ScottsMiracle-Gro - 10-Q quarterly report FY

 

 

(Mark One)

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(937) 644-0011
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

NO CHANGE
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY
INDEX

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

(UNAUDITED)

See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(IN MILLIONS)

(UNAUDITED)

See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY

CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(IN MILLIONS)

See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements

NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NATURE OF OPERATIONS

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts Miracle-Gro”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, together with Scotts Miracle-Gro, the “Company”) are engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and sale of lawn and garden care products. The Company’s primary customers include home centers, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, large hardware chains, independent hardware stores, nurseries, garden centers, food and drug stores, commercial nurseries and greenhouses and specialty crop growers. The Company’s products are sold primarily in North America and the European Union. The Company also operates the Scotts LawnService^® business, which provides lawn, tree and shrub fertilization, insect control and other related services in the United States, and Smith & Hawken^®, an outdoor living and garden lifestyle category brand. As discussed in “NOTE 2. COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES,” on July 8, 2009, the Company announced that it intends to cease operating the Smith & Hawken^® business by the end of the calendar year.

Due to the nature of the lawn and garden business, the majority of sales to customers occur in the Company’s second and third fiscal quarters. On a combined basis, net sales for the second and third fiscal quarters generally represent 70% to 75% of annual net sales. As a result of the seasonal nature of our business, results for the first nine months cannot be annualized to predict the results of the full year.

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The Company’s condensed, consolidated financial statements are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, these financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The condensed, consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Scotts Miracle-Gro and all of its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company’s consolidation criteria are based on majority ownership (as evidenced by a majority voting interest in the entity) and an objective evaluation and determination of effective management control. Interim results reflect all normal and recurring adjustments and are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The interim financial statements and notes are presented as specified by Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Scotts Miracle-Gro’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1), for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008.

The Company’s Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2008 has been derived from the Company’s audited Consolidated Balance Sheet at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

USE OF ESTIMATES

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

REVENUE RECOGNITION

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

Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Exclusive Agency and Marketing Agreement (the “Marketing Agreement”) between the Company and Monsanto Company (“Monsanto”), the Company performs certain functions, primarily manufacturing conversion, distribution and logistics, and selling and manufacturing support, in its role as exclusive agent for Monsanto in the conduct of the consumer Roundup^® business. The actual costs incurred by the Company on behalf of Roundup^® are recovered from Monsanto

through the terms of the Marketing Agreement. The reimbursement of costs for which the Company is considered the primary obligor is included in net sales.

PROMOTIONAL ALLOWANCES

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

ADVERTISING

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

Scotts LawnService^® promotes its service offerings primarily through direct mail campaigns. External costs associated with these campaigns that qualify as direct response advertising costs are deferred and recognized as advertising expense in proportion to revenues over a period not beyond the end of the subsequent calendar year. Costs that do not qualify as direct response advertising costs are expensed on a monthly basis within the fiscal year incurred in proportion to net sales. The costs deferred at June 27, 2009, June 28, 2008 and September 30, 2008 were $4.0 million, $6.6 million and $4.5 million, respectively.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AWARDS

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

GOODWILL AND INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”), goodwill and intangible assets determined to have indefinite lives are not subject to amortization. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment by applying a fair-value based test on an annual basis, scheduled for the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a potential impairment. If it is determined that an impairment has occurred, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value and classified as “Impairment and other charges” in the Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations.

INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense was calculated assuming an effective tax rate of 36.3% for fiscal 2009, versus 67.5% for fiscal 2008. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 was significantly higher primarily due to the goodwill impairment charge recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, which was not deductible for tax purposes. The effective tax rate used for interim reporting purposes was based on management’s best estimate of factors impacting the effective tax rate for the fiscal year. Factors affecting the estimated effective tax rate include assumptions as to income by jurisdiction (domestic and foreign), the availability and utilization of tax credits and the existence of elements of income and expense that may not be taxable or deductible, as well as other items. The estimated effective tax rate is subject to revision in later interim periods and at fiscal year end as facts and circumstances change during the course of the fiscal year. There can be no assurance that the effective tax rate estimated for interim financial reporting purposes will approximate the effective tax rate determined at fiscal year end.

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE

The following represents a reconciliation from basic net income per common share to diluted net income per common share. Basic net income per common share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding each period. Diluted net income per common share is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares (stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and stock appreciation rights) outstanding each period. Stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of the underlying common shares are excluded from

the computation of diluted net income per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. The number of stock options excluded was 2.5 million and 2.8 million for the three-month periods, and 2.6 million and 2.7 million for the nine-month periods, ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008, respectively.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company adopted SFAS No. 165, “Subsequent Events” (“SFAS 165”) for the fiscal quarter ended June 27, 2009. This standard is intended to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. The adoption of SFAS 165 had no impact to the Company’s financial statements. The Company evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after June 27, 2009 up through August 5, 2009, the date the Company issued these financial statements. During this period, the Company did not have any material recognizable subsequent events. However, the Company did have a nonrecognizable subsequent event related to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Smith & Hawken, Ltd., as discussed in “NOTE 2. COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH EXIT OR DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES.”

