Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) has seen its stock price plummet 14% in a month against the industry’s 0.5% growth. This decline can be traced to tough broader market dynamics and specific challenges faced by the company. Investors are currently divided on whether the stock is set for a further decline or is on the verge of a recovery.CENT Stock One Month Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research After a 2.5% decline during Friday’s session, the stock is now trading at $35.15, inching closer t ...

Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 18.43X, which positions it at a premium compared with the industry’s average of 13.05X. The stock is also trading above its median P/E level of 16.62X, observed in the past year. The valuation indicates that Central Garden & Pet is overvalued. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The stock’s rapid ascent might have contributed to its elevated P/E multiple. Shares of Central Garden & Pet, whi ...

Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) has revealed that its board of directors bumped up its share buyback authorization, underscoring its commitment to boosting shareholder value. The company can now buy back up to an incremental $100 million of its issued and outstanding Common Stock and Class A Common Stock.As of Dec. 11, 2024, this expansion raises the total repurchase authorization to approximately $130 million.An increased buyback program often indicates that a company has a strong cash flow and liquidi ...

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ________________________________________________________________________________________ SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: Title of Each Class Trading Symbol(s) Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered Common Stock CENT The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC Class A Common Stock CENTA The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC FORM 10-K ☒ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal ...

Core Insights - Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 results, with net sales missing estimates but adjusted earnings exceeding expectations, although both metrics declined year over year [1][3][4]. Financial Performance - The company reported an adjusted quarterly loss of 18 cents per share, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 20 cents, but down from earnings of 8 cents per share in the prior year [3]. - Net sales totaled $669.5 million, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $724 million and representing an 11% decline from the previous year [4]. - Organic net sales decreased by 13%, excluding the impact of the TDBBS acquisition and the sale of the independent garden channel distribution business [4]. - Adjusted gross profit was $174.2 million, down from $199.2 million in the year-ago period, with adjusted gross margin contracting by 60 basis points to 26% due to grass seed inventory impairment in the Garden segment [5]. - Adjusted SG&A expenses were $185.5 million, a decrease from $187.2 million in the prior year, but as a percentage of net sales, it increased by 270 basis points to 27.7% [6]. - The adjusted operating loss was $11.4 million, down from an operating income of $12 million reported in the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA at $16.8 million compared to $41.6 million in the prior-year period [7]. Segment Performance - In the Pet segment, net sales were $435.3 million, a 9.8% decrease year over year, with organic net sales falling by 13.6% [8]. - The Pet segment's adjusted operating income was $34.6 million, down from $47.8 million in the prior year, with an adjusted operating margin contracting by 190 basis points to 8% [9]. - The Garden segment reported net sales of $234.2 million, a decline of 12.4% from the previous year, with organic net sales down by 11.2% [10]. - The Garden segment's adjusted operating loss was $24.9 million, worsening from an adjusted operating loss of $5.3 million in the prior year due to lower volume and grass seed inventory impairment [10]. Financial Health - At the end of the quarter, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $753.6 million, long-term debt of $1,189.8 million, and shareholders' equity of $1,555.7 million [11]. - The company repurchased approximately 270,032 shares for $9 million during the quarter and expects capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 to be between $60 million and $70 million [12]. Outlook - For fiscal 2025, CENT estimates adjusted earnings to be $2.20 per share or more, anticipating deflationary pressures in certain commodity sectors and a challenging retail environment [13]. - For the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the company expects an adjusted loss of 5 cents per share or more, compared to adjusted earnings of 1 cent in the same period of fiscal 2024 [13].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for fiscal 2024 were $3.2 billion, a decrease of 3% compared to the prior year, with organic net sales declining 4% [28] - Non-GAAP gross profit for the year was $960 million, slightly up from $957 million, with non-GAAP gross margin expanding by 110 basis points to 30% [29] - Non-GAAP operating income for the year was $223 million, down from $227 million, while non-GAAP operating margin increased to 7% from 6.9% [33] - Non-GAAP net income was $142 million, compared to $138 million, with non-GAAP EPS at $2.13, above guidance and prior year [33] - Fourth-quarter net sales were $669 million, down 11% year-over-year, with organic net sales decreasing 13% [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pet segment net sales decreased 10% to $435 million, with organic net sales down 14% [40] - Garden segment net sales were $234 million, down 12% year-over-year, with organic net sales decreasing 11% [44] - Non-GAAP operating income for the Pet segment was $35 million, down from $48 million, while the Garden segment reported a non-GAAP operating loss of $25 million [43][46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce sales in the Pet segment reached a record high of 29%, up 4 percentage points from the prior year [41] - The Garden segment saw positive point-of-sale trends return in Q4, with improved foot traffic in home centers [45] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its Central-to-Home strategy, emphasizing cost and simplicity initiatives, customer experience, innovation, and operational excellence [10] - Plans for fiscal 2025 include disciplined cost management, targeted investments in e-commerce and digital capabilities, and pursuing strategic M&A opportunities [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a challenging external environment in fiscal 2025, with macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties impacting consumer behavior [23] - The company is guiding for fiscal 2025 non-GAAP EPS to be $2.20 or higher, reflecting confidence in its strategy despite headwinds [24] Other Important Information - The company achieved record cash flow of $395 million in fiscal 2024, with a focus on turning inventories into cash [47] - Total debt remained at $1.2 billion, with a gross leverage ratio of 3.1, consistent with prior year [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the current state of the Pet segment and its growth outlook? - Management indicated that while consumables are expected to grow low to mid-single digits, durables are likely to continue declining mid-single digits due to ongoing challenges [60][61] Question: Are price increases planned for Pet and Garden segments? - Pricing is expected to be challenging, with a net negative outlook on price increases due to moderated commodity prices and consumer value sensitivity [63] Question: How is the Garden segment preparing for the spring sell-in? - Management expressed cautious optimism, noting good positioning for branded products and early loading of stores by customers [68][70] Question: What is the company's exposure to tariffs and M&A opportunities? - The company has reduced its exposure to tariffs from China to below 5% and is prepared to leverage favorable conditions for M&A in 2025 [75][76] Question: What are the revenue headwinds and tailwinds for fiscal 2025? - Revenue headwinds include lost business in the garden segment and low-margin business exits, while tailwinds involve a consumer-centric approach and digital investments [92][93] Question: What is the outlook for the promotional environment? - A more promotional marketplace is anticipated, with competitive bidding for promotions expected [118][119]

