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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
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FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 27, 2003
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ____________TO____________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-13292
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THE SCOTTS COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
OHIO 31-1414921
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)
14111 SCOTTSLAWN ROAD, MARYSVILLE, OHIO 43041
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(937) 644-0011
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
NO CHANGE
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year,
if Changed Since Last Report.)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock as of the latest practicable date.
32,388,081 OUTSTANDING AT FEBRUARY 2, 2004
Common Shares, voting, no par value
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THE SCOTTS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
PAGE NO.
--------
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three month
periods ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002........................................ 3
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three month
periods ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002........................................ 4
Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 27, 2003,
December 28, 2002 and September 30, 2003..................................................... 5
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements........................................ 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations............ 23
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.......................................................................... 33
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings................................................................................ 34
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.............................................. 35
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K................................................................. 35
Signatures..................................................................................................... 36
Index to Exhibits.............................................................................................. 37
2
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
(IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 28,
2003 2002
---------------- ----------
Net sales..................................................................... $ 186.2 $ 180.8
Cost of sales................................................................. 136.4 139.1
Restructuring and other charges............................................... 0.5 4.5
-------- --------
Gross profit............................................................ 49.3 37.2
Gross commission earned from marketing agreement..............................
Costs associated with marketing agreement..................................... 7.1 7.1
-------- --------
Net expense from marketing agreement.......................................... (7.1) (7.1)
Operating expenses:
Advertising................................................................ 8.3 8.6
Selling, general and administrative........................................ 78.1 67.4
Selling, general and administrative - lawn service business................ 12.4 10.0
Stock-based compensation................................................... 1.3 0.4
Restructuring and other charges............................................ 0.5 1.8
Amortization of intangibles................................................ 2.4 2.0
Other income, net.......................................................... (1.8) (1.2)
-------- --------
Loss from operations.................................................... (59.0) (58.9)
Interest expense.............................................................. 11.9 16.5
Costs related to refinancing ................................................. 43.7
-------- --------
Loss before income taxes................................................ (114.6) (75.4)
Income taxes (benefit) ....................................................... (43.9) (28.6)
-------- --------
Net loss................................................................ $ (70.7) $ (46.8)
======== ========
BASIC LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period.................. 32.0 30.2
Basic loss per common share................................................... $ (2.21) $ (1.55)
DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the period.................. 32.0 30.2
Diluted loss per common share................................................. $ (2.21) $ (1.55)
See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements
3
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(IN MILLIONS)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 28,
2003 2002
---------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss............................................................. $ (70.7) $ (46.8)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Write-off of deferred costs on retired debt....................... 19.4
Stock-based compensation expense.................................. 1.3 0.4
Depreciation...................................................... 10.2 8.8
Amortization...................................................... 3.2 2.8
Deferred taxes.................................................... 1.8 5.0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses:
Accounts receivable............................................ 61.4 43.0
Inventories.................................................... (166.3) (147.9)
Prepaid and other current assets............................... 1.0 (0.2)
Accounts payable............................................... 32.4 52.3
Accrued taxes and liabilities.................................. (83.2) (38.5)
Restructuring reserves......................................... (1.8) (2.3)
Other assets................................................... (0.5) 1.6
Other liabilities.............................................. 3.5 1.0
Other, net........................................................ (16.9) (5.4)
---------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities.......................... (205.2) (126.2)
---------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property, plant and equipment....................... (4.0) (18.6)
Investment in acquired businesses, net of cash acquired........... (0.6) (1.4)
Payments on seller notes.......................................... (1.9) (12.1)
---------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities.......................... (6.5) (32.1)
---------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings under revolving and bank lines of credit........... 91.7 95.0
Proceeds from issuance of term loans - New Credit Agreement....... 500.0
Repayment of term loans - former Credit Agreement................. (326.5) (24.5)
Issuance of 6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes...................... 200.0
Redemption of 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes.................... (379.9)
Financing fees, net............................................... (10.9) (0.5)
Cash received from the exercise of stock options.................. 7.1 4.5
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities...................... 81.5 74.5
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash.............................. 0.6 0.5
--------- ---------
Net decrease in cash................................................. (129.6) (83.3)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period..................... 155.9 99.7
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period........................... $ 26.3 $ 16.4
========= =========
See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements
4
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN MILLIONS)
UNAUDITED
DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 28, SEPTEMBER 30,
2003 2002 2003
---------- ---------- ----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................................ $ 26.3 $ 16.4 $ 155.9
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $19.2,
$21.1 and $20.0, respectively......................................... 229.1 219.3 290.5
Inventories, net......................................................... 442.4 417.0 276.1
Current deferred tax asset............................................... 60.7 73.8 56.9
Prepaid and other assets................................................. 32.3 37.2 33.2
---------- ---------- ----------
Total current assets.................................................. 790.8 763.7 812.6
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
of $284.1, $250.1 and $270.5, respectively............................ 333.8 338.4 338.2
Goodwill................................................................. 412.5 384.4 406.5
Intangible assets, net................................................... 436.2 418.1 429.0
Other assets............................................................. 42.0 48.6 44.0
---------- ---------- ----------
Total assets.......................................................... $ 2,015.3 $ 1,953.2 $ 2,030.3
========== ========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt.................................................. $ 30.8 $ 62.7 $ 55.4
Accounts payable......................................................... 181.4 175.1 149.0
Accrued liabilities...................................................... 190.7 217.8 234.3
Accrued taxes............................................................ (24.8) (15.0) 9.5
---------- ---------- ----------
Total current liabilities............................................. 378.1 440.6 448.2
Long-term debt.............................................................. 810.1 831.6 702.2
Other liabilities........................................................... 160.7 129.7 151.7
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities..................................................... 1,348.9 1,401.9 1,302.1
Commitments and contingencies (note 8)
Shareholders' equity:
Common Shares, no par value per share, $.01 stated value
per share, 32.3, 31.3, 32.0 shares issued, respectively.................. 0.3 0.3 0.3
Deferred compensation - stock awards..................................... (19.2) (6.2) (8.3)
Capital in excess of par value........................................... 418.9 405.6 398.4
Retained earnings........................................................ 327.9 248.0 398.6
Treasury stock, 0.0, 1.0, and 0.0 shares, respectively, at cost.......... (37.7)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss..................................... (61.5) (58.7) (60.8)
----------- ---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity............................................ 666.4 551.3 728.2
---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity............................ $ 2,015.3 $ 1,953.2 $ 2,030.3
========== ========== ==========
See notes to condensed, consolidated financial statements
5
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NATURE OF OPERATIONS
The Scotts Company and its subsidiaries (collectively "Scotts" or the
"Company") are engaged in the manufacture, marketing and sale of lawn and
garden care products. The Company's major customers include home improvement
centers, mass merchandisers, 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. We also
operate the Scotts LawnService(R) business which provides lawn and tree and
shrub fertilization, insect control and other related services in the United
States.
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Company's condensed, consolidated financial statements are unaudited;
however, in the opinion of management, are presented in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The condensed, consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The
Scotts Company and all wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All
material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company's criteria for consolidating entities is 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 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 financial statements and accompanying notes in The Scotts Company's
fiscal 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ADVERTISING
The Company advertises its branded products through national and regional
media. 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(R) promotes its service offerings primarily through
direct response mail campaigns. The external costs associated with these
campaigns are deferred and recognized ratably and recorded as advertising
expense in proportion to revenues over a period not in excess of one year.
The costs deferred at December 27, 2003, December 28, 2002 and September 30,
2003 are $0.9 million, $0.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AWARDS
Beginning in fiscal 2003, the Company began expensing prospective grants of
employee stock-based compensation awards in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation -- Transition and Disclosure
-- an Amendment of SFAS No. 123". The fair value of future awards will be
expensed ratably over the vesting period, which has historically been three
years, except for grants to members of the Board of Directors, which have a
six month vesting period.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company granted 44,000 options and
493,000 stock appreciation rights to officers and other key employees. The
exercise price for the option awards and the stated price for the stock
appreciation right awards were determined by the closing price of the
Company's common shares on the date of grant.
The Black-Scholes value of options granted in fiscal 2002 was $10.7 million.
The Black-Scholes value of all stock-based compensation grants awarded
during fiscal 2003 and thus far in fiscal 2004 was $13.1 million and $12.2
million, respectively. Had compensation expense been recognized for
stock-based compensation awards granted in periods prior to fiscal 2003 in
accordance with the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company
would have recorded net loss and net loss per share as follows:
6
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 28,
2003 2002
----------- ----------
($ MILLIONS,
EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Net loss $ (70.7) $ (46.8)
Stock-based compensation expense included in reported net loss, net
of tax 0.8 0.2
Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair
value based method for all awards, net of tax (1.3) (1.2)
---------- -----------
Net loss as adjusted $ (71.2) $ (47.8)
=========== ===========
Net loss per share:
Basic $ (2.21) $ (1.55)
Diluted $ (2.21) $ (1.55)
Net loss per share, as adjusted:
Basic $ (2.23) $ (1.58)
Diluted $ (2.23) $ (1.58)
The pro forma amounts shown above are not necessarily representative of the
impact on net income/loss in future periods.
Prior to fiscal 2003, the Company accounted for stock options under APB 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and, as allowable, adopted only
the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
Management assesses the recoverability of property and equipment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable from its future undiscounted cash flows. 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.
Management also assesses the recoverability of goodwill, tradenames and
other intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable from its
discounted future cash flows. Goodwill and unamortizable intangible assets
are reviewed for impairment at least annually during the first fiscal
quarter. If it is determined that an impairment of intangible assets has
occurred, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the
carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. No impairment
charges were recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2004 or during
fiscal 2003.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per
common share is calculated including common stock equivalents pertaining to
options and warrants where the exercise price was less than the average
market price of the common shares. Because of the first quarter loss, common
stock equivalents were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings
per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. These common stock
equivalents equate to 0.8 million and 1.7 million shares of common stock for
the periods ending December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002, respectively.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts
reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying
disclosures. Although these estimates are based on management's best
knowledge of current events and actions the Company may undertake in the
future, actual results ultimately may differ from the estimates.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications have been made in prior periods' financial
statements to conform to fiscal 2004 classifications.
7
2. DETAIL OF INVENTORIES, NET
Inventories, net of provisions for slow moving and obsolete inventory of
$21.3 million, $27.7 million, and $22.0 million, respectively, consisted of:
DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 28, SEPTEMBER 30,
2003 2002 2003
--------- --------- ---------
($ MILLIONS)
INVENTORIES, NET
Finished goods...................................... $ 357.9 $ 326.1 $ 203.7
Raw materials....................................... 84.5 90.9 72.4
--------- --------- ---------
Total............................................... $ 442.4 $ 417.0 $ 276.1
========= ========= =========
3. MARKETING AGREEMENT
Effective September 30, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with
Monsanto Company ("Monsanto") for exclusive domestic and international
marketing and agency rights to Monsanto's consumer Roundup(R) herbicide
products. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company is entitled to
receive an annual commission from Monsanto in consideration for the
performance of its duties as agent. The annual commission is calculated as a
percentage of the actual earnings before interest and income taxes (EBIT),
as defined in the agreement, of the Roundup(R) business. Each year's
percentage varies in accordance with the terms of the agreement based on the
achievement of two earnings thresholds and on commission rates that vary by
threshold and program year.
