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 31, 2007

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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer  x

  Accelerated filer  ¨   Non-accelerated filer  ¨

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, 2007

  22,173,527

Class A Stock Outstanding as of April 30, 2007

  47,655,648

Class B Stock Outstanding as of April 30, 2007

  1,652,262

 



Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

   4
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2006 and March 31, 2007

   4
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Three and Six Months Ended March 25, 2006 and March 31, 2007

   5
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Six Months Ended March 25, 2006 and March 31, 2007

   6
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   7

Item 2.

  

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

   16

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   21

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   22
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   22

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   22

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   22

Item 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   23

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   23

Item 5.

  

Other Information

   23

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   24

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, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions, our competitive strengths and weaknesses, our business strategy 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, including, without limitation, our examination of historical operating trends, 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 our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 30, 2006, including the factors described in the section 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:

 

   

consolidation trends in the retail industry;

 

   

dependence on a few customers for a significant portion of each of our businesses;

 

   

uncertainty of our product innovations and marketing programs;

 

   

fluctuations in market prices for seeds and grains;

 

   

competition in our industries;

 

   

risks associated with our acquisition strategy;

 

   

adverse weather during the peak gardening season;

 

   

supply shortages in pet birds and small animals;

 

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declining sales and margins in garden distribution;

 

   

seasonality and fluctuations in our operating results and cash flows;

 

   

dependence upon our key executive officers;

 

   

rising energy prices, fuel and related petrochemical costs;

 

   

implementation of a new enterprise planning information system over the next several years;

 

   

potential environmental liabilities and product liability claims;

 

   

pending litigation and claims; and

 

   

the voting power associated with our Class B stock.

 

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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)

 

     September 30,
2006
  

March 31,

2007

ASSETS

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 28,406    $ 14,599

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,798 and $12,938)

     239,172      332,510

Inventories

     332,214      409,237

Prepaid expenses and other

     34,910      41,316
             

Total current assets

     634,702      797,662

Land, buildings, improvements and equipment—net

     162,604      185,023

Goodwill

     557,820      564,348

Other intangible assets, net

     110,548      116,131

Deferred income taxes and other assets

     68,149      68,929
             

Total

   $ 1,533,823    $ 1,732,093
             

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 122,960    $ 149,037

Accrued expenses

     81,305      83,133

Current portion of long-term debt

     3,039      3,345
             

Total current liabilities

     207,304      235,515

Long-term debt

     565,410      709,863

Other long-term obligations

     29,583      28,751

Convertible redeemable preferred stock

     3,000      750

Minority interest

     1,167      1,280

Shareholders’ equity:

     

Class A stock, $.01 par value: 47,321,386 and 47,642,823, shares outstanding at September 30, 2006 and March 31, 2007

     473      476

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

     16      16

Common stock, $.01 par value: 22,008,431 and 22,172,506 shares outstanding at September 30, 2006 and March 31, 2007

     218      219

Additional paid-in capital

     540,131      548,287

Retained earnings

     185,031      203,515

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     1,490      3,421
             

Total shareholders’ equity

     727,359      755,934
             

Total

   $ 1,533,823    $ 1,732,093
             

Class A stock and additional paid-in capital as of September 30, 2006 have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Class A stock dividend issued on February 5, 2007.

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     March 25,
2006
   

March 31,

2007

    March 25,
2006
   

March 31,

2007

 

Net sales

   $ 401,332     $ 485,660     $ 694,063     $ 803,058  

Cost of goods sold and occupancy

     264,580       321,814       465,313       537,342  
                                

Gross profit

     136,752       163,846       228,750       265,716  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     91,018       117,616       173,241       213,561  
                                

Income from operations

     45,734       46,230       55,509       52,155  

Interest expense

     (10,227 )     (12,693 )     (16,571 )     (24,098 )

Interest income

     602       289       1,287       965  

Other income

     1,803       1,596       1,852       1,685  
                                

Income before income taxes and minority interest

     37,912       35,422       42,077       30,707  

Income taxes

     11,687       13,258       13,292       11,409  

Minority interest

     —         714       —         814  
                                

Net income

   $ 26,225     $ 21,450     $ 28,785     $ 18,484  
                                

Income per common share (restated):

        

Basic

   $ 0.40     $ 0.30     $ 0.45     $ 0.26  
                                

Diluted

   $ 0.39     $ 0.30     $ 0.43     $ 0.26  
                                

Weighted average shares used in the computation of income per common share (restated):

        

Basic

     65,082       71,422       64,275       71,358  

Diluted

     67,245       72,028       66,288       72,102  

All share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted for all periods presented to reflect the stock dividend issued on February 5, 2007.

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 25,
2006
    March 31,
2007
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 28,785     $ 18,484  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     11,177       14,282  

Stock-based compensation

     2,456       2,306  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards

     (2,381 )     (1,313 )

Minority interest

     —         814  

Deferred income taxes

     (689 )     (883 )

Gain on disposal of property

     —         (12 )

Change in assets and liabilities (excluding businesses acquired):

    

Receivables

     (73,249 )     (92,813 )

Inventories

     (61,746 )     (76,662 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (3,954 )     (7,448 )

Accounts payable

     26,427       26,196  

Accrued expenses

     7,240       2,022  

Other long-term obligations

     1,312       (832 )
                

Net cash used in operating activities

     (64,622 )     (115,859 )
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Additions to property

     (18,208 )     (30,952 )

Businesses acquired, net of cash acquired

     (348,756 )     (18,347 )

Collection of note

     —         3,340  

Restricted investments

     (15,500 )     31  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (382,464 )     (45,928 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Borrowings on revolving line of credit

     570,678       452,000  

Repayments of revolving line of credit

     (365,000 )     (306,000 )

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     600,000       —    

Repayments of long-term debt

     (472,637 )     (1,241 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

     108,306       2,291  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards

     2,381       1,313  

Payment of financing costs

     (6,212 )     (416 )
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     437,516       147,947  
                

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (75 )     33  
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (9,645 )     (13,807 )

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

     28,792       28,406  
                

Cash and equivalents at end of period

   $ 19,147     $ 14,599  
                

Supplemental information:

    

Cash paid for interest

   $ 14,680     $ 24,619  
                

Cash paid for income taxes—net of refunds

   $ 1,829     $ 878  
                

Liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions

   $ —       $ 3  
                

Conversion of preferred stock to common stock

   $ —       $ 2,250  
                

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2007

(unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated balance sheet of Central Garden & Pet Company and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Central”) as of March 31, 2007, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months and six months ended March 25, 2006 and March 31, 2007 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended March 25, 2006 and March 31, 2007 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. Comprehensive income was $20.4 million for the six month period ended March 31, 2007 and includes net income of $18.5 million and foreign currency translation adjustments of $1.9 million that are excluded from net earnings but reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Comprehensive income was $27.7 million for the six month period ended March 25, 2006 and included net earnings of $28.8 million and foreign currency translation adjustments of $1.1 million. 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.

Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s garden business, the results of operations for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 25, 2006 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 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

On January 3, 2007, the Company announced a stock dividend in the form of two shares of the Company’s Class A common stock for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock and Class B common stock to stockholders of record as of January 14, 2007. On February 5, 2007, the Company distributed the related Class A shares to the stockholders. All share and per share amounts in this Form 10-Q have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock dividend for all periods presented.

Minority Interest

Minority 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 (effective as of March 2006), its financial statements are fully consolidated with those of the Company, and the minority owner’s 20% share of the subsidiary’s net assets and results of operations is deducted and reported as minority interest.

2. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has various non-qualified stock-based compensation programs, which provide for stock option grants and restricted stock awards. The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards is amortized over the vesting period. Stock options may be granted to officers, key employees and directors. Stock options are generally granted with a 30 month cliff vesting and 42 month expiration, but are also granted with graded vesting increments of 20% or 25% per year and expiring seven or eight years from the date of grant. Beginning in fiscal 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” and elected to adopt the modified prospective transition method. Under this transition method, compensation cost associated with stock options recognized thereafter includes: (1) amortization related to the remaining unvested portion of all share-based payments granted prior to, but not vested as of September 24, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original pro forma footnote disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123 and (2) amortization related to all share-based payments granted subsequent to September 24, 2005, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). Accordingly, stock compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period using the straight-line attribution method.

 

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The Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $1.3 million and $1.4 million for the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 25, 2006 and $2.3 million and $2.5 million for the six month periods then ended, respectively, as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Expected stock price volatilities are estimated based on the Company’s implied historical volatility. The expected term of options granted is based on analyses of historical employee termination rates and option exercises. The risk-free rates are based on U.S. Treasury yields, for notes with comparable terms as the option grants, in effect at the time of the grant. For purposes of this valuation model, no dividends have been assumed. Assumptions for the six month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 25, 2006 used in the Black-Scholes model are presented below:

 

     March 31,
2007
    March 25,
2006
 

Stock plans:

    

Average expected life in years

   5 years     3 or 6 years  

Expected volatility

   28 %   28 %

Risk-free interest rate

   4.6 %   4.3 %

The following table summarizes option activity for the six months ended March 31, 2007 (adjusted for the stock dividend):

 

     Number of
Shares
(in thousands)
    Weighted
Average Exercise
Price per Share
   Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(in years)
  

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

(in thousands)

Outstanding at September 30, 2006

   4,894     $ 11.70       $ 57.2

Granted

   105       14.35      

Exercised

   (430 )     7.97      

Cancelled or expired

   (229 )     11.18      
              

Outstanding at March 31, 2007

   4,340       12.17    3.3      52.8
              

Exercisable at March 31, 2007

   459       9.45         4.3
              

The weighted average fair value of options granted during the six months ended March 31, 2007 and March 25, 2006 was $5.08 and $4.54, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended March 31, 2007 and March 25, 2006 was $2.3 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

As of March 31, 2007, there was $5.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average vesting period of two years.

Restricted Stock Awards: As of March 31, 2007, there were 664,000 shares of restricted stock awards outstanding. The awards generally vest in 20% or 25% annual increments beginning three years from the date of grant.

Restricted stock award activity during the six months ended March 31, 2007 is summarized in the following table.

 

     Number of
Shares
(in thousands)
 

Nonvested at September 30, 2006

   731  

Granted

   23  

Vested

   —    

Forfeited

   (90 )
      

Nonvested at March 31, 2007

   664  
      

The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the first six months of fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 was $15.60 and $15.94, respectively.

 

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As of March 31, 2007, there was $7.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of three years.

3. 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. The earnings per share computations have been restated to reflect the stock dividend of Class A common stock, which was distributed to stockholders on February 5, 2007 (see Note 1).

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2007

  

Six Months Ended

March 31, 2007

     Income    Shares    Per Share    Income    Shares    Per Share
     (in thousands, except per share amounts)

Basic EPS:

                 

Net income available to common shareholders

   $ 21,450    71,422    $ 0.30    $ 18,484    71,358    $ 0.26

Effect of dilutive securities:

                 

Options to purchase common stock

      542      —         680      —  

Convertible preferred stock

      64      —         64      —  

Diluted EPS:

                 
                                     

Net income available to common shareholders

   $ 21,450    72,028    $ 0.30    $ 18,484    72,102    $ 0.26
                                     

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 25, 2006

   

Six Months Ended

March 25, 2006

 
     Income    Shares    Per Share     Income    Shares    Per Share  
     (in thousands, except per share amounts)  

Basic EPS:

                

Net income available to common shareholders

   $ 26,225    65,082    $ 0.40     $ 28,785    64,275    $ 0.45  

Effect of dilutive securities:

                

Options to purchase common stock

      1,260      (0.01 )      1,170      (0.02 )

Restricted shares

      645      —          585      —    

Convertible preferred stock

      258      —          258      —    

Diluted EPS:

                
                                        

Net income available to common shareholders

   $ 26,225    67,245    $ 0.39     $ 28,785    66,288    $ 0.43  
                                        

Options to purchase 4,340,032 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $4.26 to $17.99 per share were outstanding at March 31, 2007 and options to purchase 5,856,309 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $4.26 to $17.99 per share were outstanding at March 25, 2006. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 25, 2006, options to purchase 1,171,508 and 43,500 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 periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 25, 2006, options to purchase 552,917 and 157,752 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.

