Core Insights - The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company announced a divestiture plan for its Hawthorne subsidiary, which is in advanced discussions for sale to Vireo Growth, Inc. The transaction is expected to close in the fiscal second quarter [2][6] - The company has initiated a multi-year share repurchase program, authorizing the repurchase of up to $500 million of its common stock, set to commence in late 2026 [3][7] - The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance, indicating that the classification of Hawthorne as a discontinued operation will not affect the full-year outlook [2][10] Financial Performance - For the first quarter ended December 27, 2025, U.S. Consumer net sales were reported at $328.5 million, reflecting a low single-digit decline of 4% compared to the previous year [9][23] - The GAAP gross margin rate improved to 25.0%, a 90 basis point increase from the prior year, while the non-GAAP adjusted gross margin rate reached 25.4% [9][28] - The company reported a GAAP net loss from continuing operations of $0.83 per share, which improved by $0.32 compared to the previous year [9][20] Strategic Initiatives - The divestiture of Hawthorne is expected to provide immediate margin-accretive benefits, aligning with the company's multi-year growth strategies and value-creation plans [4][6] - The share repurchase program is part of the company's capital allocation strategy, focusing on leverage reduction and enhancing shareholder returns [3][7] - The company aims to balance investments in growth drivers with leverage improvement to strengthen its capital structure [4][9] Segment Performance - The U.S. Consumer segment reported a net sales decline of 4% to $328.5 million, while the Other segment saw a slight increase of 1% to $25.9 million [23][21] - The segment profit for the U.S. Consumer segment decreased by 8% to $9.0 million, while the Other segment reported a loss of $1.7 million [23][21] - The corporate segment reported a loss of $25.3 million, an improvement from the previous year's loss of $33.9 million [23][21]

Core Viewpoint - Scotts Miracle-Gro Company will release its first quarter financial results on January 28, 2026, and will host a video presentation followed by a Q&A session [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be released prior to the opening of the U.S. financial markets on January 28, 2026 [1]. - A video presentation will take place at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the financial results [1]. - An audio question-and-answer session will follow the video presentation [1]. Group 2: Company Overview - Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is the leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products in North America, with approximately $3.4 billion in sales [3]. - The company's brands, including Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, Ortho®, and Tomcat®, are market leaders in their respective categories [3]. - For more information, the company’s website is www.scottsmiraclegro.com [3].

Core Viewpoint - The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company supports President Trump's executive order to reschedule cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug, which is seen as a necessary step for research and the legal cannabis industry [1][2]. Group 1: Impact of Rescheduling - Rescheduling cannabis is expected to strengthen the financial viability of the legal cannabis industry, which employs over 425,000 people and contributes $100 billion to the economy [2]. - The change will help combat the illicit cannabis market by making legal operations more competitive [2]. - Rescheduling will remove the 280E tax penalty that currently imposes tax rates of 70% or higher on cannabis companies, aligning them with the general corporate tax rate of 21% [2][3]. Group 2: Implications for Scotts Miracle-Gro - The rescheduling is anticipated to enhance profitability for legal cannabis companies, allowing them to invest more in capital and growth opportunities, which could benefit ScottsMiracle-Gro's Hawthorne Gardening Company subsidiary [3]. - Hawthorne has experienced a decline in capital spending from cannabis companies due to financial struggles, and increased investments could positively impact its business [3]. - The company plans to strategically transition Hawthorne into a cannabis-focused entity, expecting to combine it with a cannabis company in early fiscal 2026, which will create greater growth opportunities [4]. Group 3: Cannabis Classification - Cannabis, currently classified as a Schedule I drug alongside heroin, will be reclassified to Schedule III, placing it with drugs that have accepted medical uses and lower potential for physical dependence [5].