The agreement also requires the Company to make fixed annual payments to
Monsanto as a contribution against the overall expenses of the Roundup(R)
business. The annual fixed payment is defined as $20 million. However,
portions of the annual payments for the first three years of the agreement
are deferred. No payment was required for the first year (fiscal 1999), a
payment of $5 million was required for the second year and a payment of $15
million was required for the third year so that a total of $40 million of
the contribution payments were deferred. Beginning in fiscal 2003, the fifth
year of the agreement, the annual payments to Monsanto increased to at least
$25 million, which include per annum interest charges at 8%. The annual
payments may be increased above $25 million if certain significant earnings
targets are exceeded. If all of the deferred contribution amounts are paid
prior to 2018, the annual contribution payments revert to $20 million.
Regardless of whether the deferred contribution amounts are paid, all
contribution payments cease entirely in 2018.
The Company is recognizing a charge each year associated with the annual
contribution payments equal to the required payment for that year. The
Company is not recognizing a charge for the portions of the contribution
payments that are deferred until the time those deferred amounts are paid.
The Company considers this method of accounting for the contribution
payments to be appropriate after consideration of the likely term of the
agreement, the Company's ability to terminate the agreement without paying
the deferred amounts, and the fact that approximately $18.6 million of the
deferred amount is never paid, even if the agreement is not terminated prior
to 2018, unless significant earnings targets are exceeded.
The express terms of the agreement permit the Company to terminate the
agreement only upon Material Breach, Material Fraud or Material Willful
Misconduct by Monsanto, as such terms are defined in the agreement, or upon
the sale of the Roundup(R) business by Monsanto. In such instances, the
agreement permits the Company to avoid payment of any deferred contribution
and related per annum charge. The Company's basis for not recording a
financial liability to Monsanto for the deferred portions of the annual
contribution and per annum charge is based on our assessment and
consultations with our legal counsel and the Company's independent
accountants. In addition, the Company has obtained a legal opinion from The
Bayard Firm, P.A., which concluded, subject to certain qualifications, that
if the matter were litigated, a Delaware court would likely conclude that
the Company is entitled to terminate the agreement at will, with appropriate
prior notice, without incurring significant penalty, and avoid paying the
unpaid deferred amounts. We have concluded that, should the Company elect to
terminate the agreement at any balance sheet date, it will not incur
significant economic consequences as a result of such action.
The Bayard Firm was special Delaware counsel retained during fiscal 2000
solely for the limited purpose of providing a legal opinion in support of
the contingent liability treatment of the agreement previously adopted by
the Company and has neither generally represented or advised the Company nor
participated in the preparation or review of the Company's financial
statements or any SEC filings. The terms of such opinion specifically limit
the parties who are entitled to rely on it.
8
The Company's conclusion is not free from challenge and, in fact, would
likely be challenged if the Company were to terminate the agreement. If it
were determined that, upon termination, the Company must pay any remaining
deferred contribution amounts and related per annum charges, the resulting
charge to earnings could have a material impact on the Company's results of
operations and financial position. At December 27, 2003, contribution
payments and related per annum charges of approximately $48.9 million had
been deferred under the agreement. This amount is considered a contingent
obligation and has not been reflected in the financial statements as of and
for the year then ended.
Monsanto has disclosed that it is accruing the $20 million fixed
contribution fee per year beginning in the fourth quarter of Monsanto's
fiscal year 1998, plus interest on the deferred portion.
The agreement has a term of seven years for all countries within the
European Union (at the option of both parties, the agreement can be renewed
for up to 20 years for the European Union countries). For countries outside
of the European Union, the agreement continues indefinitely unless
terminated by either party. The agreement provides Monsanto with the right
to terminate the agreement for an event of default (as defined in the
agreement) by the Company or a change in control of Monsanto or the sale of
the Roundup(R) business. The agreement provides the Company with the right
to terminate the agreement in certain circumstances including an event of
default by Monsanto or the sale of the Roundup(R) business. Unless Monsanto
terminates the agreement for 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 $150 million for each of the first five program
years, gradually declines to $100 million by year ten of the program and
then declines to a minimum of $16 million if the program continues for years
11 through 20.
In consideration for the rights granted to the Company under the agreement
for North America, the Company was required to pay a marketing fee of $32
million to Monsanto. The Company has deferred the expense relating to this
amount on the basis that the payment will provide a future benefit through
commissions that will be earned under the agreement and is amortizing the
balance over ten years, which is the estimated likely term of the agreement.
4. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
FISCAL 2004 CHARGES
During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company recorded $1.0 million
of restructuring and other charges. These charges, related to our North
American distribution restructuring and our International Profit Improvement
Plan, were included in cost of sales and selling, general and administrative
costs in the amounts of $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
FISCAL 2003 CHARGES
During the first quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recorded $6.3 million
of restructuring and other charges.
Costs of $4.3 million associated with exiting certain warehouses in North
America, as part of improvements to the North American supply chain, and
$0.2 million of accelerated depreciation, related to the closure of our
Bramford, England manufacturing facility, were included in cost of sales.
Costs of $1.8 million were charged to selling, general and administrative
expense for the continued European integration efforts that began in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2002.
The following is a rollforward from September 30, 2003 of the cash portion
of the restructuring and other charges. The accrued charges are included in
accrued liabilities on the Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets.
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 27,
2003 2003
--------- -------
DESCRIPTION TYPE CLASSIFICATION BALANCE PAYMENT ACCRUAL BALANCE
- ----------- -------- --------------- --------- ------- ------- -------
($ MILLIONS)
Severance Cash SG&A $ 1.6 $ (0.6) $ $ 1.0
Facility exit costs Cash SG&A 0.9 (1.3) 0.8 0.4
Other related costs Cash SG&A 2.0 (0.8) 0.2 1.4
------- ------ ---- -----
Total cash $ 4.5 $ (2.7) $1.0 $ 2.8
======= ====== ==== =====
9
5. LONG-TERM DEBT
DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 28, SEPTEMBER 30,
2003 2002 2003
---------------- ---------------- -----------------
($ MILLIONS)
Former Credit Agreement:
Revolving loans.......................... $ $ 94.6 $
Term loans............................... 355.3 326.5
New Credit Agreement:
Revolving loans.......................... 79.1
Term loans............................... 500.0
Senior Subordinated Notes:
8 5/8% Notes............................. 13.2 392.2 393.1
6 5/8% Notes............................. 200.0
Notes due to sellers....................... 20.1 35.2 21.6
Foreign bank borrowings and term loans..... 18.9 5.7 6.3
Capital lease obligations and other........ 9.6 11.3 10.1
-------- -------- ---------
840.9 894.3 757.6
Less current portions...................... 30.8 62.7 55.4
-------- -------- ---------
$ 810.1 $ 831.6 $ 702.2
======== ======== =========
In October 2003, the Company substantially completed a refinancing of the
former Credit Agreement ("Credit Agreement") and its $400 million 8 5/8%
Senior Subordinated Notes ("8 5/8% Notes") in a series of transactions. On
October 8, 2003, the Company issued $200 million of 6 5/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due November 15, 2013 ("6 5/8% Notes"). On October 21,
2003, substantially all of the outstanding 8 5/8% Notes were tendered, with
the remainder being called on January 15, 2004. Finally, on October 22,
2003, the Company consummated a series of transactions which included the
repayment of the term loans outstanding under the former Credit Agreement,
the termination of the Credit Agreement, the execution of the Second Amended
and Restated Credit Agreement ("New Credit Agreement"), and the borrowing of
$500 million in the form of term loans under the New Credit Agreement. The
costs recognized in the first fiscal quarter of 2004 on the extinguishment
of the former Credit Agreement and retirement of the 8 5/8% Notes was $43.7
million, of which $19.4 million related to the write-off of deferred costs,
$23.4 million related to the early redemption premiums paid on the
redemption of the 8 5/8% Notes and $0.9 million related to transaction fees.
The New Credit Agreement was entered into with a syndicate of commercial
banks and institutional lenders. The New Credit Agreement consists of a $700
million multi-currency revolving credit commitment and a $500 million term
loan B facility. Financial covenants consist of a minimum interest coverage
ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. There also are negative covenants
similar to those in the former Credit Agreement. All such covenants are less
restrictive than those contained in the former Credit Agreement. Collateral
for the borrowings under the New Credit Agreement consists of pledges by the
Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries of substantially all of their
personal, real and intellectual property assets. The Company and its
subsidiaries also pledged a majority of the stock in foreign subsidiaries
that borrow under the New Credit Agreement. At December 27, 2003, the
Company is in compliance with all applicable covenants. Financing costs
approximating $6.7 million incurred in conjunction with the New Credit
Agreement have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the
New Credit Agreement.
The revolving credit facilities under the New Credit Agreement provide for a
$700 million commitment expiring on October 22, 2008. Borrowings may be made
in U.S. Dollars and optional currencies including, but not limited to,
Euros, British Pounds Sterling, Canadian Dollars and Australian Dollars. The
revolving credit facilities provide that up to $65 million of the $700
million commitment may be used for letters of credit. Interest rate spreads
under the New Credit Agreement will be determined by a pricing grid
corresponding to a quarterly calculation of the Company's leverage ratio
comprised of averaged components for the most recent four quarters.
The $500 million term loan B facility expires on September 30, 2010.
Repayment of the term loan B commences on March 31, 2004 with minimum
quarterly principal payments of $500,000 through June 30, 2010 followed by a
balloon maturity on September 30, 2010. The term loans carry a variable
interest rate based on prime or LIBOR at the Company's election (currently
LIBOR) plus a spread. The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements
with major financial institutions to effectively convert a portion of the
variable rate term loans to a fixed rate. The notional amount and the terms
of the swap agreements vary. At December 27, 2003, swap agreements with a
total notional amount of $200 million were in effect. Under the terms of
these swap
10
agreements, the Company pays fixed rates ranging from 2.76% to 3.765%, plus
a spread based on the pricing grid contained in the New Credit Agreement,
and receives payments based on three-month LIBOR in return.
The 6 5/8% Notes were issued in accordance with Rule 144A and Regulation S
under the Securities Act of 1933. The 6 5/8% Notes were sold at par, pay
interest semi-annually on May 15 and November 15, have a ten-year maturity
with a five-year no-call provision, and are guaranteed by the current and
future domestic restricted subsidiaries of the Company. Such guarantees are
unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the Company. The covenants
contained in the 6 5/8% Notes indenture are less restrictive than those
contained in the 8 5/8% Notes indenture. It is anticipated that the
registration of the 6 5/8% Notes with the Securities and Exchange Commission
will become effective in February 2004. Financing costs approximating $4.2
million incurred with the issuance of the 6 5/8% Notes have been deferred
and are being amortized over the term of the Notes.
The Company called the 8 5/8% Notes at 106.05% per $1,000 Note resulting in
a principal tendered amount of approximately $386.8 million on October 21,
2003. On November 21, 2003, the Company delivered notice to the trustee to
redeem the remaining $13.2 million of 8 5/8% Notes, that were not tendered,
on the first call date of January 15, 2004 at 104.313% per $1,000 Note plus
accrued interest. The Company will recognize an additional loss on
refinancing of approximately $0.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal
2004 relating to the redemption of the remaining 8 5/8% Notes.
6. STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The components of other comprehensive loss and total comprehensive loss for
the three months ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 are as
follows:
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 28,
2003 2002
-------- --------
Net loss........................................ $ (70.7) $ (46.8)
Other comprehensive income (expense):
Change in valuation of derivative instruments... 0.1
Foreign currency translation adjustments........ (0.8) (0.6)
--------- ---------
Comprehensive loss.............................. $ (71.4) $ (47.4)
========= ========
7. AIRCRAFT LEASE
In late January 2004, the Company took final delivery of a used aircraft in
a synthetic operating lease transaction. The lease agreement provides that
the Company pays taxes, insurance and maintenance on the aircraft. The
lease term expires in August 2008 but provides for a purchase option and two
one-year renewal options at a fair market rental value, as defined in the
lease agreement. The Company also has a maximum contingent obligation
approximating $9.3 million based on the provisions of a residual value
guarantee.
