CENT 10-Q Quarterly Report March 24, 2012 | Alphaminr
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET CO

CENT 10-Q Quarter ended March 24, 2012

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET CO
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10-Q 1 d336111d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 24, 2012

or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT OF SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-33268

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

Delaware 68-0275553
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

1340 Treat Blvd., Suite 600, Walnut Creek, California 94597

(Address of principle executive offices)

(925) 948-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes x No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock Outstanding as of April 30, 2012

12,251,971

Class A Common Stock Outstanding as of April 30, 2012

34,519,052

Class B Stock Outstanding as of April 30, 2012

1,652,262


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

4

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 26, 2011, March 24, 2012 and September 24, 2011

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Three and Six Months Ended March 26, 2011, and March 24, 2012

5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Six Months Ended March 26, 2011 and March 24, 2012

6

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

20

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

26

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

26
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

27

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

27

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

28

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

28

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

28

Item 5.

Other Information

28

Item 6.

Exhibits

28

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, our transformational efforts, capital expenditures, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions, our competitive strengths and weaknesses, our business strategy, our ability to pass through grain and other raw material price increases and the trends we anticipate in the industries and economies in which we operate and other information that is not historical information. When used in this Form 10-Q, the words “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes” and, variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith, and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them, but we cannot assure you that our expectations, beliefs and projections will be realized.

There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this Form 10-Q are set forth in this Form 10-Q and our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2011 including the factors described in the sections entitled “Risk Factors.” If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of our underlying assumptions are incorrect, our actual results may differ significantly from the results that we express in or imply by any of our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to revise these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. Presently known risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following factors:

the success of our transformational change initiative;

disruptions in our business as we implement our transformational change initiative and the resulting consequences to our business and results of operations;

seasonality and fluctuations in our operating results and cash flow;

fluctuations in market prices for seeds and grains and other raw materials and our ability to pass-through cost increases in a timely manner;

declines in consumer spending during economic downturns;

inflation, deflation and other adverse macro-economic conditions;

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Table of Contents

supply shortages in small animals and pet birds;

adverse weather conditions;

fluctuations in energy prices, fuel and related petrochemical costs;

access to and cost of additional capital

dependence on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our business;

consolidation trends in the retail industry;

uncertainty about new product innovations and marketing programs;

competition in our industries;

risks associated with our acquisition strategy;

dependence upon our key executive officers;

implementation of a new enterprise resource planning information technology system;

our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;

potential environmental liabilities;

risk associated with international sourcing;

litigation and product liability claims;

regulatory issues, including product recalls;

the voting power associated with our Class B stock; and

potential dilution from issuance of additional shares.

3


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Unaudited

(See Note 1)
March 26,
2011
March 24,
2012
September 24,
2011
ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 11,186 $ 10,281 $ 12,031

Short term investments

15,320 17,820 17,820

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $17,211, $15,580 and $15,590)

327,090 309,299 195,417

Inventories

381,815 380,812 329,546

Prepaid expenses and other

43,655 47,727 47,772

Total current assets

779,066 765,939 602,586

Land, buildings, improvements and equipment—net

169,731 182,569 176,402

Goodwill

209,548 210,223 210,223

Other intangible assets—net

87,073 82,100 84,526

Deferred income taxes and other assets

27,139 19,243 19,266

Total

$ 1,272,557 $ 1,260,074 $ 1,093,003

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

$ 163,622 $ 150,605 116,524

Accrued expenses

84,415 75,004 75,128

Current portion of long-term debt

120 339 279

Total current liabilities

248,157 225,948 191,931

Long-term debt

517,134 566,603 435,330

Other long-term obligations

3,890 18,576 8,960

Equity:

Common stock, $.01 par value: 14,856,703, 12,252,443 and 12,949,593 shares outstanding at March 26,2011, March 24, 2012 and September 24, 2011

149 123 129

Class A common stock, $.01 par value: 39,955,882, 34,325,662 and 35,941,360 shares outstanding at March 26, 2011, March 24, 2012 and September 24, 2011

399 343 359

Class B stock, $.01 par value: 1,652,262 shares outstanding

16 16 16

Additional paid-in capital

443,169 379,902 396,208

Accumulated earnings

57,952 67,078 59,045

Accumulated other comprehensive income

1,235 1,312 1,019

Total Central Garden & Pet Company shareholders’ equity

502,920 448,774 456,776

Noncontrolling interest

456 173 6

Total equity

503,376 448,947 456,782

Total

$ 1,272,557 $ 1,260,074 $ 1,093,003

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
March 26,
2011
March 24,
2012
March 26,
2011
March 24,
2012

Net sales

$ 485,724 $ 466,903 $ 767,443 $ 768,969

Cost of goods sold and occupancy

322,455 319,207 521,117 540,535

Gross profit

163,269 147,696 246,326 228,434

Selling, general and administrative expenses

103,639 102,474 193,179 194,492

Income from operations

59,630 45,222 53,147 33,942

Interest expense

(9,343 ) (10,468 ) (18,382 ) (20,015 )

Interest income

60 28 193 56

Other income (expense)

204 (7 ) (202 ) (121 )

Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest

50,551 34,775 34,756 13,862

Income taxes

18,190 12,808 12,073 5,162

Income including noncontrolling interest

32,361 21,967 22,683 8,700

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

595 344 509 167

Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company

$ 31,766 $ 21,623 $ 22,174 $ 8,533

Net income per share attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company:

Basic

$ 0.55 $ 0.46 $ 0.37 $ 0.18

Diluted

$ 0.54 $ 0.45 $ 0.37 $ 0.18

Weighted average shares used in the computation of net income per share:

Basic

57,955 47,343 59,447 47,576

Diluted

58,433 48,036 59,961 48,191

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

Six Months Ended
March 26,
2011
March 24,
2012

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income

$ 22,683 $ 8,700

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

14,210 15,052

Stock-based compensation

3,468 3,664

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards

(412 ) (199 )

Deferred income taxes

8,557 8,618

Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment

(28 ) 2

Change in assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

(131,043 ) (113,758 )

Inventories

(83,748 ) (51,060 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

6,946 2,706

Accounts payable

54,397 32,653

Accrued expenses

(700 ) 158

Other long-term obligations

(551 ) 18

Net cash used by operating activities

(106,221 ) (93,446 )

Cash flows from investing activities:

Additions to property and equipment

(13,813 ) (16,968 )

Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired

(24,202 ) 0

Net cash used in investing activities

(38,015 ) (16,968 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount

0 49,264

Repayments of long-term debt

(132 ) (177 )

Borrowings under revolving line of credit

238,000 254,000

Repayments under revolving line of credit

(121,000 ) (172,000 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

641 396

Repurchase of common stock

(52,509 ) (21,689 )

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

(1,500 ) 0

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards

412 199

Payment of financing costs

0 (1,488 )

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

63,912 108,505

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

50 159

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(80,274 ) (1,750 )

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

91,460 12,031

Cash and equivalents at end of period

$ 11,186 $ 10,281

Supplemental information:

Cash paid for interest

$ 18,165 $ 19,632

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three and Six Months Ended March 24, 2012

(unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated balance sheets of Central Garden & Pet Company and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Central”) as of March 26, 2011 and March 24, 2012, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended March 26, 2011 and March 24, 2012, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended March 26, 2011 and March 24, 2012 have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods mentioned above, have been made.

For the Company’s foreign business in the UK, the local currency is the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Deferred taxes are not provided on translation gains and losses, because the Company expects earnings of its foreign subsidiary to be permanently reinvested. Transaction gains and losses are included in results of operations. See Note 7, Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information, for further detail.

Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s garden business, the results of operations for the three and six month periods ended March 26, 2011 and March 24, 2012 are not indicative of the operating results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited financial statements, accounting policies and financial notes thereto, included in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The September 24, 2011 balance sheet presented herein was derived from the audited statements.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interest in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements represents the 20% interest not owned by Central in a consolidated subsidiary. Since the Company controls this subsidiary, its financial statements are fully consolidated with those of the Company, and the noncontrolling owner’s 20% share of the subsidiary’s net assets and results of operations is deducted and reported as noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets and as net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 7, Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information, for additional information.

Derivative Instruments

The Company principally uses a combination of purchase orders and various short and long-term supply arrangements in connection with the purchase of raw materials, including certain commodities. The Company also enters into commodity futures and options contracts to reduce the volatility of price fluctuations of corn, which impacts the cost of raw materials. The Company’s primary objective when entering into these derivative contracts is to achieve greater certainty with regard to the future price of commodities purchased for use in its supply chain. These derivative contracts are entered into for periods consistent with the related underlying exposures and do not constitute positions independent of those exposures. The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes and does not use leveraged instruments.

The Company does not perform the assessments required to achieve hedge accounting for commodity derivative positions. Accordingly, the changes in the values of these derivatives are recorded currently in cost of sales in its condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of March 24, 2012, the notional amount of these contracts was not significant.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-6, “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.” This ASU requires new disclosures regarding transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, as well as requiring presentation on gross basis information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU also clarifies existing disclosures regarding level of disaggregation, inputs and valuation techniques. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009 and became effective for the Company on

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December 27, 2009. Disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010 and were effective for the Company on September 25, 2011. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-28, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) — When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts” (“ASU 2010-28”). The amendments in this update modify Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. In determining whether it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, an entity should consider whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. ASU 2010-28 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2010 and was effective for the Company on September 25, 2011. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” ASU No. 2011-05 requires that all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements, eliminating the option to present other comprehensive income in the statement of changes in equity. Under either choice, items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income are required to be presented on the face of the financial statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. In December 2011, the FASB issued an update to ASU No. 2011-05, ASU No. 2011-12, which was issued to defer the effective date for amendments to the reclassifications of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income in ASU No. 2011-05. ASU No. 2011-05 and the amendments in ASU No. 2011-12 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011 and will be effective for the Company on September 30, 2012. The guidance will be applied retrospectively. This amendment will change the manner in which the Company presents comprehensive income. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment”, which amended the guidance on the annual testing of goodwill for impairment. The amended guidance will allow companies to assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more-likely-than-not that goodwill might be impaired and whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test required under current accounting standards. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and will be effective for the Company on September 30, 2012. The Company has determined that this new guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

2. Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820 established a single authoritative definition of fair value, a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires financial assets and liabilities to be categorized based on the inputs used to calculate their fair values as follows:

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk).

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The Company had short term investments, consisting of bank certificates of deposit, measured at fair value under Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy, as of March 24, 2012. The Company had no other significant financial assets or liabilities on the balance sheet that were measured at fair value as of March 24, 2012.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Company measures certain non-financial assets and liabilities, including long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets, at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are used primarily in the impairment analyses of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. During the period ended March 24, 2012, the Company was not required to measure any significant non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value.

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Table of Contents

3. Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments include cash and equivalents, short term investments consisting of a bank certificate of deposit, accounts receivable and payable, short-term borrowings, and accrued liabilities. The carrying amount of these instruments approximates fair value because of their short-term nature.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s $450 million 8.25 % senior subordinated notes due 2018 as of March 24, 2012 was $462.4 million, compared to a carrying value of $449.3 million, net of unamortized discount of $0.7 million. The estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices for these notes. See Note 6, Long Term Debt, for additional information.

4. Goodwill

The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other,” and tests goodwill for impairment annually, or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. This assessment involves the use of significant accounting judgments and estimates as to future operating results and discount rates. Changes in estimates or use of different assumptions could produce significantly different results. An impairment loss is generally recognized when the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s net assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The Company uses discounted cash flow analysis to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. The Company’s goodwill impairment analysis also includes a comparison of the aggregate estimated fair value of all four reporting units to the Company’s total market capitalization. Based on the Company’s annual analysis of goodwill performed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, it concluded there was no impairment of goodwill during fiscal 2011.

Contingent performance payments of $1.0 million were paid in fiscal 2011 for previous acquisitions and recorded as goodwill.

On February 28, 2011, the Company acquired certain assets of a privately-held maker of premium fertilizer for the professional and retail markets for approximately $23 million in cash. The acquired assets were integrated into the business of Pennington Seed, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired by $1.0 million, which was recorded as goodwill.

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5. Other Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes the components of gross and net acquired intangible assets:

Gross Accumulated
Amortization
Impairment Net
Carrying
Value
(in millions)

March 24, 2012

Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable

$ 12.3 $ (6.9 ) $ 0 $ 5.4

Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable

59.6 0 (16.9 ) 42.7

Total

71.9 (6.9 ) (16.9 ) 48.1

Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable

42.7 (14.2 ) 0 28.5

Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable

10.8 (5.3 ) 0 5.5

Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable

1.2 0 (1.2 ) 0

Total

12.0 (5.3 ) (1.2 ) 5.5

Total other intangible assets

$ 126.6 $ (26.4 ) $ (18.1 ) $ 82.1

March 26, 2011

Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable

$ 12.3 $ (5.6 ) $ 0 $ 6.7

Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable

59.6 0 (16.9 ) 42.7

Total

71.9 (5.6 ) (16.9 ) 49.4

Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable

41.6 (11.9 ) 0 29.7

Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable

11.9 (3.9 ) 0 8.0

Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable

1.2 0 (1.2 ) 0

Total

13.1 (3.9 ) (1.2 ) 8.0

Total other intangible assets

$ 126.6 $ (21.4 ) $ (18.1 ) $ 87.1

September 24, 2011

Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable

$ 12.3 $ (6.3 ) $ 0 $ 6.0

Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable

59.6 0 (16.9 ) 42.7

Total

71.9 (6.3 ) (16.9 ) 48.7

Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable

42.7 (13.0 ) 0 29.7

Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable

10.8 (4.7 ) 0 6.1

Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable

1.2 0 (1.2 ) 0

Total

12.0 (4.7 ) (1.2 ) 6.1

Total other intangible assets

$ 126.6 $ (24.0 ) $ (18.1 ) $ 84.5

Other intangible assets acquired include contract-based and technology-based intangible assets.

On February 28, 2011, the Company acquired approximately $2.7 million of identified customer related and other intangible assets as part of its acquisition of certain assets of a privately-held maker of premium fertilizer. These assets are included under the caption, “Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable” in the table above as of March 26, 2011, as final valuation was pending.

The Company evaluates long-lived assets, including amortizable and indefinite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis. In fiscal 2011, the Company tested its indefinite-lived intangible assets and no impairment was indicated. Other factors indicating the carrying value of the Company’s amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable were not present in fiscal 2011, and accordingly, no impairment testing was performed on these assets.

The Company is currently amortizing its acquired intangible assets with definite lives; over weighted average remaining lives of eight years for marketing-related intangibles, 18 years for customer-related intangibles and six years for other acquired intangibles. Amortization expense for intangibles subject to amortization was approximately $1.4 million for each of the three month periods ended March 24, 2012 and March 26, 2011, and $2.4 million for each of the six month periods ended March 24, 2012 and March 26, 2011, respectively, and is classified within operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets in each of the succeeding five years is estimated to be approximately $4 million per year from fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2016.

