derived from studies conducted by third parties.
The studies include a review of anticipated future long-term performance of individual asset classes and consideration of the
appropriate asset allocation strategy given the anticipated requirements of the plans to determine the average rate of earnings
expected. While the studies give appropriate consideration to recent fund performance and historical returns, the assumptions
primarily represent expectations about future rates of return over the long term. The decrease in expected long-term rate of return
assumptions during fiscal 2016 is driven by a decline in fixed income yields.
NOTE 10. ASSOCIATE MEDICAL BENEFITS
The Company provides comprehensive major medical benefits to certain of its retired associates and their dependents.
Substantially all of the Company’s domestic associates who were hired before January 1, 1998 become eligible for these benefits
if they retire at age 55 or older with more than 10 years of service. The retiree medical plan requires certain minimum contributions
from retired associates and includes provisions to limit the overall cost increases the Company is required to cover. The Company
funds its portion of retiree medical benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis.
86
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table sets forth information about the retiree medical plan for domestic associates. The retiree medical plan
is valued using a September 30 measurement date.
Change in Accumulated Plan Benefit Obligation (APBO):
Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Service cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan participants’ contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid (net of federal subsidy of $0.0 and $0.3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Employer contribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan participants’ contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets at end of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Unfunded status at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Noncurrent liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total amount accrued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Unamortized prior service credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total amount recognized. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total change in other comprehensive loss attributable to:
Benefit loss during the period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net prior service credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net amortization of prior service credit and actuarial loss during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total change in other comprehensive loss (income). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2016
2015
(In millions, except percentage
figures)
26.0
0.2
1.0
0.5
1.3
(2.8)
—
26.2
$
$
— $
2.3
0.5
(2.8)
— $
$
(26.2)
(1.8)
(24.4)
(26.2)
4.7
(6.9)
(2.2)
1.5
—
1.0
2.5
$
$
$
$
$
$
32.4
0.4
1.3
1.2
2.0
(3.1)
(8.2)
26.0
—
2.2
1.2
(3.4)
—
(26.0)
(2.1)
(23.9)
(26.0)
3.4
(8.1)
(4.7)
2.1
(8.2)
—
(6.1)
Discount rate used in development of APBO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.26%
4.03%
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total postretirement benefit cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2016
2015
2014
0.2
1.0
0.1
(1.1)
0.2
$
$
0.4
1.3
—
—
1.7
$
$
0.4
1.4
—
—
1.8
Discount rate used in development of net periodic benefit cost . . . . . . . .
4.03%
4.08%
4.54%
The estimated actuarial loss and prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated loss into net periodic benefit
cost over the next fiscal year is $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
87
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
For measurement as of September 30, 2016, management has assumed that health care costs will increase at an annual rate
of 7.00% in fiscal 2016, and thereafter decreasing 0.25% per year to an ultimate trend rate of 5.00% in 2024. A 1% increase in
health cost trend rate assumptions would increase the APBO by $0.1 million as of September 30, 2016 and a 1% decrease would
decrease the APBO by $0.1 million as of September 30, 2016. A 1% increase or decrease in the health cost trend rate assumptions
would not have a material effect on service or interest costs.
On January 1, 2016, a plan change became effective whereby Medicare eligible participants are covered under a Health
Reimbursement Arrangement (“HRA”) and a catastrophic prescription drug plan provided by the Company that can be used by
retirees to purchase individual insurance policies that supplement or replace Medicare through a private exchange. This plan
change resulted in a decrease in the benefit obligation of $8.2 million during fiscal 2015.
The following benefit payments under the plan are expected to be paid by the Company and the retirees for the fiscal years
indicated:
Gross
Benefit
Payments
Retiree
Contributions
(In millions)
Net
Company
Payments
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2022 – 2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
2.1
2.3
2.5
2.6
2.6
11.9
(0.3) $
(0.4)
(0.5)
(0.6)
(0.6)
(3.2)
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.0
2.0
8.7
The Company also provides comprehensive major medical benefits to its associates. The Company is self-insured for certain
health benefits up to $0.6 million per occurrence per individual. The cost of such benefits is recognized as expense in the period
the claim is incurred. This cost was $31.8 million, $29.6 million and $29.0 million in fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014,
respectively.
NOTE 11. DEBT
The components of long-term debt are as follows:
Credit Facilities:
Revolving loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Term loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Senior Notes – 6.625% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Senior Notes – 6.000% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less current portions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
417.4
288.8
—
400.0
138.6
71.3
1,316.1
185.0
1,131.1
$
$
816.3
—
200.0
—
122.3
19.0
1,157.6
132.6
1,025.0
88
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company’s debt matures as follows for each of the next five fiscal years and thereafter (in millions):
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
185.0
15.7
15.6
15.4
646.1
438.3
1,316.1
Credit Facilities
On December 20, 2013, the Company entered into the third amended and restated credit agreement, providing the Company
and certain of its subsidiaries with a five-year senior secured revolving loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of up to
$1.7 billion (the “former credit facility”). On October 29, 2015, the Company entered into the fourth amended and restated credit
agreement (the “new credit agreement”), providing the Company and certain of its subsidiaries with five-year senior secured loan
facilities in the aggregate principal amount of $1.9 billion, comprised of a revolving credit facility of $1.6 billion and a term loan
in the original principal amount of $300.0 million (the “new credit facilities”). The new credit agreement also provides the Company
with the right to seek additional committed credit under the agreement in an aggregate amount of up to $500.0 million plus an
unlimited additional amount, subject to certain specified financial and other conditions. Under the new credit agreement, the
Company has the ability to obtain letters of credit up to $100.0 million. The new credit agreement replaces the former credit
facility, and will terminate on October 29, 2020. Borrowings on the revolving credit facility may be made in various currencies,
including U.S. dollars, euro, British pounds, Australian dollars and Canadian dollars. The terms of the new credit agreement
include customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default.
The proceeds of borrowings on the new credit facilities may be used: (i) to finance working capital requirements and other general
corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries; and (ii) to refinance the amounts outstanding under the former credit
facility.
Under the terms of the new credit agreement, loans bear interest, at the Company’s election, at a rate per annum equal to
either the ABR or Adjusted LIBO Rate (both as defined in the new credit agreement) plus the applicable margin. The new credit
facilities are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, and are secured by (i) a perfected first priority
security interest in all of the accounts receivable, inventory and equipment of the Company and the Company’s domestic subsidiaries
that are guarantors and (ii) the pledge of all of the capital stock of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries that are guarantors.
At September 30, 2016, the Company had letters of credit outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $26.5 million,
and $1.2 billion of availability under the new credit agreement, subject to the Company’s continued compliance with the covenants
discussed below. The weighted average interest rates on average borrowings under the new credit agreement and the former credit
facility were 3.5% and 4.0% for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively.
The new credit agreement contains, among other obligations, an affirmative covenant regarding the Company’s leverage
ratio on the last day of each quarter calculated as average total indebtedness, divided by the Company’s earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), as adjusted pursuant to the terms of the new credit agreement (“Adjusted
EBITDA”). The maximum leverage ratio was 4.50 as of September 30, 2016. The Company’s leverage ratio was 3.10 at
September 30, 2016. The new credit agreement also includes an affirmative covenant regarding its interest coverage ratio. The
interest coverage ratio is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA divided by interest expense, as described in the new credit agreement,
and excludes costs related to refinancings. The minimum interest coverage ratio was 3.00 for the twelve months ended
September 30, 2016. The Company’s interest coverage ratio was 7.88 for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016. The new
credit agreement allows the Company to make unlimited restricted payments (as defined in the new credit agreement), including
increased or one-time dividend payments and Common Share repurchases, as long as the leverage ratio resulting from the making
of such restricted payments is 4.00 or less. Otherwise the Company may only make restricted payments in an aggregate amount
for each fiscal year not to exceed the amount set forth in the new credit agreement for such fiscal year ($175.0 million for fiscal
2017 and $200.0 million for fiscal 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter).
Senior Notes - 6.625%
its
On December 15, 2015, Scotts Miracle-Gro redeemed all $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of
outstanding 6.625% senior notes due 2020 (the “6.625% Senior Notes”) paying a redemption price of $213.2 million, comprised
89
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
of $6.6 million of accrued and unpaid interest, $6.6 million of call premium and $200.0 million for outstanding principal amount.
The $6.6 million call premium charge was recognized within the “Costs related to refinancing” line on the Consolidated Statement
of Operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Additionally, the Company had $2.2 million in unamortized bond discount and
issuance costs associated with the 6.625% Senior Notes that were written off and recognized in the “Costs related to refinancing”
line on the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2016.
Senior Notes - 6.000%
On October 13, 2015, Scotts Miracle-Gro issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.000% senior notes due
2023 (the “6.000% Senior Notes”). The net proceeds of the offering were used to repay outstanding borrowings under the former
credit facility. The 6.000% Senior Notes represent general unsecured senior obligations and rank equal in right of payment with
the Company’s existing and future unsecured senior debt. The 6.000% Senior Notes have interest payment dates
of April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 6.000% Senior Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, on or after October
15, 2018 at applicable redemption premiums. The 6.000% Senior Notes contain customary covenants and events of default and
mature on October 15, 2023. Substantially all of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s domestic subsidiaries serve as guarantors of
the 6.000% Senior Notes.
Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement
The Company maintains a Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (“MARP Agreement”), which provides for the
discretionary sale by the Company, and the discretionary purchase (outside of the commitment period specified in the MARP
Agreement) by the participating banks, on a revolving basis, of accounts receivable generated by sales to three specified account
debtors in an aggregate amount not to exceed $400.0 million. The MARP Agreement is subject to renewal by mutual agreement
at least annually.
On March 23, 2016, Scotts Miracle-Gro and Scotts LLC entered into a Waiver and First Amendment to the MARP Agreement
that amends the MARP Agreement in the following significant respects: (1) includes subsidiaries and affiliates of the approved
debtors in the definition of approved debtors; (2) requires Scotts LLC to repurchase all receivables (including any defaulted
receivables) from the banks on each settlement date; and (3) provides the administrative agent and the banks with full recourse to
Scotts LLC in case of non-payment of any purchased receivable on the maturity date thereof, regardless of the reason for such
non-payment. Under the terms of the amended MARP Agreement, the banks have the opportunity to purchase those accounts
receivable offered by the Company at a discount (from the agreed base value thereof) effectively equal to the one-week LIBO rate
plus 0.95%.
The Company accounts for the sale of receivables under the MARP Agreement (as amended) as short-term debt and continues
to carry the receivables on its Consolidated Balance Sheet, primarily as a result of the Company’s requirement to repurchase
receivables sold. There were $138.6 million and $122.3 million in borrowings or receivables pledged as collateral under the MARP
Agreement at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The carrying value of the receivables pledged as collateral was $174.7
million at September 30, 2016 and $152.9 million at September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016, there was $7.6 million of
availability under the MARP Agreement.
On August 25, 2016, Scotts Miracle-Gro and Scotts LLC entered into a Second Amendment to the MARP Agreement that
extended the stated termination date of the Agreement through October 14, 2016. The MARP Agreement terminated effective
October 14, 2016 in accordance with its terms.
Other
In connection with the acquisition of a controlling interest in Gavita, the Company recorded a loan to the noncontrolling
ownership group of Gavita. The fair value of the loan was $38.3 million at September 30, 2016.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
The Company has outstanding interest rate swap agreements with major financial institutions that effectively convert a
portion of the Company’s variable-rate debt to a fixed rate. The swap agreements had a total U.S. dollar equivalent notional amount
of $650.0 million and $1,300.0 million at September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015. Interest payments made between the
effective date and expiration date are hedged by the swap agreements, except as noted below, respectively. On November 1, 2016,
the Company executed interest rate swap agreements with notional amounts that adjust in accordance with a specified seasonal
schedule and have a maximum total notional amount at any point in time of $500.0 million. These swap agreements effectively
convert the LIBOR index on a portion of the Company’s variable-rate debt to a fixed rate of approximately 0.83% beginning in
November 2016 through expiration dates in June and August 2018.