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

On October 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The effect of the adoption of SFAS 157 was not material and required no adjustment to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. Refer to “NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS” for further information regarding the effect of the adoption of SFAS 157 with respect to financial assets and liabilities. In February 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13,” which removes leasing transactions accounted for under SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases,” and related guidance from the scope of SFAS 157. In February 2008, the FASB also issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP FAS 157-2”), which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. FSP FAS 157-2 states that a measurement is recurring if it happens at least annually and defines nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities as all assets and liabilities other than those meeting the definition of a financial asset or financial liability in SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). The Company is completing its evaluation of the effect of FSP FAS 157-2 and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, which allows an entity the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. Subsequent changes in fair value of these financial assets and liabilities would be recognized in earnings when they occur. SFAS 159 further establishes certain additional disclosure requirements. The Company adopted SFAS 159 as of October 1, 2008. The Company has not elected to measure any financial assets or liabilities at fair value which were not previously required to be measured at fair value.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). The objective of SFAS 161 is to enhance the disclosure framework in FASB Statement No. 133 and improve the transparency of financial reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS 161 requires entities to provide enhanced disclosures about: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133 and its related interpretations and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The Company adopted SFAS 161 for the fiscal quarter ended March 28, 2009. Refer to “NOTE 12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES” for the SFAS 161 disclosures.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”), which replaced SFAS 141. The objective of SFAS 141(R) is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or the gain from a bargain purchase; and establishes what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) applies to all transactions or other events in which an entity (the “acquirer”) obtains control of one or more businesses (the “acquiree”), including those sometimes referred to as “true mergers” or “mergers of equals” and combinations achieved without the transfer of consideration. In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 141(R)-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies” (“FSP FAS 141(R)-1”), which amends and clarifies SFAS 141(R) to address application issues of SFAS 141(R) arising from contingencies in a business combination. SFAS 141(R) and FSP FAS 141(R)-1 will be effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS 141(R) and FSP FAS 141(R)-1 may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). The objective of SFAS 160 is to improve the relevance, comparability and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS 160 also changes the way the consolidated financial statements are presented, establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation, requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and expands disclosures in the consolidated financial statements that clearly identify and distinguish between the parent’s ownership interest and the interest of the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary. The provisions of SFAS 160 are to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which SFAS 160 is adopted, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which are to be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. SFAS 160 will be effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS 160 may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets” (“FSP FAS 142-3”), which amends the list of factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under SFAS 142. The new guidance applies to: (1) intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets and (2) intangible assets acquired in both business combinations and asset acquisitions. Under FSP FAS 142-3, entities estimating the useful life of a recognized intangible asset must consider their historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements or, in the absence of historical experience, must consider assumptions that market participants would use about renewal or extension. FSP FAS 142-3 will require certain additional disclosures beginning October 1, 2009 and prospective application to useful life estimates for intangible assets acquired after September 30, 2009. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures About Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets” (“FSP FAS 132(R)-1”), to provide guidance on employers’ disclosures about assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. FSP FAS 132(R)-1 requires employers to disclose information about fair value measurements of plan assets similar to SFAS 157. The objectives of the disclosures are to provide an understanding of: (a) how investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies, (b) the major categories of plan assets, (c) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, (d) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period and (e) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The disclosures required by FSP FAS 132(R)-1 will be effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of FSP FAS 132(R)-1 may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1”). The FSP requires that for interim reporting periods, a company must (a) disclose the fair value of all financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value, (b) present the fair value together with the related carrying amount reported on the balance sheet, and (c) describe the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value and any changes in the methods and significant assumptions during the period. The Company adopted FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 for the fiscal quarter ended June 27, 2009. Refer to “NOTE 6. DEBT” and “NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS” for the FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 disclosures.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (“SFAS 166”). The Statement amends SFAS No. 140 to improve the information provided in financial statements concerning transfers of financial assets, including the effects of transfers on financial position, financial performance and cash flows, and any continuing involvement of the transferor with the transferred financial assets. The provisions of SFAS 166 are effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2010. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS 166 may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (“SFAS 167”). SFAS 167 amends Interpretation 46(R) to require an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. It also amends Interpretation 46(R) to require enhanced disclosures that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. The provisions of SFAS 167 are effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2010. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS 167 may have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification^TMand the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS 168”). This standard replaces SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,” and establishes two levels of GAAP, authoritative and non-authoritative. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) will become the source of authoritative, nongovernmental GAAP, except for rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. All other non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become non-authoritative. This standard is effective for financial statements for interim or annual reporting periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Company will begin to use the new guidelines and numbering system prescribed by the Codification when referring to GAAP in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company does not expect adoption of SFAS 168 to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

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

The S&H Board of Directors had been actively exploring its strategic options for the business and determined that shutting down the business presented the best alternative. As a result of the decision, which was supported by the Board of Directors of Scotts Miracle-Gro, the Company expects to incur charges of approximately $25 million, primarily related to the termination of retail site lease obligations, severance and benefit commitments, charges related to inventories, and impairment of retail site improvements and fixtures. In the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded a charge of approximately $2.7 million to adjust S&H inventory to its estimated realizable value. Based on the best estimates of the Company and S&H, the Plan is expected to have a neutral impact on cash as the recovery of working capital, together with anticipated tax benefits, will approximately offset the related charges. The closure process is expected to be substantially complete by calendar year-end.

In April 2008, the Company learned that a former associate apparently deliberately circumvented the Company’s policies and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) regulations under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1947, as amended (“FIFRA”), by failing to obtain valid registrations for products and/or causing invalid product registration forms to be submitted to regulators. Since that time, the Company has been cooperating with the U.S. EPA in its civil investigation into pesticide product registration issues involving the Company and with the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice (the “U.S. DOJ”) in a related criminal investigation. In late April of 2008, in connection with the U.S. EPA’s investigation, the Company conducted a consumer-level recall of certain consumer lawn and garden products and a Scotts LawnService^® product. Subsequently, the Company and the U.S. EPA agreed upon a Compliance Review Plan for conducting a comprehensive, independent review of the Company’s product registration records. Pursuant to the Compliance Review Plan, an independent third-party firm, Quality Associates Incorporated (“QAI”), has been reviewing all of the Company’s U.S. pesticide product registration records, some of which are historical in nature and no longer support sales of the Company’s products. The U.S. EPA investigation and the QAI review process identified several issues affecting registrations which resulted in the temporary suspension of sales and shipments of the products affected. In addition, as the QAI review process or the Company’s internal review has identified FIFRA registration issues or potential FIFRA registration issues (some of which appear unrelated to the former associate), the Company has endeavored to stop selling or distributing the affected products until the issues could be resolved with the U.S. EPA.