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6. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

March 24,
2012
September 24,
2011
(in thousands)

Senior subordinated notes, net of unamortized discount (1) , interest at 8.25%, payable semi-annually, principal due March 2018

$ 449,263 $ 400,000

Revolving credit facility, interest at Alternate Base Rate plus a margin of 0.75% to 1.75%, or LIBOR plus a margin of 1.75% to 2.75%, final maturity June 2016

117,000 35,000

Other notes payable

679 609

Total

566,942 435,609

Less current portion

(339 ) (279 )

Long-term portion

$ 566,603 $ 435,330

(1) Represents unamortized original issue discount of $737,000 as of March 24, 2012, which is amortizable until March 2018.

Senior Credit Facility

On June 8, 2011, the Company amended its $275 million, five-year senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) included in its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). Under the modified terms, the Credit Facility has a borrowing capacity of $375 million, an increase of $100 million, and an extension of maturity date by approximately one year, to June 2016. As amended, the Credit Facility bears lower interest rates and commitment fees and requires less interest coverage. The Company continues to have the option to increase the size of the Credit Facility by an additional $200 million of incremental term loans and/or revolving loans should it exercise its option and one or more lenders are willing to make such increased amounts available to it. There was an outstanding balance of $117.0 million as of March 24, 2012 under the Credit Facility. There were no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility as of March 24, 2012. As of March 24, 2012, there were $258.0 million of unused commitments under the Credit Facility or, after giving effect to the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement, $116.2 million of unused commitments.

Interest on the amended Credit Facility is based, at the Company’s option, on a rate equal to the Alternate Base Rate (ABR), which is the greatest of the prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 1 / 2 of 1% or one month LIBOR plus 1%, plus a margin, which fluctuates from 0.75% to 1.75%, or LIBOR plus a margin, which fluctuates from 1.75% to 2.75% and commitment fees that range from 0.30% to 0.50%, determined quarterly based on consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent trailing 12-month period. As of March 24, 2012, the applicable interest rate on the Credit Facility related to alternate base rate borrowings was 5.0%, and the applicable interest rate related to LIBOR rate borrowings was 3.0%.

The Credit Facility is guaranteed by the Company’s material subsidiaries and is secured by the Company’s assets, excluding real property but including substantially all of the capital stock of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains certain financial and other covenants which require the Company to maintain minimum levels of interest coverage and maximum levels of senior debt to EBITDA and that restrict the Company’s ability to repurchase its stock, make investments in or acquisitions of other businesses and pay dividends above certain levels over the life of the Credit Facility. Under the terms of the Company’s Credit Facility, it may make restricted payments, including cash dividends and stock repurchases, in an aggregate amount initially not to exceed $200 million over the life of the Credit Facility, subject to qualifications and baskets as defined in the Credit Agreement. As of March 24, 2012, the Company’s Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, was 5.5 to 1.0, and the Company’s Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement with a maximum of 2.0 to 1.0, was 1.1 to 1.0. The Company’s minimum Interest Coverage Ratio was reduced to 2.50 times, from 2.75 times as part of the modification of the Credit Facility. As of March 24, 2012, the Company’s Interest Coverage ratio was 2.8 times. Apart from the covenants limiting restricted payments and capital expenditures, the Credit Facility does not restrict the use of retained earnings or net income. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of March 24, 2012.

Senior Subordinated Notes

On March 8, 2010, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due March 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”).

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On February 8, 2012, the Company issued an additional $50 million aggregate principal amount of its 2018 Notes at a price of 98.501%, plus accrued interest from September 1, 2011, in a private placement. The Company used the net proceeds from the offering to pay a portion of the outstanding balance under its Credit Facility.

The Company incurred approximately $1.5 million of debt issuance costs in conjunction with this offering, which included underwriter fees and legal, accounting and rating agency expenses. The debt issuance costs are being amortized over the remaining term of the 2018 notes.

The 2018 Notes require semiannual interest payments, which commenced on September 1, 2010. The 2018 Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated to all of the Company’s existing and future senior debt, including the Company’s Credit Facility. The obligations under the 2018 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by each of the Company’s existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries with certain exceptions. The guarantees are general unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the guarantors and are subordinated to all existing and future senior debt of the guarantors.

The Company may redeem some or all of the 2018 Notes at any time prior to March 1, 2014 at the principal amount plus a “make whole” premium. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2018 Notes at any time on or after March 1, 2014 for 104.125%, after March 1, 2015 for 102.063% and after March 1, 2016 for 100%, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Additionally, at any time prior to March 1, 2013, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the 2018 Notes with any proceeds the Company receives from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 108.25% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the 2018 Notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the 2018 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest through the repurchase date upon the occurrence of a change of control.

The 2018 Notes contain customary high yield covenants, including covenants limiting debt incurrence and restricted payments.

7. Supplemental Equity and Comprehensive Income Information

The following table summarizes the allocation of total comprehensive income between controlling and noncontrolling interests for the six months ended March 24, 2012 and March 26, 2011:

$00,000 $00,000 $00,000
Six Months Ended March 24, 2012
(in thousands) Controlling
Interest
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total

Net income

$ 8,533 $ 167 $ 8,700

Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency translation

293 0 293

Total comprehensive income

$ 8,826 $ 167 $ 8,993

$00,000 $00,000 $00,000
Six Months Ended March 26, 2011
(in thousands) Controlling
Interest
Noncontrolling
Interest
Total

Net income

$ 22,174 $ 509 $ 22,683

Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency translation

291 0 291

Total comprehensive income

$ 22,465 $ 509 $ 22,974

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The following table provides a summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of equity attributable to controlling interest and noncontrolling interest for the six months ended March 24, 2012 and March 26, 2011:

Controlling Interest Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
(in thousands) Common
Stock
Class A
Common
Stock
Class
B

Stock
Additional
Paid In
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Total

Balance September 24, 2011

$ 129 $ 359 $ 16 $ 396,208 $ 59,045 $ 1,019 $ 456,776 $ 6 $ 456,782

Comprehensive income

8,533 293 8,826 167 8,993

Stock based compensation

2,656 2,656 2,656

Restricted share activity

1 398 399 399

Issuance of common stock

2 799 801 801

Repurchase of common stock

(6 ) (19 ) (20,358 ) (500 ) (20,883 ) (20,883 )

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

0 0

Tax benefit on stock option exercise

199 199 199

Balance March 24, 2012

$ 123 $ 343 $ 16 $ 379,902 $ 67,078 $ 1,312 $ 448,774 $ 173 $ 448,947

Controlling Interest Noncontrolling
Interest
Total
(in thousands) Common
Stock
Class A
Common
Stock
Class
B

Stock
Additional
Paid In
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
Total

Balance September 25, 2010

$ 163 $ 437 $ 16 $ 483,817 $ 45,319 $ 944 $ 530,696 $ 1,447 $ 532,143

Comprehensive income

22,174 291 22,465 509 22,974

Stock based compensation

2,561 2,561 2,561

Restricted share activity

(156 ) (156 ) (156 )

Issuance of common stock

4 848 852 852

Repurchase of common stock

(14 ) (42 ) (44,313 ) (9,541 ) (53,910 ) (53,910 )

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

(1,500 ) (1,500 )

Tax benefit on stock option exercise

412 412 412

Balance March 26, 2011

$ 149 $ 399 $ 16 $ 443,169 $ 57,952 $ 1,235 $ 502,920 $ 456 $ 503,376

8. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $3.7 million and $3.5 million for the six month periods ended March 24, 2012 and March 26, 2011, respectively, as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. The tax benefit associated with share-based compensation expense for the six month periods ended March 24, 2012 and March 26, 2011 was $1.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively.

9. Earnings Per Share

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for income from continuing operations.