90
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The notional amount, effective date, expiration date and rate of each of these swap agreements outstanding at September
30, 2016 are shown in the table below.
Notional Amount
(in millions)
Effective
Date (a)
Expiration
Date
Fixed
Rate
$
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(d)
50
200
(b)
150
50 (b)
(c)
200
12/6/2012
2/7/2014
2/7/2017
2/7/2017
12/20/2016
9/6/2017
11/7/2017
5/7/2019
5/7/2019
6/20/2019
2.96%
1.28%
2.12%
2.25%
2.12%
The effective date refers to the date on which interest payments were, or will be, first hedged by the applicable swap
agreement.
Interest payments made during the three-month period of each year that begins with the month and day of the effective
date are hedged by the swap agreement.
Interest payments made during the six-month period of each year that begins with the month and day of the effective date
are hedged by the swap agreement.
Interest payments made during the nine-month period of each year that begins with the month and day of the effective
date are hedged by the swap agreement.
Estimated Fair Values
The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s debt instruments are described below:
Credit Facilities
The interest rate currently available to the Company fluctuates with the applicable LIBO rate, prime rate or Federal Funds
Effective Rate and thus the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value measurement for the new credit
facilities was classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
6.000% Senior Notes
The fair value of the 6.000% Senior Notes can be determined based on the trading of the 6.000% Senior Notes in the open
market. The difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the 6.000% Senior Notes represents the premium or
discount on that date. The fair value measurement for the 6.000% Senior Notes was classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
6.625% Senior Notes
The fair value of the 6.625% Senior Notes was determined based on the trading value of the 6.625% Senior Notes in the
open market. The difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the 6.625% Senior Notes represented the premium
or discount on that date. The fair value for the 6.625% Senior Notes was classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Accounts Receivable Pledged
The interest rate on the short-term debt associated with accounts receivable pledged under the MARP Agreement fluctuated
with the applicable LIBO rate and thus the carrying value represented a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value measurement
for the MARP Agreement was classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
91
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The estimated fair values of the Company’s debt instruments are as follows:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair
Value
Revolving loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Term loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Senior Notes – 6.625% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Senior Notes – 6.000% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement. . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
417.4
288.8
—
400.0
138.6
71.3
(In millions)
$
417.4
288.8
—
427.0
138.6
71.3
$
816.3
—
200.0
—
122.3
19.0
816.3
—
206.3
—
122.3
19.0
Weighted Average Interest Rate
The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s debt was 4.2% for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015.
NOTE 12. EQUITY
Authorized and issued shares consisted of the following:
September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
Preferred shares, no par value:
Authorized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issued. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.2 shares
0.0 shares
0.2 shares
0.0 shares
Common shares, no par value, $.01 stated value per share:
Authorized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issued. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
100.0 shares
68.1 shares
100.0 shares
68.1 shares
In fiscal 1995, The Scotts Company merged with Stern’s Miracle-Gro Products, Inc. (“Miracle-Gro”). At September 30,
2016, the former shareholders of Miracle-Gro, including the Hagedorn Partnership L.P., owned approximately 26% of Scotts
Miracle-Gro’s outstanding Common Shares and, thus, have the ability to significantly influence the election of directors and other
actions requiring the approval of Scotts Miracle-Gro’s shareholders.
Under the terms of the merger agreement with Miracle-Gro, the former shareholders of Miracle-Gro may not collectively
acquire, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership of Voting Stock (as that term is defined in the Miracle-Gro merger agreement)
representing more than 49% of the total voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock, except pursuant to a tender offer for 100%
of that total voting power, which tender offer is made at a price per share which is not less than the market price per share on the
last trading day before the announcement of the tender offer and is conditioned upon the receipt of at least 50% of the Voting Stock
beneficially owned by shareholders of Scotts Miracle-Gro other than the former shareholders of Miracle-Gro and their affiliates
and associates.
Share Repurchases
In August 2010, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of Common
Shares over a four-year period ending on September 30, 2014. In May 2011, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors authorized
the repurchase of up to an additional $200 million of Common Shares, resulting in authority to repurchase a total of up to $700 million
of Common Shares through September 30, 2014. From the inception of this share repurchase program in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2010 through its expiration on September 30, 2014, Scotts Miracle-Gro repurchased 9.9 million Common Shares for $521.2
million to be held in treasury.
In August 2014, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $500.0 million of Common
Shares over a five-year period (effective November 1, 2014 through September 30, 2019). On August 3, 2016, Scotts Miracle-
Gro announced that its Board of Directors authorized a $500.0 million increase to the share repurchase authorization ending on
92
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
September 30, 2019. The amended authorization allows for repurchases of Common Shares of $1.0 billion through September 30,
2019. The authorization provides the Company with flexibility to purchase Common Shares from time to time in open market
purchases or through privately negotiated transactions. All or part of the repurchases may be made under Rule 10b5-1 plans,
which the Company may enter into from time to time and which enable the repurchases to occur on a more regular basis, or
pursuant to accelerated share repurchases. The share repurchase authorization, which expires September 30, 2019, may be
suspended or discontinued at any time, and there can be no guarantee as to the timing or amount of any repurchases. From the
inception of this share repurchase program in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 through September 30, 2016, Scotts Miracle-Gro
repurchased approximately 2.1 million Common Shares for $145.7 million.
Special Dividend
In August 2014, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Board of Directors declared a special one-time cash dividend of $2.00 per Common
Share that was paid on September 17, 2014. The payment of the special one-time cash dividend required Scotts Miracle-Gro to
adjust the number of Common Shares subject to stock options outstanding under the Scotts Miracle-Gro share-based awards
programs, as well as the price at which the awards may be exercised. The adjustments to the outstanding awards resulted in an
increase in the number of Common Shares subject to outstanding stock options in an aggregate amount of 0.1 million Common
Shares. The methodology used to adjust the awards was consistent with Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 409A and the then-
proposed regulations promulgated thereunder and IRC Section 424 and the regulations promulgated thereunder, compliance with
which was necessary to avoid adverse tax consequences for the holder of an award. Such methodology also resulted in a fair value
for the adjusted awards post-dividend equal to that of the unadjusted awards pre-dividend, with the result that there was no additional
compensation expense in accordance with the accounting for modifications to awards under ASC 718.
Share-Based Awards
Scotts Miracle-Gro grants share-based awards annually to officers and certain other employees of the Company and non-
employee directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro. The share-based awards have consisted of stock options, restricted stock units, deferred
stock units and performance-based awards. All of these share-based awards have been made under plans approved by the
shareholders. Generally, employee share-based awards provide for three-year cliff vesting. Vesting for non-employee director
awards varies based on the length of service and age of each director at the time of the award. Vesting of performance-based
awards is dependent on service and achievement of specified performance targets. Share-based awards are forfeited if a holder
terminates employment or service with the Company prior to the vesting date. The Company estimates that 20% of its share-
based awards will be forfeited based on an analysis of historical trends. This assumption is re-evaluated on an annual basis and
adjusted as appropriate. Stock options have exercise prices equal to the market price of the underlying Common Shares on the
date of grant with a term of 10 years. If available, Scotts Miracle-Gro will typically use treasury shares, or if not available, newly-
issued Common Shares, in satisfaction of its share-based awards.
A maximum of 23.1 million Common Shares are available for issuance under share-based award plans. At September 30,
2016, approximately 1.9 million Common Shares were not subject to outstanding awards and were available to underlie the grant
of new share-based awards. Common Shares held in treasury totaling 0.6 million and 0.9 million were reissued in support of
share-based compensation awards and employee purchases under the employee stock purchase plan during fiscal 2016 and fiscal
2015, respectively.
The following is a recap of the share-based awards granted during the periods indicated:
Employees
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Board of Directors
Deferred stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options due to special $2.00 dividend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total share-based awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aggregate fair value at grant dates (in millions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
444,890
74,467
56,315
28,621
—
604,293
440,690
78,463
78,352
29,913
—
627,418
16.4
$
17.0
$
—
112,315
161,229
38,418
98,186
311,962
17.5
93
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Total share-based compensation was as follows for the periods indicated:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
2014
Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Tax benefit recognized. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
15.6
6.0
$
13.2
5.1
11.1
3.9
As of September 30, 2016, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based awards amounted to
$10.3 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. The tax benefit realized from
the tax deductions associated with the exercise of share-based awards and the vesting of restricted stock totaled $15.1 million for
fiscal 2016.
During fiscal 2015, Scotts Miracle-Gro issued 0.2 million Common Shares, which represented a carrying value of $8.3
million, out of its treasury shares for payment of the acquisition of Vermicrop. During fiscal 2016, Scotts Miracle-Gro issued 0.1
million Common Shares, which represented a carrying value of $4.2 million, out of its treasury shares for payment of contingent
consideration related to the acquisition of Vermicrop.
Stock Options/SARs
Aggregate stock option and SAR activity consisted of the following for fiscal 2016 (options/SARs in millions):
Beginning balance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ending balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercisable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
No. of
Options/SARs
WTD.
Avg.
Exercise
Price
$
1.8
0.4
(0.4)
—
1.8
1.0
44.38
68.68
38.21
—
51.38
38.42
At September 30, 2016, the Company expects 0.8 million of the remaining unexercisable stock options (after forfeitures),
with a weighted-average exercise price of $66.09, intrinsic value of $12.9 million and average remaining term of 8.8 years, to vest
in the future. The following summarizes certain information pertaining to stock option awards outstanding and exercisable at
September 30, 2016 (options in millions):
Range of
Exercise Price
$20.59 – $20.59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$30.07 – $36.86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$38.81 – $49.19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$63.43 – $68.68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Awards Outstanding
Awards Exercisable
No. of
Options/
SARs
WTD.
Avg.
Remaining
Life
WTD.
Avg.
Exercise
Price
No. of
Options/
SARS
WTD.
Avg.
Remaining
Life
WTD.
Avg.
Exercise
Price
0.2
0.2
0.6
0.8
1.8
2.01
1.09
4.43
8.86
5.89
$
$
20.59
36.47
45.42
66.24
51.38
0.2
0.2
0.6
—
1.0
2.01
1.09
4.43
0
3.31
$
$
20.59
36.47
45.42
—
38.42
The intrinsic value of the stock option and SAR awards outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2016 were as follows
(in millions):
Outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Exercisable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016
57.7
43.3
94
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The grant date fair value of stock option awards is estimated using a binomial model and the assumptions in the following
table. Expected market price volatility is based on implied volatilities from traded options on Common Shares and historical
volatility specific to the Common Shares. Historical data, including demographic factors impacting historical exercise behavior,
is used to estimate stock option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model. The risk-free rate for periods
within the contractual life (normally ten years) of the stock option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time
of grant. The expected life of stock options is based on historical experience and expectations for grants outstanding. The weighted
average assumptions for awards granted in fiscal 2016 are as follows:
Expected market price volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk-free interest rates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected life of stock options in years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Estimated weighted-average fair value per stock option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
2016
25.5%
1.5%
2.7%
6.0
12.33
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $13.6 million, $16.3 million and $21.3 million during fiscal 2016,
fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of stock options for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal
2014 was $14.7 million, $24.3 million and $20.0 million, respectively.
Restricted share-based awards
Restricted share-based award activity (including restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock units) was as
follows:
No. of
Shares
WTD. Avg.
Grant Date
Fair Value
per Share
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
409,651
150,733
(81,597)
(44,895)
433,892
108,376
(135,562)
(25,197)
381,509
103,088
(161,440)
(17,494)
305,663
47.36
59.35
41.88
47.43
52.55
63.85
47.33
58.44
57.22
69.00
47.21
60.18
66.31
The total fair value of restricted stock units and deferred stock units vested was $7.6 million, $6.2 million and $3.4 million
during fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, respectively.
95
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Performance-based awards
Performance-based award activity was as follows:
No. of
Units
WTD. Avg.