Company Performance - Central Garden reported a quarterly loss of $0.18 per share, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.20, compared to earnings of $0.08 per share a year ago [1] - The company posted revenues of $669.49 million for the quarter ended September 2024, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.51%, and down from $750.15 million year-over-year [3] - Over the last four quarters, Central Garden has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times and topped consensus revenue estimates two times [3] Earnings Surprise and Outlook - The quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 10%, with a previous expectation of $1.25 per share, but actual earnings were $1.32, delivering a surprise of 5.60% [2] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $0.05 on revenues of $640.69 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $2.40 on revenues of $3.31 billion [9] Market Performance - Central Garden shares have lost about 3.5% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 25.2% [5] - The estimate revisions trend for Central Garden is currently unfavorable, resulting in a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) for the stock, indicating expected underperformance in the near future [8] Industry Context - The Consumer Products - Discretionary industry, to which Central Garden belongs, is currently in the bottom 12% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a challenging environment [10]

| --- | --- | --- | |------------------------|-------|-------| | | | | | | | | | Q4 & FY 2024 | | | | Investor Presentation | | | | 11.25.2024 | | | | | | | Key Messages Niko Lahanas, CEO Q4 & FY24 Results, FY25 Outlook Brad Smith, CFO Q&A Session Niko Lahanas, Brad Smith, J.D. Walker, John Hanson Q4 and FY24 Investor Presentation 2 Forward-Looking Statements The statements contained in this presentation which are not historical facts, including statements concerning evolving consumer demand and unfavorable ...