Three Months Ended
March 24, 2012
Six Months Ended
March 24, 2012
Income Shares Per
Share
Income Shares Per
Share
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Basic EPS:

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 21,623 47,343 $ 0.46 $ 8,533 47,576 $ 0.18

Effect of dilutive securities:

Options to purchase common stock

463 (0.01 ) 408 0

Restricted shares

230 0 207 0

Diluted EPS:

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 21,623 48,036 $ 0.45 $ 8,533 48,191 $ 0.18

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Three Months Ended
March 26, 2011
Six Months Ended
March 26, 2011
Income Shares Per
Share
Income Shares Per
Share
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Basic EPS:

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 31,766 57,955 $ 0.55 $ 22,174 59,447 $ 0.37

Effect of dilutive securities:

Options to purchase common stock

346 (0.01 ) 378 0

Restricted shares

132 0 136 0

Diluted EPS:

Net income available to common shareholders

$ 31,766 58,433 $ 0.54 $ 22,174 59,961 $ 0.37

Options to purchase 11.5 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $4.60 to $17.99 per share were outstanding at March 24, 2012 and options to purchase 10.4 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $4.60 to $17.99 per share were outstanding at March 26, 2011.

For the three month periods ended March 24, 2012 and March 26, 2011, options to purchase 9.2 and 7.3 million shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive.

For the six month period ended March 24, 2012 and March 26, 2011, options to purchase 9.7 and 7.3 million shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be anti-dilutive.

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10. Segment Information

Management has determined that the Company has two operating segments which are also reportable segments based on the level at which the Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews the results of operations to make decisions regarding performance assessment and resource allocation. These operating segments are Pet Products and Garden Products and are presented in the table below (in thousands).

$000,000 $000,000 $000,000 $000,000
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
March 26,
2011
March 24,
2012
March 26,
2011
March 24,
2012

Net sales:

Pet Products

$ 225,408 $ 222,487 $ 412,208 $ 421,769

Garden Products

260,316 244,416 355,235 347,200

Total net sales

$ 485,724 $ 466,903 $ 767,443 $ 768,969

Income from operations:

Pet Products

$ 23,355 $ 21,010 $ 34,764 $ 30,699

Garden Products

46,921 36,615 38,938 25,530

Corporate

(10,646 ) (12,403 ) (20,555 ) (22,287 )

Total income from operations

59,630 45,222 53,147 33,942

Interest expense – net

(9,283 ) (10,440 ) (18,189 ) (19,959 )

Other income (expense)

204 (7 ) (202 ) (121 )

Income taxes

18,190 12,808 12,073 5,162

Income including noncontrolling interest

32,361 21,967 22,683 8,700

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

595 344 509 167

Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company

$ 31,766 $ 21,623 $ 22,174 $ 8,533

Depreciation and amortization:

Pet Products

$ 3,673 $ 3,616 $ 7,341 $ 7,202

Garden Products

1,493 1,590 2,923 3,138

Corporate

1,999 2,402 3,946 4,712

Total depreciation and amortization

$ 7,165 $ 7,608 $ 14,210 $ 15,052

$000,000 $000,000 $000,000 $000,000
March 26,
2011
March 24,
2012
September 24,
2012

Assets:

Pet Products

$ 427,530 $ 422,035 $ 396,637

Garden Products

526,094 496,003 350,234

Corporate

318,933 342,036 346,132

Total assets

$ 1,272,557 $ 1,260,074 $ 1,093,003

Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):

Pet Products

$ 201,639 $ 202,513 $ 202,514

Garden Products

7,909 7,710 7,709

Total goodwill

$ 209,548 $ 210,223 $ 210,223

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11. Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries

Certain 100% wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company (as listed below, collectively the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) have guaranteed fully and unconditionally, on a joint and several basis, the obligation to pay principal and interest on the Company’s $450 million 8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Notes”) due March 1, 2018. Certain subsidiaries and operating divisions are not guarantors of the Notes and have been included in the financial results of the Parent in the information below. These Non-Guarantor entities are not material to the Parent. Those subsidiaries that are guarantors and co-obligors of the Notes are as follows:

Farnam Companies, Inc.

Four Paws Products Ltd.

Grant Laboratories, Inc.

Gulfstream Home & Garden, Inc.

Interpet USA, LLC

Kaytee Products, Inc.

Matthews Redwood & Nursery Supply, Inc.

Matson, LLC

New England Pottery, LLC

Pennington Seed, Inc. (including Pennington Seed, Inc. of Nebraska, Gro Tec, Inc., Seeds West, Inc., All-Glass Aquarium Co., Inc. and Cedar Works, LLC.)

Pets International, Ltd.

T.F.H. Publications, Inc.

Wellmark International (including B2E Corporation and B2E Biotech LLC)

In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries, the Company has included the accompanying consolidating condensed financial statements based on the Company’s understanding of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s interpretation and application of Rule 3-10 of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation S-X.

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 24, 2012
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Eliminations Consolidated

Net sales

$ 152,613 $ 338,459 $ (24,169 ) $ 466,903

Cost of products sold and occupancy

107,995 235,381 (24,169 ) 319,207

Gross profit

44,618 103,078 0 147,696

Selling, general and administrative expenses

33,367 69,107 0 102,474

Income from operations

11,251 33,971 0 45,222

Interest – net

(10,440 ) 0 0 (10,440 )

Other income (loss)

(1,376 ) 1,369 0 (7 )

Income (loss) before income taxes

(565 ) 35,340 0 34,775

Income taxes (tax benefit)

(228 ) 13,036 0 12,808

Income (loss) including noncontrolling interest

(337 ) 22,304 0 21,967

Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

344 0 0 344

Income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co. before equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

(681 ) 22,304 0 21,623

Equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

22,304 0 (22,304 ) 0

Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co.

$ 21,623 $ 22,304 $ (22,304 ) $ 21,623

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CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 26, 2011
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Eliminations Consolidated

Net sales

$ 141,665 $ 392,255 $ (48,196 ) $ 485,724

Cost of products sold and occupancy

100,009 270,642 (48,196 ) 322,455

Gross profit

41,656 121,613 0 163,269

Selling, general and administrative expenses

32,310 71,329 0 103,639

Income from operations

9,346 50,284 0 59,630

Interest – net

(9,384 ) 101 0 (9,283 )

Other income (loss)

(2,381 ) 2,585 0 204

Income (loss) before income taxes

(2,419 ) 52,970 0 50,551

Income taxes (tax benefit)

(248 ) 18,438 0 18,190

Income (loss) including noncontrolling interest

(2,171 ) 34,532 0 32,361

Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

595 0 0 595

Income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co. before equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

(2,766 ) 34,532 0 31,766

Equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

34,532 0 (34,532 ) 0

Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co.

$ 31,766 $ 34,532 $ (34,532 ) $ 31,766

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended March 24, 2012
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Eliminations Consolidated

Net sales

$ 254,385 $ 553,855 $ (39,271 ) $ 768,969

Cost of products sold and occupancy

186,903 392,903 (39,271 ) 540,535

Gross profit

67,482 160,952 0 228,434

Selling, general and administrative expenses

62,062 132,430 0 194,492

Income from operations

5,420 28,522 0 33,942

Interest – net

(20,042 ) 83 0 (19,959 )

Other income (expense)

(667 ) 546 0 (121 )

Income (loss) before income taxes

(15,289 ) 29,151 0 13,862

Income tax (tax benefit)

(5,601 ) 10,763 0 5,162

Income (loss) including noncontrolling interest

(9,688 ) 18,388 0 8,700

Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

167 0 0 167

Income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co. before equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

(9,855 ) 18,388 0 8,533

Equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

18,388 0 (18,388 ) 0

Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co.