QAI has completed a review of substantially all of the Company’s registrations, advertising and related promotional support with respect to the Company’s registered pesticide products. While the Company does not expect the results of the QAI review process to significantly affect its fiscal 2009 sales, the registration review process has not concluded, and the Company continues to cooperate with the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ in their related investigations.

On September 26, 2008, the Company, doing business as Scotts LawnService^®, was named as a defendant in a purported class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan relating to certain pesticide products. In the suit, Mark Baumkel, on behalf of himself and the purported classes, seeks an unspecified amount of damages, plus costs and attorneys’ fees, for alleged claims involving breach of contract, unjust enrichment and violation of the Michigan consumer protection act. Given the preliminary stages of the proceedings, the Company has not established any related reserves and intends to vigorously contest the plaintiff’s assertions.

In fiscal 2008, the Company conducted a voluntary recall of most of its wild bird food products due to a formulation issue. The wild bird food products had been treated with pest control additives to avoid insect infestation, especially at retail stores. While the pest control additives had been labeled for use on certain stored grains that can be processed for human and/or animal consumption, they were not labeled for use on wild bird food products. This voluntary recall was completed prior to the end of fiscal 2008, and the Company does not expect any material impact to its fiscal 2009 financial condition, results of operations or cash flows as a result of such recall.

As a result of these registration and recall matters, the Company has reversed sales associated with estimated returns of affected products, recorded charges for affected inventory and recorded other registration and recall-related costs. The impacts of these adjustments were pre-tax charges of $6.4 million and $10.2 million for the three-month periods, and $22.0 million and $41.0 million for the nine-month periods, ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008, respectively. Although the Company has begun to reduce its need for third-party professional services related to the recall and registration matters, the Company nevertheless expects to incur $8 million

to $12 million in additional charges, exclusive of potential fines, penalties and/or judgments, related to the recalls and known registration issues, including those associated with more aggressively addressing impacted inventory as permitted by the U.S. EPA. While the Company believes that the FIFRA compliance review process is substantially complete, the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations and the review process continue and may result in future state, federal or private rights of action including fines and/or penalties with respect to known or potential additional product registration issues. Until the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations and the compliance review process are complete, the Company cannot fully quantify the extent of additional issues. Management cannot reasonably determine the scope or magnitude of possible liabilities that could result from known or potential additional product registration issues, and no reserves for these potential liabilities have been established as of June 27, 2009. However, it is possible that such liabilities, including fines, penalties and/or judgments, could be material and have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The following tables summarize the impact of the product registration and recall matters on the results of operations during the three and nine months ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008 and on accrued liabilities and inventory reserves as of June 27, 2009:

Inventories, net of provisions for slow moving and obsolete inventory of $33.0 million, $28.3 million and $26.2 million, as of June 27, 2009, June 28, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively, consisted of:

The Company is Monsanto’s exclusive agent for the domestic and international marketing and distribution of consumer Roundup^® herbicide products. Under the terms of the Marketing Agreement with Monsanto, the Company is entitled to receive an annual commission from Monsanto in consideration for the performance of the Company’s duties as agent. The annual gross commission under the Marketing Agreement is calculated as a percentage of the actual earnings before interest and income taxes (“EBIT”) of the

consumer Roundup^® business and is based on the achievement of two earnings thresholds, as defined in the Marketing Agreement. The Marketing Agreement also requires the Company to make annual payments to Monsanto as a contribution against the overall expenses of the consumer Roundup^® business. The annual contribution payment is defined in the Marketing Agreement as $20 million.

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

Under the terms of the Marketing Agreement, the Company performs certain functions, primarily manufacturing conversion, distribution and logistics, and selling and marketing support, on behalf of Monsanto in the conduct of the consumer Roundup^® business. The actual costs incurred for these activities are charged to and reimbursed by Monsanto. The Company records costs incurred under the Marketing Agreement for which the Company is the primary obligor on a gross basis, recognizing such costs in “Cost of sales” and the reimbursement of these costs in “Net sales,” with no effect on gross profit or net income. The related net sales and cost of sales were $21.8 million and $15.7 million for the three-month periods, and $52.6 million and $45.8 million for the nine-month periods, ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008, respectively.

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

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

The Marketing Agreement provides Monsanto with the right to terminate the Marketing Agreement upon an event of default (as defined in the Marketing Agreement) by the Company, a change in control of Monsanto or the sale of the consumer Roundup^® business. The Marketing Agreement provides the Company with the right to terminate the Marketing Agreement in certain circumstances, including an event of default by Monsanto or the sale of the consumer Roundup^® business. Unless Monsanto terminates the Marketing Agreement due to an event of default by the Company, Monsanto is required to pay a termination fee to the Company that varies by program year. The termination fee is calculated as a percentage of the value of the Roundup^® business exceeding a certain threshold, but in no event will the termination fee be less than $16 million. If Monsanto were to terminate the Marketing Agreement due to an event of default by the Company, however, the Company would not be entitled to any termination fee, and the Company would lose all, or a substantial portion, of the significant source of earnings and overhead expense absorption the Marketing Agreement provides. Monsanto may also be able to terminate the Marketing Agreement within a given region, including North America, without paying a termination fee if unit volume sales to consumers in that region decline: (1) over a cumulative three-fiscal-year period; or (2) by more than 5% for each of two consecutive years.