Grant Date
Fair Value
per Unit
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Awards outstanding at September 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
261,917
161,229
—
(111,897)
311,249
78,352
(49,467)
(910)
339,224
56,315
(128,941)
—
266,598
46.81
59.39
—
53.24
51.21
63.36
47.66
47.66
54.86
68.68
45.06
—
62.52
NOTE 13. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic income per Common Share is computed by dividing income attributable to controlling interest from continuing
operations, income (loss) from discontinued operations or net income attributable to controlling interest by the weighted average
number of Common Shares outstanding. Diluted income per Common Share is computed by dividing income attributable to
controlling interest from continuing operations, income (loss) from discontinued operations or net income attributable to controlling
interest by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding plus all potentially dilutive securities outstanding each
period. Stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of the underlying Common Shares are excluded
from the computation of diluted income per Common Share because they are out-of-the-money and the effect of their inclusion
would be anti-dilutive. The number of Common Shares covered by out-of-the-money options was 0.2 million and 0.3 million for
the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There were no Common Shares covered by out-of-the-money options
for the year ended September 30, 2014. The following table presents information necessary to calculate basic and diluted income
per Common Share.
96
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In millions, except per share data)
Income attributable to controlling interest from continuing operations $
Income from discontinued operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income attributable to controlling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
253.8
61.5
315.3
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Weighted-average Common Shares outstanding
during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Weighted-average Common Shares outstanding
during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dilutive potential Common Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted-average number of Common Shares
outstanding and dilutive potential Common Shares . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
61.1
4.15
1.01
5.16
61.1
0.9
62.0
4.09
1.00
5.09
$
$
$
$
$
$
138.9
20.9
159.8
61.1
2.27
0.35
2.62
61.1
1.1
62.2
2.23
0.34
2.57
$
$
$
$
$
$
NOTE 14. INCOME TAXES
The provision (benefit) for income taxes allocated to continuing operations consisted of the following:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
2014
Current:
Federal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred:
Federal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
93.4
12.4
4.4
110.2
28.2
2.3
(1.3)
29.2
139.4
$
$
63.8
8.3
2.2
74.3
(1.0)
1.2
(0.7)
(0.5)
73.8
$
$
145.8
20.7
166.5
61.6
2.37
0.33
2.70
61.6
1.1
62.7
2.32
0.33
2.65
60.2
7.5
3.5
71.2
7.9
1.2
(0.1)
9.0
80.2
The domestic and foreign components of income from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows:
Domestic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations before income taxes . . . . . . . $
362.3
30.4
392.7
$
$
185.2
26.4
211.6
$
$
200.1
25.6
225.7
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
2014
97
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
A reconciliation of the federal corporate income tax rate and the effective tax rate on income from continuing operations
before income taxes is summarized below:
Statutory income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of foreign operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State taxes, net of federal benefit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Domestic Production Activities Deduction permanent difference. .
Effect of other permanent differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research and Experimentation and other federal tax credits. . . . . .
Resolution of prior tax contingencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
35.0%
0.1
2.7
(2.5)
0.3
(0.2)
(0.2)
0.3
35.5%
35.0%
(0.6)
3.2
(3.2)
0.1
(0.2)
0.4
0.2
34.9%
35.0%
1.7
2.7
(2.7)
0.3
(0.9)
0.2
(0.7)
35.6%
Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between financial reporting and tax reporting bases of assets and
liabilities, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards for tax purposes. The components of the deferred income tax assets
and liabilities were as follows:
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postretirement benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State NOL carryovers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign NOL carryovers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign tax credit carryovers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest rate swaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
Property, plant and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside basis difference in equity investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net deferred tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
$
10.8
58.8
33.3
6.3
0.6
45.3
7.4
2.4
3.4
168.3
(45.1)
123.2
(65.7)
(114.2)
(83.3)
(17.0)
(280.2)
(157.0) $
14.1
71.6
30.3
8.3
1.0
45.0
8.6
4.9
3.3
187.1
(45.8)
141.3
(59.7)
(114.8)
—
(14.0)
(188.5)
(47.2)
98
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The net current and non-current components of deferred income taxes recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were:
Net current deferred tax assets (classified with prepaid and other current assets) . $
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities (classified with other liabilities) . . . . . . . .
Net deferred tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
September 30,
2016
2015
$
(In millions)
62.1
(219.1)
(157.0) $
78.2
(125.4)
(47.2)
GAAP requires that a valuation allowance be recorded against a deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that the tax
benefit associated with the asset will not be realized in the future. As shown in the table above, valuation allowances were recorded
against $45.1 million and $45.8 million of deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Most of these
valuation allowances relate to certain foreign net operating losses, as explained further below.
The Company has elected to treat certain foreign entities as disregarded entities for U.S. tax purposes, which results in their
net income or loss being recognized currently in the Company’s U.S. tax return. As such, the tax benefit of net operating losses
available for foreign statutory tax purposes has already been recognized for U.S. purposes. Accordingly, a full valuation allowance
is required on the tax benefit of these net operating losses on global consolidation. The foreign net operating losses of these foreign
disregarded entities were $171.5 million at September 30, 2016, the majority of which have indefinite carryforward periods. The
statutory tax benefit of these net operating loss carryovers, and related full valuation allowances thereon, amounted to $40.7 million
and $41.2 million for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Foreign net operating losses of certain controlled foreign corporations were $17.8 million as of September 30, 2016, the
majority of which have indefinite carryforward periods. Due to a history of losses in many of these entities, a full valuation
allowance has also been placed against the statutory tax benefit associated with all but $3.7 million of these losses at September 30,
2016.
Foreign tax credits were $7.4 million and $8.6 million at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. A valuation allowance
in the amount of $0.4 million has been established against those foreign tax credits the Company does not expect to utilize prior
to their expiration.
State net operating losses were $6.1 million as of September 30, 2016, with carryforward periods ranging from 5 to 20 years.
Any losses not utilized within a specific state’s carryforward period will expire. Tax benefits associated with state tax credits will
expire if not utilized and amounted to $0.7 million and $0.6 million at September 30, 2016 and 2015. A valuation allowance was
recorded against $0.4 million of deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2016 for state net operating losses that the company does
not expect to realize within their respective carryover periods. A valuation allowance in the amount of $0.2 million has been
established related to state credits the Company does not expect to utilize.
The Company recognized a deferred tax liability of $83.3 million as of September 30, 2016 related to the outside basis
difference in the TruGreen Joint Venture. See “NOTE 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS” and “NOTE 8. INVESTMENT IN
UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE” for further discussion.
Deferred taxes have not been provided on unremitted earnings of $139.0 million for certain foreign subsidiaries and foreign
corporate joint ventures as such earnings have been indefinitely reinvested. These foreign entities held cash and cash equivalents
of $39.9 million and $55.1 million at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our current plans do not demonstrate a need
to, nor do we project we will, repatriate the retained earnings from these subsidiaries as the earnings are indefinitely reinvested.
In the future, if we determine it is necessary to repatriate these funds, or we sell or liquidate any of these subsidiaries, we may be
required to pay associated taxes on the repatriation. We may also be required to withhold foreign taxes depending on the foreign
jurisdiction from which the funds are repatriated. The effective rate of tax on such repatriations may materially differ from the
federal statutory tax rate and could have a material impact on tax expense in the year of repatriation; however, the Company cannot
reasonably estimate the amount of such a tax event.
GAAP provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the
position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the
technical merits of the position. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50%
likely of being realized upon settlement.
The Company had $5.1 million, $9.2 million and $11.2 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax
positions at September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Included in the September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 balances were
99
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
$3.5 million, $6.6 million and $8.5 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would have an impact
on the effective tax rate.
A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Balance at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Additions for tax positions of the current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reductions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlements with tax authorities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expiration of statutes of limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
2014
9.2
0.3
1.9
(2.6)
(2.7)
(1.0)
5.1
$
$
11.2
0.2
4.1
(3.2)
(2.7)
(0.4)
9.2
$
$
6.7
0.2
7.6
(2.7)
—
(0.6)
11.2
The Company continues to recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of
the provision for income taxes. As of September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the Company had $1.1 million, $1.8
million and $1.8 million accrued for the payment of interest that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. As of
September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the Company had $0.5 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million accrued for the
payment of penalties that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the
Company recognized a benefit of $0.9 million for tax interest and tax penalties in its Consolidated Statement of Operations.
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. Subject to the following exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to examination by these tax
authorities for fiscal years prior to 2013. The Company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service and certain
foreign and U.S. state and local tax authorities. The U.S. federal examination is limited to fiscal years 2011 and 2012. With
respect to the foreign jurisdictions, a German audit is currently ongoing covering fiscal years 2009 through 2012. In regard to the
multiple U.S. state and local audits, the tax periods under examination are limited to fiscal 2008 through fiscal 2014. In addition
to the aforementioned audits, certain other tax deficiency notices and refund claims for previous years remain unresolved.
The Company currently anticipates that few of its open and active audits will be resolved within the next twelve months.
The Company is unable to make a reasonably reliable estimate as to when or if cash settlements with taxing authorities may occur.
Although audit outcomes and the timing of audit payments are subject to significant uncertainty, the Company does not anticipate
that the resolution of these tax matters or any events related thereto will result in a material change to its consolidated financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
Management judgment is required in determining tax provisions and evaluating tax positions. Management believes its tax
positions and related provisions reflected in the consolidated financial statements are fully supportable and appropriate. The
Company established reserves for additional income taxes that may become due if the tax positions are challenged and not sustained,
and as such, the Company’s tax provision includes the impact of recording reserves and changes thereto.
NOTE 15. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
The Company is exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices.
To manage a portion of the volatility related to these exposures, the Company enters into various financial transactions. The
utilization of these financial transactions is governed by policies covering acceptable counterparty exposure, instrument types and
other hedging practices. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.
Exchange Rate Risk Management
The Company uses currency forward contracts to manage the exchange rate risk associated with intercompany loans with
foreign subsidiaries that are denominated in local currencies. At September 30, 2016, the notional amount of outstanding currency
forward contracts was $165.8 million, with a fair value of $0.4 million. At September 30, 2015, the notional amount of outstanding
currency forward contracts was $52.3 million, with a negative fair value of $0.7 million. The fair value of currency forward
contracts is determined using forward rates in commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the contracts. The outstanding
contracts will mature over the next fiscal year.
100
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Interest Rate Risk Management
The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements as a means to hedge its variable interest rate risk on debt instruments.
Net amounts to be received or paid under the swap agreements are reflected as adjustments to interest expense. Since the interest
rate swap agreements have been designated as hedging instruments, unrealized gains or losses resulting from adjusting these swaps
to fair value are recorded as elements of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) within the Consolidated
Balance Sheets except for any ineffective portion of the change in fair value, which is immediately recorded in interest expense.
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.
The Company has outstanding interest rate swap agreements with major financial institutions that effectively convert a
portion of the Company’s variable-rate debt to a fixed rate. The swap agreements had a total U.S. dollar equivalent notional
amount of $650.0 million and $1,300.0 million at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Refer to “NOTE 11. DEBT” for
the terms of the swap agreements outstanding at September 30, 2016. Included in the AOCI balance at September 30, 2016 was
a loss of $2.0 million related to interest rate swap agreements that is expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next
twelve months, consistent with the timing of the underlying hedged transactions.
Commodity Price Risk Management
The Company enters into hedging arrangements designed to fix the price of a portion of its projected future urea requirements.
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.
Since the contracts have been designated as hedging instruments, unrealized gains or losses resulting from adjusting these contracts
to fair value are recorded as elements of AOCI within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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 September 30, 2016 was a loss of $0.2 million related to urea derivatives that is
expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months, consistent with the timing of the underlying hedged
transactions.
The Company also uses derivatives to partially mitigate the effect of fluctuating diesel costs on operating results. These
financial instruments are carried at fair value within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivative
contracts that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in AOCI except for any ineffective portion of the change in fair value,
which is immediately recorded in earnings. The effective portion of the change in fair value remains as a component of AOCI
until the related fuel is consumed, at which time the accumulated gain or loss on the derivative contract is reclassified to cost of
sales. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recorded as an element of cost of sales.
At September 30, 2016, there were no amounts included within AOCI.