8. CONTINGENCIES
Management continually evaluates the Company's contingencies, including
various lawsuits and claims which arise in the normal course of business,
product and general liabilities, worker's compensation, property losses and
other fiduciary liabilities for which the Company is self-insured or retains
a high exposure limit. Insurance reserves are established within an
actuarially determined range. 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 future quarterly or annual
operating results will not be materially affected by final resolution of
these matters. The following matters are the more significant of the
Company's identified contingencies.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
---------------------
In June 1997, the Ohio EPA initiated an enforcement action against us with
respect to alleged surface water violations and inadequate treatment
capabilities at our Marysville, Ohio facility and seeking corrective action
under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The action related
to several discontinued on-site disposal areas which dated back to the early
operations of the Marysville facility that we had already been assessing
and, in some cases, remediating, on a voluntary basis. On December 3, 2001,
an agreed judicial Consent Order was submitted to the Union County Common
Pleas Court and was entered by the court on January 25, 2002.
11
Pursuant to the Consent Order, we paid a $275,000 fine and must
satisfactorily remediate the Marysville site. We have continued our
remediation activities with the knowledge and oversight of the Ohio EPA. We
completed an updated evaluation of our expected liability related to this
matter based on the fine paid and remediation actions that we have taken and
expect to take in the future. As a result, we accrued an additional $3.0
million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 to increase our reserve based on
the latest estimates.
In addition to the dispute with the Ohio EPA, we are negotiating with the
Philadelphia District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the
terms of site remediation and the resolution of the Corps' civil penalty
demand in connection with our prior peat harvesting operations at our
Lafayette, New Jersey facility. We are also addressing remediation concerns
raised by the Environment Agency of the United Kingdom with respect to
emissions to air and groundwater at our Bramford (Suffolk), United Kingdom
facility. We have reserved for our estimates of probable losses to be
incurred in connection with each of these matters.
At December 27, 2003, $6.5 million was accrued for the environmental and
regulatory matters described herein. The most significant component of this
accrual are estimated costs for site remediation of $4.5 million. Most of
the costs accrued as of the end of the current fiscal quarter, are expected
to be paid in fiscal 2004 and 2005; however, payments could be made for a
period thereafter.
We believe that the amounts accrued as of the end of the current fiscal
quarter are adequate to cover our known environmental exposures based on
current facts and estimates of likely outcome. However, the adequacy of
these accruals is based on several significant assumptions:
- that we have identified all of the significant sites that must be
remediated;
- that there are no significant conditions of potential contamination
that are unknown to us; and
- that with respect to the agreed judicial Consent Order in Ohio, that
potentially contaminated soil can be remediated in place rather than
having to be removed and only specific stream segments will require
remediation as opposed to the entire stream.
If there is a significant change in the facts and circumstances surrounding
these assumptions, it could have a material impact on the ultimate outcome
of these matters and our results of operations, financial position and cash
flows.
During fiscal 2003, we made approximately $1.5 million in environmental
expenditures, compared with approximately $0.3 million in environmental
capital expenditures and $5.4 million in environmental expenditures for
fiscal 2002. Included in the $5.4 million is the $3.0 million increase in
the accrual for future costs related to site remediation as described above.
We expect spending on environmental matters in fiscal 2004 will not vary
materially from amounts spent in fiscal 2003.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
-----------------
As noted in the discussion above under "Environmental Matters", we are
involved in several pending environmental matters. We believe that our
assessment of contingencies is reasonable and that related reserves, in the
aggregate, are adequate; however, there can be no assurance that the final
resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse affect on our
results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Pending material legal proceedings are as follows:
AGREVO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, INC.
On June 3, 1999, AgrEvo Environmental Health, Inc. ("AgrEvo") (which
subsequently changed its name to Aventis Environmental Health Science USA
LP) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District
of New York (the "New York Action"), against Scotts, a subsidiary of Scotts,
and Monsanto seeking damages and injunctive relief for alleged antitrust
violations and breach of contract by Scotts and its subsidiary and antitrust
violations and tortious interference with contract by Monsanto. Scotts
purchased a consumer herbicide business from AgrEvo in May 1998. AgrEvo
claims in the suit that Scotts' subsequent agreement to become Monsanto's
exclusive sales and marketing agent for Monsanto's consumer Roundup(R)
business violated the federal antitrust laws. AgrEvo contends that Monsanto
attempted to or did monopolize the market for non-selective herbicides and
conspired with Scotts to eliminate the herbicide Scotts previously purchased
from AgrEvo, which competed with Monsanto's
12
Roundup(R). AgrEvo also contends that Scotts' execution of various
agreements with Monsanto, including the Roundup(R) marketing agreement, as
well as Scotts' subsequent actions, violated agreements between AgrEvo and
Scotts.
AgrEvo is requesting unspecified damages as well as affirmative injunctive
relief, and seeking to have the court invalidate the Roundup(R) marketing
agreement as violative of the federal antitrust laws. Under the
indemnification provisions of the Roundup(R) marketing agreement, Monsanto
and Scotts each have requested that the other indemnify against any losses
arising from this lawsuit.
On June 29, 1999, AgrEvo also filed a complaint in the Superior Court of the
State of Delaware against two of Scotts' subsidiaries seeking damages for
alleged breach of contract. AgrEvo alleges that, under the contracts by
which a subsidiary of Scotts purchased a herbicide business from AgrEvo in
May 1998, two of Scotts' subsidiaries have failed to pay AgrEvo
approximately $0.6 million. AgrEvo is requesting damages in this amount, as
well as pre- and post-judgment interest and attorneys' fees and costs.
Scotts' subsidiaries have moved to dismiss or stay this action. On January
31, 2000, the Delaware court stayed AgrEvo's action pending the resolution
of a motion to amend the New York Action, and the resolution of the New York
Action.
On January 10, 2003, Scotts filed a supplemental counterclaim against AgrEvo
for breach of contract. Scotts alleges that AgrEvo owes Scotts for amounts
that Scotts overpaid to AgrEvo. Scotts' counterclaim is now part of the
underlying litigation.
Scotts believes that AgrEvo's claims in these matters are without merit and
intends to vigorously defend against them. If the above actions are
determined adversely to Scotts, the result could have a material adverse
effect on Scotts' results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Any potential exposure that Scotts may face cannot be reasonably estimated.
Therefore, no accrual has been established related to these matters.
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
SCOTTS V. CENTRAL GARDEN, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
On June 30, 2000, Scotts filed suit against Central Garden & Pet Company
("Central Garden") in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of
Ohio (the "Ohio Action") to recover approximately $24 million in accounts
receivable and additional damages for other breaches of duty.
Central Garden filed counterclaims including allegations that Scotts and
Central Garden had entered into an oral agreement in April 1998 whereby
Scotts would allegedly share with Central Garden the benefits and
liabilities of any future business integration between Scotts and Monsanto.
The court has dismissed a number of Central Garden's counterclaims as well
as Scotts' claims that Central Garden breached other duties owed to Scotts.
On April 22, 2002, a jury returned a verdict in favor of Scotts of $22.5
million and for Central Garden on its remaining counterclaims in an amount
of approximately $12.1 million. Various post-trial motions were filed. As a
result of those motions, the trial court has reduced Central Garden's
verdict by $750,000, denied Central Garden's motion for a new trial on two
of its counterclaims and granted the parties pre-judgment interest on their
respective verdicts. On September 22, 2003, the court entered a final
judgment, which provided for a net award to Scotts of approximately $14
million, together with interest at 2.31% through the date of payment.
Central Garden has appealed and Scotts has cross-appealed from that final
judgment.
Two counterclaims that the court permitted Central Garden to add on the eve
of trial were subsequently settled.
CENTRAL GARDEN V. SCOTTS & PHARMACIA, NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
On July 7, 2000, Central Garden filed suit against Scotts and Pharmacia in
the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (San
Francisco Division) alleging various claims, including breach of contract
and violations of federal antitrust laws, and seeking an unspecified amount
of damages and injunctive relief. On April 15, 2002, Scotts and Central
Garden each filed summary judgment motions in this action. On June 26, 2002,
the court granted summary judgment in favor of Scotts and dismissed all of
Central Garden's then remaining claims. That judgment was recently affirmed
by the United States Court of Appeals.
CENTRAL GARDEN V. SCOTTS & PHARMACIA, CONTRA COSTA SUPERIOR COURT
On October 31, 2000, Central Garden filed a complaint against Scotts and
Pharmacia in the California Superior Court for Contra Costa County. That
complaint seeks to assert breach of contract claims and claims under Section
17200 of the California Business
13
and Professions Code. On December 4, 2000, Scotts and Pharmacia jointly
filed a motion to stay this action based on the pendency of prior lawsuits
that involve the same subject matter. By order dated February 23, 2001, the
Superior Court stayed the action pending before it. The Court recently
granted Scotts' motion to lift the stay, and Scotts has filed an answer to
the complaint. No trial date has been set. Central Garden and Pharmacia have
settled their claims relating to this action.
Although Scotts has prevailed consistently and extensively in the litigation
with Central Garden, the decisions in Scotts' favor are subject to appeal.
If, upon appeal or otherwise, the above actions are determined adversely to
Scotts, the result could have a material adverse affect on Scotts' results
of operations, financial position and cash flows. Scotts believes that it
will continue to prevail in the Central Garden matters and that any
potential exposure that Scotts may face cannot be reasonably estimated.
Therefore, no accrual has been established related to the claims brought
against Scotts by Central Garden, except for amounts ordered paid to Central
Garden in the Ohio Action. Scotts believes it has adequate reserves recorded
for the amounts it may ultimately be required to pay.
U.S. HORTICULTURAL SUPPLY, INC. (F/K/A E.C. GEIGER, INC.) V. SCOTTS,
EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
On February 7, 2003, U.S. Horticultural Supply filed suit against Scotts in
the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. U.S.
Horticultural Supply alleges claims of breach of contract, promissory
estoppel, and a violation of federal antitrust laws, and seeks an
unspecified amount of damages.
On March 14, 2003, Scotts filed a motion to dismiss the antitrust claim, and
a motion to dismiss, or in the alternative stay, the promissory estoppel
claims pending arbitration. The motion is pending. Discovery has commenced.
No trial date has been set.
Scotts believes that U.S. Horticultural Supply's claims are without merit
and intends to vigorously defend against them. If the above action is
determined adversely to Scotts, the result could have a material adverse
effect on Scotts' results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Any potential exposure that Scotts may face cannot be reasonably estimated.
Therefore, no accrual has been established related to this matter.
OTHER
The Company recently has been named a defendant in a number of cases
alleging injuries that the lawsuits claim resulted from exposure to
asbestos-containing products. The complaints in these cases, most of which
are in their preliminary stages, are not specific about the plaintiffs'
contacts with the Company or its products. Scotts in each case is one of
numerous defendants and none of the claims seek damages from the Company
alone. The Company intends to vigorously defend the cases and does not
believe they are material to the Company's results of operations, financial
position or cash flows.
It is not currently possible to reasonably estimate a probable loss, if any,
associated with the cases and, accordingly, no accrual or reserves have been
recorded in the Company's consolidated financial statements. 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, its financial condition or its results of operations. 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.
