Central Garden & Pet Announces Q2 Fiscal 2024 Financial Results

Fiscal 2024 Q2 net sales of $900 million compared to $909 million a year ago

Fiscal 2024 Q2 GAAP EPS of $0.93 vs. $0.72 a year ago, Non-GAAP EPS of $0.99

Maintains outlook for fiscal 2024 non-GAAP EPS of $2.00 or better ($2.50 or better before the February 2024 stock dividend)

Central Garden & Pet Company (“Central”), a market leader in the Pet and Garden industries, announced financial results for its fiscal 2024 second quarter ended March 30, 2024.

“We delivered a solid second quarter with earnings per share well ahead of prior year. We are particularly pleased with the progress on our Cost and Simplicity program,” said Beth Springer, Interim CEO of Central Garden & Pet. “With a large part of the garden season still in front of us and some continuing external challenges, we are maintaining our outlook for the fiscal year. Importantly, our teams remain focused on executing our long-term strategy.”

Fiscal 2024 Second Quarter Financial Results

Net sales were $900 million compared to $909 million a year ago, a decrease of 1%. Organic net sales also decreased 1%.

Gross profit was $279 million compared to $260 million in the prior year. Non-GAAP gross profit was $281 million. Gross margin increased 240 basis points to 31.0% compared to 28.6%. Non-GAAP gross margin was 31.3%. Both segments benefited from prior year projects made under Central’s Cost and Simplicity program including the sale of the independent garden channel distribution business and exit of some private label pet bed product lines, as well as moderating inflation.

Operating income was $93 million compared to $78 million a year ago, an increase of 20%. On a non-GAAP basis, operating income was $99 million. Operating margin increased 180 basis points to 10.4% compared to 8.6%. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin was 11.0%. The increase was driven by improved gross margin.

Net interest expense was $11 million compared to $15 million a year ago driven by higher interest income from higher cash balances and higher interest rates.

Net income was $62 million compared to $48 million a year ago, an increase of 29%. On a non-GAAP basis, net income was $66 million. Earnings per share were $0.93 compared to $0.72, an increase of $0.21. On a non-GAAP basis, earnings per share were $0.99. Adjusted EBITDA was $124 million compared to $107 million a year ago.

The effective tax rate was 23.4% compared to 23.9% in the prior year.

Pet Segment Fiscal 2024 Second Quarter Results

Net sales for the Pet segment were $480 million compared to $475 million in the prior year, an increase of 1% driven by growth in Consumables businesses and the recent TDBBS acquisition. Organic net sales decreased 3% excluding the impact of TDBBS.

Pet segment operating income was $63 million compared to $55 million a year ago, an increase of 13%. Operating margin increased 140 basis points to 13.0% compared to 11.6% driven by improved gross margin. Pet segment adjusted EBITDA was $74 million compared to $66 million in the prior year.

Garden Segment Fiscal 2024 Second Quarter Results

Net sales for the Garden segment were $420 million compared to $434 million a year ago, a decrease of 3%. Organic net sales increased 2% excluding the impact of the sale of the independent garden channel distribution business. Growth in Live Plants, Grass Seed and Controls & Fertilizer more than offset lower sales in Wild Bird.

Garden segment operating income was $57 million compared to $50 million in the prior year, an increase of 15%. On a non-GAAP basis, operating income was $62 million. Operating margin increased 220 basis point to 13.6% compared to 11.4%. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin was 14.8%. The increase was driven by improved gross margin. Garden segment adjusted EBITDA was $73 million compared to $60 million a year ago.

Liquidity and Debt

The cash balance at the end of the quarter was $301 million compared to $61 million a year ago, driven by a reduction in inventory due to converting inventory to cash over the last 12 months.

Cash used by operations during the quarter was $25 million compared to $34 million a year ago.

Total debt as of March 30, 2024, and March 25, 2023 was $1.2 billion. The leverage ratio, as defined in Central’s credit agreement, at the end of the second quarter was 2.9x compared to 3.3x at the end of the prior year quarter.

Cost and Simplicity Program

Central continues to advance its multi-year Cost and Simplicity program consisting of a pipeline of projects across procurement, manufacturing, logistics, portfolio management and administrative costs to simplify its business and improve efficiency across the organization.

In the second quarter of fiscal 2024, Central initiated the closure of a manufacturing facility in Chico, CA, and began the Southeast consolidation of four distribution locations into one modern facility. As a result, Central incurred $5.3 million of one-time costs, including $2.5 million in cost of goods sold and $2.8 million in selling, general and administrative costs, the majority of which were non-cash.

Fiscal 2024 Guidance

Central continues to expect fiscal 2024 non-GAAP EPS to be $2.00 or better ($2.50 or better before the February 2024 stock dividend).

This outlook reflects uncertain consumer demand and retailer dynamics and an environment of macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility. It includes modest carryover pricing actions to help mitigate inflationary headwinds. This outlook excludes the impact of any acquisitions, divestitures or restructuring activities that may occur during fiscal 2024, including any projects under the Cost and Simplicity program and the recent TDBBS acquisition. Central expects fiscal 2024 capital spending to be approximately $70 million.

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About Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2023 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the Pet and Garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro^®, Aqueon^®, Cadet^®, Farnam^®, Ferry-Morse^®, Four Paws^®, Kaytee^®, K&H^®, Nylabone^® and Pennington^®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California and has 6,700 employees across North America and Europe. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

Contact:

Friederike Edelmann – VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Sustainability – fedelmann@central.com – (925) 412-6726

Source: Central Garden & Pet Company