Item 2.02. Results of Operation and Financial Condition
On November 5, 2009, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company ("the Company") issued a News Release concerning information regarding its results of operations for the three and twelve month periods ended September 30, 2009 and its financial condition as of September 30, 2009. The News Release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
The News Release includes the following non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G:
Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted income (loss) per share - These measures exclude charges or credits relating to refinancings, impairments, restructurings, product registration and recall matters, and other unusual items such as costs or gains related to discrete projects or transactions that are apart from and not indicative of the results of the operations of the business. Adjusted EBITDA - This measure is provided as a convenience to the Company's lenders because adjusted EBITDA is a component of certain debt compliance covenants. Adjusted EBITDA, as defined by the Company's credit facility, is calculated as net income or loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization as well as certain other items such as the impact of discontinued operations, the cumulative effect of changes in accounting, costs associated with debt refinancing and other non-recurring, non-cash items affecting net income. The Company's calculation of adjusted EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or cash flow from operations as determined by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company makes no representation or assertion that adjusted EBITDA is indicative of its cash flows from operations or results of operations. The Company has provided a reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA solely for the purpose of complying with Regulation G and not as an indication that adjusted EBITDA is a substitute measure for income from operations.
Free cash flow - This annual measure is often used by analysts and creditors as a measure of a company's ability to service debt, reinvest in the business beyond normal capital expenditures, and return cash to shareholders. As defined by the Company, free cash flow is equivalent to cash provided by operating activities as defined by generally accepted accounting principles less capital expenditures. The Company has provided a reconciliation of net income to free cash flow solely for the purpose of complying with Regulation G and not as an indication that free cash flow is a substitute measure for cash provided by operating activities.
The Company's management believes that the disclosure of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors or other users of the financial statements, such as lenders. Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(a) Financial statements of businesses acquired:

Not applicable.

(b) Pro forma financial information:

Not applicable.

(c) Shell company transactions:

Not applicable.

(d) Exhibits:

Exhibit No. Description

99.1 News Release issued by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company on November 5, 2009

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