We are involved in other lawsuits and claims which arise in the normal
course of our business. In our opinion, these claims individually and in the
aggregate are not expected to result in a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
14
9. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In December, 2003 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities" (FIN 46R). FIN 46R varies significantly from
FASB Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
(FIN 46), which it supersedes. FIN 46R requires the application of either
FIN 46 or FIN 46R by "Public Entities" (as defined in paragraph 395 of FASB
Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation") to all Special
Purpose Entities ("SPEs") created prior to February 1, 2003 at the end of
the first interim or annual reporting period ending after December 15, 2003.
All entities created after January 31, 2003 by Public Entities were already
required to be analyzed under FIN 46, and they must continue to do so,
unless FIN 46R is adopted early. FIN 46R will be applicable to all non-SPEs
created prior to February 1, 2003 by Public Entities at the end of the first
interim or annual reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. The Company
does not believe that it has any SPEs as prescribed by FIN 46R. The Company
continues to evaluate FIN 46R for applicability to the Company's Scotts
LawnService(R) franchises for adoption during the second quarter of fiscal
2004.
10. MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG, IMPROVEMENT AND MODERNIZATION ACT
As disclosed in Note 8 to our financial statements for the year ended
September 30, 2003, the Company provides comprehensive major medical
benefits to certain of its retired associates and their dependents. These
benefits include prescription drug coverage. On December 8, 2003, the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (the Act)
became law. This law provides for a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree
health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least
actuarially equivalent to the benefit established by the law. The Company
currently is evaluating the provisions of the Act to determine whether it
will be eligible for the federal subsidy, and if so, in what amount.
Specific authoritative guidance governing the accounting requirements
pertaining to any federal subsidy the Company might receive has not yet been
issued by the FASB. Therefore, no prediction can be made at this time as to
the effect, if any, that any such subsidy will have on results of operations
in future periods.
11. SEGMENT INFORMATION
For fiscal 2004, the Company is divided into three reportable segments -
North America, Scotts LawnService(R) and International. The North America
segment primarily consists of the Lawns, Gardening Products, Ortho(R),
Canada and North American Professional business groups. These segments
differ from those used in the prior year due to the absorption of the Global
Professional segment into the North America and International segments based
on geography. This new division of reportable segments is consistent with
how the segments report to and are managed by senior management of the
Company. The prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the
fiscal 2004 segments.
The North America segment manufactures, markets and sells dry, granular
slow-release lawn fertilizers, combination lawn fertilizer and control
products, grass seed, spreaders, water-soluble and controlled-release garden
and indoor plant foods, plant care products, potting soils, pottery, barks,
mulches and other growing media products, pesticide products and a full line
of horticulture products. Products are marketed to mass merchandisers, home
improvement centers, large hardware chains, nurseries and gardens centers
and specialty crop growers in the United Sates, Canada, Latin America and
South America.
The Scotts LawnService(R) segment provides lawn fertilization, insect
control and other related services such as core aeration primarily to
residential consumers through company-owned branches and franchises. In most
Company markets, Scotts LawnService(R) also offers tree and shrub
fertilization, disease and insect control treatments and, in our larger
branches, we also offer an exterior barrier pest control service.
The International segment provides products similar to those described above
for the North America segment to consumers outside of the United States,
Canada, Latin America and South America.
The following table presents segment financial information in accordance
with SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information". Pursuant to that statement, 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).
15
SCOTTS OTHER/
NORTH AMERICA LAWNSERVICE(R) INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE TOTAL
------------- -------------- ------------- --------- -----
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT OPERATING PERCENTATGES)
Net sales:
Q1 2004............ $ 102.7 $ 18.5 $ 65.0 $ 186.2
Q1 2003............ $ 104.6 $ 15.3 $ 60.9 $ 180.8
Operating loss:
Q1 2004............ $ (28.7) $ (6.4) $ (2.3) $ (19.2) $ (56.6)
Q1 2003............ $ (29.7) $ (4.8) $ (1.7) $ (20.7) $ (56.9)
Operating margin:
Q1 2004............ (27.9%) (34.6%) (3.5%) nm (30.4%)
Q1 2003............ (28.4%) (31.4%) (2.8%) nm (31.5%)
Goodwill:
Q1 2004............ $ 229.6 $ 91.9 $ 91.0 $ 412.5
Q1 2003............ $ 230.6 $ 72.4 $ 81.4 $ 384.4
Total assets:
Q1 2004............ $ 1,327.0 $ 105.3 $ 474.3 $ 108.7 $ 2,015.3
Q1 2003............ $ 1,308.2 $ 83.4 $ 428.2 $ 133.4 $ 1,953.2
nm Not meaningful.
Operating loss from operations reported for Scotts' three reportable
segments represents earnings before amortization of intangible assets,
interest and taxes, since this is the measure of profitability used by
management. Accordingly, the Corporate operating loss for the three months
ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002 includes amortization of
certain intangible assets, unallocated corporate general and administrative
expenses, North America restructuring charges and certain "other" income
(expense) items not allocated to the reportable segments.
Total assets reported for Scotts' reportable segments include the intangible
assets for the acquired businesses within those segments. Corporate assets
primarily include deferred financing and debt issuance costs, corporate
intangible assets and deferred tax assets.
12. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS
The 6 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes are general obligations of The Scotts
Company and are guaranteed by all of the existing wholly-owned, domestic
subsidiaries and all future wholly-owned, significant (as defined in
Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission) domestic
subsidiaries of The Scotts Company. These subsidiary guarantors jointly and
severally guarantee The Scotts Company's obligations under the Notes. The
guarantees represent full and unconditional general obligations of each
subsidiary that are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and
future senior debt of that subsidiary but are senior in right of payment to
any future junior subordinated debt of that subsidiary.
The following unaudited information presents consolidating Statements of
Operations, Statements of Cash Flows and Balance Sheets for the three-month
periods ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002. Separate unaudited
financial statements of the individual guarantor subsidiaries have not been
provided because management does not believe they would be meaningful to
investors.
16
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 27, 2003 (IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
-------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------
Net sales................................. $ 60.6 $ 59.2 $ 66.4 $ $ 186.2
Cost of sales............................. 36.7 59.3 40.4 136.4
Restructuring and other charges........... 0.3 0.2 0.5
-------- ------ -------- ------- --------
Gross profit.............................. 23.6 (0.1) 25.8 49.3
Gross commission earned from marketing
agreement.................................
Costs associated with marketing agreement. 7.1 7.1
-------- ------ -------- ------- --------
Net expense from marketing agreement.... (7.1) (7.1)
Operating expenses:
Advertising............................. 4.1 1.1 3.1 8.3
Selling, general and administrative..... 56.3 10.7 24.8 91.8
Restructuring and other charges......... 0.1 0.4 0.5
Amortization of intangible assets....... 0.1 1.1 1.2 2.4
Equity income in subsidiaries............. 15.1 (15.1)
Intracompany allocations.................. (7.6) 6.2 1.4
Other income, net......................... (0.3) (0.8) (0.7) (1.8)
--------- ------- --------- ------- ---------
Income (loss) from operations............. (51.2) (18.5) (4.4) 15.1 (59.0)
Interest expense.......................... 10.4 1.5 11.9
Costs related to refinancing.............. 43.7 43.7
-------- ------ -------- ------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes......... (105.3) (18.5) (5.9) 15.1 (114.6)
Income tax benefit........................ (34.6) (7.1) (2.2) (43.9)
--------- ------- --------- ------- ---------
Net income (loss)......................... $ (70.7) $(11.4) $ (3.7) $ 15.1 $ (70.7)
========= ======= ========= ======= =========
17
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 27, 2003 (IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
--------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)........................... $ (70.7) $ (11.4) $ (3.7) $ 15.1 $ (70.7)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
net cash used in operating activities:
Write-off of deferred costs on retired debt 19.4 19.4
Stock-based compensation expense.......... 1.3 1.3
Depreciation.............................. 6.6 2.8 0.8 10.2
Amortization.............................. 0.9 1.1 1.2 3.2
Deferred Taxes............................ 1.8 1.8
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries...... 15.1 (15.1)
Net change in certain components
of working capital........................ (83.6) (27.9) (45.0) (156.5)
Net changes in other assets and
liabilities and other adjustments......... (17.6) 3.7 (13.9)
--------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities....... (126.8) (35.4) (43.0) (205.2)
--------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property, plant and equipment. (0.8) (2.5) (0.7) (4.0)
Investment in acquired businesses,
net of cash acquired...................... (0.3) (0.3) (0.6)
Payments on seller notes.................... (1.9) (1.9)
--------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities....... (1.1) (4.7) (0.7) (6.5)
--------- --------- --------- -------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings under revolving
and bank lines of credit.................. 91.7 91.7
Gross borrowings under term loans........... 500.0 500.0
Gross repayments under term loans........... (240.5) (86.0) (326.5)
Issuance of 6 5/8% Notes.................... 200.0 200.0
Redemption of 8 5/8% Notes.................. (379.9) (379.9)
Financing fees.............................. (10.9) (10.9)
Cash received from the exercise of
stock options............................. 7.1 7.1
Intracompany financing...................... (66.3) 39.7 26.6
--------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities... 12.0 39.7 32.3 84.0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash..... 0.6 0.6
------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash............. (118.4) (0.4) (10.8) (129.6)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 132.1 1.2 22.6 155.9
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.... $ 13.7 $ 0.8 $ 11.8 $ $ 26.3
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
18
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 27, 2003 (IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.................... $ 13.7 $ 0.8 $ 11.8 $ $ 26.3
Accounts receivable, net..................... 28.2 90.8 110.1 229.1
Inventories, net............................. 247.7 78.9 115.8 442.4
Current deferred tax asset................... 58.8 0.4 1.5 60.7
Prepaid and other assets..................... 16.7 1.9 13.7 32.3
---------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Total current assets..................... 365.1 172.8 252.9 790.8
Property, plant and equipment, net.............. 201.3 90.0 42.5 333.8
Goodwill........................................ 20.5 294.7 97.3 412.5
Intangible assets, net.......................... 5.9 280.8 149.5 436.2
Other assets.................................... 42.0 1.5 (1.5) 42.0
Investment in affiliates........................ 1,024.9 (1,024.9)
Intracompany assets............................. 12.8 220.1 (232.9)
---------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total assets............................. $ 1,672.5 $1,059.9 $ 540.7 $(1,257.8) $ 2,015.3
========== ======== ======== ========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt...................... $ 1.8 $ 9.8 $ 19.2 $ $ 30.8
Accounts payable............................. 89.2 28.1 64.1 181.4
Accrued liabilities.......................... 77.9 16.3 96.5 190.7
Accrued taxes................................ (25.2) 1.0 (0.6) (24.8)
----------- -------- --------- --------- -----------
Total current liabilities................ 143.7 55.2 179.2 378.1
Long-term debt.................................. 720.1 8.0 82.0 810.1
Other liabilities............................... 142.3 18.4 160.7
Intracompany liabilities........................ 232.9 (232.9)
---------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities.......................... 1,006.1 63.2 512.5 (232.9) 1,348.9
---------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity:
Investment from parent....................... 491.5 0.4 (491.9)
Common shares, no par value per share,
$.01 stated value per share................ 0.3 0.3
Deferred compensation-stock awards........... (19.2) (19.2)
Capital in excess of par value............... 418.9 418.9
Retained earnings............................ 327.9 503.4 0.9 (504.3) 327.9
Accumulated other comprehensive expense...... (61.5) 1.8 26.9 (28.7) (61.5)
----------- -------- -------- ---------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity...................... 666.4 996.7 28.2 (1,024.9) 666.4
---------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity...... $ 1,672.5 $1,059.9 $ 540.7 $(1,257.8) $ 2,015.3
========== ======== ======== ========== ==========
19
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2002 (IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
-------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
Net sales................................. $ 59.9 $ 59.9 $ 61.0 $ $ 180.8
Cost of sales............................. 38.9 60.0 40.2 139.1
Restructuring and other charges........... 4.4 0.1 4.5
-------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Gross profit.............................. 16.6 (0.1) 20.7 -.- 37.2
Gross commission earned from marketing (0.2) 0.2
agreement.................................