Financial Performance - Fiscal 2024 net sales were $3.2 billion, a decrease of 3% from $3.3 billion in the prior year[3]. - Fiscal 2024 GAAP EPS was $1.62, down from $1.88 a year ago; non-GAAP EPS increased to $2.13 from $2.07[3][10]. - Pet segment net sales were $1.83 billion, a decrease of 2%; Garden segment net sales were $1.37 billion, a decrease of 5%[6]. - Operating income decreased by 12% to $185 million from $211 million in the prior year; non-GAAP operating income was $223 million compared to $227 million[8]. - Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet for FY 2024 was $107,983 thousand, down from $125,643 thousand in FY 2023[50]. - The company reported a net loss of $34,158 thousand for the three months ended September 2024, compared to a net income of $2,835 thousand for the same period in 2023[51]. - Interest expense for FY 2024 was $37,872 thousand, compared to $49,663 thousand in FY 2023, indicating a decrease of 23.8%[50]. - The company experienced a decrease in net income from operations for FY 2024, reporting $185,387 thousand compared to $210,646 thousand in FY 2023[50]. Cash and Debt Management - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $754 million from $489 million a year ago, driven by inventory conversion to cash[21]. - Total debt remained at $1.2 billion, with a gross leverage ratio of 3.1x[22]. - Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the year totaled $768,403 thousand, up from $502,873 thousand at the end of the previous year, marking a 52.7% increase[38]. - Total current assets increased to $1,886,806, up 10.5% from $1,707,123 in the previous year[36]. - Total liabilities increased to $1,878,978, up from $1,780,564 in the previous year[36]. Operational Efficiency - Gross margin expanded by 90 basis points to 29.5% from 28.6% in the prior year, driven by productivity efforts[7]. - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $201,360, up 7.4% from $188,084 in the previous year[37]. - The company reported depreciation and amortization of $90,807 thousand for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2024, compared to $87,700 thousand in the previous year, reflecting a 2.5% increase[38]. - The company recognized $45 million in non-GAAP charges in fiscal 2024, primarily related to Cost & Simplicity initiatives[23]. Segment Performance - The Pet segment's operating income decreased to $14 million from $43 million a year ago, reflecting lower volume and inventory impairment[18]. - The Pet segment reported a GAAP operating income of $14.3 million for Q4 fiscal 2024, compared to $43.2 million in Q4 fiscal 2023[47]. - The Garden segment experienced a GAAP operating loss of $28.8 million in Q4 fiscal 2024, compared to a loss of $3.4 million in Q4 fiscal 2023[47]. - Organic net sales for the Pet segment in FY 2024 were $1,766.4 million, down 5.9% from FY 2023's $1,877.2 million[48]. - Organic net sales for the Garden segment in FY 2024 were $1,367.7 million, a decrease of 1.2% from FY 2023's $1,384.8 million[48]. Future Outlook - Central expects fiscal 2025 non-GAAP EPS to be $2.20 or better, considering macroeconomic uncertainties[28]. - The company anticipates continued challenges in the market due to changing conditions and competition, impacting future performance[44]. - The company plans to focus on market expansion and new product development to drive future growth[49]. Non-GAAP Measures - Non-GAAP financial measures are utilized to provide additional insights into the company's performance, excluding specific items that may distort comparability between periods[39]. - Adjusted EBITDA for FY 2024 was $334,209 thousand, compared to $342,895 thousand in FY 2023, reflecting a decrease of 2.0%[50]. - Non-GAAP adjustments for FY 2024 totaled $37,432 thousand, compared to $16,559 thousand in FY 2023, showing an increase in adjustments[50].

Core Viewpoint - Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) is expected to report a decline in both revenue and earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, with revenues estimated at $723.8 million, reflecting a 3.5% decrease from the previous year [1]. Financial Performance - The consensus estimate for the bottom line remains unchanged at a loss of 20 cents per share, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 38.9% on average [2][10]. - An operating loss of $25.7 million is anticipated for the fourth quarter, which includes a write-down charge related to grass seed inventory [8]. Segment Performance - The Pet segment is projected to see a sales decline of 5.6% due to macroeconomic challenges affecting consumer discretionary spending and a decrease in new pet adoptions [4]. - The Garden segment is expected to experience a slight sales decline of 0.6%, which is an improvement compared to a 6.1% drop in the previous quarter [5]. Operational Challenges - The company is undergoing significant operational restructuring, including the closure of distribution facilities and winding down its underperforming pottery business, which may lead to short-term revenue disruptions [6]. - Increased competition and lower foot traffic in home centers are likely contributing factors to weaker top-line performance [6]. Inventory and Cost Management - A notable concern is the significant decrease in market prices for grass seed, with an estimated write-down of $15 million to $20 million impacting profitability [7]. - SG&A expenses are expected to increase by 140 basis points as a percentage of net sales in the final quarter, which could pressure margins [7]. Strategic Initiatives - Despite the challenges, the company is advancing its cost and simplicity program, along with investments in capacity expansion and automation, which are expected to mitigate some bottom-line pressure [9].