THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE
CHANGED. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS ARE NOT AN
OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND ARE NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-98239
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED SEPTEMBER 13, 2002
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED SEPTEMBER 3, 2002)
[SCOTTS LOGO]
4,500,000 SHARES
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
COMMON SHARES
$ PER SHARE
------------------
We are offering 4,162,500 common shares, and the selling shareholder named
in this prospectus supplement is offering 337,500 common shares. We will not
receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling shareholder. We
have granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to 675,000 additional
common shares to cover over-allotments.
Our common shares are listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "SMG." The last sale reported price of our common shares on The New York
Stock Exchange on September 11, 2002, was $48.53.
INVESTING IN OUR COMMON SHARES INVOLVES RISKS. SEE PAGE S-7 OF THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 OF THE ACCOMPANYING
PROSPECTUS.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory
body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy
or adequacy of this prospectus supplement. Any representation to the contrary is
a criminal offense.
------------------
<Table>
<Caption>
PER SHARE TOTAL
---------- ----------
Public Offering Price $ $
Underwriting Discount $ $
Proceeds to the Company (before expenses) $ $
Proceeds to the Selling Shareholder (before expenses) $ $
</Table>
The underwriters expect to deliver the shares to purchasers on or about
, 2002.
------------------
Joint Book-Running Managers
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY JPMORGAN
------------------
BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
, 2002
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS. NEITHER
WE NOR THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER HAS AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH
DIFFERENT INFORMATION. NEITHER WE NOR THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER IS MAKING AN OFFER
OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD
ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS IS ONLY ACCURATE AS OF
THEIR RESPECTIVE DATES.
------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<Table>
<Caption>
PAGE
----
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
Forward-Looking Statements.................................. S-ii
Industry Data............................................... S-ii
Summary..................................................... S-1
Risk Factors................................................ S-7
Use of Proceeds............................................. S-8
Price Range of Common Shares and Dividend Policy............ S-8
Capitalization.............................................. S-9
Selected Consolidated Financial Data........................ S-10
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations................................. S-12
Business.................................................... S-28
Management.................................................. S-41
Certain Relationships....................................... S-44
Selling Shareholder......................................... S-45
Certain U.S. Tax Considerations of Non-U.S. Holders......... S-46
Underwriting................................................ S-48
Legal Matters............................................... S-50
Incorporation by Reference.................................. S-50
Where You Can Find More Information......................... S-50
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-1
PROSPECTUS
Forward-Looking Statements.................................. i
Summary..................................................... 1
Risk Factors................................................ 3
The Scotts Company.......................................... 7
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Combined
Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends............... 8
Use of Proceeds............................................. 8
Dividend Policy............................................. 8
Description of Debt Securities.............................. 8
Description of Capital Stock................................ 16
Description of Warrants..................................... 17
Description of Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase
Units..................................................... 18
Selling Shareholders........................................ 20
Plan of Distribution........................................ 21
Legal Matters............................................... 22
Experts..................................................... 22
Incorporation by Reference.................................. 22
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 23
</Table>
---------------------
The Scotts Company is an Ohio corporation. Our principal executive offices
are located at 14111 Scottslawn Road, Marysville, Ohio 43041, and our telephone
number at that address is (937) 644-0011. Our website address is
http://www.scotts.com. The information on our website is not part of this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
S-i
Roundup(R) is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC (an
affiliate of Monsanto Company). Unless otherwise indicated, all other
trademarks, service marks or brand names appearing in this prospectus supplement
and the accompanying prospectus are the property of Scotts.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus supplement includes, and incorporates by reference,
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, including, in particular, the statements about our plans, strategies
and prospects. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations
reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we
can give no assurance that such plans, intentions or expectations will be
achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from the forward-looking statements we make in, or incorporate by reference
into, this prospectus supplement are set forth under the caption "Risk Factors"
and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, in the accompanying prospectus and
in the documents incorporated by reference herein. All forward-looking
statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by those cautionary
statements.
INDUSTRY DATA
In this prospectus supplement, we rely on and refer to information
regarding the lawn and garden market and its segments in the United States
provided by Triad Systems Corporation market research reports covering the
period from January 2001 through June 2002 and, with regard to other market
share data, other publicly available sources, as well as point-of-sale
information from our retail customers. Although we believe this information is
reliable, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of the information
and have not independently verified it. Wal*Mart, one of our largest customers,
stopped reporting sales data to Triad in July 2001. Triad independently
projected Wal*Mart sales data for the period August 2001 through October 2001.
Therefore, market share data for periods after October 2001 exclude Wal*Mart.
S-ii
SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by and should be read
together with the more detailed information and audited consolidated financial
statements and their notes contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Because this is only a
summary, it may not contain all of the information important to you or that you
should consider before making an investment decision. Therefore, we urge you to
read this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents
to which we have referred you. Unless the context otherwise requires, "Scotts,"
"we," "us," "our" and similar terms refer to The Scotts Company and its
subsidiaries.
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
The Scotts Company, an Ohio corporation, traces its heritage back to a
company founded by O.M. Scott in Marysville, Ohio in 1868. In the mid 1900's, we
became widely known for the innovation and development of quality lawn
fertilizers and grass seeds that led to the creation of a new industry -
consumer lawn care. Today, the Scotts(R), Miracle-Gro(R), Ortho(R) and
Roundup(R) brands make us one of the most widely recognized companies in lawn
and garden care in the United States. For our fiscal year ended September 30,
2001, revenues, net income and adjusted EBITDA (as defined herein) were $1.7
billion, $15.5 million and $255.7 million, respectively. For the nine months
ended June 29, 2002, revenues, net income and adjusted EBITDA were $1.5 billion,
$95.2 million and $279.3 million, respectively, compared to $1.5 billion, $78.9
million and $270.9 million, respectively, for the nine months ended June 30,
2001.
In the 1990's, we significantly expanded our product offering by acquiring
two additional leading brands in the U.S. consumer lawn and garden industry. In
fiscal 1995, through a merger, we acquired the Miracle-Gro(R) brand, the
industry leader in water-soluble garden plant foods. In fiscal 1999, we acquired
the Ortho(R) brand and exclusive rights to market the consumer Roundup(R) brand,
thereby adding industry-leading pesticides and herbicides to our controls
portfolio. We are among the most widely recognized marketers and manufacturers
of products for lawns, gardens and professional horticulture, and we are rapidly
expanding into the lawn care service industry through our Scotts LawnService(R)
business. We believe that our market leadership is driven by our leading brands,
consumer-focused advertising, superior product performance and the strength of
our extensive relationships with major U.S. retailers in our categories.
In 1997, our presence in Europe expanded with the acquisition of several
established brands. We now have a strong presence in the consumer lawn and
garden business in the United Kingdom, France and Germany, and expect to
increase our share in these markets through consumer-focused marketing, a model
we have successfully followed in the United States. We also have a presence in
the remaining European countries, Australia, the Far East, Latin America and
South America.
COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS
- Strong Brand Portfolio. We are the world's largest marketer of consumer
lawn and garden fertilizer, controls and value-added growing media
products. We have been able to achieve this market-leading position
through a combination of internal growth, driven by product line
extensions and award-winning advertising campaigns, and acquisitions. The
following table shows our portfolio of consumer brands that we believe
hold the leading market share position in their respective U.S. markets:
<Table>
<Caption>
MARKET SHARE*
-------------
CATEGORY 1998 2002 LEADING BRANDS
-------- ---- ---- --------------
Lawns.................. 56% 63% Scotts(R)
Gardens................ 55% 60% Miracle-Gro(R); Osmocote(R)
Growing media.......... 46% 71% Miracle-Gro(R); Scotts(R); Hyponex(R)
Grass seed............. 23% 49% Scotts(R)
Controls............... 41% 46% Ortho(R) (owned since Jan. 1999);
Roundup(R) (marketed since Sept. 1998)
</Table>
---------------------
* Based on Triad Systems market research reports for 1998 and January 2002
through June 2002.
S-1
In addition, we have the following significant brands in Europe, which
vary from country to country: Miracle-Gro(R) plant fertilizers, Weedol(R)
and Pathclear(R) herbicides, EverGreen(R) lawn fertilizer and Levington(R)
growing media in the United Kingdom; KB(R) and Fertiligene(R) in France;
Celaflor(R), Nexa-Lotte(R) and Substral(R) in Germany and Austria; and
ASEF(R), KB(R) and Substral(R) in the Benelux countries.
- Diverse Product Offering. Through new product introductions, product
line extensions, acquisitions and licensing agreements, we have broadened
our product portfolio, so that we offer leading products across all four
major categories including lawn care, garden care, growing media and
controls. We also provide residential lawn care, tree and shrub care and
perimeter pest control services through our Scotts LawnService(R). With a
broad portfolio of products and services, we have increased our
geographic presence, improved our earnings and are well positioned to
meet consumers' lawn and garden needs.
- Proven Brand Leverage Capability. We have demonstrated success in
leveraging the power of our brands through introduction of new products
and product line extensions. For example, in Growing Media, we introduced
Miracle-Gro(R) Potting Mix, Miracle-Gro(R) Garden Soil and Scotts(R) Lawn
Soil(TM), thereby creating a value-added product in what was once a
commodity category. By leveraging our brands, the Growing Media business
is now second to our Lawn's business in profitability. Introduced in
1997, Miracle-Gro(R) Potting Mix alone has recently surpassed $100
million in annual revenues.
- Strong Relationships with Key U.S. Retailers. We believe that our leading
brands and our industry-leading media advertising make our products
"traffic builders" at the retail locations. This, in addition to our
position as the leading nationwide supplier of a full line of consumer
lawn and garden products, gives us an advantage in selling to retailers,
who value the efficiency of dealing with a limited number of suppliers.
We are the largest vendor to the lawn and garden departments at Home
Depot, Wal*Mart, Lowe's, Kmart and the hardware co-ops (e.g., Ace
Hardware Corporation, TruServ Corporation and Do It Best Corp.), and we
have business development teams in place at each of these retailers to
work with their buyers and supply chain management to maximize mutual
sales opportunities and efficient distribution of products. In addition,
we serve as the lawn and garden category manager for Wal*Mart and Kmart.
In fiscal 2001, in order to help meet the changing needs of our key
customers and efficiently operate our business, we completed
implementation of an enterprise resource planning (or ERP) software
system in North America and realigned our sales force with our "one face
to the customer" initiative.
- Supply Chain Expertise. In North America, over the past several years,
we have focused on building world-class manufacturing and distribution
capabilities and expertise to handle the seasonal demands of our
business. We have invested, and continue to invest, in systems to allow
us to better capture and analyze supply chain information, which has
permitted the incorporation of supply chain related metrics into our key
business and incentive measures. For instance, in fiscal 2001, we
completed the implementation of an ERP system for our North American
businesses at a cost of approximately $55 million. In addition, we have
invested over $100 million over the past three years to upgrade our North
American manufacturing facilities. This level of investment and focus has
allowed us to develop what we believe is a significant competitive
advantage in serving our retail customers and to improve our customer
service rates. This, coupled with shipments more closely tied to actual
consumer purchases, has allowed our customers to increase inventory turns
and reduce average inventory levels. Further, the investments in our
production facilities have enhanced our manufacturing flexibility,
allowing us to increase our inventory turns and reduce our average
inventory levels as well.
- Experienced and Incentivized Management Team. Our senior management team
has significant experience in the lawn and garden industry. Additionally,
as of August 30, 2002, our chief executive officer, together with his
family, collectively beneficially owned, with the other executive
officers and directors, more than 39% of our common shares (or more than
33% after giving effect to this offering).
S-2
BUSINESS STRATEGY
- Enhance Market Leadership Through Consumer-focused Brand Management. We
intend to continue to execute our successful push-pull marketing strategy
to strengthen our leading market positions. For example, in fiscal 2001,
we spent over $73 million in advertising in North America alone, and we
have begun to leverage the current media market for more targeted
exposure to the key consumer audience primarily through prime time
television spots with a focus on Scotts' product superiority. We believe
this approach to marketing, which balances consumer-directed, pull
advertising with retailer-oriented promotions, builds brand awareness and
drives product sales growth. In North America, we have grown sales,
increased market share and expanded the lawn and garden category over the
past five years through successful execution of this strategy for our
four principal brands -- Scotts(R), Miracle-Gro(R), Ortho(R) and
Roundup(R).
- Increase Sales by Growing the Overall Consumer Lawn and Garden Market.
Our strategy is to grow the overall consumer lawn and garden category and
to capture substantially all of this growth. In recent years, we have
increased consumer advertising, expanded our range of products while
reducing our number of product listings (or SKUs), enhanced product
packaging and emphasized multiple fertilizer applications to drive
category growth. For example, in 2001, we introduced Turf Builder(R)
Grass Seed, which, according to Triad Systems data, helped increase the
category by 12% and increase our market share by 19%. Moreover, we
believe that the lawn and garden market should experience growth due to
favorable demographic trends. Based on industry sources, people between
the ages of 45-64 are more likely to engage in gardening, and census data
indicates this age group is the fastest growing segment of the U.S.
population. Overall, gardening is the third most popular leisure activity
in the U.S.
- Pursue Attractive Growth Initiatives. We believe that the power of our
portfolio of brands provides us with significant opportunities to extend
our business to new products and channels. To further pursue these
opportunities, we recently announced the creation of a new Business
Development Group within North America. This group's focus is on
extending our brands into adjacent consumer lawn and garden categories
that are currently not characterized by branded, value-added products,
and exploiting underdeveloped sales channels, such as grocery and drug
stores. In addition, it will seek to improve our business with
independent retailers through a combination of tailored programs and
unique products or packaging.
- Expand our Lawn Service Business. The number of lawn owners who want
lawn care but do not want to do it themselves represents a significant
portion of the total market. We have recognized that our Scotts(R) brand
provides us with a unique ability to extend our brands into the lawn
service business. We believe that the strength of our Scotts(R) brand
provides us with a significant competitive advantage in acquiring new
customers and have spent the past several years developing our business
model to exploit this advantage. The business is now growing
significantly, with sales of $45 million for the first nine months of
fiscal 2002 (an 83% increase over the same period in the prior year). We
expect to continue our aggressive growth strategy for the business to
expand both sales and profits which, given the high margins enjoyed by
this business, should enhance our overall profitability.
- Improve Our Return on Invested Capital. Entering fiscal 2001, we began a
company-wide initiative to improve our return on the capital invested in
the business (or ROIC). We have enhanced, and expect to continue to
enhance, our ROIC by significantly increasing the operating profitability
of our business through supply chain cost reductions, tight control of
selling, general and administrative costs and pursuit of higher-margin
businesses such as our Scotts LawnService(R) business. We have also
improved our ROIC through increased focus on managing our balance sheet,
particularly working capital, which has increased operating cash flows
and reduced indebtedness.
S-3
THE OFFERING
Common Shares Offered by the
Company...................... 4,162,500 shares
Common Shares Offered by the
Selling Shareholder.......... 337,500 shares
Common Shares to be
Outstanding After this
Offering...................... 34,421,530 shares
Use of Proceeds............... The proceeds from the sale of common shares by
Scotts, after underwriting discounts and
commissions, will be used to repay term
indebtedness under our credit facility (without
any corresponding reduction in our revolving
credit commitment thereunder) and for other
general corporate purposes, including mergers,
acquisitions and other strategic investments
and capital expenditures. We will not receive
any proceeds from the sale of common shares by
the selling shareholder.
New York Stock Exchange
Symbol........................ SMG
Risk Factors.................. We urge you to read and carefully consider,
along with the other information set forth or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus, the
risk factors beginning on page S-7 of this
prospectus supplement and page 3 of the
accompanying prospectus for a discussion of
factors you should consider before acquiring
common shares.
The number of common shares to be outstanding immediately after this
offering is based on 30,259,030 shares outstanding as of August 30, 2002. This
number of common shares excludes common shares issuable upon exercise of
outstanding stock options and shares reserved for future grants under our stock
incentive plans, as well as 1,792,608 common shares subject to outstanding
warrants. As of August 30, 2002, there were:
- 4,211,535 common shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock
options, at a weighted average exercise price of $31.24 per share, and
- 383,100 common shares reserved for future grants under our stock
incentive plans.
Unless otherwise specified, the information contained in this prospectus
supplement assumes no exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.
S-4
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following summary consolidated operating and balance sheet data for,
and as of the end of, each of the fiscal years in the three year period ended
September 30, 2001, have been derived from our audited consolidated financial
statements, and for, and as of the end of, each of the nine month periods ended
June 30, 2001 and June 29, 2002, have been derived from our unaudited
consolidated financial statements. The following other financial data have been
derived from our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and
accounting records for the respective periods. You should read the following
information in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Selected Consolidated Financial
Data" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes, which are
included in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus supplement.
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE
NINE MONTHS ENDED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, -------------------------
--------------------------------- JUNE 30, JUNE 29,
1999 2000 2001 2001 2002
--------- --------- --------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net sales(1)............................. $1,550.6 $1,655.4 $1,696.6 $1,459.1 $1,457.3
Gross profit(1).......................... 563.3 603.0 597.2(2) 541.6(2) 541.6(2)
Roundup(R) marketing agreement(3):
Gross commission....................... 30.3 39.2 39.1 37.2 30.8
Contribution expenses(4)............... 1.6 9.9 18.3 13.8 17.5
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net commission......................... 28.7 29.3 20.8 23.4 13.3
Advertising(1)(5)........................ 87.0 89.0 89.9 77.2 68.6
Selling, general and administrative(1)... 285.5 312.0 324.1 253.3 245.9
Restructuring and other charges.......... 1.4 -- 68.4 15.1 1.8
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles............................ 25.6 27.1 27.7 21.1 3.8
Other income, net........................ (3.6) (6.0) (8.5) (8.6) (8.9)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income from operations................... 196.1 210.2 116.4 206.9 243.7
Interest expense(6)...................... 79.1 93.9 87.7 69.7 58.8
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes............... 117.0 116.3 28.7 137.2 184.9
Income taxes............................. 47.9 43.2 13.2 58.3 71.2
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before cumulative effect of
accounting change(7)................... 63.2 73.1 15.5 78.9 113.7
Cumulative effect of accounting change
for intangible assets, net of tax...... -- -- -- -- (18.5)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income(7)............................ $ 63.2 $ 73.1 $ 15.5 $ 78.9 $ 95.2
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Basic earnings per share(8)(9)........... $ 2.93 $ 2.39 $ 0.55 $ 2.79 $3.27(10)
Diluted earnings per share(9)(11)........ 2.08 2.25 0.51 2.61 3.01(12)
Common shares used in basic earnings per
share calculation...................... 18.3 27.9 28.4 28.3 29.1
Common shares and potential common shares
used in diluted earnings per share
calculation............................ 30.5 29.6 30.4 30.3 31.6
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Adjusted EBITDA(13)...................... $ 253.7 $ 271.2 $ 255.7 $ 270.9 $ 279.3
Depreciation............................. 29.0 29.0 32.6 24.4 26.0
Capital expenditures..................... 66.7 72.5 63.4 36.2 33.9
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
AT
JUNE 29, 2002
BALANCE SHEET DATA: -------------
Working capital............................................. $ 321.2
Total assets................................................ 2,070.1
Total debt.................................................. 836.0
Total shareholders' equity.................................. 621.8
</Table>
S-5
- ---------------
(1) For fiscal 2002, we adopted an accounting policy that requires that certain
consideration from a vendor to a retailer be classified as a reduction in
sales. Like many other companies, we have historically classified these as
advertising and promotion costs. The information for all periods presented
reflects this new method of presentation. The amounts reclassified for the
fiscal years ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001 and for the nine month
period ended June 30, 2001 are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED FOR THE
SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------ JUNE 30,
1999 2000 2001 2001
------ ------ ------ -----------------
Net sales...................................... $(51.9) $(53.6) $(51.1) $(40.3)
Gross profit................................... (51.9) (55.5) (54.2) (42.8)
Advertising.................................... (56.2) (64.8) (61.1) (50.6)
Selling, general and administrative............ 4.3 9.3 6.9 7.8
</Table>
(2) Includes $7.3 million of restructuring and other charges for the year ended
September 30, 2001, $0.9 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2001
and $1.5 million for the nine months ended June 29, 2002.
(3) Reflects commissions received and contribution expenses paid under the
marketing agreement with Monsanto relating to the marketing and
distribution of consumer Roundup(R) products in the United States and other
countries around the world. For more information, see "Business --
Roundup(R) Marketing Agreement" elsewhere in this prospectus supplement.
(4) Includes amortization expense associated with the amortization of the $32
million marketing fee under the Roundup(R) marketing agreement of $1.6
million, $4.9 million and $3.3 million for 1999, 2000 and 2001,
respectively, and $2.5 million in each of the nine month periods ended June
30, 2001 and June 29, 2002.
(5) Advertising represents the cost of Scotts' external media campaign and
related fees and expenses.
(6) Includes amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate locks and
debt discount.
(7) Includes extraordinary loss of $5.9 million, net of income tax benefit, for
fiscal 1999.
(8) Includes extraordinary loss of $0.32 per share for fiscal 1999.
(9) Basic and diluted earnings per share would have been as follows if the
accounting change for intangible assets adopted in the fiscal year
beginning October 1, 2001, had been adopted as of October 1, 1998:
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED FOR THE
SEPTEMBER 30, NINE MONTHS ENDED
--------------------- JUNE 30,
1999 2000 2001 2001
----- ----- ----- -----------------
Income available to common shareholders.......... $68.5(7) $83.4 $32.1 $91.2
Basic EPS........................................ $3.76(8) $2.98 $1.13 $3.22
Diluted EPS...................................... 2.57(11) 2.81 1.05 3.01
</Table>
(10) Includes cumulative effect of change in accounting for intangible assets,
net of income tax benefit, of $(0.64) per share.
(11) Includes extraordinary loss of $0.19 per share for fiscal 1999.
(12) Includes cumulative effect of change in accounting for intangible assets,
net of income tax benefit, of $(0.59) per share.
(13) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income from operations, plus restructuring
and other charges, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is not
intended to represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally
accepted accounting principles and should not be used as an alternative to
net income as an indicator of operating performance or to cash flow as a
measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA is included in this prospectus
supplement because it is a basis upon which Scotts' management assesses
financial performance. While EBITDA is frequently used as a measure of
operations and the ability to meet debt service requirements, it is not
necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other
companies due to potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation.
S-6
RISK FACTORS
Before you buy any common shares offered by this prospectus supplement, you
should be aware that there are various risks, including those described below.
You should carefully consider these risks factors together with all of the other
information and data included in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying
prospectus and in the documents that are incorporated by reference before you
decide to acquire any common shares.
THE HAGEDORN PARTNERSHIP, L.P., HAS SIGNIFICANT SHARE OWNERSHIP, AND ITS
INTERESTS MAY NOT ALIGN WITH OTHER SHAREHOLDERS IN THE FUTURE.
After this offering, the Hagedorn Partnership will beneficially own
approximately 32.2% of our outstanding common shares, or 31.6% of our
outstanding common shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment
option in full, and will continue to have sufficient voting power to
significantly influence the election of directors and other actions requiring
the approval of our shareholders. We cannot assure you that, with respect to any
particular matter, the interests of the Hagedorn Partnership will coincide with
the interests of other holders of our common shares.
FUTURE SALES OF OUR COMMON SHARES COULD DEPRESS THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON
SHARES.
The market price of our common shares could decline as a result of sales of
a large number of common shares in the market after this offering or the
perception that these sales could occur. These sales, or the possibility that
these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity
securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
There are 30,259,030 common shares outstanding as of August 30, 2002. The
4,500,000 common shares sold in this offering (5,175,000 common shares if the
underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full) will be freely
tradable.
Following this offering, the Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. will beneficially
own 11,666,439 common shares. The Hagedorn Partnership will be able to sell its
common shares in the public market from time to time, subject to certain
limitations on timing, amount and method of those sales imposed by SEC
regulations. The Hagedorn Partnership and the underwriters have agreed to a
"lock-up" period, meaning that the Hagedorn Partnership may not sell any of its
shares without the prior consent of Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. for 90 days after the date of this prospectus supplement.
Salomon Smith Barney and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. may, however, without
notice, release all or any portion of the shares from the restrictions in the
lock-up agreement. The Hagedorn Partnership has the right to cause us to
register the sale of common shares owned by it and to include its shares in
future registration statements relating to our securities. If the Hagedorn
Partnership were to sell a large number of its shares, the market price of our
common shares could decline significantly. In addition, the perception in the
public market that sales by the Hagedorn Partnership might occur could also
adversely affect the market price of our common shares.
In the future, we may issue securities in connection with investments. The
amount of our common shares issued in connection with an investment could
constitute a material portion of our then outstanding common shares. In
addition, we may also grant registration rights covering those shares in
connection with any such acquisitions and investments.
OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND CODE OF REGULATIONS, AS WELL AS APPLICABLE
OHIO LAW, INCLUDE PROVISIONS THAT MAY DISCOURAGE A TAKEOVER ATTEMPT.
Provisions contained in our articles of incorporation and code of
regulations and the laws of Ohio, the state in which we are incorporated, could
make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so might
be beneficial to our shareholders. Provisions of our articles of incorporation
and code of regulations impose various procedural and other requirements that
could make it more difficult for shareholders to effect certain corporate
actions. For example, an affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the
voting shares of our company is required for the adoption of an agreement of
merger or consolidation of our company, and
S-7
our shareholders do not have the right to vote cumulatively in the election of
directors. In addition, we have a staggered board of directors with three
classes of directors. These provisions could limit the price that certain
investors might be willing to pay in the future for our common shares and may
have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the common shares to
repay outstanding indebtedness under our credit facility (without any
corresponding reduction in our revolving credit commitment thereunder), and for
other general corporate purposes, including mergers, acquisitions and other
strategic investments and capital expenditures. We will not receive any of the
proceeds from the sale of common shares by the selling shareholder. Our
revolving credit facility commitment matures on June 30, 2005, and our two term
facilities mature on June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Our
credit facility bore interest at a weighted average rate of 6.82% as of June 29,
2002.
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES AND DIVIDEND POLICY
Our common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"SMG." On September 11, 2002, the closing price of our common shares as reported
on the New York Stock Exchange was $48.53. As of August 30, 2002, there were
approximately 9,500 shareholders including holders of record and our estimate of
beneficial holders.
<Table>
<Caption>
SALES PRICES
---------------
HIGH LOW
------ ------
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
First Quarter............................................... $41.25 $35.25
Second Quarter.............................................. 42.00 29.44
Third Quarter............................................... 41.50 32.69
Fourth Quarter.............................................. 37.50 31.00
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
First Quarter............................................... $38.13 $28.88
Second Quarter.............................................. 43.07 36.63
Third Quarter............................................... 47.10 36.13
Fourth Quarter.............................................. 42.02 33.32
YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
First Quarter............................................... $47.30 $34.45
Second Quarter.............................................. 48.99 43.47
Third Quarter............................................... 50.35 42.39
Fourth Quarter (through September 11, 2002)................. 49.39 35.43
</Table>
We have not paid dividends on the common shares in the past and do not
presently plan to pay dividends on the common shares. It is presently
anticipated that earnings will be retained and reinvested to support the growth
of our business. The payment of any future dividends on common shares will be
determined by the board of directors of Scotts in light of conditions then
existing, including our earnings, financial condition and capital requirements,
restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors.
S-8
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth, as of June 29, 2002, (1) our capitalization
on an actual basis and (2) our capitalization as adjusted for the issuance of
499,310 common shares pursuant to warrant exercises in August 2002 and for the
offering of common shares by us contemplated by this prospectus supplement and
the use of proceeds therefrom (after deducting underwriting discounts and
commissions and expenses associated with this offering). You should read the
information set forth in this table in conjunction with our consolidated
financial statements and the related notes thereto and other financial data
contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.
<Table>
<Caption>
JUNE 29, 2002
-------------------------
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
----------- -----------
(IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED)
Debt (including current portion):
Credit facility:
Revolving credit facility............................ $ 0.3 $ 0.3
Term loans........................................... 383.4 191.3
8.625% senior subordinated notes(1).................... 391.5 391.5
Other debt(2).......................................... 60.8 60.8
-------- --------
Total debt........................................ 836.0 643.9
-------- --------
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred shares, without par value, none issued and
outstanding.......................................... -- --
Common shares, without par value, $.01 stated
value -- 100.0 shares authorized, 29.6 shares issued
and outstanding, actual, 34.3 shares issued and
outstanding, as adjusted............................. 0.3 0.3
Capital in excess of par............................... 402.0 594.1
Retained earnings...................................... 307.5 307.5
Treasury stock, 1.7 shares, at cost.................... (54.6) (54.6)
Accumulated and other comprehensive loss............... (33.4) (33.4)
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity........................ 621.8 813.9
--------
Total capitalization.............................. $1,457.8 $1,457.8
======== ========
</Table>
- ---------------
(1) Amounts are net of the unamortized balance of $8.5 million relating to
interest rate lock contracts which were settled in 1998 at a total cost of
$12.9 million.
(2) Includes $38.7 million of notes due to sellers, $10.7 million of foreign
bank borrowings and terms loans and $11.4 million of capital lease
obligations.
S-9
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
We have derived the historical financial data included in the table for,
and as of the end of, each of the fiscal years in the five-year period ended
September 30, 2001, from our audited consolidated financial statements. The
historical financial data for the nine months ended June 30, 2001 and June 29,
2002, have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements.
The following other financial data have been derived from our audited and
unaudited consolidated financial statements and accounting records for the
respective periods. In the opinion of our management, the unaudited consolidated
financial data presented below provides all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the results of operations for the periods specified. Such
results, however, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be
expected for the full fiscal year. You should read the following information in
conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto,
and the information contained in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" which are included elsewhere in
this prospectus supplement.
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE
NINE MONTHS ENDED
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, -------------------------
-------------------------------------------------- JUNE 30, JUNE 29,
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2001 2002
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED)
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net sales(1)........................... $857.8 $1,066.0 $1,550.6 $1,655.4 $1,696.6 $1,459.1 $1,457.3
Gross profit(1)........................ 284.2 351.0(2) 563.3 603.0 597.2(2) 541.6(2) 541.6(2)
Roundup(R) marketing agreement(3):
Gross commission....................... -- -- 30.3 39.2 39.1 37.2 30.8
Contribution expenses(4)............... -- -- 1.6 9.9 18.3 13.8 17.5
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net commission......................... -- -- 28.7 29.3 20.8 23.4 13.3
Advertising(1)(5)...................... 42.4 57.4 87.0 89.0 89.9 77.2 68.6
Selling, general and
administrative(1).................... 131.6 169.9(6) 285.5 312.0 324.1 253.3 245.9
Restructuring and other charges........ -- 15.4 1.4 -- 68.4 15.1 1.8
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles.......................... 10.2 12.9 25.6 27.1 27.7 21.1 3.8
Other expense (income), net............ 5.2 1.3 (3.6) (6.0) (8.5) (8.6) (8.9)
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income from operations................. 94.8 94.1 196.1 210.2 116.4 206.9 243.7
Interest expense(7).................... 25.2 32.2 79.1 93.9 87.7 69.7 58.8
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes............. 69.6 61.9 117.0 116.3 28.7 137.2 184.9
Income taxes........................... 30.1 24.9 47.9 43.2 13.2 58.3 71.2
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before cumulative effect of
accounting change(8)................. 39.5 36.3 63.2 73.1 15.5 78.9 113.7
Cumulative effect of accounting change
for intangible assets, net of tax.... -- -- -- -- -- -- (18.5)
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income(8).......................... $ 39.5 $ 36.3 $ 63.2 $ 73.1 $ 15.5 $ 78.9 $ 95.2
====== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Dividends on convertible preferred
stock.................................. 9.8 9.8 9.7 6.4 -- -- --
------ -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income applicable to common
shareholders........................... $ 29.7 $ 26.5 $ 53.5 $ 66.7 $ 15.5 $ 78.9 $ 95.2
====== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Basic earnings per common share(9)....... $1.60 $1.42(10) $2.93(10) $2.39 $0.55 $2.79 $3.27 (11)
Diluted earnings per common share(9)..... 1.35 1.20(12) 2.08(12) 2.25 0.51 2.61 3.01 (13)
Common shares used in basic earnings per
share calculation...................... 18.6 18.7 18.3 27.9 28.4 28.3 29.1
Common shares and potential shares used
in diluted earnings per share
calculation............................ 29.3 30.3 30.5 29.6 30.4 30.3 31.6
OTHER FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA:
Cash flows from operating activities..... $121.1 $ 71.0 $ 78.2 $ 171.5 $ 65.7 $ 65.5 $ 152.0
Cash flows from investing activities..... (72.5) (192.1) (571.6) (89.5) (101.0) (70.7) (66.6)
Cash flows from financing activities..... (46.2) 118.4 513.9 (78.2) 21.4 45.7 (29.8)
Adjusted EBITDA(14)...................... 121.6 149.0 253.7 271.2 255.7 270.9 279.3
Depreciation............................. 16.6 21.6 29.0 29.0 32.6 24.4 26.0
Capital expenditures..................... 28.6 41.3 66.7 72.5 63.4 36.2 33.9
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT END OF PERIOD):
Working capital.......................... $146.5 $ 135.3 $ 274.8 $ 234.1 $ 249.1 $ 332.2 $ 321.2
Total assets............................. 787.6 1,035.2 1,769.6 1,761.4 1,843.0 2,003.9 2,070.1
Total debt............................... 221.3 372.5 950.0 862.8 887.8 896.7 836.0
Shareholders' equity..................... 389.2 403.9 443.3 477.9 506.2 566.6 621.8
</Table>
- ---------------
(1) For fiscal 2002, we adopted an accounting policy that requires that certain
consideration from a vendor to a retailer be classified as a reduction in
sales. Like may other companies, we have historically classified these as
advertising and promotion costs. The information for all periods presented
reflects this
S-10
new method of presentation. The amounts reclassified as a result of
adopting this new accounting policy are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, FOR THE
------------------------------------------ NINE MONTHS ENDED
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 JUNE 30, 2001
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -----------------
Net sales..................... $(13.9) $(17.3) $(51.9) $(53.6) $(51.1) $(40.3)
Gross profit.................. (13.9) (17.3) (51.9) (55.5) (54.2) (42.8)
Advertising................... (13.9) (17.3) (56.2) (64.8) (61.1) (50.6)
Selling, general and
administrative.............. -- -- 4.3 9.3 6.9 7.8
</Table>
(2) Includes $2.9 million and $7.3 million of restructuring and other charges
in 1998 and 2001, respectively, $0.9 million for the nine month period
ended June 30, 2001 and $1.5 million for the nine month period ended June
29, 2002.
(3) Reflects commissions received and contribution expenses paid under the
marketing agreement with Monsanto relating to the marketing and
distribution of consumer Roundup(R) products in the United States and other
countries around the world. For more information, see "Business --
Roundup(R) Marketing Agreement" elsewhere in this prospectus supplement.
(4) Includes amortization expense associated with the amortization of the $32
million marketing fee under the Roundup(R) marketing agreement of $1.6
million, $4.9 million and $3.3 million for 1999, 2000 and 2001,
respectively, and $2.5 million for each of the nine month periods ended
June 30, 2001 and June 29, 2002.
(5) Advertising represents the cost of Scotts' external media campaign and
related fees and expenses.
(6) Includes $2.1 million of restructuring and other charges.
(7) Includes amortization of deferred financing costs, interest rate locks and
debt discount.
(8) Includes extraordinary losses of $0.7 million and $5.9 million, net of
income tax benefits, for 1998 and 1999, respectively.
(9) Basic and diluted earnings per share would have been as follows if the
accounting change for intangible assets adopted in the fiscal year
beginning October 1, 2001, had been adopted as of October 1, 1998:
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, FOR THE
----------------------- NINE MONTHS ENDED
1999 2000 2001 JUNE 30, 2001
----- ----- ----- -----------------
Income available to common shareholders........ $68.5(8) $83.4 $32.1 $91.2
Basic EPS...................................... $3.76(10) $2.98 $1.13 $3.22
Diluted EPS.................................... 2.57(12) 2.81 1.05 3.01
</Table>
(10) Includes extraordinary losses of $0.04 and $0.32 per share for 1998 and
1999, respectively.
(11) Includes cumulative effect of change in accounting for intangible assets,
net of income tax benefit, of $(0.64) per share.
(12) Includes extraordinary losses of $0.02 and $0.19 per share for 1998 and
1999, respectively.
(13) Includes cumulative effect of change in accounting for intangible assets,
net of income tax benefit, of $(0.59) per share.
(14) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as income from operations, plus restructuring
and other charges, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is not
intended to represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally
accepted accounting principles and should not be used as an alternative to
net income as an indicator of operating performance or to cash flow as a
measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA is included in this prospectus
supplement because it is a basis upon which Scotts' management assesses
financial performance. While EBITDA is frequently used as a measure of
operations and the ability to meet debt service requirements, it is not
necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other
companies due to potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation.
S-11
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. Our operations are divided into four business segments: North
American Consumer, Scotts LawnService(R), International Consumer, and Global
Professional. The North American Consumer segment includes the Lawns, Gardens,
Growing Media, Ortho and Canadian business groups.
As a leading consumer branded lawn and garden company, we focus on our
consumer marketing efforts, including advertising and consumer research, to
create demand to pull products through the retail distribution channels. In the
past three years, we have spent approximately 5% of our gross 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 to make a significant investment in consumer marketing expenditures in the
future to drive market share and sales growth.
Our sales are susceptible to global weather conditions, primarily in North
America and Europe. For instance, periods of wet weather can slow fertilizer
sales but can create increased demand for pesticide sales. Periods of dry, hot
weather can have the opposite effect on fertilizer and pesticide sales. We
believe that our past acquisitions have diversified both our product line risk
and geographic risk to weather conditions.
Our operations are also seasonal in nature. In fiscal 2001, net sales by
quarter were 8.7%, 42.1%, 35.2% and 14.0% of total year net sales, respectively.
Operating losses were reported in the first and fourth quarters of fiscal 2001
while significant profits were recorded for the second and third quarters. The
sales trend in fiscal 2002 has followed a somewhat different pattern than our
historical experience due to retailer initiatives to reduce their investment in
inventory and improve their inventory turns. We believe that this has caused a
sales shift from the second quarter to the third and, to a lesser extent, fourth
quarters that coincides more closely to when consumers buy our products.
In fiscal 2001, restructuring and other charges of $75.7 million were
recorded for reductions in work force, facility closures, asset writedowns, and
other related costs. Certain costs associated with this restructuring
initiative, including costs related to the relocation of equipment, personnel
and inventory, were not recorded as part of the restructuring costs in 2001.
These costs are being recorded as they are incurred in fiscal 2002 as required
under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
In fiscal 2001, Scotts adopted accounting policies that required certain
amounts payable to customers or consumers related to the purchase of our
products to be recorded as a reduction in net sales rather than as advertising
and promotion expense (e.g., volume rebates). In fiscal 2002, Scotts adopted
EITF-00-25, "Accounting for Consideration from a Vendor to a Retailer in
Connection with the Purchase or Promotion of the Vendor's Products." This
standard requires Scotts to record certain of its cooperative advertising
expenditures as reductions of net sales rather than as advertising and promotion
expense. Results for fiscal 2001 have been reclassified to conform to this new
presentation method for these expenses.
In addition, in fiscal 2002 we adopted Statement of Accounting Standards
No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." This statement eliminates the
requirement to amortize indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill. It also
requires an initial impairment test on all indefinite-lived assets as of the
date of adoption of this standard and impairment tests done at least annually
thereafter. As a result of adopting the standard as of October 1, 2001,
amortization expense for the first three quarters of fiscal 2002 was reduced by
approximately $15.9 million. The full year effect in fiscal 2002 is expected to
exceed $21.0 million.
We completed our impairment analysis in the second quarter of 2002, taking
into account additional guidance provided by EITF 02-07, "Unit of Measure for
Testing Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible
S-12
Assets." As a result, a pre-tax impairment charge related to the value of
tradenames in our German, French and United Kingdom consumer businesses of $29.8
million was recorded as of October 1, 2001. After taxes, the net charge was
$18.5 million. There is no goodwill impairment as of the date of adoption.
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
prospectus supplement. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2001, as amended by the Form 8-K/A, filed with the SEC on
September 13, 2002, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus
supplement, includes additional information about Scotts, our operations, and
our financial position, and should be read in conjunction with this prospectus
supplement.
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of
operations is based upon our 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 disclosure 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 operation and financial position are as
follows:
- 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 operating results.
- 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.
- 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 unaudited condensed,
consolidated financial statements for the fiscal quarter ended June 29,
2002, 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.
Also, as described more fully in the notes to the unaudited condensed,
consolidated financial statements, we have not accrued the deferred contribution
under the Roundup(R) marketing agreement with Monsanto or the per annum charges
thereon. We consider this method of accounting for the contribution payments to
be appropriate after consideration of the likely term of the agreement, our
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. At June 29, 2002, contribution payments and related per
annum charges of approximately $49.2 million had been deferred under the
agreement.
S-13
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth sales by business segment for the three and
nine month periods ended June 30, 2001 and June 29, 2002:
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE THREE FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED MONTHS ENDED
------------------- -------------------
JUNE 30, JUNE 29, JUNE 30, JUNE 29,
2001 2002 2001 2002
-------- -------- -------- --------
North American Consumer:
Lawns................................................ $134.9 $181.8 $ 439.8 $ 432.5
Gardens.............................................. 66.7 61.3 136.1 124.9
Growing Media........................................ 145.7 173.5 260.0 288.1
Ortho(R)............................................. 95.4 100.7 192.4 184.1
Canada............................................... 11.2 11.2 24.8 23.7
Other................................................ 7.0 3.2 20.6 8.4
------ ------ -------- --------
Total............................................. 460.9 531.7 1,073.7 1,061.7
Scotts LawnService(R).................................. 15.2 28.7 24.5 44.8
International Consumer................................. 74.6 82.1 218.6 210.4
Global Professional.................................... 47.9 49.7 142.3 140.4
------ ------ -------- --------
Total............................................. $598.6 $692.2 $1,459.1 $1,457.3
====== ====== ======== ========
</Table>
The following table sets forth the components of income and expense as a
percentage of sales for the three and nine month periods ended June 29, 2002 and
June 30, 2001:
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE THREE FOR THE NINE
MONTHS ENDED MONTHS ENDED
------------------- -------------------
JUNE 30, JUNE 29, JUNE 30, JUNE 29,
2001 2002 2001 2002
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net sales................................................ 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales............................................ 63.4 60.8 62.8 62.7
Restructuring and other charges.......................... 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Gross profit............................................. 36.5 39.1 37.1 37.2
Commission earned from marketing agreement, net.......... 2.7 2.4 1.6 0.9
Operating expenses:
Advertising............................................ 5.2 4.4 5.3 4.7
Selling, general and administrative.................... 14.1 12.5 17.4 16.9
Restructuring and other charges........................ 2.5 0.1 1.0 0.1
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles........... 1.1 -- 1.4 0.3
Other income, net........................................ (1.0) (0.7) (0.6) (0.6)
----- ----- ----- -----
Income from operations................................... 17.2 25.2 14.2 16.7
Interest expense......................................... 3.7 2.7 4.8 4.0
----- ----- ----- -----
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of
accounting change...................................... 13.5 22.5 9.4 12.7
Income taxes............................................. 5.9 8.7 4.0 4.9
----- ----- ----- -----
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change..... 7.6 13.8 5.4 7.8
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for intangible
assets, net of tax..................................... -- -- -- (1.3)
----- ----- ----- -----
Net income............................................... 7.6% 13.8% 5.4% 6.5%
===== ===== ===== =====
</Table>
S-14
The following table sets forth the components of income and expense as a
percentage of net sales for the three years ended September 30, 2001:
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------------------
1999 2000 2001
--------- --------- ---------
Net sales................................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales............................................... 63.7 63.6 64.8
----- ----- -----
Gross profit................................................ 36.3 36.4 35.2
Commission earned from marketing agreement, net............. 1.9 1.8 1.2
Advertising................................................. 5.6 5.4 5.3
Selling, general and administrative......................... 18.4 18.9 19.1
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles.............. 1.7 1.6 1.6
Restructuring and other charges............................. 0.1 0.0 4.0
Other income, net........................................... (0.2) (0.4) (0.5)
----- ----- -----
Income from operations...................................... 12.6 12.7 6.9
Interest expense............................................ 5.1 5.7 5.2
----- ----- -----
Income before income taxes.................................. 7.5 7.0 1.7
Income taxes................................................ 3.0 2.6 0.8
----- ----- -----
Income before extraordinary item............................ 4.5 4.4 0.9
Extraordinary loss on extinguishment of debt................ 0.4 0.0 0.0
----- ----- -----
Net income.................................................. 4.1 4.4 0.9
Dividends on Class A Convertible Preferred Stock............ 0.6 0.4 0.0
----- ----- -----
Income applicable to common shareholders.................... 3.5% 4.0% 0.9%
===== ===== =====
</Table>
The following table sets forth net sales by business segment for the three
years ended September 30, 2001:
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------------------
1999 2000 2001
--------- --------- ---------
(IN MILLIONS)
North American Consumer:
Lawns....................................................... $ 401.7 $ 452.2 $ 495.8
Gardens..................................................... 138.6 149.8 149.4
Growing Media............................................... 245.3 287.0 296.9
Ortho(R).................................................... 205.3 236.1 216.5
Canada...................................................... 11.9 28.2 26.5
Other....................................................... 76.7 36.2 38.0
-------- -------- --------
Total....................................................... 1,079.5 1,189.5 1,223.1
Scotts LawnService(R)....................................... 14.0 20.6 42.0
International Consumer...................................... 284.5 264.8 252.1
Global Professional......................................... 172.6 180.5 179.4
-------- -------- --------
Consolidated................................................ $1,550.6 $1,655.4 $1,696.6
======== ======== ========
</Table>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 29, 2002 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
Net sales for the three months ended June 29, 2002 were $692.2 million, an
increase of 15.6% from net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2001 of
$598.6 million.