The components of long-term debt are as follows:

Scotts Miracle-Gro and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into the following loan facilities totaling up to $2.15 billion in the aggregate: (a) a senior secured five-year term loan facility in the principal amount of $560 million and (b) a senior secured five-year revolving loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of up to $1.59 billion. Under the terms of the loan facilities, the Company may request an additional $200 million in revolving credit and/or term credit commitments, subject to approval from the lenders. Borrowings may be made in various currencies including U.S. dollars, Euros, British pounds, Australian dollars and Canadian dollars. Amortization payments on the term loan portion of the credit facilities began on September 30, 2007 and are due quarterly through 2012. As of June 27, 2009, the cumulative total amortization payments on the term loan were $33.6 million, reducing the balance of the Company’s term loans and effectively reducing the amount outstanding under the credit facilities.

As of June 27, 2009, there was $1.01 billion of availability under the revolving loan facility, including letters of credit. Under the revolving loan facility, the Company has the ability to issue letter of credit commitments up to $65 million. At June 27, 2009, the Company had letters of credit in the amount of $25.3 million outstanding.

The interest rate currently available to the Company fluctuates with the applicable LIBOR rate, prime rate or Federal Funds Effective Rate, and thus the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

At June 27, 2009, the Company had outstanding interest rate swaps with major financial institutions that effectively converted a portion of variable-rate debt denominated in U.S. dollars to a fixed rate. The key terms of these swaps are as follows:

On April 11, 2007, the Company entered into a one-year Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (the “2007 MARP Agreement”). On April 9, 2008, the Company terminated the 2007 MARP Agreement and entered into a Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (the “2008 MARP Agreement”), which expired on April 8, 2009. The terms of the 2008 MARP Agreement were

substantially the same as the 2007 MARP Agreement. The 2008 MARP Agreement provided an interest rate that was equal to the 7-day LIBOR rate plus 85 basis points. The 2008 MARP Agreement provided for the discounted sale, on a revolving basis, of accounts receivable generated by specified account debtors, with seasonally adjusted monthly aggregate limits ranging from $10 million to $300 million. The 2008 MARP Agreement also provided for specified account debtor sublimit amounts, which provided limits on the amount of receivables owed by individual account debtors that could be sold to the banks.

On May 1, 2009, the Company entered into a Master Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement (the “2009 MARP Agreement”), with a stated termination date of May 1, 2010, or such later date as may be mutually agreed by the Company and its lender. The 2009 MARP Agreement provides an interest rate that is equal to the 7-day LIBOR rate plus 225 basis points. The 2009 MARP Agreement provides for the discounted sale, on an uncommitted, revolving basis, of accounts receivable generated by a specified account debtor, with aggregate limits not to exceed $80 million.

The caption “Accounts receivable pledged” on the accompanying Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets reflecting the amounts of $23.5 million, $361.2 million and $146.6 million as of June 27, 2009, June 28, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively, represents the pool of receivables that have been designated as “sold” and serve as collateral for short-term debt in the amount of $10.0 million, $260.2 million and $62.1 million, as of those dates, respectively.

The interest rate on the short-term debt associated with accounts receivable pledged under the 2009 MARP Agreement fluctuates with the one-week LIBOR rate, and thus the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

The Company was in compliance with the terms of all borrowing agreements at June 27, 2009.

The components of other comprehensive income (expense) and total comprehensive income were as follows:

The following summarizes the net periodic benefit cost for the various retirement and retiree medical plans sponsored by the Company:

The following is a recap of the share-based awards granted over the periods indicated:

Total share-based compensation and the tax benefit recognized in compensation expense were as follows for the periods indicated (in millions):

Consistent with the requirements promulgated under FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”, the balance of unrecognized tax benefits and the amount of related interest and penalties were as follows:

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. The Company is currently under examination by certain specific U.S. taxing jurisdictions for the fiscal years 2001 through 2007; however, most statutes of limitation have closed for fiscal years prior to 2006. In addition to these audits, certain other tax issues and refund claims for previous years remain unresolved.

The Company currently anticipates that few of its remaining open and active audits will be resolved in the next 12 months. The Company is unable to make a reasonable 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 have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Management regularly evaluates the Company’s contingencies, including various lawsuits and claims which arise in the normal course of business, product and general liabilities, workers’ compensation, property losses and other fiduciary liabilities for which the Company is self-insured or retains a high exposure limit. Self-insurance reserves are established based on actuarial loss estimates for specific individual claims plus actuarially estimated amounts for incurred but not reported claims and adverse development factors for existing claims. Legal costs incurred in connection with the resolution of claims, lawsuits and other contingencies generally are expensed as incurred. In the opinion of management, its assessment of contingencies is reasonable and related reserves, in the

aggregate, are adequate; however, there can be no assurance that final resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The following are the more significant of the Company’s identified contingencies:

For a description of the Company’s ongoing FIFRA compliance efforts and the corresponding governmental investigation, see “NOTE 3. PRODUCT REGISTRATION AND RECALL MATTERS.”

In 1997, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency initiated an enforcement action against the Company with respect to alleged surface water violations and inadequate treatment capabilities at its Marysville, Ohio facility, seeking corrective action under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The action related to discharges from on-site waste water treatment and several discontinued on-site disposal areas. Pursuant to a Consent Order entered by the Union County Common Pleas Court in 2002, the Company is actively engaged in restoring the site to eliminate exposure to waste materials from the discontinued on-site disposal areas.

At June 27, 2009, $3.4 million was accrued for other regulatory matters in the “Other liabilities” line in the Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets. The amounts accrued are believed to be adequate to cover such known environmental exposures based on current facts and estimates of likely outcomes. However, if facts and circumstances change significantly, they could result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

On November 5, 2004, U.S. Horticultural Supply, Inc. (“Geiger”) filed suit against the Company in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The complaint alleged that the Company conspired with another distributor, Griffin Greenhouse Supplies, Inc., to restrain trade in the horticultural products market, in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Geiger’s damages expert quantified Geiger’s alleged damages at approximately $3.3 million, which could have been trebled under antitrust laws. Geiger also sought recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs. On January 13, 2009, the U.S. District Court granted the Company’s motion for summary judgment and entered judgment for the Company. Geiger has appealed the ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

The Company continues to pursue the collection of funds owed to the Company by Geiger as confirmed by the Company’s April 25, 2005 judgment against Geiger.