The Company had the following outstanding commodity contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases:
Commodity
Urea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40,500 tons
6,384,000 gallons
1,722,000 gallons
52,500 tons
5,250,000 gallons
2,772,000 gallons
September 30,
2016
2015
101
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments were as follows:
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments
Balance Sheet Location
Interest rate swap agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commodity hedging instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . .
Total derivatives designated as hedging
instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments
Currency forward contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepaid and other current assets . . .
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . .
Commodity hedging instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . .
Balance Sheet Location
Total derivatives not designated as hedging
instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets / (Liabilities)
2016
2015
Fair Value
(In millions)
(3.3) $
(3.1)
(0.3)
(8.8)
(4.6)
(1.3)
(6.7) $
(14.7)
$
1.2
(0.8)
(0.1)
0.3
(6.4) $
—
(0.7)
(3.2)
(3.9)
(18.6)
$
$
$
$
The effect of derivative instruments on AOCI and the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September
30 was as follows:
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Interest rate swap agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commodity hedging instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
Amount of Gain / (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
2016
2015
(In millions)
(0.9) $
(0.6)
(1.5) $
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
Reclassified From AOCI Into
Statement of Operations
Amount of Gain / (Loss)
2016
2015
Interest rate swap agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commodity hedging instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cost of sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
(In millions)
(5.0) $
(0.8)
(5.8) $
Amount of Gain / (Loss)
(7.7)
(0.9)
(8.6)
(6.5)
—
(6.5)
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments
Recognized in Statement of Operations
2016
2015
Currency forward contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commodity hedging instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cost of sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
(In millions)
(8.0) $
(2.8)
(10.8) $
8.1
(10.4)
(2.3)
102
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
NOTE 16. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price)
in the principal or the most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at
the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires
entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to
measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and
liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are
observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of
the assets or liabilities. This includes pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant
unobservable inputs.
The following describes the valuation methodologies used for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a
recurring basis, as well as the general classification within the valuation hierarchy.
Derivatives
Derivatives consist of currency, interest rate and commodity derivative instruments. Currency forward contracts are valued
using observable forward rates in commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the contracts. Interest rate swap agreements are
valued based on the present value of the estimated future net cash flows using implied rates in the applicable yield curve as of the
valuation date. Commodity contracts are measured using observable commodity exchange prices in active markets.
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 Consolidated Balance Sheets, except for derivative instruments expected to be settled within
the next 12 months, which are included within prepaid and other current assets and other current liabilities.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less. The carrying
value of these cash equivalents approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities.
Other
Other consists of investment securities in non-qualified retirement plan assets and the Bonnie Option. Investment securities
in non-qualified retirement plan assets are valued using observable market prices in active markets and are classified within Level
1 of the valuation hierarchy. The fair value of the Bonnie Option is determined using a simulation approach, whereby the total
value of the loan receivable and optional exchange for additional equity was estimated considering a distribution of possible future
cash flows discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate, and is classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of a loan provided to the noncontrolling ownership group of Gavita. The estimated fair value of
the loan was determined using an income-based approach, which includes market participant expectations of cash flows over the
remaining useful life discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. The estimate requires subjective assumptions
to be made, including those related to future business results and discount rates. The fair value measurement is based on significant
inputs unobservable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement.
103
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at
September 30, 2016:
Quoted Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
(In millions)
Total
Assets
Cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Derivatives
Currency forward contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Liabilities
Derivatives
Interest rate swap agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Currency forward contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commodity hedging instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
11.5
$
— $
— $
—
11.8
23.3
$
— $
—
—
—
— $
1.2
—
1.2
$
(6.4) $
(0.8)
(0.4)
—
(7.6) $
—
10.9
10.9
$
— $
—
—
(38.3)
(38.3) $
11.5
1.2
22.7
35.4
(6.4)
(0.8)
(0.4)
(38.3)
(45.9)
The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at
September 30, 2015:
Quoted Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Total
Assets
Cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Liabilities
Derivatives
Interest rate swap agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Currency forward contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commodity hedging instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
28.6
8.9
37.5
$
$
— $
—
—
— $
(In millions)
— $
—
— $
(13.4) $
(0.7)
(4.5)
(18.6) $
— $
—
— $
— $
—
—
— $
28.6
8.9
37.5
(13.4)
(0.7)
(4.5)
(18.6)
104
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
NOTE 17. OPERATING LEASES
The Company leases certain property and equipment from third parties under various non-cancelable operating lease
agreements. Certain lease agreements contain renewal and purchase options. The lease agreements generally require that the
Company pay taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses related to the leased assets. Future minimum lease payments for non-
cancelable operating leases at September 30, 2016, were as follows (in millions):
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total future minimum lease payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
40.9
36.1
30.7
23.5
18.3
21.5
171.0
The Company also leases certain vehicles (primarily cars and light trucks) under agreements that are cancelable after the
first year, but typically continue on a month-to-month basis until canceled by the Company. The vehicle leases and certain other
non-cancelable operating leases contain residual value guarantees that create a contingent obligation on the part of the Company
to compensate the lessor if the leased asset cannot be sold for an amount in excess of a specified minimum value at the conclusion
of the lease term. If all such vehicle leases had been canceled as of September 30, 2016, the Company’s residual value guarantee
would have approximated $2.6 million.
Other residual value guarantee amounts that apply at the conclusion of non-cancelable lease terms are as follows:
Amount of
Guarantee
(In millions)
Lease
Termination Date
Corporate aircraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
27.0
2019
Rent expense for fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 totaled $58.8 million, $56.2 million and $50.6 million, respectively.
NOTE 18. COMMITMENTS
The Company has the following unconditional purchase obligations due during each of the next five fiscal years that have
not been recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2016 (in millions):
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
140.4
66.1
33.8
23.0
15.6
6.2
285.1
Purchase obligations primarily represent commitments for materials used in the Company’s manufacturing processes, as
well as commitments for warehouse services, grass seed and out-sourced information services. In addition, the Company leases
certain property and equipment from third parties under various non-cancelable operating lease agreements. Future minimum
lease payments for non-cancelable operating leases not included above are included in “NOTE 17. OPERATING LEASES.”
105
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
NOTE 19. CONTINGENCIES
Management regularly evaluates the Company’s contingencies, including various lawsuits and claims which arise in the
normal course of business, product and general liabilities, workers’ compensation, property losses and other liabilities for which
the Company is self-insured or retains a high exposure limit. Self-insurance 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 applied to existing claims. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims, lawsuits and
other contingencies generally are expensed as incurred. In the opinion of management, the assessment of contingencies is reasonable
and related reserves, in the aggregate, are adequate; however, there can be no assurance that final resolution of these matters will
not have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Regulatory Matters
At September 30, 2016, $4.0 million was accrued in the “Other liabilities” line in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for
environmental actions, the majority of which are for site remediation. The amounts accrued are believed to be adequate to cover
such known environmental exposures based on current facts and estimates of likely outcomes. Although it is reasonably possible
that the costs to resolve such known environmental exposures will exceed the amounts accrued, any variation from accrued amounts
is not expected to be material.
Other
The Company has been named as a defendant in a number of cases alleging injuries that the lawsuits claim resulted from
exposure to asbestos-containing products, apparently based on the Company’s historic use of vermiculite in certain of its products.
In many of these cases, the complaints are not specific about the plaintiffs’ contacts with the Company or its products. The cases
vary, but complaints in these cases generally seek unspecified monetary damages (actual, compensatory, consequential and punitive)
from multiple defendants. The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit and is vigorously defending against
them. It is not currently possible to reasonably estimate a probable loss, if any, associated with these cases and, accordingly, no
reserves have been recorded in the Company’s 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 effect on the
Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In connection with the sale of wild bird food products that were the subject of a voluntary recall in 2008, the Company has
been named as a defendant in four putative class actions filed on and after June 27, 2012, which have now been consolidated in
the United States District Court for the Southern District of California as In re Morning Song Bird Food Litigation, Lead Case
No. 3:12-cv-01592-JAH-RBB. The plaintiffs allege various statutory and common law claims associated with the Company’s
sale of wild bird food products and a plea agreement entered into in previously pending government proceedings associated with
such sales. The plaintiffs allege, among other things, a purported class action on behalf of all persons and entities in the United
States who purchased certain bird food products. The plaintiffs assert hundreds of millions of dollars in monetary damages (actual,
compensatory, consequential, and restitution), punitive and treble damages; injunctive and declaratory relief; pre-judgment and
post-judgment interest; and costs and attorneys’ fees. The Company disputes the plaintiffs’ assertions and intends to vigorously
defend the consolidated action. At this point in the proceedings, it is not currently possible to reasonably estimate a probable loss,
if any, associated with the action and, accordingly, no reserves have been recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial
statements with respect to the action. There can be no assurance that this action, whether as a result of an adverse outcome 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.
The Company is involved in other lawsuits and claims which arise in the normal course of business. These claims individually
and in the aggregate are not expected to result in a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or
cash flows.
NOTE 20. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
The Company maintains cash depository accounts with major financial institutions around the world and invests in high
quality, short-term liquid investments. Such investments are made only in investments issued by highly rated institutions. These
investments mature within three months and have not historically incurred any losses.
106
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Trade accounts receivable are exposed to a concentration of credit risk with retailers principally located in the United States.
The Company’s retail customers include home centers, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, large hardware chains, independent
hardware stores, nurseries, garden centers, food and drug stores, and indoor gardening and hydroponic stores. Concentrations of
net sales and accounts receivable in the United States as a percentage of consolidated net sales and accounts receivable at
September 30 were as follows:
Percentage of Net Sales
Percentage of Net Accounts
Receivable at September 30,
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
Concentration in United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
82%
81%
80%
74%
69%
The remainder of the Company’s net sales and accounts receivable at September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were generated
from customers located outside of the United States, primarily retailers, distributors and nurseries in Europe, Canada and Australia.
No concentrations of these customers or individual customers within this group accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s
net sales or accounts receivable for any period presented above.
The Company’s three largest customers are the only customers that individually represent more than 10% of reported
consolidated net sales and accounts receivable for each of the last three fiscal years. These three customers accounted for the
following percentages of net sales for the fiscal years ended September 30:
Home Depot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lowe’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Walmart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34%
16%
11%
33%
17%
12%
35%
19%
13%
Accounts receivable for these three largest customers as a percentage of consolidated accounts receivable were 56% and
Percentage of Net Sales
2016
2015
2014
60% for September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
NOTE 21. OTHER INCOME, NET
Other (income) expense consisted of the following:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
2014
Royalty income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest on loans receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on investment of unconsolidated affiliate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(6.2) $
(3.9)
0.7
—
(4.4)
(13.8) $
(1.3) $
—
1.6
—
(2.4)
(2.1) $
(1.8)
—
1.0
(5.7)
(4.2)
(10.7)
107
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
NOTE 22. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company divides its business into three reportable segments: U.S. Consumer, Europe Consumer and Other. These
segments differ from those used in prior periods due to the change in internal organization structure associated with Project Focus,
which is a series of initiatives announced in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 designed to maximize the value of the Company’s non-
core assets and focus on emerging categories of the lawn and garden industry in its core U.S. business. On April 13, 2016, as part
of this project, the Company completed the contribution of the SLS Business to a newly formed subsidiary of TruGreen Holdings
in exchange for a minority equity interest of approximately 30% in the TruGreen Joint Venture. As a result, effective in its second
quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company classified its results of operations for all periods presented to reflect the SLS Business as a
discontinued operation and classified the assets and liabilities of the SLS Business as held for sale. The prior period amounts have
been reclassified to conform with the new segments. This division of reportable segments is consistent with how the segments
report to and are managed by the chief operating decision maker of the Company.
U.S. Consumer consists of the Company’s consumer lawn and garden business located in the geographic United States.