Shares of common stock from the assumed conversion of the Company’s convertible preferred stock, issued in February 2004, were also included in the computation of diluted EPS for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 25, 2006.

 

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4. Shareholders’ Equity

On January 3, 2007, the Company declared a stock dividend on the Company’s common stock and Class B common stock to stockholders of record as of January 14, 2007. The stock dividend was in the form of two shares of the Company’s Class A common stock for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock and Class B common stock. Class A common stock certificates were distributed to stockholders on February 5, 2007.

In November 2006, holders of 75 shares of the Company’s Series B convertible preferred stock converted their shares to 64,803 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of March 31, 2007, 25 shares of the Company’s Series B convertible preferred stock remain outstanding.

5. Acquisitions

During the quarter ended March 31, 2007, the Company finalized the purchase accounting for Farnam Companies, Inc. and Breeder’s Choice Pet Foods Inc. The final purchase allocations resulted in a reduction of previously recorded goodwill and a greater value attributed to the other intangible assets of $4 million. Other estimated purchase price allocations remained unchanged.

In February 2006, the Company acquired Farnam Companies, Inc. (“Farnam”) for an initial payment of approximately $287 million in cash, plus $4 million in cash for the purchase of related real property. The Company made additional payments to the former owners of Farnam in fiscal 2007 totaling approximately $15 million, upon final determination of Farnam’s net assets. The purchase price exceeded the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired by approximately $171 million, which has been recorded as goodwill.

In February 2006, the Company acquired the assets of Breeder’s Choice Pet Foods Inc. for approximately $27 million in cash. The purchase price exceeded the fair value of net assets acquired by approximately $8 million, which has been recorded as goodwill.

In March 2006, the Company increased its equity interest in Tech Pac, L.L.C. from 20% to 80%. The purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net tangible assets acquired by approximately $15 million. The Company has not yet finalized its allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of intangible assets acquired. The value of intangible assets acquired pending final purchase accounting allocation is approximately $28 million, including Gulfstream Home & Garden Inc.’s interest in Tech Pac. When final purchase accounting is completed, any adjustments to the allocation will be recognized at that time.

The Company accounts for its acquisitions in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Business Combinations.” As of March 31, 2007, purchase accounting adjustments related to the acquisition of Tech Pac, L.L.C. have been recognized based on preliminary valuation amounts. Once these valuations are finalized, it is possible some adjustments will be made based on the final valuations.

6. 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 Executive Officer reviews the results of operations to make decisions regarding performance assessment and resource allocation. These operating segments are the Garden Products Group and Pet Products Group.

 

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     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     March 25,
2006
   

March 31,

2007

    March 25,
2006
   

March 31,

2007

 

Net sales:

        

Garden Products

   $ 214,112     $ 255,859     $ 339,696     $ 370,969  

Pet Products

     187,220       229,801       354,367       432,089  
                                

Total net sales

     401,332       485,660       694,063       803,058  

Income from operations:

        

Garden Products

     26,353       28,842       25,843       26,709  

Pet Products

     25,069       29,285       43,620       47,092  

Corporate

     (5,688 )     (11,897 )     (13,954 )     (21,646 )
                                

Total income from operations

     45,734       46,230       55,509       52,155  
                                

Interest expense – net

     (9,625 )     (12,404 )     (15,284 )     (23,133 )

Other income

     1,803       1,596       1,852       1,685  

Income taxes

     (11,687 )     (13,258 )     (13,292 )     (11,409 )

Minority interest

     —         (714 )     —         (814 )
                                

Net income

   $ 26,225     $ 21,450     $ 28,785     $ 18,484  
                                

Depreciation and amortization:

        

Garden Products

   $ 1,526     $ 2,456     $ 3,068     $ 3,900  

Pet Products

     4,132       4,122       7,464       8,717  

Corporate

     334       857       645       1,665  
                                

Total depreciation and amortization

   $ 5,992     $ 7,435     $ 11,177     $ 14,282  
                                

 

      September 30,
2006
   March 31,
2007

Assets:

     

Garden Products

   $ 424,639    $ 589,151

Pet Products

     470,194      506,180

Corporate

     638,990      636,762
             

Total assets

   $ 1,533,823    $ 1,732,093
             

Goodwill (included in corporate assets):

     

Garden Products

   $ 172,826    $ 172,826

Pet Products

     384,994      391,522
             

Total goodwill

   $ 557,820    $ 564,348
             

Minority interest is associated with the Garden Products segment.

7. Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries

Certain 100% 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 $150,000,000 9-1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Notes”) issued on January 30, 2003. 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 of the Notes are as follows:

Farnam Companies, Inc. (including Thompson’s Veterinary Supplies, Inc.)

Four Paws Products Ltd.

Grant Laboratories, Inc.

Gulfstream Home & Garden, Inc.

Interpet USA, LLC

Kaytee Products, Incorporated

Matthews Redwood & Nursery Supply, Inc.

New England Pottery, LLC

 

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Table of Contents

Norcal Pottery Products, Inc.

Pennington Seed, Inc. (including Phaeton Corporation (dba Unicorn Labs), Pennington Seed, Inc. of Nebraska, Gro Tec, Inc., Seeds West, Inc., All-Glass Aquarium Co., Inc. (including Oceanic Systems, Inc.) and Cedar Works, LLC.

Pets International, Ltd.

T.F.H. Publications, Inc.

Wellmark International

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 31, 2007

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
       Parent     

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

     Eliminations      Consolidated  

Net sales

     $ 144,096      $ 378,778      $ (37,214 )    $ 485,660  

Cost of products sold and occupancy

       98,265        260,763        (37,214 )      321,814  
                                     

Gross profit

       45,831        118,015        —          163,846  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

       35,928        81,688        —          117,616  
                                     

Income from operations

       9,903        36,327        —          46,230  

Interest – net

       (12,510 )      106        —          (12,404 )

Other income (loss)

       (1,361 )      2,957        —          1,596  
                                     

Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest

       (3,968 )      39,390        —          35,422  

Income taxes (benefit)

       (1,646 )      14,904        —          13,258  

Minority interest

       714        —          —          714  
                                     

Net income (loss) before equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

       (3,036 )      24,486        —          21,450  

Equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

       24,486        —          (24,486 )      —    
                                     

Net income (loss)