Core Viewpoint - The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company supports President Trump's executive order to reschedule cannabis from a Schedule I to Schedule III drug, which is seen as a significant step for the cannabis industry and its growth strategy [1][2]. Group 1: Impact of Rescheduling on the Cannabis Industry - Rescheduling cannabis is viewed as overdue, with 39 states having already legalized it in some form, reflecting public sentiment and enabling necessary medical research [2]. - The change is expected to weaken the illicit cannabis market by enhancing the financial viability of the legal industry, which employs over 425,000 people and contributes $100 billion to the economy [2]. - Rescheduling will not legalize cannabis federally but will alleviate financial constraints on cannabis companies, facilitating medical research on its use for conditions like PTSD and cancer [2][3]. Group 2: Financial Implications for Cannabis Companies - The current 280E tax penalty has severely impacted the profitability of legal cannabis companies, often leading to their closure; rescheduling will eliminate this penalty, aligning their tax rates with other American businesses [3]. - This change is anticipated to allow cannabis companies to invest more in capital and growth opportunities, which could positively affect ScottsMiracle-Gro's subsidiary, Hawthorne Gardening Company [3]. Group 3: Strategic Moves by Scotts Miracle-Gro - The company plans to strategically transition Hawthorne into a cannabis-focused entity, aiming to combine it with a cannabis company in early fiscal 2026, enhancing growth opportunities [4]. - The reclassification of cannabis is expected to make Hawthorne a more appealing partner for cannabis-dedicated companies [4]. Group 4: Classification of Cannabis - Cannabis, currently classified as a Schedule I drug alongside heroin, will move to Schedule III, aligning it with drugs that have accepted medical uses and lower potential for physical dependence [5]. Group 5: Company Overview - Scotts Miracle-Gro is the leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products in North America, with approximately $3.4 billion in sales and well-known brands like Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, Ortho®, and Tomcat® [6].

Core Insights - Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is a leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products in North America, with approximately $3.4 billion in sales [3] Group 1: Company Announcement - Nate Baxter, president and chief operating officer, and Mark Scheiwer, chief financial officer and chief accounting officer, will participate in a fireside chat at the Raymond James 2025 TMT & Consumer Conference on December 9, 2025, at 2:20 p.m. ET [1] - Investors can listen to a live webcast of the presentation and fireside chat from the Company's investor relations website, with an archive available for at least 90 days [2] Group 2: Company Overview - Scotts Miracle-Gro's brands, including Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, Ortho®, and Tomcat®, are among the most recognized and market-leading in their categories within the lawn and garden industry [3]

Core Points - Starting in 2026, the Columbus Crew's stadium will be named ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, marking an expansion of the partnership between the Crew and ScottsMiracle-Gro Company, which has lasted over 15 years [1][2][3] Group 1: Partnership Details - The multi-year agreement includes stadium naming rights and aims to enhance community initiatives, particularly focusing on youth soccer and outdoor activities [3][7] - ScottsMiracle-Gro has been the Official Lawn Care & Gardening Partner for the Crew, providing products for maintaining the natural grass playing surfaces and supporting community programs [3][11] Group 2: Stadium and Events - The Crew's downtown stadium, opened in 2021, has hosted a record streak of 35 MLS regular season matches with capacity crowds from 2023 to 2025 [4] - The stadium will also host major soccer events, including the 2024 MLS All-Star Game and multiple U.S. Men's National Team matches, alongside private events throughout the year [5] Group 3: Community Engagement - The partnership will include the "Soccer in Schools" program, which aims to inspire youth participation in soccer and promote healthy habits [8] - The program provides educational resources to local school districts and aligns with physical education standards [8]

