Strong quarter for Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.

Marysville, Ohio-based Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. reported record double-digit gains and record earnings in the quarter ended April 2.

“Consumers were highly engaged when our season broke early in March, giving us a nice start as we head into the peak of the gardening season,” said Jim Hagedorn, chairman and CEO. “Year-to-date consumer purchases entering May are up 1 percent.“

Scotts reported the following:

• Q2 Net sales

2015 $1.072 billion

2016 $1.245 billion

% gain: 16%

• Q2 Net income

2015 $124.3 million

2016 $209.8 million

% gain: 68.8%

Scotts recently completed the joint venture between Scotts LawnService and TruGreen and began working with new partners at Bonnie Plants, among other initiatives.

Sales for the U.S. Consumer segment increased 16% in the quarter to $1.04 billion while sales for the Europe Consumer business declined 3% to $115 million due to currency changes and the exit of a business in the UK. Sales in the Other segment, which includes The Hawthorne Gardening Company, Canada and Asia Pac, increased 50% to $90.5 million due primarily to acquisitions and strong volume growth in The Hawthorne Gardening Company.