The Company has been named as a defendant in a number of cases alleging injuries that the lawsuits claim resulted from exposure to asbestos-containing products, apparently based on the Company’s historic use of vermiculite in certain of its products. The complaints in these cases are not specific about the plaintiffs’ contacts with the Company or its products. The Company in each case is one of numerous defendants and none of the claims seek damages from the Company alone. The Company believes that the claims against it are without merit and is vigorously defending against them. It is not currently possible to reasonably estimate a loss, if any, associated with these cases. The Company is reviewing agreements and policies that may provide insurance coverage or indemnity as to these claims and is pursuing coverage under some of these agreements and policies, although there can be no assurance of the results of these efforts. There can be no assurance that these cases, whether as a result of adverse outcomes or as a result of significant defense costs, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

On April 27, 2007, the Company received a proposed Order On Consent from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (the “Proposed Order”) alleging that, during calendar year 2003, the Company and James Hagedorn, individually and as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, unlawfully donated to a Port Washington, New York youth sports organization forty bags of Scotts^® LawnPro Annual Program Step 3 Insect Control Plus Fertilizer which, while federally registered, was allegedly not registered in the state of New York. The Proposed Order requests penalties totaling $695,000. The Company has responded in writing to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation with respect to the Proposed Order and is awaiting a response.

The Company is involved in other lawsuits and claims which arise in the normal course of business. These claims individually and in the aggregate are not expected to result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company is exposed to market risks, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates and commodity prices. To manage the volatility related to these exposures, the Company enters into various financial transactions, which are accounted for under SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”), as amended and interpreted. The utilization of these financial transactions is governed by policies covering acceptable counterparty exposure, instrument types and other hedging practices. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

The Company formally designates and documents qualifying instruments as hedges of underlying exposures at inception. The Company formally assesses, both at inception and at least quarterly, whether the financial instruments used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the related underlying exposure. Fluctuations in the value of these instruments generally are offset by changes in the fair value or cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. This offset is driven by the high degree of effectiveness between the exposure being hedged and the hedging instrument. SFAS 133 requires all derivative instruments to be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the statement of financial position. In accordance with SFAS 133, the Company designates commodity hedges as cash flow hedges of forecasted purchases of commodities and interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of interest expense on variable rate borrowings. Any ineffective portion of a change in the fair value of a qualifying instrument is immediately recognized in earnings. The amounts recorded in earnings related to ineffectiveness of derivative hedges for the three and nine month periods ended June 27, 2009 were not significant.

The Company periodically uses foreign currency swap contracts to manage the exchange rate risk associated with intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries that are denominated in U.S. dollars. At June 27, 2009, there were no outstanding foreign currency swap contracts.

The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements as a means to hedge its variable interest rate exposure on debt instruments. Since the interest rate swaps have been designated as hedging instruments, their fair values are reflected in the Company’s Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net amounts to be received or paid under the swap agreements are reflected as adjustments to interest expense. Unrealized gains or losses resulting from adjusting these swaps to fair value are recorded as elements of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“OCI”) within the Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value of the swap agreements is determined based on the present value of the estimated future net cash flows using implied rates in the applicable yield curve as of the valuation date.

At June 27, 2009, the Company had outstanding interest rate swaps with major financial institutions that effectively converted a portion of the Company’s variable-rate debt to a fixed rate. Refer to “NOTE 6. DEBT” for the terms of the swaps outstanding at June 27, 2009. Included in the OCI balance at June 27, 2009 is a pre-tax loss of $15.6 million related to interest rate swap agreements that is expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months, consistent with the timing of the underlying hedged transactions.

The Company has outstanding hedging arrangements at June 27, 2009 designed to fix the price of a portion of its urea needs. The contracts are designated as hedges of the Company’s exposure to future cash flow fluctuations associated with the cost of urea. The objective of the hedges is to mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility attributable to the risk of changing prices. Unrealized gains or losses in the fair value of these contracts are recorded to the OCI component of shareholders’ equity. Realized gains or losses remain as a component of OCI 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 OCI balance at June 27, 2009 is a pre-tax loss of $5.7 million related to urea derivatives that is expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months, consistent with the timing of the underlying hedged transactions.

Periodically, the Company also uses fuel derivatives to partially mitigate the effect of fluctuating diesel and gasoline costs on operating results. The majority of fuel derivatives used by the Company has not qualified for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS 133 and is marked-to-market, with unrealized gains and losses on open contracts and realized gains or losses on settled contracts recorded as an element of cost of sales.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company entered into fuel derivatives for its Scotts LawnService^® business that qualify for hedge accounting treatment under SFAS 133. Unrealized gains or losses in the fair value of these contracts are recorded to the OCI component of shareholders’ equity except for any ineffective portion of the change in fair value, which is immediately recorded in earnings. For the effective portion of the change in fair value, realized gains or losses remain as a component of OCI until the related fuel is consumed by the Scotts LawnService^®service vehicles. Upon consumption of the fuel, the gain or loss is reclassified to cost of sales. Included in the OCI balance at June 27, 2009 is a pre-tax gain of $0.1 million related to fuel derivatives that is expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next 12 months, consistent with the timing of the underlying hedged transactions.

As of June 27, 2009, the Company had the following outstanding commodity contracts that were entered into to hedge forecasted purchases:

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments were as follows (in millions):

Refer to “NOTE 13. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS” for the Company’s fair value measurements of derivative instruments as they relate to the valuation hierarchy.

