Scotts Miracle-Gro (NYSE: SMG) reported Q4 EPS of ($0.26), $0.03 better than the analyst estimate of ($0.29). Revenue for the quarter came in at $376.7 million versus the consensus estimate of $371.57 million.

• Operating cash flow of $354 million reflects improvement in earnings and working capital
• Hawthorne growth drives Company-wide sales growth of 8% in Q4 and 5% for full year
• Q4 GAAP EPS loss of $0.72; Non-GAAP SLS Divestiture Adjusted EPS loss of $0.26
• Full-year GAAP EPS of $3.29; Non-GAAP SLS Divestiture Adjusted EPS of $3.94
• 2018 Guidance: Non-GAAP Adjusted EPS of $4.15 to $4.35 on sales growth of 4 to 6%

2018 Outlook

The Company also provided guidance for fiscal 2018 that includes projected sales growth of 4 to 6 percent. The guidance assumes that acquisitions will add 3 percent and Hawthorne slightly more than 1 percent, and that the U.S. Consumer business has sales growth of 0 to 2 percent.

The gross margin rate is expected to decline by 50-100 basis points, and SG&A is expected to grow 0 to 2 percent. Non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share is expected between $4.15 and $4.35. Operating cash flow is expected to be at least $350 million.

GUIDANCE:

Scotts Miracle-Gro sees FY2018 EPS of $4.15-$4.35, versus the consensus of $4.38.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG) click here.