     $ 21,450      $ 24,486      $ (24,486 )    $ 21,450  
                                     

 

      

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended March 25, 2006

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
       Parent     

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

     Eliminations      Consolidated  

Net sales

     $ 122,061      $ 312,837      $ (33,566 )    $ 401,332  

Cost of products sold and occupancy

       84,738        213,408        (33,566 )      264,580  
                                     

Gross profit

       37,323        99,429        —          136,752  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

       30,511        60,507        —          91,018  
                                     

Income from operations

       6,812        38,922        —          45,734  

Interest – net

       (9,661 )      36        —          (9,625 )

Other income

       987        816        —          1,803  
                                     

Income (loss) before income taxes

       (1,862 )      39,774        —          37,912  

Income taxes (benefit)

       (574 )      12,265        (4 )      11,687  
                                     

Net income (loss) before equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

       (1,288 )      27,509        4        26,225  

Equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

       27,513        —          (27,513 )      —    
                                     

Net income (loss)

     $ 26,225      $ 27,509      $ (27,509 )    $ 26,225  
                                     

 

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CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended March 31, 2007

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
       Parent     

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

     Eliminations      Consolidated  

Net sales

     $ 245,176      $ 621,373      $ (63,491 )    $ 803,058  

Cost of products sold and occupancy

       169,151        431,682        (63,491 )      537,342  
                                     

Gross profit

       76,025        189,691        —          265,716  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

       63,848        149,713        —          213,561  
                                     

Income from operations

       12,177        39,978        —          52,155  

Interest – net

       (23,368 )      235        —          (23,133 )

Other income (loss)

       (2,452 )      4,137        —          1,685  
                                     

Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest

Interest taxes (benefit)

      
 
(13,643
(5,513
)
)
    
 
44,350
16,922
      
 
—  
—  
 
 
    
 
30,707
11,409
 
 

Minority interest

       814        —          —          814  
                                     

Net income (loss) before equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

       (8,944 )      27,428        —          18,484  

Equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

       27,428        —          (27,428 )      —    
                                     

Net income (loss)

     $ 18,484      $ 27,428      $ (27,428 )    $ 18,484  
                                     

 

      

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Six Months Ended March 25, 2006

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
       Parent     

Guarantor

Subsidiaries

     Eliminations      Consolidated  

Net sales

     $ 220,197      $ 527,254      $ (53,388 )    $ 694,063  

Cost of products sold and occupancy

       155,463        363,238        (53,388 )      465,313  
                                     

Gross profit

       64,734        164,016        —          228,750  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

       58,963        114,278        —          173,241  
                                     

Income from operations

       5,771        49,738        —          55,509  

Interest – net

       (15,401 )      117        —          (15,284 )

Other income

       734        1,118        —          1,852  
                                     

Income (loss) before income taxes

       (8,896 )      50,973        —          42,077  

Income taxes (benefit)

       (3,282 )      16,583        (9 )      13,292  
                                     

Net income (loss) before equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

       (5,614 )      34,390        9        28,785  

Equity in undistributed income of guarantor subsidiaries

       34,399        —          (34,399 )      —    
                                     

Net income (loss)

     $ 28,785      $ 34,390      $ (34,390 )    $ 28,785  
                                     

 

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Table of Contents
    

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

March 31, 2007

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

     Parent    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Eliminations     Consolidated

ASSETS

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 12,601    $ 1,998    $ —       $ 14,599

Accounts receivable, net

     100,130      259,592      (27,212 )     332,510

Inventories

     132,813      276,424      —         409,237

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     18,501      22,815      —         41,316
                            

Total current assets

     264,045      560,829      (27,212 )     797,662

Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net

     41,873      143,150      —         185,023

Goodwill

     564,348      —        —         564,348

Investment in guarantors

     657,765      —        (657,765 )     —  

Deferred income taxes and other assets

     61,126      126,597      (2,663 )     185,060
                            

Total

   $ 1,589,157    $ 830,576    $ (687,640 )   $ 1,732,093
                            

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          

Accounts payable

   $ 82,809    $ 93,440    $ (27,212 )   $ 149,037

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     36,884      49,594      —         86,478
                            

Total current liabilities

     119,693      143,034      (27,212 )     235,515

Long-term debt

     709,287      576      —         709,863

Other long-term obligations

     2,213      29,201      (2,663 )     28,751

Convertible redeemable preferred stock

     750      —        —         750

Minority interest

     1,280      —        —         1,280

Shareholders’ equity

     755,934      657,765      (657,765 )     755,934
                            

Total

   $ 1,589,157    $ 830,576    $ (687,640 )   $ 1,732,093
                            

 

    

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

September 30, 2006

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

     Parent    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Eliminations     Consolidated

ASSETS

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 9,087    $ 19,319    $ —       $ 28,406

Accounts receivable, net

     58,239      201,771      (20,838 )     239,172

Inventories

     94,155      238,059      —         332,214

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     18,084      16,826      —         34,910
                            

Total current assets

     179,565      475,975      (20,838 )     634,702

Land, buildings, improvements and equipment, net

     32,366      130,238      —         162,604

Goodwill

     557,820      —        —         557,820

Investment in guarantors

     542,121      —        (542,121 )     —  

Deferred income taxes and other assets

     74,820      106,540      (2,663 )     178,697
                            

Total

   $ 1,386,692    $ 712,753    $ (565,622 )   $ 1,533,823
                            

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

          

Accounts payable

   $ 56,925    $ 86,873    $ (20,838 )   $ 122,960

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     30,219      54,125      —         84,344
                            

Total current liabilities

     87,144      140,998      (20,838 )     207,304

Long-term debt

     565,250      160      —         565,410

Other long-term obligations

     2,772      29,474      (2,663 )     29,583

Convertible redeemable preferred stock

     3,000      —        —         3,000

Minority interest

     1,167      —        —         1,167

Shareholders’ equity

     727,359      542,121      (542,121 )     727,359
                            

Total

   $ 1,386,692    $ 712,753    $ (565,622 )   $ 1,533,823
                            

 

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CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Six Months Ended March 31, 2007

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
       Parent      Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     Eliminations      Consolidated  

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

     $ (24,476 )    $ (63,955 )    $ (27,428 )    $ (115,859 )
                                     