$ 8,533 $ 18,388 $ (18,388 ) $ 8,533

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CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS

Six Months Ended March 26, 2011
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Eliminations Consolidated

Net sales

$ 235,168 $ 607,911 $ (75,636 ) $ 767,443

Cost of products sold and occupancy

171,462 425,291 (75,636 ) 521,117

Gross profit

63,706 182,620 0 246,326

Selling, general and administrative expenses

59,409 133,770 0 193,179

Income from operations

4,297 48,850 0 53,147

Interest – net

(18,356 ) 167 0 (18,189 )

Other income (expense)

(2,035 ) 1,833 0 (202 )

Income (loss) before income taxes

(16,094 ) 50,850 0 34,756

Income tax (tax benefit)

(5,537 ) 17,610 0 12,073

Income (loss) including noncontrolling interest

(10,557 ) 33,240 0 22,683

Income attributable to noncontrolling interest

509 0 0 509

Income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co. before equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

(11,066 ) 33,240 0 22,174

Equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

33,240 0 (33,240 ) 0

Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co.

$ 22,174 $ 33,240 $ (33,240 ) $ 22,174

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
March 26, 2011
(in thousands)

(unaudited)
Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Eliminations Consolidated
ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 9,929 $ 1,257 $ 0 $ 11,186

Short term investments

15,320 0 0 15,320

Accounts receivable, net

114,214 233,996 (21,120 ) 327,090

Inventories

132,312 249,503 0 381,815

Prepaid expenses and other assets

21,086 22,569 0 43,655

Total current assets

292,861 507,325 (21,120 ) 779,066

Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net

67,711 102,020 0 169,731

Goodwill

0 209,548 0 209,548

Investment in guarantors

733,320 0 (733,320 ) 0

Deferred income taxes and other assets

31,442 82,770 0 114,212

Total

$ 1,125,334 $ 901,663 $ (754,440 ) $ 1,272,557

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Accounts payable

$ 62,849 $ 121,893 $ (21,120 ) $ 163,622

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

39,765 44,770 0 84,535

Total current liabilities

102,614 166,663 (21,120 ) 248,157

Long-term debt

517,073 61 0 517,134

Other long-term obligations

2,271 1,619 0 3,890

Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co.

502,920 733,320 (733,320 ) 502,920

Noncontrolling interest

456 0 0 456

Total equity

503,376 733,320 (733,320 ) 503,376

Total

$ 1,125,334 $ 901,663 $ (754,440 ) $ 1,272,557

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CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
March 24, 2012

(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Eliminations Consolidated
ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 7,960 $ 2,321 $ 0 $ 10,281

Short term investments

17,820 0 0 17,820

Accounts receivable, net

101,502 219,041 (11,244 ) 309,299

Inventories

120,463 260,349 0 380,812

Prepaid expenses and other assets

25,860 21,867 0 47,727

Total current assets

273,605 503,578 (11,244 ) 765,939

Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net

76,292 106,277 0 182,569

Goodwill

0 210,223 0 210,223

Investment in guarantors

724,180 0 (724,180 ) 0

Deferred income taxes and other assets

41,137 60,206 0 101,343

Total

$ 1,115,214 $ 880,284 $ (735,424 ) $ 1,260,074

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Accounts payable

$ 46,300 $ 115,549 $ (11,244 ) $ 150,605

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

36,661 38,682 0 75,343

Total current liabilities

82,961 154,231 (11,244 ) 225,948

Long-term debt

566,434 169 0 566,603

Other long-term obligations

16,872 1,704 0 18,576

Shareholders’ equity attributable to Central Garden & Pet Co.

448,774 724,180 (724,180 ) 448,774

Noncontrolling interest

173 0 0 173

Total equity

448,947 724,180 (724,180 ) 448,947

Total

$ 1,115,214 $ 880,284 $ (735,424 ) $ 1,260,074

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF
CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended March 24, 2012
( in thousands)
(unaudited)
Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Eliminations Consolidated

Net cash used by operating activities

$ (24,798 ) $ (50,260 ) $ (18,388 ) $ (93,446 )

Additions to property and equipment

(8,357 ) (8,611 ) 0 (16,968 )

Investment in guarantor subsidiaries

(78,304 ) 59,916 18,388 0

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

(86,661 ) 51,305 18,388 (16,968 )

Repayments of long-term debt

(117 ) (60 ) 0 (177 )

Borrowings under revolving line of credit

254,000 0 0 254,000

Repayments under revolving line of credit

(172,000 ) 0 0 (172,000 )

Issuance of long-term debt

49,264 0 0 49,264

Repurchase of common stock

(21,689 ) 0 0 (21,689 )

Payment of financing costs

(1,488 ) 0 0 (1,488 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

396 0 0 396

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards

199 0 0 199

Net cash provided (used by) financing activities

108,565 (60 ) 0 108,505

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

221 (62 ) 0 159

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(2,673 ) 923 0 (1,750 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

10,633 1,398 0 12,031

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 7,960 $ 2,321 $ 0 $ 10,281

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CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF
CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended March 26, 2011
( in thousands)
(unaudited)
Parent Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Eliminations Consolidated

Net cash used by operating activities

$ (13,693 ) $ (58,654 ) $ (33,874 ) $ (106,221 )

Additions to property and equipment

(7,266 ) (6,547 ) 0 (13,813 )

Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired

(24,202 ) 0 0 (24,202 )

Investment in guarantor subsidiaries

(99,412 ) 65,538 33,874 0

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

(130,880 ) 58,991 33,874 (38,015 )

Repayments of long-term debt

(43 ) (89 ) 0 (132 )

Borrowings under revolving line of credit

238,000 0 0 238,000

Repayments under revolving line of credit

(121,000 ) 0 0 (121,000 )

Repurchase of common stock

(52,509 ) 0 0 (52,509 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

641 0 0 641

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards

412 0 0 412

Distribution to noncontrolling interest

(1,500 ) 0 0 (1,500 )

Net cash provided (used by) financing activities

64,001 (89 ) 0 63,912

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

236 (186 ) 0 50

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(80,336 ) 62 0 (80,274 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

90,265 1,195 0 91,460

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 9,929 $ 1,257 $ 0 $ 11,186

12. Legal Proceedings

We may from time to time become involved in certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Currently, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Our Company

Central Garden & Pet Company (“Central”) is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products. We are one of the largest suppliers in the pet and lawn and garden supplies industries in the United States. The total pet food and supplies industry is estimated to be approximately $30 billion in annual retail sales. We estimate the annual retail sales of the pet supplies and super premium pet food markets in the categories in which we participate to be approximately $15 billion. The total lawn and garden industry in the United States is estimated to be approximately $21 billion in annual retail sales. We estimate the annual retail sales of the lawn and garden supplies markets in the categories in which we participate to be approximately $6 billion.

Our pet supplies products include products for dogs and cats, including edible bones, premium healthy edible and non-edible chews, super premium dog and cat food and treats, leashes, collars, toys, pet carriers, grooming supplies and other accessories; products for birds, small animals and specialty pets, including food, cages and habitats, toys, chews and related accessories; animal and household health and insect control products; products for fish, reptiles and other aquarium-based pets, including aquariums, furniture and lighting fixtures, pumps, filters, water conditioners, food and supplements, and information and knowledge resources; and products for horses and livestock. These products are sold under a number of brand names including Adams TM , Altosid, Aqueon ® , Avoderm ® , BioSpot ® , Coralife ® , Farnam ® , Four Paws ® , Interpet, Kaytee ® , Kent Marine ® , Nylabone ® , Oceanic Systems ® , Pet Select ® , Pre-Strike ® , Pinnacle ® , Super Pet ® , TFH TM , Zilla ® and Zodiac ® .