S-15
North American Consumer segment net sales were $531.7 million in the third
quarter of fiscal 2002, an increase of $70.8 million, or 15.4%, over net sales
in the third quarter of fiscal 2001. Lawns net sales increased 34.8% while Ortho
net sales increased 5.6%. The increased net sales in these businesses reflect
retailer initiatives to improve their inventory turnover ratios by more closely
timing their orders from us to when consumer take away at the store level
occurs. Thus in fiscal 2002 we have seen a shift in our net sales from the
second quarter to the third quarter. The Lawns business also had strong sales of
its new Summer Guard products during the quarter. Net sales of the Gardens
business declined 8.1% from the third quarter of fiscal 2001 to the third
quarter of fiscal 2002. Net sales increased from the second quarter of fiscal
2002 to the third quarter of fiscal 2002 in line with the shift in retailer
order trends this year. However, cool wet weather in the Midwest and Northeast
during May, a peak outdoor gardening month, hurt sales of garden fertilizers.
Consumer take away improved in June with improved weather but did not fully
offset May's impact. Net sales of the Growing Media segment increased 19.1% in
the third quarter of fiscal 2002 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2001.
The Growing Media business is less impacted by the shift in retailer ordering
patterns because its "big bag" products have always required delivery to the
retailer closer to the time of consumer takeaway. The net sales increase
reflects the continued success of the Miracle Gro(R)branded line of value-added
soils and potting mixes.
Scotts LawnService(R) revenues increased 88.8% from $15.2 million in the
third quarter of fiscal 2001 to $28.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal
2002. The growth in revenue reflects the growth in the business from the
acquisitions completed in late winter and early spring of fiscal 2002, new
branch openings in late winter of fiscal 2002 and the growth in customers from
our spring 2002 and fall 2001 marketing campaigns.
Net sales for the International Consumer segment were $82.1 million in the
third quarter of fiscal 2002, which were $7.5 million, or 10.1%, higher than net
sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2001. Sales growth for this segment also
was affected by retailers in Europe waiting until closer to the season to place
orders for delivery in an effort to control inventory levels and also reduce
their exposure to weather and/or low consumer take away.
Net sales for the Global Professional segment were $49.7 million in the
third quarter of fiscal 2002, which were $1.8 million, or 3.8%, above net sales
for the third quarter of fiscal 2001. Our Global Professional customers,
growers, have experienced the same inventory pressures by the retailers as we
have, which in turn has impacted our sales to them in fiscal 2002.
Gross profit was $270.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002, an
increase of $52.3 million from gross profit of $218.3 million in the third
quarter of fiscal 2001. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit was 39.1% of
sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 compared to 36.5% in the third quarter
of fiscal 2001. The increase in gross margin percentage is due to improved
product mix, particularly in our North American Lawns and Growing Media
businesses. Lawns had higher sales of higher margin fertilizers and less of
lower margin seed and Growing Media had increased sales of higher margin branded
soils and potting mix.
The net commission earned from marketing agreement in the third quarter of
fiscal 2002 was net income of $16.6 million compared to net income of $16.1
million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001. The increased income from the prior
year is primarily due to increased sales volume offset by the increase in the
annual contribution payment due to Monsanto to $20 million in fiscal 2002
compared to $15 million in fiscal 2001.
Advertising expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 were $30.6
million, a decrease of $0.4 million from the third quarter of fiscal 2001 of
$31.0 million. As a percentage of sales, advertising expense was 4.4% in the
third quarter of 2002 compared to 5.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2001. The
decline is due to lower advertising rates in 2002, which enabled us to reach our
target audience on a more cost-effective basis, and the Ortho business' focus in
2002 on in-store promotional activities and radio advertising.
Selling, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter of fiscal
2002 were $86.4 million compared to $84.4 million for the third quarter of
fiscal 2001. The increase from the third quarter of fiscal 2001 to the third
quarter of fiscal 2002 is due to higher costs for information technology
services, environmental compliance and legal services. Information services
expenses have increased due to higher costs to support the new SAP software
system which went fully operational in North America in fiscal 2001,
S-16
and additional costs to support other new systems and systems enhancements
underway in fiscal 2002. In the third quarter of fiscal 2002, we recorded a
charge of $3 million to increase our reserve for the remediation of various
sites in and around our Marysville, Ohio facilities after reaching an agreement
with the Ohio EPA earlier in fiscal 2002 and finalizing our update of expected
spending to complete the agreed to procedures. Legal expenses were incurred
during the quarter in the Central Garden & Pet matters, which were heard during
the quarter and adjudicated, subject to appeal, in our favor.
One of our stated goals is to grow selling, general and administrative
spending at a slower pace than the growth in revenues, excluding unusual charges
and Scotts LawnService(R) which is adding overhead at a faster pace due to
accelerated growth and acquisition related activity. Excluding the environmental
charge in fiscal 2002 and selling, general and administrative expenses of the
Scotts LawnService(R) business from both fiscal 2002 and 2001 third quarter
results, SG&A expenses were $74.4 million, or 10.7% of net sales, in the third
quarter of fiscal 2002 compared to $79.2 million, or 13.2% of net sales in the
third quarter of fiscal 2001.
The third quarter of fiscal 2002 includes $0.4 million of restructuring
charges in costs of goods sold related to the redeployment of inventory from
closed plants and warehouses and $0.6 million in selling, general and
administrative expenses related to the relocation of personnel. Under generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States, these costs have been
expensed in the period incurred. Restructuring charges were $16.0 million in the
third quarter of fiscal 2001 which is when the first phase of the 2001
restructuring activities was finalized and approved by senior management.
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles in the third quarter of fiscal
2002 was $0.2 million compared to $6.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal
2001, primarily due to the cessation of amortization of certain indefinite-lived
intangibles and goodwill under the provisions of a new accounting standard.
Other income was $5.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2002,
compared to other income of $6.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001.
Royalties earned on sales of licensed products were down by $1.1 million due to
the phase out of Scotts(R) branded mowers at a major U.S. retailer. Gains from
asset sales were $3.5 million higher primarily due to the finalization in the
third quarter of 2002, of the arrangement to cease peat extraction activities in
the United Kingdom. The third quarter of fiscal 2001 also included an insurance
settlement gain of approximately $2 million which did not recur in fiscal 2002.
Income from operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2002 was $174.5
million, compared with $103.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2001. The
increase in income from operations from the prior year is the result of higher
sales and margins, lower amortization expense due to the adoption of SFAS 142
and lower restructuring charges.
For segment reporting purposes, earnings before interest, taxes and
amortization is used as the measure for Income from Operations ("operating
income"). On that basis, operating income in the North American Consumer segment
increased from $125.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 to $162.7
million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 due to the shift in net sales into
the third quarter from the second quarter and margin improvement due to
favorable product mix and increased fixed cost recovery on higher sales. Scotts
LawnService(R) recorded an increase in operating income to $7.1 million in the
third quarter of fiscal 2002 from $2.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal
2001 on a nearly 90% increase in net sales from $15.2 million in fiscal 2001 to
$28.7 million in fiscal 2002. Global Professional operating income increased
slightly to $6.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 from $5.8 million
in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 on a $1.8 million, or approximately 4%,
increase in net sales. International Consumer operating income increased from
$4.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 to $17.6 million in the third
quarter of fiscal 2002 on the strength of a 10% increase in net sales from $74.6
million in fiscal 2001 to $82.1 million in fiscal 2002, and reductions in
operating expenses following the restructuring activities in fiscal 2001,
including reductions in headcount. The operating results for the fiscal 2002
third quarter were also favorably impacted by the settlement received for the
cessation of peat extraction activities at our sites in the United Kingdom.
Interest expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2002 was $18.7 million, a
decrease of $3.6 million from interest expense for the third quarter of fiscal
2001 of $22.3 million. The decrease in interest expense was
S-17
primarily due to a reduction in average borrowings for the quarter as compared
to the prior year, and lower interest rates on our variable rate debt.
Income tax expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2002 was $60.0 million,
compared with an income tax expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2001 of
$35.4 million. The increase in tax expense from the prior year is the result of
the higher pre-tax income for the third quarter of fiscal 2002 for the reasons
noted above. The lower estimated income tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal
2002 of 38.5% compared to 43.8% for the third quarter of fiscal 2001 was due to
the elimination of amortization expense for book purposes that was not
deductible for tax purposes and the impact that lower earnings after
restructuring charges had on permanent items in deriving the effective tax rate
in fiscal 2001.
We reported net income of $95.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal
2002, or $3.02 per common share on a diluted basis, compared to a net income of
$45.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2001, or $1.49 per common share on
a diluted basis. If SFAS 142 had been adopted as of the beginning of fiscal
2001, diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2001 would have
been $1.62. Diluted shares increased to 31.8 million from 30.6 million due to
option exercises during the past year and the effect of a higher average stock
price on the number of common stock equivalents.
NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 29, 2002 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
Net sales for the nine months ended June 29, 2002 of $1,457.3 million were
flat with net sales for the nine months ended June 30, 2001 of $1,459.1 million.
North American Consumer segment net sales were $1,061.7 million in the
first nine months of fiscal 2002, a decrease of $12.0 million, or 1.1%, from net
sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2001 of $1,073.7 million. While North
American Consumer net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2002 increased over
$70 million compared to fiscal 2001, year-to-date net sales are flat because
retailers reduced their overall inventory levels, even though consumer take away
of our products remains strong across all lines as indicated from point of sale
data from our major North American retail partners. Net sales declined in all
lines except Growing Media where strong demand for branded soils and potting
mixes has driven an 11% increase in year over year net sales.
Scotts LawnService(R) revenues increased 82.9% from $24.5 million in the
first three quarters of fiscal 2001 to $44.8 million in the first three quarters
of fiscal 2002. The growth in revenue reflects the growth in the business from
the acquisitions completed in late winter and early spring of fiscal 2002, new
branch openings in late winter of fiscal 2002 and the growth in customers from
our spring 2002 and fall 2001 marketing campaigns.
Net sales for the International Consumer segment were $210.4 million in the
first three quarters of fiscal 2002, which were $8.2 million, or 3.8%, lower
than net sales for the first three quarters of fiscal 2001. The net sales
reduction in Europe reflects efforts by retailers to reduce their inventory
investment and more closely time their purchases to consumer purchases.
Net sales for the Global Professional segment were $140.4 million in the
first nine months of fiscal 2002, which were $1.9 million, or 1.3%, lower than
net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2001. The decline was primarily in
North America where growers have been impacted by retailers increasing their
focus on managing inventory levels.
Gross profit was flat at $541.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal
2002 and 2001. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit was 37.2% of sales in
the first three quarters of fiscal 2002 compared to 37.1% in the first three
quarters of fiscal 2001. Cost savings from our supply chain and purchasing
initiatives to reduce manufacturing costs were offset by lower absorption of
fixed costs due to lower production levels. Production levels were lowered in
order to reduce working capital, particularly inventory levels. These factors,
along with higher fixed operating costs in Scotts LawnService(R) during the
winter months when revenue production ceases, continued to keep margins flat as
a percentage of sales on a year to date basis when compared to the prior year.
S-18
The net commission earned from marketing agreement in the first three
quarters of fiscal 2002 was $13.3 million compared to $23.4 million in the first
three quarters of fiscal 2001. The decrease from the prior year is primarily due
to the increase in the contribution payment due to Monsanto to $20.0 million in
fiscal 2002 compared to $15.0 million in fiscal 2001 and lower sales in the
Roundup(R) business due to retailer inventory management initiatives.
Advertising expenses in the first nine months of fiscal 2002 were $68.6
million, a decrease of $8.6 million from advertising expenses in the first nine
months of fiscal 2001 of $77.2 million. The decrease in advertising expenses
from the prior year is primarily due to lower rates and the change in the focus
of Ortho(R) described previously.
Selling, general and administrative expenses in the first three quarters of
fiscal 2002 were $245.9 million compared to $253.3 million for the first three
quarters of fiscal 2001. The decrease from the first three quarters of fiscal
2001 to the first three quarters of fiscal 2002 is due to cost savings achieved
through restructuring activities that occurred in fiscal 2001, offset in part by
higher spending on information services, legal matters and environmental
compliance as described earlier. Excluding the environmental charge in fiscal
2002 and selling, general and administrative expenses of the Scotts
LawnService(R) business from both fiscal 2002 and 2001 year to date results,
SG&A expenses were $219.2 million, or 15.0% of net sales, in fiscal 2002
compared to $240.7 million, or 16.5% of net sales in fiscal 2001.
The first three quarters of fiscal 2002 includes $1.5 million of
restructuring charges in costs of goods sold related to the redeployment of
inventory from closed plants and warehouses and $1.8 million in selling, general
and administrative expenses related to the relocation of personnel for the
restructuring activities initiated in fiscal 2001. Under generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States, these costs have been expensed in
the period incurred. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2001, $0.9 million of
restructuring and other charges were recorded in cost of goods sold and $15.1
million in selling, general and administrative costs. As were described above,
these costs were all recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 when the first
phase of 2001's restructuring activities was approved by senior management.
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles in the first three quarters of
fiscal 2002 was $3.8 million compared to $21.1 million in the first three
quarters of fiscal 2001, primarily due to the adoption of the new accounting
standard described previously.
Other income was $8.9 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2002,
compared to other income of $8.6 million in the first three quarters of fiscal
2001. The increase is primarily due to the gain from the peat bog cessation of
approximately $5.1 million, offset by lower royalty income from licensees and a
one-time insurance settlement gain in fiscal 2001.
Income from operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2002 was $243.7
million, compared with $206.9 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2001.
The increase in income from operations over the prior year is the result of
lower advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses, the effect of
the change in accounting for amortization of indefinite-lived assets and lower
restructuring expenses.
For segment reporting purposes, earnings before interest, taxes and
amortization is used as the measure for Income from Operations ("operating
income"). On that basis, operating income in the North American Consumer segment
increased from $255.7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2001 to $258.0
for the nine months ended June 29, 2002 on a slight decrease in net sales from
$1,073.7 in the fiscal 2001 year to date period to $1,061.7 in the fiscal 2002
year to date period. The lower RoundUp(R) commission due to the higher
contribution expense required in fiscal 2002, and lower net sales of RoundUp(R)
due to retailer inventory initiatives, offset reductions in operating expenses
arising from fiscal 2001 restructuring activities and lower media advertising
costs in fiscal 2002. Fiscal 2001 results were also favorably impacted by higher
licensee royalties on mowers, which are being phased out in fiscal 2002, and an
insurance settlement gain of approximately $2 million. Scotts LawnService(R)'s
operating loss increased from $1.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal
2001 to $3.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2002 due to higher
operating expenses for the greater number of locations open during the
low-revenue winter months in fiscal 2002 as compared to fiscal 2001. Global
Professional operating income decreased slightly to $15.3 million in fiscal 2002
from
S-19
$15.4 million in fiscal 2001 on a slight reduction in net sales due to cost
controls implemented in fiscal 2002. International Consumer segment operating
income was $26.7 million for the nine months ended June 29, 2002 compared to
$16.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2001 even though net sales
declined to $210.4 million from $218.6 million during the periods, due to lower
spending on selling, general and administrative expenses, and the gain from the
agreement to cease peat extraction activities at our sites in the United
Kingdom.
Interest expense for the first three quarters of fiscal 2002 was $58.8
million, a decrease of $10.9 million from interest expense for the first three
quarters of fiscal 2001 of $69.7 million. The decrease in interest expense was
primarily due to a reduction in average borrowings for the quarter as compared
to the prior year, and lower interest rates on our variable rate debt.
Income tax expense for the first three quarters of fiscal 2002 was $71.2
million, compared with income tax expense for the first three quarters of fiscal
2001 of $58.3 million. The increase in tax expense from the prior year is the
result of the higher pre-tax income in fiscal 2002 for the reasons noted above
and the lower estimated income tax rate for the first three quarters of fiscal
2002 of 38.5% compared to 42.5% for the first three quarters of fiscal 2001
primarily due to the elimination of amortization expense for book purposes that
was not deductible for tax purposes.
We reported income before cumulative effect of accounting changes of $113.7
million for the first nine months of fiscal 2002, compared to $78.9 million for
the first nine months of fiscal 2001. After the charge of $29.8 million ($18.5
million, net of tax), for the impairment of tradenames in our German, French and
United Kingdom businesses, net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2002
was $95.2 million, or $3.01 per diluted share, compared to net income of $78.9
million or $2.61 per diluted share in the first nine months of fiscal 2001. If
SFAS 142 had been adopted as of the beginning of fiscal 2001, diluted earnings
per share for the first nine months of fiscal 2001 would have been $3.01,
excluding impairment charges, if any, that would have been recorded upon
adoption at October 1, 2000. Average diluted shares outstanding increased from
30.3 million in fiscal 2001 to 31.6 million in fiscal 2002 due to option
exercises and a higher average share price in fiscal 2002.
COMPARISON OF FISCAL 2001 TO FISCAL 2000
Net sales for fiscal 2001 were $1,696.6 million, an increase of 2.5% over
fiscal 2000 sales of $1,655.4 million. As discussed below, net sales increased
over 2.8% in the North American Consumer segment; whereas, net sales declined by
4.8% in the International Consumer segment and Global Professional net sales
were flat. Net sales for the Scotts LawnService(R) segment increased 103.9% in
fiscal 2001 over fiscal 2000.
North American Consumer net sales were $1,223.1 million in fiscal 2001, an
increase of 2.8% over fiscal 2000 net sales of $1,189.5 million. Net sales in
the Lawns business within this segment were $495.8 million in fiscal 2001, a
9.6% increase over fiscal 2000 net sales of $452.2 million, primarily due to the
introduction of a new line of grass seed products. Net sales in the Growing
Media business increased 3.5% to $296.9 million in fiscal 2001 from $287.0
million in fiscal 2000.
2001 saw the continuation of the successful roll out of the value-added
line of six Miracle-Gro(R) branded garden and potting soils in the Growing Media
business. Sales of branded soils increased from $74 million in fiscal 2000 to
$101 million in fiscal 2001. Net sales in the Ortho business decreased 8.3% to
$216.5 million in fiscal 2001 from $236.1 million in fiscal 2000 due primarily
to the weather and product availability issues due to ERP system data problems.
The other sales category consists of sales under a supply agreement to the
purchaser of the ProTurf(R) business in 2001 and actual sales of the ProTurf(R)
business in fiscal 2000 prior to the date of sale. Selling price changes were
not material to net sales in fiscal 2001 or fiscal 2000.
Net sales in the Scotts LawnService(R) business increased 103.9% to $42.0
million in fiscal 2001 from $20.6 million in fiscal 2000. This growth reflects
continued expansion through acquisitions and new branch openings, as well as the
success of our direct marketing campaign utilizing the Scotts(R) brand name.
S-20
International Consumer net sales decreased 4.8% to $252.1 million in fiscal
2001 compared to $264.8 million in fiscal 2000. Excluding the adverse impact of
changes in exchange rates, net sales for International Consumer increased over
3% compared to the prior year. The increase in sales is primarily due to the
successful sell-in of a new line of fertilizer products under the Substral(R)
brand name acquired January 1, 2001.
Net sales for Global Professional of $179.4 million for fiscal 2001 were
flat with fiscal 2000 net sales of $180.5 million. Excluding the unfavorable
impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, Global Professional net sales
increased approximately 3.5% year over year.
Gross profit decreased to $597.2 million in fiscal 2001 compared to $603.0
million in fiscal 2000. Gross profit, including restructuring charges, as a
percentage of net sales was 35.2% in fiscal 2001 compared to 36.4% in fiscal
2000. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was driven by
unfavorable product mix in the Ortho and Gardens businesses and increased sales
of seed which has a lower margin than fertilizers and control products, offset
by lower distribution costs and the favorable margin impact from the value-added
Growing Media products.
The net commission earned from marketing agreement in fiscal 2001 was $20.8
million, compared to $29.3 million in fiscal 2000. Despite worldwide earnings
for the consumer Roundup(R) business increasing by approximately $4.0 million
from fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2001, the gross commission earned by Scotts was flat
due to the increased earnings targets and reduced commission rate schedule in
the commission calculation for 2001 as compared to 2000. In addition, the net
commission decreased due to the $10 million increase in contribution expenses as
specified in the agreement.
Advertising expense for fiscal 2001 was $89.9 million, an increase of $0.9
million over fiscal 2000 advertising expense of $89.0 million. This slight
increase reflects the impact of improved media buying efficiencies and lower
advertising rates compared to the prior year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal 2001 were $324.1
million, an increase of $12.1 million, or 3.9%, over similar expenses in fiscal
2000 of $312.0 million. As a percentage of sales, selling, general and
administrative expenses were 19.1% for fiscal 2001 compared to 18.9% for fiscal
2000. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses from the
prior year is partially due to an increase in selling expenses as a result of
the change in the selling and distribution model for the North American Consumer
businesses. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is also
due to an increase in information technology expenses from the prior year as a
result of the cost of many information technology resources being capitalized
toward the cost of our enterprise resource planning system in fiscal 2000 and
the increased depreciation on the new ERP system in fiscal 2001. Most of these
information technology resources have assumed a system support function that is
now being expensed as incurred.
Selling, general and administrative expenses associated with restructuring
and other non-operating expenses were $68.4 million for fiscal 2001. These
charges, along with the $7.3 million which is included in cost of sales for the
write-off of inventory, were primarily associated with the closure or relocation
of certain plants and administrative facilities. Included in the $68.4 million
charge in selling, general and administrative costs is $20.4 million to
write-down to fair value certain property and equipment and other assets; $5.8
million of facility exit costs; $27.0 million of severance costs; and $15.2
million in other restructuring and other costs. The severance costs related to
reduction in force initiatives and facility closures and consolidations in North
America and Europe covering approximately 340 administrative, production,
selling and other employees. Severance costs are expected to be paid in fiscal
2002 with some payments extending into 2003. All other fiscal 2001 restructuring
related activities and costs are expected to be completed by the end of fiscal
2002. We expect these restructuring activities to result in expense savings of
nearly $15 million in fiscal 2002 after reinvesting some of the savings to grow
our brands in our International businesses.
In fiscal 2002, we expect to recognize additional restructuring and other
charges, primarily for relocation costs for equipment, personnel and inventory
which must be expensed when incurred. Additional restructuring costs may be
incurred in fiscal 2002 as our review and evaluation of our facilities and
processes is an ongoing exercise aimed at achieving improved returns on invested
capital.
S-21
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles increased to $27.7 million
in fiscal 2001 from $27.1 million in fiscal 2000 due to the additional
amortization related to the Substral acquisition in December 2000 and numerous
small acquisitions by Scotts LawnService(R) throughout fiscal 2001. In fiscal
2002, Scotts will adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" which is expected to result in a
reduction in amortization expense in fiscal 2002 and future years.
Other income for fiscal 2001 was $8.5 million compared to $6.0 million for
fiscal 2000. The increase in other income was primarily due to the favorable
settlement of certain legal matters in the current year and an insurance
settlement from a seed warehouse fire. The prior year results also included
losses on the sale of miscellaneous assets which did not recur in fiscal 2001.
Income from operations for fiscal 2001 was $116.4 million compared to
$210.2 million for fiscal 2000. The decrease was the result of the current year
restructuring and other charges and increased selling, general and
administrative costs, the decline in the marketing agreement net commission and
higher depreciation expense for the new ERP system which was fully in service
for all of fiscal 2001.
For segment reporting purposes, earnings before interest, taxes and
amortization is used as the measure for income from operations or operating
income. On that basis, operating income in the North American Consumer segment
increased from $243.3 million in fiscal 2000 to $245.3 million in fiscal 2001
due to the 2.8% increase in sales offset by lower margins due to mix and higher
expenses for selling and the new ERP system. Scotts LawnService(R) had increased
income from operations in fiscal 2001 of $4.7 million, compared to $0.9 million
in fiscal 2000. This increase resulted from continued expansion through
acquisitions and new branch openings. Operating income in the Global
Professional segment declined from $26.4 million in fiscal 2000 to $17.4 million
in fiscal 2001 due to lower sales due to weather and higher operating costs in
the international Professional business. The operating cost structure in the
international Professional business was addressed in the restructuring
initiatives undertaken in late fiscal 2001. International Consumer segment
operating income declined from income of $21.0 million in fiscal 2000 to a loss
of $3.3 million in fiscal 2001. Excluding restructuring charges, International
Consumer reported operating income of $6.7 million. The decline in income was
due to lower sales due to poor weather in Europe and higher operating costs. The
International Consumer cost structure was also addressed in 2001's restructuring
initiatives. The Corporate operating loss increased from $54.2 million in fiscal
2000 to $120.0 million in fiscal 2001 primarily due to restructuring charges
related to the domestic business.
Interest expense for fiscal 2001 was $87.7 million, a decrease of $6.2
million from fiscal 2000 interest expense of $93.9 million. The decrease in
interest expense was primarily due to favorable interest rates. The average rate
on our variable rate debt was 7.85% in fiscal 2001 compared to 8.78% in fiscal
2000.
Income tax expense was $13.2 million for fiscal 2001 compared to $43.2
million in fiscal 2000. The effective tax rate in fiscal 2001 was 46% compared
to 37.1% for fiscal 2000. The primary driver of the change in the effective tax
rate was the restructuring and other charges recorded in fiscal 2001, which
reduced pre-tax income thereby increasing the effect of non-deductible goodwill
amortization on the effective tax rate. Also, the prior year effective tax rate
benefited from the elimination of tax reserves due to the settlement of certain
tax contingencies.
Net income was $15.5 million for fiscal 2001, or $.51 per common share on a
diluted basis, compared to net income of $73.1 million for fiscal 2000, or $2.25
per common share on a diluted basis. Common shares and equivalents used in the
computation of fully diluted earnings per share in fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2000
were 30.4 million and 29.6 million, respectively. The increase reflects more
common share equivalents due to higher average stock prices and additional
option grants to associates in fiscal 2001.
COMPARISON OF FISCAL 2000 TO FISCAL 1999
Net sales for fiscal 2000 were $1,655.4 million, an increase of 6.8% over
fiscal 1999 net sales of $1,550.6 million. On a pro forma basis, assuming that
the Ortho and Rhone-Poulenc Jardin acquisitions had occurred on October 1, 1998,
net sales for fiscal 2000 were approximately 5.0% higher than pro forma net
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sales for fiscal 1999. The increase in net sales from year to year was driven by
significant increases in net sales across all businesses in the North American
Consumer segment, partially offset by decreases in net sales in the
International Consumer segment as discussed below.
North American Consumer net sales, excluding "Consumer Other" were $1,153.3
million in fiscal 2000, an increase of $150.5 million, or 15.0%, over net sales
for fiscal 1999 of $1,002.8 million. Net sales in the Lawns business increased
$50.5 million, or 12.6%, from fiscal 1999 to fiscal 2000, primarily due to a
significant increase in sales to and consumer takeaway from national home
centers. Net sales in the Gardens business increased $11.2 million, or 8.1%,
primarily driven by strong net sales and market share performance in the
water-soluble and tree spikes product lines and the successful introduction of
new products such as the Miracle-Gro(R) Garden Weed Preventer(TM) line in fiscal
2000. Net sales in the Growing Media business increased $41.7 million, or 17.0%,
due to strong category and market share growth, particularly for value-added
products such as Miracle-Gro(R) Potting Soils. Sales in the Ortho business
increased $30.8 million, or 15.0%, on an actual basis and $15.5 million, or
7.0%, on a pro forma basis, reflecting significantly improved volume with home
center retailers and improved category and market share performance on the
selective weed control product lines. Net sales for the Ortho business were
negatively impacted by the voluntary product return program for the registered
pesticide Ortho(R) Home Defense(R) Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer, sold with the
Pull 'N Spray(R) pump dispenser, the phasing out of products containing the
active ingredient chlorpyrifos and reduced selling efforts by a primary
distributor prior to its termination on September 30, 2000. Consumer Other net
sales were the net sales of the ProTurf(R) business that was sold in May 2000.
Selling price changes did not have a significant impact on net sales in the
North American Consumer segment for fiscal 2000.
Scotts LawnService(R) segment net sales of $20.6 million in fiscal 2000
were $6.6 million above fiscal 1999 net sales of $14.0 million. This increase
reflects growth through acquisitions and new branch openings.
Global Professional segment net sales of $180.5 million in fiscal 2000 were
$7.9 million, or 4.6% above fiscal 1999 net sales of $172.6 million.
International Consumer segment net sales of $264.8 million in fiscal 2000
were $19.7 million lower than net sales for fiscal 1999 of $284.5 million. The
majority of the decrease from year to year was due to the adverse impact of
changes in exchange rates. There were also decreases in the segment's U.K.
consumer business caused by significant product rationalization and unusually
poor weather.
Gross profit increased to $603.0 million for fiscal 2000, an increase of
7.1% over fiscal 1999 gross profit of $563.3 million, driven by the 6.8%
increase in year-to-date net sales discussed above and a slight increase in
gross profit as a percentage of net sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross
profit was 36.4% for fiscal 2000 compared to 36.3% of net sales for fiscal 1999.
This increase in profitability on net sales was driven by a shift to direct
distribution to certain retail accounts, improved product mix toward higher
margin, value-added products and improved efficiencies in Scotts' production
plants, offset by increased urea, fuel and other raw material costs and a
significant erosion in the profitability of the ProTurf(R) business prior to its
sale.
The gross commission from marketing agreement in fiscal 2000 was $39.2
million, compared to $30.3 million in fiscal 1999. The increase in the gross
commission from year to year was driven by significantly higher sales of
consumer Roundup(R) worldwide year over year. Contribution expenses under
marketing agreement were $9.9 million for fiscal 2000, compared to $1.6 million
for fiscal 1999. The increase in contribution expenses was due to an increase in
the contribution payment to Monsanto and an increase of $3.2 million in the
amortization of the $32 million marketing fee paid to Monsanto as a result of
correcting the amortization period from 20 to 10 years. The $3.2 million of
additional amortization represents the additional amortization of $1.6 million
that was not recognized in fiscal 1999 and additional amortization of $1.6
million for fiscal 2000.
Advertising expenses for fiscal 2000 were $89.0 million, an increase of
2.3% over fiscal 1999 advertising expenses of $87.0 million. Promotion expenses
are presented as a reduction of net sales. Promotion expenses increased from
$97.7 million in fiscal 1999 to $108.9 million in fiscal 2000. As a percentage
of net sales before deduction for promotion expenses, combined advertising and
promotion spending was 11.2% in both
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fiscal 2000 and 1999. The spending increase was primarily due to continued
emphasis on increasing advertising and promotion expenses to drive revenue
growth within the North American Consumer segment and investments in advertising
and promotion to drive future sales growth in the International Consumer
segment.
Selling, general and administrative expenses in fiscal 2000 were $312.0
million, an increase of 9.3% over fiscal 1999 expenses of $285.5 million. As a
percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 18.9%
in fiscal 2000 and 18.4% in fiscal 1999. The increase in the dollar amount of
selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily related to a full
year's costs in the Ortho business which was acquired in January 1999, and
increased legal costs as a result of various legal matters discussed elsewhere
in this prospectus supplement.
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles in fiscal 2000 was $27.1
million, an increase of $1.5 million over fiscal 1999 amortization of $25.6
million. This increase was primarily due to fiscal 1999 not reflecting a full
year of amortization related to the Ortho acquisition since the acquisition
occurred in January 1999.
Restructuring and other charges were $1.4 million in fiscal 1999. These
charges represent severance costs associated with the reorganization of the
North American Professional Business Group to strengthen distribution and
technical sales support, integrate brand management across market segments and
reduce annual operating expenses. Substantially all payments have been made as
of September 30, 2000. There were no restructuring charges incurred in fiscal
2000.
Other income in fiscal 2000 was $6.0 million compared to other income of
$3.6 million in the prior year. The increase in other income, on a net basis,
was primarily due to the $4.6 million gain resulting from the sale of the
ProTurf(R) business, partially offset by costs incurred in connection with
Scotts' voluntary return program for the registered pesticide Ortho(R) Home
Defense(R) Indoor & Outdoor Insect Killer, sold with the Pull 'N Spray(R) pump
dispenser and additional losses on disposals of miscellaneous fixed assets.
Income from operations for fiscal 2000 was $210.2 million compared to
$196.1 million for fiscal 1999. The increase in income from operations was due
primarily to the increase in net sales across the North American Consumer
businesses as noted above, partially offset by the decrease in net sales due to
the sale of the ProTurf(R) business.
Interest expense for fiscal 2000 was $93.9 million, an increase of $14.8
million over fiscal 1999 interest expense of $79.1 million. The increase in
interest expense was due to increased borrowings to fund the Ortho acquisition
and an increase in average borrowing rates under our credit facility, partially
offset by reduced working capital requirements.
Income tax expense was $43.2 million for fiscal 2000 compared to $47.9
million in the prior year. Scotts' effective tax rate decreased to 37.1% for
fiscal 2000 compared to 41.0% for the previous year. The decrease in the
effective tax rate for fiscal 2000 is due primarily to a reversal of $3.2
million of tax reserves upon resolution of certain outstanding tax matters
during the third quarter of fiscal 2000 and a reduction in the base tax rate for
the year, before reversal of reserves, to 40.0%.
In conjunction with the Ortho acquisition, in January 1999, Scotts
completed an offering of $330 million of 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due
2009. The net proceeds from this offering, together with borrowings under our
credit facility, were used to fund the Ortho acquisition and repurchase
approximately 97% of the then outstanding $100 million of 9 7/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due August 2004. We recorded an extraordinary loss on the
extinguishment of the 9 7/8% Notes of $9.3 million, including a call premium of
$7.2 million and the write-off of unamortized issuance costs and discounts of
$2.1 million.
Scotts reported net income of $73.1 million for fiscal 2000, or $2.25 per
common share on a diluted basis, compared to net income of $63.2 million for
fiscal 1999, or $2.08 per common share on a diluted basis. The diluted earnings
per share for fiscal 2000 is net of a one-time reduction of $0.22 per share
resulting from the early conversion of Class A Convertible Preferred Stock in
October 1999. The diluted
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earnings per share for fiscal 1999 is net of a $0.19 per share charge associated
with the extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt discussed above.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash provided by operating activities was $152.0 million for the nine
months ended June 29, 2002 compared to $65.5 million for the nine months ended
June 30, 2001. The improvement in cash provided by operations was primarily from
improved working capital driven by a reduction in inventory of $66.5 million.
The seasonal nature of our operations generally requires cash to fund
significant increases in working capital (primarily inventory) during the first
half of the year. Receivables and payables also build substantially in the
second quarter in line with increasing sales as the season begins. These
balances liquidate over the latter part of the second half of the year as the
lawn and garden season winds down. As of the end of the third quarter of fiscal
2002, accounts receivable has not declined at the same pace as in the prior year
because of the shift in sales to the third quarter from the second quarter in
fiscal 2002. Inventory levels declined at a faster pace in the third quarter of
fiscal 2002 than 2001 due to our internal initiatives to drive down inventory
levels.
In April 2002, our subsidiary in the United Kingdom reached agreement with
English Nature on the cessation of peat extraction activities at three peat bogs
leased by us. In late April 2002, we received payments totaling $18.1 million
for the transfer of our interests in the properties and for the immediate
cessation of all but a limited amount of peat extraction on one of the three
sites. Approximately $13.0 million has been recorded as deferred income and will
be recognized in income over the 29 month period which began in May 2002 and
coincides with the period we were allowed to complete extraction activities at
one of the sites. An additional $2.8 million was received for peat inventory
sold to English Nature which will be used for restoration activities to be
conducted at the various sites. We will also receive compensation for services
rendered from time to time in assisting English Nature in restoration
activities. Further amounts of $2.9 million will be payable to us on cessation
of peat extraction on the remaining site before October 2004 and the final
transfer of interests in the property. This agreement is not expected to have an
impact on our ability to source these raw materials.
Cash used in investing activities was $66.6 million for the first nine
months of fiscal 2002 compared to $70.7 million in the prior year period.
Investments in acquired businesses declined due to the acquisition of Substral
at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2001 while payments on seller notes
increased because of payments made on the Substral deferred purchase obligation
in fiscal 2002. Cash payments on acquisitions completed by Scotts LawnService(R)
during both years were similar. However, the total value of acquisitions by
Scotts LawnService(R) in the first half of fiscal 2002 was up by over $15
million from the first half of fiscal 2001.
In March 2002, an arbitration with Rhone-Poulenc Jardin concerning the
amount paid for businesses acquired in 1998 was settled for a cash payment to
Scotts of $10.4 million of which $0.8 million was interest. After payment of
legal fees of $2.6 million, the net proceeds of $6.9 million were recorded as
reductions in goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Financing activities used cash of $29.8 million for the first nine months
of fiscal 2002 compared to providing $45.7 million in the prior year. The
decrease in cash from financing activities was primarily due to the repayment of
borrowings under our credit facility in fiscal 2002 from increased cash provided
by operations during the first nine months of fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal
2001 as noted above, partially offset by the $70 million issuance of senior
subordinated notes in January 2002. The net proceeds of this issuance were used
to pay down borrowings on our revolving credit facility.
Our primary sources of liquidity are funds generated by operations and
borrowings under our credit facility. The credit facility provides for
borrowings in the aggregate principal amount of $1.1 billion and consists of
term loan facilities in the aggregate amount of $525 million and a revolving
credit facility in the amount of $575 million.
Total debt was $836.0 million as of June 29, 2002, a decrease of $60.7
million compared with total debt at June 30, 2001 of $896.7 million. The
decrease in debt compared to the prior year was primarily due to
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scheduled debt repayments on our term loans during fiscal 2001 and the repayment
of all borrowings on our revolver as of June 29, 2002 due to improved cash flow
from operations.
We did not repurchase any treasury shares in fiscal 2001 or in the first
three quarters of fiscal 2002.
Scotts has no off balance sheet financing except for operating leases which
are disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our
fiscal 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K or any financial arrangements with any
related parties. All related party transactions are with and between our
subsidiaries or management. All material intercompany transactions are
eliminated in our consolidated financial statements. All transactions with
management are fully described and disclosed in our proxy statement. Such
transactions pertain primarily to office space provided to and administrative
services provided by Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. and do not exceed $150,000 per
annum.
In late April 2002, a jury awarded us payment of $22.5 million for amounts
owed to us by Central Garden & Pet, a former distributor. At the same time, we
were ordered to pay Central Garden & Pet $12.1 million for fees and credits owed
to them. The verdict is subject to further revision by post trial motions and is
also appealable. The final outcome cannot be determined until the final judgment
is entered by the court and all appeals, if any, are concluded. We are unable to
predict at this time when the determination of a final amount will occur.
In July 2002, our Board of Directors approved a plan to significantly
improve the profitability of the International business; both consumer and
professional. The plan includes implementation of an SAP platform throughout
Europe, as well as efforts to optimize operations in the United Kingdom, France
and Germany, and create a global supply chain. We expect there will be a
significant cash outlay to implement this plan fully over the next three fiscal
years.
In our opinion, cash flows from operations and capital resources will be
sufficient to meet debt service and working capital needs during fiscal 2002,
and thereafter for the foreseeable future. However, we cannot ensure that our
business groups 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. We cannot ensure that we will be able to refinance any indebtedness,
including our credit facility, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
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 operating results.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH CUSTOMERS
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 in North America. To the extent such concentration
continues to occur, our net sales and operating income may be increasingly
sensitive to a deterioration in the financial condition of, or other adverse
developments involving our relationship with, one or more customers. As a result
of consolidation in the retail industry, our customers are able to exert
increasing pressure on us with respect to pricing and payment terms.
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KMART
Kmart, one of our largest customers, filed for bankruptcy relief under
Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code on January 22, 2002. Following such filing, we
recommenced shipping products to Kmart, and we intend to continue shipping
products to Kmart for the foreseeable future. If Kmart does not successfully
emerge from its bankruptcy reorganization, our business could be adversely
affected. We believe the reserves we have recorded for amounts due from Kmart as
of the date of its bankruptcy filing are adequate.
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BUSINESS
COMPANY OVERVIEW
The Scotts Company, an Ohio corporation, traces its heritage back to a
company founded by O.M. Scott in Marysville, Ohio in 1868. In the mid 1900's, we
became widely known for the innovation and development of quality lawn
fertilizers and grass seeds that led to the creation of a new
industry -- consumer lawn care. Today, the Scotts(R), Miracle-Gro(R), Ortho(R)
and Roundup(R) brands make us one of the most widely recognized companies in
lawn and garden care in the United States. For our fiscal year ended September
30, 2001, revenues, net income and adjusted EBITDA (as defined herein) were $1.7
billion, $15.5 million and $255.7 million, respectively. For the nine months
ended June 29, 2002, revenues, net income and adjusted EBITDA were $1.5 billion,
$95.2 million and $279.3 million, respectively, compared to $1.5 billion, $78.9
million and $270.9 million, respectively, for the nine months ended June 30,
2001.
In the 1990's, we significantly expanded our product offering by acquiring
two additional leading brands in the U.S. consumer lawn and garden industry. In
fiscal 1995, through a merger, we acquired the
Miracle-Gro(R) brand, the industry leader in water-soluble garden plant foods.
In fiscal 1999, we acquired the Ortho(R) brand and exclusive rights to market
the consumer Roundup(R) brand, thereby adding industry-leading pesticides and
herbicides to our controls portfolio. We are among the most widely recognized
marketers and manufacturers of products for lawns, gardens and professional
horticulture, and we are rapidly expanding into the lawn care service industry
through our Scotts LawnService(R) business. We believe that our market
leadership is driven by our leading brands, consumer-focused advertising,
superior product performance and the strength of our extensive relationships
with major U.S. retailers in our categories.
In 1997, our presence in Europe expanded with the acquisition of several
established brands. We now have a strong presence in the consumer lawn and
garden business in the United Kingdom, France and Germany, and expect to
increase our share in these markets through consumer-focused marketing, a model
we have successfully followed in the United States. We also have a presence in
the remaining European countries, Australia, the Far East, Latin America and
South America.
We are among the most widely recognized marketers and manufacturers of
products for lawns, gardens, professional turf and horticulture. We believe that
our market leadership is driven by our leading brands, consumer-focused
marketing, product performance and extensive relationships with major U.S.
retailers. Our portfolio of consumer brands, each of which we believe holds a
top one or two leading market share position in its respective U.S. markets,
includes the following:
- Hyponex(R)
- Miracle-Gro(R)
- Ortho(R)
- Osmocote(R)
- Roundup(R) (a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC)
- Scotts(R)
- Turf Builder(R)
Our portfolio of European Union brands includes the following:
- Celaflor(R)
- Fertiligene(R)
- KB(R)
- Levington(R)
- Miracle-Gro(R)
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- Nexa-Lotte(R)
- Shamrock(R)
- Substral(R)
- Weedol(R)
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
We divide our business into four reporting segments:
- North American Consumer;
- Scotts LawnService(R);
- Global Professional; and
- International Consumer.
NORTH AMERICAN CONSUMER
In our North American Consumer segment, we manufacture and market products
that provide fast, easy and effective assistance to homeowners who seek to
nurture beautiful, weed and pest-free lawns, gardens and indoor plants. These
products are sold under brand names that people know and trust, and that
incorporate many of the best technologies available to us. These products
include:
Turf Builder(R). We sell a complete line of granular lawn fertilizer, weed
control, pest control and combination products under the Scotts(R) Turf
Builder(R) brand name. The Turf Builder(R) line of products is designed to make
it easy for do-it-yourself consumers to select and properly apply the right
product in the right quantity for their lawns.
Miracle-Gro(R). We sell a complete line of water-soluble plant foods under
the Miracle-Gro(R) brand name. These products are designed to be dissolved in
water, creating a diluted nutrient solution which is poured over plants or
sprayed through an applicator and rapidly absorbed by a plant's roots and
leaves. Miracle-Gro(R) products are specially formulated to give different kinds
of plants the right kind of nutrition. While Miracle-Gro(R) All-Purpose
Water-Soluble Plant food is the leading product in the Miracle-Gro(R) line by
market share, the Miracle-Gro(R) line includes other products such as
Miracle-Gro(R) Rose Plant Food, Miracle-Gro(R) Tomato Plant Food, Miracle-Gro(R)
Lawn Food and Miracle-Gro(R) Bloom Booster(R). Miracle-Gro continues to look for
ways to improve the convenience of its products for the consumer. The
Miracle-Gro(R) Garden Feeder provides consumers with an easy, fast and effective
way to feed all the plants in their garden. We are also introducing a high
quality, slow release line of Miracle-Gro(R) plant foods for extended feeding
convenience.
Ortho(R). We sell a broad line of weed control, indoor and outdoor pest
control and plant disease control products under the Ortho(R) brand name.
Ortho(R) products are available in aerosol, liquid ready-to-use, concentrated,
granular and dust forms. Ortho(R) products include Weed-B-Gon(R) to control
weeds, Brush-B-Gon(R) to control brush, and Bug-B-Gon(R), RosePride(R),
Ortho-Klor(R), Ant-Stop(R), Orthene(R) Fire Ant control, Ortho(R) Home
Defense(R) and Flea-B-Gon(R) to control pests.