Europe Consumer consists of the Company’s consumer lawn and garden business located in geographic Europe. Other consists
of the Company’s consumer lawn and garden businesses in geographies other than the U.S. and Europe, the Company’s indoor,
urban and hydroponic gardening business, and revenues and expenses associated with the Company’s supply agreements with
Israel Chemicals, Ltd. Corporate consists of general and administrative expenses and certain other income/expense items not
allocated to the business segments.
Segment performance is evaluated based on several factors, including income (loss) from continuing operations before
amortization, impairment, restructuring and other charges, which is not a GAAP measure. Senior management uses this measure
of operating profit (loss) to evaluate segment performance because the Company believes this measure is indicative of performance
trends and the overall earnings potential of each segment.
108
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following tables present summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments for the
periods indicated:
Net sales:
U.S. Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Europe Consumer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
(In millions)
2,187.4
$
2,141.8
$
2,037.4
274.2
374.5
Consolidated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2,836.1
Income from continuing operations before income taxes:
U.S. Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Europe Consumer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Segment total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible asset amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs related to refinancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Depreciation and amortization:
U.S. Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Europe Consumer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital expenditures:
U.S. Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Europe Consumer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
500.4
13.5
20.8
534.7
(96.8)
(18.0)
27.7
19.5
(8.8)
(65.6)
392.7
47.7
7.2
15.5
70.4
46.3
3.0
7.4
$
$
$
$
$
$
304.7
281.5
2,728.0
439.2
14.1
12.3
465.6
(98.5)
(15.0)
(90.0)
—
—
(50.5)
211.6
45.5
8.6
9.6
63.7
52.5
3.1
2.4
$
$
$
$
$
$
336.7
204.2
2,578.3
399.7
20.9
17.4
438.0
(92.0)
(12.3)
(50.0)
—
(10.7)
(47.3)
225.7
43.5
11.5
5.5
60.5
78.6
4.1
1.7
84.4
$
56.7
$
58.0
$
September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
Total assets:
U.S. Consumer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Europe Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,770.7
$
192.1
568.1
277.9
—
2,808.8
$
1,622.5
217.9
324.1
142.4
220.3
2,527.2
109
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table presents net sales by product category:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2014
Net sales:
Lawn care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Growing media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roundup® Marketing Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, primarily gardening, hydroponics and landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29%
38
15
5
13
31%
33%
38
16
4
11
36
16
5
10
Segment total product sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
100%
100%
100%
The following table presents net sales and long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangibles) by
geographic area:
Net sales:
United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Long-lived assets:
United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
(In millions)
2014
2,315.1
521.0
2,836.1
531.0
205.9
736.9
$
$
$
$
2,220.0
508.0
2,728.0
540.6
73.8
614.4
$
$
$
$
2,065.2
513.1
2,578.3
448.0
91.1
539.1
110
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
NOTE 23. QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations:
FISCAL 2016
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax. . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) attributable to controlling interest . . . . . . . . . .
Basic income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax .
Basic net income (loss) per Common Share. . . . . . . . . . $
Common Shares used in basic EPS calculation. . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax .
Diluted net income (loss) per Common Share . . . . . . . . $
Common Shares and dilutive potential Common Shares
used in diluted EPS calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FISCAL 2015
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax. . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) attributable to controlling interest . . . . . . . . . .
Basic income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income (loss) from discontinued operations. . . . . . . . . .
Basic net income (loss) per Common Share. . . . . . . . . . $
Common Shares used in basic EPS calculation. . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted income (loss) per Common Share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income (loss) from discontinued operations. . . . . . . . . .
Diluted net income (loss) per Common Share . . . . . . . . $
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Full Year
(In millions, except per share data)
194.5
$ 1,245.2
$
994.1
$
402.3
$ 2,836.1
16.7
(79.3)
(1.5)
(80.8)
(81.3)
(1.30) $
(0.02)
(1.32) $
61.5
(1.30) $
(0.02)
(1.32) $
521.6
225.8
(16.0)
209.8
210.1
3.68
(0.26)
3.42
61.4
3.64
(0.26)
3.38
$
$
$
$
61.5
62.2
357.4
127.0
85.7
212.7
213.1
2.09
1.40
3.49
61.1
2.06
1.38
3.44
61.9
$
$
$
$
99.7
(20.2)
(6.7)
(26.9)
(26.6)
(0.33) $
(0.11)
(0.44) $
60.6
(0.33) $
(0.11)
(0.44) $
60.6
995.4
253.3
61.5
314.8
315.3
4.15
1.01
5.16
61.1
4.09
1.00
5.09
62.0
169.5
$ 1,071.8
$ 1,111.3
$
375.4
$ 2,728.0
6.6
(74.6)
0.6
(74.0)
(74.6)
(1.24) $
0.01
(1.23) $
60.8
(1.24) $
0.01
(1.23) $
424.8
138.6
(14.3)
124.3
124.6
2.28
(0.23)
2.05
60.9
2.24
(0.23)
2.01
$
$
$
$
385.8
115.1
17.9
133.0
133.4
1.89
0.29
2.18
61.3
1.85
0.29
2.14
62.3
$
$
$
$
90.8
(41.3)
16.7
(24.6)
(23.6)
(0.65) $
0.27
(0.38) $
61.4
(0.65) $
0.27
(0.38) $
61.4
908.0
137.8
20.9
158.7
159.8
2.27
0.35
2.62
61.1
2.23
0.34
2.57
62.2
Common Shares and dilutive potential Common Shares
used in diluted EPS calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60.8
62.1
111
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Common share equivalents, such as share-based awards, are excluded from the diluted loss per Common Share calculation
in periods where there is a loss from continuing operations because the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The
Company’s business is highly seasonal, with approximately 75% of net sales occurring in the second and third fiscal quarters.
Significant impairment, restructuring and other charges / recoveries reflected in the quarterly financial information during
fiscal 2016 are as follows: first quarter restructuring costs of $9.3 million including $5.4 million in costs related to consumer
complaints and claims related to the reformulated Bonus® S fertilizer product sold in the southeastern United States during fiscal
2015, $2.8 million in transaction related costs associated with the divestiture of the SLS Business and costs of $0.9 million related
to other transaction activity associated with Project Focus; second quarter net recoveries of $36.5 million including insurance
reimbursement recoveries of $50.0 million related to Bonus® S insurance reimbursements, a charge of $9.0 million for the resolution
of a prior SLS Business litigation matter, $1.6 million in transaction related costs associated with the divestiture of the SLS Business
and costs of $1.7 million related to other transaction activity associated with Project Focus; third quarter net recoveries of $5.4
million related to Bonus® S insurance reimbursements; and fourth quarter restructuring costs of $6.7 million associated with Project
Focus including costs of $5.4 million related to termination benefits for U.S. and international employees and costs of $2.3 million
related to other transaction activity.
Significant impairment, restructuring and other charges reflected in the quarterly financial information during fiscal 2015
are as follows: first quarter restructuring costs of $9.6 million related to termination benefits for U.S. and international employees;
second quarter restructuring costs of $5.1 million related to termination benefits for U.S. and international employees; third quarter
restructuring costs of $6.6 million related to termination benefits for U.S. and international employees and the liquidation and exit
from the U.K. Solus business, and $37.7 million in costs related to consumer complaints and claims related to the reformulated
Bonus® S fertilizer product sold in the southeastern United States during fiscal 2015; and fourth quarter restructuring costs of $0.9
million related to termination benefits for U.S. and international employees, and $24.7 million in charges related to Bonus® S
insurance reimbursements.
NOTE 24. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS
The 6.000% Senior Notes were issued on October 13, 2015 and are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s domestic
subsidiaries and, therefore, the Company reports 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. On
January 15, 2014 and December 15, 2015, Scotts Miracle-Gro redeemed, respectively, all of its outstanding $200.0 million aggregate
principal amount of 7.25% Senior Notes and $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.625% Senior Notes, each of which
were previously guaranteed by certain of its domestic subsidiaries. The guarantees are “full and unconditional,” as those terms are
used in Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, except that a subsidiary’s guarantee will be released in certain customary circumstances, such
as (1) upon any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the subsidiary (including by way of merger or
consolidation) to any person other than Scotts Miracle-Gro or any “restricted subsidiary” under the indenture governing the 6.000%
Senior Notes; (2) if the subsidiary merges with and into Scotts Miracle-Gro, with Scotts Miracle-Gro surviving such merger; (3)
if the subsidiary is designated an “unrestricted subsidiary” in accordance with the indenture governing the 6.000% Senior Notes
or otherwise ceases to be a “restricted subsidiary” (including by way of liquidation or dissolution) in a transaction permitted by
such indenture; (4) upon legal or covenant defeasance; (5) at the election of Scotts Miracle-Gro following the subsidiary’s release
as a guarantor under the new credit agreement, except a release by or as a result of the repayment of the new credit agreement; or
(6) if the subsidiary ceases to be a “restricted subsidiary” and the subsidiary is not otherwise required to provide a guarantee of
the 6.000% Senior Notes pursuant to the indenture governing the 6.000% Senior Notes. SLS Holdings, Inc. was added as a
guarantor effective in the three-month period ending July 2, 2016, and HGCI, Inc. and GenSource, Inc. were added as guarantors
effective in the three-month period ending January 2, 2016, and have been classified as Guarantors for all periods presented. SLS
Holdings, Inc., HGCI, Inc. and GenSource, Inc. did not have any activity for fiscal 2015.
The following 100% directly or indirectly owned subsidiaries fully and unconditionally guarantee at September 30, 2016 the
6.000% Senior Notes on a joint and several basis: 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 Investments LLC; SMG Growing Media, Inc.;
Swiss Farms Products, Inc.; SMGM LLC; The Scotts Company LLC; The Hawthorne Gardening Company; Hawthorne
Hydroponics LLC; HGCI, Inc.; GenSource, Inc.; and SLS Holdings, Inc. (collectively, the “Guarantors”). Effective in the three-
month period ending July 2, 2016, the SLS Business was contributed to the TruGreen Joint Venture and the Company classified
its results of operations for all periods presented to reflect the SLS Business as a discontinued operation and classified the assets
and liabilities as held for sale within the financial information of the Guarantors. Subsequent to their contribution to the TruGreen
Joint Venture, EG Systems, LLC (formerly known as EG Systems, Inc.) and SLS Franchise Systems LLC are no longer guarantors
of the 6.000% Senior Notes.
112
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following information presents Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations for each of the three years ended
September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the three
years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years
ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, and Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and 2015.
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
their investments in subsidiaries which do not guarantee the debt (collectively, the “Non-Guarantors”) under the equity method;
Non-Guarantors on a combined basis; and eliminating entries. The eliminating entries primarily reflect intercompany transactions,
such as interest expense, accounts receivable and payable, short and long-term debt, and the elimination of equity investments,
return on investments and income in subsidiaries. Because the Parent is obligated to pay the unpaid principal amount and interest
on all amounts borrowed by the Guarantors or Non-Guarantors under the credit facility (and was obligated to pay the unpaid
principal amount and interest on all amounts borrowed by the Guarantors and Non-Guarantors under the previous senior secured
five-year revolving loan facility), the borrowings and related interest expense for the loans outstanding of the Guarantors and Non-
Guarantors are also presented in the accompanying Parent-only financial information, and are then eliminated. Included in the
Parent Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for fiscal 2016 are $934.4 million of dividends paid by the Guarantors
and Non-Guarantors to the Parent representing return of investments and as such are classified within cash flows used in investing
activities. Included in the Parent Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 are $255.5
million and $422.8 million, respectively, of dividends paid by the Guarantors and Non-Guarantors to the Parent representing return
on investments and as such are classified within cash flows from operating activities.
113
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Operations
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016
(in millions)
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other. . . . . . .
Gross profit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other (income) loss, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-operating (income) loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in (income)/loss of unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . .
Costs related to refinancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations. .
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest. . .