Additions to property

       (9,019 )      (21,933 )      —          (30,952 )

Businesses acquired, net of cash

       (7 )      (18,340 )      —          (18,347 )

Collection of note

       3,340        —          —          3,340  

Restricted investments

       31        —          —          31  

Investment in guarantor subsidiaries

       (113,713 )      86,285        27,428        —    
                                     

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

       (119,368 )      46,012        27,428        (45,928 )
                                     

Repayments on revolving line of credit

       (306,000 )      —          —          (306,000 )

Borrowings on revolving line of credit

       452,000        —          —          452,000  

Repayments of long-term debt

       (1,830 )      589        —          (1,241 )

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

       2,291        —          —          2,291  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards

       1,313        —          —          1,313  

Payment of financing costs

       (416 )      —          —          (416 )
                                     

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

       147,358        589        —          147,947  
                                     

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

       —          33        —          33  
                                     

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

       3,514        (17,321 )      —          (13,807 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

       9,087        19,319        —          28,406  
                                     

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

     $ 12,601      $ 1,998      $ —        $ 14,599  
                                     
      

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Six Months Ended March 25, 2006

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 
       Parent      Guarantor
Subsidiaries
     Eliminations      Consolidated  

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

     $ 283,508      $ (313,740 )    $ (34,390 )    $ (64,622 )
                                     

Additions to property

       (9,610 )      (8,598 )      —          (18,208 )

Businesses acquired, net of cash

       (283,532 )      (65,224 )      —          (348,756 )

Restricted investments

       (15,500 )      —          —          (15,500 )

Investment in guarantor subsidiaries

       (419,828 )      385,438        34,390        —    
                                     

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

       (728,470 )      311,616        34,390        (382,464 )
                                     

Repayments on revolving line of credit

       (365,000 )      —          —          (365,000 )

Borrowings on revolving line of credit

       570,678        —          —          570,678  

Repayments of long-term debt

       (472,626 )      (11 )      —          (472,637 )

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

       600,000        —          —          600,000  

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

       108,306        —          —          108,306  

Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards

       2,381        —          —          2,381  

Payment of financing costs

       (6,212 )      —          —          (6,212 )
                                     

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

       437,527        (11 )      —          437,516  
                                     

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

       —          (75 )      —          (75 )
                                     

Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents

       (7,435 )      (2,210 )      —          (9,645 )

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period

       22,732        6,060        —          28,792  
                                     

Cash and equivalents at end of period

     $ 15,297      $ 3,850      $ —        $ 19,147  
                                     

 

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

Overview

Central Garden & Pet is a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products. We are one of the largest suppliers in the lawn and garden and pet supplies industries. The total lawn and garden industry is estimated to be approximately $95 billion in retail sales. We estimate the retail sales of the lawn and garden supplies industry in the categories in which we participate to be approximately $27 billion. The total pet industry is estimated to be approximately $36 billion in retail sales. We estimate the retail sales of the pet supplies and ultra-premium dog and cat food market in the categories in which we participate to be approximately $13 billion.

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 Pennington, The Rebels, AMDRO, Grant’s, Lilly Miller, Ironite, Sevin, Over’n Out, Norcal Pottery, New England Pottery, GKI/Bethlehem Lighting and Matthews Four Seasons.

Our pet supplies products include: products for dogs and cats, including edible bones, premium healthy edible and non-edible chews, ultra-premium dog and cat food, 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 and supplements, and information and knowledge resources; and products for horses and livestock. These products are sold under a number of brand names including All-Glass Aquarium, Aqueon, RZilla, Oceanic, Coral Life, Kent Marine, Interpet, TFH, Nylabone, Four Paws, Pet Select, Kaytee, Super Pet, Zodiac, Pre Strike, Altosid, Breeder’s Choice, Farnam, Adams and BioSpot.

In fiscal 2006, our consolidated net sales were $1.6 billion, of which our lawn and garden segment, or Garden Products, accounted for $802 million and our pet segment, or Pet Products, accounted for $819 million. In fiscal 2006, our income from operations was $136.8 million of which Garden Products accounted for $57.5 million and Pet Products accounted for $104.5 million, before corporate expenses and eliminations of $25.2 million.

Central was incorporated in Delaware in June 1992 and is the successor to a California corporation which was incorporated in 1955. References to “we,” “us,” “our,” or “Central” mean Central Garden & Pet Company and its subsidiaries and divisions, and their predecessor companies and subsidiaries.

Background

We have transitioned our company to a leading marketer and producer of branded products from a traditional pet and lawn and garden supplies distributor. We made this transition because we recognized the opportunity to build a portfolio of leading brands and improve profitability by capitalizing on our knowledge of the pet and lawn and garden supplies sectors, strong relationships with retailers and nationwide sales and logistics network. Our goal was to diversify our business and improve operating margins by establishing a portfolio of leading brands. Since 1997, we have acquired numerous branded product companies and product lines, including Wellmark and Four Paws in fiscal 1997; Kaytee Products, TFH and Pennington Seed in fiscal 1998; Norcal Pottery in fiscal 1999; AMDRO and All-Glass Aquarium in fiscal 2000; Lilly Miller in fiscal 2001; Alaska Fish Fertilizer in fiscal 2002; Kent Marine, New England Pottery, Interpet, KRB Seed Company, (dba Budd’s Seed), and Energy Savers Unlimited in fiscal 2004; Pets International and Gulfstream Home & Garden in fiscal 2005; and Farnam, Breeder’s Choice, Tech Pac, Ironite and Shirlo in fiscal 2006.

While expanding our branded products business, we experienced adverse events in our distribution business. From 1995 to 1999, we were the master distributor of Round Up and Ortho. In January 1999, The Scotts Company, one of our largest distribution suppliers at the time, acquired Ortho and became the marketing agent for Round Up. In July 2000, Scotts terminated its relationship with us. Subsequently, we downsized our distribution operations and integrated these sales and logistics networks into our pet and lawn and garden products businesses to allow us to focus resources and provide strategic sales support for our brands.

Virtually all of our sales before fiscal 1997 were derived from distributing other manufacturers’ products. Since then, our branded product sales have grown to approximately $1.3 billion, or approximately 82% of total sales, in fiscal 2006. During this same period, our sales of other manufacturers’ products have declined to approximately 18% of total sales, and our gross profit margins have improved from 13.6% in fiscal 1996 to 33.0% in fiscal 2006.

