Central Garden & Pet (CENT)
NASDAQ:CENT
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Earnings Data
Report Date
Aug 12, 2026After Close (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q3)Consensus EPS Forecast
1.52Last Year’s EPS
1.56Same Quarter Last Year
Moderate Buy
Based on 3 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call presented a largely positive operating and financial picture: record Q2 and first-half results, top-line growth (+9% consolidated), margin expansion, improved adjusted EBITDA, strong segment performance (Pet +5%, Garden +13% in Q2), and a robust balance sheet. Strategic simplification and the Phillips JV position the company to focus on higher-margin branded growth, though the JV will reduce reported revenue in the near term and bring a modest initial EPS headwind. Key risks include weather-dependent sell-through (May is pivotal), input cost inflation (notably urea) that may require future pricing, and a promotional retail environment with some private-label pressure. Overall, the positive operational execution, liquidity, and margin improvement outweigh the near-term headwinds and timing risks.Company Guidance
Record Quarterly and First-Half Results
Company delivered a record fiscal Q2 and record first half with net sales of $906M, up 9% year-over-year, and record Q2 diluted EPS of $1.28 (net income $79M vs $64M prior year).
Margin and Profitability Expansion
Gross profit increased to $300M from $273M and gross margin improved 30 basis points to 33.1%; operating income rose to $114M from $93M and operating margin expanded to 12.6% from 11.2%.
Improved Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA increased to $139M from $123M, with adjusted EBITDA margin rising to 15.4% from 14.8%.
Pet Segment Momentum
Pet net sales were $477M, up 5% year-over-year. Segment operating income grew to $78M from $61M and operating margin improved to 16.3% from 13.4%; adjusted EBITDA rose to $89M (18.6% margin vs 16.6%).
Garden Segment Strength and Share Gains
Garden net sales were $425M, up 13% in Q2 (first half up 4%). The company gained distribution and market share in grass seed, fertilizer, and wild bird. Garden operating income increased to $66M from $59M.
Strong Balance Sheet and Liquidity
Cash and short-term investments totaled $653M (up $137M despite an acquisition); total debt $1.2B, gross leverage 2.8x (improved from 2.9x and below target 3.0–3.5x); net leverage ~1.3x and no borrowings under the credit facility.
Operational Simplification and Strategic Actions
Company continued consolidation moves (DoMyOwn into Covington, TDBBS into NJ) and formed a JV with Phillips Pet Food & Supplies (retaining 20% ownership) to simplify distribution, lower costs, and sharpen focus on higher-margin branded growth.
Return of Capital and Controlled Investment
Repurchased ~110,000 shares for $3.4M with $128M remaining authorization; Q2 CapEx $10M with FY CapEx expected $50–60M focused on maintenance and targeted productivity/growth.
CENT Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
CENT Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
May 06, 2026 | $36.83 | $38.53 | +4.62% |
Feb 04, 2026 | $35.11 | $36.60 | +4.24% |
Nov 24, 2025 | $31.43 | $34.15 | +8.65% |
Aug 06, 2025 | $39.41 | $35.09 | -10.97% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Central Garden & Pet (CENT) report earnings?
Central Garden & Pet (CENT) is schdueled to report earning on Aug 12, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
What is Central Garden & Pet (CENT) earnings time?
Central Garden & Pet (CENT) earnings time is at Aug 12, 2026, After Close (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is CENT EPS forecast?
CENT EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q3) is 1.52.