Parent
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations
Consolidated
— $ 2,285.6
$
550.5
$
— $
2,836.1
—
—
—
—
—
(0.5)
0.5
(348.2)
(22.0)
—
8.8
62.1
299.8
(17.2)
317.0
—
1,434.4
5.9
845.3
455.4
(49.1)
(12.8)
451.8
(8.4)
—
(7.9)
—
43.6
424.5
147.3
277.2
61.5
398.6
1.8
150.1
140.2
1.9
(0.5)
8.5
—
(22.4)
0.1
—
4.3
26.5
9.3
17.2
—
317.0
$
338.7
$
17.2
$
—
—
—
—
—
—
1.5
—
—
(1.5)
356.6
44.4
—
—
(44.4)
(358.1)
—
(358.1)
—
(358.1) $
0.5
(357.6) $
1,833.0
7.7
995.4
597.1
(47.2)
(13.8)
459.3
—
—
(7.8)
8.8
65.6
392.7
139.4
253.3
61.5
314.8
0.5
315.3
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest. . . . . . $
317.0
$
338.7
$
17.2
$
114
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016
(In millions)
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net foreign currency translation adjustment . . . . . . .
Net change in derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net change in pension and other post retirement
benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Parent
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations Consolidated
317.0
$
338.7
$
17.2
$
(358.1) $
314.8
(6.2)
4.3
(8.2)
(10.1)
306.9
—
0.3
0.4
0.7
$
339.4
$
(6.2)
—
(8.6)
(14.8)
2.4
6.2
(0.3)
8.2
14.1
(344.0) $
$
(6.2)
4.3
(8.2)
(10.1)
304.7
115
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016
(in millions)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
INVESTING ACTIVITIES(a)
Parent
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations
Consolidated
18.0
$
212.8
$
10.2
$
(3.6) $
237.4
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets . . . . . . . .
Investments in property, plant and equipment . . .
Investments in loans receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net distributions from unconsolidated affiliates. .
Cash contributed to TruGreen Joint Venture . . . .
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash
acquired. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return of investments from affiliates . . . . . . . . . .
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates. . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
—
—
—
934.3
(914.2)
2.4
(49.0)
(90.0)
194.1
(24.2)
—
—
(29.1)
—
(9.3)
—
—
—
(158.4)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(934.3)
943.3
2.4
(58.3)
(90.0)
194.1
(24.2)
(158.4)
—
—
20.1
4.2
(167.7)
9.0
(134.4)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of
credit and term loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of
credit and term loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from issuance of 6.000% Senior Notes .
Repayment of 6.625% Senior Notes. . . . . . . . . . .
Financing and issuance fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase of Common Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments on seller notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment
arrangements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash received from exercise of stock options . . .
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . . .
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year. . . . . . . . . . . $
—
—
400.0
(200.0)
(11.2)
(116.6)
(130.8)
—
5.8
14.7
—
(38.1)
—
—
—
1,819.5
249.6
(1,937.7)
—
—
—
(909.4)
—
(2.3)
—
—
(212.7)
—
—
—
(26.5)
—
(0.5)
—
—
808.2
133.1
(221.7)
—
(4.7)
7.4
143.0
(2.1)
(16.6)
64.0
—
—
—
—
—
935.9
—
—
—
—
(941.3)
(5.4)
—
—
—
2,069.1
(2,150.4)
400.0
(200.0)
(11.2)
(116.6)
(130.8)
(2.8)
5.8
14.7
—
(122.2)
(2.1)
(21.3)
71.4
— $
2.7
$
47.4
$
— $
50.1
(a)
Cash received by the Parent from the Guarantors and non Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $934.4
million represent return of investments and are included in cash flows from investing activities. Cash received by the
Guarantors from the Non-Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $1.5 million represent return on
investments and are included in the cash flows from operating activities.
116
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Condensed, Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2016
(in millions)
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations
Consolidated
Parent
ASSETS
— $
2.7
$
47.4
$
— $
—
—
—
0.1
0.1
—
—
—
—
92.4
174.7
327.8
82.8
680.4
100.3
392.1
260.4
596.4
103.8
—
—
104.0
—
120.4
39.4
311.2
0.7
78.7
101.2
144.3
0.7
—
—
$ 2,133.4
$
636.8
108.8
143.6
406.6
575.7
268.7
161.0
147.2
1,559.2
574.2
—
574.2
30.8
57.1
82.0
169.9
117.2
76.0
—
187.1
550.2
86.6
—
86.6
$ 2,133.4
$
636.8
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
11.6
10.2
(2.5)
(808.8)
(1,013.0)
$ (1,802.5) $
$
(15.0) $
—
—
(15.0)
(652.9)
2.4
(161.0)
(334.3)
(1,160.8)
(660.8)
19.1
(641.7)
$ (1,802.5) $
50.1
196.4
174.7
448.2
122.3
991.7
101.0
470.8
373.2
750.9
121.2
—
—
2,808.8
185.0
165.9
242.2
593.1
1,131.1
350.3
—
—
2,074.5
715.2
19.1
734.3
2,808.8
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
15.0
$
154.2
$
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accounts receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable pledged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity investment in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19.2
808.8
Intercompany assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,013.0
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,841.1
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
16.6
31.6
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,091.1
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity investment in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intercompany liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total equity—controlling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2
—
—
1,125.9
715.2
—
Total equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
715.2
Total liabilities and equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,841.1
117
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Operations
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015
(in millions)
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales—impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other (income) loss, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-operating (income) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs related to refinancing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations . .
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest . . .
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest . . . . . . $
Parent
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations Consolidated
— $ 2,192.1
$
535.9
$
— $
2,728.0
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(179.2)
(27.9)
—
55.2
151.9
(9.6)
161.5
—
161.5
—
161.5
$
$
1,426.7
3.1
762.3
429.4
69.6
(3.2)
266.5
(6.1)
—
—
44.1
228.5
77.0
151.5
20.9
172.4
—
172.4
$
$
386.7
3.5
145.7
140.3
7.0
1.1
(2.7)
—
(23.5)
—
2.6
18.2
6.4
11.8
—
11.8
—
11.8
—
—
—
1.7
—
—
(1.7)
185.3
51.4
—
(51.4)
(187.0)
—
(187.0)
—
(187.0) $
1.1
(185.9) $
$
$
1,813.4
6.6
908.0
571.4
76.6
(2.1)
262.1
—
—
—
50.5
211.6
73.8
137.8
20.9
158.7
1.1
159.8
118
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
for the twelve months ended September 30, 2015
(In millions)
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net foreign currency translation adjustment . . . . . . .
Net change in derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net change in pension and other post retirement
benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Parent
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations Consolidated
161.5
$
172.4
$
11.8
$
(187.0) $
158.7
(14.2)
(2.1)
(4.3)
(20.6)
140.9
—
(0.8)
(14.2)
—
(5.4)
(6.2)
166.2
$
1.1
(13.1)
(1.3) $
$
14.2
0.8
4.3
19.3
(167.7) $
(14.2)
(2.1)
(4.3)
(20.6)
138.1
119
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015
(in millions)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
INVESTING ACTIVITIES(a)
Parent
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations
Consolidated
239.4
$
249.3
$
39.5
$
(281.3) $
246.9
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets . . . . . . . .
Investments in property, plant and equipment . . .
Investing cash flows from (to) affiliates. . . . . . . .
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash
acquired. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in marketing and license agreement. .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . .
—
—
(141.9)
—
—
(141.9)
5.5
(56.6)
—
(170.8)
(300.0)
(521.9)
—
(5.1)
—
(9.4)
—
(14.5)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of
credit and term loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of
credit and term loans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financing and issuance fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase of Common Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments on seller notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment
arrangements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash received from exercise of stock options . . .
Financing cash flows from (to) affiliates . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . . .
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year. . . . . . . . . . . $
—
1,568.1
267.9
—
(0.4)
(111.3)
(14.8)
—
4.7
24.3
—
(97.5)
—
—
—
(1,284.1)
(0.1)
(255.5)
—
(1.5)
—
—
230.0
256.9
—
(15.7)
23.1
(173.9)
—
(25.8)
—
—
—
—
(88.1)
(19.9)
(7.3)
(2.2)
66.2
—
—
141.9
—
—
141.9
—
—
—
281.3
—
—
—
—
(141.9)
139.4
—
—
—
5.5
(61.7)
—
(180.2)
(300.0)
(536.4)
1,836.0
(1,458.0)
(0.5)
(111.3)
(14.8)
(1.5)
4.7
24.3
—
278.9
(7.3)
(17.9)
89.3
71.4
— $
7.4
$
64.0
$
— $
(a)
Cash received by the Parent from the Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $255.5 million represent
return on investments and are included in cash flows from operating activities. Cash received by the Guarantors from
the Non-Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $25.8 million represent return on investments and are
included in the cash flows from operating activities.
120
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Condensed, Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of September 30, 2015
(in millions)
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations Consolidated
Parent
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accounts receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable, pledged . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid and other current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity investment in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16.3
461.3
Intercompany assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,179.4
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,657.0
— $
7.4
$
63.3
152.9
306.9
220.3
86.4
837.2
388.0
260.2
584.6
11.0
—
—
64.0
94.4
—
88.9
—
34.7
282.0
56.1
12.0
58.8
15.0
—
—
$
— $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
11.6
11.7
(17.3)
(461.3)
(1,179.4)
$ (1,634.7) $
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
$ 2,081.0
$
423.9
— $
122.9
$
9.7
$
— $
136.7
41.7
162.7
464.0
724.9
226.0
156.2
296.6
1,867.7
213.3
—
213.3
$ 2,081.0
$
56.4
—
73.0
139.1
100.1
32.3
—
47.5
319.0
104.9
—
104.9
423.9
—
—
—
—
(816.3)
(12.3)
(156.2)
(344.1)
(1,328.9)
(318.2)
12.4
(305.8)
$ (1,634.7) $
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities held for sale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
15.5
15.5
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,016.3
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity investment in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intercompany liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total equity—controlling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.5
—
—
1,036.3
620.7
—
Total equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
620.7
Total liabilities and equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,657.0
121
71.4
157.7
152.9
395.8
220.3
121.1
1,119.2
444.1
283.8
655.1
25.0
—
—
2,527.2
132.6
193.1
41.7
251.2
618.6
1,025.0
250.5
—
—
1,894.1
620.7
12.4
633.1
2,527.2
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Operations
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014
(in millions)
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other (income) loss, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-operating (income) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Costs related to refinancing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income
taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations . .
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest . . .
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest . . . . . . $
Parent
Subsidiary
Guarantors
— $ 2,051.0
1,318.8
—
732.2
—
Non-
Guarantors
527.3
$
369.4
157.9
Eliminations Consolidated
2,578.3
— $
$
1,688.2
—
890.1
—
—
—
—
—
(193.2)
(21.3)
10.7
52.5
151.3
(14.9)
166.2
—
166.2
0.3
166.5
$
$
421.9
47.2
(8.6)
271.7
(8.9)
—
—
37.4
243.2
83.6
159.6
20.3
179.9
0.3
180.2
$
$
145.2
2.8
(2.1)
12.0
—
(22.2)
—
0.9
33.3
11.5
21.8
0.4
22.2
—
22.2
—
—
—
—
202.1
43.5
—
(43.5)
(202.1)
—
(202.1)
—
(202.1) $
(0.3)
(202.4) $
$
$
567.1
50.0
(10.7)
283.7
—
—
10.7
47.3
225.7
80.2
145.5
20.7
166.2
0.3
166.5
122
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
for the twelve months ended September 30, 2014
(In millions)
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net foreign currency translation adjustment . . . . . . .
Net change in derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net change in pension and other post retirement
benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Parent
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations Consolidated
166.2
$
179.9
$
22.2
$
(202.1) $
166.2
(8.2)
4.6
(4.8)
(8.4)
157.8
—
1.3
0.7
2.0
$
181.9
$
(8.2)
—
(5.5)
(13.7)
8.5
8.2
(1.3)
4.8
11.7
(190.4) $
$
(8.2)
4.6
(4.8)
(8.4)
157.8
123
THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
Condensed, Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014
(in millions)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
INVESTING ACTIVITIES(a)
Proceeds from sale of long-lived assets . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of business, net of transaction
costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in property, plant and equipment . . .
Proceeds from sale and leaseback transaction . . .
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash
acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . .
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings under revolving and bank lines of
credit and term loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayments under revolving and bank lines of
credit and term loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment of 7.25% Senior Notes . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financing and issuance fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase of Common Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments on seller notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment
arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash received from exercise of stock options. . . .
Intercompany financing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . . .
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year. . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . $
Parent
Subsidiary
Guarantors
Non-
Guarantors
Eliminations
Consolidated
388.8
$
254.5
$
21.7
$
(424.1) $
240.9
—
—
—
—
—
—
3.7
6.6
(81.0)
35.1
(58.9)
(94.5)
—
0.6
(6.6)
—
(55.1)
(61.1)
—
1,596.1
336.7
—
(200.0)
(6.1)
(230.8)
(120.0)
—
—
20.0
148.1
(388.8)
—
—
—
(1,184.7)
—
—
(404.9)
—
(0.8)
5.9
—
(151.1)
(139.5)
—
20.5
2.6
(340.6)
—
—
(19.2)
—
—
—
—
3.0
(20.1)
(1.5)
(61.0)
127.2
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
424.1
—
—
—
—
—
424.1
—
—
—
3.7
7.2
(87.6)
35.1
(114.0)
(155.6)
1,932.8
(1,525.3)
(200.0)
(6.1)
(230.8)
(120.0)
(0.8)
5.9
20.0
—
(124.3)
(1.5)
(40.5)
129.8
— $
23.1
$
66.2
$
— $
89.3
(a)
Cash received by the Parent from the Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $422.8 million represent
return on investments and are included in cash flows from operating activities. Cash received by the Guarantors from
the Non-Guarantors in the form of dividends in the amount of $1.3 million represent return on investments and are
included in the cash flows from operating activities.
124
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016
Column A
Classification
Column B
Column C
Column D
Column E
Column F
Balance
at
Beginning
of Period
Reserves
Acquired
Additions
Charged
to
Expense
Deductions
Credited
and
Write-Offs
Balance
at End of
Period
(In millions)
Valuation and qualifying accounts deducted from the assets to
which they apply:
Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
6.5
45.8
— $
—
$
4.1
(0.9)
(3.4) $
0.2
7.2
45.1
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015
Column A
Classification
Column B
Column C
Column D
Column E
Column F
Balance
at
Beginning
of Period
Reserves
Acquired
Additions
Charged
to
Expense
(In millions)
Deductions
Credited
and
Write-Offs
Balance
at End of
Period
Valuation and qualifying accounts deducted from the assets to
which they apply:
Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
5.5
48.3
— $
—
$
1.4
1.5
(0.4) $
(4.0)
6.5
45.8
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014
Column A
Classification
Column B
Column C
Column D
Column E
Column F
Balance
at
Beginning
of Period
Reserves
Acquired
Additions
Charged
to
Expense
Deductions
Credited
and
Write-Offs
Balance
at End of
Period
(In millions)
Valuation and qualifying accounts deducted from the assets to
which they apply:
Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
7.5
51.5
— $
—
$
1.6
(1.5)
(3.6) $
(1.7)
5.5
48.3
125
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Index to Exhibits
Exhibit
No.
3.1(a)
3.1(b)
3.2
4.1(a)
4.1(b)
4.1(c)
4.1(d)
4.1(e)
4.1(f)
Description
Initial Articles of Incorporation of The Scotts Miracle-
Gro Company as filed with the Ohio Secretary of State
on November 22, 2004
Location
Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report
on Form 8-K of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (the
“Registrant”) filed March 24, 2005 [Exhibit 3.1]
Certificate of Amendment by Shareholders to Articles
of Incorporation of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
as filed with the Ohio Secretary of State on March 18,
2005
Code of Regulations of The Scotts Miracle-Gro
Company
Indenture, dated as of December 16, 2010, by and
the
among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company,
Guarantors (as defined therein) and U.S. Bank National
Association, as trustee
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 24, 2005
[Exhibit 3.2]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 24, 2005
[Exhibit 3.3]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 16, 2010
[Exhibit 4.1]
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September
28, 2011, by and among The Scotts Miracle-Gro
Company, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and U.S.
Bank National Association, as trustee
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2011 filed November 23, 2011 [Exhibit
4.2(b)]
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September
30, 2013, among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the
Guarantors (as defined therein) and U.S. Bank National
Association, as trustee
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended December 28, 2013 filed February 6, 2014
[Exhibit 4.2]
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 25,
2014, among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the
Guarantors (as defined therein) and U.S. Bank National
Association, as trustee
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated March 27, 2015,
the
among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company,
Guarantors (as defined therein) and U.S. Bank National
Association, as trustee
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended March 29, 2014 filed May 8, 2014 [Exhibit 4.1]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended March 28, 2015 filed May 7, 2015 [Exhibit 4]
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated October 26, 2015,
among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company,
the
Guarantors (as defined therein) and U.S. Bank National
Association, as trustee
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2015 filed November 24, 2015 [Exhibit
4.1(f)]
4.1(g)
Form of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2020
4.2(a)
4.2(b)
Indenture, dated as of October 13, 2015, by and among
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the Guarantors (as
defined therein) and U.S. Bank National Association,
as trustee
First Supplemental Indenture, dated May 26, 2016, by
and among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the
Guarantors (as defined therein) and U.S. Bank National
Association, as trustee
4.2(c)
Form of 6.000% Senior Notes due 2023
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 16, 2010
[Exhibit 4.2]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 14, 2015
[Exhibit 4.1]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended July 2, 2016 filed August 10, 2016 [Exhibit 4]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 14, 2015
[Exhibit 4.2]
126
4.2(d)
4.3
10.1(a)
10.1(b)
10.2(a)
10.2(b)
10.2(c)
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 13,
2015, by and among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company,
the guarantors named therein and Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the
several initial purchasers named therein
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 14, 2015
[Exhibit 4.3]
Agreement to furnish copies of instruments and
agreements defining rights of holders of long-term debt
*
Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report
on Form 8-K of The Scotts Company, a Delaware
corporation, filed June 2, 1995 [Exhibit 2(b)]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report
on Form 8-K of The Scotts Company, an Ohio
corporation, filed October 5, 1999 [Exhibit 2]
Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of May 19, 1995, among Stern’s Miracle-Gro
Products, Inc., Stern’s Nurseries, Inc., Miracle-Gro
Lawn Products Inc., Miracle-Gro Products Limited,
Hagedorn Partnership, L.P., the general partners of
Hagedorn Partnership, L.P., Horace Hagedorn,
Community Funds, Inc., and John Kenlon, The Scotts
Company and ZYX Corporation
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Agreement
and Plan of Merger, made and entered into as of
October 1, 1999, among The Scotts Company, Scotts’
Miracle-Gro Products, Inc. (as successor to ZYX
Corporation and Stern’s Miracle-Gro Products, Inc.),
Miracle-Gro Lawn Products
Inc., Miracle-Gro
Products Limited, Hagedorn Partnership, L.P.,
Community Funds, Inc., Horace Hagedorn and John
Kenlon, and James Hagedorn, Katherine Hagedorn
Littlefield, Paul Hagedorn, Peter Hagedorn, Robert
Hagedorn and Susan Hagedorn
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 3, 2015
[Exhibit 10.1]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended January 2, 2016 filed February 11, 2016 [Exhibit
10.3]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 3, 2015
[Exhibit 10.2]
Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated
as of October 29, 2015, by and among The Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company, as a Borrower; the Subsidiary
Borrowers (as defined therein); JPMorgan Chase Bank,
N.A., as Administrative Agent; Bank of America, N.A.
and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Co-
Syndication Agents; CoBank, ACB, Mizuho Bank,
Raiffeisen-
LTD.,
Boerenleenbank B.A. “Rabobank Nederland”, New
York Branch, TD Bank N.A. and U.S. Bank National
Association, as Co-Documentation Agents; and the
several other banks and other financial institutions from
time to time parties thereto
Coöperatieve
Centrale
Amendment No. 1, dated as of February 8, 2016, to
Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated
October 29, 2015, by and among The Scotts Miracle-
the Subsidiary
Gro Company, as a Borrower;
Borrowers (as defined therein); JPMorgan Chase Bank,
N.A., as Administrative Agent; Bank of America, N.A.
and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Co-
Syndication Agents; CoBank, ACB, Mizuho Bank,
LTD., Coöperatieve Rabobank U.S., New York Branch
(formerly known as Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-
Boerenleenbank B.A. “Rabobank Nederland”, New
York Branch), TD Bank N.A. and U.S. Bank National
Association, as Co-Documentation Agents; and the
several other banks and other financial institutions from
time to time parties thereto
Fourth Amended and Restated Guarantee and
Collateral Agreement, dated as of October 29, 2015,
made by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, each
domestic Subsidiary Borrower under the Fourth
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, and certain
of its and their domestic subsidiaries, in favor of
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
127
10.2(d)
10.3(a)†
10.3(b)†
10.3(c)†
10.3(d)(i)†
10.3(d)(ii)†
10.3(d)(iii)†
10.3(e)†
10.3(f)(i)†
10.3(f)(ii)†
Amendment No. 1, dated July 29, 2016, to Fourth
Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral
Agreement, dated as of October 29, 2015, made by The
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, each domestic
Subsidiary Borrower under the Fourth Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement, and certain of its and their
domestic subsidiaries, in favor of JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Long-Term
Incentive Plan (reflects amendment and restatement of
plan formerly known as The Scotts Miracle-Gro
Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan) [effective
as of January 17, 2013]
Specimen form of Deferred Stock Unit Award
Agreement for Nonemployee Directors (with Related
Dividend Equivalents) used to evidence grants under
the Long-Term Incentive Plan
Specimen form of Deferred Stock Unit Award
Agreement for Nonemployee Directors Retainer
Deferrals (with Related Dividend Equivalents) used to
evidence grants which may be made under the Long-
Term Incentive Plan
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for
Employees (with Related Dividend Equivalents) used
to evidence grant of Restricted Stock Units made on
December 11, 2013 to James Hagedorn under The
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Long-Term Incentive
Plan
Specimen form of Restricted Stock Unit Award
Agreement for Third Party Service-Providers (with
Related Dividend Equivalents) used to evidence grants
which may be made under the Long-Term Incentive
Plan
Specimen form of Restricted Stock Unit Award
Agreement for Employees (with Related Dividend
Equivalents) used to evidence grants which may be
made under the Long-Term Incentive Plan
Specimen form of Performance Unit Award Agreement
for Employees (with Related Dividend Equivalents)
used to evidence grants which may be made under the
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Specimen form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award
Agreement for Employees used to evidence grants of
Nonqualified Stock Options made under The Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan
(now known as The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Long-Term Incentive Plan) [October 30, 2007 through
October 8, 2008 version]
Specimen form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award
Agreement for Employees used to evidence grants of
Nonqualified Stock Options made under The Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company Amended and Restated 2006
Long-Term Incentive Plan (now known as The Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company Long-Term Incentive Plan)
[January 20, 2010 through January 19, 2012 version]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended July 2, 2016 filed August 10, 2016 [Exhibit 10]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 24, 2013
[Exhibit 10.1]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended March 28, 2015 filed May 7, 2015 [Exhibit 10.3]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended March 28, 2015 filed May 7, 2015 [Exhibit 10.4]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended December 28, 2013 filed February 6, 2014
[Exhibit 10.10]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended March 28, 2015 filed May 7, 2015 [Exhibit 10.5]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended March 28, 2015 filed May 7, 2015 [Exhibit 10.8]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended March 28, 2015 filed May 7, 2015 [Exhibit 10.6]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2007 filed November 29, 2007 [Exhibit
10(t)(3)]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended January 2, 2010 filed February 11, 2010 [Exhibit
10.4]
128
10.3(f)(iii)†
10.3(f)(iv)†
10.4(a)†
10.4(b)(i)†
10.4(b)(ii)†
10.4(b)(iii)†
10.4(c)†
10.4(d)†
10.5†
10.6†
10.7†
Specimen form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award
Agreement for Employees used to evidence grants of
Nonqualified Stock Options made under The Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company Amended and Restated 2006
Long-Term Incentive Plan (now known as The Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company Long-Term Incentive Plan)
[January 20, 2012 through January 17, 2013 version]
Specimen form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award
Agreement for Employees used to evidence grants
which may be made under the Long-Term Incentive
Plan [post-January 17, 2013 version]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended December 31, 2011 filed February 8, 2012
[Exhibit 10.3]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended March 28, 2015 filed May 7, 2015 [Exhibit 10.7]