 

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Table of Contents

Recent Developments

Class A Stock Dividend. On January 3, 2007, we declared a stock dividend on our common stock and Class B common stock to stockholders of record as of January 14, 2007. The stock dividend was in the form of two shares of our Class A common stock for each outstanding share of our common stock and Class B common stock. Our Class A common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CENT.A.” We distributed the Class A common stock to create an active trading market in the stock. We plan to use our Class A common stock to strategically raise additional equity capital to pursue acquisitions and to contribute to employee benefit plans. Class A stock certificates were distributed to shareholders on February 5, 2007. All share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock dividend for all periods presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and in the computation of earnings per share (see Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which provides companies an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. SFAS No. 159 requires companies to provide information to assist financial statement users to understand the effect of a company’s choice to use fair value on its earnings, as well as to display on the face of the balance sheet the fair value of assets and liabilities chosen by the company for fair value accounting. Additionally, SFAS No. 159 establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to simplify comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 159 is effective for us in our fiscal year beginning September 28, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 159 on our financial statements.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,” which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 is effective for us in our fiscal year beginning September 30, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact of FIN 48 on our financial statements.

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 30, 2006.

Stock-based compensation: In fiscal 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R) using the modified prospective transition method and began accounting for our stock-based compensation using a fair-valued based recognition method. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), stock-based compensation cost is estimated at the grant date based on the fair-value of the award and is expensed ratably over the requisite service period of the award. Determining the appropriate fair-value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including estimating stock price volatility, expected option life and forfeiture rates. We develop our estimates based on historical data and market information which can change significantly over time.

We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to value employee stock awards. We estimate stock price volatility based on an average historical volatility of our stock. Estimated option life and forfeiture rate assumptions are also derived from historical data. We recognize compensation expense using the straight-line amortization method for stock-based compensation awards with graded vesting. Had we used alternative valuation methodologies, the amount we expense for stock-based payments could be significantly different.

 

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Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

Compared with Three Months Ended March 25, 2006

Net Sales

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2007 increased $84.4 million, or 21.0%, to $485.7 million from $401.3 million for the three months ended March 25, 2006. Pet Products’ net sales increased $42.6 million, or 22.8%, to $229.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $187.2 million in the comparable fiscal 2006 period. Garden Products’ net sales increased $41.8 million, or 19.5%, to $255.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $214.1 million in the comparable fiscal 2006 period. Our branded product sales increased $82.9 million and sales of other manufacturers’ products increased $1.5 million. Our branded Pet Products’ sales increased $40.4 million due primarily to approximately $30 million from recent acquisitions, including Farnam, and increased wild bird feed sales, partially offset by softer demand in the aquatics market, combined with a major retailer discontinuing fish sales. Branded Garden Products’ sales increased $42.5 million due primarily to favorable weather conditions in key early season markets as compared to the slow start due to unfavorable weather conditions in the comparable prior year quarter, approximately $9 million from recent acquisitions and increased wild bird seed sales.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2007 increased $27.1 million, or 19.8%, to $163.8 million from $136.8 million for the three months ended March 25, 2006. The Pet Products’ gross profit increased $16.7 million and Garden Products’ increased $10.4 million. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased from 34.1% for the three months ended March 25, 2006 to 33.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 due primarily to higher grain costs and a mix shift. The continued cost pressures in the volatile grain markets have been nominally reduced by price increases we obtained late in the second quarter. We expect to continue being adversely impacted by higher grain prices after the impact of our price increases.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $26.6 million, or 29.2%, to $117.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $91.0 million for the three months ended March 25, 2006. The increase was due primarily to increased selling and administrative expenses related to acquisitions of branded product companies completed in fiscal 2006, which have higher operating expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 24.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to 22.7% in the comparable prior year period.

Selling and delivery expense increased $12.3 million, or 25.4%, from $48.4 million for the three months ended March 25, 2006 to $60.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. As a percentage of net sales, selling and delivery expense remained unchanged at approximately 12% of net sales. The increase in dollar terms was due primarily to fiscal 2006 acquisitions completed near the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2006 with a full quarter’s expense in fiscal 2007.

Facilities expense increased $0.2 million to $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $3.1 million for the three months ended March 25, 2006.

Warehouse and administrative expense increased $14.1 million, or 35.7%, to $53.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $39.5 million for the three months ended March 25, 2006. The increase was due primarily to recent acquisitions and increased third party service provider costs related primarily to accounting and legal services and IT services related to our SAP implementation.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2007 increased $2.8 million, or 28.9%, to $12.4 million from $9.6 million for the three months ended March 25, 2006. The increase was due primarily to the higher average debt balance resulting from acquisitions financed through our $650 million in senior secured credit facilities in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and slightly higher interest rates on our floating rate debt.

Other Income

Other income decreased $0.2 million to $1.6 million, or 11.5%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 from $1.8 million for the quarter ended March 25, 2006 due primarily to the acquisition of the additional equity interest, and inclusion in our consolidated operating results, of Tech Pac, which was accounted for under the equity method of accounting as of March 25, 2006.

Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 38.2% for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 compared with 30.8% for the quarter ended March 25, 2006. The prior year quarter effective tax rate was lower than in the current year quarter due principally to the reversal of tax contingency reserves of approximately $2.6 million in the prior year quarter. The reserves related to certain income tax credits taken in prior tax returns.