The effect of derivative instruments on OCI and the Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008 was as follows:

As disclosed in “NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES,” the Company adopted SFAS 157 effective October 1, 2008 with respect to the fair value measurement and disclosure of financial assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or the most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. SFAS 157 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

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

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

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

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

Derivatives consist of foreign currency, interest rate and commodity derivative instruments. The Company uses foreign currency swap contracts to manage the exchange rate risk associated with intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries that are denominated in U.S. dollars. These contracts are valued using observable forward rates in commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the contracts.

Interest rate derivatives consist of interest rate swaps. The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements as a means to hedge its variable interest rate exposure on debt instruments. The fair value of the swap agreements is determined based on the present value of the estimated future net cash flows using implied rates in the applicable yield curve as of the valuation date.

The Company has hedging arrangements designed to fix the price of a portion of its urea and fuel needs. The objective of the hedges is to mitigate the earnings and cash flow volatility attributable to the risk of changing prices. These contracts are measured using observable commodity exchange prices in active markets.

These derivative instruments are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy and are included within other noncurrent assets and other noncurrent liabilities in our Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets, except for derivative instruments expected to be settled within the next 12 months, which are included within prepaid and other assets and other current liabilities.

For further information on the Company’s derivative instruments, refer to “NOTE 12. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES.”

Other financial assets and liabilities consist of investment securities in non-qualified retirement plan assets. These securities are valued using observable market prices in active markets. These investment securities, and the related liabilities, are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy and are included within other noncurrent assets and other noncurrent liabilities in our Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 27, 2009 (in millions):

Effective October 1, 2008, the Company acquired Humax Horticulture Limited (“Humax”), a privately-owned growing media company in the United Kingdom, for a total cost of $9.3 million. Preliminary purchase accounting allocations have been recorded for Humax, including the allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The Company expects to finalize accounting for the acquisition prior to the end of fiscal 2009. Pro forma net sales, net income and net income per common share for the three and nine months ended June 28, 2008 would not have been significantly different had the acquisition of Humax occurred as of October 1, 2007.

The Company’s operations are divided into the following reportable segments — Global Consumer, Global Professional, Scotts LawnService^® and Corporate & Other. This division of reportable segments is consistent with how the segments report to and are managed by senior management of the Company.

The Global Consumer segment consists of the North American Consumer and International Consumer business groups. The business groups comprising this segment manufacture, market and sell dry, granular slow-release lawn fertilizers, combination lawn fertilizer and control products, grass seed, spreaders, water-soluble, liquid and continuous release garden and indoor plant foods, plant care products, potting, garden and lawn soils, mulches and other growing media products and pesticide products. Products are marketed to mass merchandisers, home centers, large hardware chains, warehouse clubs, distributors, garden centers and grocers in the United States, Canada and Europe.

The Global Professional segment is focused on a full line of horticultural products including controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers and plant protection products, grass seed products, spreaders and customer application services. Products are sold to commercial nurseries and greenhouses and specialty crop growers, primarily in North America and Europe. Our consumer businesses in Australia and Latin America are also part of the Global Professional segment.

The Scotts LawnService^® segment provides lawn fertilization, disease and insect control and other related services such as core aeration and tree and shrub fertilization primarily to residential consumers through company-owned branches and franchises in the United States. In our larger branches, an exterior barrier pest control service is also offered.

The Corporate & Other segment consists of the Smith & Hawken^® business and corporate general and administrative expenses.

The following table presents segment financial information in accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS 131”). Pursuant to SFAS 131, the presentation of the segment financial information is consistent with the basis used by management (i.e., certain costs not allocated to business segments for internal management reporting purposes are not allocated for purposes of this presentation).

Segment operating income (loss) represents earnings before amortization of intangible assets, interest and taxes, since this is the measure of profitability used by management. Accordingly, the Corporate & Other operating loss for the three and nine months ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008 includes corporate general and administrative expenses and certain other income/expense items not allocated to the business segments.

Total assets reported for the Company’s operating segments include the intangible assets associated with the acquired businesses within those segments. Corporate & Other assets primarily include deferred financing and debt issuance costs, corporate intangible assets, deferred tax assets and Smith & Hawken^® assets.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is organized in the following sections:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (“Scotts Miracle-Gro”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, together with Scotts Miracle-Gro, the “Company”, “we” or “us”) are dedicated to delivering strong, consistent financial results and outstanding shareholder returns by providing products of superior quality and value in order to enhance consumers’ outdoor living environments. We are a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer branded products for lawn and garden care and professional horticulture in North America and Europe. We are Monsanto’s exclusive agent for the marketing and distribution of consumer Roundup^® non-selective herbicide products within the United States and other contractually specified countries. We have a presence in similar consumer branded and professional horticulture products in Australia, the Far East, Latin America and South America. In the United States, we operate Scotts LawnService^®, the second largest residential lawn care service business, and Smith & Hawken^®, an outdoor living and garden lifestyle category brand. Our operations are divided into the following reportable segments: Global Consumer, Global Professional, Scotts LawnService^® and Corporate & Other. The Corporate & Other segment consists of the Smith & Hawken^® business and corporate general and administrative expenses. On July 8, 2009, we announced that we will cease operating the Smith & Hawken^® business by the end of the calendar year.

As a leading consumer branded lawn and garden company, our marketing efforts are largely focused on building brand and product awareness to inspire consumers and create retail demand. We have successfully applied this consumer marketing focus for a number of years, consistently investing approximately 5% of our annual net sales in advertising to support and promote our products and brands. We continually explore new and innovative ways to communicate with consumers. We believe that we receive a significant return on these marketing expenditures and anticipate a similar level of advertising and marketing investments in the future, with the continuing objective of driving category growth and increasing market share.