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Our lawn and garden supplies products include proprietary and non-proprietary grass seed; wild bird feed, bird feeders, bird houses and other birding accessories; weed, grass, ant and other herbicide, insecticide and pesticide products; and decorative outdoor lifestyle and lighting products including pottery, trellises and other wood products and holiday lighting. These products are sold under a number of brand names including AMDRO ® , GKI/Bethlehem Lighting ® , Grant’s ® , Ironite ® , Lilly Miller ® , Matthews Four SeasonsTM, New England Pottery ® , Norcal Pottery ® , Pennington ® , Over-N-Out ® , Sevin ® , Smart Seed ® and The Rebels ® .

In fiscal 2011, our consolidated net sales were $1.6 billion, of which our lawn and garden segment, or Garden Products, accounted for approximately $777 million and our pet segment, or Pet Products, accounted for approximately $851 million. In fiscal 2011, our income from operations was $85.2 million, of which Garden Products accounted for $50.0 million and Pet Products accounted for $77.6 million, before corporate expenses and eliminations of $42.4 million. See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements for financial information about our two operating segments.

Recent Developments

Fiscal 2012 Second Quarter Financial Performance— In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, our net income decreased $10.1 million to $21.6 million compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2011. Earnings per share on a fully diluted basis decreased from $0.54 in the prior year quarter to $0.45 in the current year quarter. Our revenues decreased approximately $18.8 million and income from operations decreased approximately $14.4 million from the prior year quarter. The decreases in revenues and operating income were both primarily in our garden operating segment.

While we continue to make progress executing the transformational change initiative we embarked on less than a year ago, we encountered disruptions to our business as we transitioned certain operational activities. During fiscal 2012, we have closed five warehouses and one manufacturing facility and have made changes in other facilities. The operational issues associated with the closures along with other supply issues resulted in execution disruption that delayed fulfilling orders for some customers. These disruptions adversely affected our revenues and operating earnings. We believe these operational issues are short-term and continue to address these issues. Our transformation initiative includes all aspects of our organization, including sales and marketing and supply chain and is a multi-year effort.

Senior Subordinated Notes— In February 2012, we issued an additional $50 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due 2018 at a price of 98.501% of the principal amount of the notes. The notes are part of a series of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due 2018 issued by the company on March 8, 2010. After completing the offering, the aggregate principal amount of the 8.25% senior subordinated notes due 2018 totals $450 million. We used the net proceeds from the offering to pay a portion of the outstanding balance under our senior secured revolving credit facility.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 24, 2012

Compared with Three Months Ended March 26, 2011

Net Sales

Net sales for the three months ended March 24, 2012 decreased $18.8 million, or 3.9%, to $466.9 million from $485.7 million for the three months ended March 26, 2011. Our branded product sales decreased $25.8 million and sales of other manufacturers’ products increased $7.0 million. Our sales and earnings were impacted by operational disruptions related to our transformational initiative. For example, we consolidated some of our distribution facilities which resulted in delayed shipments, a shipping backlog, and lost sales

Pet Products’ net sales decreased $2.9 million, or 1.3%, to $222.5 million for the three months ended March 24, 2012 from $225.4 million in the comparable fiscal 2011 period. Pet branded product sales decreased $6.2 million, due primarily to a sales decrease of $5.6 million of wild bird feed products, which we believe was due to lower overall sales in the category. Sales of other manufacturers’ products increased approximately $3.3 million compared to the prior year quarter.

Garden Products’ net sales decreased $15.9 million, or 6.1%, to $244.4 million for the three months ended March 24, 2012 from $260.3 million in the comparable fiscal 2011 period. Garden branded product sales decreased $19.6 million, partially offset by an increase of $3.7 million in sales of other manufacturers’ products. Our garden branded sales decreased due primarily to an $8.3 million decrease in wild bird feed sales and a $4.1 million decrease in grass seed.

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Gross Profit

Gross profit for the three months ended March 24, 2012 decreased $15.6 million, or 9.5%, to $147.7 million from $163.3 million for the three months ended March 26, 2011. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales declined from 33.6% for the three months ended March 26, 2011 to 31.6% for the three months ended March 24, 2012. Although gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased in both segments, the decrease was primarily in our garden segment. Both operating segments were impacted by operational disruptions. The decrease in Pet Products was due primarily to lower margins in our Dog and Cat category which was affected by our transformational initiative. The decrease in Garden Products was due primarily to the lower sales and a sales mix shift within both grass seed and garden chemical and controls.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.1 million, or 1.1%, to $102.5 million for the three months ended March 24, 2012 from $103.6 million for the three months ended March 26, 2011. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 22.0% for the three months ended March 24, 2012, compared to 21.3% in the comparable prior year quarter due primarily to the decrease in net sales. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, discussed further below, was due to decreased warehouse and administrative expenses.

Selling and delivery expense increased $2.3 million, or 4.2%, from $55.2 million for the three months ended March 26, 2011 to $57.5 million for the three months ended March 24, 2012. The increased expense was due primarily to increased fuel costs, reflected both in common carrier rates and fuel purchases, and additional costs incurred from warehouse consolidation activity and the resulting operational disruption.

Warehouse and administrative expense decreased $3.4 million to $45.0 million for the quarter ended March 24, 2012 from $48.4 million in the quarter ended March 26, 2011 primarily due to decreased payroll related costs arising from headcount reductions and lower accrued variable compensation amounts.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense for the three months ended March 24, 2012 increased $1.1 million or 12.5%, to $10.4 million from $9.3 million for the three months ended March 26, 2011. The higher interest expense in the year quarter was due primarily to the higher amount of debt outstanding. Debt outstanding on March 24, 2012 was $566.9 million compared to $517.2 million as of March 26, 2011. In February 2012, we issued an additional $50 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due 2018 at a price of 98.501% of the principal amount of the notes. The notes are part of a series of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due 2018 issued by the company on March 8, 2010. Our average borrowing rate for the current quarter decreased to 7.6% compared to 8.1% for the prior year quarter.

Other Income

Other income decreased $0.2 million for the quarter ended March 24, 2012. Other income is comprised of income from investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting and foreign currency exchange gains and losses.

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 36.8% for the quarter ended March 24, 2012 and 36.0% for the quarter ended March 26, 2011. Our 2011 tax rate benefited primarily from additional tax credits in fiscal 2011.

Six Months Ended March 24, 2012

Compared with Six Months Ended March 26, 2011

Net Sales

Net sales for the six months ended March 24, 2012 increased $1.6 million, or 0.2%, to $769.0 million from $767.4 million for the six months ended March 26, 2011. Our branded product sales decreased $9.6 million and sales of other manufacturers’ products increased $11.2 million.

Pet Products’ net sales increased $9.6 million, or 2.3%, to $421.8 million for the six months ended March 24, 2012 from $412.2 million in the comparable fiscal 2011 period. Pet branded product sales decreased $0.2 million from the prior year period, due primarily to a sales decrease of $4.0 million of wild bird feed products and $4.1 million of equine products, due primarily to lower rodenticide sales. These sale decreases were partially offset by increased sales in our dog and cat category. Sales of other manufacturers’ products increased approximately $9.8 million compared to the prior year six month period.

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Garden Products’ net sales decreased $8.0 million, or 2.3%, to $347.2 million for the six months ended March 24, 2012 from $355.2 million in the comparable fiscal 2011 period. Garden branded product sales decreased $9.4 million due primarily to a $6.2 million decrease in grass seed. Sales of other manufacturers’ products increased approximately $1.4 million compared to the comparable prior year period.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the six months ended March 24, 2012 decreased $17.9 million, or 7.3%, to $228.4 million from $246.3 million for the six months ended March 26, 2011. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales declined from 32.1% for the six months ended March 26, 2011 to 29.7% for the six months ended March 24, 2012.