Growing Media. We sell a complete line of growing media products for
indoor and outdoor uses under the Miracle-Gro(R), Scotts(R), Hyponex(R) and
EarthGro(R) brand names, as well as other labels. These products include retail
potting soils, garden soils, topsoil, manures, sphagnum peat and decorative
barks and mulches. The addition of Miracle-Gro(R) fertilizers to potting soils
and garden soils has turned low-margin commodity products into value-added brand
leaders.
Roundup(R). In 1998, we entered into a long-term marketing agreement with
Monsanto and became Monsanto's exclusive agent for the marketing and
distribution of consumer Roundup(R) non-selective herbicide products in the
consumer lawn and garden market within the United States and certain other
specified countries, including Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany and
the United Kingdom.
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Other Products. We manufacture and market three lines of high quality lawn
spreaders under the Scotts(R) brand name: SpeedyGreen(R) rotary spreaders,
AccuGreen(R) drop spreaders and Handy Green II(R) lawn spreaders. We sell a line
of hose-end applicators for water-soluble plant foods such as Miracle-Gro(R)
products, and lines of applicators under the Ortho(R), Dial 'N Spray(R),
Whirlybird(R) and Pull 'N Spray(R) trademarks for the application of certain
insect control products. We also sell numerous varieties and blends of high
quality grass seed, many of them proprietary, designed for different conditions
and geographies. These consumer grass seed products are sold under the Scotts(R)
Pure Premium(R), Scotts(R) Turf Builder(R), Scotts(R) and PatchMaster(R) brands.
SCOTTS LAWNSERVICE(R).
In addition to our products, we provide residential lawn care, tree and
shrub care and external pest control services through our Scotts LawnService(R)
business. These services consist primarily of fertilizer, weed control, pest
control and disease control applications.
GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL
Through our Global Professional segment, we sell professional products to
commercial nurseries, greenhouses, landscape service providers and specialty
crop growers in North America and internationally in many locations including
Africa, Australia, the Caribbean, the European Union, Japan, Latin America, the
Middle East, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.
We also sell a broad line of sophisticated controlled-release fertilizers,
water-soluble fertilizers, pesticide products, wetting agents and growing media
products to international commercial customers under brand names that include
Banrot(R), Metro-Mix(R), Miracle-Gro(R), Osmocote(R), Peters(R), Poly-S(R),
Rout(R), ScottKote(R), Shamrock(R) and Sierra(R).
INTERNATIONAL CONSUMER
In our International Consumer segment, we sell consumer lawn and garden
products in over 25 countries outside of North America. Our International
Consumer segment also manages and markets the consumer Roundup(R) business with
Monsanto outside of North America under a long-term marketing agreement.
Our International Consumer products and brand names vary from country to
country depending upon the market conditions, brand name strength and the nature
of our strategic relationships in a given country. For example, in the United
Kingdom, we sell Miracle-Gro(R) plant fertilizers, Weedol(R) and Pathclear(R)
herbicides, EverGreen(R) lawn fertilizer and Levington(R) growing media. Our
other international brands include KB(R) and Fertiligene(R) in France,
Celaflor(R), Nexa-Lotte(R) and Substral(R) in Germany and Austria, and ASEF(R),
KB(R) and Substral(R) in the Benelux countries.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
We believe strongly in the benefits of research and development, and we
continually invest in research and development to improve on existing products,
manufacturing processes, and packaging and delivery systems, and to develop new
products, manufacturing processes and packaging and product delivery systems. In
fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999, we spent nearly $24.7 million (1.5% of our net
sales), $24.1 million (1.5% of our net sales) and $21.7 million (1.4% of our net
sales), respectively, on research and development, including environmental and
regulatory expenses. We believe that our long-standing commitment to innovation
has benefited us, as evidenced by a portfolio of patents worldwide that support
most of our fertilizers and many of our grass seeds and application devices. In
addition to the benefits of our own research and development, we benefit from
the research and development activities of our suppliers.
Our research and development headquarters for North America are located at
the Dwight G. Scott Research Center in Marysville, Ohio. We also have research
and development facilities in Levington, the United Kingdom; Ecully, France;
Ingelheim, Germany; Heerlen, the Netherlands and Sydney, Australia, as well as
several research field stations located throughout the United States.
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BIOTECHNOLOGY
In addition to our traditional research and development activities, we are
currently conducting biotechnology research with the goal of developing
turfgrass varieties and plants that consumers would find more desirable than
conventionally developed varieties. Before a product enhanced by biotechnology
may be sold in the United States, it must be "deregulated" by appropriate
governmental agencies. We have not submitted a petition for deregulation with
regard to any such product; however, we intend to submit a petition for
deregulation of a creeping bentgrass product enhanced by biotechnology in the
near future. There can be no assurance that if we submit a petition for
deregulation of this bentgrass product or any other product enhanced by
biotechnology, the petition will be approved, or that if approved and
commercially introduced by us, any such product will generate any revenues for
us or contribute to our earnings. As with all products commercially introduced
by us, any product enhanced by biotechnology will meet and may exceed all
legally required testing and safety standards prior to introduction.
TRADEMARKS, PATENTS AND LICENSES
The Scotts(R), Miracle-Gro(R), Hyponex(R) and Ortho(R) brand names and
logos, as well as a number of product trademarks, including Turf Builder(R),
Osmocote(R) and Peters(R), are federally and/or internationally registered and
are considered material to our business. We regularly monitor our trademark
registrations, which are generally effective for ten years, so that we can renew
those nearing expiration.
As of September 30, 2001, we held over 90 issued patents in the United
States covering fertilizer, chemical and growing media compositions and
processes, grasses and application devices. Many of these patents have also been
issued in numerous countries around the world, bringing our total worldwide
patents to more than 300. International patents are subject to annual renewal,
with patent protection generally extending to 20 years from the date of filing.
Many of our patents extend well into the next decade. In addition, we continue
to file new patent applications each year. Currently, we have over 190 pending
patent applications worldwide. We also hold exclusive and non-exclusive patent
licenses from various raw material suppliers, permitting the use and sale of
additional patented fertilizers and pesticides.
During fiscal 2001, we were granted a number of new U.S. patents covering
methylene-urea and coated fertilizers, as well as novel application devices and
growing media compositions.
One of our material methylene-urea patents expired in July 2001. This
product composition patent covered Scotts(R) Turf Builder(R), Scotts(R) Turf
Builder(R) with Plus 2(R) Weed Control and Scotts(R) Turf Builder(R) with
Halts(R) Crabgrass Control, among other products. These products are also the
subject of a separate patent extending to 2010, which covers the current and
preferred manufacturing method for producing these products. Although these
products possibly could be manufactured by an alternative method, we believe
that the higher manufacturing costs to replicate these products and the strength
of the Scotts(R) brand should lessen the likelihood of product duplication by
any competitor.
ROUNDUP(R) MARKETING AGREEMENT
On September 30, 1998, we entered into a marketing agreement with Monsanto
and became Monsanto's exclusive agent for the marketing and distribution of
consumer Roundup(R) products in the consumer lawn and garden market within the
United States and other specified countries, including Australia, Austria,
Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. In addition, if Monsanto
develops new products containing glyphosate, the active ingredient in
Roundup(R), or other non-selective herbicides, we have specified rights to
market those products in the consumer lawn and garden market. Glyphosate is no
longer subject to a patent in the United States or elsewhere.
Under the marketing agreement, we and Monsanto are jointly responsible for
developing global consumer and trade marketing programs for Roundup(R). We have
assumed responsibility for sales support, merchandising, distribution and
logistics for Roundup(R). Monsanto continues to own the consumer Roundup(R)
business and provides significant oversight of its brand. In addition, Monsanto
continues to own and operate the agricultural Roundup(R) business. A steering
committee comprised of two Scotts designees and two
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Monsanto designees has ultimate oversight over the consumer Roundup(R) business.
In the event of a deadlock, the president of Monsanto's agricultural division is
entitled to the tie-breaking vote.
We are compensated under the marketing agreement based on the success of
the consumer Roundup(R) business in the markets covered by the agreement. In
addition to recovering out-of-pocket costs on a fully burdened basis, we receive
a graduated commission to the extent that the earnings before interest and taxes
of the consumer Roundup(R) business in the included markets exceed specified
thresholds. Regardless of these earnings, we are required to make an annual
contribution payment against the overall expenses of the Roundup(R) business.
For fiscal 2001, this contribution payment was $15 million and for fiscal 2002,
it will be $20 million. Beginning in fiscal 2003 until 2018 or the earlier
termination of the agreement, the annual contribution payment will be $25
million and may be higher if certain significant earnings targets are achieved.
Our net commission under the marketing agreement is equal to the graduated
commission amount described above less the applicable contribution payment and
amortization of the marketing rights advance payment. The net commission is the
amount that we actually recognize on our consolidated statements of operations.
For fiscal 2001, the net commission was $20.8 million.
The marketing agreement has no definite term, except as it relates to the
European Union countries. With respect to the European Union countries, the
initial term of the marketing agreement extends through September 30, 2005.
After September 30, 2005, the parties may agree to renew the agreement with
respect to the European Union countries for three successive terms ending on
September 30, 2008, 2015 and 2018, respectively. However, if Monsanto does not
agree to any of the extension periods with respect to the European Union
countries, the commission structure will be recalculated in a manner likely to
be favorable to us.
Monsanto has the right to terminate the marketing agreement upon certain
specified events of default by Scotts, including uncured material breach,
material fraud, material misconduct or egregious injury to the Roundup(R) brand.
Monsanto also has the right to terminate the agreement upon a change of control
of Monsanto or the sale of the consumer Roundup(R) business, so long as the
termination occurs later than September 30, 2003. In addition, Monsanto may
terminate the agreement within specified regions, including North America, for
specified declines in the consumer Roundup(R) business.
We have rights similar to Monsanto's to terminate the marketing agreement
upon an uncured material breach, material fraud or material willful misconduct
by Monsanto. In addition, we may terminate the agreement upon Monsanto's sale of
the consumer Roundup(R) business or in certain other circumstances, in which
case we would not be able to collect the termination fee described below.
If Monsanto terminates the marketing agreement upon a change of control of
Monsanto or the sale of the consumer Roundup(R) business, or if we terminate the
agreement upon an uncured material breach, material fraud or material willful
misconduct by Monsanto, we will be entitled to receive a termination fee of up
to $185 million if the termination occurs prior to September 30, 2003, with the
termination fee declining over time to $100 million if the termination occurs
prior to September 30, 2008.
Monsanto has agreed to provide us with notice of any proposed sale of the
consumer Roundup(R) business, allow us to participate in the sale process and
negotiate in good faith with us with respect to a sale. If the sale is run as an
auction, we would be entitled to a 15-day exclusive negotiation period following
the submission of all bids to Monsanto. In the event that we acquire the
consumer Roundup(R) business in such a sale, we would receive credit against the
purchase price in the amount of the termination fee that would otherwise have
been paid to us upon termination by Monsanto of the marketing agreement upon the
sale. If Monsanto decides to sell the consumer Roundup(R) business to another
party, we must let Monsanto know whether we intend to terminate the marketing
agreement and forfeit any right to a termination fee or whether we will agree to
continue to perform under the agreement on behalf of the purchaser, unless and
until the purchaser terminates our services and pays the applicable termination
fee.
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COMPETITION
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 and advertising.
In the North American consumer do-it-yourself lawn and garden markets and
pest control markets, we compete against "control label" products as well as
branded products. "Control label" products are those sold under a retailer-owned
label or a supplier-owned label, which are sold exclusively at a specific retail
chain. The control label products that we compete with include Vigoro(R)
products sold at Home Depot, Sta-Green(R) products sold at Lowe's, Sam's
American Choice(R) products sold at Wal*Mart and KGro(R) products sold at Kmart.
Our competitors in branded lawn and garden products and the consumer pest
control markets include United Industries Corporation, Pursell Industries, Inc.,
Bayer AG, Central Garden & Pet Company, Lesco, Inc., Schultz Co., Garden Tech,
Enforcer Products, Inc., Green Light Company and Lebanon Chemical Corp.
TruGreen-ChemLawn, a division of ServiceMaster, has a majority of the market
share in the U.S. lawn care service market and has a substantially larger share
of this market than our Scotts LawnService(R). With respect to growing media
products, in addition to nationally distributed, branded competitive products,
we face competition from regional competitors who are able to compete
effectively on the basis of price.
In the North American professional horticulture markets, we face a broad
range of competition from numerous companies ranging in size from multi-national
chemical and fertilizer companies such as Dow AgroSciences Company, Uniroyal
Chemical Corporation and Chisso-Asahi Fertilizer Co. Ltd., to smaller,
specialized companies such as Pursell Technologies, Inc., Sun Gro-U.S. (a
Division of Hines Horticulture, Inc.) and Fafard, Inc. Some of these competitors
have significant financial resources and research departments that may allow
them to compete effectively with us.
The international professional horticulture markets in which we compete are
also very competitive, particularly the markets for controlled-release and
water-soluble fertilizer products. We have numerous U.S. and European
competitors in these international markets, including Pursell Industries, Inc.,
Lesco, Inc., Compo GmbH, Norsk Hydro ASA, Haifa Chemicals Ltd. and Kemira Oyj.
We also face competition from control label products.
Internationally, we face strong competition in the lawn and garden market,
particularly in Europe. Our competitors in the European Union include Bayer AG,
Kali & Salz (Compo, Algoflash brands) and a variety of local companies.
SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
Seventy-two percent of our worldwide net sales in fiscal year 2001 were
made by our North American Consumer segment. Within the North American Consumer
segment, 34% of our net sales in fiscal 2001 were made to Home Depot, 17% to
Wal*Mart, 11% to Lowe's and 10% to Kmart. We face strong competition for the
business of these significant customers. The loss of any of these significant
customers or a substantial decrease in the volume or profitability of our
business with any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our
earnings and profits.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
SINGLE SALES FORCE/SUPPLY CHAIN
Prior to fiscal 2001, our North American operations were aligned in
business units (e.g. Lawns, Ortho, Gardens, Growing Media) that operated
semi-autonomously from each other. Each business unit had a separate sales force
that contacted a largely common customer base and each business unit directed
separate marketing campaigns. Supply chain (manufacturing and distribution)
activities were also partly autonomous. In order to meet the needs of a changed
marketplace, where a few companies comprise a major portion of the retail home
and garden market, we redesigned, in fiscal 2001, the manner in which the Lawns,
Ortho and Gardens business units go to market with their customers. The Growing
Media business unit, due to its production and sale of locally produced
products, was unaffected by this change.
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The major changes initiated in fiscal 2001 were the creation of a single
sales force aligned around our key customers, a reduction in the use of
distributors and agents to service customers, coordination of product
warehousing and delivery of ordered products to our customers, and coordination
of marketing programs. Further refinement of this process is continuing in
fiscal 2002 and has led to further restructuring charges.
ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING SYSTEM
The consolidation of the sales force and the rationalization of our supply
chain could not have been achieved without a robust ERP system. We have spent
$55 million to acquire and implement SAP software in North America. SAP is
intended to enable the smooth coordination of a centralized order entry system,
allowing production scheduling through company-owned and outsourced
manufacturing facilities, efficient distribution through a network of warehouses
around the country, real-time access to our transaction information and a data
warehouse to track our business activity.
REDUCTION IN FORCE/RESTRUCTURING
During fiscal 2001, in an effort to improve our profitability and increase
our return on invested capital, we decided to close several facilities in the
United States and Europe, limit headcount, eliminate redundancy in the North
American sales force and supply chain, consolidate the world headquarters and
North American headquarters at our main facility in Marysville, Ohio, eliminate
certain product lines and reevaluate or exit certain contractual relationships.
In the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2001, as these decisions were being
finalized or, in the case of the headcount limitation, communicated to the
affected associates, we recorded restructuring and other charges totaling $75.7
million. Of these costs, approximately $48.0 million will require cash outlay
and approximately $27.7 million will be in the form of asset write-downs.
Additional costs, estimated at approximately $4.5 million related to the
relocation of employees and equipment and inventory, are expected to be incurred
and recorded as expense in fiscal 2002. Under generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States, these costs cannot be accrued in advance of
when they actually occur. Additional restructuring costs or other charges may be
incurred in fiscal 2002 as our evaluation of operations, profitability and
return on invested capital continues.
SEASONALITY AND BACKLOG
Our business is highly seasonal with approximately 77% and 75% of our net
sales occurring in our second and third quarters of fiscal 2001 and 2000,
respectively, excluding Roundup(R) product sales.
Consistent with prior years, we anticipate that significant orders for the
upcoming spring season will start to be received late in the first fiscal
quarter and continue through the spring season. Historically, substantially all
orders are received and shipped within the same fiscal year with minimal
carryover of open orders at the end of the fiscal year.
RAW MATERIALS
We purchase raw materials for our products from various sources that we
presently consider to be adequate, and no one source is considered essential to
any of our segments or to our business as a whole. We are subject to market risk
from fluctuating market prices of certain raw materials, including urea and
other chemicals and paper and plastic products. Our objectives surrounding the
procurement of these materials are to ensure continuous supply and to minimize
costs. We seek to achieve these objectives through negotiation of contracts with
favorable terms directly with vendors. We do not enter into forward contracts or
other market instruments as a means of achieving our objectives or minimizing
our risk exposures on these materials.
DISTRIBUTION
The primary distribution centers for our North American Consumer businesses
are located at or near our manufacturing plants in Marysville, Ohio and Fort
Madison, Iowa and contract packaging facilities in Sullivan, Missouri for
Ortho(R) and Roundup(R) products and three other contract packaging facilities
located
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throughout the United States for Miracle-Gro(R) products. In addition, we also
use nine regional distribution centers located in strategic areas across the
United States for direct service to customers during peak periods. While the
majority of truck shipments are made by contract carriers, a portion is made by
our own fleet of leased trucks.
Our Global Professional business produces horticultural products at one
growing media and two fertilizer manufacturing facilities located in the United
States and one fertilizer manufacturing facility located in Heerlen, the
Netherlands. The majority of shipments is made via common carriers through
distributors in the United States and a network of public warehouses in Europe.
Global Professional products for the United Kingdom are warehoused and shipped
from warehouses in Daventry (Northamptonshire) and Chasetown (Staffordshire), in
the United Kingdom.
Our International Consumer business uses production facilities in Howden
(East Yorkshire) and Bramford (Suffolk), in the United Kingdom and distributes
products for the U.K. markets through the Daventry warehouse. Fertilizers and
pesticide products manufactured in Bourth, France are shipped to customers via a
central distribution center located in Savigny, France. Growing media products
are packaged at Hatfield in the United Kingdom for local delivery and are also
produced in Hautmont, France for continental European customers.
EMPLOYEES
As of September 30, 2001, we employed 3,251 full-time workers in the United
States and an additional 1,234 full-time employees located outside the United
States. During peak production periods, we engage as many as 1,212 temporary
workers in the United States and 50 temporary workers internationally.
None of our U.S. employees are members of a union, with the exception of 26
employees at our Milpitas, California facility, who are represented by the
International Chemical Workers Union Council/ United Food and Commercial Workers
Union. Approximately 120 of our full-time U.K. employees are members of the
Transport and General Workers Union and have full collective bargaining rights.
An undisclosed number of our full-time employees at our international
headquarters office in Ecully, France are members of the Confederation Generale
des Cadres, Confederation Francaise Democratique du Travail and Confederation
Generale du Travail, participation in which is confidential under French law. In
addition, a number of union and non-union full-time employees are members of
works councils at three sites in Bourth, Hautmont and Ecully, France, and a
number of non-union employees are members of works councils in Ingelheim,
Germany. Works councils represent employees on labor and employment matters and
manage social benefits. We consider our current relationships with our
employees, both unionized and non-unionized, U.S. and international, to be good.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
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 (and similar state agencies) before they can be
sold. The inability to obtain or the cancellation of any such registration could
have an adverse effect on our business, the severity of which would depend on
the products involved, whether another product could be substituted and whether
our competitors were similarly affected. We attempt to anticipate regulatory
developments and maintain registrations of, and access to, substitute chemicals,
but there can be no assurance that we will continue to be able to avoid or
minimize these risks. Fertilizer and growing media products are also subject to
state and foreign labeling regulations. Our manufacturing operations are subject
to waste, water and air quality permitting and other regulatory requirements of
federal and state agencies.
The Food Quality Protection Act, enacted by the U.S. Congress in August
1996, establishes a standard for food-use pesticides, which standard is the
reasonable certainty that no harm will result from the cumulative effects of
pesticide exposures. Under this act, the U.S. EPA is evaluating the cumulative
risks from dietary and non-dietary exposures to pesticides. The pesticides in
our products, certain of which may be used on crops processed into various food
products, are typically manufactured by independent third parties
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and continue to be evaluated by the U.S. EPA as part of this exposure risk
assessment. The U.S. EPA or the third party registrant may decide that a
pesticide we use in our products will be limited or made unavailable to us, such
as has occurred in past years with regard to diazinon and chlorpyrifos. We
cannot predict the outcome or the severity of the effect of these continuing
evaluations.
In addition, the use of certain pesticide and fertilizer products is
regulated by various local, state, federal and foreign environmental and public
health agencies. These regulations may include requirements that only certified
or professional users apply the product or that certain products be used only on
certain types of locations (such as "not for use on sod farms or golf courses"),
may require users to post notices on properties to which products have been or
will be applied, may require notification to individuals in the vicinity that
products will be applied in the future or may ban the use of certain
ingredients. We believe that we are operating in substantial compliance with, or
taking action aimed at ensuring compliance with, these laws and regulations.
Compliance with these regulations and the obtaining of registrations does not
assure, however, that our products will not cause injury to the environment or
to people under all circumstances.
State and federal authorities generally require growing media facilities to
obtain permits (sometimes on an annual basis) in order to harvest peat and to
discharge storm water run-off or water pumped from peat deposits. The state
permits typically specify the condition in which the property must be left after
the peat is fully harvested, with the residual use typically being natural
wetland habitats combined with open water areas. We are generally required by
these permits to limit our harvesting and to restore the property consistent
with the intended residual use. In some locations, these facilities have been
required to create water retention ponds to control the sediment content of
discharged water.
Regulations and environmental concerns also exist surrounding peat
extraction in the United Kingdom and the European Union. In August 2000, English
Nature, the nature conservation advisory body to the U.K. government notified us
that three of our peat harvesting sites in the United Kingdom were under
consideration as possible "Special Areas of Conservation" under European Union
law. In April 2002, we reached agreement with English Nature to transfer our
interests in the properties and for the immediate cessation of all but a limited
amount of peat extraction on one of the three sites. As a result of this
agreement we have withdrawn our objection to the proposed European designations
as Special Areas of Conservation and will undertake restoration work on the
sites, for which we will receive additional consideration from English Nature.
We believe that we have sufficient raw material supplies available to replace
the peat extracted from such sites.
REGULATORY ACTIONS
In June 1997, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency initiated an
enforcement action against us with respect to alleged surface water violations
and inadequate treatment capabilities at our Marysville facility and seeking
corrective action under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The
action relates to several discontinued on-site disposal areas which date back to
the early operations of the Marysville facility that we had already been
assessing voluntarily. 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.
Now that the Consent Order has been entered, we have 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. We recorded a charge of $3 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.
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At June 29, 2002, $8.7 million was accrued for the environmental and
regulatory matters described herein. The significant component of this accrual
are costs for site remediation of $6.9 million. The significant portion of the
costs accrued as of June 29, 2002, are expected to be paid in fiscal 2003 and
2004; however, payments could be made for a period thereafter.
We believe that the amounts accrued as of June 29, 2002 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.
For the nine months ended June 29, 2002, we incurred approximately $4.9
million in environmental expenses, compared with approximately $0.6 million in
environmental capital expenditures and $2.1 million in other environmental
expenses for fiscal 2001. Included in the $4.9 million is a $3.0 million
increase in the accrual for future costs related to site remediation as
described above. We anticipate that environmental capital expenditures and other
environmental expenses for the remainder of fiscal 2002 will not be significant
in comparison to the nine months ended June 29, 2002.
PROPERTIES
We have fee or leasehold interests in approximately 120 properties.
We lease land from the Union County Community Improvement Corporation in
Marysville, Ohio for our headquarters and the Dwight G. Scott Research Center
for our research and development functions. We own property in Marysville, Ohio
for our manufacturing and distribution facilities. Combined, these facilities
are situated on approximately 875 acres of land. During fiscal 2001, we leased
space in downtown Columbus, Ohio for our World Headquarters office, which we
closed in September 2001 and relocated to the Marysville, Ohio facility.
The North American Consumer business uses three research facilities. We own
one in Apopka, Florida, another in Gervais, Oregon, and lease the third in
Waterloo, New York. We also own a production facility which encompasses 27 acres
in Fort Madison, Iowa and lease a spreader and other durable components
manufacturing facility in Temecula, California. We operate 24 growing media
facilities in 21 states; 20 of which are owned by us and four of which are
leased. Most of our growing media facilities include production lines,
warehouses, offices and field processing areas. As of October 1, 2001, we had
one compost facility, located at a bagging facility in Lebanon, Connecticut. We
lease property for 38 lawn care service centers in Connecticut, Georgia,
Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New
Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. We also lease sales offices in
Atlanta, Georgia; Troy, Michigan; Wilkesboro, North Carolina; Rolling Meadows,
Illinois; and Bentonville, Arkansas.
The Global Professional business has offices in Marysville, Ohio and
Waardenburg, the Netherlands and a manufacturing facility in Heerlen, the
Netherlands. We also lease three manufacturing facilities for Global
Professional horticultural products in Milpitas, California; North Charleston,
South Carolina; and Travelers Rest, South Carolina.
The International Consumer business leases its U.K. office, located in
Godalming (Surrey); French headquarters and local operations office, located in
Ecully; and German office, located in Ingelheim. We own manufacturing facilities
in Howden, Hatfield and Swinefleet (East Yorkshire) and Bramford (Suffolk) in
the
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United Kingdom. We also own the Hautmont plant in France, which is a blending
and bagging facility for growing media; and a plant in Bourth, France, that we
use for formulating, blending and packaging control products for the consumer
market. The manufacturing site in Heerlen, the Netherlands is also used to
produce and pack coated fertilizers for the consumer market. We maintain a sales
and research and development facility at our Ingelheim, Germany site. We lease a
sales office in Saint Niklaas, Belgium. As a result of the Ortho(R) acquisition,
we acquired a plant in Corwen, United Kingdom.
We lease warehouse space throughout the United States and continental
Europe as needed.
We believe that our facilities are adequate to serve their intended
purposes at this time and that our property leasing arrangements are
satisfactory.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In addition to the several pending environmental matters, we are involved
in a number of potentially material legal proceedings.
AGREVO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, INC.
On June 3, 1999, AgrEvo Environmental Health, Inc. (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,
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 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
the purchase 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.
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 in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of Ohio to recover approximately $24 million in
accounts receivable and additional damages for other breaches of duty.
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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 Pharmacia Corporation (formerly
Monsanto). The court 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 have been filed in the
Ohio Action, but so far Central Garden has not challenged the propriety of the
$22.5 million award to Scotts and Scotts has challenged only $750,000 of the
$12.1 million awarded to Central Garden on its counterclaim. Central Garden has
challenged, however, the dismissal during trial of several other counterclaims.
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.
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 the breach of contract claims previously dismissed by the District
Court in the California federal action described above, and additional claims
under Section 17200 of the California Business 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.
All claims in the Contra Costa action currently remain stayed. A further
status conference is set for November 26, 2002. Central Garden and Pharmacia
have settled some or all of their claims relating to this action.
Scotts believes that Central Garden's remaining state claims are without
merit and intends to vigorously defend against them. 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 for which Scotts
believes it has adequate reserves recorded for the amounts it may ultimately be
required to pay.
RHONE-POULENC, S.A., RHONE-POULENC AGRO S.A. AND HOECHST, A.G.
On October 15, 1999, we began arbitration proceedings before the
International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (or
ICA) against Rhone-Poulenc S.A. and Rhone-Poulenc Agro S.A. under arbitration
provisions contained in contracts relating to the purchase by Scotts of the
defendant's European lawn and garden business, Rhone-Poulenc Jardin, in 1998. We
alleged that the combination of the Rhone-Poulenc defendants and Hoechst
Schering AgrEvo GmbH (or AgrEvo) into a new entity, Aventis S.A., would result
in the violation of non-compete and other provisions in the contracts mentioned
above.
On October 9, 2000, the ICA issued a First Partial Award by the Tribunal
which, inter alia: (i) found that the defendants breached their duty of good
faith under French law by not disclosing to us the contemplated combination with
Rhone-Poulenc and AgrEvo; (ii) directed that the parties re-negotiate a non-
compete provision; and (iii) ruled that a Research and Development Agreement
entered into ancillary to the purchase of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin is binding upon
both defendants and their post-merger successor. On
S-39
February 12, 2001, because of the parties' failure to agree on revisions to the
non-compete provision, the ICA issued a Second Partial Award by the Tribunal
revising that provision.
On February 18, 2002, the ICA issued a Third Partial Award by the Tribunal
directing that Rhone-Poulenc pay Scotts the sum of approximately 11.9 million
Euros including interest from October 15, 1999. In early March 2002,
Rhone-Poulenc paid the amounts awarded by the Tribunal to Scotts.
Also on October 15, 1999, we filed a complaint against Rhone-Poulenc, S.A.,
Rhone-Poulenc Agro S.A. and Hoechst, A.G., in the Court of Common Pleas for
Union County, Ohio, seeking injunctive relief maintaining the status quo in aid
of the arbitration proceedings as well as an award of damages against Hoechst
for Hoechst's tortious interference with our contractual rights. On October 19,
1999, the defendants removed the Union County action to the United States
District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. A stay on the action pending
the outcome of the arbitration proceedings was granted by the District Court on
February 18, 2000.
SCOTTS V. UNITED INDUSTRIES AND PURSELL, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
On April 15, 2002, Scotts and OMS Investments, Inc., a subsidiary of Scotts
that holds various Scotts intellectual property assets, filed a six count
complaint against United Industries Corp. and Pursell Industries, Inc. 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. Scotts also
filed its motion for preliminary injunction.
The claims in the complaint center upon United Industries and Pursell's use
of trade dress on the packaging of their lawn care, garden care and
insecticide/herbicide products that closely mimic Scotts' unique, proprietary
and famous trademarks and trade dress. The complaint seeks an injunction
enjoining United Industries and Pursell from using any trademarks, trade dress,
packaging, promotional materials or other items which incorporate, which are
confusingly similar to or which dilute the trademarks and trade dress
encompassed in and featured in Scotts' Miracle-Gro(R) line, Ortho(R) line or
Turf Builder(R) line. The complaint also seeks compensatory damages, treble
damages, costs and attorney's fees.
United Industries subsequently filed its answer and counterclaim. Its
counterclaim seeks to cancel Scotts' Miracle-Gro(R) and Design trademark
registration and Scotts' pending Ortho(R) Orthene(R) Fire Ant Killer and Design
trademark application.
The court held a hearing on July 24 and 25, 2002, on Scotts' motion for
preliminary injunction. Specifically, the motion seeks an injunction enjoining
United Industries, pending trial, from manufacturing, producing, shipping,
distributing, advertising, promoting, displaying, selling or offering for sale
products in the 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 incorporate or are
confusingly similar to the trademarks and trade dress featured in Scotts'
Ortho(R) Orthene(R) Fire Ant Killer product packaging. The court denied the
motion on August 23, 2002.
We do not anticipate incurring any damages relating to this action.
OTHER
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.
S-40
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information, as of August 30, 2002, of our
directors and executive officers.
<Table>
<Caption>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- --- --------
Charles M. Berger......................... 66 Chairman of the Board
James Hagedorn............................ 47 President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director
Michael P. Kelty, Ph.D. .................. 51 Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President
David M. Aronowitz........................ 46 Executive Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary
Hadia Lefavre............................. 57 Executive Vice President, Human Resources
Worldwide
Patrick J. Norton(1)...................... 51 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Director
Michel J. Farkouh......................... 45 Executive Vice President, International
Consumer Business Group
L. Robert Stohler......................... 60 Executive Vice President, North America
Christopher L. Nagel(1)................... 40 Senior Vice President, Corporate and North
American Finance
Arnold W. Donald.......................... 47 Director
Joseph P. Flannery........................ 70 Director
Albert E. Harris.......................... 70 Director
John Kenlon............................... 71 Director
Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield............ 47 Director
Karen G. Mills............................ 48 Director
John M. Sullivan.......................... 67 Director
L. Jack Van Fossen........................ 64 Director
John Walker, Ph.D. ....................... 62 Director
</Table>
- ---------------
(1) On August 28, 2002, Scotts reported that Mr Norton would retire on December
31, 2002, and that Mr. Nagel would become Chief Financial Officer on January
1, 2003.
CHARLES M. BERGER was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Scotts
in August 1996. From August 1996 to May 2001, he was also Chief Executive
Officer of Scotts, and from August 1996 until April 2000, he was also President
of Scotts. Mr. Berger came to Scotts from H.J. Heinz Company. During his 32-year
career at Heinz, he held the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Heinz India Pvt. Ltd. (Bombay); Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Weight Watchers International, Inc., a Heinz affiliate; Managing
Director and Chief Executive Officer of Heinz-Italy (Milan), the largest Heinz
profit center in Europe; General Manager, Marketing, for Heinz U.S. grocery
products; Marketing Director for Heinz U.K. (London); and Director of Corporate
Planning at Heinz World Headquarters. He is also a former director of
Miracle-Gro Products. Mr. Berger is a member of our board of directors'
Nominating and Board Governance Committee.
JAMES HAGEDORN was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Scotts in
May 2001. He served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Scotts from
April 2000 to May 2001, and as President, Scotts North America, of Scotts from
December 1998 to April 2000. He was previously Executive Vice President, U.S.
Business Groups, of Scotts from October 1996 to December 1998. Mr. Hagedorn is
the son of Horace Hagedorn, Director Emeritus of Scotts, and the brother of
Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield, a director of Scotts. Mr. Hagedorn also serves
as a director of Scotts.
MICHAEL P. KELTY, PH.D., was named Vice Chairman and Executive Vice
President of Scotts in May 2001. He served as Group Executive Vice President,
Technology and Operations, of Scotts, from February 2000 to May 2001. He was
previously Executive Vice President, Technology and Operations, of
S-41
Scotts, from February 1999 to February 2000. From July 1995 to February 1999, he
was Senior Vice President, Professional Business Group, of Scotts.
DAVID M. ARONOWITZ was named Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of Scotts in October 2001. He was previously Senior Vice President,
Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of Scotts, from February 2000
to October 2001. From October 1998 until February 2000, Mr. Aronowitz was Vice
President and Assistant General Counsel of Scotts. From January 1996 to October
1998, he was Assistant General Counsel for Insilco Corporation, a Delaware
corporation, based in Dublin, Ohio, and Group General Counsel for Taylor
Publishing Company, an Insilco subsidiary. From May 1995 to January 1996, he was
of counsel to the New York law firm of McCarrick, Finnerty & Mayer. From May
1993 to May 1995, he was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for
Grimes Aerospace Company, a company based in Columbus, Ohio.
HADIA LEFAVRE was named Executive Vice President, Human Resources Worldwide
of Scotts in May 2001. She served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Worldwide, of Scotts, from March 1999 to May 2001. From October 1995 to October
1998, she served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources Worldwide, at
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc., a pharmaceutical company based in Pennsylvania.
PATRICK J. NORTON was named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Scotts in May 2000, having served as interim Chief Financial Officer
of Scotts since February 2000. From 1983 until February 1997, Mr. Norton was the
President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Barefoot Inc., the second
largest lawn care company in the United States prior to its acquisition in
February 1997 by ServiceMaster. Mr. Norton also serves as a director of Scotts.
Mr. Norton is a member of our board of directors' Finance Committee.
MICHEL J. FARKOUH was named Executive Vice President, International
Consumer Business Group, of Scotts in October 2001. From May 2001 to October
2001, he served as Senior Vice President, International Consumer Business Group,
of Scotts, after having served as interim senior vice president from October
2000 to May 2001. From May 1999 to October 2000, he served as Senior Vice
President, Zone 3, International, having joined Scotts France SAS in January
1999. From January 1997 to the time he joined Scotts, he was Vice President,
Worldwide Lawn and Garden Category Manager, of Monsanto Company. From 1991 to
January 1997, he was General Manager, Lawn and Garden Europe, of Monsanto
Company.
L. ROBERT STOHLER was named Executive Vice President, North America, of
Scotts in October 2001. From July 2001 to October 2001, he served as acting
Senior Vice President, North America, of Scotts. From October 1998 to July 2001,
he served as Senior Vice President, Consumer Lawns Business Group, of Scotts. He
served as Senior Vice President, International Business Group, of Scotts from
December 1996 to October 1998. From November 1995 to December 1996, he served as
Vice President, International Business Group, of Scotts.
CHRISTOPHER L. NAGEL was named Senior Vice President, Corporate and North
American Finance of Scotts in July 2001. He served as Vice President and
Corporate Controller of Scotts from September 1998 to June 2001. From September
1997 to September 1998, Mr. Nagel was Chief Financial Officer of Borden
Chemicals and Plastics, a Delaware master limited partnership, based in Geismar,
Louisiana. From August 1995 to August 1998, he was Corporate Controller of
Borden Foods Corporation based in Columbus, Ohio.
ARNOLD W. DONALD was elected by the board of directors of Scotts in October
2000. Since March 2000, Mr. Donald has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Merisant Company, whose products include leading global tabletop sweetener
brands Equal(R) and Canderel(R). From January 1998 to March 2000, he was Senior
Vice President of Monsanto Company (n/k/a Pharmacia Corporation), with
responsibility for growth, globalization and technology initiatives. From
February 1997 to January 1998, he was Co-President, Agriculture Sector, of
Monsanto. From January 1995 to February 1997, he was President, Crop Protection
Unit, of Monsanto. He serves as a director of Crown Cork & Seal Company, Belden,
Inc., Oil-Dri Corporation of America, GenAmerica Financial, and Carnival
Corporation. In 1998, he was appointed by President Clinton to serve on the
President's Export Council for international trade. He is also a member of
S-42
the Executive Leadership Council. Mr. Donald is a member of our board of
directors' Compensation and Organization Committee.
JOSEPH P. FLANNERY has been a director of Scotts since 1987. Mr. Flannery
has been President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Uniroyal Holding, Inc. since 1986. Mr. Flannery is also a director
of Kmart Corporation, Newmont Mining Corporation and ArvinMeritor Industries,
Inc. Mr. Flannery is chairman of our board of directors' Compensation and
Organization Committee.
ALBERT E. HARRIS has been a director of Scotts since 1997. Mr. Harris is
co-founder and, effective July 1997, the retired President of EDBH, Inc., a
privately-held company which develops international optical businesses. From
1988 until July 1997, he served as either Chairman or President of that company,
which established a chain of approximately 200 superoptical stores, operating
under the "Vision Express" name and located primarily in the United Kingdom.
From 1992 until September 2001, Mr. Harris was also a trustee of Fifth Third
Funds (previously named Fountain Square Funds), a mutual fund family established
by The Fifth Third Bank, and also served as the Chairman of that group of funds.
Fifth Third Funds is registered as an investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Mr. Harris is a member of our board of directors' Audit and
Compensation and Organization Committees.
JOHN KENLON has been a director of Scotts since 1995. Mr. Kenlon retired as
an officer of Scotts effective December 31, 1999. He was Senior Vice President,
Consumer Gardens Group, of Scotts from May 1999 to December 1999, and President,
Consumer Gardens Group, of Scotts from December 1996 until May 1999. He was
previously President and Chief Operating Officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro Products,
Inc. from May 1995 to December 1999. Mr. Kenlon began his association with the
Miracle-Gro companies in 1960.
KATHERINE HAGEDORN LITTLEFIELD has been a director of Scotts since July
2000. Ms. Littlefield is the sister of James Hagedorn. She is also the Chair of
the Hagedorn Partnership. Ms. Littlefield is a member of our board of directors'
Finance Committee.
KAREN G. MILLS has been a director of Scotts since 1994. Since June 1999,
Ms. Mills has been Managing Director and Founder of Solera Capital, a private
equity firm based in New York. Prior to that, beginning in January 1993, she was
President of MMP Group, Inc., an advisory company serving leveraged buy-out
firms, company owners and chief executive officers. Ms. Mills is currently a
director of Arrow Electronics, Inc., The Guardian Life Insurance Company and Dry
Bulk Shipping Inc., a privately-held company. Ms. Mills is a chairman of the
board of directors' Nominating and Board Governance Committee and a member of
the board's Finance Committee.
JOHN M. SULLIVAN has been a director of Scotts since 1994. Mr. Sullivan
served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Prince Holdings,
Inc., a corporation which, through its subsidiaries, manufactures sporting
goods, from 1987 until his retirement in 1994. He is currently on the board of
directors of Atlas Copco N.A., a company traded on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
Mr. Sullivan is a member of the board of directors' Audit and Compensation and
Organization Committees.
L. JACK VAN FOSSEN has been a director of Scotts since 1993. Mr. Van Fossen
was Chief Executive Officer and President of Red Roof Inns, Inc., an owner and
operator of motels, from 1991 until 1995. Since July 1988, Mr. Van Fossen has
served as President of Nessoff Corporation, a privately-held investment company.
Mr. Van Fossen is Chairman of the Board's Audit Committee and a member of the
board of directors' Finance Committee.
JOHN WALKER, PH.D., has been a director of Scotts since 1998. Since
September 1994, Dr. Walker has been Chairman of Advent International plc, a
private equity management company based in Boston, Massachusetts which manages
over $3 billion on a global basis. Dr. Walker is Chairman of the board of
directors' Finance Committee and a member of the board's Nominating and Board
Governance Committee.
S-43
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS
James Hagedorn is the President and Treasurer and owns 83% of the shares of
Hagedorn Aviation, a company that owns the aircraft used for certain business
travel by James Hagedorn and, on occasion, certain members of our senior
management. Horace Hagedorn is the Vice President of Hagedorn Aviation and owns
the remaining 17% equity interest. We pay charges by Hagedorn Aviation for
flight time at the rate of $150 per hour of flight. The charges cover the cost
to operate and maintain the aircraft. During fiscal 2001, we paid a total of
approximately $25,530 to Hagedorn Aviation for its services, which constituted
more than five percent of Hagedorn Aviation's consolidated gross revenues for
its last full fiscal year.
Paul Hagedorn, who, along with his brother, James Hagedorn, and his sister,
Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield, is a general partner of Hagedorn Partnership
L.P., is employed by us as a graphics design specialist. During fiscal 2001,
Paul Hagedorn received salary and bonus totaling $108,137 and employment
benefits and reimbursement for travel expenses consistent with those offered to
our other associates. In fiscal 2001, we paid aggregate rent and utility
expenses of $8,728 for an office in Atlanta, Georgia for Paul Hagedorn.
We sublease a portion of a building to the Hagedorn Partnership at a rent
of $1,437 per month plus payment for communication services. The Hagedorn
Partnership provides personnel, equipment and supplies to support our activities
at that office. Under these arrangements, during fiscal 2001, we paid $94,656 to
the Hagedorn Partnership and were paid $11,867.
S-44
SELLING SHAREHOLDER
The following table sets forth the number of common shares beneficially
owned by the selling shareholder as of August 30, 2002. The selling shareholder
may be deemed to be an affiliate of Scotts. The common shares to be sold by the
Hagedorn Partnership are held for the accounts of the individual general
partners of the partnership. James Hagedorn, our President and Chief Executive
Officer and a director, and Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield, a director of
Scotts, are general partners of the Hagedorn Partnership. Of the common shares
being sold by the Hagedorn Partnership, none are for the account of James
Hagedorn and 64,787 are for the account of Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield.
<Table>
<Caption>
NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES
BENEFICIALLY OWNED BEFORE THE OFFERING(1)
-------------------------------------------------------
SHARES NUMBER OF COMMON
ACQUIRABLE SHARES TO BE
COMMON UPON EXERCISE OF BENEFICIALLY OWNED
SHARES OPTIONS/ PERCENT NUMBER OF AFTER THE OFFERING
BENEFICIALLY WARRANTS OF COMMON SHARES --------------------
NAME OF SELLING SHAREHOLDER OWNED WITHIN 60 DAYS TOTAL CLASS(2) TO BE SOLD NUMBER PERCENT
- --------------------------- ------------ ---------------- ---------- -------- ------------- ---------- -------
Hagedorn Partnership,
L.P..................... 10,211,331(3) 1,792,608(3) 12,003,939 37.45% 337,500 11,666,439 32.22%
</Table>
- ---------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the beneficial owner has sole voting and
dispositive power as to all common shares reflected in the table. All
fractional common shares have been rounded to the nearest whole common
share.
(2) The "Percent of Class" computation is based upon the sum of (i) 30,259,030
common shares outstanding on August 30, 2002, and (ii) the number of common
shares as to which the named person has the right to acquire beneficial
ownership upon the exercise of warrants exercisable within 60 days after
August 30, 2002.
(3) The Hagedorn Partnership owns 10,044,113 common shares and warrants to
purchase 1,792,608 common shares, and has the right to vote, and a right of
first refusal with respect to, 167,218 common shares beneficially owned by
John Kenlon and his children. Mr. James Hagedorn, Ms. Katherine Hagedorn
Littlefield, Mr. Paul Hagedorn, Mr. Peter Hagedorn, Mr. Robert Hagedorn and
Ms. Susan Hagedorn are siblings, general partners of the Hagedorn
Partnership and former shareholders of Stern's Miracle-Gro Products, Inc.
The general partners share voting and dispositive power with respect to the
securities held by the Hagedorn Partnership and those subject to the right
to vote and right of first refusal in favor of the Hagedorn Partnership. Mr.
