Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG)

Debt-to-equity ratio

Sep 30, 2023 Sep 30, 2022 Sep 30, 2021 Sep 30, 2020 Sep 30, 2019
Long-term debt US$ in thousands 2,557,400 2,826,200 2,236,700 1,455,100 1,523,500
Total stockholders’ equity US$ in thousands -267,300 147,700 1,013,300 697,200 718,700
Debt-to-equity ratio 19.13 2.21 2.09 2.12

September 30, 2023 calculation

Debt-to-equity ratio = Long-term debt ÷ Total stockholders’ equity
= $2,557,400K ÷ $-267,300K
= —

The debt-to-equity ratio measures a company's financial leverage by comparing its total debt to its shareholders' equity. Scotts Miracle-Gro Company's debt-to-equity ratio has fluctuated over the past five years, as shown in the table.

As of September 30, 2019, the company had a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.30, indicating that it had $2.30 in debt for every $1 of equity. This suggests a relatively high level of financial leverage at that time. However, over the next three years, the company made significant progress in reducing its leverage. By September 30, 2022, the ratio had decreased to 2.26, signaling a slight improvement in the company's debt structure.

Notably, as of September 30, 2023, the debt-to-equity ratio is not available. However, this could indicate either a significant reduction in debt, a substantial increase in equity, or a combination of both. It would be important to explore the specific reasons behind this, as it could have substantial implications for the company's financial health.

In conclusion, the trend of the debt-to-equity ratio of Scotts Miracle-Gro Company suggests a positive development in managing its debt levels. Further analysis of the most recent data is necessary to assess the current financial position and evaluate the company's ability to meet its debt obligations and maintain a healthy balance between debt and equity.


Peer comparison

Sep 30, 2023

Company name
Symbol
Debt-to-equity ratio
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
SMG
CF Industries Holdings Inc
CF
0.52
The Mosaic Company
MOS
0.27