Central Garden & Pet Co - CENT STOCK NEWS

Ferry-Morse, a gardening seed brand under Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), has launched a new collection of Bulk Flower & Wildflower Mixes for 2025. The collection features 50 varieties of 1-pound bags of flower, wildflower, and lawn alternative seeds, all free of filler materials.

The new line includes specialized mixes such as Bumblebee Buffet Mix, Perennial Wildflower Mix, Edible Flower Mix, Regional Mixes, Flowering Grass Alternative Mix, and Cottage Garden Mix. Additionally, Ferry-Morse is expanding its seed packet line with over 50 new varieties of non-GMO and organic seeds, including Artichoke Green Globe, Basil Dark Opal, Watermelon Triple Crown Hybrid Organic, Bean Scarlet Runner, Sunflower Lemon Queen, and Zinnia Candy Cane.

Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENTA) reported strong Q1 fiscal 2025 results with net sales increasing 3% to $656 million from $635 million year-over-year. The company's EPS significantly improved to $0.21 from $0.01 in the prior year.

The Pet segment saw a 4% increase in net sales to $427 million, while the Garden segment grew 2% to $229 million. Gross margin improved by 160 basis points to 29.8%, driven by productivity gains and moderating inflation. Operating income increased to $28 million from $8 million, with operating margin expanding by 300 basis points to 4.3%.

The company maintains its fiscal 2025 guidance for non-GAAP EPS of $2.20 or better, despite expected impacts from new tariffs and retail challenges. During Q1, Central repurchased 1.68 million shares worth $52 million, with $131 million remaining for future repurchases.

Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT, CENTA) has scheduled the announcement of its fiscal 2025 first quarter financial results for Wednesday, February 5, 2025, after market close. The results will cover the period ended December 28, 2024. The company will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time) on the same day.

CEO Niko Lahanas and CFO Brad Smith will lead the conference call to discuss the quarterly results and provide a business update. Investors can access the live webcast and related materials through the company's investor relations website at http://ir.central.com. Those wishing to participate via phone can dial +1 (201) 689-8345.

Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENTA) has announced support initiatives for animal welfare organizations in Los Angeles area affected by Southern California wildfires. The company has made both financial and in-kind contributions, including a $50,000 cash donation to LA County Animal Care & Control and Best Friends Animal Society.

Multiple business units have contributed to the relief effort: K&H donated hundreds of pet beds, while Nylabone/FourPaws/Paw Love provided training pads, dog toys, and chews. Central Pet Distribution contributed dog and cat food, with Central Supply Chain managing logistics for delivery of these supplies. The company's employees have also volunteered their time and resources to support ongoing relief efforts in wildfire-affected communities.

Nylabone, a Central Garden & Pet brand, marks its 70th anniversary with a significant sustainability initiative and packaging redesign. The new packaging embodies their motto 'Trusted Chew Toys with Heart and Purpose™' while substantially reducing environmental impact.

The brand is transitioning to recyclable paper materials and eliminating most plastic blister designs, resulting in a reduction of over 40 tons of plastic annually. This environmental commitment has earned Nylabone recognition as one of the Pet Sustainability Coalition Top Performers of 2024-2025.

The redesigned packaging features a heart motif symbolizing the bond between pets and owners, while providing clear guidance for pet parents to select appropriate chew toys. This initiative follows their 2024 packaging revamp for Healthy Edibles® and Nutri Dent® treats, which saved 37,000 pounds of paper. The new eco-friendly packaging will be available in spring 2025.

Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT, CENTA) has appointed Randal D. Lewis to its Board of Directors, effective December 11, 2024. Lewis brings over 34 years of consumer products industry experience, including 17 years at Spectrum Brands Holdings. He most recently served as Spectrum's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer until December 2022, overseeing all operating divisions. His previous roles included President of Spectrum's Global Consumer Division, managing Global Auto Care, Global Pet Care, and Home & Garden business units. Lewis holds a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT, CENTA) has announced its participation in the KeyBanc Capital Markets December Consumer Spotlight virtual event, scheduled for December 12-13, 2024. CEO Niko Lahanas and CFO Brad Smith will engage in a fireside chat on December 12, 2024, at 3:55 pm ET.

Interested parties can pre-register for the event through the provided MeetMax link. The fireside chat will be available as a webcast replay on Central's investor relations website after the conference. Management will also be available for one-on-one meetings during the event, which can be scheduled through KeyBanc representatives or by contacting Central's investor relations team.

Comfort Zone, a Central Garden & Pet brand, launches a campaign to challenge stereotypes about Cat Dads during cuffing season 2025. The initiative includes a -edition holiday gift box featuring a 2025 calendar and cat calming products. According to their survey, while almost 60% of women prefer dating dog owners over cat owners, and Cat Dads are viewed as 25% less attractive in dating profiles, these same women value qualities commonly associated with cat owners, such as being good listeners and kindhearted. The campaign aims to highlight how men who can create calming environments for cats might make better partners.

Nylabone, a brand under Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT), has donated over $1 million worth of chew toys and treats to animal welfare groups in 2024 through its Nylabone Cares program. The company distributed more than 100,000 durable chew toys to over 750 organizations, including American Humane and ASPCA. The donations aim to promote healthy behavior in shelter animals and therapy dogs. Additionally, Nylabone provided 1,600 enrichment toys through their Holiday Enrichment program and made various charitable contributions, including supporting breast cancer research and military dog reunification efforts.