Costs associated with marketing agreement. 7.1 7.1
-------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Net expense from marketing agreement.... (7.3) -.- 0.2 -.- (7.1)
Operating expenses:
Advertising............................. 4.8 0.8 3.0 8.6
Selling, general and administrative..... 47.3 10.0 20.5 77.8
Restructuring and other charges......... 0.3 0.2 1.3 1.8
Amortization of intangible assets....... 0.1 0.9 1.0 2.0
Equity income in subsidiaries............. 14.9 (14.9)
Intracompany allocations.................. (9.2) 6.8 2.4
Other income, net......................... (0.7) (0.5) (1.2)
-------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Income (loss) from operations............. (48.9) (18.1) (6.8) 14.9 (58.9)
Interest expense.......................... 17.3 (3.9) 3.1 16.5
-------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes......... (66.2) (14.2) (9.9) 14.9 (75.4)
Income tax benefit........................ (19.4) (5.4) (3.8) (28.6)
-------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Net income (loss)......................... $ (46.8) $ (8.8) $ (6.1) $ 14.9 $ (46.8)
======== ======== ======== ======= ========
20
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2002 (IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
-------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)........................... $ (46.8) $ (8.8) $ (6.1) $ 14.9 $ (46.8)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
net cash used in operating activities:
Stock-based compensation expense.......... 0.4 0.4
Depreciation.............................. 5.3 2.4 1.1 8.8
Amortization.............................. 0.9 0.9 1.0 2.8
Deferred taxes............................ 5.0 5.0
Equity (income) loss in non-guarantors.... 14.9 (14.9) -.-
Net change in certain components
of working capital........................ (46.5) (12.3) (34.8) (93.6)
Net changes in other assets and
liabilities and other adjustments......... 6.5 0.1 (9.4) (2.8)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities....... (60.3) (17.7) (48.2) -.- (126.2)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property, plant and equipment. (5.2) (10.4) (3.0) (18.6)
Investment in acquired businesses,
net of cash acquired...................... (1.4) (1.4)
Payments on seller notes.................... (3.1) (9.0) (12.1)
------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities....... (5.2) (14.9) (12.0) -.- (32.1)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings under revolving
and bank lines of credit.................. 5.5 89.5 95.0
Gross repayments under term loans........... (17.1) (7.4) (24.5)
Financing fees.............................. (0.5) (0.5)
Cash received from the exercise of stock
options................................... 4.5 4.5
Intracompany financing...................... 23.2 31.8 (55.0) -.-
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities... 15.6 31.8 27.1 -.- 74.5
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash..... 0.5 0.5
------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash............. (49.9) (0.8) (32.6) (83.3)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 54.7 2.0 43.0 99.7
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.... $ 4.8 $ 1.2 $ 10.4 $ -.- $ 16.4
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
21
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 28, 2002 (IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
---------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents..................... $ 4.8 $ 1.2 $ 10.4 $ $ 16.4
Accounts receivable, net...................... 40.6 75.5 103.2 219.3
Inventories, net.............................. 242.7 75.8 98.5 417.0
Current deferred tax asset.................... 73.4 0.4 73.8
Prepaid and other assets...................... 17.3 1.3 18.6 37.2
---------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Total current assets..................... 378.8 154.2 230.7 763.7
Property, plant and equipment, net.............. 212.4 91.0 35.0 338.4
Goodwill........................................ 21.6 275.2 87.6 384.4
Intangible assets, net.......................... 4.6 280.9 132.6 418.1
Other assets.................................... 48.6 2.2 (2.2) 48.6
Investment in affiliates........................ 925.4 (925.4)
Intracompany assets............................. 166.9 (166.9)
---------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Total assets............................. $ 1,591.4 $ 970.4 $ 483.7 $(1,092.3) $ 1,953.2
========== ======== ======== ========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt....................... $ 47.1 $ 9.6 $ 6.0 $ $ 62.7
Accounts payable.............................. 91.0 26.8 57.3 175.1
Accrued liabilities........................... 104.1 24.9 88.8 217.8
Accrued taxes................................. (14.2) 1.3 (2.1) (15.0)
---------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Total current liabilities................ 228.0 62.6 150.0 440.6
Long-term debt.................................. 612.8 7.4 211.4 831.6
Other liabilities............................... 109.4 1.3 19.0 129.7
Intracompany liabilities........................ 89.9 77.0 (166.9)
---------- ------- -------- --------- ----------
Total liabilities.......................... 1,040.1 71.3 457.4 (166.9) 1,401.9
---------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Shareholders' equity:
Investment from parent........................ 496.5 51.9 (548.4)
Common shares, no par value per share,
$.01 stated value per share................. 0.3 0.3
Deferred compensation-stock awards............ (6.2) (6.2)
Capital in excess of par value................ 405.6 405.6
Retained earnings............................. 248.0 405.0 (2.4) (402.6) 248.0
Treasury stock, 1.0 shares at cost............ (37.7) (37.7)
Accumulated other comprehensive expense....... (58.7) (2.4) (23.2) 25.6 (58.7)
----------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity...................... 551.3 899.1 26.3 (925.4) 551.3
---------- -------- -------- --------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity...... $ 1,591.4 $ 970.4 $ 483.7 $(1,092.3) $ 1,953.2
========== ======== ======== ========= ==========
22
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
Scotts is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer branded products
for lawn and garden care and professional horticulture in the United States and
Europe. We also have a presence in Australia, the Far East, Latin America and
South America. Also, in the United States, we operate the second largest
residential lawn service business, Scotts LawnService(R). In fiscal 2004, our
operations are divided into three reportable segments: North America, Scotts
LawnService(R) and International.
As a leading consumer branded lawn and garden company, we focus our consumer
marketing efforts, including advertising and consumer research, on creating
consumer demand to pull products through the retail distribution channels. In
the past three years, we have spent approximately 5% of our net sales annually
on media advertising to support and promote our products and brands. We have
applied this consumer marketing focus for the past several years, and we believe
that Scotts receives a significant return on these marketing expenditures. We
expect that we will continue to focus our marketing efforts toward the consumer
and make additional investments in consumer marketing expenditures in the future
to continue to drive category growth and increased market share. In fiscal 2004,
we expect to increase advertising spending as we deliver a new media message for
the Ortho(R) line, increase our advertising spending on selected brands in
Europe and continue to have the largest share of voice in our lawn and garden
categories in North America.
Our sales are susceptible to global weather conditions. For instance,
periods of wet weather like we experienced this past spring in the United Sates
adversely impacted fertilizer sales but increased demand for certain pesticide
products. We believe that our past acquisitions have somewhat diversified both
our product line risk and geographic risk to weather conditions.
Historically, the majority of our shipments to retailers have occurred in
the second and third fiscal quarters. However, over the past two years,
retailers have reduced their pre-season inventories by relying on vendors to
deliver products "in season" when consumers seek to buy our products. This
change in retailer purchasing patterns and the increasing importance of Scotts
LawnService(R) revenues have caused a sales shift from our second fiscal quarter
to the third and fourth fiscal quarters. Fiscal 2003 net sales by quarter were
9.5%, 35.4%, 37.2%, and 17.9%, respectively. Concurrent with this sales shift,
and because of the expansion of Scotts LawnService(R), the Company has
experienced a shift in profitability from the second to third and fourth fiscal
quarters, with the third fiscal quarter now more profitable than the second
fiscal quarter. Results for the Company's fourth fiscal quarter, historically a
loss making quarter, improved substantially in fiscal 2003. We expect the trend
towards stronger third and fourth fiscal quarter sales and profits to continue
in fiscal 2004.
In fiscal 2002, we announced the International Profit Improvement Plan to
improve the operations and profitability of our European-based consumer and
professional businesses. We have expended approximately $30 million through
December 27, 2003, of which 25% have been capital expenditures, primarily
technology related. The remaining 75% of the total spending relates to the
reorganization and rationalization of our European supply chain, increased sales
force productivity and a shift to Pan-European category management of our
product portfolio. By the end of 2005, we anticipate spending between $45
million and $55 million in the aggregate on various projects related to this
plan.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The following discussion and analysis of the consolidated results of
operations and financial position should be read in conjunction with our
Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 2003 includes additional information about the Company,
our operations, and our financial position, and should be read in conjunction
with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of
operations is based upon our Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements, which
have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements
requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of
contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our
estimates, including those related to customer programs and incentives, product
returns, bad debts, inventories, intangible assets, income taxes, restructuring,
environmental matters, contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on
historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be
reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The estimates that we
believe are most critical to our reporting of results of
23
operations and financial position are as follows:
- We have significant investments in property and equipment, intangible
assets and goodwill. Whenever changing conditions warrant, we review the
realizability of the assets that may be impacted. At least annually, we
review indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. The review for
impairment of long-lived assets, intangibles and goodwill takes into
account estimates of future cash flows. Our estimates of future cash
flows are based upon budgets and longer-range plans. These budgets and
plans are used for internal purposes and are also the basis for
communication with outside parties about future business trends. While
we believe the assumptions we use to estimate future cash flows are
reasonable, there can be no assurance that the expected future cash
flows will be realized. As a result, impairment charges that possibly
should have been recognized in earlier periods may not be recognized
until later periods if actual results deviate unfavorably from earlier
estimates.
- We continually assess the adequacy of our reserves for uncollectible
accounts due from customers. However, future changes in our customers'
operating performance and cash flows or in general economic conditions
could have an impact on their ability to fully pay these amounts which
could have a material impact on our results of operations or financial
position.
- Reserves for product returns are based upon historical data and current
program terms and conditions with our customers. Changes in economic
conditions, regulatory actions or defective products could result in
actual returns being materially different than the amounts provided for
in our interim or annual results of operations or financial position.
- Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory are based on a variety of
factors, including product changes and improvements, changes in active
ingredient availability and regulatory acceptance, new product
introductions and estimated future demand. The adequacy of our reserves
could be materially affected by changes in the demand for our products
or by regulatory or competitive actions.
- As described more fully in the notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for the year ended September 30, 2003, and in the notes to
the unaudited, Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements included in
this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are involved in significant
environmental and legal matters which have a high degree of uncertainty
associated with them. We continually assess the likely outcomes of these
matters and the adequacy of amounts, if any, provided for these matters.
There can be no assurance that the ultimate outcomes will not differ
materially from our assessment of them. There can also be no assurance
that all matters that may be brought against us or that we may bring
against other parties are known to us at any point in time.
- We accrue for the estimated costs of customer volume rebates,
cooperative advertising, consumer coupons and other trade programs as
the related sales occur during the year. These accruals involve the use
of estimates as to the total expected program costs and the expected
sales levels. Historical results are also used to evaluate the accuracy
and adequacy of amounts provided at interim dates and year end. There
can be no assurance that actual amounts paid for these trade programs
will not differ from estimated amounts accrued. However, we believe any
such differences would not be material to our financial position or
results of operations.
- We record income tax liabilities utilizing known obligations and
estimates of potential obligations. A deferred tax asset or liability is
recognized whenever there are future tax effects from existing temporary
differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Valuation
allowances are used to reduce deferred tax assets to the balance that is
more likely than not to be realized. We must make estimates and
judgments on future taxable income, considering feasible tax planning
strategies and taking into account existing facts and circumstances, to
determine the proper valuation allowance. When we determine that
deferred tax assets could be realized in greater or lesser amounts than
recorded, the asset balance and income statement reflects the change in
the period such determination is made. Due to changes in facts and
circumstances and the estimates and judgments that are involved in
determining the proper valuation allowance, differences between actual
future events and prior estimates and judgments could result in
adjustments to this valuation allowance. The Company uses an estimate of
its annual effective tax rate at each interim period based on the facts
and circumstances available at that time, while the actual effective tax
rate is calculated at year-end.
