Central Garden & Pet(US:CENT)2026-02-05 19:11Financial Performance - In fiscal 2025, consolidated net sales were $3.1 billion, with the Pet segment contributing approximately $1.8 billion and the Garden segment approximately $1.3 billion[106]. - For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, net sales decreased by $39.0 million, or 6.0%, to $617 million, with Pet net sales down 2.7% and Garden net sales down 12.0%[108]. - Gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 decreased by $5.1 million, or 2.6%, to $190.6 million, while gross margin increased by 110 basis points to 30.9%[115]. - Operating income for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 declined by $11.5 million, or 40.9%, to $16.5 million, with an operating margin decrease from 4.3% to 2.7%[121]. - Net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was $6.8 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to $14.0 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, in the prior year[128]. - The Garden segment reported an operating loss of $9.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, down from an income of $2.4 million in the prior year[123]. - GAAP net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company for the three months ended December 27, 2025, was $6.841 million, a decrease from $14.009 million for the same period in 2024[132]. - Non-GAAP net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company for the three months ended December 27, 2025, was $12.779 million, unchanged from the previous year[132]. - Total net sales for the three months ended December 27, 2025, were $617.373 million, with a gross profit of $190.608 million, resulting in a gross margin of 30.9%[135]. - The Pet segment reported a GAAP operating income of $49.800 million, while the Garden segment reported a GAAP operating loss of $9.679 million for the three months ended December 27, 2025[136][137]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 27, 2025, was $49.763 million, compared to $55.436 million for the same period in 2024[139][140]. Expenses and Cash Flow - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $6.4 million, or 3.8%, to $174.1 million, representing 28.2% of net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2026[117]. - Net cash used by operating activities increased by $1.4 million to $70.2 million for the three months ended December 27, 2025[147]. - Net cash used in investing activities increased by $58.4 million to $67.8 million during the three months ended December 27, 2025, primarily due to increased acquisition activity[148]. Debt and Financing - Total debt outstanding as of December 27, 2025, was $1,192.2 million, slightly up from $1,190.4 million at December 28, 2024[153]. - The company has a $600 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, with an additional $400 million available through an accordion feature, maturing on November 7, 2030[171]. - Net availability under the credit facility was approximately $545 million as of December 27, 2025, with no outstanding borrowings or letters of credit[172]. - The applicable margin for SOFR-based borrowings was 1.00% as of December 27, 2025, with an interest rate of 4.7% for one-month SOFR-based borrowings[173]. - The company issued $300 million of 5.125% senior notes due February 2028, with proceeds used for acquisitions and general corporate purposes[166]. - The 2030 Notes can be redeemed at various percentages starting from 102.063% on October 15, 2025, decreasing to 100.0% on October 15, 2028[163]. - The company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of December 27, 2025, including a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1:1 under the credit facility[175]. - The company incurred approximately $4.8 million in debt issuance costs related to the 2028 Notes, amortized over the term of the notes[167]. - The holders of the 2030 and 2028 Notes have the right to require repurchase at 101.0% of the principal amount upon a change of control[164][169]. Acquisitions and Growth Strategy - In December 2025, the company acquired the U.S. assets of Champion USA LLC for approximately $57 million, enhancing its position in the livestock industry[110]. - The company plans to continue evaluating potential acquisition candidates as part of its growth strategy[152]. - Capital expenditures are anticipated to be approximately $50 million in fiscal 2026, with $11 million already invested through December 27, 2025[151]. Assets and Liabilities - As of December 27, 2025, total assets amounted to $5.2 billion, while total liabilities were $3.6 billion, leading to a net asset position of $1.6 billion[182].