 

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Six Months Ended March 31, 2007

Compared with Six Months Ended March 25, 2006

Net Sales

Net sales for the six months ended March 31, 2007 increased $109.0 million, or 15.7%, to $803.1 million from $694.1 million for the six months ended March 25, 2006. Pet Products’ net sales increased $77.7 million, or 21.9%, to $432.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007 from $354.4 million in the comparable fiscal 2006 period. Garden Products’ net sales increased $31.3 million, or 9.2%, to $371.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007 from $339.7 million in the comparable fiscal 2006 period. Our branded product sales increased $114.6 million, while sales of other manufacturers’ products decreased $5.6 million. Our branded Pet Products’ sales increased $75.9 million due primarily to recent acquisitions of approximately $60.5 million and increased wild bird feed sales, partially offset by softer demand in the aquatics market, combined with a major retailer discontinuing fish sales. Garden Products’ sales increased $38.7 million due primarily to recent acquisitions of approximately $11 million and increased wild bird feed sales as compared to weak bird feed sales in the prior year period.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the six months ended March 31, 2007 increased $37.0 million, or 16.2%, to $265.7 million from $228.8 million for the six months ended March 25, 2006. The Pet Products’ gross profit increased $30.2 million and Garden Products’ increased $6.8 million. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales remained relatively flat, increasing from 33.0% for the six months ended March 25, 2006 to 33.1% for the six months ended March 31, 2007. Increased contribution from acquisitions and higher margin branded product sales were partially offset by higher grain costs and an unfavorable product mix. The significant grain cost pressures we have been facing, primarily in our wild bird feed operations, due to extraordinarily high prices in the first two quarters of fiscal 2007 have been partially mitigated by the price increases we obtained late in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $40.4 million, or 23.3%, to $213.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007 from $173.2 million for the six months ended March 25, 2006. The increase was due primarily to increased selling and administrative expenses related to acquisitions of branded product companies completed in fiscal 2006, which have higher operating expenses. As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased to 26.6% for the six months ended March 31, 2007, compared to 25.0% in the comparable prior year period.

Selling and delivery expense increased $18.8 million, or 21.0%, from $89.6 million for the six months ended March 25, 2006 to $108.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007. As a percentage of net sales, selling and delivery expense increased to 13.5% for the six months ended March 31, 2007 from 12.9% for the comparable prior year period. The increase in dollar terms was due primarily to the quarter’s increased sales and recent acquisitions that generally have higher gross margins and higher selling costs.

Facilities expense decreased $0.4 million, or 6.0%, to $6.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007 from $6.7 million for the six months ended March 25, 2006. The higher facility costs in the comparable prior year period were due primarily to facility relocation costs.

Warehouse and administrative expense increased $22.0 million, or 28.6%, to $98.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007 from $76.9 million for the six months ended March 25, 2006. The increase was due primarily to recent acquisitions and increased third party service provider costs related primarily to accounting and legal services and to IT services related to our SAP implementation.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense for the six months ended March 31, 2007 increased $7.8 million, or 50.4%, to $23.1 million from $15.3 million for the six months ended March 25, 2006. The increase was due primarily to the higher average debt balance resulting from acquisitions financed through our $650 million in senior secured credit facilities in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and slightly higher interest rates on our floating rate debt.

Other Income

Other income decreased $0.2 million to $1.7 million, or 9.0%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 from $1.9 million for the quarter ended March 25, 2006 due primarily to the acquisition of the additional equity interest, and inclusion in our consolidated operating results, of Tech Pac which was formerly accounted for under the equity method of accounting as of March 25, 2006.

 

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Income Taxes

Our effective income tax rate was 38.2% for the six months ended March 31, 2007 compared with 31.6% for the six months ended March 25, 2006. The prior year quarter effective tax rate was lower than in the current year quarter due principally to the reversal of tax contingency reserves of approximately $2.6 million in the prior fiscal year`. The reserves related to certain income tax credits taken in prior tax returns.

Inflation

The results of operations and financial condition are presented based upon historical cost. While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation, we believe that the effects of inflation on our operations have not been material.

Weather and Seasonality

Historically, our sales of lawn and garden products have been influenced by weather and climate conditions in the different markets we serve. Additionally, Garden Products’ business has historically been highly seasonal. In fiscal 2006, approximately 61% of Garden Products’ net sales and 56% of our total net sales occurred in the 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 bank borrowings, supplier credit, internally generated funds and sales of equity and debt securities to the public.

Historically, our business has been seasonal and our working capital requirements and capital resources 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. Additionally, this level sales cycle eliminates the need for manufacturers to give extended credit terms to either distributors or retailers. On the other hand, our lawn and garden businesses are highly seasonal with approximately 61% of Garden Products’ net sales occurring during the second and third fiscal quarters. For many manufacturers of garden products, this seasonality requires them to ship large quantities of their product well ahead of the peak consumer buying periods. To encourage distributors to stock large quantities of inventory, industry practice has been for manufacturers to give extended credit terms and/or promotional discounts.

The primary cash flows for the six months ended March 31, 2007 were $115.9 million of cash used in operating activities and $45.9 million of cash used in investing activities partially offset by $147.9 million provided by financing activities. Net cash used in operating activities increased by $51.2 million due primarily to increased working capital requirements and decreased earnings. Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $336.5 million from the prior year primarily due to acquisitions made in the first half of fiscal 2006 partially offset by higher capital expenditures in the current year quarter. Net cash provided by financing activities decreased by $289.6 million from the prior year due primarily to the issuance of long-term debt in the prior year to fund acquisitions partially offset by higher net borrowings on our revolving line of credit in the current year to fund our increased working capital requirements.

At March 31, 2007, our total debt outstanding was $713.2 million compared to $655.8 million at March 25, 2006, due to acquisitions and increased seasonal working capital requirements.

Concurrent with the acquisition of Farnam, we arranged $650 million in senior secured credit facilities to finance the acquisition and to replace our then existing $125 million revolving credit facility maturing in May 2008 and our existing $175 million term loan maturing in May 2009. The new credit facilities consist of a $350 million revolving credit facility maturing in February 2011 and a $300 million term loan maturing in September 2012. Interest on the revolving credit facility is based on a rate equal to prime plus a margin, which fluctuates from 0% to 0.25% or LIBOR plus a margin which fluctuates from 0.75% to 1.375%, determined quarterly based on consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent trailing 12-month period. Interest on the term loan is based on a rate equal to LIBOR + 1.50% or the prime rate plus 0.50%, at our option. The term loan is payable in quarterly installments

 

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of $750,000 with the balance payable in September 2012. These facilities are secured by substantially all of our assets, contain certain financial covenants which require us to maintain minimum levels of interest coverage and maximum levels of total debt to EBITDA, and which 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 these facilities. In March, 2007, we amended the maximum leverage and minimum interest coverage levels of the credit agreement. We were in compliance with all financial covenants as of March 31, 2007. The balance outstanding at March 31, 2007 under the revolving credit facility was $265 million, and the remaining available borrowing capacity was $68.0 million, with $17.0 million outstanding under certain letters of credit.