24
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth net sales by business segment for the three
months ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002:
FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 28,
2003 2002
-------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
($ MILLIONS)
North America................. $ 102.7 $ 104.6
Scotts LawnService(R)........... 18.5 15.3
International................. 65.0 60.9
-------- --------
Consolidated........... $ 186.2 $ 180.8
======== ========
The following table sets forth the components of income and expense as a
percentage of net sales for the three months ended December 27, 2003 and
December 28, 2002:
FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 27, DECEMBER 28,
2003 2002
---------- --------
(UNAUDITED)
Net sales....................................................... 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales................................................... 73.3 76.9
Restructuring and other charges................................. 0.2 2.5
------ ------
Gross profit.................................................... 26.5 20.6
Net expense from marketing agreement............................ (3.8) (3.9)
Operating expenses:
Advertising................................................. 4.5 4.8
Selling, general and administrative......................... 41.9 37.3
Stock-based compensation.................................... 0.7 0.2
Selling, general and administrative - lawn service business. 6.7 5.5
Restructuring and other charges............................. 0.2 1.0
Amortization of intangibles................................. 1.3 1.1
Other expense (income), net................................. (0.9) (0.6)
------- ------
Loss from operations............................................ (31.7) (32.6)
Interest expense................................................ 6.4 9.1
Costs related to refinancing.................................... 23.5
------
Loss before income taxes........................................ (61.6) (41.7)
Income tax benefit.............................................. (23.6) (15.8)
------- ------
Net loss........................................................ (38.0)% (25.9)%
======= ======
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 27, 2003 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 28, 2002
Net sales for the three months ended December 27, 2003 were $186.2 million,
an increase of 3.0% from net sales of $180.8 million for the three months ended
December 28, 2002. Excluding the effect of exchange rates, sales for the first
quarter of fiscal 2004 were $176.3 million, or 2.4% below the first quarter of
fiscal 2003. As mentioned previously, net sales in the first quarter of the
fiscal year represent less than 10% of the expected net sales for the full year
and thus may not be representative of results for the full year. Price increases
are not material to the discussion of net sales in total or by reportable
segment for either fiscal period presented.
North America segment net sales were $102.7 million in the first quarter of
fiscal 2004, a decrease of 1.8% from net sales of $104.6 million for the first
quarter of fiscal 2003. This decrease was driven primarily by the timing of
shipments to certain significant retail customers, as well as a special trade
promotion held during the first quarter of 2003 that was not repeated in fiscal
2004.
Scotts LawnService(R) revenues increased 20.9% from $15.3 million in the
first quarter of fiscal 2003 to $18.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal
2004. Approximately one half of the growth reflects an increase in the number of
operating locations primarily due to acquisitions in new markets in late fiscal
2003, with the remainder of the increase due to more favorable weather
conditions and additional services provided in the first quarter of fiscal 2004.
25
Net sales for the International segment in the first quarter of fiscal 2004
were $65.0 million, an increase of $4.1 million, or 6.7%, versus the first
quarter of fiscal 2002. Excluding the effect of exchange rates, net sales
declined by $5.6 million. This decrease was partially due to shipping delays in
our consumer business due to product availability issues resulting from our SKU
rationalization initiatives. In addition, our decision to exit a very low margin
line within our professional business and continued drought conditions in
Australia also decreased net sales in the International segment.
Gross profit was $49.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, an
increase of $12.1 million from gross profit of $37.2 million in the first
quarter of fiscal 2003. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit was 26.5% of
sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to 20.6% in the first quarter
of fiscal 2003. Excluding the effect of favorable exchange rates and excluding
restructuring and other charges, gross profit margin was 26.0% of sales in the
first quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to 23.1% in the first quarter of fiscal
2003. North America gross profit margin in the first quarter of fiscal 2004
improved primarily due to timing of trade program costs, favorable product mix
and lower inventory adjustments relative to the prior year. The International
segment realized improved margins due to the exit of the low margin professional
line described above.
The net expense from the marketing agreement was $7.1 million in the first
quarters of fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003. We do not recognize commission income
under the marketing agreement until minimum earnings thresholds in the agreement
are achieved, which is usually late in our second fiscal quarter or early in the
third fiscal quarter.
Advertising expenses in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 were $8.3 million,
a decrease of 3.5% from $8.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2003,
related to a change in the sales mix of advertised products within the quarter.
As a percentage of net sales, advertising expenses were 4.5% in the first
quarter of fiscal 2004 compared to 4.8% in the first quarter of fiscal 2003.
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") excluding Scotts
LawnService(R), stock-based compensation, restructuring and other charges
increased to $78.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 from $67.4
million in the first quarter of fiscal 2003. This increase in SG&A was due
primarily to increased legal costs in fiscal 2004 and the non-recurrence of bad
debt recoveries realized in fiscal 2003. Bad debt expense in the first quarter
of fiscal 2004 was $0.9 million compared to a net recovery of $1.8 million in
the comparable period of fiscal 2003.
SG&A in the Scotts LawnService(R) business increased from $10.0 million in
the first quarter of fiscal 2003 to $12.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal
2004, reflecting the increased number of locations added over the past year from
acquisitions, primarily in new markets.
Stock-based compensation expense increased to $1.3 million in the first
quarter of fiscal 2004, compared to $0.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal
2003, reflecting amortization of grants issued in late fiscal 2003 coupled with
amortization associated with grants issued in fiscal 2004. The full year charges
for stock-based compensation are expected to increase by $4.0 to $5.0 million
in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003.
Restructuring and other charges decreased from $1.8 million in fiscal 2003's
first quarter to $0.5 million in fiscal 2004's first quarter due to reduced
North American distribution restructuring costs and reduced International plant
closure costs.
Other income was $1.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2004, compared
to other income of $1.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2003.
For segment reporting purposes, earnings before interest, taxes and
amortization of intangible assets ("EBITA") is the measure used by management to
assess earnings performance. Segment performance for the first quarter of fiscal
2004 compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2003 was as follows:
- North America's loss from operations declined from $29.7 million in
fiscal 2003 to $28.7 million in fiscal 2004, as improved gross margins,
previously described above, more than offset current year SG&A increases
in marketing, selling and research and development costs, and the
non-recurrence of bad debt recoveries realized in the first quarter
of fiscal 2003;
- Scotts LawnService(R) reported higher net sales, but a larger loss from
operations, $6.4 million compared to $4.8 million. As this highly
seasonal business grows and adds fixed infrastructure costs, it will
have larger losses in the first and second quarters of the fiscal year
due to seasonally low revenues. Conversely, the second half of the
fiscal year will provide higher revenues, margins and operating income;
26
- International's loss from operations increased to $2.3 million from $1.7
million, as the net sales decline of $5.6 million, excluding the effect
of exchange rates, was only partially offset by improved gross margin.
Interest expense for the first quarter of fiscal 2004 was $11.9 million,
compared to $16.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2003. The decrease in
interest expense was due to a reduction in average borrowings as compared to the
prior year coupled with a reduction in the weighted average interest rate as a
result of lower rates under our New Credit Agreement and issuance of the 6 5/8%
Notes, replacing the 8 5/8% Notes which were tendered in October 2003.
The income tax benefit was calculated assuming an effective tax rate of
38.3% for the first quarter of fiscal 2004 versus 37.9% for the comparable
quarter in fiscal 2003. The increase in the estimated effective tax rate is
primarily due to changes in state tax laws. The effective tax rate used for
interim reporting purposes is based on management's best estimate of factors
impacting the effective tax rate for the fiscal year. Factors affecting the
estimated rate include assumptions as to income by jurisdiction (domestic and
foreign), the availability and utilization of tax credits, the existence of
elements of income and expense that may not be taxable or deductible, as well as
other items. There can be no assurance that the effective tax rate estimated for
interim financial reporting purposes will approximate that determined at fiscal
year end. 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.
The Company reported a loss of $70.7 million for the first three months of
fiscal 2004, compared to a loss of $46.8 million for the first three months of
fiscal 2003. If the effect of costs related to our refinancing are excluded, our
net loss for the first fiscal quarter of 2004 was $3.1 million less than the
comparable period in fiscal 2003. Average shares outstanding increased from 30.2
million at December 28, 2002 to 32.0 million at December 27, 2003 due to shares
issued for option and warrant exercises. Common stock equivalents are not
included in the shares used for first quarter earnings per share calculations
due to their anti-dilutive effect in periods with net losses.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash used in operating activities was $205.2 million and $126.2 million for
the three months ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002, respectively. We
entered fiscal 2004 with $155.9 million of cash and cash equivalents as compared
to $99.7 million in fiscal 2003. This increase in cash and cash equivalents was
largely due to cash management initiatives in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003
that effected accounts payable and accrued liabilities. This factor was a major
contributor to the significant increase in cash used in operations over the
prior period as payables, which normally increase significantly in the first
fiscal quarter to help finance our build of inventory, increased only moderately
in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. The seasonal nature of our operations
requires cash to build inventories during the first quarter in preparation for
our peak sales periods. Cash used in operating activities benefited by cash
generated through the continued improvement in accounts receivable management.
Cash used in investing activities was $6.5 million and $32.1 million for the
three months ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002, respectively.
Capital expenditures were responsible for $14.6 million of the decrease between
the quarterly periods. There were no significant capital projects that commenced
in the quarter. In addition, principal payments due on seller notes issued in
conjunction with prior acquisitions were $10.2 million less during the first
quarter of fiscal 2004 as compared to fiscal 2003.
Financing activities provided cash of $81.5 million and $74.5 million for
the three months ended December 27, 2003 and December 28, 2002, respectively.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we restructured our borrowing
arrangements through the refinancing of our former Credit Agreement, the
redemption of our 8 5/8% Notes, and the issuance of our 6 5/8% Notes. In the
first quarter of fiscal 2003, a $24.4 million mandatory prepayment was made on
term loans as required by the level of fiscal 2002 excess cash flow, as defined
in the former Credit Agreement.
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated by operations and
borrowings under our credit agreements. The New Credit Agreement consists of a
$700 million multi-currency revolving credit commitment and a $500 million term
loan B facility. Note 5 to the Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited) included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
provides additional information pertaining to our New Credit Agreement. At
December 27, 2003, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants.
We have not paid dividends on our common shares in the past and currently
have no plans to pay dividends in the future. We anticipate that our earnings
will be retained and reinvested to support the growth of our business or to pay
down indebtedness. The payment of future dividends, if any, on common shares
will be determined by our Board of Directors in light of conditions then
existing, including our earnings, financial condition and capital requirements,
restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors.
27
All of our off-balance sheet financing is in the form of operating leases
that are disclosed in the notes to consolidated financial statements included in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003.
Subsequent to the end of our fiscal quarter ended December 27, 2003, we took
final delivery on a new aircraft under the terms of a synthetic operating lease
agreement as disclosed in Note 7 to the Condensed, Consolidated Financial
Statements (unaudited) included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q.
We are party to various pending judicial and administrative proceedings
arising in the ordinary course of business. These include, among others,
proceedings based on accidents or product liability claims and alleged
violations of environmental laws. We have reviewed our pending environmental and
legal proceedings, including the probable outcomes, reasonably anticipated costs
and expenses, availability and limits of our insurance coverage and have
established what we believe to be appropriate reserves. We do not believe that
any liabilities that may result from these proceedings are reasonably likely to
have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition or results
of operations.
