Scotts Miracle-Gro(US:SMG)2025-11-25 21:57Company Overview - Scotts Miracle-Gro is the leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products in North America, with key brands including Scotts, Miracle-Gro, Ortho, and Tomcat[13]. - The company reported research and development spending of $34.8 million in fiscal 2025, slightly down from $35.7 million in fiscal 2023[30]. - More than 75% of annual net sales for the North America consumer lawn and garden business occur in the second and third fiscal quarters combined[24]. - The Home Depot and Lowe's are the two largest customers, each representing more than 10% of reported consolidated net sales[25]. - There were no material acquisitions or divestitures during fiscal 2025 or fiscal 2024[18]. - The company has an exclusive marketing agreement with Monsanto for certain consumer Roundup branded products in the U.S.[30]. - The company maintains a competitive edge through a robust portfolio of trademarks, patents, and trade secrets[23]. - The company utilizes third parties to manage key distribution centers strategically located across the U.S. and Canada[20]. Financial Performance and Risks - The company is subject to market risks due to fluctuating prices of raw materials, including urea and other fertilizer inputs[22]. - A change in the variable interest rate of 100 basis points for a full twelve-month period would impact interest expense by $5.3, assuming average unhedged variable interest rate borrowing levels of $525.0 during fiscal 2025[359]. - The company is exposed to market risks from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and prices of raw materials such as urea and natural gas[361]. - The company has a total long-term fixed rate debt of $1,600.0 million with an average interest rate of 4.4%[360]. - Variable rate debt amounts to $625.0 million, with an average interest rate of 7.5%[360]. - The average interest rate for fixed rate debt in 2025 is projected to be 5.3%[360]. - The company has a total long-term variable rate debt of $500.0 million with an average interest rate of 6.0%[360]. - The company’s total long-term debt, including fixed and variable rates, is $2,225.0 million[360]. - Interest rate derivatives, specifically interest rate swaps, resulted in a total loss of $4.4 million with an average rate of 3.9%[362]. - Interest rate swaps have shown a consistent loss across multiple periods, indicating potential volatility in interest expenses[362]. - The company is actively managing market risks through derivative instruments as outlined in their financial statements[361]. Environmental and Social Responsibility - As of September 30, 2025, the company accrued $3.1 million for environmental matters, with expenses of $0.5 million, $0.1 million, and $0.4 million for fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023 respectively[39]. - The company’s Environmental Health and Safety system incorporates developed industry guidelines to address associate health and safety[55]. - The company’s ESG Steering Committee meets quarterly to review progress and set new program goals related to sustainability[58]. - The company published its annual Corporate Responsibility Report in fiscal 2025, prepared in reference to the Global Reporting Initiative Standards[60]. - The company’s extended producer responsibility programs include targets for post-consumer recycling usage and compostable packaging[35]. Workforce and Employee Benefits - The company employed approximately 5,200 associates as of September 30, 2025, with a peak workforce of about 6,900 during fiscal 2025[42]. - The company offers a 7.5% match on 401(k) contributions and allows associates to purchase common shares at a 15% discount through its stock purchase plan[54]. Regulatory Matters - The company is subject to various regulatory proceedings, none of which are expected to be material to its business[39].