Scotts estimates recalls to cost $40 million in 08

5/7/2008

MARYSVILLE, Ohio Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. s second-quarter financial results took a hit from a slow start to the gardening season and recent product recalls, with the latter expected to cost about $40 million over the fiscal year.

The company reported a 30 percent decline in quarterly profit, to $58 million from $83.4 million in 2007. Scotts had postponed the release of its results because of a product recall tied to a federal investigation into phony product registrations. That recall came on the heels of a voluntary recall of wild-bird seed. The recalls resulted in a one-time charge of $31 million in the quarter.

Scotts blamed the recall of a commercial fertilizer used by Scotts LawnService and Miracle-Gro Shake n Feed Plus Weed Preventer on one employee who apparently sent invalid forms to regulators. The employee has been fired.