In our opinion, cash flows from operations and capital resources will be
sufficient to meet debt service and working capital needs during fiscal 2004,
and thereafter for the foreseeable future. However, we cannot ensure that our
business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future
borrowings will be available under our credit facilities in amounts sufficient
to pay indebtedness or fund other liquidity needs. Actual results of operations
will depend on numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
We are subject to local, state, federal and foreign environmental protection
laws and regulations with respect to our business operations and believe we are
operating in substantial compliance with, or taking action aimed at ensuring
compliance with, such laws and regulations. We are involved in several legal
actions with various governmental agencies related to environmental matters.
While it is difficult to quantify the potential financial impact of actions
involving environmental matters, particularly remediation costs at waste
disposal sites and future capital expenditures for environmental control
equipment, in the opinion of management, the ultimate liability arising from
such environmental matters, taking into account established reserves, should not
have a material adverse effect on our financial position. However, there can be
no assurance that the resolution of these matters will not materially affect
future quarterly or annual results of operations, financial position and cash
flows. Additional information on environmental matters affecting us is provided
in Note 8 to the Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in the
fiscal 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the "ITEM 1. BUSINESS -
ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS" and "ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS"
sections.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We have made and will make "forward-looking statements" within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 in this Form 10-Q and in other contexts relating to future
growth and profitability targets and strategies designed to increase total
shareholder value. Forward-looking statements also include, but are not limited
to, information regarding our future economic and financial condition, the plans
and objectives of our management and our assumptions regarding our performance
and these plans and objectives.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe
harbor" for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide
prospective information, so long as those statements are identified as
forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements
identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. We desire to
take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions of that Act.
Some forward-looking statements that we make in this Form 10-Q and in other
contexts represent challenging goals for the Company, and the achievement of
these goals is subject to a variety of risks and assumptions and numerous
factors beyond our control. Important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make are described
below. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons working on
our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the following cautionary
statements.
- - OUR SUBSTANTIAL INDEBTEDNESS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL HEALTH AND
PREVENT US FROM FULFILLING OUR OBLIGATIONS.
We have a significant amount of debt. Our substantial indebtedness could
have important consequences. For example, it could:
28
- make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations under
outstanding indebtedness and otherwise;
- increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry
conditions;
- require us to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flows from
operations to payments on our indebtedness, which would reduce the cash
flows available to fund working capital, capital expenditures,
advertising, research and development efforts and other general
corporate requirements;
- limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in
our business and the industry in which we operate;
- place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to certain competitors
that may have less debt;
- limit our ability to borrow additional funds; and
- expose us to risks inherent in interest rate fluctuations because some
of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest, which could result
in higher interest expense in the event of increases in interest rates.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to
fund planned capital expenditures and acquisitions will depend on our ability to
generate cash in the future. This, to some extent, is subject to general
economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that
are beyond our control.
We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow
from operating activities or that future borrowings will be available to us
under our New Credit Agreement in amounts sufficient to enable us to pay our
indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all
or a portion of our indebtedness, on or before maturity. We cannot assure you
that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially
reasonable terms or at all.
- - RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT US.
Our New Credit Agreement and the indenture governing our outstanding 6 5/8%
Notes contain restrictive covenants and cross default provisions that require us
to maintain specified financial ratios. Our ability to satisfy those financial
ratios can be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you
that we will satisfy those tests. A breach of any of these covenants could
result in a default under our New Credit Agreement and/or our outstanding 6 5/8%
Notes. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our New Credit Agreement
and/or the 6 5/8% Notes, the lenders and/or noteholders could elect to declare
the applicable outstanding indebtedness to be immediately due and payable and
terminate all commitments to extend further credit. We cannot be sure that our
lenders or the noteholders would waive a default or that we could pay the
indebtedness in full if it were accelerated.
- - ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD ADVERSELY IMPACT FINANCIAL RESULTS.
Weather conditions in North America and Europe have a significant impact on
the timing of sales in the spring selling season and overall annual sales. An
abnormally cold or wet spring throughout North America and/or Europe could
adversely affect sales and therefore our financial results.
- - OUR HISTORICAL SEASONALITY COULD IMPAIR OUR ABILITY TO PAY OBLIGATIONS AS
THEY COME DUE IN ADDITION TO OUR OPERATING EXPENSES.
Because our products are used primarily in the spring and summer, our
business is highly seasonal. For the past two fiscal years, more than 70% of our
net sales have occurred in the second and third fiscal quarters combined. Our
working capital needs and our borrowings peak near the middle of our second
fiscal quarter because we are generating fewer revenues while incurring
expenditures and building inventories in preparation for the spring selling
season. If cash on hand is insufficient to pay our obligations as they come due,
including interest payments on our indebtedness, or our operating expenses, at a
time when we are unable to draw on our credit facility, this seasonality could
have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct our business. Adverse
weather conditions could heighten this risk.
29
- - PERCEPTIONS THAT THE PRODUCTS WE PRODUCE AND MARKET ARE NOT SAFE COULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT US.
We manufacture and market a number of complex chemical products, such as
fertilizers, growing media, herbicides and pesticides, bearing one of our brand
names. On occasion, allegations are made that some of our products have failed
to perform up to expectations or have caused damage or injury to individuals or
property. Based on reports of contamination at a third party supplier's
vermiculite mine, the public may perceive that some of our products manufactured
in the past using vermiculite are or may also be contaminated. Public perception
that our products are not safe, whether justified or not, could impair
reputation, involve us in litigation, damage our brand names and have a material
adverse affect our business.
- - THE NATURE OF CERTAIN OF OUR PRODUCTS AND OUR BUSINESS SUCCESS CONTRIBUTE TO
THE RISK THAT THE COMPANY WILL BE SUBJECTED TO LAWSUITS.
The nature of certain of our products and our business success contribute to
the risk that the Company will be subjected to lawsuits. The following are among
the factors that contribute to this litigation risk:
- We manufacture and market a number of complex chemical products bearing
our brand names, including fertilizers, growing media, herbicides and
pesticides. There is a portion of the population that perceives all
chemical products as potentially hazardous. This perception, regardless
of its merits, enhances the risk that the Company will be subjected to
product liability claims that allege harm from exposure to our products.
Product liability claims are brought against the Company from time to
time.
- A third party vendor supplied contaminated vermiculite ore to the
Company. Although our use of vermiculite ore from the contaminated
source ended over twenty years ago, our former relationship with this
supplier enhances the risk that the Company will be subjected to
personal injury and product liability claims relating to the use of
vermiculite in some of our products.
- We are a significant competitor in many of the markets in which we
compete. Our success in our markets enhances the risk that the Company
will be targeted by plaintiffs' lawyers, consumer groups, competitors
and others asserting antitrust claims. Antitrust claims are brought
against the Company from time to time. The Company believes that the
antitrust claims of which it is aware are without merit.
Please see Note 8 to the Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited) included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and
the disclosures under Part II, Item 1 "Legal Proceedings" of this Quarterly
Report Form 10-Q for information concerning certain significant lawsuits and
claims involving the Company.
- - BECAUSE OF THE CONCENTRATION OF OUR SALES TO A SMALL NUMBER OF RETAIL
CUSTOMERS, THE LOSS OF ONE OR MORE OF, OR SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN ORDERS
FROM, OUR TOP CUSTOMERS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS,
FINANCIAL POSITION OR CASH FLOWS.
North America net sales represent approximately 74% of our worldwide net
sales. Our top three North American retail customers together accounted for 69%
of our North American fiscal 2003 net sales and 79% of our outstanding accounts
receivable as of September 30, 2003. Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Lowe's represented
approximately 37%, 19% and 13%, respectively, of our fiscal 2003 North American
net sales. The loss of, or reduction in orders from, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and
Lowe's or any other significant customer could have a material adverse effect on
our results of operations, financial position or cash flows, as could customer
disputes regarding shipments, fees, merchandise condition or related matters.
Our inability to collect accounts receivable from any of these customers could
also have a material adverse effect.
We do not have long-term sales agreements or other contractual assurances as
to future sales to any of our major retail customers. In addition, continued
consolidation in the retail industry has resulted in an increasingly
concentrated retail base. To the extent such concentration continues to occur,
our results of operations, financial position or cash flows may be increasingly
sensitive to a deterioration in the financial condition of, or other adverse
developments involving our relationship with, one or more customers.
30
- - THE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE NATURE OF THE COMPANY'S MARKETS COULD ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE ABILITY OF THE COMPANY TO GROW OR MAINTAIN REVENUES.
Each of our segments participates in markets that are highly competitive.
Many of our competitors sell their products at prices lower than ours, and we
compete primarily on the basis of product quality, product performance, value,
brand strength, supply chain competency and advertising. Some of our competitors
have significant financial resources and research departments. The strong
competition that we face in all of our markets may prevent us from achieving our
revenue goals, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations, financial position or cash flows.
- - IF MONSANTO WERE TO TERMINATE THE MARKETING AGREEMENT FOR CONSUMER
ROUNDUP(R) PRODUCTS WITHOUT BEING REQUIRED TO PAY ANY TERMINATION FEE, WE
WOULD LOSE A SUBSTANTIAL SOURCE OF FUTURE EARNINGS.
If we were to commit a serious default under the marketing agreement with
Monsanto for consumer Roundup(R) products, Monsanto may have the right to
terminate the agreement. If Monsanto were to terminate the marketing agreement
for cause, we would not be entitled to any termination fee, and we would lose
all, or a significant portion, of this significant source of earnings and
overhead expense absorption the marketing agreement provides. Monsanto may also
be able to terminate the marketing agreement within a given region, including
North America, without paying us a termination fee if sales to consumers in that
region decline:
- over a cumulative three fiscal year period; or
- by more than 5% for each of two consecutive fiscal years.
- - THE HAGEDORN PARTNERSHIP, L.P. BENEFICIALLY OWNS APPROXIMATELY 34% OF OUR
OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARES ON A FULLY DILUTED BASIS.
The Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. beneficially owns approximately 34% of our
outstanding common shares and has sufficient voting power to significantly
influence the election of directors and the approval of other actions requiring
the approval of our shareholders.
- - COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH REGULATIONS COULD
INCREASE OUR COST OF DOING BUSINESS.
Local, state, federal and foreign laws and regulations relating to
environmental matters affect us in several ways. In the United States, all
products containing pesticides must be registered with the United States
Environmental Protection Agency ("U.S. EPA") and, in many cases, similar state
agencies before they can be sold. The inability to obtain or the cancellation of
any registration could have an adverse effect on our business. The severity of
the effect would depend on which products were involved, whether another product
could be substituted and whether our competitors were similarly affected. We
attempt to anticipate regulatory developments and maintain registrations of, and
access to, substitute chemicals. We may not always be able to avoid or minimize
these risks.
The Food Quality Protection Act, enacted by the U.S. Congress in August
1996, established the following standard for food-use pesticides: a reasonable
certainty of no harm will result from the cumulative effect of pesticide
exposures. Under this act, the U.S. EPA is evaluating the cumulative risks from
dietary and non-dietary exposures to pesticides. The pesticides in our products,
certain of which may be used on crops processed into various food products,
continue to be evaluated by the U.S. EPA as part of this exposure risk
assessment. It is possible that the U.S. EPA or a third party active ingredient
registrant may decide that a pesticide we use in our products will be limited or
made unavailable to us. For example, in June 2000, DowAgroSciences, an active
ingredient registrant, voluntarily agreed to a gradual phase-out of residential
uses of chlorpyrifos, an active ingredient that was used in certain of our lawn
and garden products. In December 2000, the U.S. EPA reached agreement with
various parties, including manufacturers, regarding a phased withdrawal from
retailers by December 2004 of residential use products containing diazinon, an
active ingredient used in certain of our lawn and garden products. We cannot
predict the outcome or the severity of the effect of the U.S. EPA's continuing
evaluations of active ingredients used in our products.