The Scotts Company LLC Amended and Restated
Executive Incentive Plan (effective as of January 30,
2014)
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 5, 2014
[Exhibit 10.1]
form of Employee Confidentiality,
Specimen
Noncompetition, Nonsolicitation Agreement
for
employees participating in The Scotts Company
Executive/Management Incentive Plan (now known as
The Scotts Company LLC Amended and Restated
Executive Incentive Plan) [2005 version]
form of Employee Confidentiality,
Specimen
Noncompetition, Nonsolicitation Agreement
for
employees participating in The Scotts Company LLC
Executive/Management Incentive Plan (now known as
The Scotts Company LLC Amended and Restated
Executive Incentive Plan) [post-2005 version]
Confidentiality,
Employee
Noncompetition,
Nonsolicitation Agreement, dated as of December 12,
2013, by and between The Scotts Company LLC, all
companies controlled by, controlling or under common
control with The Scotts Company LLC, and James
Hagedorn
Form of Retention Award Agreement evidencing the
payment of a cash bonus on April 12, 2013 and the grant
of Restricted Stock Units on May 8, 2013 under The
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Amended and Restated
2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (now known as The
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Long-Term Incentive
Plan) to Thomas Coleman (executed by The Scotts
Company LLC on May 14, 2013 and by Thomas
Coleman on May 16, 2013)
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2008 filed November 25, 2008 [Exhibit
10.2(b)(i)]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended July 1, 2006 filed August 10, 2006 [Exhibit 10.1]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2013
[Exhibit 10.2]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended March 29, 2014 filed May 8, 2014 [Exhibit 10.2]
Executive Officers of The Scotts Miracle-Gro
Company who are parties to form of Employee
Confidentiality, Noncompetition, Nonsolicitation
Agreement for employees participating in The Scotts
Company LLC Amended and Restated Executive
Incentive Plan incorporated in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K as Exhibit 10.4(b)(ii)
*
The Scotts Company LLC Executive Retirement Plan,
as Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2015
(executed December 31, 2014)
Summary of Compensation
for Nonemployee
Directors of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
(effective as of May 1, 2014)
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended December 27, 2014 filed February 5, 2015
[Exhibit 10.2]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2014 filed November 25, 2014 [Exhibit
10.9]
Executive Severance Agreement, dated as of December
11, 2013, by and between The Scotts Company LLC
and James Hagedorn
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 17, 2013
[Exhibit 10.1]
129
10.8†
10.9(a)†
10.9(b)†
10.10†
Separation Agreement and Release of All Claims,
entered into as of December 18, 2014, by and between
The Scotts Company LLC and Barry W. Sanders
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 19, 2014
[Exhibit 10.1]
Consulting Agreement, dated March 6, 2015, between
The Scotts Company LLC and Hanft Projects LLC
[expired January 31, 2016]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended March 28, 2015 filed May 7, 2015 [Exhibit 10.2]
Consulting Agreement, dated February 12, 2016,
between The Scotts Company LLC and Hanft Projects
LLC
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended April 2, 2016 filed May 11, 2016 [Exhibit 10.3]
Incentive Compensation/Retention Award Agreement,
dated February 11, 2016, between The Scotts Miracle-
Gro Company and Michael C. Lukemire
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended April 2, 2016 filed May 11, 2016 [Exhibit 10.2]
10.11(a)†
The Scotts Company LLC Executive Severance Plan,
adopted on May 4, 2011
10.11(b)†
Form of Tier 1 Participation Agreement under The
Scotts Company LLC Executive Severance Plan
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 10, 2011
[Exhibit 10.1]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 10, 2011
[Exhibit 10.2]
10.11(c)†
10.12(a)
10.12(b)
10.12(c)
10.12(d)
10.12(e)
10.12(f)
10.13
Executive Officers of The Scotts Miracle-Gro
Company who are parties to form of Tier 1 Participation
Agreement under The Scotts Company LLC Executive
Severance Plan incorporated in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K as Exhibit 10.11(b)
*
Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and
Marketing Agreement, effective as of September 30,
1998, and amended and restated as of November 11,
1998, by and between Monsanto Company and The
Scotts Company LLC (as successor to The Scotts
Company, an Ohio corporation)
Letter Agreement, dated March 10, 2005, amending the
Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and
Marketing Agreement, dated as of September 30, 1998,
between Monsanto Company and The Scotts Company
LLC (as successor to The Scotts Company, an Ohio
corporation)
Letter Agreement, dated March 28, 2008, amending the
Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and
Marketing Agreement, dated as of September 30, 1998,
between Monsanto Company and The Scotts Company
LLC
Amendment to Amended and Restated Exclusive
Agency and Marketing Agreement, dated as of May 15,
2015, between Monsanto Company and The Scotts
Company LLC
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2005 filed December 15, 2005 [Exhibit
10(x)]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2009 filed November 24, 2009 [Exhibit
10.17(b)]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2008 filed November 25, 2008 [Exhibit
10.18(b)]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed May 20, 2015
[Exhibit 10.2]
Lawn and Garden Brand Extension Agreement, dated
as of May 15, 2015, between Monsanto Company and
The Scotts Company LLC
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed May 20, 2015
[Exhibit 10.3]
Commercialization and Technology Agreement, dated
as of May 15, 2015, between Monsanto Company and
The Scotts Company LLC
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed May 20, 2015
[Exhibit 10.4]
Purchase Agreement, dated December 13, 2010, among
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the subsidiary
guarantors named therein and Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the
several initial purchasers named therein
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 16, 2010
[Exhibit 10.1]
130
10.14
10.15(a)
10.15(b)
10.15(c)
10.16
10.17
12
21
23
24
31.1
31.2
32
Purchase Agreement, dated October 7, 2015, among
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, the subsidiary
guarantors named therein and Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the
several initial purchasers named therein
Amended and Restated Master Accounts Receivable
Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 25, 2015,
among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, The Scotts
Company LLC, the Banks party thereto and Mizuho
Bank, Ltd., as Administrative Agent
Waiver and First Amendment, dated as of March 23,
2016, to the Amended and Restated Master Accounts
Receivable Purchase Agreement, dated as of September
25, 2015, among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company,
The Scotts Company LLC, the Banks party thereto and
Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Administrative Agent
Second Amendment, dated as of August 25, 2016, to
the Amended and Restated Master Accounts
Receivable Purchase Agreement, dated as of September
25, 2015, among The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company,
The Scotts Company LLC, the Banks party thereto and
Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Administrative Agent and Bank
Contribution and Distribution Agreement, dated as of
December 10, 2015, by and among The Scotts Miracle-
Gro Company and TruGreen Holdings Corporation
Form of Aircraft Time Sharing Agreement for
Executive Officers
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 14, 2015
[Exhibit 10.1]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 30, 2015
[Exhibit 10.1]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 29, 2016
[Exhibit 10.1]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 26, 2016
[Exhibit 10.1]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended January 2, 2016 filed February 11, 2016 [Exhibit
10.5]
Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period
ended April 2, 2016 filed May 11, 2016 [Exhibit 10.4]
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Subsidiaries of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm — Deloitte & Touche LLP
Powers of Attorney of Executive Officers and Directors
of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
*
*
*
*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
Executive Officer)
(Principal
*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
Financial Officer)
(Principal
*
Section 1350 Certifications
Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
(Principal Executive
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
131
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
†
Filed or furnished herewith.
Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
132
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
(Principal Executive Officer)
CERTIFICATIONS
I, James Hagedorn, certify that:
Exhibit 31.1
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2016;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and
for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting
to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize
and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role
in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 28, 2016
By:
/s/ JAMES HAGEDORN
Printed Name: James Hagedorn
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
(Principal Financial Officer)
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Thomas Randal Coleman, certify that:
Exhibit 31.2
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2016;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and
for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting
to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize
and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role
in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 28, 2016
By:
/s/ THOMAS RANDAL COLEMAN
Printed Name: Thomas Randal Coleman
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATIONS*
Exhibit 32
In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (the “Company”) for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the
undersigned James Hagedorn, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the Company, and Thomas Randal
Coleman, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter
63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best
of their knowledge:
1)
2)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the consolidated financial condition
and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries.
/s/ JAMES HAGEDORN
Printed Name: James Hagedorn
Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board
/s/ THOMAS RANDAL COLEMAN
Printed Name: Thomas Randal Coleman
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
November 28, 2016
November 28, 2016
*
THESE CERTIFICATIONS ARE BEING FURNISHED AS REQUIRED BY RULE 13a-14(b) UNDER THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (THE “EXCHANGE ACT”) AND SECTION 1350 OF CHAPTER 63 OF
TITLE 18 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE, AND SHALL NOT BE DEEMED “FILED” FOR PURPOSES OF
SECTION 18 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OR OTHERWISE SUBJECT TO THE LIABILITY OF THAT SECTION.
THESE CERTIFICATIONS SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO ANY
FILING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR THE EXCHANGE ACT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT
THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATES THESE CERTIFICATIONS BY REFERENCE.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Mike Carbonara
President, North America Sales
Randy Coleman
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Jim Hagedorn
Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board
Scott Hendrick
Senior Vice President
Global Supply Chain
Phil Jones
Senior Vice President,
International
Jim King
Senior Vice President
and Chief Communications Officer
Mike Lukemire
President and Chief Operating Officer
Ivan Smith
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel,
Corporate Secretary and
Chief Compliance Officer
Denise Stump
Executive Vice President,
Global Human Resources
and Chief Ethics Officer
Dave Swihart
Senior Vice President,
Global R&D and Sourcing
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brian D. Finn
Former Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board
Asset Management Finance Corporation
Private investment firm
Member of Audit and Finance Committees
Board member since 2014
Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield
General Partner
Hagedorn Partnership, L.P.
Private investment partnership
Chair of Finance Committee
Member of Innovation & Technology Committee
Board member since 2000
James F. McCann
Chairman of the Board and
former Chief Executive Officer
1-800-Flowers.com
Online florist and gift shop
Member of Finance Committee
Board member since 2014
Nancy G. Mistretta
Retired Partner
Russell Reynolds Associates
Executive search firm
Chair of Audit Committee
Member of Finance Committee
Board member since 2007
John R. Vines
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
John R. Vines Associates LLC
Member of Nominating & Governance Committee
Board member since 2013
Jim Hagedorn
Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Board member since 1995
Adam Hanft
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Hanft Projects LLC
Strategic consultancy firm
Member of Innovation & Technology Committee
Board member since 2010
Michelle A. Johnson
Former Chief Executive Officer
StudentsFirst
Chair of Compensation & Organization Committee
Member of Nominating & Governance Committee
Board member since 2014
Stephen L. Johnson
President and Chief Executive Officer
Stephen L. Johnson and Associates
Strategic Consulting, LLC
Chair of Nominating & Governance Committee
Member of Compensation & Organization and
Innovation & Technology Committees
Board member since 2010
Thomas N. Kelly Jr.
Former Executive Vice President,
Transition Integration
Sprint Nextel Corporation
Global communications company
Chair of Innovation & Technology Committee
Member of Compensation & Organization
and Audit Committees
Board member since 2006
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OUR VISION:
To help people of all ages express themselves on their own piece of the Earth
OUR MISSION:
ScottsMiracle-Gro is committed to helping consumers around the world by
providing them with innovative solutions to create beautiful and healthy lawns
and gardens. We will be responsible stewards of our planet. We will provide
a dynamic workplace for our associates to succeed and grow their careers. In
return, we will be rewarded with an improved market presence and profitable
growth that enhances shareholder value.
www.scottsmiraclegro.com
14111 Scottslawn Road
Marysville, Ohio 43041
937.644.0011