Standard&Poor's Ratings Services rating on Ohio-based The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (Scotts) reflects our view that the company's financial risk profile, which we characterize as significant, has improved over the past year with strengthening of the company's cash flow coverage and leverage metrics. While we continue to view Scotts' business risk profile as fair, reflecting the company's meaningful customer concentration, exposure to commodity and energy cost increases, competition from private-label offerings, and the seasonal nature of the industry, we acknowledge that operating performance has also improved over the past year. Additionally, the company benefits from its strong market positions, well-recognized brand names, and favorable long-term demographic trends. Scotts is a provider of consumer products for lawn and garden care,