Although gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased in both segments, the decrease was primarily in our garden segment. Both operating segments were impacted by some operational disruption. Additionally, both gross profit and gross margin decreased in our Pet Products and Garden Products operating segments. Pet Products was due primarily to a mix shift with lower sales of higher margin products and higher input costs. Garden Products was due primarily to the overall lower sales volume and lower sales of our higher margin grass seed and higher input and production costs in garden chemical and controls.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.3 million, or 0.7%, to $194.5 million for the six months ended March 24, 2012 from $193.2 million for the six months ended March 26, 2011. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 25.3% for the six months ended March 24, 2012, compared to 25.2% in the comparable prior year six month period. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, discussed further below, was due to increased selling and delivery expenses.

Selling and delivery expense increased $4.2 million, or 4.1%, from $101.6 million for the six months ended March 26, 2011 to $105.8 million for the six months ended March 24, 2012. The increased expense was due primarily to increased fuel costs, reflected both in common carrier rates and fuel purchases, and additional costs incurred from warehouse consolidation activity and the resulting operational disruption.

Warehouse and administrative expense decreased $2.9 million to $88.7 million for the six months ended March 24, 2012 from $91.6 million in the six months ended March 26, 2011 due primarily to decreased payroll related costs from headcount reductions and lower accrued variable compensation amounts.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense for the six months ended March 24, 2012 increased $1.8 million or 9.7%, to $20.0 million from $18.2 million for the six months ended March 26, 2011. The increase in interest expense resulted from increased borrowings in the current fiscal year. Debt outstanding on March 24, 2012 was $566.9 million compared to $517.2 million as of March 26, 2011. In February 2012, we issued an additional $50 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due 2018 at a price of 98.501% of the principal amount of the notes. The notes are part of a series of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due 2018 issued by the company on March 8, 2010. Our average borrowing rate for the six months ended March 24, 2012 was 7.9% compared to 8.4% for the prior year quarter.

Other Expense

Other expense decreased $0.1 million from an expense of $0.2 million for the six months ended March 26, 2011, to a $0.1 million expense for the six months ended March 24, 2012. Other expense is comprised of income from investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting and foreign currency exchange gains and losses.

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 37.2% for the six months ended March 24, 2012 and 34.7% for the six months ended March 26, 2011. Our 2011 tax rate benefited primarily from additional tax credits in fiscal 2011.

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Inflation

Our revenues and margins are dependent on various economic factors, including rates of inflation or deflation, energy costs, consumer attitudes toward discretionary spending, currency fluctuations, and other macro-economic factors which may impact levels of consumer spending. From time to time, including during the last year, we have been adversely impacted by rising input costs related to inflation, particularly relating to grain and seed prices, fuel prices and the ingredients used in our garden fertilizer and chemicals, and many of our other inputs. Rising costs have made it difficult for us to increase prices to our retail customers at a pace to enable us to maintain margins.

In fiscal 2011, our business was negatively impacted by consumer confidence, as well as other macro-economic factors. In fiscal 2011, we were impacted by rapidly rising raw materials costs. We are continuing to seek selective price increases to mitigate the impact of the increase in raw materials costs.

Weather and Seasonality

Our sales of lawn and garden products are influenced by weather and climate conditions in the different markets we serve. Additionally, our Garden Products’ business is highly seasonal. In fiscal 2011, approximately 67% of Garden Products’ net sales and 60% of our total net sales occurred during our second and third fiscal quarters. Substantially all of Garden Products’ operating income is typically generated in this period, which has historically offset the operating loss incurred during the first fiscal quarter of the year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have financed our growth through a combination of internally generated funds, bank borrowings, supplier credit and sales of equity and debt securities to the public.

Our business is seasonal and our working capital requirements and capital resources have tracked closely to this seasonal pattern. During the first fiscal quarter, accounts receivable reach their lowest level while inventory, accounts payable and short-term borrowings begin to increase. During the second fiscal quarter, receivables, accounts payable and short-term borrowings increase, reflecting the build-up of inventory and related payables in anticipation of the peak lawn and garden selling season. During the third fiscal quarter, inventory levels remain relatively constant while accounts receivable peak and short-term borrowings start to decline as cash collections are received during the peak selling season. During the fourth fiscal quarter, inventory levels are at their lowest, and accounts receivable and payables are substantially reduced through conversion of receivables to cash.

We service two broad markets: pet supplies and lawn and garden supplies. Our pet supplies businesses involve products that have a year round selling cycle with a slight degree of seasonality. As a result, it is not necessary to maintain large quantities of inventory to meet peak demands. On the other hand, our lawn and garden businesses are highly seasonal with approximately 67% of Garden Products’ net sales occurring during the second and third fiscal quarters. This seasonality requires them to ship large quantities of their product well ahead of the peak consumer buying periods. To encourage retailers and distributors to stock large quantities of inventory, industry practice has been for manufacturers to give extended credit terms and/or promotional discounts.

Net cash used in operating activities decreased $12.8 million, from $106.2 million for the six months ended March 26, 2011, to $93.4 million for the six months ended March 24, 2012 due primarily to lower accounts receivable and inventory balances, partially offset by a lower accounts payable balance and lower earnings in the current year.

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $21.0 million, from $38.0 million for the six months ended March 26, 2011 to $17.0 million during the six months ended March 24, 2012. The decrease in cash used in investing activities was due primarily to our acquisition of certain assets of a privately-held maker of premium fertilizer for the professional and retail markets for approximately $23 million in cash in our Garden Products business in the prior year period.

Net cash provided by financing activities increased $44.6 million, from $63.9 million for the six months ended March 26, 2011, to $108.5 million for the six months ended March 24, 2012. The increase in cash provided was due to our private placement of an additional $50 million aggregate principal of our 2018 Notes during the second quarter of fiscal 2012, lower net borrowings under our revolving credit facility in the current year compared to the prior year period, and lower repurchases of our common stock during the six months ended March 24, 2012. The aggregate cost of our share repurchases for the six months ended March 24, 2012 was $20.9 million, compared to $53.9 million for the six months ended March 26, 2011.

We expect that our principal sources of funds will be cash generated from our operations and, if necessary, borrowings under our $375 million revolving credit facility. Based on our anticipated cash needs, availability under our revolving credit facility and the scheduled maturity of our debt, we believe that our sources of liquidity should be adequate to meet our working capital, capital spending and other cash needs for at least the next 12 months. However, we cannot assure you that these sources will continue to provide us with sufficient liquidity and, should we require it, that we will be able to obtain financing on terms satisfactory to us, or at all.

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We believe that cash flows from operating activities, funds available under our revolving credit facility, and arrangements with suppliers will be adequate to fund our presently anticipated working capital requirements for the foreseeable future. We anticipate that our capital expenditures, which are related primarily to replacements and upgrades to plant and equipment and investment in our implementation of a scalable enterprise-wide information technology platform, will not exceed $45 million for fiscal year 2012. We are investing in this information technology platform to improve existing operations, support future growth and enable us to take advantage of new applications and technologies. We invested approximately $64 million from fiscal 2005 through fiscal 2011 in this initiative and plan to invest up to an additional $15 million in fiscal 2012 for planned implementations. Capital expenditures for 2012 and beyond will depend upon the pace of conversion of those remaining legacy systems. This initiative, when complete, will combine our numerous information systems into one enterprise system and create a standardized model with common data.

As part of our growth strategy, we have acquired a number of companies in the past, and we anticipate that we will continue to evaluate potential acquisition candidates in the future. If one or more potential acquisition opportunities, including those that would be material, become available in the near future, we may require additional external capital. In addition, such acquisitions would subject us to the general risks associated with acquiring companies, particularly if the acquisitions are relatively large.