James Hagedorn and Ms. Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield are directors of
Scotts, and Mr. James Hagedorn is our President and Chief Executive Officer.
Community Funds, Inc., a New York not-for-profit corporation, is a limited
partner of the Hagedorn Partnership. Does not include 27,700 common shares
held by Mr. James Hagedorn directly and 9,215 common share units that are
allocated to his account and held by the trustee under our Retirement
Savings Plan. Also does not include 2,232 common share equivalents that are
attributable to Mr. James Hagedorn's account relating to common share units
under The Scotts Company Executive Retirement Plan and currently exercisable
options to purchase 320,000 common shares. Also excludes currently
exercisable options to purchase 11,500 common shares held by Ms.
Littlefield.
S-45
CERTAIN U.S. TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS
The following summary describes the material U.S. federal income and estate
tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common
shares applicable to Non-U.S. Holders (as defined below) of common shares as of
the date hereof. In general, a "Non-U.S. Holder" is a person that, for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, is a non-resident alien individual, a foreign
corporation, a foreign partnership or a foreign estate or trust. This discussion
does not address aspects of U.S. federal taxation other than income and estate
taxation and does not address the effects of state, local and foreign tax laws.
This discussion does not purport to deal with all aspects of U.S. federal income
and estate taxation that might be relevant to particular holders in light of
their personal circumstances or status, nor does it discuss the U.S. federal
income or estate tax consequences to certain types of holders subject to special
treatment under such laws (for example, insurance companies, pass-through
entities, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, broker-dealers,
"controlled foreign corporations," "passive foreign investment companies,"
"foreign personal holding companies" or corporations that accumulate earnings to
avoid U.S. federal income tax). This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder and
administrative and judicial interpretations thereof as of the date hereof, all
of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. ACCORDINGLY,
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE U.S.
FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
ACQUIRING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF COMMON SHARES.
If a partnership holds the common shares, the tax treatment of a partner
will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the
partnership. Persons who are partners of a partnership holding the common shares
should consult their tax advisors.
DIVIDENDS
In general, the gross amount of dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder will be
subject to U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate (or any lower rate prescribed by
an applicable tax treaty); however, if the dividends are effectively connected
with a trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S. Holder within the United
States and a Form W-8ECI is filed with the withholding agent, subject to a lower
rate or exemption from tax under an applicable treaty, the dividend will be
taxed at ordinary U.S. federal income tax rates. In the case of a Non-U.S.
Holder that is a corporation, effectively connected income may also be subject
to the branch profits tax (which is generally imposed on a foreign corporation
on the actual or deemed repatriation from the United States of earnings and
profits attributable to U.S. trade or business income), except to the extent
that an applicable tax treaty provides otherwise. For purposes of determining
whether tax is to be withheld at a reduced rate under an income tax treaty, a
Non-U.S. Holder will be required to file a Form W-8BEN (or other applicable
form) with the withholding agent certifying its entitlement to benefits under a
treaty. In addition, where dividends are paid to a holder that is a partnership
or other pass-through entity, persons holding an interest in the entity may need
to provide the certification.
We do not currently pay any dividends on our common shares and have no
present intention to do so. See "Price Range of Common Shares and Dividend
Policy."
SALE OF COMMON SHARES
Generally, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax
on any gain realized upon the disposition of such Non-U.S. Holder's common
shares unless:
- we are or have been a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, at any time within the shorter of the
five-year period preceding the disposition and the Non-U.S. Holder's
holding period;
- the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business carried on by
the Non-U.S. Holder within the United States, unless an applicable tax
treaty provides otherwise;
S-46
- the common shares are disposed of by an individual Non-U.S. Holder who
holds the common shares as a capital asset and is present in the United
States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the disposition; or
- the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who lost his U.S. citizenship within
the last 10 years and such loss had, as one of its principal purposes,
the avoidance of taxes.
We have not made a determination as to whether we are a U.S. real property
holding corporation, and there can be no assurance that we have not been, are
not or will not become a U.S. real property holding corporation. If we have
been, are or become a U.S. real property holding corporation at any time during
the shorter of the five-year period preceding the disposition and the Non-U.S.
Holder's holding period, generally gains realized upon a disposition of our
common shares by a Non-U.S. Holder that did not, actually or constructively, own
more than 5% of our common shares during this period would not be subject to
U.S. federal income tax, provided that our common shares are "regularly traded
on an established securities market" within the meaning of Section 897(c)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code. Our common shares are currently traded on The New
York Stock Exchange, and we believe that our common shares will be treated as
regularly traded on an established securities market during any period in which
they are listed on The New York Stock Exchange. Non-U.S. Holders should also
consult applicable treaties, which may exempt them from U.S. taxable gains
realized upon the disposition of common shares in certain cases.
ESTATE TAX
Common shares owned or treated as owned by an individual Non-U.S. Holder at
the time of his death will be includable in the individual's gross estate for
U.S. federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable treaty provides
otherwise, and may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
We will be required to report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S.
Holder the amount of dividends paid to the holder, and the tax withheld with
respect to such dividend payments, regardless of whether any tax was actually
withheld. This information may also be made available to the tax authorities in
the Non-U.S. Holder's country of residence.
A Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to backup withholding with respect to
dividends paid on the common shares, if any, unless applicable certification
requirements are met.
Payment of the proceeds of a sale of common shares within the United States
or conducted through U.S.-related financial intermediaries will be subject to
information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding
unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalties of perjury that it is a
Non-U.S. Holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know
that the beneficial owner is a U.S. person) or the Non-U.S. Holder otherwise
establishes an exemption.
Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a
Non-U.S. Holder is allowable as a credit against the holder's U.S. federal
income tax, which may entitle the Non-U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the
holder furnishes the required information to the IRS.
Prospective purchasers of common shares are urged to consult their tax
advisors as to the application of the current rules regarding backup withholding
and information reporting and as to the effect, if any, of such rules on their
acquisition, ownership and disposition of common shares.
S-47
UNDERWRITING
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. are acting as
joint bookrunning managers of the offering, and, together with Banc of America
Securities LLC and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, are acting as
representatives of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and
conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated the date of this
prospectus supplement, each underwriter named below has agreed to purchase, and
we and the selling shareholder have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the
number of shares set forth opposite the underwriter's name.
<Table>
<Caption>
NUMBER
UNDERWRITER OF SHARES
- ----------- ---------
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. ..................................
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ................................
Banc of America Securities LLC .............................
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation......................
---------
Total....................................................... 4,500,000
=========
</Table>
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the
underwriters to purchase the shares included in this offering are subject to
approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters
are obligated to purchase all the shares (other than those covered by the
over-allotment option described below) if they purchase any of the shares.
The underwriters propose to offer some of the shares directly to the public
at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus
supplement and some of the shares to dealers at the public offering price less a
concession not to exceed $ per share. The underwriters may allow, and
dealers may reallow, a concession not to exceed $ per share on sales to
other dealers. If all of the shares are not sold at the initial offering price,
the representatives may change the public offering price and the other selling
terms.
We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from
the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to 675,000 additional
common shares at the public offering price less the underwriting discount. The
underwriters may exercise the option solely for the purpose of covering over-
allotments, if any, in connection with this offering. To the extent the option
is exercised, each underwriter must purchase a number of additional shares
approximately proportionate to that underwriter's initial purchase commitment.
We, our executive officers and directors, and the selling shareholder have
agreed that, for a period of 90 days from the date of this prospectus
supplement, we and they will not, without the prior written consent of Salomon
Smith Barney Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., dispose of or hedge any of
our common shares or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for our
common shares. Salomon Smith Barney and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., in their
sole discretion, may release any of the securities subject to these lock-up
agreements at any time without notice.
The common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "SMG."
The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions that
we and the selling shareholder are to pay to the underwriters in connection with
this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full
exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional common shares.
<Table>
<Caption>
PAID BY THE SCOTTS COMPANY PAID BY SELLING SHAREHOLDER
---------------------------- ----------------------------
NO EXERCISE FULL EXERCISE NO EXERCISE FULL EXERCISE
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Per share.................................. $ $ $ $
Total...................................... $ $ $ $
</Table>
S-48
In connection with the offering, Salomon Smith Barney Inc., on behalf of
the underwriters, may purchase and sell common shares in the open market. These
transactions may include short sales, syndicate covering transactions and
stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve syndicate sales of common shares
in excess of the number of shares to be purchased by the underwriters in the
offering, which creates a syndicate short position. "Covered" short sales are
sales of shares made in an amount up to the number of shares represented by the
underwriters' over-allotment option. In determining the source of shares to
close out the covered syndicate short position, the underwriters will consider,
among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open
market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the
over-allotment option. Transactions to close out the covered syndicate short
involve either purchases of the common shares in the open market after the
distribution has been completed or the exercise of the over-allotment option.
The underwriters may also make "naked" short sales of shares in excess of the
over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position
by purchasing common shares in the open market. A naked short position is more
likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be
downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing
that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing
transactions consist of bids for or purchases of shares in the open market while
the offering is in progress.
The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. Penalty bids permit the
underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. repurchases shares originally sold by that syndicate
member in order to cover syndicate short positions or make stabilizing
purchases.
Any of these activities may have the effect of preventing or retarding a
decline in the market price of the common shares. They may also cause the price
of the common shares to be higher than the price that would otherwise exist in
the open market in the absence of these transactions. The underwriters may
conduct these transactions on the New York Stock Exchange or in the
over-the-counter market, or otherwise. If the underwriters commence any of these
transactions, they may discontinue them at any time.
We and the selling shareholder estimate that our respective portions of the
total expenses of this offering will be $300,000 and $75,000.
Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have performed investment
banking and advisory services for us from time to time for which they have
received customary fees and expenses. The underwriters may, from time to time,
engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course
of their business. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. is lead arranger and book
manager, Salomon Smith Barney Inc. is the syndication agent, JPMorganChase Bank
is the administrative agent, and affiliates of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.,
Salomon Smith Barney and Banc of America Securities LLC are lenders under our
existing credit facility and make loans thereunder. Proceeds of this offering
are being used to repay indebtedness under our facility (without any
corresponding reduction in our commitment thereunder).
A prospectus supplement in electronic format may be made available on the
websites maintained by one or more of the underwriters. The representatives may
agree to allocate a number of shares to underwriters for sale to their online
brokerage account holders. The representatives will allocate shares to
underwriters that may make Internet distributions on the same basis as other
allocations. In addition, shares may be sold by the underwriters to securities
dealers who resell shares to online brokerage account holders.
We and the selling shareholder have agreed to indemnify the underwriters
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make
because of any of those liabilities.
S-49
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the offering, including the
validity of the common shares offered through this prospectus supplement, will
be passed upon for us by Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP, Columbus, Ohio.
Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for
the underwriters by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, New York, New York.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
We are "incorporating" certain documents into this prospectus supplement by
reference, which means that we are disclosing important information to you by
referring to documents that contain such information. The information
incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement,
and information we file later with the SEC will automatically update and
supersede the information in this prospectus supplement. We incorporate by
reference the documents listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC:
- our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
2001 (including information specifically incorporated by reference into
our Form 10-K from our 2001 Annual Report to Shareholders and proxy
statement for our 2002 annual meeting of shareholders);
- our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A dated June 5, 2002, for the fiscal
quarter ended December 29, 2001;
- our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 30,
2002;
- our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 29,
2002;
- our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 30, 2002;
- our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 24, 2002 and
our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on September 13,
2002, which amend certain items in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2001, to reflect retroactively the disclosures and
presentations required by accounting pronouncements initially adopted by
Scotts in our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2001; and
- our proxy statement for our 2002 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed
with the SEC on December 20, 2001.
Later information that we file with the SEC will update and/or supersede
this information. We are also incorporating by reference all documents that we
file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this prospectus supplement and
prior to the termination of the offering of the common shares. Information
furnished under Item 9 of any of our Current Reports on Form 8-K is not
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement. We furnished
information under Item 9 of our Current Report on Form 8-K to the SEC on August
9, 2002 and on August 22, 2002.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC relating to
the offering of the common shares and certain other securities. This prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not contain all of the information
included in the registration statement. For further information, you should
refer to the registration statement.
We are required to comply with the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and must file annual, quarterly and other reports with the
SEC. We are also subject to the proxy solicitation requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, accordingly, will furnish audited financial
statements to our shareholders in connection with our annual meetings of
shareholders.
S-50
Any statements made in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document
constitute summaries of the material terms thereof and are not necessarily
complete summaries of all of the terms. Some of these documents have been filed
as exhibits to our periodic filings with the SEC. Our periodic reports and other
information filed with the SEC may be inspected without charge at the Public
Reference Section of the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549. You can also obtain copies of filed documents by mail from the
public reference section of the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Please call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Filed
documents are also available to the public on the SEC's website at
http://www.sec.gov. In addition, we post our filed documents on our website at
http://www.scotts.com, and they are available to be downloaded or printed free
of charge. The information on our website is not part of this prospectus
supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
Copies of documents incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference
or other documents referred to in this prospectus supplement may be obtained
upon oral or written request without charge by contacting The Scotts Company,
14111 Scottslawn Road, Marysville, Ohio 43041, Attention: Treasurer, (937)
644-0011.
S-51
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<Table>
<Caption>
PAGE
----
Report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent
accountants............................................... F-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001................... F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2000 and
2001...................................................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
and Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended
September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001......................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 1999, 2000 and 2001................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................. F-7
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)
for the three months and nine months ended June 29, 2002
and June 30, 2001......................................... F-47
Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
for the nine months ended June 29, 2002 and June 30,
2001...................................................... F-48
Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of
June 29, 2002, June 30, 2001 and September 30, 2001....... F-49
Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements....... F-50
</Table>
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
The Scotts Company:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and
comprehensive income and cash flows present fairly, after the restatement
described in Note 25, in all material respects, the financial position of The
Scotts Company at September 30, 2001, and September 30, 2000, and the results of
its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended September 30, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As discussed in Note 25 the consolidated statements of operations have been
revised to reflect revisions to the reclassifications of certain cooperative
advertising costs related to the adoption of EITF 00-25, Vendor Income Statement
Characterization of Consideration Paid to a Reseller of the Vendor's Products.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Columbus, Ohio
October 29, 2001, except for Note 22, as to which the date is December 12, 2001,
and paragraph 5 of Note 18, as to which the date is June 5, 2002 and Note 20 and
Note 25, as to which the date is September 10, 2002
F-2
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001, 2000 AND 1999
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ----------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
Net sales................................................... $1,696.6 $1,655.4 $1,550.6
Cost of sales............................................... 1,092.1 1,052.4 987.3
Restructuring and other charges............................. 7.3
-------- -------- --------
Gross profit................................................ 597.2 603.0 563.3
Gross commission earned from marketing agreement............ 39.1 39.2 30.3
Contribution expenses under marketing agreement............. 18.3 9.9 1.6
-------- -------- --------
Net commission earned from marketing agreement.............. 20.8 29.3 28.7
Operating expenses:
Advertising............................................... 89.9 89.0 87.0
Selling, general and administrative....................... 324.1 312.0 285.5
Restructuring and other charges........................... 68.4 1.4
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles............ 27.7 27.1 25.6
Other income, net......................................... (8.5) (6.0) (3.6)
-------- -------- --------
Income from operations...................................... 116.4 210.2 196.1
Interest expense............................................ 87.7 93.9 79.1
-------- -------- --------
Income before income taxes.................................. 28.7 116.3 117.0
Income taxes................................................ 13.2 43.2 47.9
-------- -------- --------
Income before extraordinary item............................ 15.5 73.1 69.1
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of
income tax benefit........................................ 5.9
-------- -------- --------
Net income.................................................. 15.5 73.1 63.2
Dividends on Class A Convertible Preferred Stock............ 6.4 9.7
-------- -------- --------
Income applicable to common shareholders.................... $ 15.5 $ 66.7 $ 53.5
Basic earnings per share:
Before extraordinary loss................................... $ 0.55 $ 2.39 $ 3.25
Extraordinary loss, net of tax.............................. (0.32)
-------- -------- --------
$ 0.55 $ 2.39 $ 2.93
Diluted earnings per share:
Before extraordinary loss................................... $ 0.51 $ 2.25 $ 2.27
Extraordinary loss, net of tax.............................. (0.19)
-------- -------- --------
$ 0.51 $ 2.25 $ 2.08
Common shares used in basic earnings per share
calculation............................................... 28.4 27.9 18.3
Common shares and potential common shares used in diluted
earnings per share calculation............................ 30.4 29.6 30.5
</Table>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-3
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000
----------- -----------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER
SHARE DATA)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 18.7 $ 33.0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible
accounts of $23.9 in 2001 and $11.7 in 2000............ 220.8 216.0
Inventories, net.......................................... 368.4 307.5
Current deferred tax asset................................ 52.2 25.1
Prepaid and other assets.................................. 34.1 62.3
-------- --------
Total current assets................................. 694.2 643.9
Property, plant and equipment, net.......................... 310.7 290.5
Intangible assets, net...................................... 771.1 743.1
Other assets................................................ 67.0 83.9
-------- --------
Total assets......................................... $1,843.0 $1,761.4
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt........................................... $ 71.3 $ 49.4
Accounts payable.......................................... 150.9 153.0
Accrued liabilities....................................... 208.0 174.3
Accrued taxes............................................. 14.9 33.1
-------- --------
Total current liabilities............................ 445.1 409.8
Long-term debt.............................................. 816.5 813.4
Other liabilities........................................... 75.2 60.3
-------- --------
Total liabilities.................................... 1,336.8 1,283.5
-------- --------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred shares, no par value, none issued
Common shares, no par value per share, $.01 stated value
per share, 31.3 shares issued in 2001 and 2000......... 0.3 0.3
Capital in excess of stated value......................... 398.3 389.3
Retained earnings......................................... 212.3 196.8
Treasury stock at cost, 2.6 shares in 2001, 3.4 shares in
2000................................................... (70.0) (83.5)
Accumulated other comprehensive income.................... (34.7) (25.0)
-------- --------
Total shareholders' equity................................ 506.2 477.9
-------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........... $1,843.0 $1,761.4
======== ========
</Table>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-4
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001, 2000 AND 1999
<Table>
<Caption>
CAPITAL IN
PREFERRED SHARES COMMON SHARES EXCESS OF TREASURY STOCK
----------------- --------------- STATED RETAINED ---------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT VALUE EARNINGS SHARES AMOUNT
------- ------- ------ ------ ---------- -------- ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Balance, September 30, 1998..... 0.2 $177.3 21.1 $0.2 $208.9 $ 76.6 (2.8) $(55.9)
---- ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------
Net income...................... 63.2
Foreign currency translation....
Minimum pension liability.......
---- ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------
Comprehensive income............
Issuance of common shares held
in treasury................... 1.6 0.2 4.0
Purchase of common shares....... (0.3) (10.0)
Dividends on Class A Convertible
Preferred Stock............... (9.7)
Conversion of Class A
Convertible Preferred Stock... (0.2) (3.4) 0.2 3.4
---- ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------
Balance, September 30, 1999..... 0.0 $173.9 21.3 $0.2 $213.9 $130.1 (2.9) $(61.9)
---- ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------
Net income...................... 73.1
Foreign currency translation....
Minimum pension liability.......
---- ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------
Comprehensive income............
Issuance of common shares held
in treasury................... 0.1 1.5 0.1 2.3
Purchase of common shares....... (0.6) (23.9)
Dividends on Class A Convertible
Preferred Stock............... (6.4)
Conversion of Class A
Convertible Preferred Stock... (173.9) 10.0 173.9
---- ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------
Balance, September 30, 2000..... 0.0 $ 0.0 31.3 $0.3 $389.3 $196.8 (3.4) $(83.5)
---- ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------
Net income...................... 15.5
Foreign currency translation....
Unrecognized loss on
derivatives...................
Minimum pension liability.......
---- ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------
Comprehensive income............
Issuance of common shares held
in treasury................... 9.0 0.8 13.5
---- ------ ---- ---- ------ ------ ---- ------
Balance, September 30, 2001..... 0.0 $ 0.0 31.3 $0.3 $398.3 $212.3 (2.6) $(70.0)
<Caption>
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
--------------------------------------------------
MINIMUM FOREIGN
PENSION LIABILITY CURRENCY
DERIVATIVES ADJUSTMENT TRANSLATION TOTAL
------------- ----------------- -------------- --------
(IN MILLIONS)
Balance, September 30, 1998..... $ $ (0.2) $ (3.0) $403.9
----- ------ ------ ------
Net income...................... 63.2
Foreign currency translation.... (5.7) (5.7)
Minimum pension liability....... (4.0)(a) (4.0)
----- ------ ------ ------
Comprehensive income............ (4.0) (5.7) 53.5
Issuance of common shares held
in treasury................... 5.6
Purchase of common shares....... (10.0)
Dividends on Class A Convertible
Preferred Stock............... (9.7)
Conversion of Class A
Convertible Preferred Stock...
----- ------ ------ ------
Balance, September 30, 1999..... $ (4.2) $ (8.7) $443.3
----- ------ ------ ------
Net income...................... 73.1
Foreign currency translation.... (11.2) (11.2)
Minimum pension liability....... (0.9)(a) (0.9)
----- ------ ------ ------
Comprehensive income............ (0.9) (11.2) 61.0
Issuance of common shares held
in treasury................... 3.9
Purchase of common shares....... (23.9)
Dividends on Class A Convertible
Preferred Stock............... (6.4)
Conversion of Class A
Convertible Preferred Stock...
----- ------ ------ ------
Balance, September 30, 2000..... $ (5.1) $(19.9) $477.9
----- ------ ------ ------
Net income...................... 15.5
Foreign currency translation....
Unrecognized loss on
derivatives................... (1.5)(b) (1.5)
Minimum pension liability....... (8.2)(a) (8.2)
----- ------ ------ ------
Comprehensive income............ 5.8
Issuance of common shares held
in treasury................... 22.5
----- ------ ------ ------
Balance, September 30, 2001..... $(1.5) $(13.3) $(19.9) $506.2
</Table>
- ---------------
(a) Net of tax benefits of $5.5, $0.5, and $2.7 for fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively.
(b) Net of tax benefits of $1.1 for fiscal 2001.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-5
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001, 2000 AND 1999
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000 1999
------- ----- -------
(IN MILLIONS)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income................................................ $ 15.5 $73.1 $ 63.2
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation........................................... 32.6 29.0 29.0
Amortization........................................... 31.0 32.0 27.2
Deferred taxes......................................... (19.9) 7.5 0.5
Extraordinary loss..................................... 5.9
Restructuring and other charges........................ 27.7
Loss on sale of property............................... 4.4 1.8
Gain on sale of business............................... (4.6)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired
businesses:
Accounts receivable.................................. (14.2) 6.4 23.7
Inventories.......................................... (68.5) 5.8 (21.6)
Prepaid and other current assets..................... 31.4 (9.2) (25.2)
Accounts payable..................................... (2.8) 19.4 10.7
Accrued taxes and liabilities........................ (22.7) 22.5 (10.7)
Restructuring reserves............................... 37.3
Other assets......................................... 6.1 (4.7) (35.9)
Other liabilities.................................... 7.6 (6.4) 2.2
Other, net............................................. 4.6 (3.7) 7.4
------- ----- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities............ 65.7 171.5 78.2
------- ----- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property, plant and equipment............... (63.4) (72.5) (66.7)
Proceeds from sale of equipment........................... 1.8 1.5
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash
acquired............................................... (26.5) (18.3) (506.2)
Payments on sellers notes................................. (11.1) (1.0)
Other, net................................................ 0.5 (0.2)
------- ----- -------
Net cash used in investing activities................ (101.0) (89.5) (571.6)
------- ----- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings (repayments) under revolving and bank lines
of credit.............................................. 61.7 (26.0) 65.3
Gross borrowings under term loans......................... 260.0 525.0
Gross repayments under term loans......................... (315.7) (23.7) (3.0)
Repayment of outstanding balance on previous credit
facility............................................... (241.0)
Issuance of 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes.............. 330.0
Extinguishment of 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes........ (107.1)
Settlement of interest rate locks......................... (12.9)
Financing and issuance fees............................... (1.6) (1.0) (24.1)
Dividends on Class A Convertible Preferred Stock.......... (6.4) (12.1)
Repurchase of treasury shares............................. (23.9) (10.0)
Cash received from exercise of stock options.............. 17.0 2.8 3.8
------- ----- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities.......................................... 21.4 (78.2) 513.9
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash..................... (0.4) (1.1) (0.8)
------- ----- -------
Net (decrease) increase in cash............................. (14.3) 2.7 19.7
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.............. 33.0 30.3 10.6
------- ----- -------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.................... $ 18.7 $33.0 $ 30.3
</Table>
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-6
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 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 and sale of lawn care and garden
products. The Company's major customers include mass merchandisers, home
improvement centers, large hardware chains, independent hardware stores,
nurseries, garden centers, food and drug stores, lawn and landscape service
companies, commercial nurseries and greenhouses, and specialty crop growers. The
Company's products are sold in the United States, Canada, the European Union,
the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, New Zealand,
Japan and Latin America.
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Scotts
Company and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions have been
eliminated.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles 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.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized when products are shipped and when title and risk of
loss transfer to the customer. For certain large multi-location customers,
products may be shipped to third-party warehousing locations. Revenue is not
recognized until the customer places orders against that inventory and
acknowledges ownership of the goods in writing. Provisions for estimated returns
and allowances are recorded at the time of shipment based on historical rates of
returns as a percentage of sales.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
The Company advertises its branded products through national and regional
media, and through cooperative advertising programs with retailers. Retailers
are also offered in-store promotional allowances and offered pre-season stocking
allowances. Certain products are also promoted with direct consumer rebate
programs. Advertising and promotion costs (including allowances and rebates)
incurred during the year are expensed ratably to interim periods in relation to
revenues. All advertising and promotion costs, except for production costs, are
expensed within the fiscal year in which such costs are incurred. Production
costs for advertising programs are deferred until the period in which the
advertising is first aired. Amounts paid or payable to customers or consumers in
connection with the purchase of our products are recorded as a reduction of net
sales.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
All costs associated with research and development are charged to expense
as incurred. Expense for fiscal 2001, 2000, and 1999 was $24.7 million, $24.1
million, and $21.7 million, respectively.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted-average number of
common shares outstanding each period. Diluted earnings per common share is
based on the weighted-average number of
F-7
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
common shares and dilutive potential common shares (stock options, convertible
preferred stock and warrants) outstanding each period.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, principally
determined by the FIFO method; however, certain growing media inventories are
accounted for by the LIFO method. At September 30, 2001 and 2000, approximately
9% and 13% of inventories, respectively, are valued at the lower of LIFO cost or
market. Inventories include the cost of raw materials, labor and manufacturing
overhead. The Company makes provisions for obsolete or slow-moving inventories
as necessary to properly reflect inventory value. Reserves for excess and
obsolete inventories were $22.3 million and $20.1 million at September 30, 2001
and 2000, respectively.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment, including significant improvements, are
stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to
operating expenses as incurred. When properties are retired or otherwise
disposed of, the cost of the asset and the related accumulated depreciation are
removed from the accounts with the resulting gain or loss being reflected in
results of operations.
Depletion of applicable land is computed on the units-of-production method.
Depreciation of other property, plant and equipment is provided on the
straight-line method and is based on the estimated useful economic lives of the
assets as follows:
<Table>
Land improvements........................................... 10-25 years
Buildings................................................... 10-40 years
Machinery and equipment..................................... 3-15 years
Furniture and fixtures...................................... 6-10 years
Software.................................................... 3-8 years
</Table>
Interest is capitalized on all significant capital projects. The Company
capitalized $3.1 million and $2.4 million of interest costs during fiscal 2001
and 2000, respectively.
Goodwill arising from business acquisitions is amortized over its useful
life, which is generally 20 to 40 years, on a straight-line basis. Intangible
assets include patents, trademarks and other intangible assets which are valued
at acquisition through independent appraisals. Patents, trademarks and other
intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods
varying from 7 to 40 years. Accumulated amortization at September 30, 2001 and
2000 was $150.2 million and $120.6 million, respectively.
Management assesses the recoverability of property and equipment, goodwill,
trademarks and other intangible assets 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.
INTERNAL USE SOFTWARE
The Company accounts for the costs of internal use software in accordance
with Statement of Position 98-1, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use". Accordingly, costs other than
reengineering costs are expensed or capitalized depending on whether they are
incurred in the preliminary project stage, application development stage, or the
post-implementation/operation stage. As of September 30, 2001 and 2000, the
Company had $36.7 million and $37.3 million, respectively,
F-8
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
in unamortized capitalized internal use computer software costs. Amortization of
these costs was $4.3 million during fiscal 2001 and $0.9 million during fiscal
2000.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all highly liquid financial instruments with original
maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS
The Company recognizes environmental liabilities when conditions requiring
remediation are identified. The Company determines its liability on a site by
site basis and records a liability at the time when it is probable and can be
reasonably estimated. Expenditures which extend the life of the related property
or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized.
Environmental liabilities are not discounted or reduced for possible recoveries
from insurance carriers.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE INSTRUMENTS
Gains and losses on foreign currency transaction hedges are recognized in
income and offset the foreign exchange gains and losses on the underlying
transactions. Gains and losses on foreign currency firm commitment hedges are
deferred and included in the basis of the transactions underlying the
commitments.
All assets and liabilities in the balance sheets of foreign subsidiaries
whose functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S.
dollar equivalents at year-end exchange rates. Translation gains and losses are
accumulated as a separate component of other comprehensive income and included
in shareholders' equity. Income and expense items are translated at average
monthly exchange rates. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are
included in the determination of net income.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in
interest rates and the value of foreign currencies. The Company has established
policies and procedures that govern the management of these exposures through
the use of a variety of financial instruments. The Company employs various
financial instruments, including forward exchange contracts and swap agreements,
to manage certain of the exposures when practical. By policy, the Company does
not enter into such contracts for the purpose of speculation or use leveraged
financial instruments. The Company's derivatives activities are managed by the
chief financial officer and other senior management of the Company in
consultation with the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors. These
activities include establishing the Company's risk-management philosophy and
objectives, providing guidelines for derivative-instrument usage and
establishing procedures for control and valuation, counterparty credit approval
and the monitoring and reporting of derivative activity. The Company's objective
in managing its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency
exchange rates is to decrease the volatility of earnings and cash flows
associated with changes in the applicable rates and prices. To achieve this
objective, the Company primarily enters into forward exchange contracts and swap
agreements whose values change in the opposite direction of the anticipated cash
flows. Derivative instruments related to forecasted transactions are considered
to hedge future cash flows, and the effective portion of any gains or losses is
included in other comprehensive income until earnings are affected by the
variability of cash flows. Any remaining gain or loss is recognized currently in
earnings. The cash flows of the derivative instruments are expected to be highly
effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to fluctuations in the
cash flows of the hedged risk. If it becomes probable that a forecasted
transaction will no longer occur, the derivative will continue to be carried on
the balance sheet at fair value, and gains and losses that were accumulated in
other comprehensive income will be recognized immediately in earnings.
F-9
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
To manage certain of its cash flow exposures, the Company has entered into
forward exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements. The forward
exchange contracts are designated as hedges of the Company's foreign currency
exposure associated with future cash flows. Amounts payable or receivable under
forward exchange contracts are recorded as adjustments to selling, general and
administrative expense. The interest rate swap agreements are designated as
hedges of the Company's interest rate risk associated with certain variable rate
debt. Amounts payable or receivable under the swap agreements are recorded as
adjustments to interest expense.
Unrealized gains or losses resulting from valuing these swaps at fair value
are recorded in other comprehensive income.
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 as
of October 2000. Since adoption, there have been no gains or losses recognized
in earnings for hedge ineffectiveness or due to excluding a portion of the value
from measuring effectiveness.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' financial
statements to conform to fiscal 2001 classifications.
NOTE 2. DETAIL OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTS
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
INVENTORIES, NET:
Finished goods............................................ $295.8 $232.9
Raw materials............................................. 72.6 74.6
------ ------
$368.4 $307.5
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000
------- -------
(IN MILLIONS)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Land and improvements..................................... $ 38.9 $ 38.5
Buildings................................................. 119.5 109.0
Machinery and equipment................................... 203.4 201.4
Furniture and fixtures.................................... 31.9 30.0
Software.................................................. 42.0 39.5
Construction in progress.................................. 79.6 54.4
Less: accumulated depreciation............................ (204.6) (182.3)
------- -------
Total..................................................... $ 310.7 $ 290.5
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET:
Goodwill.................................................. $352.3 $330.1
Trademarks................................................ 385.7 358.0
Other..................................................... 183.3 175.6
Less: accumulated amortization............................ (150.2) (120.6)
------ ------
Total..................................................... $771.1 $743.1
</Table>
F-10
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
ACCRUED LIABILITIES:
Payroll and other compensation accruals................... $ 35.2 $ 40.5
Advertising and promotional accruals...................... 63.5 62.3
Restructuring accruals.................................... 30.1 0.0
Other..................................................... 79.2 71.5
------ ------
Total..................................................... $208.0 $174.3
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accrued pension and postretirement liabilities............ $62.0 $49.8
Legal and environmental reserves.......................... 7.0 10.5
Restructuring accruals.................................... 4.2 0.0
Other..................................................... 2.0 0.0
----- -----
Total..................................................... $75.2 $60.3
</Table>
NOTE 3. MARKETING AGREEMENT
Effective September 30, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with
Monsanto Company ("Monsanto", now known as Pharmacia Corporation) 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 the fifth year of the agreement, the annual
payments to Monsanto increase 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 business by Monsanto. In such instances, the agreement
permits
F-11
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
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.
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 September 30, 2001, contribution payments and related per
annum charges of approximately $46.4 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 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.
NOTE 4. RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES
2001 CHARGES
During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2001, the Company recorded
$75.7 million of restructuring and other charges, primarily associated with the
closure or relocation of certain manufacturing and administrative facilities.
The $75.7 million in charges is segregated in the Statements of Operations in
two components: (i) $7.3 million included in cost of sales for the write-off of
inventory that was rendered
F-12
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
unusable as a result of the restructuring activities and (ii) $68.4 million
included in selling, general and administrative costs. Included in the $68.4
million charge in selling, general and administrative costs is $20.4 million to
write-down to fair value certain property and equipment and other assets; $5.8
million of facility exit costs; $27.0 million of severance costs; and $15.2
million in other restructuring and other costs. The severance costs related to
reduction in force initiatives and facility closures and consolidations in North
America and Europe covering approximately 340 administrative, production,
selling and other employees. Severance costs are expected to be paid in fiscal
2002 with some payments extending into 2003. All other fiscal 2001 restructuring
related activities and costs are expected to be completed by the end of fiscal
2002.
The following is a rollforward of the restructuring and related charges
recorded in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2001:
<Table>
<Caption>
DESCRIPTION TYPE CLASSIFICATION CHARGE PAYMENT BALANCE
- ----------- -------- -------------- ------ ------- -------
Severance................................. Cash SG&A $ 27.0 $ (1.9) $25.1
Facility exit costs....................... Cash SG&A 5.8 (0.6) 5.2
Other related costs....................... Cash SG&A 15.2 (8.2) 7.0
------ ------ -----
Total cash.............................. 48.0 $(10.7) $37.3
------
Property and equipment writedowns......... Non-Cash SG&A 7.9
Obsolete inventory writeoffs.............. Non-Cash Cost of sales 7.3
Other asset writedowns.................... Non-Cash SG&A 12.5
------
Total non-cash.......................... 27.7
------
Total................................... $ 75.7
</Table>
1999 CHARGES
During fiscal 1999, the Company recorded $1.4 million of restructuring
charges associated with management's decision to reorganize the North American
Professional Business Group to strengthen distribution and technical sales
support, integrate brand management across market segments and reduce annual
operating expenses. These charges represent costs to sever approximately 60
in-house sales associates who were terminated in fiscal 1999. Approximately $1.1
million of severance payments were made to these former associates during fiscal
1999. Of the remaining $0.3 million, $0.2 million was paid in fiscal 2000, and
the remainder was paid in fiscal 2001.
NOTE 5. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
On January 1, 2001, the Company acquired the Substral(R) brand and consumer
plant care business from Henkel KGaA. Substral(R) is a leading consumer
fertilizer brand in many European countries including Germany, Austria, Belgium,
France and the Nordics. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, the
Company acquired specified working capital and intangible assets associated with
the Substral(R) business. The purchase price will be determined based on the
value of the working capital assets acquired and the performance of the business
for the period from June 15, 2000 to December 31, 2000. The parties to the
transaction are still in the process of determining a final purchase price;
however, the Company's management estimates that the final purchase price will
be approximately $40 million. On June 29, 2001 and December 29, 2000, the
Company advanced $6.4 million and $6.9 million, respectively, to Henkel KGaA
toward the Substral(R) purchase price.
The Substral(R) acquisition was made in exchange for cash and notes due to
seller and was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
Accordingly, Substral's results have been included from the date of its
acquisition and the purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of
acquisition. Intangible assets associated with the purchase were $33.7 million.
F-13
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business
Combinations" was issued in June 2001. This new standard mandates the purchase
method of accounting for all business combinations entered into after June 30,
2001. The standard also requires the valuation of intangible assets apart from
goodwill for assets that arise as a result of contractual or legal rights or if
the right is separable (able to be sold, transferred, leased, licensed, etc.).
Goodwill is the residual amount after all tangible and other intangible assets
have been valued. All acquisitions in fiscal 2001 were in process or completed
prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 141.
The following unaudited pro forma results of operations give effect to the
Substral(R) brand acquisition as if it had occurred on October 1, 1999.
<Table>
<Caption>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------
2001 2000
-------- --------
(IN MILLIONS)
Net sales................................................... $1,701.2 $1,673.6
Income before extraordinary loss............................ 16.2 69.5
Net income.................................................. 16.2 69.5
Basic earnings per share:
Before extraordinary loss................................. $ .57 $ 2.49
After extraordinary loss.................................. .57 2.49
Diluted earnings per share:
Before extraordinary loss................................. $ .53 $ 2.34
After extraordinary loss.................................. .53 2.34
</Table>
In May 2000, the Company sold its ProTurf(R) business to two buyers. The
terms of the agreement included the sale of certain inventory for approximately
$16.3 million and an arrangement for the use and eventual purchase of related
trademarks by the buyers. A gain of approximately $4.6 million for the sale of
this business is reflected in the Company's fiscal 2000 results of operations.
NOTE 6. RETIREMENT PLANS.
The Company offers a defined contribution profit sharing and 401(k) plan
for substantially all U.S. employees. Full-time employees may participate in the
plan on the first day of the month after being hired. Temporary employees may
participate after working at least 1,000 hours in their first twelve months of
employment and after reaching the age of 21. The plan allows participants to
contribute up to 15% of their compensation in the form of pre-tax or post-tax
contributions. The Company provides a matching contribution equivalent to 100%
of participants' initial 3% contribution and 50% of the participants' remaining
contribution up to 5%. Participants are immediately vested in employee
contributions, the Company's matching contributions and the investment return on
those monies. The Company also provides a base contribution to employees'
accounts regardless of whether employees are active in the plan. The base
contribution is 2% of compensation up to 50% of the Social Security taxable wage
base plus 4% of compensation in excess of 50% of the Social Security wage base.
Participants become vested in the Company's base contribution after three years
of service. The Company recorded charges of $10.3 million, $7.4 million and $8.4
million under the plan in fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
In conjunction with the decision to offer the expanded defined contribution
profit sharing and 401(k) plan to domestic Company associates, management
decided to freeze benefits under certain defined benefit pension plans. These
pension plans covered substantially all full-time U.S. associates who had
completed one year of eligible service and reached the age of 21. The benefits
under these plans are based on years of service and the associates' average
final compensation or stated amounts. The Company's funding policy, consistent
with statutory requirements and tax considerations, is based on actuarial
computations using the
F-14
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
Projected Unit Credit method. The Company also curtailed its non-qualified
supplemental pension plan which provides for incremental pension payments from
the Company so that total pension payments equal amounts that would have been
payable from the Company's pension plans if it were not for limitations imposed
by income tax regulations.
The Company also sponsors the following pension plans associated with the
international businesses it has acquired: Scotts Europe BV, ASEF Europe BV
(Netherlands), The Scotts Company (UK) Ltd., Miracle Garden Care, Scotts France
SAS, Scotts Celaflor GmbH (Germany) and Scotts Celaflor HG (Austria). These
plans generally cover all associates of the respective businesses and retirement
benefits are generally based on years of service and compensation levels. The
pension plans for Scotts Europe BV, ASEF Europe BV (Netherlands), The Scotts
Company (UK) Ltd., and Miracle Garden Care are funded plans. The remaining
international pension plans are not funded by separately held plan assets.
In connection with reduction in force initiatives implemented in fiscal
2001, curtailment (gains) or losses of ($0.2) million and $2.7 million were
recorded as components of restructuring expense for the international and
domestic defined benefit pension plans, respectively.
The following tables present information about benefit obligations, plan
assets, annual expense and other assumptions about the Company's defined benefit
pension plans ($ millions):
<Table>
<Caption>
CURTAILED
DEFINED BENEFIT INTERNATIONAL CURTAILED
PLANS BENEFIT PLANS EXCESS PLAN
--------------- ------------- -------------
2001 2000 2001 2000 2001 2000
------ ------ ----- ----- ----- -----
CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION
Benefit obligation at beginning of year......... $59.5 $59.0 $72.1 $73.2 $ 1.9 $ 1.9
Service cost.................................... 3.6 2.9
Interest cost................................... 4.6 4.1 4.0 3.7 0.1 0.1
Plan participants' contributions................ 0.7 0.8
Curtailment loss (gain)......................... 2.7 (0.2)
Actuarial (gain) loss........................... 4.3 (2.7) (0.4) (0.1) (0.1)
Benefits paid................................... (3.9) (3.6) (1.7) (1.6)
Foreign currency translation.................... 0.3 (6.5)
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Benefit obligation at end of year............... $67.2 $59.5 $76.1 $72.1 $ 1.9 $ 1.9
===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of
year.......................................... 56.2 56.8 64.3 59.9
Actual return on plan assets.................... 4.5 3.0 (13.7) 7.6
Employer contribution........................... 0.1 2.8 1.2
Plan participants' contributions................ 0.7 0.9
Benefits paid................................... (3.9) (3.6) (1.7) (0.6)
Foreign currency translation.................... (0.6) (4.7)
----- ----- ----- -----
Fair value of plan assets at end of year........ $56.9 $56.2 $51.8 $64.3
===== ===== ===== =====
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL
POSITION CONSIST OF:
Funded status................................... (10.3) (3.3) (24.3) (7.8) (1.9) (1.9)
Unrecognized losses............................. 12.1 8.3 15.8 0.7 0.3 0.3
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Net amount recognized........................... $ 1.8 $ 5.0 (8.5) $(7.1) $(1.6) $(1.6)
===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</Table>
F-15
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000 1999 2001 2000 1999 2001 2000 1999
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- ----
COMPONENTS OF NET PERIODIC
BENEFIT COST
Service cost.................. $ $ $ $ 3.6 $ 3.5 $ 3.2 $ $ $
Interest cost................. 4.6 4.1 4.2 4.0 4.0 3.6 0.1 0.1 0.1
Expected return on plan
assets...................... (4.3) (4.4) (4.5) (4.8) (5.5) (3.7)
Net amortization and
deferral.................... 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.3
Curtailment loss (gain)....... 2.7 (0.2)
----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- ----
Net periodic benefit cost..... $ 3.3 $(0.3) $ 0.1 $ 2.6 $ 2.6 $ 3.4 $0.1 $0.1 $0.1
===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ==== ==== ====
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000 2001 2000 2001 2000
---- ----- -------- -------- ---- -----
Weighted average assumption:
Discount rate.......................... 7.5% 7.75% 5.5-6.5% 5.4-6.5% 7.5% 7.75%
Expected return on plan assets......... 8.0% 8.0% 4.0-8.0% 4.0-8.0% 8.0% 8.0%
Rate of compensation increase.......... n/a n/a 2.5-4.0% 1.5-4.0% n/a n/a
</Table>
At September 30, 2001, the status of the international plans was as
follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000
----- -----
Plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
Aggregate projected benefit obligations................... $73.9 $17.2
Aggregate fair value of plan assets....................... 49.7 4.7
Plans with plan assets in excess of benefit obligations:
Aggregate projected benefit obligations................... 2.1 54.9
Aggregate fair value of plan assets....................... 2.1 59.6
</Table>
NOTE 7. ASSOCIATE BENEFITS
The Company provides comprehensive major medical benefits to certain of its
retired associates and their dependents. Substantially all of the Company's
domestic associates become eligible for these benefits if they retire at age 55
or older with more than ten years of service. The plan requires certain minimum
contributions from retired associates and includes provisions to limit the
overall cost increases the Company is required to cover. The Company funds its
portion of retiree medical benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Prior to October 1, 1993, the Company effected several changes in plan
provisions, primarily related to current and ultimate levels of retiree and
dependent contributions. Retirees as of October 1, 1993 are entitled to benefits
existing prior to these plan changes. These plan changes resulted in a reduction
in unrecognized prior service cost, which is being amortized over future years.
In connection with the reduction in force in fiscal 2001, the plan incurred
a curtailment expense of $3.7 million which was included in restructuring
expense.