Core Insights - The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company reported significant improvements in key financial metrics for fiscal 2025, including gross margin, EBITDA, and EPS, indicating strong growth potential for fiscal 2026 [2][3][7]. Financial Performance - U.S. Consumer net sales reached $2.99 billion, aligning with guidance, with POS units and dollars increasing by 8.5% and 1.4% respectively [7]. - GAAP gross margin rate improved to 30.6%, while non-GAAP adjusted gross margin rate reached 31.2%, reflecting increases of 670 and 490 basis points over the prior year [7]. - GAAP earnings per share were $2.47, and non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share were $3.74, marking improvements of $3.08 and $1.45 per share over the previous year [7]. - Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA was $581 million, an increase of $71 million compared to the prior year [7]. - Free cash flow of $274 million exceeded expectations, and net leverage improved to 4.10x, a reduction of 0.76x from the previous year [7]. Fiscal 2026 Guidance - The company anticipates continued growth, projecting non-GAAP adjusted gross margin of at least 32% and adjusted earnings per share between $4.15 and $4.35 for fiscal 2026 [7]. - Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is expected to show mid single-digit growth, with free cash flow projected at $275 million, further reducing the leverage ratio to the high 3's [7]. Operational Strategy - The company is implementing AI, robotic automation, and other efficiencies to achieve cost savings, which will be reinvested into brand innovation and channel expansion [3]. - The management expressed confidence in executing its growth strategy, supported by the strong financial performance and positive market trends observed in fiscal 2025 [3].

Core Viewpoint - Scotts Miracle-Gro Company is set to release its fourth quarter financial results on November 5, 2025, prior to the U.S. market opening, followed by a video presentation and a Q&A session [1]. Company Overview - Scotts Miracle-Gro is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, with approximately $3.6 billion in sales [3]. - The company's brands, including Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho®, are recognized as market leaders in their respective categories [3]. Investor Engagement - Investors can participate in the upcoming presentation and Q&A session by registering in advance through the provided webcast link [2]. - A replay of the conference call will be available on the company's investor website for at least 12 months [2].

Core Insights - The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company announced changes to its Board of Directors, with retired Lt. General John R. Vines retiring and former General Scott Miller appointed to the open seat [1][2][3] Board Changes - John R. Vines retired after over 12 years on the Board, maintaining an advisory role as Board member emeritus [2] - Scott Miller, a retired U.S. Army General with extensive military leadership experience, has been appointed to the Board [3][4] Leadership and Experience - Miller has commanded at all military levels and has a distinguished record, including leadership in complex geopolitical regions and significant combat experience [3][4] - The Board aims to enhance its skills and perspectives, with Miller being the sixth new member since 2022 [4] Company Overview - Scotts Miracle-Gro is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, with approximately $3.6 billion in sales [5]

Core Insights - The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company reported significant improvements in financial metrics for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, indicating progress towards achieving full-year guidance [2][4][8] Financial Performance - U.S. Consumer sales increased by 1% to $1.03 billion compared to $1.02 billion in the same period last year [4] - Total company sales decreased by 1% to $1.19 billion from $1.20 billion year-over-year [4] - GAAP net income for the quarter was $149.1 million, or $2.54 per diluted share, compared to $132.1 million, or $2.28 per diluted share, in the same quarter last year [6][18] - Non-GAAP adjusted net income was $151.5 million, or $2.59 per diluted share, compared to $133.8 million, or $2.31 per diluted share, for the same period last year [6][18] - Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $256.1 million, an increase from $236.8 million a year ago [7] Margin and Cost Improvements - GAAP gross margin rate was 31.8%, and non-GAAP adjusted gross margin rate was 32.1%, both showing improvements of 230 and 290 basis points over the prior year, respectively [8] - The improvements in gross margin were attributed to a better product mix and lower costs in materials, manufacturing, and distribution [5] Segment Performance - U.S. Consumer segment net sales grew by 1% year-over-year, while the Hawthorne segment saw a significant decline of 54% [19] - The Other segment, which includes the Canadian business, reported an 8% increase in net sales [19] - Total segment profit (non-GAAP) increased by 12% to $252.3 million compared to $225.8 million in the prior year [21] Outlook - The company reaffirms its full-year non-GAAP fiscal 2025 guidance, expecting continued growth in U.S. Consumer net sales and improved profitability [8][9] - The company anticipates a low single-digit growth in U.S. Consumer net sales for the full year, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $570 million to $590 million [9]