Scotts Miracle-Gro's mixed quarter: Sales dip but EBITDA climbs to $3M
JPMorgan recently downgraded Scotts Miracle-Gro to Neutral from Overweight, citing the increased costs that the company will have to pay due to the war against Iran. But if the war ends relatively soon, the higher costs associated with it are likely to dissipate over the longer term. Further, SMG offers a rather high dividend yield, and its profits are expected to increase significantly in the coming years, which serve as two potential, positive catalysts. Finally, the company's valuation is fairly attractive.
In light of these points, I believe that patient, conservative investors and value investors with long-time horizons should buy the shares.
Scotts provides products that facilitate the growth and health of lawns and gardens.
In its December quarter, the company's sales fell 3% versus the same period a year earlier to $354.4 million, while its EBITDA, excluding certain items, climbed to $3 million from $900,000.
The stock has a forward price-earnings ratio of 14.58 times, a market capitalization of $3.5 billion, and a dividend yield of 4.25%.