F-16
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
The following table set for the information about the retiree medical plan:
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION
Benefit obligation at beginning of year..................... $ 18.0 $ 15.8
Service cost................................................ 0.3 0.4
Interest cost............................................... 1.4 1.3
Plan participants' contributions............................ 0.3 0.3
Curtailment loss............................................ 3.7
Actuarial loss.............................................. 1.2
Benefits paid............................................... (1.2) (1.0)
------ ------
Benefit obligation at end of year........................... $ 22.5 $ 18.0
====== ======
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year.............. $ $
Employer contribution....................................... 0.9 0.7
Plan participants' contributions............................ 0.3 0.3
Benefits paid............................................... (1.2) (1.0)
------ ------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year.................... $ -- $ --
====== ======
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
CONSIST OF:
Funded status............................................... $(22.5) $(18.0)
Unrecognized prior service costs............................ (1.7) (3.0)
Unrecognized prior gain..................................... (0.3) (4.0)
------ ------
Net amount recognized....................................... $(24.5) $(25.0)
====== ======
</Table>
The discount rates used in determining the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation were 7.5% and 7.75% in fiscal 2001 and 2000, respectively.
For measurement purposes, annual rates of increase in per capita cost of covered
retiree medical benefits assumed for fiscal 2001 and 2000 were 9.50% and 8.50%,
respectively. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5.5% through the
year 2010 and remain at that level thereafter. A 1% increase in health cost
trend rate assumptions would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation (APBO) as of September 30, 2001 and 2000 by $0.5 million and $0.7
million, respectively. A 1% increase or decrease in the same rate would not have
a material effect on service or interest costs.
The Company is self-insured for certain health benefits up to $0.2 million
per occurrence per individual. The cost of such benefits is recognized as
expense in the period the claim is incurred. This cost was $14.7 million, $9.9
million and $11.0 million in fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The
Company is self-insured for State of Ohio workers compensation up to $0.5
million per claim. Claims in excess of stated limits of liability and claims for
workers compensation outside of the State of Ohio are insured with commercial
carriers.
F-17
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
NOTE 8. DEBT
<Table>
<Caption>
SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------
2001 2000
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Revolving loans under credit facility....................... $ 94.7 $ 37.3
Term loans under credit facility............................ 398.6 452.2
Senior subordinated notes................................... 320.5 319.2
Notes due to sellers........................................ 53.7 36.4
Foreign bank borrowings and term loans...................... 9.4 7.1
Capital lease obligations and other......................... 10.9 10.6
------ ------
887.8 862.8
Less current portions....................................... 71.3 49.4
------ ------
$816.5 $813.4
====== ======
</Table>
Maturities of short- and long-term debt, including capital leases for the
next five fiscal years and thereafter are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
CAPITAL LEASES OTHER
AND OTHER DEBT
-------------- ------
(IN MILLIONS)
2002........................................................ $ 2.3 $ 70.7
2003........................................................ 1.0 54.8
2004........................................................ 0.8 36.8
2005........................................................ 0.5 139.7
2006........................................................ 0.3 1.1
Thereafter.................................................. 6.3 585.0
----- ------
$11.2 $888.1
Less: amounts representing future interest.................. (0.3) (11.2)
----- ------
$10.9 $876.9
===== ======
</Table>
On December 4, 1998, The Scotts Company and certain of its subsidiaries
entered into a credit facility (the "Original Credit Agreement") which provided
for borrowings in the aggregate principal amount of $1.025 billion and consisted
of term loan facilities in the aggregate amount of $525 million and a revolving
credit facility in the amount of $500 million. Proceeds from borrowings under
the Original Credit Agreement of approximately $241.0 million were used to repay
amounts outstanding under the then existing credit facility. The Company
recorded a $0.4 million extraordinary loss, net of tax, in connection with the
retirement of the previous facility.
On December 5, 2000, The Scotts Company and certain of its subsidiaries
entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Amended Credit
Agreement"), amending and restating in its entirety the Original Credit
Agreement. Under the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, the revolving credit
facility was increased from $500 million to $575 million and the net worth
covenant was amended.
The term loan facilities consist of two tranches. The Tranche A Term Loan
Facility consists of three sub-tranches of French Francs, German Deutsche Marks
and British Pounds Sterling in an aggregate principal amount of $265 million
which are to be repaid quarterly over a 6 1/2 year period. The Tranche B Term
Loan Facility replaced the Tranche B and Tranche C facilities from the Original
Credit Agreement. Those facilities were prepayable without penalty. The new
Tranche B Term Loan Facility has an aggregate principal amount of $260 million
and is repayable in installments as follows: quarterly installments of $0.25
million beginning June 30, 2001 through December 31, 2006, quarterly
installments of $63.5 million beginning March 31, 2007 through September 30,
2007 and a final quarterly installment of $63.8 million on December 31, 2007.
F-18
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
The revolving credit facility provides for borrowings of up to $575
million, which are available on a revolving basis over a term of 6 1/2 years. A
portion of the revolving credit facility not to exceed $100 million is available
for the issuance of letters of credit. A portion of the facility not to exceed
$258.8 million is available for borrowings in optional currencies, including
German Deutsche Marks, British Pounds Sterling, French Francs, Belgian Francs,
Italian Lira and other specified currencies, provided that the outstanding
revolving loans in optional currencies other than British Pounds Sterling does
not exceed $138 million. The outstanding principal amount of all revolving
credit loans may not exceed $150 million for at least 30 consecutive days during
any calendar year.
Interest rates and commitment fees under the Amended Credit Agreement vary
according to the Company's leverage ratios and interest rates also vary within
tranches. The weighted-average interest rate on the Company's variable rate
borrowings at September 30, 2001 was 7.85% and at September 30, 2000 was 8.78%.
In addition, the Amended Credit Agreement requires that Scotts enter into hedge
agreements to the extent necessary to provide that at least 50% of the aggregate
principal amount of the 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 and term loan
facilities is subject to a fixed interest rate or interest rate protection for a
period of not less than three years. Financial covenants include minimum net
worth, interest coverage and net leverage ratios. Other covenants include
limitations on indebtedness, liens, mergers, consolidations, liquidations and
dissolutions, sale of assets, leases, dividends, capital expenditures, and
investments. The Scotts Company and all of its domestic subsidiaries pledged
substantially all of their personal, real and intellectual property assets as
collateral for the borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement. The Scotts
Company and its subsidiaries also pledged the stock in foreign subsidiaries that
borrow under the Amended Credit Agreement.
At September 30, 2001, primarily due to the restructuring charges recorded
in fiscal 2001, Scotts was in default of the covenants in the Amended Credit
Agreement pertaining to net worth, leverage and interest coverage. The defaults
were waived to and including December 31, 2001 and the Company is now in
compliance at September 30, 2001 with the covenants as modified by the December
2001 amendment. See Note 22 regarding the December 2001 amendment to the Amended
Credit Agreement.
Approximately $15.1 million of financing costs associated with the
revolving credit facility have been deferred as of September 30, 2001 and are
being amortized over a period of approximately 7 years, beginning in fiscal year
1999.
In January 1999, The Scotts Company completed an offering of $330 million
of 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009. The net proceeds from the
offering, together with borrowings under the Original Credit Agreement, were
used to fund the Ortho acquisition and to repurchase approximately $97 million
of outstanding 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due August 2004. The Company
recorded an extraordinary loss before tax on the extinguishment of the 9 7/8%
Notes of approximately $9.3 million, including a call premium of $7.2 million
and the write-off of unamortized issuance costs and discounts of $2.1 million.
In August 1999, Scotts repurchased the remaining $2.9 million of the 9 7/8%
Notes, resulting in an extraordinary loss, net of tax, of $0.1 million.
Scotts entered into two interest rate locks in fiscal 1998 to hedge its
anticipated interest rate exposure on the 8 5/8% Notes offering. The total
amount paid under the interest rate locks of $12.9 million has been recorded as
a reduction of the 8 5/8% Notes' carrying value and is being amortized over the
life of the 8 5/8% Notes as interest expense. Approximately $11.8 million of
issuance costs associated with the 8 5/8% Notes were deferred and are being
amortized over the term of the Notes.
In conjunction with the acquisitions of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin and Sanford
Scientific, notes were issued for certain portions of the total purchase price
that are to be paid in annual installments over a four-year period. The present
value of the remaining note payments is $16.0 million and $4.4 million,
respectively. The Company is imputing interest on the non-interest bearing notes
using an interest rate prevalent for similar
F-19
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
instruments at the time of acquisition (approximately 9% and 8%, respectively).
In conjunction with other acquisitions, notes were issued for certain portions
of the total purchase price that are to be paid in annual installments over
periods ranging from four to five years. The present value of remaining note
payments is $14.4 million. The Company is imputing interest on the non-interest
bearing notes using an interest rate prevalent for similar instruments at the
time of the acquisitions (approximately 8%).
In conjunction with the Substral(R) acquisition, notes were issued for
certain portions of the total purchase price that are to be paid in semi-annual
installments over a two-year period. The remaining note payments total $21.5
million. The interest rate on these notes is of 5.5%.
The foreign term loans of $6.0 million issued on December 12, 1997, have an
8-year term and bear interest at 1% below LIBOR. The present value of these
loans at September 30, 2001 and 2000 was $2.8 million and $3.2 million,
respectively. The loans are denominated in British Pounds Sterling and can be
redeemed, on demand, by the note holder. The foreign bank borrowings of $6.6
million at September 30, 2001 and $3.9 million at September 30, 2000 represent
lines of credit for foreign operations and are primarily denominated in French
Francs.
NOTE 9. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000
------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
STOCK
Preferred shares, no par value:
Authorized.............................................. 0.2 shares 0.2 shares
Issued.................................................. 0.0 shares 0.0 shares
Common shares, no par value
Authorized.............................................. 100.0 shares 100.0 shares
Issued.................................................. 31.3 shares 31.3 shares
</Table>
Class A Convertible Preferred Stock ("Preferred Shares") with a liquidation
preference of $195.0 million was issued in conjunction with the 1995 Miracle-Gro
merger transactions. These Preferred Shares had a 5% dividend yield and were
convertible upon shareholder demand into common shares at any time and at The
Scotts Company's option after May 2000 at $19.00 per common share. The
conversion feature associated with the Preferred Shares issued in connection
with the Miracle-Gro merger transactions was negotiated as an integral part of
the overall transaction. The conversion price exceeded the fair market value of
The Scotts Company's common shares on the date the two companies reached
agreement and, therefore, the Preferred Shares did not provide for a beneficial
conversion feature. Additionally, warrants to purchase 3.0 million common shares
of The Scotts Company were issued as part of the purchase price. The warrants
are exercisable upon shareholder demand for 1.0 million common shares at $21.00
per share, 1.0 million common shares at $25.00 per share and 1.0 million common
shares at $29.00 per share. The exercise term for the warrants expires November
2003. The fair value of the warrants at issuance has been included in capital in
excess of par value in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In fiscal 1999, certain of the Preferred Shares were converted into 0.2
million common shares at the holder's option. In October 1999, all of the then
outstanding Preferred Shares were converted into 10.0 million common shares. In
exchange for the early conversion, The Scotts Company paid the holders of the
Preferred Shares $6.4 million. That amount represents the dividends on the
Preferred Shares that otherwise would have been payable from the conversion date
through May 2000, the month during which the Preferred Shares could first be
redeemed by The Scotts Company. In addition, The Scotts Company agreed to
accelerate the termination of many of the standstill provisions in the
Miracle-Gro merger agreement that would otherwise have terminated in May 2000.
These standstill provisions include the provisions related to the Board of
Directors and voting restrictions, as well as restrictions on transfer.
Therefore, the former
F-20
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
shareholders of Stern's Miracle-Gro Products, Inc., including Hagedorn
Partnership, L.P., may vote their common shares freely in the election of
directors and generally on all matters brought before The Scotts Company's
shareholders. Following the conversion and the termination of the standstill
provisions described above, the former shareholders of Miracle-Gro own
approximately 40% of The Scotts Company's outstanding common shares and have the
ability to significantly influence the election of directors and approval of
other actions requiring the approval of The Scotts Company's shareholders.
In January 2001, the Amended Articles of Incorporation of The Scotts
Company were amended to change the authorized preferred stock from 195,000
shares of Class A Convertible Preferred Stock to 195,000 preferred shares, each
without par value.
The limitations on the ability of the former shareholders of Miracle-Gro to
acquire additional voting securities of The Scotts Company contained in the
merger agreement terminated as of October 1, 1999, except for the restriction
under which the former shareholders of Miracle-Gro may not acquire, directly or
indirectly, beneficial ownership of Voting Stock (as that term is defined in the
Miracle-Gro merger agreement) representing more than 49% of the total voting
power of the outstanding Voting Stock, except pursuant to a tender offer for
100% of that total voting power, which tender offer is made at a price per share
which is not less than the market price per share on the last trading day before
the announcement of the tender offer and is conditioned upon the receipt of at
least 50% of the Voting Stock beneficially owned by shareholders of The Scotts
Company other than the former shareholders of Miracle-Gro and their affiliates
and associates.
Under The Scotts Company 1992 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "1992 Plan"),
stock options and performance share awards were granted to officers and other
key employees of the Company. The 1992 Plan also provided for the grant of stock
options to non-employee directors of Scotts. The maximum number of common shares
that may be issued under the 1992 Plan is 1.7 million, plus the number of common
shares surrendered to exercise options (other than non-employee director
options) granted under the 1992 Plan, up to a maximum of 1.0 million surrendered
common shares. Vesting periods under the 1992 Plan vary and were determined by
the Compensation and Organization Committee of the Board of Directors.
Under The Scotts Company 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "1996 Plan"), stock
options may be granted to officers and other key employees of the Company and
non-employee directors of The Scotts Company. The maximum number of common
shares that may be issued under the 1996 Plan is 5.5 million. Vesting periods
under the 1996 Plan vary. Generally, a 3-year cliff vesting schedule is used
unless decided otherwise by the Compensation and Organization Committee of the
Board of Directors.
Aggregate stock option activity consists of the following (shares in
millions):
<Table>
<Caption>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
--------------------- --------------------- ---------------------
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
COMMON WTD. AVG. COMMON WTD. AVG. COMMON WTD. AVG.
SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE SHARES PRICE
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Beginning balance............ 4.9 $26.67 4.9 $26.33 3.8 $20.70
Options granted.............. 0.9 28.66 0.3 37.39 1.4 35.70
Options exercised............ (0.8) 21.24 (0.1) 19.46 (0.2) 16.51
Options canceled............. (0.4) 27.96 (0.2) 36.87 (0.1) 30.94
---- ---- ----
Ending balance............... 4.6 27.94 4.9 26.67 4.9 26.33
---- ---- ----
Exercisable at September
30......................... 3.0 $24.96 2.7 $21.45 1.9 $19.77
</Table>
F-21
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
The following summarizes certain information pertaining to stock options
outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2001 (shares in millions):
<Table>
<Caption>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
------------------------------- --------------------
WTD. AVG. WTD. AVG. WTD. AVG.
RANGE OF NO. OF REMAINING EXERCISE NO. OF EXERCISE
EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS LIFE PRICE OPTIONS PRICE
-------------- ------- --------- --------- --------- --------
$15.00-$20.00.............................. 1.2 4.18 $17.84 1.2 $17.84
$20.00-$25.00.............................. 0.2 4.48 21.51 0.2 21.51
$25.00-$30.00.............................. 0.5 6.23 27.25 0.5 27.12
$30.00-$35.00.............................. 1.6 8.02 31.03 0.8 31.09
$35.00-$40.00.............................. 1.0 7.98 36.36 0.3 36.80
$40.00-$46.38.............................. 0.1 8.02 40.75 0.0 40.13
--- ------ --- ------
4.6 $27.94 3.0 $24.96
=== ====== === ======
</Table>
In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," which changes the measurement,
recognition and disclosure standards for stock-based compensation. The Company,
as allowable, has adopted SFAS No. 123 for disclosure purposes only.
The fair value of each option granted has been estimated on the grant date
using the Black-option-pricing model based on the following assumptions for
those granted in fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999: (1) expected market-price
volatility of 29.5%, 27.05% and 24.44%, respectively; (2) risk-free interest
rates of 4.4%, 6.0% and 6.0%, respectively; and (3) expected life of options of
6 years. Options are generally granted with a ten-year term. The estimated
weighted-average fair value per share of options granted during fiscal 2001,
2000 and 1999 was $11.74, $14.94 and $13.64, respectively.
Had compensation expense been recognized for fiscal 2001, 2000 and 1999 in
accordance with provisions of SFAS No. 123, the Company would have recorded net
income and earnings per share as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000 1999
------ ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER
SHARE DATA)
Net income used in basic earnings per share calculation..... $10.8 $59.4 $55.3
Net income used in diluted earnings per share calculation... $10.8 $59.4 $45.3
Earnings per share:
Basic..................................................... $0.38 $2.12 $2.50
Diluted................................................... $0.35 $2.00 $1.82
</Table>
The pro forma amounts shown above are not necessarily representative of the
impact on net income in future years as additional option grants may be made
each year.
F-22
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
NOTE 10. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
The following table presents information necessary to calculate basic and
diluted earnings per common share.
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------
2001 2000 1999
------ ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER
SHARE DATA)
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Net income before extraordinary loss...................... $15.5 $73.1 $69.1
Net income................................................ 15.5 73.1 63.2
Class A Convertible Preferred Stock dividend.............. 0.0 (6.4) (9.7)
----- ----- -----
Income available to common shareholders................... 15.5 66.7 53.5
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the
period.................................................... 28.4 27.9 18.3
Basic earnings per common share
Before extraordinary item................................. $0.55 $2.39 $3.25
After extraordinary item.................................. $0.55 $2.39 $2.93
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Net income used in diluted earnings per common share
calculation............................................ $15.5 $66.7 $63.2
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the
period................................................. 28.4 27.9 18.3
Potential common shares:
Assuming conversion of Class A Convertible Preferred
Stock.................................................. 0.0 0.0 10.2
Assuming exercise of options.............................. 0.9 0.8 1.0
Assuming exercise of warrants............................. 1.1 0.9 1.0
----- ----- -----
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and
dilutive potential common shares.......................... 30.4 29.6 30.5
Diluted earnings per common share
Before extraordinary item................................. $0.51 $2.25 $2.27
After extraordinary item.................................. $0.51 $2.25 $2.08
</Table>
NOTE 11. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes, net of tax benefits associated with the
1999 extraordinary losses of $4.1 million consists of the following:
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------
2001 2000 1999
------ ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Currently payable:
Federal................................................... $29.9 $27.8 $34.5
State..................................................... 2.9 3.6 4.4
Foreign................................................... 0.3 4.3 4.4
Deferred:
Federal................................................... (18.1) 6.9 0.5
State..................................................... (1.8) 0.6 0.0
----- ----- -----
Income tax expense........................................ $13.2 $43.2 $43.8
===== ===== =====
</Table>
F-23
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
The domestic and foreign components of income before taxes are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------
2001 2000 1999
------ ------- -------
(IN MILLIONS)
Domestic.................................................... $30.3 $107.1 $100.0
Foreign..................................................... (1.6) 9.2 6.9
----- ------ ------
Income before taxes......................................... $28.7 $116.3 $106.9
===== ====== ======
</Table>
A reconciliation of the federal corporate income tax rate and the effective
tax rate on income before income taxes is summarized below:
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------
2001 2000 1999
----- ----- -----
Statutory income tax rate................................... 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
Effect of foreign operations................................ 2.6 (0.3) (0.7)
Goodwill amortization and other effects resulting from
purchase accounting....................................... 7.5 2.7 3.0
State taxes, net of federal benefit......................... 2.5 2.4 2.6
Resolution of previous contingencies........................ -- (2.8) --
Other....................................................... (1.6) 0.1 1.1
---- ---- ----
Effective income tax rate................................... 46.0% 37.1% 41.0%
==== ==== ====
</Table>
The net current and non-current components of deferred income taxes
recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30 are:
<Table>
<Caption>
SEPTEMBER 30,
-----------------
2001 2000
------- -------
(IN MILLIONS,
EXCEPT PER SHARE
DATA)
Net current assets.......................................... $52.2 $25.1
Net non-current assets...................................... 15.4 16.2
----- -----
Net assets.................................................. $67.6 $41.3
===== =====
</Table>
The components of the net deferred tax asset are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------
2001 2000
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
ASSETS
Inventories............................................... $ 14.7 $ 11.5
Accrued liabilities....................................... 56.1 33.3
Postretirement benefits................................... 20.5 14.3
Foreign net operating losses.............................. 1.6 1.9
Other..................................................... 11.8 12.9
------ ------
Gross deferred tax assets................................. 104.7 73.9
Valuation allowance....................................... (1.0) (1.1)
------ ------
Net deferred tax assets................................... 103.7 72.8
LIABILITIES
Property, plant and equipment............................. (21.8) (18.2)
Other..................................................... (14.3) (13.3)
------ ------
Net assets................................................ $ 67.6 $ 41.3
====== ======
</Table>
F-24
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
Net operating loss carryforwards in foreign jurisdictions were $5.2 million
and $6.2 million at September 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The use of these
acquired carryforwards is subject to limitations imposed by the tax laws of each
applicable country.
The valuation allowance of $1.0 million at September 30, 2001 and September
30, 2000 is to provide for operating losses for which the benefits are not
expected to be realized. Foreign net operating losses of $1.9 million can be
carried forward indefinitely.
Deferred taxes have not been provided on unremitted earnings of certain
foreign subsidiaries and foreign corporate joint ventures that arose in fiscal
years beginning on or before September 2001 as such earnings have been
permanently reinvested.
NOTE 12. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
A description of the Company's financial instruments and the methods and
assumptions used to estimate their fair values is as follows:
LONG-TERM DEBT
At September 30, 2001 and 2000, Scotts had $330 million outstanding of
8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009. The fair value of these notes was
estimated based on recent trading information. Variable rate debt outstanding at
September 30, 2001 and 2000 consisted of revolving borrowings and term loans
under the Company's credit facility and local bank borrowings for certain of the
Company's foreign operations. The carrying amounts of these borrowings are
considered to approximate their fair values.
INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS
At September 30, 2001 and 2000, Scotts had outstanding five interest rate
swaps with major financial institutions that effectively convert variable-rate
debt to a fixed rate. One swap has a notional amount of 20.0 million British
Pounds Sterling under a five-year term expiring in April 2002 whereby Scotts
pays 7.6% and receives three-month LIBOR. The remaining four swaps have notional
amounts between $20 million and $35 million ($105 million in total) with three,
four or five year terms commencing in January 1999. Under the terms of these
swaps, the Company pays rates ranging from 5.05% to 5.18% and receives
three-month LIBOR.
Scotts enters into interest rate swap agreements as a means to hedge its
interest rate exposure on debt instruments. In addition, the Company's Amended
Credit Agreement requires that Scotts enter into hedge agreements to the extent
necessary to provide that at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the
8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 and term loan facilities subject to a
fixed interest rate or interest rate protection for a period of not less than
three years. Since the interest rate swaps have been designated as hedging
instruments, their fair values are reflected in the Company's Consolidated
Balance Sheets. Net amounts to be received or paid under the swap agreements are
reflected as adjustments to interest expense. The fair value of the swap
agreements was determined based on the present value of the estimated future net
cash flows using implied rates in the applicable yield curve as of the valuation
date.
INTEREST RATE LOCKS
In fiscal 1998, Scotts entered into two contracts, each with notional
amounts of $100.0 million, to lock the treasury rate component of Scotts'
anticipated offering of debt securities in the first quarter of fiscal 1999. One
of the interest rate locks expired in October 1998 and was rolled over into a
new rate lock that expired in February 1999. The other rate lock expired in
February 1999.
F-25
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
Scotts entered into the interest rate locks to hedge its interest rate
exposure on the offering of the 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009. The
net amount paid under the interest rate locks is reflected as an adjustment to
the carrying amount of the 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes.
The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as
follows for the fiscal years ended September 30:
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000
----------------- -----------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
-------- ------ -------- ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Revolving and term loans under credit facility... $493.3 $493.3 $489.5 $489.5
Senior subordinated notes........................ 330.0 320.5 330.0 319.2
Foreign bank borrowings and term loans........... 9.4 9.4 7.1 7.1
Interest rate swap agreements.................... (2.7) (2.7) -- 2.6
</Table>
Excluded from the fair value table above are the following items that are
included in the Company's total debt balances at September 30, 2001 and 2000:
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000
----- ------
(IN MILLIONS)
Amounts paid to settle treasury locks....................... $(9.5) $(10.8)
Non-interest bearing notes.................................. 53.7 36.4
Capital lease obligations and other......................... 10.9 10.6
</Table>
The fair value of the non-interest bearing notes is not considered
determinable since there is no established market for notes with similar
characteristics and since they represent notes that were negotiated between the
Company and the seller as part of transactions to acquire businesses.
NOTE 13. OPERATING LEASES
The Company leases buildings, land and equipment under various
noncancellable lease agreements for periods of two to six years. The lease
agreements generally provide that the Company pay taxes, insurance and
maintenance expenses related to the leased assets. Certain lease agreements
contain purchase options. At September 30, 2001, future minimum lease payments
were as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
(IN MILLIONS)
2002........................................................ $15.6
2003........................................................ 10.0
2004........................................................ 6.4
2005........................................................ 4.2
2006........................................................ 3.1
Thereafter.................................................. 26.5
-----
Total minimum lease payments................................ $65.8
=====
</Table>
The Company also leases transportation and production equipment under
various one-year operating leases, which provide for the extension of the
initial term on a monthly or annual basis. Total rental expenses for operating
leases were $22.0 million, $17.8 million and $18.5 million for fiscal 2001, 2000
and 1999, respectively. The total to be received from sublease rentals in place
at September 30, 2001 is $0.6 million. The future minimum lease payments of $1.2
million related to the prior World Headquarters office lease are included in
restructuring expense.
F-26
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
NOTE 14. COMMITMENTS
The Company has entered into the following purchase commitments:
SEED: The Company is obligated to make future purchases based on estimated
yields and other market purchase commitments. At September 30, 2001, estimated
annual seed purchase commitments were as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
(IN MILLIONS)
2002........................................................ $56.7
2003........................................................ $38.2
2004........................................................ $21.0
2005........................................................ $ 7.6
2006........................................................ $ 0.7
</Table>
The Company made purchases of $53.9 million and $31.2 million under this
obligation in fiscal 2001 and 2000, respectively.
PEAT: In March 2000, the Company entered in a contract to purchase peat
over the next ten years. There is an option to extend the term of this agreement
for a further period of ten years, on or before the eighth anniversary of this
agreement. The minimum volume purchase obligations under the March 2000 contract
are as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
APPROXIMATE VALUE
CUBIC METERS BASED ON AVERAGE PRICES
------------ -----------------------
(IN MILLIONS)
2002................................................ 1,046,000 $11.1
2003................................................ 1,067,000 11.3
2004................................................ 1,088,000 11.5
2005................................................ 1,110,000 11.7
2006................................................ 1,132,000 12.0
Thereafter.......................................... 2,830,000 30.0
</Table>
In the event that in any one contract year, the Company does not purchase
the minimum required volume, the Company will be required to pay a cash penalty
based upon the marginal contribution to the supplier of all those products which
the Company has failed to purchase.
In the event that the volume purchases in a contract year are less than 97%
of the contract requirements, the Company shall pay 80% of the supplier's
marginal contribution multiplied by the number of cubic meters by which the
volume equivalent to 97% of the contract requirements was not reached. An amount
of 50% of the supplier's marginal contribution multiplied by the number of cubic
meters would also be paid based on the remaining 3% contract purchase obligation
shortfall. A reverse approach applies for purchases made by the Company that are
in excess of the minimum volume purchase obligation in any contract year. The
Company purchased 974,000 cubic meters of peat under this arrangement in fiscal
2001.
MEDIA ADVERTISING: As of September 30, 2001 the Company has committed to
purchase $7.8 million of airtime for both national and regional television
advertising in fiscal 2002.
NOTE 15. 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, property losses and other fiduciary liabilities
for which the Company is self-insured. In the opinion of management, its
assessment of contingencies is reasonable and related reserves, in the
aggregate, are adequate; however, there can be no
F-27
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
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 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
seeking corrective action under the federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act.
The action relates to several discontinued on-site disposal areas which date
back to the early operations of the Marysville facility that we had already been
assessing under a voluntary action program of the state. Since initiation of the
action, we have continued to meet with the Ohio Attorney General and the Ohio
EPA in an effort to complete negotiations of an amicable resolution of these
issues. On December 3, 2001, an agreed judicial Consent Order was submitted to
the Union County Common Pleas Court. Although this Consent Order is subject to
public comment and both parties may withdraw their consent to entry of the
Order, we anticipate the Consent Order will be entered by the court in January
2002.
Since receiving notice of the enforcement action in June 1997, we have
continually assessed the potential costs to satisfactorily remediate the
Marysville site and to pay any penalties sought by the state. Although the terms
of the Consent Order have now been agreed to, the extent of any possible
contamination and an appropriate remediation plan have yet to be determined. As
of September 30, 2001, we estimate that the possible total cost that could be
incurred in connection with this matter is approximately $10 million. We have
accrued for the amount we consider to be the most probable and believe the
outcome will not differ materially from the amount reserved.
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 possible
discontinuation of our peat harvesting operations in at our Lafayette, New
Jersey facility. We are also addressing remediation concerns raised by the
Environmental 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 as of September 30, 2001, but we do not believe that either issue
is material.
Regulations and environmental concerns also exist surrounding peat
extraction in the United Kingdom and the European Union. In August 2000, the
nature conservation advisory body to the U.K. government notified us that three
of our peat harvesting sites in the United Kingdom were under consideration as
possible "Special Areas of Conservation" under European Union law. We are
currently challenging this consideration. If we are unsuccessful, local planning
authorities in the United Kingdom will be required to review the impact of
activities likely to affect these areas and it is possible that these
authorities could modify or revoke the applicable consents, in which case we
believe we should be entitled to compensation and we believe we would have
sufficient raw material supplies available to replace the peat produced in such
areas.
The Company has determined that quantities of cement containing asbestos
material at certain manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom should be
removed.
At September 30, 2001, $7.0 million is accrued for the environmental
matters described herein. The significant components of the accrual are: (i)
costs for site remediation of $4.7 million; (ii) costs for asbestos abatement of
$1.8 million; and (iii) fines and penalties of $0.5 million. The significant
portion of the costs accrued as of September 30, 2001 are expected to be paid in
fiscal 2002 and 2003; however, payments could be made for a period thereafter.
F-28
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
We believe that the amounts accrued as of September 30, 2001 are adequate
to cover known environmental exposures based on current facts and estimates of
likely outcome. However, the adequacy of these accruals is based on several
significant assumptions:
(i) that we have identified all of the significant sites that must be
remediated;
(ii) that there are no significant conditions of potential
contamination that are unknown to the Company; and
(iii) 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 the Company's results of operations, financial position and
cash flows.
AGREVO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, INC.
On June 3, 1999, AgrEvo Environmental Health, Inc. ("AgrEvo") (which is
reported to have 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 the Company, a subsidiary
of the Company and Monsanto (now Pharmacia) seeking damages and injunctive
relief for alleged antitrust violations and breach of contract by the Company
and its subsidiary and antitrust violations and tortious interference with
contact by Monsanto. AgrEvo also contends that the Company's execution of
various agreements with Monsanto, including the Roundup(R) marketing agreement,
as well as the Company's subsequent actions, violated the purchase agreements
between AgrEvo and the Company. AgrEvo is requesting unspecified damages as well
as affirmative injunctive relief, and is seeking to have the court invalidate
the Roundup(R) marketing agreement as violative of the federal antitrust laws.
On June 29, 1999, AgrEvo also filed a complaint in the Superior Court of
the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Action") against two of the Company's
subsidiaries seeking damages for alleged breach of contract. AgrEvo alleges
that, under the contracts by which a subsidiary of the Company purchased a
herbicide business from AgrEvo in May 1998, two of the Company's 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. The Company's 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. The Company's subsidiaries intend to
vigorously defend the asserted claims.
If the above actions are determined adversely to the Company, the result
could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial
position and cash flows. The Company believes that it will prevail in the AgrEvo
matter and that any potential exposure that the Company may face cannot be
reasonably estimated. Therefore, no accrual has been established related to
these matters.
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
On June 30, 2000, the Company filed suit against Central Garden & Pet
Company in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio to recover
approximately $17 million in outstanding accounts receivable from Central Garden
with respect to the Company's 2000 fiscal year. The Company's complaint was
later amended to seek approximately $24 million in accounts receivable and
additional damages for other breaches of duty. On April 13, 2001, Central Garden
filed an answer and counterclaim in the Ohio action. On April 24, 2001, Central
Garden filed an amended counterclaim. Central Garden's counterclaims include
F-29
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
allegations that the Company and Central Garden had entered into an oral
agreement in April 1998 whereby the Company would allegedly share with Central
Garden the benefits and liabilities of any future business integration between
the Company and Pharmacia Corporation (formerly Monsanto). Central Garden has
asserted several causes of action, including breach of oral contract and
fraudulent misrepresentation, and seeks damages in excess of $900 million. In
addition, Central Garden asserts various other causes of action including breach
of written contract and quantum valebant and seeks damages in excess of $76
million based on the allegations that Central Garden was entitled to receive a
cash payment rather than a credit for the value of inventory Central alleges was
improperly seized by the Company. These allegations are made without regard to
the fact that the amounts sought from Central in litigation filed by the Company
and Pharmacia are net of any such alleged credit. The Company believes all of
Central Garden's counterclaims in Ohio are without merit and it intends to
vigorously defend against them. Pharmacia (formerly Monsanto) also filed suit
against Central Garden in Missouri state court, seeking unspecified damages
allegedly due Pharmacia under a four-year alliance agreement between Pharmacia
and Central Garden.
On July 7, 2000, Central Garden filed suit against the Company 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 October 26, 2000, the District Court granted
the Company's motion to dismiss Central Garden's breach of contract claims for
lack of subject matter jurisdiction. On November 17, 2000, Central Garden filed
an amended complaint in the District Court, re-alleging various claims for
violations of federal antitrust laws and also alleging state antitrust claims
under the Cartwright Act, Section 16726 of the California Business and
Professions Code. Fact discovery is set to conclude in December 2001. The trial
date for the California federal action is set for July 15, 2002.
On October 31, 2000, Central Garden filed an additional complaint against
the Company and Pharmacia in the California Superior Court of Contra Costa
County. That complaint seeks to assert the breach of contract claims previously
dismissed by the District Court in the California federal action described
above, and additional claims under Section 17200 of the California Business and
Professions Code. On December 4, 2000, the Company and Pharmacia jointly filed a
motion to stay this action based on the pendency of prior lawsuits (including
the three actions described above) that involve the same subject matter. By
order dated February 23, 2001, the Superior Court stayed the action pending
before it.
The Company believes that all of Central Garden's federal and state claims
are entirely without merit and it intends to vigorously defend against them. If
the above actions are determined adversely to the Company, the result could have
a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial
position and cash flows. The Company believes that it will prevail in the
Central Garden matters and that any potential exposure that the Company may face
cannot be reasonably estimated. Therefore, no accrual has been established
related to these matters.
NOTE 16. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
concentration of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable.
The Company sells its consumer products to a wide variety of retailers,
including mass merchandisers, home centers, independent hardware stores,
nurseries, garden outlets, warehouse clubs and local and regional chains.
Professional products are sold to commercial nurseries, greenhouses, landscape
services, and growers of specialty agriculture crops.
At September 30, 2001, 70% of the Company's accounts receivable was due
from customers in North America. Approximately 82% of these receivables were
generated from the Company's North American Consumer segment. The most
significant concentration of receivables within this segment was from home
centers, which accounted for 20%, followed by mass merchandisers at 12% of the
Company's receivables balance at September 30, 2001. No other retail
concentrations (e.g., independent hardware stores, nurseries,
F-30
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
etc. in similar markets) accounted for more than 10% of the Company's accounts
receivable balance at September 30, 2001.
The remaining 15% of North American accounts receivable was generated from
customers of the Global Professional segment located in North America. As a
result of the changes in distribution methods made in fiscal 2000 for the Global
Professional segment customers in North America, nearly all products are sold
through distributors. Accordingly, nearly all of the Global Professional
segment's North American accounts receivable at September 30, 2001 is due from
distributors.
The 30% of accounts receivable generated outside of North America is due
from retailers, distributors, nurseries and growers. No concentrations of
customers or individual customers within this group account for more than 10% of
the Company's accounts receivable balance at September 30, 2001.
At September 30, 2001, the Company's concentrations of credit risk were
similar to those existing at September 30, 2000.
The Company's two largest customers accounted for the following percentage
of net sales in each respective period:
<Table>
<Caption>
LARGEST 2ND LARGEST
CUSTOMER CUSTOMER
-------- -----------
2001........................................................ 24.3% 12.5%
2000........................................................ 20.0% 7.6%
1999........................................................ 15.2% 9.9%
</Table>
Sales to the Company's two largest customers are reported within Scotts'
North American Consumer segment. No other customers accounted for more than 10%
of fiscal 2001, 2000 or 1999 net sales.
NOTE 17. OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME)
Other expense (income) consisted of the following for the fiscal years
ended September 30:
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000 1999
----- ----- -----
(IN MILLIONS)
Royalty income.............................................. $(4.9) $(5.1) $(4.0)
Legal and insurance settlements............................. (3.6)
Gain on sale of ProTurf(R) business......................... (4.6)
Asset valuation and write-off charges....................... 0.1 1.8 1.2
Foreign currency losses..................................... 0.5 0.9 0.1
Other, net.................................................. (0.6) 1.0 (0.9)
----- ----- -----
Total....................................................... $(8.5) $(6.0) $(3.6)
===== ===== =====
</Table>
NOTE 18. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In May 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached consensus on
Issue 00-14, "Accounting for Certain Sales Incentives". This Issue requires
certain sales incentives (e.g., discounts, rebates, coupons) offered by the
Company to distributors, retail customers and consumers to be classified as a
reduction of sales revenue. Like many other consumer products companies, the
Company has historically classified these costs as advertising, promotion, or
selling expenses. The Company adopted the guidance in fiscal 2001 with no impact
on fiscal 2001 results of operations.
In January 2001, the EITF reached consensus on Issue 00-22, "Accounting for
Points and Certain Other Time or Volume-Based Sales Incentive Offers". This
Issue requires certain allowances and discounts (e.g., volume discounts) paid to
distributors and retail customers to be classified as a reduction of sales
revenue. Like many other consumer products companies, the Company has
historically classified these costs as
F-31
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
advertising, promotion, or selling expenses. The Company adopted the guidance in
fiscal 2001 with no impact on fiscal 2001 results of operations.
In April 2001, the EITF reached consensus on Issue 00-25, "Accounting for
Consideration from a Vendor to a Retailer in Connection with the Purchase or
Promotion of the Vendor's Products". This Issue requires that certain
consideration from a vendor to a retailer be classified as a reduction of sales
revenue. Like many other consumer products companies, the Company has
historically classified these costs as advertising, promotion, or selling
expenses. The Company adopted the guidance in fiscal 2002 and has amended the
consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999 to
reclassify promotional costs, in accordance with the consensus reached by the
EITF on Issue 00-25. There was no impact on results of operations for these
three fiscal periods.
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Accounting Standard No. 141, "Business Combinations". SFAS No. 141
requires that all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, be
accounted for using the purchase accounting method and also established specific
criteria for recognition of intangible assets separately from goodwill. The
acquisitions discussed in Note 5 herein were accounted for using the purchase
method of accounting.
In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Accounting Standard No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". SFAS No. 142 eliminates the requirement
to amortize indefinite-lived assets such as goodwill. It also requires an annual
review for impairment of indefinite-lived assets. Scotts adopted SFAS No. 142
beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2002 and has amended its consolidated
financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2001,
2000 and 1999 to incorporate the transitional disclosures required for SFAS No.
142. In connection with the Company's transitional impairment testing of
goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, an impairment of $29.8 million
($18.5 million net of tax) was identified with respect to trade names in our
International Consumer businesses in Germany, France and the United Kingdom.
This change was reflected as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting in
the Company's first quarter 2002. The Company expects that the elimination of
amortization of indefinite-lived assets will increase earnings per share in
fiscal 2002 by $.50 to $.55.
Also in June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Accounting Standard No.
143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations". SFAS No. 143 addresses
accounting and reporting standards for legal obligations associated with the
retirement of tangible long-lived assets. SFAS No. 143 is effective for
financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002.
Scotts is in the process of evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 143 on its
financial statements and will adopt the provisions of this statement in the
first quarter of fiscal year 2003.
In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Accounting Standard No. 144,
"Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". SFAS No. 144
supersedes Financial Accounting Standard No. 121, "Accounting for Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed of" and Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations; Reporting
the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual
and Infrequent Occurring Events and Transactions". SFAS No. 144 addresses
accounting and reporting standards for the impairment or disposal of long-lived
assets. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2001. The Company is in the process of evaluating
the impact of SFAS No. 144 on its financial statements and will adopt the
provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003.
F-32
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
NOTE 19. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
<Table>
<Caption>
2001 2000 1999
----- ----- -------
(IN MILLIONS)
Interest paid (net of amount capitalized)................... $86.5 $88.3 $ 63.6
Income taxes paid........................................... 47.2 10.0 50.3
Dividends declared not paid................................. 0.0 0.0 2.5
Businesses acquired:
Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash.................. 53.5 4.8 691.2
Liabilities assumed......................................... 0.0 0.0 (149.3)
----- ----- -------
Net assets acquired....................................... 53.5 4.8 541.9
Cash paid................................................... 26.5 2.7 4.8
Notes issued to seller...................................... 27.0 2.1 35.7
Debt issued................................................. $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 501.4
</Table>
NOTE 20. SEGMENT INFORMATION
For fiscal 2001, the Company was divided into three reportable
segments -- North American Consumer, Global Professional and International
Consumer. The North American Consumer segment consists of the Lawns, Gardens,
Growing Media, Ortho, Scotts LawnService(R) and Canada businesses. These
segments differ from those used in the prior year due to the sale of the
Company's professional turfgrass business in May 2000 and the resulting change
in management reporting structure. For fiscal 2002 Scotts LawnService(R) is
reported as a separate reportable segment. These financial statements have been
amended to present financial information for the segments as they are in fiscal
2002 for all periods presented.
The North American Consumer segment specializes in dry, granular
slow-release lawn fertilizers, lawn fertilizer combination and lawn control
products, grass seed, spreaders, water-soluble and controlled-release garden and
indoor plant foods, plant care products and potting soils, barks, mulches and
other growing media products and pesticides products. Products are marketed to
mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, large hardware chains, nurseries
and gardens centers.
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 offer an
exterior barrier pest control service.
The Global Professional segment is focused on a full line of horticulture
products including controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers and plant
protection products, grass seed, spreaders, customer application services and
growing media. Products are sold to lawn and landscape service companies,
commercial nurseries and greenhouses and specialty crop growers. Prior to June
2000, this segment also included the Company's ProTurf(R) business, which was
sold in May 2000.
The International Consumer segment provides products similar to those
described above for the North American Consumer segment to consumers in
countries other than the United States and Canada.
The following table presents segment financial information in accordance
with SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information". Pursuant to SFAS No. 131, the presentation of the segment
financial information is consistent with the basis used by management (i.e.,
F-33
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
certain costs not allocated to business segments for internal management
reporting purposes are not allocated for purposes of this presentation). Prior
periods have been restated to conform to this basis of presentation.
<Table>
<Caption>
N.A. SCOTTS GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL
CONSUMER LAWNSERVICE(R) PROFESSIONAL CONSUMER CORPORATE TOTAL
------------- -------------- ------------ ------------- --------- --------
(IN MILLIONS)
Net Sales:
2001 $1,223.1 $42.0 $179.4 $252.1 $ -- $1,696.6
2000 1,189.5 20.6 180.5 264.8 -- 1,655.4
1999 1,079.5 14.0 172.6 284.5 -- 1,550.6
Income (loss) from Operations:
2001 $ 245.3 $ 4.7 $ 17.4 $ (3.3) $(120.0) $ 144.1
2000 243.3 0.9 26.4 21.0 (54.2) 237.4
1999 232.9 (0.1) 35.2 29.2 (75.4) 221.8
Operating Margin:
2001 20.1% 11.2% 9.7% (1.3)% nm 8.5%
2000 20.5% 4.4% 14.6% 7.9% nm 14.3%
1999 21.6% (0.7)% 20.4% 10.3% nm 14.3%
Depreciation and Amortization:
2001 $ 38.0 $ 1.9 $ 5.1 $ 14.0 $ 4.6 $ 63.6
2000 34.8 1.2 4.9 12.7 7.4 61.0
1999 32.9 0.7 2.1 12.6 7.9 56.2
Capital Expenditures:
2001 $ 55.3 $ 1.1 $ 1.9 $ 5.1 $ -- $ 63.4
2000 31.3 0.8 9.8 9.5 21.1 72.5
1999 22.1 0.4 5.7 10.6 27.9 66.7
Long-Lived Assets:
2001 $ 722.8 $29.2 $ 65.4 $264.3 $ -- $1,081.7
2000 687.3 10.2 72.7 263.4 -- 1,033.6
Total Assets:
2001 $1,172.1 $28.0 $141.0 $397.9 $ 104.0 $1,843.0
2000 1,116.1 4.7 173.8 384.3 82.5 1,761.4
</Table>
- ---------------
nm -- Not meaningful
Income (loss) from operations reported for Scotts' four operating 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 fiscal years ended September
30, 2001, 2000 and 1999 includes amortization of certain intangible assets,
corporate general and administrative expenses, certain other income/expense not
allocated to the business segments and North America restructuring charges in
fiscal 2001. International restructuring charges of approximately $10.4 million
are included in International Consumer's operating loss in fiscal 2001. Global
Professional operating income in fiscal 2001 is net of restructuring charges of
$2.9 million.
Total assets reported for Scotts' operating 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 as well as deferred tax assets.
F-34
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
NOTE 21. QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations
for fiscal 2001 and 2000.
<Table>
<Caption>
1ST QTR 2ND QTR 3RD QTR 4TH QTR FULL YEAR
------- ------- ------- ------- ---------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
FISCAL 2001
Net sales........................................ $147.0 $713.5 $598.6 $237.5 $1,696.6
Gross profit..................................... 31.3 292.0 218.3 55.6 597.2
Net income (loss)................................ (51.2) 84.8 45.4 (63.5) 15.5
Basic earnings (loss) per common share........... $(1.83) $ 3.01 $ 1.60 $(2.24) $ 0.55
Common shares used in basic EPS calculation...... 28.0 28.2 28.3 28.4 28.4
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share......... $(1.83) $ 2.80 $ 1.49 $(2.24) $ 0.51
Common shares and dilutive potential common
shares used in diluted EPS calculation......... 28.0 30.3 30.6 28.4 30.4
FISCAL 2000
Net sales........................................ $181.2 $672.3 $562.9 $239.0 $1,655.4
Gross profit..................................... 63.6 264.7 206.7 68.0 603.0
Net income (loss)................................ (30.8) 63.4 52.8 (12.3) 73.1
Basic earnings (loss) per common share........... $(1.32) $ 2.27 $ 1.89 $(0.44) $ 2.39
Common shares used in basic EPS calculation...... 28.2 27.9 27.9 28.0 27.9
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share......... $(1.32) $ 2.15 $ 1.77 $(0.44) $ 2.25
Common shares and dilutive potential common
shares used in diluted EPS calculation......... 28.2 29.5 29.7 28.0 29.6
</Table>
Certain reclassifications have been made within interim periods.
Common stock equivalents, such as stock options, are excluded from the
diluted loss per share calculation in periods where there is a net loss because
their effect is anti-dilutive.
Scotts' business is highly seasonal with approximately 75% of sales
occurring in the second and third fiscal quarters combined.
NOTE 22. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
In December 2001, the Amended Credit Agreement was amended to redefine
EBITDA, to eliminate the net worth covenant and to modify the covenants
pertaining to interest coverage and leverage. The amendment also increases the
amount that may be borrowed in optional currencies to $360 million from $258.8
million and amends how proceeds from future equity or subordinated debt
offerings, if any, will be used towards mandatory prepayments of revolving
credit facility borrowings.
NOTE 23. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS
In January 1999, The Scotts Company issued $330 million of 8 5/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2009 to qualified institutional buyers under the
provisions of Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933.
The 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
F-35
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
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 information presents consolidating Statements of Operations
and Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended September 30, 2001 and
consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2001 and 2000. Separate audited
financial statements of the individual guarantor subsidiaries have not been
provided because management does not believe they would be meaningful to
investors.
F-36
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
Net sales.............................. $919.6 $380.2 $396.8 $ $1,696.6
Cost of sales.......................... 633.8 216.4 241.9 1,092.1
Restructuring and other charges........ 2.5 1.4 3.4 7.3
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Gross profit........................... 283.3 162.4 151.5 597.2
Gross commission earned from marketing
agreement............................ 34.6 4.5 39.1
Contribution expenses under marketing
agreement............................ 16.9 1.4 18.3
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net commission earned from marketing
agreement............................ 17.7 3.1 20.8
Advertising............................ 59.9 0.3 29.7 89.9
Selling, general and administrative.... 194.5 21.6 108.0 324.1
Restructuring and other charges........ 47.5 11.0 9.9 68.4
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles.......................... 1.7 15.8 10.2 27.7
Equity income in non-guarantors........ (61.7) 61.7
Intracompany allocations............... 1.0 (9.1) 8.1
Other (income) expense, net............ (3.5) (5.4) 0.4 (8.5)
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) from operations.......... 61.6 128.2 (11.7) (61.7) 116.4
Interest (income) expense.............. 78.4 (14.3) 23.6 87.7
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) before income taxes...... (16.8) 142.5 (35.3) (61.7) 28.7
Income taxes (benefit)................. (32.3) 60.5 (15.0) 13.2
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net income (loss)...................... $ 15.5 $ 82.0 $(20.3) $(61.7) $ 15.5
====== ====== ====== ====== ========
</Table>
F-37
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income........................... $ 15.5 $ 82.0 $(20.3) $(61.7) $ 15.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation...................... 15.5 10.2 6.9 32.6
Amortization...................... 1.9 15.7 13.4 31.0
Deferred taxes.................... (19.9) (19.9)
Equity income in non-guarantors... (61.7) 61.7
Restructuring and other charges... 13.2 14.5 27.7
Loss on sale of property
Changes in assets and liabilities,
net of acquired businesses:
Accounts receivable............. 0.4 (10.3) (4.3) (14.2)
Inventories..................... (48.9) (5.2) (14.4) (68.5)
Prepaid and other current
assets....................... 28.7 (1.5) 4.2 31.4
Accounts payable................ (6.5) (2.9) 6.6 (2.8)
Accrued taxes and liabilities... 32.6 (72.1) 16.8 (22.7)
Restructuring reserves.......... 13.3 11.4 12.6 37.3
Other assets.................... (3.9) 13.3 (3.3) 6.1
Other liabilities............... 1.6 (10.8) 16.8 7.6
Other, net...................... 10.4 0.4 (6.2) 4.6
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities................. (7.8) 44.7 28.8 65.7
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Investment in property, plant and
equipment............................ (41.8) (13.9) (7.7) (63.4)
Proceeds from sale of equipment
Investments in acquired
businesses, net of cash
acquired.......................... (13.5) (13.0) (26.5)
Repayment of seller notes.............. (1.2) (9.9) (11.1)
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Net cash used in investing
activities........................... (41.8) (28.6) (30.6) (101.0)
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net borrowings (repayments) under
revolving and bank lines of
credit............................ 2.2 2.2 4.4
Cash received from exercise of stock
options.............................. 17.0 17.0
Intercompany financing................. 17.8 (14.9) (2.9)
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities................. 37.0 (14.9) (0.7) 21.4
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash................................. (0.4) (0.4)
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash........ (12.6) 1.2 (2.9) (14.3)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
period............................... 16.0 (0.6) 17.6 33.0
------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
period............................... $ 3.4 $ 0.6 $ 14.7 $ 0.0 $ 18.7
====== ====== ====== ====== =======
</Table>
F-38
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
BALANCE SHEET
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
-------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE INFORMATION)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash................................... $ 3.4 $ 0.6 $ 14.7 $ $ 18.7
Accounts receivable, net............... 93.3 53.1 74.4 220.8
Inventories, net....................... 236.8 54.0 77.6 368.4
Current deferred tax asset............. 52.2 0.5 (0.5) 52.2
Prepaid and other assets............... 16.7 2.6 14.8 34.1
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total current assets................ 402.4 110.8 181.0 694.2
Property, plant and equipment, net....... 196.5 75.0 39.2 310.7
Intangible assets, net................... 28.8 478.6 263.7 771.1
Other assets............................. 49.7 6.1 11.2 67.0
Investment in affiliates................. 898.2 (898.2)
Intracompany assets...................... 215.6 (215.6)
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total assets........................ 1,575.6 886.1 495.1 (1,113.8) 1,843.0
======== ====== ====== ========= ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt........................ 31.5 15.0 24.8 71.3
Accounts payable....................... 75.1 20.5 55.3 150.9
Accrued liabilities.................... 124.0 26.6 57.4 208.0
Accrued taxes.......................... 16.4 2.8 (4.3) 14.9
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total current liabilities........... 247.0 64.9 133.2 445.1
Long-term debt........................... 559.1 5.8 251.6 816.5
Other liabilities........................ 48.8 0.4 26.0 75.2
Intracompany liabilities................. 188.3 27.3 (215.6)
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total liabilities................... 1,043.2 71.1 438.1 (215.6) 1,336.8
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred shares, no par value, none
issued
Investment from parent................. 488.1 60.4 (548.5)
Common shares, no par value per share,
$.01 stated value per share, issued
31.3 shares in 2001................. 0.3 0.3
Capital in excess of stated value...... 398.3 398.3
Retained earnings...................... 212.3 329.3 20.4 (349.7) 212.3
Treasury stock at cost, 2.6 shares
issued.............................. (70.0) (70.0)
Accumulated other comprehensive income... (8.5) (2.4) (23.8) (34.7)
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total shareholders' equity.......... 532.4 815.0 57.0 (898.2) 506.2
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
equity................................. $1,575.6 $886.1 $495.1 $(1,113.8) $1,843.0
======== ====== ====== ========= ========
</Table>
F-39
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
Net sales.............................. $862.7 $398.8 $393.9 $ $1,655.4
Cost of sales.......................... 559.2 260.2 233.0 1,052.4
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Gross profit........................... 303.5 138.6 160.9 603.0
Gross commission earned from marketing
agreement............................ 34.9 4.3 39.2
Contribution expenses under marketing
agreement............................ 9.2 0.7 9.9
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net commission earned from marketing
agreement............................ 25.7 3.6 29.3
Advertising............................ 47.7 18.5 20.8 87.0
Selling, general and administrative.... 184.3 25.9 75.3 285.5
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles.......................... 2.0 15.5 9.6 27.1
Equity income in non-guarantors........ (52.4) 52.4
Intracompany allocations............... (19.7) 9.8 9.9
Other (income) expenses, net........... 1.8 (8.7) 0.9 (6.0)
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) from operations.......... 165.5 77.6 19.5 (52.4) 210.2
Interest (income) expense.............. 81.5 (11.3) 23.7 93.9
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) before income taxes...... 84.0 88.9 (4.2) (52.4) 116.3
Income taxes (benefit)................. 10.9 33.9 (1.6) 43.2
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net income (loss)...................... $ 73.1 $ 55.0 $ (2.6) $(52.4) $ 73.1
====== ====== ====== ====== ========
</Table>
F-40
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income........................... $ 73.1 $ 55.0 $ (2.6) $(52.4) $ 73.1
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation...................... 16.0 8.0 5.0 29.0
Amortization...................... 5.6 16.5 9.9 32.0
Deferred taxes.................... 7.5 7.5
Equity income in non-guarantors... (52.4) 52.4
Loss on sale of fixed assets...... 0.6 1.8 2.0 4.4
Gain on sale of business.......... (4.6) (4.6)
Changes in assets and liabilities,
net of acquired businesses:
Accounts receivable............. 48.3 (43.5) 1.6 6.4
Inventories..................... (18.2) 12.5 11.5 5.8
Prepaid and other current
assets....................... (13.0) 1.2 2.6 (9.2)
Accounts payable................ (5.0) 17.9 6.5 19.4
Accrued taxes and other
liabilities.................. 51.5 (12.7) (16.3) 22.5
Other assets.................... (1.8) (6.5) 3.6 (4.7)
Other liabilities............... 3.1 (1.0) (8.5) (6.4)
Other, net...................... (4.9) 1.5 (0.3) (3.7)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash provided by operating
activities........................... 105.8 50.7 15.0 171.5
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property, plant and
equipment......................... (53.2) (9.0) (10.3) (72.5)
Proceeds from sale of equipment...... 1.8 1.8
Investments in non-guarantors........ (11.8) (4.1) (2.4) (18.3)
Repayments of seller notes........... 7.0 (8.0) (1.0)
Other net............................ 0.5 0.5
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash used in investing
activities........................... (57.5) (13.1) (18.9) (89.5)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net (repayments) borrowings under
revolving and bank lines of
credit............................ (48.2) 4.5 (7.0) (50.7)
Dividends on Class A
Convertible Preferred Stock....... (6.4) (6.4)
Repurchase of treasury shares........ (23.9) (23.9)
Cash received from exercise of stock
options........................... 2.8 2.8
Intercompany financing............... 34.9 (45.8) 10.9
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net cash used in financing
activities............................. (40.8) (41.3) 3.9 (78.2)
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash................................. (1.1) (1.1)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net increase (decrease) in cash........ 7.5 (3.7) (1.1) 2.7
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
period............................... 8.5 3.1 18.7 30.3
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
period............................... $ 16.0 $ (0.6) $ 17.6 $ 0.0 $ 33.0
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</Table>
F-41
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
BALANCE SHEET
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
-------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE INFORMATION)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash............................... $ 16.0 $ (0.6) $ 17.6 $ $ 33.0
Accounts receivable, net........... 103.2 42.7 70.1 216.0
Inventories, net................... 189.6 54.7 63.2 307.5
Current deferred tax asset......... 26.1 0.5 (1.5) 25.1
Prepaid and other assets........... 42.2 1.1 19.0 62.3
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total current assets............ 377.1 98.4 168.4 643.9
Property, plant and equipment, net... 191.8 60.0 38.7 290.5
Intangible assets, net............... 81.1 417.9 244.1 743.1
Other assets......................... 66.2 6.5 11.2 83.9
Investment in affiliates............. 836.5 (836.5)
Intracompany assets.................. 246.5 (246.5)
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total assets.................... 1,552.7 829.3 462.4 (1,083.0) 1,761.4
======== ====== ====== ========= ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Short-term debt.................... 29.6 2.6 17.2 49.4
Accounts payable................... 81.6 22.7 48.7 153.0
Accrued liabilities................ 119.1 16.9 38.3 174.3
Accrued taxes...................... (12.4) 48.5 (3.0) 33.1
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total current liabilities....... 217.9 90.7 101.2 409.8
Long-term debt....................... 555.2 4.7 253.5 813.4
Other liabilities.................... 43.8 16.5 60.3
Intracompany liabilities............. 238.3 8.2 (246.5)
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total liabilities............... 1,055.2 95.4 379.4 (246.5) 1,283.5
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred shares, no par value, none
issued Investment from parent...... 488.7 59.8 (548.5)
Common shares, no par value share,
$.01 stated value per share, 31.3
shares issued in 2000.............. 0.3 0.3
Capital in excess of stated value.... 389.3 389.3
Retained earnings.................... 196.8 247.3 40.7 (288.0) 196.8
Treasury stock at cost, 3.4 shares
issued............................. (83.5) (83.5)
Accumulated other comprehensive
income............................. (5.4) (2.1) (17.5) (25.0)
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total shareholders' equity......... 497.5 733.9 83.0 (836.5) 477.9
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity.......... $1,552.7 $829.3 $462.4 $(1,083.0) $1,761.4
======== ====== ====== ========= ========
</Table>
F-42
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
Net sales.............................. $696.4 $454.4 $399.8 $ $1,550.6
Cost of sales.......................... 465.2 296.8 225.3 987.3
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Gross profit........................... 231.2 157.6 174.5 563.3
Gross commission earned from marketing
agreement............................ 28.6 1.7 30.3
Contribution expenses under marketing
agreement............................ 1.6 1.6
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net commission earned from marketing
agreement............................ 27.0 1.7 28.7
Advertising............................ 13.8 34.1 39.1 87.0
Selling, general and administrative.... 156.7 39.6 89.2 285.5
Restructuring and other charges........ 1.4 1.4
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles.......................... 12.8 4.2 8.6 25.6
Equity income in non-guarantors........ (55.7) 55.7
Intracompany allocations............... (12.8) 2.8 10.0
Other income, net...................... (3.1) (0.1) (0.4) (3.6)
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) from operations.......... 138.6 83.5 29.7 (55.7) 196.1
Interest (income) expense.............. 55.9 23.2 79.1
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) before income taxes...... 82.7 83.5 6.5 (55.7) 117.0
Income taxes (benefit)................. 13.6 31.8 2.5 47.9
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
item................................. 69.1 51.7 4.0 (55.7) 69.1
Extraordinary loss on early
extinguishment of debt, net of income
tax benefit.......................... 5.9 5.9
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net income (loss)...................... $ 63.2 $ 51.7 $ 4.0 $(55.7) $ 63.2
====== ====== ====== ====== ========
</Table>
F-43
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income................................. $ 63.2 $ 51.7 $ 4.0 $(55.7) $ 63.2
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation............................. 12.9 9.6 6.5 29.0
Amortization............................. 8.8 8.5 9.9 27.2
Deferred taxes........................... 0.5 0.5
Equity income in non-guarantors.......... (55.7) 55.7
Extraordinary loss....................... 5.9 5.9
Loss on sale of property................. 2.7 (1.0) 0.1 1.8
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of
acquired businesses:
Accounts receivable.................... 4.1 19.6 23.7
Inventories............................ (27.9) 6.3 (21.6)
Prepaid and other current assets....... (16.5) 1.9 (10.6) (25.2)
Accounts payable....................... 14.8 (0.2) (3.9) 10.7
Accrued taxes and other liabilities.... (11.0) 25.7 (25.4) (10.7)
Other assets........................... (35.4) 0.7 (1.2) (35.9)
Other liabilities...................... 9.8 (3.0) (4.6) 2.2
Other, net............................. 2.6 0.4 4.4 7.4
------- ------- ------ ------ -------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities................................. (21.2) 120.2 (20.8) 78.2
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property, plant and
equipment................................ (48.1) (7.9) (10.7) (66.7)
Proceeds from sale of equipment............ 1.0 0.5 1.5
Investments in acquired businesses, net of
cash acquired............................ (350.1) (156.1) (506.2)
Other...................................... (1.0) 1.5 (0.7) (0.2)
------- ------- ------ ------ -------
Net cash used in investing activities........ (398.2) (5.9) (167.5) (571.6)
------- ------- ------ ------ -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net borrowings under revolving and bank
lines of credit.......................... 419.7 167.6 587.3
Repayment of outstanding balance on old
credit facility.......................... (241.0) (241.0)
Issuance of 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated
Notes.................................... 330.0 330.0
Extinguishment of 9 7/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes....................... (107.1) (107.1)
Settlement of interest rate locks.......... (12.9) (12.9)
Financing and issuance fees................ (24.1) (24.1)
Dividends on Class A Convertible Preferred
Stock.................................... (12.1) (12.1)
Repurchase of treasury shares.............. (10.0) (10.0)
Cash received from exercise of stock
options.................................. 3.8 3.8
Investment from parent..................... 76.7 (109.1) 32.4
------- ------- ------ ------ -------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities................................. 423.0 (109.1) 200.0 513.9
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash...... 0.0 (0.8) (0.8)
------- ------- ------ ------ -------
Net increase in cash......................... 3.6 5.2 10.9 19.7
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
period..................................... 4.9 (2.1) 7.8 10.6
------- ------- ------ ------ -------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period..... $ 8.5 $ 3.1 $ 18.7 $ 0.0 $ 30.3
======= ======= ====== ====== =======
</Table>
F-44
NOTE 24. INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Accounting Standard No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". Scotts adopted SFAS No. 142 effective
October 1, 2001. In accordance with this standard, goodwill and certain other
intangible assets, primarily trademarks, have been classified as
indefinite-lived assets no longer subject to amortization. Indefinite-lived
assets are subject to impairment testing at least annually.
The following table presents a reconciliation of income available to common
shareholders as reported to adjusted income available to common shareholders and
related earnings per share data as if the provision of Statement 142 related to
the non-amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets had been adopted as
of the beginning of the earliest period presented.
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------
2001 2000 1999
------ ------ ------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT
PER SHARE DATA)
INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS:
Income before extraordinary loss.......................... $ 15.5 $ 73.1 $ 69.1
Class A Convertible Preferred Stock dividend.............. 0.0 (6.4) (9.7)
------ ------ ------
Income available to common shareholders before
extraordinary loss as reported......................... 15.5 66.7 59.4
Goodwill amortization..................................... 11.2 11.2 10.2
Tradename amortization.................................... 10.1 9.6 8.5
Taxes..................................................... (4.7) (4.1) (3.7)
------ ------ ------
Income before extraordinary loss as adjusted.............. 32.1 83.4 74.4
Extraordinary loss, net of tax............................ -- -- (5.9)
------ ------ ------
Income available to common shareholders as adjusted....... 32.1 83.4 68.5
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Reported before extraordinary item........................ 0.55 2.39 3.25
Goodwill amortization..................................... 0.39 0.40 0.56
Tradename amortization.................................... 0.36 0.34 0.47
Taxes..................................................... (0.17) (0.15) (0.20)
------ ------ ------
Adjusted before extraordinary item........................ $ 1.13 $ 2.98 $ 4.08
Extraordinary loss, net of tax............................ -- -- (0.32)
------ ------ ------
Adjusted after extraordinary item......................... $ 1.13 $ 2.98 $ 3.76
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Reported before extraordinary item........................ 0.51 2.25 2.27
Goodwill amortization..................................... 0.37 0.38 0.33
Tradename amortization.................................... 0.33 0.32 0.28
Taxes..................................................... (0.16) (0.14) (0.12)
------ ------ ------
Adjusted before extraordinary item........................ $ 1.05 $ 2.81 $ 2.76
Extraordinary loss, net of tax............................ -- -- (0.19)
------ ------ ------
Adjusted after extraordinary item......................... $ 1.05 $ 2.81 $ 2.57
</Table>
NOTE 25. REVISIONS TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Subsequent to the issuance of the Company's financial statements for the
year ended September 30, 2001, the Company reissued its financial statements for
filing on a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June
24, 2002. The Form 8-K contained the Items from the Company's Form 10-K for the
year ended September 30, 2001 that were being revised to reflect retroactive
income statement classification and disclosure changes required upon the
adoption of EITF 00-25, Vendor Income Statement Characterization of
Consideration Paid to a Reseller of the Vendor's Products in the quarter ended
December 29, 2001. The reclassifications related to EITF 00-25 resulted in
certain promotion costs being reclassified to a reduction in net sales.
F-45
Subsequent to the reissuance of the Company's financial statements on June
24, 2002, the Company determined that additional revisions needed to be made to
the reissued financial statements for the years ended September 30, 2000 and
September 30, 1999 to reflect certain additional cooperative advertising costs
as reductions to net sales. The effect of these revisions did not impact net
income, income from operations or cash flows for any period presented. The
effect of the revision was to decrease net sales by $9.8 million and to decrease
advertising expense by $9.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2000 and to
decrease net sales by $26.0 million and to decrease advertising expense by $26.0
million for the year ended September 30, 1999. These revisions are the result of
certain costs being previously classified as other than cooperative advertising.
In addition to the reclassifications related to EITF 00-25, the Company has
elected to make additional reclassifications of internal marketing costs
previously reported as advertising and promotion to selling, general and
administrative to achieve the Company's objective of reporting only external
media costs as advertising expenses. The effect of these additional
reclassifications was to decrease advertising expense by $6.9 million, $9.3
million and $4.3 million for the years ended September 30, 2001, 2000, and 1999,
respectively with an offsetting adjustment to selling, general, administrative
expenses.
The accompanying financial statements have been revised to reflect these
additional reclassifications.
The effect of these reclassifications on the Company's consolidated
financial statements as originally reported is summarized below:
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
------------------------------------------------
AS REPORTED AS REPORTED
IN FORM 10-K RECLASSIFICATIONS IN FORM 8-K/A
------------ ----------------- -------------
(IN MILLIONS)
Net sales........................................... $1,747.7 $(51.1) $1,696.6
Gross profit........................................ 651.4 (54.2) 597.2
Advertising......................................... 151.0 (61.1) 89.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses........ 317.2 6.9 324.1
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
------------------------------------------------
AS REPORTED AS REPORTED
IN FORM 10-K RECLASSIFICATIONS IN FORM 8-K/A
------------ ----------------- -------------
(IN MILLIONS)
Net sales........................................... $1,709.0 $(53.6) $1,655.4
Gross profit........................................ 658.5 (55.5) 603.0
Advertising......................................... 153.8 (64.8) 89.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses........ 302.7 9.3 312.0
</Table>
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
------------------------------------------------
AS REPORTED AS REPORTED
IN FORM 10-K RECLASSIFICATIONS IN FORM 8-K/A
------------ ----------------- -------------
(IN MILLIONS)
Net sales........................................... $1,602.5 $(51.9) $1,550.6
Gross profit........................................ 615.2 (51.9) 563.3
Advertising......................................... 143.2 (56.2) 87.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses........ 281.2 4.3 285.5
</Table>
F-46
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<Table>
<Caption>
THREE MONTHS
ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
------------------- -------------------
JUNE 29, JUNE 30, JUNE 29, JUNE 30,
2002 2001 2002 2001
-------- -------- -------- --------
(IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)
Net sales.............................................. $692.2 $598.6 $1,457.3 $1,459.1
Cost of sales.......................................... 421.2 379.4 914.2 916.6
Restructuring and other charges........................ 0.4 0.9 1.5 0.9
------ ------ -------- --------
Gross profit......................................... 270.6 218.3 541.6 541.6
Gross commission earned from marketing agreement....... 22.4 20.7 30.8 37.2
Costs associated with marketing agreement.............. 5.8 4.6 17.5 13.8
------ ------ -------- --------
Net commission earned from marketing agreement....... 16.6 16.1 13.3 23.4
Operating expenses:
Advertising.......................................... 30.6 31.0 68.6 77.2
Selling, general and administrative.................. 86.4 84.4 245.9 253.3
Restructuring and other charges...................... 0.6 15.1 1.8 15.1
Amortization of goodwill and other intangibles....... 0.2 6.9 3.8 21.1
Other income, net.................................... (5.1) (6.1) (8.9) (8.6)
------ ------ -------- --------
Income from operations................................. 174.5 103.1 243.7 206.9
Interest expense....................................... 18.7 22.3 58.8 69.7
------ ------ -------- --------
Income before income taxes............................. 155.8 80.8 184.9 137.2
Income taxes........................................... 60.0 35.4 71.2 58.3
------ ------ -------- --------
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change... 95.8 45.4 113.7 78.9
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for
intangible assets, net of tax........................ -- -- (18.5) --
------ ------ -------- --------
Net income............................................. $ 95.8 $ 45.4 $ 95.2 $ 78.9
====== ====== ======== ========
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the
period............................................... $ 29.5 $ 28.3 $ 29.1 $ 28.3
Basic earnings per common share:
Before cumulative effect of accounting change........ $ 3.25 $ 1.60 $ 3.91 $ 2.79
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for
intangible assets, net of tax..................... -- -- (0.64) --
------ ------ -------- --------
After cumulative effect of accounting change......... $ 3.25 $ 1.60 $ 3.27 $ 2.79
====== ====== ======== ========
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the
period............................................... 31.8 30.6 31.6 $ 30.3
Diluted earnings per common share:
Before cumulative effect of accounting change........ $ 3.02 $ 1.49 $ 3.60 2.61
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for
intangible assets, net of tax..................... -- -- (0.59) --
------ ------ -------- --------
After cumulative effect of accounting change......... $ 3.02 $ 1.49 $ 3.01 $ 2.61
====== ====== ======== ========
</Table>
See Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-47
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<Table>
<Caption>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
-------------------
JUNE 29, JUNE 30,
2002 2001
-------- --------
(IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income.................................................. $ 95.2 $ 78.9
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in
operating activities:
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for
intangible assets, pre-tax............................ 29.8 --
Restructuring and other charges........................ -- 9.4
Depreciation........................................... 26.0 24.4
Amortization........................................... 6.3 23.5
Deferred taxes......................................... (10.8) 2.4
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired
businesses:
Accounts receivable.................................. (214.3) (142.1)
Inventories.......................................... 66.5 (52.4)
Prepaid and other current assets..................... (11.1) 5.4
Accounts payable..................................... 46.4 80.8
Accrued liabilities.................................. 99.4 45.7
Other assets......................................... (1.6) 1.7
Other liabilities.................................... 16.4 (8.9)
Other, net............................................. 3.8 (3.3)
------- -------
Net cash provided by operating activities............ 152.0 65.5
------- -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investments in property, plant and equipment.............. (33.9) (36.2)
Investments in acquired businesses, net of cash
acquired............................................... (4.0) (10.0)
Payments on seller notes.................................. (28.7) (24.5)
------- -------
Net cash used in investing activities................ (66.6) (70.7)
------- -------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Net (repayments) borrowings under revolving and bank lines
of credit.............................................. (95.7) 82.2
Issuance of 8 5/8% senior subordinated notes, net of
issuance costs......................................... 70.2 --
Gross borrowings under term loans......................... -- 260.0
Gross repayments under term loans......................... (23.3) (309.8)
Cash received from the exercise of stock options.......... 19.0 13.3
------- -------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities.......................................... (29.8) 45.7
------- -------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash..................... 2.1 (0.4)
------- -------
Net increase in cash........................................ 57.7 40.1
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............ 18.7 33.0
------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................. $ 76.4 $ 73.1
======= =======
</Table>
See Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-48
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<Table>
<Caption>
JUNE 29, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
2002 2001 2001
--------- ---------- --------------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 76.4 $ 73.1 $ 18.7
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $24.6, $21.9 and
$23.9, respectively.................................... 435.1 358.1 220.8
Inventories, net.......................................... 301.9 359.0 368.4
Current deferred tax asset................................ 52.1 27.5 52.2
Prepaid and other assets.................................. 45.2 60.0 34.1
-------- -------- --------
Total current assets................................... 910.7 877.7 694.2
Property, plant and equipment, net.......................... 317.1 291.9 310.7
Goodwill and intangible assets, net......................... 765.3 762.1 771.1
Other assets................................................ 77.0 72.2 67.0
-------- -------- --------
Total assets........................................... $2,070.1 $2,003.9 $1,843.0
======== ======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt................................... $ 68.8 $ 60.8 $ 71.3
Accounts payable.......................................... 197.4 233.8 150.9
Accrued liabilities....................................... 231.5 200.2 208.0
Accrued taxes............................................. 91.8 50.7 14.9
-------- -------- --------
Total current liabilities.............................. 589.5 545.5 445.1
Long-term debt.............................................. 767.2 835.9 816.5
Other liabilities........................................... 91.6 55.9 75.2
-------- -------- --------
Total liabilities...................................... 1,448.3 1,437.3 1,336.8
======== ======== ========
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred shares, no par value, none issued............... -- -- --
Common shares, no par value per share, $.01 stated value
per share, issued 31.3 for all periods................. 0.3 0.3 0.3
Capital in excess of par value............................ 402.0 386.3 398.3
Retained earnings......................................... 307.5 275.7 212.3
Treasury stock, 1.7, 2.7 and 2.6 shares, respectively, at
cost................................................... (54.6) (72.2) (70.0)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss...................... (33.4) (23.5) (34.7)
-------- -------- --------
Total shareholders' equity.................................. 621.8 566.6 506.2
-------- -------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.................. $2,070.1 $2,003.9 $1,843.0
======== ======== ========
</Table>
See Notes to Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements.
F-49
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 and sale of lawn care and garden
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, lawn and landscape service companies,
commercial nurseries and greenhouses, and specialty crop growers. The Company's
products are sold in the United States, Canada, the European Union, the
Caribbean, South America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia,
New Zealand, Mexico, Japan, and several Latin American countries. We also
operate the Scotts LawnService(R) business which provides lawn, tree and shrub
fertilization, insect control and other related services in the United States.
ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The condensed, consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
The Scotts Company and its subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions
have been eliminated.
The condensed, consolidated balance sheets as of June 29, 2002 and June 30,
2001, and the related condensed, consolidated statements of operations for the
three month and nine month periods then ended and condensed, consolidated
statements of cash flows for the nine month periods then ended, are unaudited;
however, in the opinion of management, such financial statements contain all
adjustments necessary, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, for
the fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations
and cash flows. 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 Scotts' fiscal 2001 Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized when products are shipped and when title and risk of
loss transfer to the customer. Provisions for estimated returns and allowances
are recorded at the time of shipment based on historical rates of return applied
as a percentage of sales.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
Scotts advertises its branded products through national and regional media,
and through cooperative advertising programs with retailers. Retailers are also
offered in-store promotional allowances and in prior years were offered
pre-season stocking allowances. Certain products are also promoted with direct
consumer rebate programs. Advertising and promotion costs (including allowances
and rebates) incurred during the year are expensed ratably to interim periods in
relation to revenues. All advertising and promotion costs, except for production
costs, are expensed within the fiscal year in which such costs are incurred.
Production costs for advertising programs are deferred until the period in which
the advertising is first aired. All amounts paid or payable to customers or
consumers in connection with the purchase of our products are recorded as a
reduction of net sales.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
In the normal course of business, Scotts is exposed to fluctuations in
interest rates and the value of foreign currencies. Scotts has established
policies and procedures that govern the management of these exposures through
the use of a variety of financial instruments. Scotts employs various financial
instruments, including forward exchange contracts, and swap agreements, to
manage certain of the exposures when practical. By policy, Scotts does not enter
into such contracts for the purpose of speculation or use leveraged financial
instruments. The Company's derivative activities are managed by the chief
financial officer and other
F-50
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
senior management of the Company in consultation with the Finance Committee of
the Board of Directors. These activities include establishing a risk-management
philosophy and objectives, providing guidelines for derivative-instrument usage
and establishing procedures for control and valuation, counterparty credit
approval and the monitoring and reporting of derivative activity. Scotts'
objective in managing its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign
currency exchange rates is to decrease the volatility of earnings and cash flows
associated with changes in the applicable rates and prices. To achieve this
objective, Scotts primarily enters into forward exchange contracts and swap
agreements whose values change in the opposite direction of the anticipated cash
flows. Derivative instruments related to forecasted transactions are considered
to hedge future cash flows, and the effective portion of any gains or losses are
included in other comprehensive income until earnings are affected by the
variability of cash flows. Any remaining gain or loss is recognized currently in
earnings. The cash flows of the derivative instruments are expected to be highly
effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to fluctuations in the
cash flows of the hedged risk. If it becomes probable that a forecasted
transaction will no longer occur, the derivative will continue to be carried on
the balance sheet at fair value, and gains and losses that were accumulated in
other comprehensive income will be recognized immediately in earnings.
To manage certain of its cash flow exposures, Scotts has entered into
forward exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements. The forward
exchange contracts are designated as hedges of the Company's foreign currency
exposure associated with future cash flows. Amounts payable or receivable under
forward exchange contracts are recorded as adjustments to selling, general and
administrative expense. The interest rate swap agreements are designated as
hedges of the Company's interest rate risk associated with certain variable rate
debt. Amounts payable or receivable under the swap agreements are recorded as
adjustments to interest expense. Unrealized gains or losses resulting from
valuing these swaps at fair value are recorded in other comprehensive income.
Scotts adopted FAS 133 as of October 2000. Since adoption, there have been
no gains or losses recognized in earnings for hedge ineffectiveness or due to
excluding a portion of the value from measuring effectiveness.
STOCK OPTIONS
In July 2002, the Company announced that it would begin expensing employee
stock options prospectively beginning in fiscal 2003 in accordance with SFAS No.
123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". The fair value of future stock
option grants will be expensed over the option vesting period, which has
historically been three years. The Company currently accounts for stock options
under APB 25 and, as allowable, adopted only the disclosure provisions of
Statement 123.
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 2002 classifications.
F-51
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
2. DETAIL OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT ACCOUNTS
INVENTORIES
Inventories, net of provisions for slow moving and obsolete inventory of
$26.2 million, $22.4 million, and $22.3 million, respectively, consisted of:
<Table>
<Caption>
JUNE 29, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
2002 2001 2001
-------- -------- -------------
($ MILLIONS)
Finished goods...................................... $228.7 $272.5 $295.8
Raw Materials....................................... 73.2 86.5 72.6
------ ------ ------
Total.......................................... $301.9 $359.0 $368.4
====== ====== ======
</Table>
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
<Table>
<Caption>
JUNE 29, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
2002 2001 2001
-------- -------- -------------
($ MILLIONS)
Land and Improvements.............................. $ 35.9 $ 38.7 $ 38.9
Buildings.......................................... 107.4 101.6 119.5
Machinery and equipment............................ 251.6 228.8 203.4
Furniture and fixtures............................. 32.7 31.6 31.9
Software........................................... 46.0 34.1 42.0
Construction in progress........................... 81.6 67.3 79.6
Less accumulated depreciation...................... (238.1) (210.2) (204.6)
------- ------- -------
Total......................................... $ 317.1 $ 291.9 $ 310.7
======= ======= =======
</Table>
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 the fifth year of the agreement, the annual
payments to Monsanto increase 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.
F-52
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
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.
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 June 29, 2002, contribution payments and related per
annum charges of approximately $49.2 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 period 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
F-53
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
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
2002 CHARGES
Under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America, certain restructuring costs related to relocation of personnel,
equipment and inventory are to be expensed in the period the costs are actually
incurred. During the first nine months of fiscal 2002, inventory relocation
costs of approximately $1.5 million were incurred and paid and were recorded as
restructuring and other charges in cost of sales. Approximately $1.8 million of
employee relocation costs were also incurred and paid in the first nine months
of fiscal 2002 and were recorded as restructuring and other charges in operating
expenses. These charges related to restructuring activities initiated in the
third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2001.
2001 CHARGES
During the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2001, the Company recorded
$75.7 million of restructuring and other charges, primarily associated with
reductions in headcount and the closure or relocation of certain manufacturing
and administrative facilities. The $75.7 million in charges was segregated in
the Statements of Operations in two components: (i) $7.3 million included in
cost of sales for the write-off of inventory that was rendered unusable as a
result of the restructuring activities and (ii) $68.4 million included in
selling, general and administrative costs. Included in the $68.4 million charge
in selling, general and administrative costs was $20.4 million to write-down to
fair value certain property and equipment and other assets; $5.8 million of
facility exit costs; $27.0 million of severance costs; and $15.2 million in
other restructuring and other costs. The severance costs related to reduction in
force initiatives and facility closures and consolidations in North America and
Europe cover approximately 340 administrative, production, selling and other
employees. Remaining severance costs are expected to be paid in fiscal 2002 with
some payments extending into 2003. All other fiscal 2001 restructuring related
activities and costs are expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2002.
The following is a rollforward of the cash portion of the restructuring and
other charges accrued in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2001. The
balance of the accrued charges at June 29, 2002 are included in accrued
liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the condensed, consolidated
balance sheets. The portion classified as other long-term liabilities are future
lease obligations that extend beyond one year.
<Table>
<Caption>
BALANCE BALANCE
DESCRIPTION TYPE CLASSIFICATION SEPT. 30, 2001 PAYMENT JUNE 29, 2002
- ----------- ---- -------------- -------------- ------- -------------
($ MILLIONS)
Severance...................... Cash SG&A $25.1 $16.3 $ 8.8
Facility exit costs............ Cash SG&A 5.2 2.2 3.0
Other related costs............ Cash SG&A 7.0 6.9 0.1
----- ----- -----
Total cash................ $37.3 $25.4 $11.9
===== ===== =====
</Table>
5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
Effective October 1, 2001, Scotts adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". In accordance with
this standard, goodwill and certain other intangible assets, primarily
tradenames, have been classified as indefinite-lived assets no longer subject to
amortization. Indefinite-lived assets are subject to impairment testing upon
adoption and at least annually. The impairment analysis was completed in the
second quarter of 2002, taking into account additional guidance provided by EITF
02-07 "Unit of Measure for Testing Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangibles
Assets". The value of all indefinite-lived tradenames as of October 1, 2001 was
determined using a "royalty savings"
F-54
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
methodology that was employed when the businesses associated with these
tradenames were acquired but using updated estimates of sales and profitability.
As a result, a pre-tax impairment loss of $29.8 million was recorded for the
writedown of the value of the tradenames in our International Consumer
businesses in Germany, France and the United Kingdom. This transitional
impairment charge was recorded as a cumulative effect of accounting change, net
of tax, as of October 1, 2001. After completing this initial valuation and
impairment of tradenames, an initial assessment for goodwill impairment was
performed. It was determined that a goodwill impairment charge was not required.
The useful lives of intangible assets still subject to amortization were
not revised as a result of the adoption of Statement 142.
The following table presents goodwill and intangible assets as of the end
of each period presented.
<Table>
<Caption>
JUNE 29, 2002 JUNE 30, 2001
---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
GROSS NET GROSS NET
CARRYING ACCUMULATED CARRYING CARRYING ACCUMULATED CARRYING
AMOUNT AMORTIZATION AMOUNT AMOUNT AMORTIZATION AMOUNT
-------- ------------ -------- -------- ------------ --------
($ MILLIONS)
Amortized Intangible
Assets:
Technology.............. $62.1 $(18.0) $ 44.1 $60.2 $(15.7) $ 44.5
Customer accounts....... 27.7 (3.2) 24.5 22.5 (1.9) 20.6
Tradenames.............. 11.3 (2.1) 9.2 11.4 (1.5) 9.9
Other................... 49.9 (33.4) 16.5 50.3 (31.5) 18.8
------ ------
Total amortized
intangible assets,
net................ 94.3 93.8
Unamortized Intangible
Assets:
Tradenames.............. 327.9 347.9
Other................... 3.1 3.2
------ ------
Total intangible
assets, net........ 425.3 444.9
Goodwill................ 340.0 317.2
------ ------
Total goodwill and
intangible assets,
net................ $765.3 $762.1
====== ======
<Caption>
SEPTEMBER 30, 2001
----------------------------------
GROSS NET
CARRYING ACCUMULATED CARRYING
AMOUNT AMORTIZATION AMOUNT
-------- ------------ --------
Amortized Intangible
Assets:
Technology.............. $61.9 $(15.8) $ 46.1
Customer accounts....... 24.1 (2.5) 21.6
Tradenames.............. 11.3 (1.6) 9.7
Other................... 47.2 (32.6) 14.6
------
Total amortized
intangible assets,
net................ 92.0
Unamortized Intangible
Assets:
Tradenames.............. 349.0
Other................... 3.2
------
Total intangible
assets, net........ 444.2
Goodwill................ 326.9
------
Total goodwill and
intangible assets,
net................ $771.1
======
</Table>
During the first nine months of fiscal 2002, our Scotts LawnService(R)
business acquired several lawn care businesses. The assets and liabilities of
these businesses were recorded at their fair values as of the dates of
acquisition. The fair value of customer accounts, customer lists and non-compete
agreements were determined based on their estimated impact on discounted future
cash flows. The excess of the amounts paid for these businesses over the fair
values of the assets was recorded as goodwill. The fair value of customer
accounts acquired during the first nine months of fiscal 2002 was $1.6 million;
the value assigned to non-compete agreements was $0.9 million. Customer accounts
are being amortized over an estimated seven year life; non-compete agreements
are amortized over the contract periods which range from three to five years.
Total goodwill added during the first nine months of fiscal 2002 was $21.2
million. Goodwill was reduced by $4.8 million and tradenames by $1.8 million as
a result of the settlement reached with Rhone-Poulenc Jardin regarding
litigation related to the price paid for international consumer businesses we
acquired in Europe in 1998. The effects of exchange rate fluctuations resulted
in the changes in balances not otherwise explained by the impairment charge, the
settlement with Rhone-Poulenc Jardin or the acquisition activity described
above.
F-55
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
The following table presents a reconciliation of recorded net income to
adjusted net income and related earnings per share data as if the provision of
Statement 142 relating to non-amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets
had been adopted as of the earliest period presented.
<Table>
<Caption>
FOR THE PERIODS
ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
--------------------------
THREE MONTHS NINE MONTHS
------------ -----------
($ MILLIONS, EXCEPT
PER SHARE DATA)
Net income
Reported net income....................................... $45.4 $78.9
Goodwill amortization..................................... 2.6 8.6
Tradename amortization.................................... 2.5 7.3
Taxes..................................................... (1.1) (3.6)
----- -----
Net income as adjusted.................................... $49.4 $91.2
===== =====
Basic EPS
Reported net income....................................... $1.60 $2.79
Goodwill amortization..................................... 0.10 0.30
Tradename amortization.................................... 0.09 0.26
Taxes..................................................... (0.04) (0.13)
----- -----
Net income as adjusted.................................... $1.75 $3.22
===== =====
Diluted EPS
Reported net income....................................... $1.49 $2.61
Goodwill amortization..................................... 0.09 0.28
Tradename amortization.................................... 0.08 0.24
Taxes..................................................... (0.04) (0.12)
----- -----
Net income as adjusted.................................... $1.62 $3.01
===== =====
</Table>
Estimated amortization expense is as follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, $ MILLIONS
------------- ----------
2002........................................................ $4.6
2003........................................................ 4.2
2004........................................................ 3.1
2005........................................................ 2.7
2006........................................................ 2.7
</Table>
F-56
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
6. LONG-TERM DEBT
<Table>
<Caption>
JUNE 29, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
2002 2001 2001
-------- -------- -------------
($ MILLIONS)
Revolving loans under credit facility............... $ 0.3 $115.0 $ 94.7
Term loans under credit facility.................... 383.4 396.4 398.6
Senior Subordinated Notes........................... 391.5 320.2 320.5
Notes due to sellers................................ 38.7 50.2 53.7
Foreign bank borrowings and term loans.............. 10.7 4.3 9.4
Capital lease obligations and other................. 11.4 10.6 10.9
------ ------ ------
836.0 896.7 887.8
Less current portions............................... 68.8 60.8 71.3
------ ------ ------
$767.2 $835.9 $816.5
====== ====== ======
</Table>
On December 4, 1998, The Scotts Company and certain of its subsidiaries
entered into a credit facility (the "Original Credit Agreement") which provided
for borrowings in the aggregate principal amount of $1.025 billion and consisted
of term loan facilities in the aggregate amount of $525 million and a revolving
credit facility in the amount of $500 million. Proceeds from borrowings under
the Original Credit Agreement of approximately $241.0 million were used to repay
amounts outstanding under the then existing credit facility.
On December 5, 2000, The Scotts Company and certain of its subsidiaries
entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Amended Credit
Agreement"), amending and restating in its entirety the Original Credit
Agreement. Under the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, the revolving credit
facility was increased from $500 million to $575 million and the net worth
covenant was amended.
