CENTA

The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who didn’t). Let’s take a look at how household products stocks fared in Q2, starting with Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENT). Household products stocks are generally stable investments, as many of the industry's products are essential for a comfortable and functional living space. Recently, there's been a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable offerings, reflecting the evolving consumer preferences for environmentally conscious options. These trends can be double-edged swords that benefit companies who innovate quickly to take advantage of them and hurt companies that don't invest enough to meet consumers where they want to be with regards to trends. The 10 household products stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q2. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.1% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was 1.6% above. In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady. On average, they are relatively unchanged since the latest earnings results. Enhancing the lives of both pets and homeowners, Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENT) is a leading producer and distributor of essential products for pet care, lawn and garden maintenance, and pest control. Central Garden & Pet reported revenues of $882.4 million, down 8.2% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 0.6%. Despite the top-line beat, it was still a slower quarter for the company with a miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates. Central Garden & Pet delivered the slowest revenue growth of the whole group. The market was likely pricing in the results, and the stock is flat since reporting. It currently trades at $44.24. Read our full report on Central Garden & Pet here, it’s free. A leader in multiple consumer product categories, Spectrum Brands (NYSE:SPB) is a diversified company with a portfolio of trusted brands spanning home appliances, garden care, personal care, and pet care. Spectrum Brands reported revenues of $753.3 million, up 7.7% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 2.4%. The business had a stunning quarter with a beat of analysts’ EPS and gross margin estimates. However, the results were likely priced into the stock as it’s traded sideways since reporting. Shares currently sit at $88.94. Is now the time to buy Spectrum Brands? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free. Masterminds behind the viral Energizer Bunny mascot, Energizer (NYSE:ENR) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of batteries. Energizer reported revenues of $734.1 million, up 1.2% year on year, exceeding analysts’ expectations by 1.2%. Still, it was a slower quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ EPS and EBITDA estimates. Interestingly, the stock is up 3.7% since the results and currently trades at $21.90. Read our full analysis of Energizer’s results here. Best known for its Arm & Hammer baking soda, Church & Dwight (NYSE:CHD) is a household and personal care products company with a vast portfolio that spans laundry detergent to toothbrushes to hair removal creams. Church & Dwight reported revenues of $1.53 billion, up 1.6% year on year. This print beat analysts’ expectations by 1.8%. Taking a step back, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also produced a solid beat of analysts’ organic revenue estimates but EPS guidance for next quarter missing analysts’ expectations. The stock is up 4.4% since reporting and currently trades at $102.02. Read our full, actionable report on Church & Dwight here, it’s free. Founded by candle maker William Procter and soap maker James Gamble, Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) is a consumer products behemoth whose product portfolio spans everything from facial tissues to laundry detergent to feminine care to men’s grooming. Procter & Gamble reported revenues of $21.2 billion, up 1.5% year on year. This number came in 0.8% below analysts’ expectations. More broadly, it was a mixed quarter as it also recorded a decent beat of analysts’ gross margin estimates but full-year EPS guidance meeting analysts’ expectations. The stock is down 2.3% since reporting and currently trades at $145.46. Read our full, actionable report on Procter & Gamble here, it’s free. Over the past year, investors have been forced to repeatedly answer the same question: what is the market’s biggest risk? The answer has changed several times, and each shift has reshaped market leadership. Late in 2025 and early 2026, artificial intelligence became the market’s primary uncertainty. Investors questioned whether AI would erode software pricing power and weaken competitive moats as AI made it easier to replicate once-differentiated products. By the spring, technology took a back seat to geopolitics. The U.S. conflict with Iran briefly became the market’s dominant narrative, raising concerns about oil prices, inflation, and global growth. But as energy markets remained orderly and fears of a prolonged supply disruption faded, investors quickly turned their focus back to fundamentals. Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 5 Quality Compounder Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.