Our sales are susceptible to global weather conditions. For instance, periods of wet weather can adversely impact sales of certain products, while increasing demand for other products. We believe that our diversified product line provides some mitigation to this risk. We also believe that our broad geographic diversification further reduces this risk.

Due to the nature of our lawn and garden business, significant portions of our products ship to our retail customers during the second and third fiscal quarters. Our annual sales are further concentrated in the second and third fiscal quarters by retailers who increasingly rely on our ability to deliver products “in season” when consumers buy our products, thereby reducing retailers’ inventories.

Management focuses on a variety of key indicators and operating metrics to monitor the health and performance of our business. These metrics include consumer purchases (point-of-sale data), market share, net sales (including unit volume, pricing, product mix and foreign exchange movements), organic sales growth (net sales growth excluding the impact of foreign exchange movements and product recalls), gross profit margins, income from operations, net income and earnings per share. To the extent applicable, these measures are evaluated with and without impairment, restructuring and other charges, which management believes are not indicative of the ongoing earnings capabilities of our businesses. We also focus on measures to optimize cash flow and return on invested capital, including the management of working capital and capital expenditures.

In April 2008, we learned that a former associate apparently deliberately circumvented our policies and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) regulations under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act of 1947, as amended (“FIFRA”), by failing to obtain valid registrations for products and/or causing invalid product registration forms to be submitted to regulators. Since that time, we have been cooperating with the U.S. EPA in its civil investigation into pesticide product registration issues involving the Company and with the U.S. EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice (the “U.S. DOJ”) in a related criminal investigation. In late April of 2008, in connection with the U.S. EPA’s investigation, we conducted a consumer-level recall of certain consumer lawn and garden products and a Scotts LawnService^® product. Subsequently, we agreed with the U.S. EPA on a Compliance Review Plan for conducting a comprehensive, independent review of our product registration records. Pursuant to the Compliance Review Plan, an independent third-party firm, Quality Associates Incorporated (“QAI”), has been reviewing all of our U.S. pesticide product registration records, some of which are historical in nature and no longer support sales of our products. The U.S. EPA investigation and the QAI review process identified several issues affecting registrations which resulted in the temporary suspension of sales and shipments of the products affected. In addition, as the QAI review process or our internal review has identified FIFRA registration issues or potential FIFRA registration issues (some of which appear unrelated to the former associate), we have endeavored to stop selling or distributing the affected products until the issues could be resolved with the U.S. EPA.

QAI has completed a review of substantially all of our registrations, advertising and related promotional support with respect to our registered pesticide products. While we do not expect the results of the QAI review process to significantly affect our fiscal 2009 sales, the registration review process has not concluded, and we continue to cooperate with the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ in their related investigations.

While we believe that the FIFRA compliance review process is substantially complete, the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations and the review process continue and may result in future state, federal or private rights of action including fines and/or penalties with respect to known or potential additional product registration issues. Until the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOJ investigations and the compliance review process are complete, we cannot fully quantify the extent of additional issues. At this time, we cannot reasonably determine the scope or magnitude of possible liabilities that could result from known or potential additional product registration issues, and no reserves for these potential liabilities have been established as of June 27, 2009. However, it is possible that such liabilities, including fines, penalties and/or judgments, could be material and have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

On September 26, 2008, the Company, doing business as Scotts LawnService^®, was named as a defendant in a purported class action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan relating to certain pesticide products. In the suit, Mark Baumkel, on behalf of himself and the purported classes, seeks an unspecified amount of damages, plus costs and attorneys’ fees, for alleged claims involving breach of contract, unjust enrichment and violation of the Michigan consumer protection act. Given the preliminary stages of the proceedings, we have not established any related reserves and intend to vigorously contest the plaintiff’s assertions.

In fiscal 2008, we conducted a voluntary recall of most of our wild bird food products due to a formulation issue. The wild bird food products had been treated with pest control additives to avoid insect infestation, especially at retail stores. While the pest control additives had been labeled for use on certain stored grains that can be processed for human and/or animal consumption, they were not labeled for use on wild bird food products. This voluntary recall was completed prior to the end of fiscal 2008, and we do not expect any material impact to our fiscal 2009 financial condition, results of operations or cash flows as a result of such recall.

As a result of these registration and recall matters, we have reversed sales associated with estimated returns of affected products, recorded charges for affected inventory and recorded other registration and recall-related costs. The impacts of these adjustments were pre-tax charges of $6.4 million and $10.2 million for the three-month periods, and $22.0 million and $41.0 million for the nine-month periods, ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008, respectively. Although we have begun to reduce our need for third-party professional services related to the recall and registration matters, we nevertheless expect to incur $8 million to $12 million in additional charges,

exclusive of potential fines, penalties, and/or judgments, related to the recalls and known registration issues, including those associated with more aggressively addressing impacted inventory as permitted by the U.S. EPA.

We are committed to providing our customers and consumers with products of superior quality and value to enhance their lawns, gardens and overall outdoor living environments. We believe consumers have come to trust our brands based on the superior quality and value they deliver, and that trust is highly valued. We also are committed to conducting business with the highest degree of ethical standards and in adherence to the law. While we are disappointed in these events, we believe we have made significant progress in addressing the issues and restoring customer and consumer confidence in our products.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth the components of income and expense as a percentage of net sales for the three- and nine-month periods ended June 27, 2009 and June 28, 2008:

Net sales for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009 increased by 9.3% and 4.9%, respectively, versus the comparable periods of fiscal 2008. Foreign exchange movements decreased sales growth for the third quarter and nine months ended June 27, 2009 by 3.6% and 4.3%, respectively. Additionally, product returns related to recall matters in 2008 had the impact of decreasing net sales, thereby increasing sales growth for the third quarter and nine months ended June 27, 2009 by 0.5% and 1.0%, respectively. Organic net sales growth, which excludes the impact of foreign exchange movements and product recalls, was 12.2% and 8.0% for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009, respectively. In the Global Consumer segment, organic net sales grew by 18.4% and 12.5% for the third quarter and first nine months, respectively, driven primarily by increased sales in North America. Global Professional organic net sales declined by 14.8% and 6.6%, respectively, for the third quarter and nine months ended June 27, 2009. Organic net sales for the Scotts LawnService^® segment decreased by 9.7% and 4.8% for the three and nine months ended June 27, 2009, respectively. Smith & Hawken^® organic net sales decreased by 11.5% and 17.5% for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009, respectively. On a consolidated basis, we anticipate fiscal 2009 organic net sales to increase by 7% to 8% compared to fiscal 2008.