Senior Credit Facility

On June 8, 2011, we amended our $275 million, five-year senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) included in our Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). Under the modified terms, the Credit Facility has a borrowing capacity of $375 million, an increase of $100 million, and an extension of maturity date by approximately one year, to June 2016. The Credit Facility bears lower interest rates and commitment fees and requires less interest coverage. We continue to have the option to increase the size of the Credit Facility by an additional $200 million of incremental term loans and/or revolving loans should we exercise our option and one or more lenders are willing to make such increased amounts available to us. There was an outstanding balance of $117.0 million as of March 24, 2012 under the Credit Facility. There were no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility as of March 24, 2012. As of March 24, 2012, there were $258.0 million of unused commitments under the Credit Facility or, after giving effect to the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement, $116.2 million of unused commitments.

Interest on the amended Credit Facility is based, at our option, on a rate equal to the Alternate Base Rate (ABR), which is the greatest of the prime rate, the Federal Funds rate plus 1 / 2 of 1% or one month LIBOR plus 1%, plus a margin, which fluctuates from 0.75% to 1.75%, or LIBOR plus a margin, which fluctuates from 1.75% to 2.75% and commitment fees that range from 0.30% to 0.50%, determined quarterly based on consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent trailing 12-month period. As of March 24, 2012, the applicable interest rate on the Credit Facility related to alternate base rate borrowings was 5.0%, and the applicable interest rate related to LIBOR rate borrowings was 3.0%.

The Credit Facility is guaranteed by our material subsidiaries and is secured by our assets, excluding real property but including substantially all of the capital stock of our subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains certain financial and other covenants which require us to maintain minimum levels of interest coverage and maximum levels of senior debt to EBITDA and that restrict our ability to repurchase our stock, make investments in or acquisitions of other businesses and pay dividends above certain levels over the life of the Credit Facility. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, we may make restricted payments, including cash dividends and stock repurchases, in an aggregate amount initially not to exceed $200 million over the life of the Credit Facility, subject to qualifications and baskets as defined in the Credit Agreement. As of March 24, 2012, our Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, was 5.5 to 1.0, and our Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement with a maximum of 2.25 to 1.0, was 1.1 to 1.0. Our minimum Interest Coverage Ratio was reduced to 2.50 times, from 2.75 times as part of the modification of the Credit Facility. As of March 24, 2012, our Interest Coverage ratio was 2.8 times. Apart from the covenants limiting restricted payments and capital expenditures, the Credit Facility does not restrict the use of retained earnings or net income. We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of March 24, 2012.

Senior Subordinated Notes

On March 8, 2010, we issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due March 1, 2018 (the “2018 Notes”).

On February 8, 2012, we issued an additional $50 million aggregate principal amount of our 2018 Notes at a price of 98.501%, plus accrued interest from September 1, 2011, in a private placement. We used the net proceeds from the offering to pay a portion of the outstanding balance under our Credit Facility.

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We incurred approximately $1.5 million of debt issuance costs in conjunction with this offering, which included underwriter fees and legal, accounting and rating agency expenses. The debt issuance costs are being amortized over the remaining term of the 2018 notes.

The 2018 Notes require semiannual interest payments, which commenced on September 1, 2010. The 2018 Notes are unsecured senior subordinated obligations and are subordinated to all of our existing and future senior debt, including our Credit Facility. The obligations under the 2018 Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by each of our existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries with certain exceptions. The guarantees are general unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the guarantors and are subordinated to all existing and future senior debt of the guarantors.

We may redeem some or all of the 2018 Notes at any time prior to March 1, 2014 at the principal amount plus a “make whole” premium. We may redeem some or all of the 2018 Notes at any time on or after March 1, 2014 for 104.125%, after March 1, 2015 for 102.063% and after March 1, 2016 for 100%, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Additionally, at any time prior to March 1, 2013, we may redeem up to 35% of the 2018 Notes with any proceeds we receive from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 108.25% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the 2018 Notes have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of the 2018 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest through the repurchase date upon the occurrence of a change of control.

The 2018 Notes contain customary high yield covenants, including covenants limiting debt incurrence and restricted payments, subject to certain baskets and exceptions.

At March 24, 2012, our total debt outstanding was $566.9 million versus $517.2 million at March 26, 2011 and cash and short term investment balances for the same periods were $28.1 million and $26.5 million, respectively.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

There have been no material changes to the information provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2011 regarding off-balance sheet arrangements.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in our contractual obligations set forth in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2011 except for our issuance of $50 million of 2018 Notes.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Footnote 1 in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for new accounting pronouncements.

Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Judgments

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies, estimates and assumptions or the judgments affecting the application of those accounting policies since our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2011.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We believe there has been no material change in our exposure to market risk from that discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2011.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures . Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) that ensure that information relating to the Company required to be disclosed by us in the reports

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that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely and proper manner and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon this review, such officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 24, 2012.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . Central’s management, with the participation of Central’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated whether any change in Central’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended March 24, 2012. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that there has been no change in Central’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 24, 2012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Central’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Currently, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Item 1A. to Part I of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2011.

Issues with products may lead to product liability, personal injury or property damage claims, recalls, withdrawals, replacements of products, regulatory actions by governmental authorities that could divert resources, affect business operations, decrease sales, increase costs, and put us at a competitive disadvantage, any of which could have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition.

We have experienced, and may in the future experience, issues with products that may lead to product liability, recalls, withdrawals, replacements of products, or regulatory actions by governmental authorities. For example, during 2012, we have experienced two unrelated recalls relating to one batch of baby bird feed products and a separate lot of mice, rat and hamster feed. To date, we do not expect the costs related to these recalls to be material to our results of operations. However, since these recalls were only recently discovered, we cannot be certain of their ultimate impact on our business or financial results. The recalls or future recalls could result in increased governmental scrutiny, reputational harm, reduced demand by consumers for our products, decreased willingness by retailer customers to purchase or provide marketing support for those products, absence or increased cost of insurance, or additional safety and testing requirements. Such results could divert development and management resources, adversely affect our business operations, decrease sales, increase legal fees and other costs, and put us at a competitive disadvantage compared to other manufacturers not affected by similar issues with products, any of which could have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table sets forth the repurchases of any equity securities during the fiscal quarter ended March 24, 2012 and the dollar amount of authorized share repurchases remaining under our stock repurchase program.

Period

Total Number
of Shares
(or Units)
Purchased
Average
Price Paid

per Share
(or Units)
Total Number
of Shares
(or Units)
Purchased as

Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares

(or Units)
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs (1)

December 25, 2011 – January 28, 2012

1,836 (2) $ 9.54 $ 51,595,000

January 29, 2012 – February 25, 2012

7,704 (2) $ 9.36

February 26, 2012 – March 24, 2012

12,171 (2) $ 9.25

Total

21,711 $ 9.31 $ 51,595,000

(1) During the third quarter of fiscal 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a new $100 million share repurchase program. The program has no expiration date and expires when the amount authorized has been used or the Board withdraws its authorization. The repurchase of shares may be limited by certain financial covenants in our credit facility and indenture that restrict our ability to repurchase our stock.
(2) Shares purchased during the period indicated represent withholding of a portion of shares to cover taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted stock and the exercise of stock options.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable

Item 6. Exhibits

4.1 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 13, 2012, among the Company, certain subsidiary guarantors parties thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Company Form 8-K filed February 15, 2012).
10.1 Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 13, 2012, among the Company, certain subsidiary guarantors parties thereto, and the Initial Purchasers (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company Form 8-K filed February 15, 2012).
10.2 2003 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective February 13, 2012 (Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Company Form 8-K filed February 15, 2012).
31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
32.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

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101.INS** XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE** XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunder duly authorized.

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
Registrant

Dated: May 3, 2012

/s/    WILLIAM E. BROWN

William E. Brown

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/    L ORI A. V ARLAS

Lori A. Varlas

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

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