In December 2001, the Amended Credit Agreement was amended to redefine
earnings under the covenants, to eliminate the net worth covenant and to modify
the covenants pertaining to interest coverage and leverage and amended how
proceeds from future equity or subordinated debt offerings, if any, will be used
towards mandatory prepayments of revolving credit facility borrowings.
The term loan facilities consist of two tranches. The Tranche A Term Loan
Facility consists of three sub-tranches of Euros and British Pounds Sterling in
an aggregate principal amount of $265 million which are to be repaid quarterly
over a 6 1/2 year period. The Tranche B Term Loan Facility replaced the Tranche
B and Tranche C facilities from the Original Credit Agreement. Those facilities
were prepayable without penalty. The new Tranche B Term Loan Facility has an
aggregate principal amount of $260 million and is repayable in installments as
follows: quarterly installments of $0.25 million beginning June 30, 2001 through
December 31, 2006, quarterly installments of $63.5 million beginning March 31,
2007 through September 30, 2007 and a final quarterly installment of $63.8
million on December 31, 2007.
The revolving credit facility provides for borrowings of up to $575
million, which are available on a revolving basis over a term of 6 1/2 years. A
portion of the revolving credit facility not to exceed $100 million is available
for the issuance of letters of credit. A portion of the facility not to exceed
$258.8 million is available for borrowings in optional currencies, including
Euros, British Pounds Sterling and other specified currencies, provided that the
outstanding revolving loans in optional currencies other than British Pounds
Sterling does not exceed $138 million. The outstanding principal amount of all
revolving credit loans may not exceed $150 million for at least 30 consecutive
days during any calendar year. The December 2001 amendment increased the amount
that may be borrowed in optional currencies to $360 million from $258.8 million.
F-57
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
Interest rates and commitment fees under the Amended Credit Agreement vary
according to the Company's leverage ratios and interest rates also vary within
tranches. The weighted-average interest rate on the Company's variable rate
borrowings at June 29, 2002 was 7.71% and at September 30, 2001 was 7.85%. In
addition, the Amended Credit Agreement requires that Scotts enter into hedge
agreements to the extent necessary to provide that at least 50% of the aggregate
principal amount of the 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 and term loan
facilities is subject to a fixed interest rate or interest rate protection for a
period of not less than three years.
Financial covenants include interest coverage and net leverage ratios.
Other covenants include limitations on indebtedness, liens, mergers,
consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions, sale of assets, leases,
dividends, capital expenditures, and investments. The Scotts Company and all of
its domestic subsidiaries pledged substantially all of their personal, real and
intellectual property assets as collateral for the borrowings under the Amended
Credit Agreement. The Scotts Company and its subsidiaries also pledged the stock
in foreign subsidiaries that borrow under the Amended Credit Agreement.
Approximately $17.0 million of financing costs associated with the
revolving credit facility have been deferred as of June 29, 2002 and are being
amortized over a period of approximately 7 years, beginning in fiscal year 1999.
In January 1999, The Scotts Company completed an offering of $330 million
of 8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009. The net proceeds from the
offering, together with borrowings under the Original Credit Agreement, were
used to fund the Ortho acquisition and to repurchase approximately $97 million
of outstanding 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due August 2004. The Company
recorded an extraordinary loss before tax on the extinguishment of the 9 7/8%
Notes of approximately $9.3 million, including a call premium of $7.2 million
and the write-off of unamortized issuance costs and discounts of $2.1 million.
In August 1999, Scotts repurchased the remaining $2.9 million of the 9 7/8%
Notes, resulting in an extraordinary loss, net of tax, of $0.1 million.
In January 2002, The Scotts Company completed an offering of $70 million of
8 5/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009. The net proceeds from the offering
were used to pay down borrowings on our revolving credit facility. The notes
were issued at a premium of $1.8 million. The issuance costs associated with the
offering totaled $1.6 million. Both the premium and the issuance costs are being
amortized over the life of the notes.
Scotts entered into two interest rate locks in fiscal 1998 to hedge its
anticipated interest rate exposure on the $330 million 8 5/8% Notes offering.
The total amount paid under the interest rate locks of $12.9 million has been
recorded as a reduction of the 8 5/8% Notes' carrying value and is being
amortized over the life of the 8 5/8% Notes as interest expense. Approximately
$11.8 million of issuance costs associated with the 8 5/8% Notes were deferred
and are being amortized over the term of the Notes.
In conjunction with the acquisition of Rhone-Poulenc Jardin, a note was
issued for a certain portion of the total purchase price that was to be paid in
annual installments over a four-year period. The present value of the remaining
note payments is $8.9 million. The Company is imputing interest on the
non-interest bearing note using an interest rate prevalent for similar
instruments at the time of acquisition (approximately 9%). In conjunction with
other acquisitions, notes were issued for certain portions of the total purchase
price that are to be paid in annual installments over periods ranging from four
to five years. The present value of remaining note payments is $19.7 million.
The Company is imputing interest on the non-interest bearing notes using an
interest rate prevalent for similar instruments at the time of the acquisitions
(approximately 8%).
In conjunction with the Substral(R) acquisition, notes were issued for
certain portions of the total purchase price that are to be paid in semi-annual
installments over a two-year period. The present value of remaining note
payments total $8.7 million. The interest rate on these notes is 5.5%.
The foreign term loans of $2.7 million issued on December 12, 1997, have an
8-year term and bear interest at 1% below LIBOR. The loans are denominated in
British Pounds Sterling and can be redeemed, on
F-58
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
demand, by the note holder. The foreign bank borrowings of $8.0 million at June
29, 2002 and $4.3 million at June 30, 2001 represent lines of credit for foreign
operations and are primarily denominated in French Francs.
7. STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The components of other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income
for the three and nine months ended June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001 are as
follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
--------------------- -------------------
JUNE 29, JUNE 30, JUNE 29, JUNE 30,
2002 2001 2002 2001
--------- --------- -------- --------
Net income.............................................. $95.8 $45.4 $95.2 $78.9
Other comprehensive income (expense):
Foreign currency translation adjustments................ 1.7 (4.0) 1.6 (0.8)
Change in valuation of derivative instruments........... (1.3) -- (0.3) (0.7)
----- ----- ----- -----
Comprehensive income.................................... $96.2 $41.4 $96.5 $77.4
===== ===== ===== =====
</Table>
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, property losses and other fiduciary liabilities
for which the Company is self-insured. 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 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
seeking corrective action under the federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act.
The action relates to several discontinued on-site disposal areas which date
back to the early operations of the Marysville facility that we had already been
assessing voluntarily. Since initiation of the action, we met with the Ohio
Attorney General and the Ohio EPA, and we were ultimately able 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.
Now that the Consent Order has been entered, we have 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 that we
expect to take in the future and, based on the latest estimates, we recorded a
charge of $3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2002 to increase our reserve
accordingly.
In addition to the dispute with the Ohio EPA, we are negotiating with the
Philadelphia District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ("Corps") 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.
F-59
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
Regulations and environmental concerns also exist surrounding peat
extraction in the United Kingdom and the European Union. In August 2000, English
Nature, the nature conservation advisory body to the U.K. government notified us
that three of our peat harvesting sites in the United Kingdom were under
consideration as possible "Special Areas of Conservation" under European Union
Law. In April 2002 we reached agreement with English Nature to transfer our
interests in the properties and for the immediate cessation of all but a limited
amount of peat extraction on one of the three sites in exchange for $18.1
million received in April 2002 and an additional approximately $3 million which
will be received when we cease extraction at the third site. A gain of
approximately $5 million is included in "Other Income" in the third quarter of
fiscal 2002. Proceeds of approximately $13 million have been recorded as
deferred income and will be recognized into income over the 29 month period
beginning May, 2002 which coincides with the expected peat extraction period at
the third site. As a result of this transaction we have withdrawn our objection
to the proposed European designations as Special Areas of Conservation and will
undertake restoration work on the sites for which we will receive additional
compensation from English Nature. We consider that we have sufficient raw
material supplies available to replace the peat extracted from such sites.
The Company has determined that cement containing asbestos material at
certain manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom may require removal in
the future.
At June 29, 2002, $8.7 million is accrued for the environmental matters
described herein. The significant components of the accrual are costs for site
remediation of $6.9 million and costs for asbestos abatement and other
environmental exposures in the United Kingdom of $1.8 million. The significant
portion of the costs accrued as of June 29, 2002 are expected to be paid in
fiscal 2003 and 2004; however, payments could be made for a period thereafter.
We believe that the amounts accrued as of June 29, 2002 are adequate to
cover known environmental exposures based on current facts and estimates of
likely outcome. However, the adequacy of these accruals is based on several
significant assumptions:
(i) that we have identified all of the significant sites that must be
remediated;
(ii) that there are no significant conditions of potential contamination
that are unknown to the Company; and
(iii) 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 the Company's results of operations, financial position and
cash flows.
For the nine months ended June 29, 2002, we made approximately $1.9 million
in environmental expenditures, compared with approximately $0.6 million in
environmental capital expenditures and $2.1 million in other environmental
expenses for the entire fiscal year 2001. Management anticipates that
environmental capital expenditures and other environmental expenses for the
remainder of fiscal year 2002 will not differ significantly from those incurred
in fiscal year 2001.
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 the Company, a subsidiary of the Company
and Monsanto seeking damages and injunctive relief for alleged antitrust
violations and breach of contract by the Company and its subsidiary, and
antitrust violations and tortious interference with contract by Monsanto. The
suit arises out of Scotts' purchase of a consumer herbicide business from AgrEvo
in May 1998. AgrEvo
F-60
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
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 Roundup(R), in order to achieve or maintain a monopoly
position in that market. AgrEvo also contends that Scotts' execution of various
agreements with Monsanto, including the Roundup(R) marketing agreement, as well
as Scotts' subsequent actions, violated the purchase agreements between AgrEvo
and Scotts.
AgrEvo is requesting unspecified damages, as well as affirmative injunctive
relief, and seeking to have the courts 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 September 5, 2001, the magistrate judge, over the objections of Scotts and
Monsanto, allowed AgrEvo to file another amended complaint to add claims
transferred to it by its German parent, AgrEvo GmbH, and its 100 percent
commonly owned affiliate, AgrEvo USA Company. Scotts and Monsanto have objected
to the magistrate judge's order allowing the new claims. The district court will
resolve these objections; if sustained, the newly-added claims will be stricken.
On June 29, 1999, AgrEvo also filed a complaint in the Superior Court of
the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Action") against two of the Company's
subsidiaries seeking damages for alleged breach of contract. AgrEvo alleges
that, under the contracts by which a subsidiary of the Company purchased a
herbicide business from AgrEvo in May 1998, two of the Company's 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. The Company's 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. The Company's subsidiaries intend to
vigorously defend the asserted claims.
The Company believes that AgrEvo's claims in this matter are without merit
and intends to vigorously defend against them. If the above actions are
determined adversely to the Company, 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, the Company filed suit against Central Garden & Pet
Company in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (the "Ohio
Action") to recover approximately $17 million in outstanding accounts receivable
from Central Garden with respect to the Company's 2000 fiscal year. The
Company's complaint was later amended to seek approximately $24 million in
accounts receivable and additional damages for other breaches of duty.
On April 13, 2001, Central Garden filed an answer and counterclaim in the
Ohio action. On April 24, 2001, Central Garden filed an amended counterclaim.
Central Garden's counterclaims included allegations that the Company and Central
Garden had entered into an oral agreement in April 1998 whereby the Company
would allegedly share with Central Garden the benefits and liabilities of any
future business integration between the Company and Pharmacia Corporation
(formerly Monsanto). Based on these allegations, Central Garden asserted several
causes of action, including fraudulent misrepresentation, and sought damages in
excess of $900 million. In addition, Central Garden asserted various other
causes of action and sought damages in excess of $76 million based on the
allegations that Central Garden was entitled to receive a cash payment rather
than a credit for the value of inventory Central Garden alleged was improperly
seized by the Company.
F-61
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
Prior to trial, the court dismissed Central Garden's $900 million
counterclaim for breach of oral agreement and promissory estoppel, and entered
summary judgment against Central Garden on Central Garden's $900 million
counterclaim for fraudulent misrepresentation. In addition, as a result of the
resolution of the Missouri Action described below, Central Garden's counterclaim
for illegal inventory seizure was resolved.
In April 2002, trial on the remaining claims and counterclaims took place
in this action. Prior to the conclusion of the trial, the court dismissed
certain of Central Garden's counterclaims as well as the Company's claims that
Central Garden breached other duties owed to the Company. On April 22, 2002, a
jury returned a verdict in favor of the Company for $22.5 million and for
Central Garden on its remaining counterclaims in an amount of approximately
$12.1 million. Various post-trial motions have been filed in the Ohio Action,
but so far Central Garden has not challenged the propriety of the $22.5 million
award to the Company and the Company has challenged only $750,000 of the $12.1
million awarded to Central Garden on its counterclaim. Central Garden has
challenged, however, the dismissal during trial of several other counterclaims.
PHARMACIA CORPORATION V. CENTRAL GARDEN, CIRCUIT COURT OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.
On June 30, 2000 Pharmacia Corporation filed suit against Central Garden in
Missouri state court ("Missouri Action") seeking unspecified damages allegedly
due Pharmacia under a series of agreements, generally referred to as the
four-year "Alliance Agreement" between Pharmacia and Central Garden. Scotts was,
for a short time, an assignee of the Alliance Agreement, which Scotts has
reassigned to Pharmacia. Pursuant to an order granting Central Garden's motion,
on January 18, 2001, Pharmacia joined Scotts as a nominal defendant in the
Missouri state court action.
On January 28, 2002, Central Garden and Pharmacia reported that they
reached a settlement in the Missouri action pursuant to which Pharmacia
dismissed its claims against Central Garden in the Missouri action, and Central
Garden dismissed its counterclaims against Pharmacia in the Missouri action and
its claims against Pharmacia in the California federal and state actions
described below. In connection with its settlement with Pharmacia, Central
Garden also dismissed all of its legal claims against Scotts arising under the
Alliance Agreements, reserving only such equitable claims as it might have under
the Alliance Agreements. On July 22, 2002 Scotts and Central Garden stipulated,
and the court ordered, that each dismiss all remaining claims against the other
without prejudice.
CENTRAL GARDEN V. SCOTTS & PHARMACIA, NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA.
On July 7, 2000, Central Garden filed suit against the Company 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 October 26, 2000, the District Court granted
the Company's motion to dismiss Central Garden's breach of contract claims for
lack of subject matter jurisdiction. On November 17, 2000, Central Garden filed
an amended complaint in the District Court, re-alleging various claims for
violations of federal antitrust laws and also alleging state antitrust claims.
As described above, Central Garden and Pharmacia have settled some or all of
their claims relating to this action.
On April 15, 2002, the Company and Central Garden each filed summary
judgment motions in this action. On June 26, 2002, the court granted summary
judgment in favor of the Company and dismissed all of Central Garden's claims.
CENTRAL GARDEN V. SCOTTS & PHARMACIA, CONTRA COSTA SUPERIOR COURT.
On October 31, 2000, Central Garden filed an additional complaint against
the Company and Pharmacia in the California Superior Court for Contra Costa
County. That complaint seeks to assert the breach of contract claims previously
dismissed by the District Court in the California federal action described
above,
F-62
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
and additional claims under Section 17200 of the California Business and
Professions Code. On December 4, 2000, the Company and Pharmacia jointly filed a
motion to stay this action based on the pendency of prior lawsuits (including
the three actions described above) that involve the same subject matter. By
order dated February 23, 2001, the Superior Court stayed the action pending
before it.
On April 6, 2001, Central Garden filed a motion to lift the stay of the
Contra Costa County action. Scotts and Pharmacia filed a joint opposition to
Central Garden's motion. On May 4, 2001, the Court issued a tentative ruling
denying Central Garden's motion to lift the stay of the action. Central Garden
did not challenge the tentative ruling, which accordingly became the ruling of
the court. Consequently, all claims in the Contra Costa action currently remain
stayed. A further status conference is set for November 26, 2002. As described
above, Central Garden and Pharmacia have settled some or all of their claims
relating to this action.
Scotts believes that Central Garden's remaining state claims are without
merit and intends to vigorously defend against them. 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 effect 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 claims brought against Scotts by Central Garden, except for amounts
ordered paid to Central Garden in the Ohio Action for which the Company believes
it has adequate reserves recorded for the amounts it may ultimately be required
to pay.
9. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Accounting Standard No. 143,
"Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations". SFAS No. 143 addresses accounting
and reporting standards for legal obligations associated with the retirement of
tangible long-lived assets. SFAS No. 143 is effective for financial statements
issued for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. Scotts will adopt the
provisions of this statement in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003, and does
not anticipate that the new accounting policy will impact results of operations.
In August 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Accounting Standard No. 144,
"Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". SFAS No. 144
supersedes Financial Accounting Standard No. 121, "Accounting for Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed of" and Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results of Operations; Reporting
the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual
and Infrequent Occurring and Events and Transactions". SFAS No. 144 addresses
accounting and reporting standards for the impairment or disposal of long-lived
assets. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2001. The Company will adopt the provisions of this
statement in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003 and expects there will be no
impact on its reporting results of operations or financial conditions as a
result.
In April 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
145 "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB
Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections". Scotts will adopt the provision of
this statement in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 and expects there will be no
impact on its reporting results of operations or financial condition as a
result.
In July 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement 146
"Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities". This
Statement provides new guidance that primarily affects in which period charges
related to restructuring activities will be recorded. This statement modifies
and amends the accounting for restructuring activities that are currently
accounted for in accordance with EITF Issue 94-3 "Liability Recognition for
Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity
(including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)". Statement 146 requires
most charges to be recorded
F-63
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
when they are incurred, rather than when it is identified that a cost resulting
from a restructuring activity is likely to be incurred. This Statement applies
to restructuring activities occurring after December 31, 2002. The Company is
currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on future periods.
10. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
<Table>
<Caption>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
-------------------
JUNE 29, JUNE 30,
2002 2001
-------- --------
($ MILLIONS)
Net assets acquired......................................... $23.5 $45.9
Cash paid................................................... (11.0) (10.0)
Notes issued to seller...................................... 12.5 35.9
Cash received in settlement of prior purchase price......... 7.0 --
</Table>
11. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
The following table presents information necessary to calculate basic and
diluted earnings per common share. Basic earnings per common share are computed
by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding. Options to purchase 0.1 and 0.1 million
shares of common stock for the three and nine month periods ended June 29, 2002,
and 0.1 and 0.2 million shares for the three and nine month periods ended June
30, 2001 respectively were not included in the computation of diluted earnings
per common share. These options were excluded from the calculation because the
exercise price of these options was greater than the average market price of the
common shares in the respective periods, and therefore, they are antidilutive.
F-64
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
<Table>
<Caption>
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
-------------------- -------------------
JUNE 29, JUNE 30, JUNE 29, JUNE 30,
2002 2001 2002 2001
--------- -------- -------- --------
($ MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
NET INCOME:
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change..... $95.8 $45.4 $113.7 $78.9
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for intangible
assets, net of tax..................................... -- -- (18.5) --
----- ----- ------ -----
Net income............................................... $95.8 $45.4 $ 95.2 $78.9
===== ===== ====== =====
BASIC EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the
period................................................. 29.5 28.3 29.1 28.3
Basic earnings per common share:
Before cumulative effect of accounting change.......... $3.25 $1.60 $ 3.91 $2.79
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for
intangible assets, net of tax....................... -- -- (0.64) --
----- ----- ------ -----
After cumulative effect of accounting change........... $3.25 $1.60 $ 3.27 $2.79
===== ===== ====== =====
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding during the
period................................................. 29.5 28.3 29.1 28.3
Potential common shares:
Assuming exercise of options........................... 0.9 1.1 1.2 0.9
Assuming exercise of warrants.......................... 1.4 1.2 1.3 1.1
----- ----- ------ -----
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and
dilutive potential common shares....................... 31.8 30.6 31.6 30.3
Diluted earnings per common share:
Before cumulative effect of accounting change.......... $3.02 $1.49 $ 3.60 $2.61
Cumulative effect of change in accounting for
intangible assets, net of tax....................... -- -- (0.59) --
----- ----- ------ -----
After cumulative effect of accounting change........... $3.02 $1.49 $ 3.01 $2.61
===== ===== ====== =====
</Table>
12. SEGMENT INFORMATION
For fiscal 2002, the Company is divided into four reportable
segments -- North American Consumer, Scotts LawnService(R), Global Professional
and International Consumer. The North American Consumer segment consists of the
Lawns, Gardens, Growing Media, Ortho and Canadian business units. These segments
differ from those used in the prior year due to segregating of the Scotts
LawnService(R) business from the North American Consumer business because of a
change in reporting structure whereby Scotts LawnService(R) no longer reports to
senior management of the North American Consumer segment.
The North American Consumer segment specializes in dry, granular
slow-release lawn fertilizers, lawn fertilizer combination and lawn control
products, grass seed, spreaders, water-soluble and controlled-release garden and
indoor plant foods, plant care products, and potting soils, barks, mulches and
other growing media products, and pesticide products. Products are marketed to
mass merchandisers, home improvement centers, large hardware chains, nurseries
and gardens centers.
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 Global Professional segment is focused on a full line of horticulture
products including controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers and plant
protection products, grass seed, spreaders, custom application
F-65
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
services and growing media. Products are sold to lawn and landscape service
companies, commercial nurseries and greenhouses and specialty crop growers.
The International Consumer segment provides products similar to those
described above for the North American Consumer segment to consumers in
countries other than the United States and Canada.
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). Prior
period amounts have been restated to conform to this basis of presentation.
<Table>
<Caption>
NORTH AMERICAN SCOTTS GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL OTHER/
CONSUMER LAWNSERVICE(R) PROFESSIONAL CONSUMER CORPORATE TOTAL
-------------- -------------- ------------ ------------- --------- --------
($ MILLIONS)
Net Sales:
2002 YTD................... $1,061.7 $44.8 $140.4 $210.4 $ -- $1,457.3
2001 YTD................... $1,073.7 $24.5 $142.3 $218.6 $ -- $1,459.1
2002 Q3.................... $ 531.7 $28.7 $ 49.7 $ 82.1 $ -- $ 692.2
2001 Q3.................... $ 460.9 $15.2 $ 47.9 $ 74.6 $ -- $ 598.6
Income (loss) from Operations:
2002 YTD................... $ 258.0 $(3.0) $ 15.3 $ 26.7 $ (47.0) $ 250.0
2001 YTD................... $ 255.7 $(1.5) $ 15.4 $ 16.6 $ (55.8) $ 230.4
2002 Q3.................... $ 162.7 $ 7.1 $ 6.5 $ 17.6 $ (18.4) $ 175.5
2001 Q3.................... $ 125.1 $ 2.9 $ 5.8 $ 4.8 $ (27.9) $ 110.7
Operating Margin:
2002 YTD................... 24.3% (6.7%) 10.9% 12.7% nm 17.2%
2001 YTD................... 23.8% (6.1%) 10.8% 7.6% nm 15.8%
2002 Q3.................... 30.6% 24.7% 13.1% 21.4% nm 25.4%
2001 Q3.................... 27.1% 19.1% 12.1% 6.4% nm 18.5%
Goodwill:
2002 Q3.................... $ 146.1 $47.0 $ 50.4 $ 96.5 $ -- $ 340.0
2001 Q3.................... $ 169.0 $19.0 $ 56.6 $ 72.6 $ -- $ 317.2
Total Assets:
2002 Q3.................... $1,273.1 $69.8 $142.7 $487.3 $ 97.2 $2,070.1
2001 Q3.................... $1,240.3 $38.4 $148.5 $458.1 $ 118.6 $2,003.9
</Table>
nm Not meaningful.
Income (loss) from Operations reported for Scotts' four operating segments
represents earnings before amortization, interest and taxes, since this is the
measure of profitability used by management. Accordingly, corporate operating
loss for the three and nine months ended June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001
includes amortization of certain assets, corporate general and administrative
expenses, and certain "other" income/expense not allocated to the business
segments and North America restructuring charges.
Total assets reported for Scotts' operating segments include the intangible
assets for the acquired business within those segments. Corporate assets
primarily include deferred financing and debt issuance costs, corporate
intangible assets as well as deferred tax assets.
13. FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS AND NON-GUARANTORS
In January 1999, the Company issued $330 million of 8 5/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2009 to qualified institutional buyers under the
provisions of Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These Notes
F-66
NOTES TO CONDENSED, CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) -- (CONTINUED)
were subsequently registered in December 2000. In January 2002, the Company
issued an additional $70 million of Senior Subordinated Notes and a Form S-4
registration has been filed to register the notes.
The 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 for the three and nine-month periods ended June 29, 2002 and June 30,
2001 and consolidating Statements of Cash Flows and Balance Sheets for the nine
month periods ended June 29, 2002 and June 30, 2001. Separate unaudited
financial statements of the individual guarantor subsidiaries have not been
provided because management does not believe they would be meaningful to
investors.
F-67
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 29, 2002
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------ ---------- ------------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
Net sales................................. $ 48.9 $494.7 $148.6 $ $692.2
Cost of sales............................. (56.7) 391.6 86.3 421.2
Restructuring and other charges........... 0.4 0.4
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Gross profit.............................. 105.2 103.1 62.3 270.6
Gross commission earned from marketing
agreement............................... 21.7 0.7 22.4
Costs associated with marketing
agreement............................... 5.8 5.8
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net commission earned from marketing
agreement............................ 15.9 -- 0.7 16.6
Operating expenses:
Advertising............................. 16.4 5.7 8.5 30.6
Selling, general and administrative..... 52.8 5.3 28.3 86.4
Restructuring and other charges......... 0.2 0.4 0.6
Amortization of intangible assets....... 0.1 (1.1) 1.2 0.2
Equity (income) loss in subsidiaries...... (72.2) 72.2 --
Intercompany allocations.................. (4.7) 0.4 4.3 --
Other income, net......................... (0.4) (0.6) (4.1) (5.1)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income (loss) from operations............. 128.9 93.4 24.4 (72.2) 174.5
Interest (income) expense................. 18.3 (3.7) 4.1 18.7
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income (loss) before income taxes......... 110.6 97.1 20.3 (72.2) 155.8
Income taxes.............................. 14.8 37.4 7.8 60.0
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of
accounting change....................... 95.8 59.7 12.5 (72.2) 95.8
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
for intangible assets, net of tax....... --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net income (loss)......................... $ 95.8 $ 59.7 $ 12.5 $(72.2) $ 95.8
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</Table>
F-68
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS -- CONTINUED
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 29, 2002
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------ ---------- ------------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
Net sales............................. $540.0 $573.8 $343.5 $ $1,457.3
Cost of sales......................... 297.0 404.9 212.3 914.2
Restructuring and other charges....... 1.4 0.1 1.5
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Gross profit.......................... 241.6 168.9 131.1 541.6
Gross commission earned from marketing
agreement........................... 29.1 1.7 30.8
Costs associated with marketing
agreement........................... 17.5 17.5
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net commission earned from
marketing agreement............ 11.6 -- 1.7 13.3
Operating expenses:
Advertising......................... 38.8 10.4 19.4 68.6
Selling, general and
administrative................... 147.2 13.8 84.9 245.9
Restructuring and other charges..... 1.3 0.1 0.4 1.8
Amortization of intangible assets... 0.3 0.2 3.3 3.8
Equity (income) loss in
subsidiaries........................ (66.2) 66.2 --
Intercompany allocations.............. (17.9) 9.7 8.2 --
Other income, net..................... (0.6) (2.6) (5.7) (8.9)
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) from operations......... 150.3 137.3 22.3 (66.2) 243.7
Interest (income) expense............. 55.2 (10.8) 14.4 58.8
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) before income taxes..... 95.1 148.1 7.9 (66.2) 184.9
Income taxes.......................... 11.2 57.0 3.0 71.2
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect
of accounting change................ 83.9 91.1 4.9 (66.2) 113.7
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting for intangible assets,
net of tax.......................... 11.3 (3.3) (26.5) (18.5)
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net income (loss)..................... $ 95.2 $ 87.8 $(21.6) $(66.2) $ 95.2
====== ====== ====== ====== ========
</Table>
F-69
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 29, 2002
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------- ---------- ------------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss).................... $ 95.2 $87.8 $(21.6) $(66.2) $95.2
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net to cash used in
operating activities:
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting for intangible
assets........................ 3.3 26.5 29.8
Depreciation.................... 13.2 7.2 5.6 26.0
Amortization.................... 2.8 0.2 3.3 6.3
Deferred taxes.................. (10.8) (10.8)
Equity (income) loss in
subsidiaries.................. (66.2) 66.2 --
Net change in certain components of
working capital.................... 81.4 (69.0) (25.5) (13.1)
Net changes in other assets and
liabilities and other
adjustments........................ 1.6 26.3 (9.3) 18.6
------- ----- ------ ------ -----
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities............... 117.2 55.8 (21.0) -- 152.0
------- ----- ------ ------ -----
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property, plant and
equipment.......................... (17.9) (12.1) (3.9) (33.9)
Investment in acquired businesses,
net of cash acquired............... (4.0) (4.0)
Payments on seller notes............. (2.1) (5.9) (20.7) (28.7)
------- ----- ------ ------ -----
Net cash used in investing
activities......................... (20.0) (18.0) (28.6) -- (66.6)
------- ----- ------ ------ -----
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net (repayments) borrowings under
revolving and bank lines of
credit............................. (3.7) (92.0) (95.7)
Gross borrowings under term loans.... --
Gross repayments under term loans.... (0.5) (22.8) (23.3)
Issuance of 8 5/8% senior
subordinated notes................. 70.2 70.2
Cash received from the exercise of
stock options...................... 19.0 19.0
Intracompany financing............... (131.1) (38.7) 169.8 --
------- ----- ------ ------ -----
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities............... (46.1) (38.7) 55.0 -- (29.8)
------- ----- ------ ------ -----
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash............................... 2.1 2.1
------- ----- ------ ------ -----
Net increase (decrease) in cash...... 51.1 (0.9) 7.5 -- 57.7
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning
of period.......................... 3.4 0.6 14.7 -- 18.7
------- ----- ------ ------ -----
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
period............................. $ 54.5 $(0.3) $ 22.2 $ -- $76.4
======= ===== ====== ====== =====
</Table>
F-70
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
BALANCE SHEET
AS OF JUNE 29, 2002
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
-------- ---------- ------------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents......... $ 54.5 $ (0.3) $ 22.2 $ $ 76.4
Accounts receivable, net.......... 148.8 127.4 158.9 435.1
Inventories, net.................. 175.4 46.8 79.7 301.9
Current deferred tax asset........ 52.2 0.5 (0.6) 52.1
Prepaid and other assets.......... 20.4 2.3 22.5 45.2
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total current assets........... 451.3 176.7 282.7 910.7
Property, plant and equipment,
net................................. 201.4 77.1 38.6 317.1
Goodwill and intangible assets,
net................................. 30.0 473.0 262.3 765.3
Other assets........................ 60.0 2.5 14.5 77.0
Investment in affiliates............ 964.2 (964.2) --
Intercompany assets................. -- 231.5 (231.5) --
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total assets................... $1,706.9 $960.8 $598.1 $(1,195.7) $2,070.1
======== ====== ====== ========= ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt........... $ 39.6 $ 1.3 $ 27.9 $ $ 68.8
Accounts payable.................. 78.4 25.4 93.6 197.4
Accrued liabilities............... 131.2 22.8 77.5 231.5
Accrued taxes..................... 84.5 2.4 4.9 91.8
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total current liabilities...... 333.7 51.9 203.9 589.5
Long-term debt...................... 624.7 5.4 137.1 767.2
Other liabilities................... 50.3 2.0 39.3 91.6
Intercompany liabilities............ 52.3 179.2 (231.5) --
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total liabilities.............. 1,061.0 59.3 559.5 (231.5) 1,448.3
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Investment from parent............ 486.8 61.6 (548.4) --
Preferred shares, no par value.... --
Common shares, no par value per
share, $.01 stated value per
share; 31.3 shares issued...... 0.3 0.3
Capital in excess of par value.... 402.0 402.0
Retained earnings................. 307.5 417.1 (1.3) (415.8) 307.5
Treasury stock, 1.7 shares at
cost........................... (54.6) (54.6)
Accumulated other comprehensive
expense........................ (9.3) (2.4) (21.7) (33.4)
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total shareholders' equity.......... 645.9 901.5 38.6 (964.2) 621.8
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
equity............................ $1,706.9 $960.8 $598.1 $(1,195.7) $2,070.1
======== ====== ====== ========= ========
</Table>
F-71
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------ ---------- ------------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
Net sales............................. $241.1 $234.8 $122.7 $598.6
Cost of sales......................... 183.7 122.6 73.1 379.4
Restructuring and other charges....... 0.9 0.9
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Gross profit.......................... 56.5 112.2 49.6 -- 218.3
Gross commission earned from marketing
agreement........................... 19.9 0.8 20.7
Costs associated with marketing
agreement........................... 4.6 4.6
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net commission earned from marketing
agreement........................ 15.3 -- 0.8 -- 16.1
Operating expenses:
Advertising......................... 11.5 11.5 8.0 31.0
Selling, general and
administrative................... 44.3 10.7 29.4 84.4
Restructuring and other charges..... 15.1 15.1
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles...................... 2.7 1.7 2.5 6.9
Equity (income) loss in
subsidiaries........................ (51.1) 51.1 --
Intercompany allocations.............. (12.6) 9.4 3.2 --
Other expense (income), net........... (4.7) (1.8) 0.4 (6.1)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income (loss) from operations......... 66.6 80.7 6.9 (51.1) 103.1
Interest (income) expense............. 19.6 (3.8) 6.5 22.3
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income (loss) before income taxes..... 47.0 84.5 0.4 (51.1) 80.8
Income taxes.......................... 1.6 33.7 0.1 35.4
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect
of accounting change................ 45.4 50.8 0.3 (51.1) 45.4
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting for intangible assets,
net of tax.......................... --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net income (loss)..................... $ 45.4 $ 50.8 $ 0.3 $(51.1) $ 45.4
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</Table>
F-72
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS -- CONTINUED
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------ ---------- ------------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
Net sales............................. $660.8 $469.1 $329.2 $1,459.1
Cost of sales......................... 447.9 268.8 199.9 916.6
Restructuring and other charges....... 0.9 0.9
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Gross profit.......................... 212.0 200.3 129.3 -- 541.6
Gross commission earned from marketing
agreement........................... 34.4 2.8 37.2
Costs associated with marketing
agreement........................... 13.8 13.8
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net commission earned from marketing
agreement........................ 20.6 -- 2.8 -- 23.4
Operating expenses:
Advertising......................... 36.8 21.8 18.6 77.2
Selling, general and
administrative................... 137.9 29.5 85.9 253.3
Restructuring and other charges..... 15.1 15.1
Amortization of goodwill and other
intangibles...................... 8.7 5.0 7.4 21.1
Equity (income) loss in
subsidiaries........................ (71.7) 71.7 --
Intercompany allocations.............. (37.5) 30.0 7.5 --
Other expense (income), net........... (7.2) (1.8) 0.4 (8.6)
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) from operations......... 150.5 115.8 12.3 (71.7) 206.9
Interest (income) expense............. 62.2 (11.2) 18.7 69.7
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) before income taxes..... 88.3 127.0 (6.4) (71.7) 137.2
Income taxes.......................... 9.4 51.5 (2.6) 58.3
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect
of accounting change................ 78.9 75.5 (3.8) (71.7) 78.9
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting for intangible assets,
net of tax.......................... --
------ ------ ------ ------ --------
Net income (loss)..................... $ 78.9 $ 75.5 $ (3.8) $(71.7) $ 78.9
====== ====== ====== ====== ========
</Table>
F-73
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTH PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)..................... $ 78.9 $ 75.5 $ (3.8) $(71.7) $ 78.9
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash used in operating
activities:
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting for intangible
assets......................... --
Restructuring and other
charges........................ 9.4 9.4
Depreciation..................... 4.7 14.4 5.3 24.4
Amortization..................... 11.2 4.9 7.4 23.5
Deferred taxes................... 2.4 2.4
Equity (income) loss in
subsidiaries................... (71.7) 71.7 --
Net change in certain components
of working capital............. 25.1 (60.5) (27.2) (62.6)
Net changes in other assets and
liabilities and other
adjustments.................... 7.9 (26.0) 7.6 (10.5)
------- ------ ------ ------ -------
Net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities................ 67.9 8.3 (10.7) -- 65.5
------- ------ ------ ------ -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in property, plant and
equipment........................... (25.7) (6.0) (4.5) (36.2)
Investments in acquired businesses,
net of cash acquired................ (0.3) 2.2 (11.9) (10.0)
Payments on seller notes.............. (1.1) (23.4) (24.5)
------- ------ ------ ------ -------
Net cash used in investing
activities.......................... (26.0) (4.9) (39.8) -- (70.7)
------- ------ ------ ------ -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net (repayments) borrowings under
revolving and bank lines of
credit.............................. 82.2 82.2
Gross borrowings under term loans..... 260.0 260.0
Gross repayments under term loans..... (258.5) (51.3) (309.8)
Cash received from exercise of stock
options............................. 13.3 13.3
Intercompany financing................ (18.0) (3.3) 21.3 --
------- ------ ------ ------ -------
Net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities................ (3.2) (3.3) 52.2 45.7
------- ------ ------ ------ -------
Effect of exchange rate changes on
cash................................ (0.4) (0.4)
------- ------ ------ ------ -------
Net increase in cash.................. 38.7 0.1 1.3 -- 40.1
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning
of period........................... 16.0 (0.6) 17.6 -- 33.0
------- ------ ------ ------ -------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
period.............................. $ 54.7 $ (0.5) $ 18.9 -- $ 73.1
======= ====== ====== ====== =======
</Table>
F-74
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
BALANCE SHEET
AS OF JUNE 30, 2001
<Table>
<Caption>
SUBSIDIARY NON-
PARENT GUARANTORS GUARANTORS ELIMINATIONS CONSOLIDATED
-------- ---------- ---------- ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
(UNAUDITED)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.......... $ 54.7 $ (0.5) $ 18.9 $ $ 73.1
Accounts receivable, net........... 134.8 84.2 139.1 358.1
Inventories, net................... 232.8 49.4 76.8 359.0
Current deferred tax asset......... 28.1 0.5 (1.1) 27.5
Prepaid and other assets........... 41.0 1.2 17.8 60.0
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total current assets............ 491.4 134.8 251.5 -- 877.7
Property, plant and equipment, net... 180.8 74.4 36.7 291.9
Goodwill and other intangible assets,
net................................ 269.3 228.8 264.0 762.1
Other assets......................... 74.6 (2.4) 72.2
Investment in affiliates............. 1,005.8 (1,005.8) --
Intercompany assets.................. 541.7 (541.7) --
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total assets.................... $2,021.9 $979.7 $549.8 $(1,547.5) $2,003.9
======== ====== ====== ========= ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt............ $ 32.4 $ 0.4 $ 28.0 $ $ 60.8
Accounts payable................... 117.4 39.0 77.4 233.8
Accrued liabilities................ 128.2 24.6 47.4 200.2
Accrued taxes...................... 44.3 2.2 4.2 50.7
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total current liabilities....... 322.3 66.2 157.0 -- 545.5
Long-term debt....................... 564.0 271.9 835.9
Other liabilities.................... 39.9 16.0 55.9
Intercompany liabilities............. 527.1 14.6 (541.7) --
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total liabilities............... 1,453.3 66.2 459.5 (541.7) 1,437.3
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Investment from parent............. 589.2 54.7 (643.9) --
Preferred shares, no par value..... --
Common shares, no par value per
share, $.01 stated value per
share; 31.3 shares issued....... 0.3 0.3
Capital in excess of par value..... 386.3 386.3
Retained earnings.................. 275.7 327.2 34.7 (361.9) 275.7
Treasury stock, 2.7 shares at
cost............................ (72.2) (72.2)
Accumulated other comprehensive
expense......................... (21.5) (2.9) 0.9 (23.5)
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total shareholders' equity........... 568.6 913.5 90.3 (1,005.8) 566.6
-------- ------ ------ --------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
equity............................. $2,021.9 $979.7 $549.8 $(1,547.5) $2,003.9
======== ====== ====== ========= ========
</Table>
F-75
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
PROSPECTUS
[SCOTTS LOGO]
$350,000,000
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
DEBT SECURITIES, PREFERRED SHARES,
COMMON SHARES, WARRANTS, STOCK
PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
------------------
1,600,000 COMMON SHARES
------------------
We may from time to time issue
- debt securities;
- preferred shares;
- common shares;
- warrants to purchase debt securities, preferred shares or common shares;
- stock purchase contracts; or
- stock purchase units
having an aggregate offering price of up to $350,000,000 (or the equivalent in
foreign denominated currency or units based on or related to currencies). The
debt securities may be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt
securities.
In addition to the common shares that we may offer from time to time, up to
1,600,000 common shares may be sold by certain of our shareholders who are set
forth in this prospectus under the section entitled "Selling Shareholders." Our
common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SMG."
We will provide specific terms of these securities in supplements to this
prospectus. Any prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information
contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus, any prospectus
supplement and the additional information described under "Where You Can Find
More Information" carefully before you invest in our securities.
THIS INVESTMENT INVOLVES RISK. SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 3 AND
ANY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT BEFORE YOU INVEST IN ANY OF OUR SECURITIES.
------------------
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory
body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy
or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
------------------
The date of this prospectus is September 3, 2002.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<Table>
<Caption>
PAGE
----
Forward-Looking Statements.................................. i
Summary..................................................... 1
Risk Factors................................................ 3
The Scotts Company.......................................... 7
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Earnings to Combined
Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends............... 8
Use of Proceeds............................................. 8
Dividend Policy............................................. 8
Description of Debt Securities.............................. 8
Description of Capital Stock................................ 16
Description of Warrants..................................... 17
Description of Stock Purchase Contracts and Stock Purchase
Units..................................................... 18
Selling Shareholders........................................ 20
Plan of Distribution........................................ 21
Legal Matters............................................... 22
Experts..................................................... 22
Incorporation by Reference.................................. 22
Where You Can Find More Information......................... 23
</Table>
---------------------
Unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "Scotts," "we," "us," and
"our" refer to The Scotts Company, an Ohio corporation. Our principal executive
offices are located at 14111 Scottslawn Road, Marysville, Ohio 43041, and our
telephone number at that address is (937) 644-0011. Our website address is
http://www.scotts.com. The information on our website is not part of this
prospectus or any prospectus supplement.
Roundup(R) is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC (an
affiliate of Monsanto Company, now known as Pharmacia Corporation). Unless
otherwise indicated, all other trademarks, service marks or brand names
appearing in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement are the property of
Scotts.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by
reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. Neither we nor the
selling shareholders have authorized anyone to provide you with different
information. Neither we nor the selling shareholders are making an offer of
these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not
assume that the information contained in this prospectus or any prospectus
supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of these
documents.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus includes, and incorporates by reference, "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
including, in particular, the statements about our plans, strategies and
prospects. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations
reflected in or suggested by such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we
can give no assurance that such plans, intentions or expectations will be
achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from the forward-looking statements we make in, or incorporate by reference
into, this prospectus include those discussed under the caption "Risk Factors"
in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement and elsewhere in this
prospectus or in any prospectus supplement or the documents incorporated by
reference herein. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in
their entirety by those cautionary statements.
i
SUMMARY
The following summary highlights selected information from this prospectus
and does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. This
prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may
offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide you with a prospectus
supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and other terms of
the securities being offered. Any prospectus supplement may also add, update or
change information contained in this prospectus. To understand the terms of our
securities, you should carefully read this document with the applicable
prospectus supplement. Together these documents will give the specific terms of
the securities we are offering. You should also read the documents we have
incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement.
THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission using a "shelf" registration process. Under
the shelf registration process, we may offer from time to time up to an
aggregate of $350,000,000 of any of the following securities:
- debt securities;
- preferred shares;
- common shares;
- warrants;
- stock purchase contracts; and
- stock purchase units.
In addition, certain selling shareholders may offer and sell from time to
time up to an aggregate of 1,600,000 common shares owned by them and covered by
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
DEBT SECURITIES
We may offer unsecured general obligations, which may be either senior or
subordinated, and may be convertible into common shares or preferred shares. In
this prospectus, we refer to our senior debt securities and subordinated debt
securities together as our "debt securities." The senior debt securities will
have the same rank as all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The
subordinated debt securities will be entitled to payment only after payment of
our senior debt, including amounts under current or future senior credit
facilities.
Our debt securities will be issued under one of two indentures between us
and a trustee. We have summarized general features of our debt securities under
the section entitled "Description of Debt Securities" contained in this
prospectus. We encourage you to read the indentures, the form of each of which
is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
PREFERRED SHARES
We may issue preferred shares, without par value, in one or more series.
Subject to the terms of our governing documents and applicable Ohio law, our
board of directors will determine the dividend, voting, conversion and other
rights and preferences of the series of preferred shares being offered.
COMMON SHARES
We may issue common shares, without par value. Holders of common shares are
entitled to receive dividends when declared by our board of directors, subject
to the rights of holders of our preferred shares. Each holder of common shares
is entitled to one vote per share. The holders of common shares have no
preemptive or cumulative voting rights.
1
In addition to the common shares that we may offer, certain selling
shareholders may offer and sell from time to time up to an aggregate of
1,600,000 common shares under the registration statement of which this
prospectus is part.