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 will be approximately $40 million for fiscal 2007. The increase in expected capital expenditures, compared to our historical rate, is due to increased investment in plant and equipment and our implementation of a scalable enterprise-wide information technology platform to improve existing operations, to support future growth and to enable us to take advantage of new applications and technologies. We invested approximately $15 million in fiscal 2006 and 2005 (on a combined basis) in this initiative and anticipate investing an additional $25 million to implement our new information technology strategy over the next three years. This initiative, when complete, will combine our numerous information systems into one enterprise-wide system and create a common business model and common data, which should enable us to be more effective and efficient. Our capital expenditures in the first six months of fiscal 2007 were approximately $31 million.

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 and make strategic acquisitions 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.

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 30, 2006 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 30, 2006.

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 fiscal 2006 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K, except as follows:

Commodity Prices. We are exposed to fluctuations in market prices for grains, grass seed and pet food ingredients. To mitigate risk associated with increases in market prices and commodity availability, we enter into contracts for purchases, primarily to ensure commodity availability to us in the future. As of September 30, 2006, we had entered into fixed purchase commitments for fiscal 2007 totaling approximately $113 million. A 10% change in the market price for these commodities would have resulted in an additional pretax gain or loss of $11.3 million related to the contracts outstanding as of September 30, 2006. As of September 24, 2005, we had entered into fixed purchase commitments for fiscal 2006 totaling approximately $95 million. A 10% change in the market price for these commodities would have resulted in an additional pretax gain or loss of $9.5 million related to the contracts outstanding as of September 24, 2005. In 2006, crop yields for grass seed and for the primary components of wild bird feed were adversely impacted by drought conditions in key growing regions of the United States and by farmers shifting to corn-based crops for the production of ethanol to meet increased demand. During the first two quarters of fiscal 2007, prices for some of our key crops continued to increase substantially.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) 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 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, we believe that the controls and procedures in place are effective to ensure that information relating to the Company that is required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is properly disclosed as required by the Exchange Act and related regulations.

(b) Changes in internal controls. There were no changes in our internal controls during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. On February 28, 2006, we purchased Farnam Companies, Inc. for approximately $291 million. We continue to integrate Farnam’s business and system of internal controls into the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. This integration may lead to our making changes in our or Farnam’s historical internal controls over financial reporting in future periods.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

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

Seeds and grains we use to produce bird feed and grass seed are commodity products subject to price volatility that has had, and could have, a negative impact on us.

Our financial results depend to some extent on the cost of raw materials and our ability to pass along increases in these costs to our customers. In particular, our Pennington and Kaytee subsidiaries are exposed to fluctuations in market prices for commodity seeds and grains used to produce bird feed. Historically, market prices for commodity seeds and grains have fluctuated in response to a number of factors, including changes in United States government farm support programs, changes in international agricultural and trading policies and weather conditions during the growing and harvesting seasons. In the event of any increases in raw materials costs, we are required to increase sales prices to avoid margin deterioration.

To mitigate our exposure to changes in market prices, we enter into purchase contracts for grains, bird feed and grass seed to cover up to approximately one-third of the purchase requirements for a selling season. Since these contracts cover only a portion of our purchase requirements, as market prices for grains increase, our cost of production increases as well. In contrast, if market prices for grains decrease because of a lack of demand, we may end up purchasing grains and seeds pursuant to the purchase contracts at prices above market. In 2006, crop yields for grass seed and for the primary components of wild bird feed, notably sunflower, milo and millet, were adversely impacted by drought conditions in key growing regions of the United States. Supply has been further limited as more and more farmers shift to corn-based crops for the production of ethanol to meet increased demand. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 and the first two quarters of fiscal 2007, prices for some of our key crops increased substantially. Although we have been able to negotiate price increases with some of our retailers, these price increases have not fully offset the rising costs. We cannot assure you as to the timing or extent of our ability to implement price adjustments in the current context of rising costs or in the event of increased costs in the future. Based on our grain costs for the year-to-date and our forecast for the balance of the fiscal year, we believe that our cost of goods for grain will increase in excess of $25 million in fiscal 2007 over fiscal 2006. The impact of these grain cost increases will be partially offset by any price increases that we are able to obtain from our retailers. We also cannot predict to what extent price increases may negatively affect our sales volume. Moreover, as retailers pass along price increases, consumers may shift to our lower margin pet bird feed, switch to competing products or reduce purchases of wild bird feed products.

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

We did not repurchase any of our equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2007. We still have authorization to purchase approximately $90 million in shares under our previously announced share repurchase program.

 

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Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

(a) The annual meeting of shareholders was held on February 12, 2007.

(b) The following directors were elected at the meeting:

William E. Brown

Glenn W. Novotny

Brooks M. Pennington III

John B. Balousek

David N. Chichester

Alfred A. Piergallini

Bruce A. Westphal

Set forth below is the tabulation with respect to the election of directors at the meeting:

 

     For    Against/Withheld

William E. Brown

     

Common

   10,500,618    8,803,689

Class B

   16,460,070    0

Glenn W. Novotny

     

Common

   10,959,008    8,345,299

Class B

   16,460,070    0

Brooks M. Pennington

     

Common

   10,915,711    8,388,596

Class B

   16,460,070    0

John B. Balousek

     

Common

   17,550,828    1,753,479

Class B

   16,460,070    0

David N. Chichester

     

Common

   18,617,146    687,161

Class B

   16,460,070    0

Alfred A. Piergalliini

     

Common

   17,939,865    1,364,442

Class B

   16,460,070    0

Bruce A. Westphal

     

Common

   17,006,426    2,297,881

Class B

   16,460,070    0

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

  4.1    Specimen Certificate for Registrant’s Class A Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-A/12B filed January 24, 2007.
10.1    Amendment No. 4 dated March 15, 2007 to the Credit Agreement, dated February 28, 2006, among Central Garden & Pet Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and lenders thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 20, 2007.
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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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 10, 2007

 

/S/    GLENN W. NOVOTNY        

Glenn W. Novotny

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

/S/    STUART W. BOOTH        

Stuart W. Booth

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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