As a percentage of net sales, gross profit was 38.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to 36.2% for the third quarter of fiscal 2008. For the first nine months of fiscal 2009, our gross profit percentage increased to 36.3% from 33.6% in the comparable period of fiscal 2008. In the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we recorded a charge of approximately $2.7 million to adjust Smith & Hawken^® inventory to its estimated realizable value. Excluding other charges and product registration and recall matters, gross profit for both the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009 increased 210 basis points. The fiscal 2009 third quarter and year-to-date gross profit rate increases were driven by increased selling prices net of increased commodity costs, and cost productivity improvements. Excluding the impact of other charges and product registration and recall matters, for fiscal 2009 we anticipate the increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales to be consistent with trends from the first nine months of the year.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”):

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased $32.1 million, or 15.5%, to $239.0 million for the third quarter and $48.5 million, or 8.7%, to $608.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2009. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates, SG&A expenses for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009 increased 19.2% and 12.6%, respectively. Advertising expense grew by 5.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 driven by increased investment in the North America Consumer business. Advertising expense year-to-date has decreased by 0.8% which is comprised of a 7.6% increase in North America Consumer spending, offset by declines in Scotts LawnService^® and International Consumer. The increase in other SG&A for the third quarter and year-to-date was primarily driven by increased spending for selling, technology and research and development, increased pension costs, and increased variable compensation and retention costs. We expect full-year growth in SG&A of 10% to 11% with the increase versus year-to-date driven by aggressive fourth quarter marketing plans and year-over-year changes in variable compensation.

We recorded $3.1 million and $14.8 million of SG&A-related product registration and recall costs during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009, respectively, which primarily related to third-party compliance review, legal and consulting fees. For the quarter and nine months ended June 28, 2008, we recorded $5.6 million and $6.8 million of SG&A-related product registration and recall costs, respectively.

As a result of a significant decline in the market value of the Company’s common shares during the latter half of the third fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2008, the Company’s market value of invested capital was approximately 60% of the similar impairment metric used in our fourth quarter fiscal 2007 annual impairment testing. Management determined this was an indicator of possible goodwill impairment and, therefore, interim impairment testing was performed as of June 28, 2008. The Company’s third quarter fiscal 2008 interim impairment review resulted in a non-cash charge of $123.3 million, $101.9 million net of taxes, to reflect the decline in the fair value of certain goodwill and other assets as evidenced by the decline in the market value of the Company’s common shares. Of this impairment charge, $80.8 million was for goodwill, $23.2 million related to indefinite-lived tradenames, $18.3 million was for SFAS 144 long-lived assets and $1.0 million related to inventory. On a reportable segment basis, $71.8 million of the impairment charge was in Global Consumer, $31.4 million was in Global Professional, with the remaining $20.1 million in Corporate & Other.

Interest expense for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009 was $13.7 million and $45.9 million, respectively, compared to $22.1 million and $64.6 million for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a decline in our borrowing rates, as well as the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates and a reduction in average debt outstanding. Weighted-average interest rates decreased by 171 basis points and 120 basis points during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009, respectively, as compared to the same periods of fiscal 2008. Average borrowings also decreased by $144.8 million and $155.4 million for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009, respectively.

Income tax expense was calculated assuming an effective tax rate of 36.3% for fiscal 2009, versus 67.5% for fiscal 2008. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 was significantly higher primarily due to the goodwill impairment charge recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2008, which was not deductible for tax purposes. The effective tax rate used for interim reporting purposes was based on management’s best estimate of factors impacting the effective tax rate for the full fiscal year. Factors affecting the estimated effective tax rate include assumptions as to income by jurisdiction (domestic and foreign), the availability and utilization of tax credits and the existence of elements of income and expense that may not be taxable or deductible, as well as other items. The estimated effective tax rate is subject to revision in later interim periods and at fiscal year end as facts and circumstances change during the course of the fiscal year. There can be no assurance that the effective tax rate estimated for interim financial reporting purposes will approximate the effective tax rate determined at fiscal year end.

Diluted average common shares used in the diluted net income per common share calculation were 66.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to 65.3 million for the same period a year ago. Diluted average common shares used in the diluted net income

per common share calculation were 65.8 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2009 compared to 65.5 million for the comparable period in fiscal 2008. Diluted average common shares for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2009 included 1.1 million and 0.9 million equivalent shares, respectively, to reflect the effect of the assumed conversion of dilutive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and stock appreciation right awards. For the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2008, diluted average common shares included 0.7 million and 1.1 million equivalent shares, respectively. The changes in diluted average common shares are primarily driven by the fluctuation in the Company’s share price.

SEGMENT RESULTS

Our operations are divided into the following segments: Global Consumer, Global Professional, Scotts LawnService^® and Corporate & Other. The Corporate & Other segment consists of Smith & Hawken^® and corporate general and administrative expenses. Segment performance is evaluated based on several factors, including income from operations before amortization, product registration and recall costs, and impairment, restructuring and other charges, which are not generally accepted accounting principles measures. Management uses this measure of operating profit to gauge segment performance because we believe this measure is the most indicative of performance trends and the overall earnings potential of each segment.

The following table sets forth net sales by segment: