Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT Quick QuoteCENT - Free Report) reported solid first-quarter fiscal 2025 results, wherein both top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increased year over year.

The company delivered strong first-quarter results, driven by higher shipments, productivity gains and moderating inflation, leading to growth in both revenues and earnings. While the quarter benefited from favorable shipment timing and promotional activities, the company remains confident in its fiscal year outlook and is committed to executing Central to Home strategy with precision.

CENT’s Quarterly Performance: Key Metrics & Insights

Central Garden & Pet posted quarterly earnings of 21 cents per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 3 cents. Also, the figure increased from 1 cent per share reported in the prior-year period.

Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.

The company reported consolidated net sales of $656.4 million, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $630 million. The metric increased 3% from $634.5 million posted in the year-ago period. This growth was driven by the timing of shipments, supported by favorable weather in the garden segment and the timing of promotional activity in the pet segment.

The gross profit was $196 million compared with $178.8 million reported in the year-ago period. The gross margin expanded 160 basis points (bps) to 29.8%, driven by productivity improvements and moderating inflation. We expected a gross margin increase of 20 bps.

SG&A expenses of $167.7 million decreased from $170.4 million in the prior year quarter. As a percentage of net sales, the figure decreased 140 bps to 25.5%, indicating cost discipline across the organization. We anticipated SG&A expenses, as a percentage of net sales, to increase 40 bps. 

The operating income was $28 million, up from $8.4 million reported in the year-ago period. The operating margin expanded 300 bps to 4.3%. 

Adjusted EBITDA was $55.4 million compared with $37 million in the prior-year period.

CENT’s Segment-Wise Performance Details

Net sales for the Pet segment were $427 million, indicating a 4% increase, which beat our estimate of $407.2 million. This growth was driven by customers shifting orders into the fiscal first quarter and the timing of promotional activities. 

The segment’s operating income was $51 million, up from $43 million reported in the prior-year quarter. The adjusted operating margin expanded 140 bps to 12%, supported by productivity improvements from the Cost and Simplicity program and moderating inflation.

In the Garden segment, net sales of $229 million increased 2% from the year-ago period, surpassing our estimate of $223 million. This growth benefited from customers shifting orders into the fiscal first quarter and favorable weather.

The segment’s operating income of $2 million increased from an operating loss of $9 million reported in the prior year quarter. The operating margin improved 500 bps to 1.1%, driven by moderating inflation, productivity gains and the exit from the low-margin pottery business.

CENT’s Financial Health Snapshot

Central Garden & Pet ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $618 million, long-term debt of $1,190.3 million and shareholders’ equity of $1,519.1 million, excluding the non-controlling interest of $0.7 million. The company repurchased about 1.68 million shares or $52 million in the quarter under review. Management expects capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 to be in the range of $60-$70 million.

Sneak Peek Into CENT’s Outlook

Central Garden & Pet estimates fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings to be $2.20 per share or more. This forecast takes into account factors such as the impact of newly proposed tariffs, deflationary pressures in certain commodity sectors, shifting consumer behavior amid ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, and challenges in the traditional retail market. The outlook excludes any potential effects from acquisitions, divestitures or restructuring activities, including initiatives related to the Cost and Simplicity program.

The company expects a softer second quarter of fiscal 2025 compared with the last year.

Shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 1% in the past three months compared with the industry’s growth of 2.4%.

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