The use of certain pesticide and fertilizer products is regulated by various
local, state, federal and foreign environmental and public health agencies.
Regulations regarding the use of some pesticide and fertilizer products may
include requirements that only certified or professional users apply the
product, that the products be used only in specified locations or that certain
ingredients not be used. Users may be required to post notices on properties to
which products have been or will be applied and may be required to notify
individuals
31
in the vicinity that products will be applied in the future. Even if
we are able to comply with all such regulations and obtain all necessary
registrations, we cannot assure you that our products, particularly pesticide
products, will not cause injury to the environment or to people under all
circumstances. The costs of compliance, remediation or products liability have
adversely affected results of operations, financial position and cash flows in
the past and could do so again in the future.
The harvesting of peat for our growing media business has come under
increasing regulatory and environmental scrutiny. In the United States, state
regulations frequently require us to limit our harvesting and to restore the
property to an agreed-upon condition. In some locations, we have been required
to create water retention ponds to control the sediment content of discharged
water.
In addition to the regulations already described, local, state, federal and
foreign agencies regulate the disposal, handling and storage of waste, air and
water discharges from our facilities. In June 1997, the Ohio Environmental
Protection Agency ("Ohio EPA") initiated an enforcement action against us with
respect to alleged surface water violations and inadequate treatment
capabilities at our Marysville facility and is seeking corrective action under
the Resource Conservation Recovery Act. We have met with the Ohio EPA and the
Ohio Attorney General's office to negotiate an amicable resolution of these
issues. On December 3, 2001, an agreed judicial Consent Order was submitted to
the Union County Common Pleas Court and was entered by the court on January 25,
2002.
In fiscal 2003, we made $1.5 million in environmental expenditures compared
with approximately $0.3 million in environmental capital expenditures and $5.4
million in other environmental expenses in fiscal 2002. We expect spending on
environmental matters in fiscal 2004 will not vary materially from the amounts
spent in fiscal 2003.
The adequacy of these estimated future expenditures is based on our
operating in substantial compliance with applicable environmental and public
health laws and regulations and several significant assumptions:
- that we have identified all of the significant sites that must be
remediated;
- that there are no significant conditions of potential contamination
that are unknown to us; and
- that with respect to the agreed judicial Consent Order in Ohio, that
potentially contaminated soil can be remediated in place rather than
having to be removed and only specific stream segments will require
remediation as opposed to the entire stream.
If there is a significant change in the facts and circumstances surrounding
these assumptions or if we are found not to be in substantial compliance with
applicable environmental and public health laws and regulations, it could have a
material impact on future environmental capital expenditures and other
environmental expenses and our results of operations, financial position and
cash flows.
- - OUR SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS MAKE US SUSCEPTIBLE TO FLUCTUATIONS
IN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES AND TO THE COSTS OF INTERNATIONAL REGULATION.
We currently operate manufacturing, sales and service facilities outside of
North America, particularly in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium and
the Netherlands. In fiscal 2003, international sales accounted for approximately
20% of our total sales. Accordingly, we are subject to risks associated with
operations in foreign countries, including:
- fluctuations in currency exchange rates;
- limitations on the conversion of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars;
- limitations on the remittance of dividends and other payments by
foreign subsidiaries;
- additional costs of compliance with local regulations; and
- historically, higher rates of inflation than in the United States.
In addition, our operations outside the United States are subject to the
risk of new and different legal and regulatory requirements in local
jurisdictions, potential difficulties in staffing and managing local operations
and potentially adverse tax consequences. The costs related to our international
operations could adversely affect our results of operations, financial position
and cash flows.
32
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risks have not changed significantly from those disclosed in the
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
2003.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
With the participation of the Registrant's principal executive officer and
principal financial officer, the Registrant's management has evaluated the
effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon that evaluation, the Registrant's principal
executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that:
(A) information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q would be accumulated and communicated to the
Registrant's management, including its principal executive and financial
officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure,
(B) information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q would be recorded, processed, summarized, and
reported within the time period specified in the SEC's rules and forms;
and
(C) the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of
the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to
ensure that material information relating to the Registrant and its
consolidated subsidiaries is made known to them, particularly during the
period in which the Registrant's periodic reports, including this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are being prepared.
In addition, there were no changes in the Registrant's internal control
over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act)
that occurred during the Registrant's fiscal quarter ended December 27, 2003,
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting or in other factors
that could significantly affect these internal controls subsequent to the date
of the Evaluation.
33
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
SCOTTS V. AVENTIS S.A. AND STARLINK LOGISTICS, INC.
On August 9, 2002, Scotts filed suit against Aventis S.A. and its
wholly-owned subsidiary Starlink Logistics, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for
the Southern District of Ohio. In the complaint, Scotts alleges it is entitled
to injunctive and monetary relief arising from Aventis' and Starlink's
interference with Scotts' contractual right to purchase a company called
TechPac, L.L.C. from one of Aventis' former subsidiaries, Aventis CropScience.
The complaint alleges that pursuant to a contract between Scotts and a
predecessor-in-interest to Aventis CropScience, Aventis CropScience was
obligated to make a bona fide offer to sell its interest in TechPac to Scotts.
The complaint further alleges that Aventis directed Aventis CropScience to make
a belated sham offer to Scotts and that later, upon the sale of Aventis
CropScience to Bayer AG, Aventis transferred ownership of TechPac to Starlink,
an act which has made it impossible for Aventis CropScience's
successor-in-interest to make a bona fide offer to sell TechPac to Scotts.
In this suit, Scotts seeks to ensure that it is able to exercise its right
to receive a bona fide offer to acquire TechPac, and Scotts seeks to recover
compensatory and punitive damages in an amount as yet undetermined for Aventis'
and Starlink's interference with Scotts' right to receive such an offer. On
October 4, 2002, Starlink filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on
jurisdictional grounds. On December 17, 2002, Aventis filed a similar motion. A
referee has recommended that those motions be granted, and the question of
whether the referee's recommendation will be followed is currently pending
before the United States District Judge to whom the action is assigned. Scotts
intends to vigorously prosecute its claims against Aventis and Starlink. A trial
date has not been set.
SCOTTS V. UNITED INDUSTRIES, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
On April 15, 2002, Scotts and OMS Investments, Inc., a subsidiary of Scotts
that holds various Scotts intellectual property assets ("OMS Investments"),
filed a six count complaint against United Industries Corp. and Pursell
Industries, Inc. -- now known as U.S. Fertilizer Corporation -- for acts of (1)
federal trademark and trade dress infringement; (2) federal unfair competition;
(3) federal dilution; (4) common law trademark and trade dress infringement in
violation of Florida law and other applicable law; (5) common law unfair
competition in violation of Florida law and other applicable law; and (6)
dilution in violation of Florida law and other applicable law. The claims
against U.S. Fertilizer were subsequently resolved by a Settlement Agreement and
Release dated February 6, 2003. In this Settlement Agreement and Release, U.S.
Fertilizer acknowledged and agreed "that Scotts' trade dress as well the overall
color designs and design layout that are utilized on the packaging of Scotts'
Turf Builder(R) line as identified in the Civil Action (the "Turf Builder Trade
Dress") are valid, protectable, and non-functional trade dress." U.S. Fertilizer
is no longer a party to this action.
Shortly after filing the original complaint in this matter, Scotts filed its
motion for preliminary injunction, which motion sought an injunction enjoining
United Industries, pending trial, from manufacturing, producing, shipping,
distributing, advertising, promoting, displaying, selling or offering for sale
products in the then current packaging for its Spectracide(R) No Odor Fire Ant
Killer Ready-to-Use Dust product and from otherwise using any trademarks, trade
dress, packaging, promotional materials or other items which incorporated or
were confusingly similar to the trademarks and trade dress featured in Scotts'
Ortho(R) Orthene(R) Fire Ant Killer product packaging. Despite finding that
United Industries had intentionally copied Scotts' trade dress, the trial court
denied the motion for preliminary injunction. Scotts appealed, but the United
States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed.
On December 13, 2002, Scotts filed an amended complaint. The amended
complaint contains the same causes of action as the original complaint, but
asserts additional grounds in support of plaintiffs' claim that United
Industries has infringed and diluted plaintiffs' Miracle-Gro(R) trade dress. The
amended complaint also revises certain of the allegations in the original
complaint to conform to facts recently learned.
United Industries subsequently filed its answer and counterclaim to the
amended complaint. This answer and counterclaim is virtually identical to its
original answer and counterclaim in that it seeks to cancel a specific Scotts'
Miracle-Gro(R)and Design trademark registration (Reg. No. 2,139,929) and Scotts'
pending Ortho(R)Orthene(R)Fire Ant Killer and Design trademark application
(Serial No. 76/126,545). We believe that this counterclaim is without merit.
On April 21, 2003, the parties mediated the matters. While several points of
tentative agreement were reached, no settlement agreement has been reached or
entered into. Since then, the parties have exchanged drafts of a proposed
settlement agreement.
34
We do not anticipate incurring any damages relating to this action.
SCOTTS V. BAYER CROPSCIENCE, LP, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
On May 29, 2003, Scotts and OMS Investments, filed a four count complaint
against Bayer CropScience, LP ("Bayer") for acts of (1) federal unfair
competition; (2) federal dilution; (3) common law trade dress infringement and
unfair competition; and (4) copyright infringement. The complaint alleges that
Bayer's line of lawn fertilizer products infringes and dilutes Scotts'
proprietary rights in the packaging of its Turf Builder(R) and LawnPro(R) Super
Turf Builder(R) line of products. The complaint seeks both injunctive and
monetary relief.
Bayer filed its answer and affirmative defenses on June 19, 2003. Bayer
asserted no counterclaims. The parties have exchanged discovery requests, but
have agreed to postpone the production of documents given that alternative
resolutions have been discussed.
We do not anticipate incurring any damages relating to this action.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of The Scotts Company (the "Annual
Meeting") was held in Marysville, Ohio on January 29, 2004.
The result of the vote of the shareholders in the election of
four directors, for terms of three years each, is as follows:
VOTES
NOMINEE VOTES FOR WITHHELD
---------------------- ------------ --------
Mark R. Baker.......................... 27,871,333 165,566
Joseph P. Flannery..................... 27,869,722 167,177
Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield......... 27,874,436 162,463
Patrick J. Norton...................... 27,868,859 168,040
Each of the nominees was elected. The other directors whose terms of
office continue after the Annual Meeting are Lynn J. Beasley, Gordon F.
Brunner, Arnold W. Donald, James Hagedorn, Karen G. Mills, Stephanie M.
Shern, John M. Sullivan and John Walker, Ph.D.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) See Index to Exhibits at page 37 for a list of the exhibits
included herewith.
(b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed by The Scotts Company during the
fiscal quarter ended December 27, 2003.
35
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
/s/CHRISTOPHER L. NAGEL
--------------------------------------------
Christopher L. Nagel
Date: February 10, 2004 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer,
(Principal Financial and Principal Accounting
Officer)
36
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 27, 2003
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION LOCATION
----------- ------------------------------------------------- --------
31(a) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification (Principal *
Executive Officer)
31(b) Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification (Principal *
Financial Officer)
32 Section 1350 Certification (Principal Executive *
Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
37