WARRANTS
We may issue warrants for the purchase of debt securities, preferred shares
or common shares either independently or together with other securities. Each
warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the principal amount of our debt
securities, or the number of preferred shares or common shares, at the exercise
price set forth in, or calculable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus
supplement.
STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
We may issue stock purchase contracts representing contracts obligating
holders to purchase from us and obligating us to sell to the holders a specified
number of common shares or preferred shares at a future date or dates. The price
per share of common shares or preferred shares may be fixed at the time the
stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a
specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts.
The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as a part of
units, often referred to as stock purchase units, consisting of a stock purchase
contract and either of the following:
- debt securities of our company; or
- debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. Treasury securities,
securing the holder's obligations to purchase our common shares or preferred
shares under the stock purchase contracts.
2
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves risks, including the risks described
in this prospectus, in any prospectus supplement and in the other documents that
are incorporated herein by reference. You should carefully consider the risks
factors together with all of the other information and data included in this
prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents that are incorporated by
reference before you decide to acquire any securities.
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 you. For example, it could:
- make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations under our
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, 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 our competitors that
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 research and development efforts 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 operations or that currently anticipated cost savings and operating
improvements will be realized on schedule or at all. We also cannot assure you
that future borrowings will be available to us under our credit facility in
amounts sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other
liquidity needs. 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.
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.
Periods of wet weather can slow fertilizer sales, while periods of dry, hot
weather can decrease pesticide sales. In addition, an abnormally cold spring
throughout North America and/or Europe could adversely affect both fertilizer
and pesticide 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 75% of our
net sales have occurred in the second and third fiscal quarters
3
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 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.
PUBLIC 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
brands. On occasion, customers and some current or former employees have alleged
that some products have failed to perform up to expectations or have caused
damage or injury to individuals or property. Public perception that our products
are not safe, whether justified or not, could impair our reputation, damage our
brand names and materially adversely affect our business.
BECAUSE OF THE CONCENTRATION OF OUR SALES TO A SMALL NUMBER OF RETAIL CUSTOMERS,
THE LOSS OF ONE OR MORE OF OUR TOP CUSTOMERS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR
FINANCIAL RESULTS.
Our top 10 North American retail customers together accounted for more than
70% of our total net sales and 35% of our total outstanding accounts receivable
for the past couple of fiscal years. Our top four customers, Home Depot,
Wal*Mart, Lowe's and Kmart, hold significant positions in the retail lawn and
garden market. The loss of, or reduction in orders from, Home Depot, Wal*Mart,
Lowe's, Kmart or any other significant customer could have a material adverse
effect on our business and our financial results, 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 net sales and operating income may be increasingly sensitive to a
deterioration in the financial condition of, or other adverse developments
involving our relationship with, one or more customers. As a result of
consolidation in the retail industry, our customers are able to exert increasing
pressure on us with respect to pricing and payment terms.
Kmart, one of our top customers, filed for bankruptcy relief under Chapter
11 of the bankruptcy code on January 22, 2002. Following such filing, we
recommenced shipping products to Kmart, and we intend to continue shipping
products to Kmart for the foreseeable future. If Kmart does not successfully
emerge from its bankruptcy reorganization, our business could be adversely
affected.
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
rightfully, we would not be entitled to any termination fee, and we would lose
all, or a significant portion, of the significant source of earnings we believe
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.
4
THE EXPIRATION OF PATENTS RELATING TO ROUNDUP(R) AND THE SCOTTS TURF BUILDER(R)
LINE OF PRODUCTS COULD SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE OUR COMPETITION IN THE UNITED
STATES.
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup(R), was subject to a patent in
the United States that expired in September 2000. We cannot predict the success
of Roundup(R) now that glyphosate is no longer patented. Substantial new
competition in the United States could adversely affect us. Glyphosate is no
longer subject to patent in Europe and is not subject to patent in Canada. While
sales of Roundup(R) in such countries have continued to increase despite the
lack of patent protection, sales in the United States may decline as a result of
increased competition. Any such decline in sales would adversely affect our
financial results through the reduction of commissions as calculated under the
Roundup(R) marketing agreement. We are aware that Spectrum Brands produced
glyphosate one-gallon products for Home Depot and Lowe's to be sold under the
Real-Kill(R) and No-Pest(R) brand names, respectively, in fiscal year 2001.
Additional competitive products have been introduced in fiscal year 2002. It is
too early to determine whether these product introductions will have a material
adverse effect on our sales of Roundup(R).
Our methylene-urea product composition patent, which covered Scotts Turf
Builder(R), Scotts Turf Builder(R) Plus 2(R) with Weed Control and Scotts Turf
Builder(R) with Halts(R) Crabgrass Preventer, expired in July 2001. This could
also result in increased competition. Any decline in sales of Turf Builder(R)
products after the expiration of the methylene-urea product composition patent
could adversely affect our financial results.
THE HAGEDORN PARTNERSHIP L.P. BENEFICIALLY OWNS APPROXIMATELY 40% OF OUR
OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARES ON A FULLY DILUTED BASIS.
The Hagedorn Partnership L.P. beneficially owns approximately 40% of our
outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis 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, establishes a standard for food-use pesticides: that 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 used in our lawn and garden products.
In December 2000, the U.S. EPA reached agreement with various parties, including
manufacturers of the active ingredient diazinon, regarding a phased withdrawal
from retailers by December 2004 of residential uses of products containing
diazinon, used also in 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
5
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 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 operating results in the past and could materially affect
future quarterly or annual operating results.
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 the United Kingdom, our peat extraction efforts are also the subject
of legislation.
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.
For the nine months ended June 29, 2002, we made approximately $1.9 million
in environmental expenditures, compared with approximately $0.6 million in
environmental capital expenditures and $2.1 million in other environmental
expenses for the entire fiscal year 2001. Management anticipates that
environmental capital expenditures and other environmental expenses for the
remainder of fiscal year 2002 will not differ significantly from those incurred
in fiscal year 2001. The adequacy of these anticipated 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 and France. Our
international operations have increased with the acquisitions of Levington,
Miracle Garden Care Limited, Ortho and Rhone-Poulenc Jardin and with the
marketing agreement for consumer Roundup(R) products. In fiscal year 2001,
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;
6
- 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 operations and financial results in the
future.
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT US.
Our credit facility and the indenture governing our outstanding senior
subordinated notes contain restrictive covenants that require us to maintain
specified financial ratios and satisfy other financial condition tests. Our
ability to meet those financial ratios and tests can be affected by events
beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will meet those tests. A
breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under our credit
facility and/or our outstanding senior subordinated notes. Upon the occurrence
of an event of default under our credit facility and/or the senior subordinated
notes, the lenders and/or noteholders could elect to declare all of our
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.
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
The Scotts Company, an Ohio corporation, traces its heritage back to a
company founded by O.M. Scott in Marysville, Ohio in 1868. In the mid 1900's, we
became widely known for the development of quality lawn fertilizers and grass
seeds that led to the creation of a new industry -- consumer lawn care. Today,
the Scotts(R) Turf Builder(R), Miracle-Gro(R), Ortho(R) and Roundup(R) brands
make us the most widely recognized company in lawn care in the United States.
In the 1990's, we significantly expanded our product offering by acquiring
two additional leading brands in the U.S. home lawn and garden industry. In
1995, through a merger, we acquired the Miracle-Gro(R) brand, the industry
leader in water-soluble garden plant foods. In fiscal 1999, we acquired the
Ortho(R) brand and exclusive rights to market the consumer Roundup(R) brand,
thereby adding industry-leading pesticides and herbicides to our portfolio. We
are among the most widely recognized marketers and manufacturers of products for
lawns, gardens and professional horticulture, and we are rapidly expanding into
the lawn care service industry through our Scotts LawnService(R) business. We
believe that our market leadership is driven by our leading brands,
consumer-focused advertising, product performance and close relationships with
major U.S. retailers in our categories.
In 1997, our presence in Europe expanded with the acquisition of several
established brands. We now have a strong presence in the consumer garden
business in the United Kingdom, France and Germany, and expect to increase our
share in these markets through consumer-focused marketing, a model we have
successfully followed in the United States. We also have a presence in the
remaining countries in Europe, Australia, the Far East, Latin America and South
America.
7
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND
EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED SHARE DIVIDENDS
The following table sets forth our consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed
charges and of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends
for each of the periods shown:
<Table>
<Caption>
NINE
MONTHS ENDED
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, JUNE 29,
-------------------------------- ------------
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ------------
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges............. 3.3x 2.6x 2.3x 2.1x 1.3x 3.7x
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
preferred share dividends.................... 2.1x 1.8x 2.0x 1.9x 1.3x 3.7x
</Table>
For the purposes of the table above, earnings include income before
provision for income taxes and the cumulative effect of changes in accounting
principles, adjusted for income or loss of equity investors and fixed charges,
excluding capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest on all
indebtedness, amortization of debt issuance costs and discount or premium
relating to any indebtedness, capitalized interest and a portion of rental
charges considered to be representative of the interest component in the
particular case. Preferred share dividends are the pre-tax equivalent, at our
effective tax rate, of dividends earned on 195,000 shares of Class A Convertible
Preferred Stock that were converted into common shares as of October 1, 1999.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend
to use all or a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the securities
offered by this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement for
general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include the repayment
of outstanding indebtedness, the purchase of our common shares, capital
expenditures, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic investments. We have not
made specific allocations of the proceeds for such purposes at this time. The
net proceeds may be invested temporarily or applied to repay short term or
revolving debt until they are used for their stated purposes.
We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of common shares by
the selling shareholders, if any.
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have not paid dividends on our common shares in the past and do not
presently plan to pay dividends on our common shares. Other than dividends to be
paid on outstanding preferred shares issued after the date of this prospectus,
we presently anticipate that earnings will be retained and reinvested to support
the growth of our business. The payment of any future dividends on our common
shares or preferred 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.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following description discusses the general terms and provisions of the
debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus. The debt securities may
be issued as senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. The
indebtedness represented by the senior debt securities will rank equally with
all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The indebtedness represented
by the subordinated debt securities will rank junior and be subordinate in right
of payment to the prior payment in full of our senior debt, to the extent and in
the manner set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement for the securities.
The senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities will be
issued under separate indentures between us and one or more U.S. banking
institutions (each, a "Trustee"). The Trustee for each series of our debt
securities will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may
refer to the indenture
8
covering the senior debt securities as the "Senior Indenture" and the indenture
covering the subordinated debt securities as the "Subordinated Indenture."
Together the Senior Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture are called
"Indentures."
The forms of the Indentures are filed as exhibits to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part. The Indentures are subject to and
governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, and may be supplemented or amended
from time to time following their execution. We have not yet selected a Trustee
for either of the Indentures, and we have not yet executed either Indenture.
Prior to issuing any debt securities, we will be required to select a Trustee
for the applicable Indenture or Indentures, to qualify the Trustee or Trustees
under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and to execute the applicable Indenture or
Indentures.
The form of each Indenture gives us broad authority to set the particular
terms of each series of debt securities, including the right to modify certain
of the terms contained in the Indenture. The particular terms of a series of
debt securities and the extent, if any, to which the particular terms of the
issue modify the terms of the applicable form of Indenture will be described in
the prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities.
We have summarized selected provisions of the Indentures below. Because
this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the debt
securities or the applicable Indenture. This summary is subject to, and
qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the applicable
Indenture, including definitions of terms used in the applicable Indenture,
which we urge you to read. Whenever we refer in this prospectus or in the
prospectus supplement to defined terms of the Indentures, those defined terms
are incorporated by reference herein or therein, as applicable. Capitalized
terms used in this summary have the meanings specified in the Indentures.
GENERAL
The debt securities will be our direct, unsecured general obligations. The
senior debt securities will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and
unsubordinated indebtedness. The subordinated debt securities will be
subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of our Senior
Indebtedness (including any senior debt securities) as described under "--
Subordination" below and in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The Indentures provide that we will be able to issue an unlimited aggregate
principal amount of debt securities under each Indenture, in one or more series,
and in any currency or currency units. We need not issue all debt securities of
one series at the same time and, unless otherwise provided, we may reopen a
series, without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of that
series, for issuances of additional debt securities of that series.
Prior to the issuance of each series of debt securities, the terms of the
particular securities will be specified in a supplemental indenture or a
resolution of our board of directors or in one or more officer's certificates
pursuant to a board resolution.
A prospectus supplement will include the terms of any debt securities being
offered. We refer you to the applicable prospectus supplement for a description
of the following terms of the series of offered debt securities ("Offered Debt
Securities"):
- the title of the Offered Debt Securities;
- whether the Offered Debt Securities are senior debt securities or
subordinated debt securities;
- the aggregate principal amount of the Offered Debt Securities;
- the date or dates on which principal will be payable or how to determine
the dates;
- the rate or rates or method of determination of interest; the date from
which interest will accrue; the dates on which interest will be payable
and any record dates for the interest payable on the interest payment
dates;
9
- the place of payment on the Offered Debt Securities;
- any obligation or option we have to redeem, purchase or repay the Offered
Debt Securities, or any option of the registered holder to require us to
redeem or repurchase Offered Debt Securities, and the terms and
conditions upon which the Offered Debt Securities will be redeemed,
purchased or repaid;
- the currency or currencies, including composite currencies or currency
units, in which payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or
interest, if any, on any of the Offered Debt Securities will be payable
if other than the currency of the United States of America;
- any index, formula or other method used to determine the amount of
principal, premium, if any, or interest;
- the terms and conditions upon which payment on the Offered Debt
Securities may change;
- whether the Offered Debt Securities are defeasible;
- any addition to or change in the Events of Default;
- any addition to or change in the covenants in the applicable Indenture;
- the terms of any right to convert the Offered Debt Securities into other
securities or other property; and
- any other terms of the Offered Debt Securities not inconsistent with the
provisions of the applicable Indenture.
If the Offered Debt Securities are denominated in whole or in part in any
currency other than U.S. dollars, if the principal of (and premium, if any) or
interest, if any, on the Offered Debt Securities are to be payable in a currency
or currencies other than that in which the debt securities are to be payable, or
if any index is used to determine the amount of payments of principal of,
premium, if any, or interest on any series of the debt securities, special U.S.
federal income tax, accounting and other considerations applicable thereto will
be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue our
debt securities at a discount below their principal amount and pay less than the
entire principal amount of our debt securities upon declaration of acceleration
of their maturity ("Original Issue Discount Securities"). The applicable
prospectus supplement will describe all material U.S. federal income tax,
accounting and other considerations applicable to the Original Issue Discount
Securities.
The general provisions of the Indentures do not contain any provisions that
would limit our ability or the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness
or that would afford holders of our debt securities protection in the event of a
highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us or any of our subsidiaries.
Please refer to the applicable prospectus supplement for information with
respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions, if any, to the
Events of Default described below that are applicable to the Offered Debt
Securities or any covenants or other provisions providing event risk or similar
protection.
PAYMENT
Unless indicated differently in the applicable prospectus supplement, we
will pay interest on a debt security on each interest payment date to the person
in whose name the debt security is registered as of the close of business on the
regular record date relating to the interest payment date.
Unless we indicate differently in the applicable prospectus supplement, we
will pay principal of and any premium on the debt securities at stated maturity,
upon redemption or otherwise, upon presentation of the debt securities at the
office of the applicable Trustee, as our paying agent, or at other designated
places. Any other paying agent initially designated for the debt securities of a
particular series will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.
10
FORM, TRANSFERS AND EXCHANGES
The debt securities of each series will be issued only in fully registered
form, without interest coupons. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable
prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be issued in denominations of
$1,000 each or multiples thereof.
Subject to the terms of the applicable Indenture and the limitations
applicable to global securities, you may exchange or transfer debt securities at
the corporate trust office of the Trustee or at any other office or agency
maintained by us for that purpose, without the payment of any service charge,
except for any tax or governmental charge.
GLOBAL SECURITIES
The debt securities of any series may be issued, in whole or in part, by
one or more global certificates that will be deposited with the depositary
identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
No global security may be exchanged in whole or in part for the debt
securities registered in the name of any person other than the depositary for
that global security or any nominee of that depositary unless:
- the depositary is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary;
- an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; or
- as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise stated in any prospectus supplement, The Depository Trust
Company, or DTC, will act as depositary. Beneficial interests in global
certificates will be shown on, and transfers of global certificates will be
affected only through records maintained by DTC and its participants.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, an
event of default ("Event of Default") occurs with respect to debt securities of
any series if:
- we do not pay any interest on any debt securities of the applicable
series within 30 days of the due date (following any deferral allowed
under the terms of the debt securities and elected by us);
- we do not pay principal or premium, if any, on any debt securities of the
applicable series at maturity;
- we do not deposit any sinking fund payment when due by the terms of the
applicable debt securities;
- we default in the performance, or are in breach, of a covenant or
warranty of the applicable Indenture, other than a covenant or warranty a
default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere specifically
dealt with or which expressly has been included in the applicable
Indenture solely for the benefit of debt securities other than that
series, and such default or breach continues for a period of 60 days
after there has been given by registered or certified mail, to us by the
applicable Trustee or to us and the applicable Trustee by the Holders of
at least 25% of the principal amount of debt securities of the affected
series, a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring
it to be remedied;
- certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or reorganization
with respect to us occur; or
- any other Event of Default provided with respect to debt securities of
that series occurs.
No Event of Default with respect to a series of debt securities necessarily
constitutes an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of any other
series issued under the Indentures.
Each Indenture requires us to file annually with the applicable Trustee an
officers' certificate as to our compliance with all conditions and covenants
under the applicable Indenture. Each Indenture provides that the applicable
Trustee may withhold notice to the Holders of a series of debt securities of any
default, except
11
payment defaults on those debt securities, if it considers such withholding to
be in the interest of the Holders of that series of debt securities.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to any series
of debt securities, then either the applicable Trustee or the Holders of not
less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that
series may declare the principal amount, or, if any debt securities of that
series are Original Issue Discount Securities, that portion of the principal
amount of those Original Issue Discount Securities as may be specified in the
terms of those Original Issue Discount Securities, of all of the debt securities
of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to us,
and to the applicable Trustee if given by the Holders, and upon any such
declaration that principal amount, or specified amount, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, and premium, if any, will become immediately due and payable. Upon
payment of that amount in the currency in which the debt securities are
denominated (except as otherwise provided in the applicable Indenture or
specified in the applicable prospectus supplement), all of our obligations in
respect of the payment of principal of the debt securities of that series will
terminate.
After a declaration of acceleration has been made and before the Trustee
has obtained a judgment or decree for payment of the money due on any series of
debt securities, the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series, by written notice to
us and the applicable Trustee, may rescind and annul the declaration and its
consequences, subject to any terms or conditions specified in the applicable
prospectus supplement.
If an Event of Default results from bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization, the principal amount of all the debt securities of a series, or
that portion of the principal amount of such debt securities as may be specified
in the applicable prospectus supplement, will automatically become immediately
due and payable.
Subject to the provisions of each Indenture relating to the duties of the
applicable Trustee, in case an Event of Default with respect to our debt
securities of a particular series occurs and is continuing, the applicable
Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers
under that Indenture at the request, order or direction of any of the Holders of
debt securities of that series, unless the Holders have offered to the
applicable Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses
and liabilities which might be incurred by it in complying with such request or
direction. Subject to the provisions for the indemnification of the applicable
Trustee, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of our outstanding debt
securities of that series will have the right to direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the applicable
Trustee under the applicable Indenture, or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the applicable Trustee with respect to our debt securities of that
series.
MERGER OR CONSOLIDATION
Each Indenture provides that we may not consolidate with or merge or wind
up into any other entity, whether or not we are the surviving corporation, and
that we may not sell, assign, convey, transfer or lease our properties and
assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless:
- the corporation formed by the consolidation or into which we are merged,
or the Person which acquires us or which leases our properties and assets
substantially as an entirety, is an entity organized and existing under
the laws of the United States of America or any State or territory of the
United States or the District of Columbia, and expressly assumes, by
supplemental indenture, the due and punctual payment of the principal,
premium and interest on all the outstanding debt securities and the
performance of all of our covenants under the applicable Indenture;
- immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default
under the applicable Indenture, and no event which after notice or lapse
of time or both would become an Event of Default, has happened and is
continuing; and
- all other conditions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement
are met.
12
MODIFICATION OR WAIVER
Without prior notice to or the consent of any Holders, we and the
applicable Trustee may modify the applicable Indenture for any of the following
purposes:
- to evidence the succession of another entity to us and the assumption by
that successor of our covenants and obligations under the applicable
Indenture and under our debt securities issued thereunder in accordance
with the terms of the applicable Indenture;
- to add one or more covenants or other provisions for the benefit of the
Holders of all or any series of debt securities, and if those covenants
are to be for the benefit of less than all series, stating that those
covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of that
series, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us;
- to add any additional Events of Default for all or any series of debt
securities, and if those Events of Default are to be applicable to less
than all series, stating that those Events of Default are expressly being
included solely to be applicable to that series;
- to change or eliminate any provision of the applicable Indenture or to
add any new provision to the applicable Indenture that does not adversely
affect the interests of the Holders;
- to provide security for the debt securities of any series or to provide
that any of our obligations under the debt securities or the applicable
Indenture shall be guaranteed and the terms and conditions for the
release or substitution of the security or guarantee;
- to supplement any of the provisions of the applicable Indenture to the
extent necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of
any series of debt securities, provided that any such action will not
adversely affect the interests of the Holders of debt securities of that
series or any other series of debt securities issued under the applicable
Indenture in any material respect;
- to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series as
permitted by the applicable Indenture;
- to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment of a separate
or successor Trustee with respect to one or more series of debt
securities and to add to or change any of the provisions of the
applicable Indenture as is necessary to provide for or facilitate the
administration of the trusts thereunder by more than one Trustee; or
- to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency; to eliminate any conflict
between the terms of the applicable Indenture and the debt securities
issued thereunder and the Trust Indenture Act or to modify any other
provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the
applicable Indenture that will not be inconsistent with any provision of
the applicable Indenture; provided those other provisions do not
adversely affect the interests of the Holders of our outstanding debt
securities of any series created thereunder prior to such modification in
any material respect.
We and the applicable Trustee may, with some exceptions, amend or modify
any Indenture with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series
affected by the amendment or modification. However, no amendment or modification
may, without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding debt security
affected thereby:
- change the stated maturity of the principal of or interest on any debt
security (other than pursuant to the terms of the debt security), or
reduce the principal amount, interest or premium payable or change the
currency in which any debt security is payable, or impair the right to
bring suit to enforce any payment;
- reduce the percentages of Holders whose consent is required for any
modification or waiver or reduce the requirements for quorum and voting
under the applicable Indenture;
- modify certain of the provisions in the applicable Indenture relating to
supplemental indentures and waivers of certain covenants and past
defaults; or
13
- make any change that adversely affects the right to convert any
convertible debt security or decrease the conversion rate or increase the
conversion price of any convertible debt security.
A modification which changes or eliminates any provision of an Indenture
expressly included solely for the benefit of Holders of debt securities of one
or more particular series or modifies the Holders' rights will be deemed not to
affect the rights under the Indenture of the registered holders of debt
securities of any other series.
Each of the Indentures provides that the Holders of not less than a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities
of any series, by notice to the relevant Trustee, may on behalf of the Holders
of the debt securities of that series waive any default or Event of Default and
its consequences under the applicable Indenture, except:
- a continuing default or Event of Default in the payment of interest on,
premium, if any, or the principal of, any such debt security held by a
non-consenting Holder; or
- a default in respect of a covenant or provision of the Indenture which
cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each
outstanding debt security of each series affected.
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
The applicable Indenture with respect to the debt securities of any series
may be discharged, subject to the terms and conditions as specified in the
applicable prospectus supplement when either:
- all debt securities, with the exceptions provided for in the applicable
Indenture, of that series have been delivered to the applicable Trustee
for cancellation;
- all debt securities of that series not theretofore delivered to the
applicable Trustee for cancellation:
- have become due and payable;
- will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year;
or
- are to be called for redemption within one year; or
- certain events or conditions occur as specified in the applicable
prospectus supplement.
In addition, each series of debt securities may provide additional or
different terms or conditions for the discharge or defeasance of some or all of
our obligations as may be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
If provision is made for the defeasance of debt securities of a series, and
if the debt securities of that series are registered securities and denominated
and payable only in U.S. dollars, then the provisions of each Indenture relating
to defeasance will be applicable except as otherwise specified in the applicable
prospectus supplement for debt securities of that series. Defeasance provisions,
if any, for debt securities denominated in a foreign currency or currencies may
be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
At our option, either (1) we will be deemed to have been discharged from
our obligations with respect to debt securities of any series, i.e., the "legal
defeasance option," or (2) we will cease to be under any obligation to comply
with certain provisions of the applicable Indenture with respect to certain
covenants, if any, specified in the applicable prospectus supplement with
respect to debt securities of any series, i.e., the "covenant defeasance
option," at any time after the conditions set forth in the applicable prospectus
supplement have been satisfied.
SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
The senior debt securities will be unsecured senior obligations and will
rank equally with all other senior unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The senior
debt securities will, however, be subordinated in right of payment to all of our
secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing that
indebtedness. Except as provided in the Senior Indenture or specified in any
authorizing resolution or supplemental
14
indenture relating to a series of senior debt securities to be issued, no Senior
Indenture will limit the amount of additional indebtedness that may rank equally
with the senior debt securities or the amount of indebtedness, secured or
otherwise, that may be incurred or preferred shares that may be issued by any of
our subsidiaries.
SUBORDINATION
If our assets are distributed upon our dissolution, winding up, liquidation
or reorganization, the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on any subordinated debt securities will be subordinated in right of
payment, to the extent provided in the Subordinated Indenture and the applicable
prospectus supplement, to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness,
including senior debt securities. However, our obligation to pay principal of,
and premium, if any, or interest on the subordinated debt securities will not
otherwise be affected. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, no payment on account of principal, premium, if any, sinking fund or
interest may be made on the subordinated debt securities at any time when there
is a default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, sinking fund,
interest or certain other obligations on Senior Indebtedness. In addition, the
prospectus supplement for any series of subordinated debt securities may provide
that payments on account of principal, premium, if any, or interest in respect
of the subordinated debt securities may be delayed or not paid under specified
circumstances and periods. If, while we are in default on Senior Indebtedness,
any payment is received by the Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture or the
Holders of any of the subordinated debt securities before we have paid all
Senior Indebtedness in full, the payment or distribution must be paid over to
the Holders of the unpaid Senior Indebtedness or applied to the repayment of the
unpaid Senior Indebtedness. Subject to paying the Senior Indebtedness in full,
the Holders of the subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights
of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness to the extent that payments are made
to the holders of Senior Indebtedness out of the distributive share of the
subordinated debt securities.
Due to the subordination, if our assets are distributed upon insolvency,
some or all of our general creditors may recover more, ratably, than Holders of
subordinated debt securities. The Subordinated Indenture or applicable
supplemental indenture may state that its subordination provisions will not
apply to money and securities held in trust under the satisfaction and discharge
and the legal defeasance provisions of the Subordinated Indenture.
If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with the offering of a
series of subordinated debt securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement
or the information incorporated by reference in it will set forth the
approximate amount of Senior Indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date.
"Senior Indebtedness" with respect to any series of subordinated debt securities
will have the meaning specified in the applicable prospectus supplement for that
series.
CONVERSION RIGHTS
The terms and conditions of any debt securities being offered that are
convertible into our common shares will be set forth in a prospectus supplement.
These terms will include the conversion price, the conversion period, provisions
as to whether conversion will be mandatory, or at the option of the holder or
us, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions
affecting conversion in the event that the debt securities are redeemed.
CORPORATE EXISTENCE
Subject to the terms of the applicable Indenture, we will do or cause to be
done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect our
corporate existence, charter and statutory rights and franchises; provided,
however, that we will not be required to preserve any right or franchise if we
determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of
our business.
GOVERNING LAW
The Indentures and our debt securities will be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.
15
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
In this section, we describe the material features and rights of our
capital stock. This summary does not purport to be exhaustive and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to applicable Ohio law and our amended and restated
articles of incorporation and code of regulations, each of which is filed as an
exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
OUR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
Our authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 common shares, without
par value, and 195,000 preferred shares, without par value. As of August 13,
2002, there were (1) 29,744,790 common shares issued and outstanding, held by
approximately 300 holders of record; and (2) no preferred shares issued and
outstanding. In addition, the Hagedorn Partnership L.P. and certain other
selling shareholders hold currently exercisable warrants to purchase up to
3,000,000 common shares exercisable in three 1,000,000 share tranches at
exercise prices of $21, $25 and $29 per share, respectively.
COMMON SHARES
Holders of our common shares are entitled to:
- one vote for each share held;
- receive dividends when and if declared by the board of directors from
funds legally available therefor, subject to the rights of holders of our
preferred shares, if any, and to restrictions contained in our long-term
indebtedness; and
- share ratably in our net assets, legally available to our shareholders in
the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, after provision
for distribution to the holders of any preferred shares.
Holders of our common shares have no preemptive, subscription, redemption,
conversion or cumulative voting rights. Our outstanding common shares are, and
the shares that may be issued upon any conversion will be, when issued, fully
paid and nonassessable.
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "SMG."
PREFERRED SHARES
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation authorize our board of
directors to issue, without any further vote or action by our shareholders,
subject to certain limitations prescribed by Ohio law and the rules and
regulations of the New York Stock Exchange, up to an aggregate of 195,000
preferred shares in one or more classes or series. With respect to any classes
or series, our board of directors may determine the designation and the number
of shares, preferences, limitations and special rights, including dividend
rights, voting rights, conversion rights, redemption rights and liquidation
preferences. Absent a determination by the board of directors to establish
different voting rights, holders of preferred shares are entitled to one vote
per share on matters to be voted upon by the holders of common shares and
preferred shares voting together as a single class. Ohio law also entitles the
holders of preferred shares to exercise a class vote on certain matters.
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, CODE OF REGULATIONS AND THE
OHIO GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
There are provisions in our amended and restated articles of incorporation
and code of regulations, and the Ohio Revised Code that could discourage
potential takeover attempts and make attempts by shareholders to change
management more difficult. These provisions could adversely affect the market
price of our shares.
CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our board of directors is divided into three classes, with three-year
staggered terms. This classification system increases the difficulty of
replacing a majority of the directors at any one time and may tend to
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discourage a third-party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to
gain control of us. It also may maintain the incumbency of our board of
directors. Under a recent revision to the Ohio General Corporation Law,
shareholders may not remove any directors on a classified board of directors
without cause.
LIMITED SHAREHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
The Ohio General Corporation Law requires that an action by written consent
of the shareholders in lieu of a meeting be unanimous, except that the code of
regulations may be amended by an action by written consent of holders of shares
entitling them to exercise two-thirds of the voting power of the corporation or,
if the articles of incorporation or code of regulations otherwise provide, such
greater or lesser amount, but not less than a majority. This provision may have
the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a tender offer or takeover
attempt that a shareholder might consider to be in its best interest.
CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITION ACT
The Ohio General Corporation Law provides that certain notice and
informational filings, and special shareholder meeting and voting procedures,
must occur prior to any person's acquisition of an issuer's shares that would
entitle the acquirer to exercise or direct the voting power of the issuer in the
election of directors within any of the following ranges:
- one-fifth or more but less than one-third of such voting power;
- one-third or more but less than a majority of such voting power;
- a majority or more of such voting power.
The Control Share Acquisition Act does not apply to a corporation if its
articles of incorporation or code of regulations so provide. We have not opted
out of the application of the Control Share Acquisition Act.
MERGER MORATORIUM STATUTE
Chapter 1704 of the Ohio Revised Code generally addresses a wide range of
business combinations and other transactions (including mergers, consolidations,
asset sales, loans, disproportionate distributions of property and
disproportionate issuances or transfers of shares or rights to acquire shares)
between an Ohio corporation and an "Interested Shareholder" who, alone or with
others, may exercise or direct the exercise of at least 10% of the voting power
of the corporation. The Merger Moratorium Statute prohibits such transactions
between the corporation and the Interested Shareholder for a period of three
years after a person becomes an Interested Shareholder, unless, prior to such
date, the directors approved either the business combination or other
transaction or approved the acquisition that caused the person to become an
Interested Shareholder.
Following the three-year moratorium period, the corporation may engage in
the covered transaction with the Interested Shareholder only if:
- the transaction receives the approval of the holders of two-thirds of all
the voting shares and the approval of the holders of a majority of the
voting shares held by persons other than an Interested Shareholder; or
- the remaining shareholders receive an amount for their shares equal to
the higher of the highest amount paid in the past by the Interested
Shareholder for the corporation's shares or the amount that would be due
to the shareholders if the corporation were to dissolve.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, preferred shares or
common shares. We may issue warrants independently or together with any other
securities we offer pursuant to a prospectus supplement and the warrants may be
attached to or separate from the securities. We will issue each series of
warrants under a separate warrant agreement that we will enter into with a bank
or trust company, as warrant agent. We will
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set forth additional terms of the warrants and the applicable warrant agreements
in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the principal amount of
debt securities or the number of preferred shares or common shares at the
exercise price set forth in, or calculable as set forth in, the applicable
prospectus supplement. The exercise price may be subject to adjustment upon the
occurrence of certain events, as set forth in the applicable prospectus
supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date of the warrant,
unexercised warrants will become void. The place or places where, and the manner
in which, warrants may be exercised shall be specified in the applicable
prospectus supplement.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms,
where applicable, of the warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being
delivered.
- the title of the warrants;
- the aggregate number of the warrants;
- the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;
- the designation, aggregate principal amount and terms of the securities
issuable upon exercise of the warrants and the procedures and conditions
relating to the exercise of the warrants;
- the designation and terms of any related securities with which the
warrants will be issued, and the number of warrants that will be issued
with each security;
- the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and the related debt
securities will be separately transferable;
- the price at which the securities purchasable upon exercise of the
warrants may be purchased;
- the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence, and
the date on which the right will expire;
- the maximum or minimum number of warrants which may be exercised at any
time;
- a discussion of the certain U.S. federal income tax considerations
applicable to the exercise of the warrants; and
- any other terms of the warrants and terms, procedures and limitations
relating to the exercise of the warrants.
Holders may exchange warrant certificates for new warrant certificates of
different denominations, and may exercise warrants at the corporate trust office
of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement. Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants will
not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon the
exercise and will not be entitled to payments of principal, premium or interest
on the securities purchasable upon the exercise.
DESCRIPTION OF STOCK PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND STOCK PURCHASE UNITS
We may issue stock purchase contacts representing contacts obligating
holders to purchase from us and obligating us to sell to the holders a specified
number of common shares or preferred shares at a future date or dates. The price
per share of common shares or preferred shares may be fixed at the time the
stock purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a
specific formula set forth in the stock purchase contracts.
The stock purchase contracts may be issued separately or as a part of
units, often known as stock purchase units, consisting of a stock purchase
contract and either of the following:
- debt securities of our company, or
- debt obligations of third parties, including U.S. Treasury securities,
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securing the holder's obligations to purchase our common shares or preferred
shares under the stock purchase contracts. The stock purchase contracts may
require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the stock purchase units
or vise versa, and such payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis.
The stock purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations in
a specified manner and in certain circumstances we may deliver newly issued
prepaid stock purchase contracts, often known as prepaid securities, upon
release to a holder of any collateral securing each holder's obligations under
the original stock purchase contract.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any stock
purchase contracts or stock purchase units and, if applicable, prepaid
securities. The description in the applicable prospectus supplement will not
contain all of the information that you may find useful. For more information,
you should review the stock purchase contracts, the collateral arrangements and
the depositary arrangements, if applicable, relating to such stock purchase
contracts or stock purchase units and, if applicable, the prepaid securities and
the document pursuant to which the prepaid securities will be issued, which will
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission promptly after the offering
of such stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units and, if applicable,
prepaid securities.
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SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth the number of shares beneficially owned by
each of the selling shareholders as of August 13, 2002. Each of the selling
shareholders may be deemed to be an affiliate of Scotts. No estimate can be
given as to the amount of our common shares that will be beneficially owned by
the selling shareholders after completion of an offering because the selling
shareholders may offer all, some or none of the common shares beneficially owned
by them or that may hereafter be acquired by them upon the exercise of stock
options. The shares described in this prospectus may be offered from time to
time by the selling shareholders named below.
<Table>
<Caption>
NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES
BENEFICIALLY OWNED BEFORE THE OFFERING(1) NUMBER OF COMMON
----------------------------------------------------- SHARES TO BE
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
ACQUIRABLE MAXIMUM AFTER THE SALE OF THE
COMMON UPON EXERCISE NUMBER OF MAXIMUM NUMBER
SHARES OF OPTIONS/ PERCENT COMMON OF COMMON SHARES
BENEFICIALLY WARRANTS OF SHARES ----------------------
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNED WITHIN 60 DAYS TOTAL CLASS(2) TO BE SOLD NUMBER PERCENT
- ------------------------ ------------ -------------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----------- --------
John Kenlon................... 135,000 118,142(3) 253,142 * 6,642 246,500 *
Kenlon family members
c/o John Kenlon............. -- 60,000(3) 60,000 * 60,000 -- --
Hagedorn Partnership, L.P. ... 9,712,021(4) 3,000,000(4) 12,712,021 38.82% 1,533,358 11,178,663 34.14%
</Table>
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* Less than 1%.
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the beneficial owner has sole voting and
dispositive power as to all common shares reflected in the table. All
fractional common shares have been rounded to the nearest whole common
share.
(2) The "Percent of Class" computation is based upon the sum of (i) 29,744,790
common shares outstanding on August 13, 2002, and (ii) the number of common
shares as to which the named person has the right to acquire beneficial
ownership upon the exercise of options or warrants exercisable within 60
days after August 13, 2002.
(3) Mr. Kenlon owns warrants to purchase 6,642 common shares. The Hagedorn
Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, has the right to vote,
and a right of first refusal with respect to, our securities received by Mr.
Kenlon and his children in connection with the Miracle-Gro merger in 1995
(135,000 common shares presently held by Mr. Kenlon and warrants to purchase
an aggregate of 66,642 common shares, of which warrants to purchase 60,000
common shares are held by Mr. Kenlon's children). The Hagedorn Partnership
has waived its right of first refusal in connection with the sale of common
shares contemplated by this prospectus. Mr. Kenlon also holds currently
exercisable options to purchase 111,500 common shares.
(4) Hagedorn Partnership owns 9,577,021 common shares and warrants to purchase
2,933,358 common shares, and has the right to vote, and a right of first
refusal with respect to, Scotts' securities received by Mr. Kenlon and his
children. See note (3) above. Mr. James Hagedorn, Ms. Katherine Hagedorn
Littlefield, Mr. Paul Hagedorn, Mr. Peter Hagedorn, Mr. Robert Hagedorn and
Ms. Susan Hagedorn are siblings, general partners of the Hagedorn
Partnership and former shareholders of Stern's Miracle-Gro Products, Inc.
The general partners share voting and dispositive power with respect to the
securities held by the Hagedorn Partnership and those subject to the right
to vote and right of first refusal in favor of the Hagedorn Partnership. Mr.
James Hagedorn and Ms. Katherine Hagedorn Littlefield are directors of
Scotts, and Mr. James Hagedorn is our President and Chief Executive Officer.
Community Funds, Inc., a New York not-for-profit corporation, is a limited
partner of the Hagedorn Partnership. Does not include 27,700 common shares
held by Mr. James Hagedorn directly and 9,215 common share units that are
allocated to his account and held by the trustee under our Retirement
Savings Plan. Also does not include 2,232 common share equivalents that are
attributable to Mr. James Hagedorn's account relating to common share units
under The Scotts Company Executive Retirement Plan and currently exercisable
options to purchase 320,000 common shares. Also excludes currently
exercisable options to purchase 11,500 common shares held by Ms.
Littlefield.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The debt securities, preferred shares, common shares, warrants, stock
purchase contracts and stock purchase units may be sold:
- to or through underwriting syndicates represented by managing
underwriters;
- through one or more underwriters without a syndicate for them to offer
and sell to the public;
- through dealers or agents; or
- to investors directly in negotiated sales or in competitively bid
transactions.
The prospectus supplement for each series of securities we or the selling
shareholders sell will describe that offering, including:
- the name or names of any underwriters;
- the purchase price and the proceeds to us or the selling shareholders
from that sale;
- any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters'
compensation;
- any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions
allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and
- any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed.
UNDERWRITERS
If underwriters are used in the sale, we and the selling shareholders, as
applicable, will execute an underwriting agreement with those underwriters
relating to the securities that we or the selling shareholders will offer.
Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the
underwriters to purchase these securities will be subject to conditions. The
underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the offered securities if any
are purchased.
The securities subject to the underwriting agreement will be acquired by
the underwriters for their own account and may be resold by them from time to
time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed
public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale.
Underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us or the selling
shareholders, as the case may be, in the form of underwriting discounts or
commissions and may also receive commissions from the purchasers of the offered
securities for whom they act as agent. Underwriters may sell the offered
securities to or through dealers. These dealers may receive compensation in the
form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or
commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any initial
public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or
paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
We also may sell the securities in connection with a remarketing upon their
purchase, in connection with a redemption or repayment, by a remarketing firm
acting as principal for its own account or as our agent. Remarketing firms may
be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities that they
remarket.
We may authorize underwriters to solicit offers by institutions to purchase
the securities subject to the underwriting agreement from us, at the public
offering price stated in the prospectus supplement under delayed delivery
contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future.
If we sell securities under delayed delivery contracts, the prospectus
supplement will state that as well as the conditions to which these delayed
delivery contracts will be subject and the commissions payable for that
solicitation.
AGENTS
We and the selling shareholders may also sell any of the securities through
agents designated by us and/or the selling shareholders, as the case may be,
from time to time. We and/or the selling shareholders, as the case may be, will
name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and will list
commissions
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payable by us and/or the selling shareholders, as the case may be, to these
agents in the applicable prospectus supplement. These agents will be acting on a
best efforts basis to solicit purchases for the period of their appointment,
unless we and/or the selling shareholders, as the case may be, state otherwise
in the prospectus supplement.
DIRECT SALES
We and the selling shareholders may sell any of the securities directly to
purchasers. In this case, we and/or the selling shareholders, as the case may
be, will not engage underwriters or agents in the offer and sale of these
securities.
INDEMNIFICATION
We and the selling shareholders may indemnify underwriters, dealers or
agents who participate in the distribution of securities against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, and agree
to contribute to payments which these underwriters, dealers or agents may be
required to make.
NO ASSURANCE OF LIQUIDITY
The securities offered hereby may be a new issue of securities with no
established trading market. Any underwriters that purchase securities from us
may make a market in these securities. The underwriters will not be obligated,
however, to make a market and may discontinue market-making at any time without
notice to holders of the securities. We cannot assure you that there will be
liquidity in the trading market for any securities of any series.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP, Columbus, Ohio.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of The Scotts Company incorporated into this
prospectus by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 24, 2002,
have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
We are "incorporating" certain documents into this prospectus by reference,
which means that we are disclosing important information to you by referring to
documents that contain such information. The information incorporated by
reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information we file later
with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information in this
prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below that we have
previously filed with the SEC:
- our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
2001 (including information specifically incorporated by reference into
our Form 10-K from our 2001 Annual Report to Shareholders and proxy
statement for our 2002 annual meeting of shareholders);
- our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A dated June 5, 2002, for the fiscal
quarter ended December 29, 2001;
- our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 30,
2002;
- our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 29,
2002;
- our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 30, 2002;
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- our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 24, 2002, which
amends certain items in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September
30, 2001, to reflect retroactively the disclosures and presentations
required by accounting pronouncements initially adopted by Scotts in our
fiscal year beginning October 1, 2001; and
- our proxy statement for our 2002 annual meeting of shareholders, as filed
with the SEC on December 20, 2001.
Later information that we file with the SEC will update and/or supersede this
information. We are also incorporating by reference all documents that we file
with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of the debt securities, preferred shares, common
shares, warrants, stock purchase contracts and/or stock purchase units.
Information furnished under Item 9 of any of our Current Reports on Form 8-K is
not incorporated by reference in this prospectus and registration statement. We
furnished information under Item 9 of our Current Report on Form 8-K to the SEC
on August 9, 2002.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are required to comply with the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and must file annual, quarterly and other reports with the
SEC. We are also subject to the proxy solicitation requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, accordingly, will furnish audited financial
statements to our shareholders in connection with our annual meetings of
shareholders.
Any statements made in this prospectus concerning the contents of any
contract, agreement or other document constitute summaries of the material terms
thereof and are not necessarily complete summaries of all of the terms. Some of
these documents have been filed as exhibits to our periodic filings with the
SEC. Our periodic reports and other information filed with the SEC may be
inspected without charge at the Public Reference Section of the SEC at Room
1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can also obtain copies
of filed documents by mail from the public reference section of the SEC at Room
1024, 450 Fifth Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Please
call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference
rooms. Filed documents are also available to the public on the SEC's website at
http://www.sec.gov. In addition, we post our filed documents on our website at
http://www.scotts.com, and they are available to be downloaded or printed free
of charge. The information on our website is not part of this prospectus or any
prospectus supplement.
Copies of documents incorporated in this prospectus by reference or other
documents referred to in this prospectus may be obtained upon oral or written
request without charge by contacting The Scotts Company, 14111 Scottslawn Road,
Marysville, Ohio 43041, Attention: Treasurer, (937) 644-0011.
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4,500,000 SHARES
THE SCOTTS COMPANY
COMMON SHARES
[SCOTTS LOGO]
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
, 2002
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SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
JPMORGAN
BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES LLC
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
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