Interested in Central Garden & Pet Company? Here are five stocks we like better. Central Garden & Pet raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to $2.85 or better from $2.70, despite reported third-quarter sales falling 8% to $882 million following its exit from the pet distribution business. Organic sales excluding that operation increased 2%. Profitability improved on a margin basis: gross margin expanded 140 basis points to 36% and adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 18.3%, although adjusted EPS slipped to $1.54 from $1.56 due partly to TRIXIE transaction costs and data investments. The pending acquisition of an 80% stake in European pet supplies company TRIXIE is expected to close in the first half of fiscal 2027 for up to €400 million, expanding Central’s branded pet presence in Europe. Meanwhile, garden sales and operating income grew, and operating cash flow reached a record $327 million. 3 Small-Cap Stocks on the Way to Bigger and Better Days Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENT) reported an 8% decline in fiscal third-quarter net sales to $882 million, primarily reflecting its exit from the pet distribution business at the beginning of the quarter. Excluding that business, organic net sales rose 2% to $862 million, supported by growth in both the pet and garden segments. The company also raised its fiscal 2026 outlook for non-GAAP diluted earnings per share to $2.85 or better, from prior guidance of $2.70 or better. The outlook excludes the effects of future acquisitions, including its pending purchase of an 80% interest in European pet supplies company TRIXIE, as well as potential divestitures, restructuring actions and further tariff refunds. → SpaceX’s First Earnings Report Could Decide Whether Shorts or Bulls Have Control MarketBeat ‘Stock of the Week’: Central Garden & Pet Non-GAAP gross profit declined 4% to $318 million, while gross margin increased 140 basis points to 36%. Non-GAAP operating income decreased 2% to $136 million, but operating margin rose 90 basis points to 15.4%. Chief Financial Officer Brad Smith said higher corporate spending related to the TRIXIE transaction and investments in data capabilities accounted for more than 100% of the decline in operating income. Non-GAAP net income fell 2% to $96 million, and non-GAAP diluted EPS was $1.54, compared with $1.56 in the prior-year quarter. → 3 Drone Stocks That Should Soar After the Summer Slump Growth Ahead for Central Garden & Pet Adjusted EBITDA was $162 million, compared with $167 million a year earlier, while adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 18.3% from 17.3%. Chief Executive Officer Niko Lahanas said the company delivered organic sales growth and margin expansion while continuing to invest in brands, innovation, eCommerce capabilities and supply-chain operations. He said consumers continue to seek value and performance, with eCommerce and private label serving as important growth areas in certain categories. → The Bitcoin Comeback May Already Be Underway—2 ETFs for Exposure Pet segment sales declined 19% to $400 million as a result of the distribution business exit. Organic pet sales, excluding the distribution operation, increased 2% to $380 million. The company cited broad gains across most of its pet portfolio, partly offset by lower Dog and Cat revenue tied primarily to the timing of promotional events and related investment spending. Lahanas said the pet business is showing stabilization, with strength in professional, equine, avian and small-animal categories. The company said it gained share in professional products, Dog Treats, Rawhide and Flea and Tick. Management also said a fire at a supplier plant in South America created supply issues for parts of the Dog and Cat business. Lahanas said the company had to source alternative supply and airship products, affecting both sales and margins. Smith said roughly two-thirds of the Dog and Cat sales decline was related to normal promotional timing differences, adding that July results were encouraging. Pet eCommerce sales rose 10% year over year, aided by a record Prime Day, according to Smith. Pet segment non-GAAP operating income declined 2% to $76 million, while operating margin improved 320 basis points to 19%. The lower operating income and higher margin largely reflected the exit of the lower-margin distribution business, improved product mix and productivity benefits, partially offset by higher material and freight costs. Garden segment sales increased 3% to $482 million, driven by distribution wins and consumer demand in fertilizer, Wild Bird and grass seed. The company said sales in fertilizer and Wild Bird remained at record levels. Jason Barnes, executive vice president of Garden Consumer Products, described weather during the quarter as mixed, with cold and wet conditions followed by a heat dome and extended heat. Despite those conditions, he said the company’s brands and manufactured products rose mid- to high-single digits during the quarter, while its vendor-partner distribution business weighed on overall results. Garden eCommerce sales increased more than 40% from a year earlier, with growth across pure-play and omnichannel retail partners. The company said it gained market share in fertilizer, Wild Bird and grass seed. Garden non-GAAP operating income increased 7% to $91 million, and operating margin improved 70 basis points to 18.9%. Favorable mix and productivity gains more than offset higher freight and digital marketing costs. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $101 million from $96 million, while margin rose to 20.9% from 20.4%. Management said retailer inventories were in a favorable position entering the fourth quarter. Barnes said inventories were not a principal driver of third-quarter results, as shipments and consumption were relatively close, while stronger-than-expected retail sell-through in grass seed, fertilizer and Wild Bird drove performance. Central recently entered into a definitive agreement to acquire an 80% interest in TRIXIE, a European pet supplies and pet snacks company. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of fiscal 2027. The deal calls for €340 million at closing and up to €60 million in additional earn-out consideration, for a potential total of €400 million. Smith characterized the purchase price as a high-single-digit EBITA multiple. TRIXIE serves more than 30,000 pet retail stores worldwide and has a portfolio that is about 90% branded products, Lahanas said. Central expects the combined companies to generate approximately 10% of sales outside the United States and to create a broader platform in the European pet specialty market. Management identified potential opportunities in innovation, sourcing, manufacturing, online penetration and logistics. Smith said the company does not expect meaningful synergies during the first year after closing, with benefits more likely to emerge in the second year as the companies develop a joint plan. Lahanas said the acquisition would not prevent Central from pursuing additional deals. The company sees Europe as an area of focus for pet-related acquisitions, while Smith noted that valuation multiples in Europe can be lower than those in the U.S. Cash provided by operations reached a company record of $327 million, up from $265 million a year earlier. Smith said the gain reflected strong cash conversion as well as inventory reductions associated with the distribution exit and grass seed inventory management. Central ended the quarter with $997 million in cash and cash equivalents, up $284 million from a year earlier. Total debt was $1.2 billion, with no borrowings under its credit facility. Gross leverage was 2.8 times, and net leverage was 0.5 times, though those figures exclude funding for the pending TRIXIE transaction. The company also said Project Horizon, its multiyear garden logistics modernization effort, is about 95% complete. Since 2022, Central has closed 13 facilities and opened two, consolidating separate garden distribution networks into a four-node national Central Logistics Network. Lahanas said all projects have been completed under budget with minimal customer disruption. Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT) is a leading North American specialty retailer, manufacturer and distributor serving the lawn and garden and pet supplies markets. The company operates through two primary segments: Pet and Garden. In the Pet segment, Central Garden & Pet offers a comprehensive range of products including pet food, treats, accessories, training products and habitat solutions for dogs, cats, birds, fish and small animals. The Garden segment encompasses a wide array of lawn, garden and outdoor living products, such as soils, fertilizers, planters, pest control solutions, landscape lighting and watering equipment. Central Garden & Pet's product portfolio includes both proprietary and branded offerings. 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This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Net Sales: Declined 8% to $882 million, impacted by the exit of the Pet distribution business. Organic Net Sales: Rose 2% to $862 million, reflecting growth in both Garden and Pet segments. Non-GAAP Gross Profit: $318 million, down 4%, with gross margin up 140 basis points to 36%. Non-GAAP Operating Income: $136 million, down 2%, with operating margin expanding 90 basis points to 15.4%. Non-GAAP Net Income: $96 million, down 2%. Non-GAAP Diluted EPS: $1.54, compared to $1.56 in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA: $162 million versus $167 million a year ago, with margin expanding to 18.3% from 17.3%. Pet Segment Net Sales: $400 million, down 19%, reflecting the distribution exit; organic sales rose 2% to $380 million. Pet Segment Operating Margin: Improved 320 basis points to 19%, with segment non-GAAP operating income of $76 million, down 2%. Garden Segment Net Sales: $482 million, up 3%, driven by distribution wins and strong demand in fertilizer, wild bird, and grass seed. Garden Segment Operating Income: $91 million, up 7%, with operating margin improving 70 basis points to 18.9%. Cash Provided by Operations: $327 million, a record for the quarter, versus $265 million last year. Cash and Cash Equivalents: $997 million, up $284 million year-over-year. Total Debt: $1.2 billion, in line with last year, with gross leverage at 2.8 times and net leverage at 0.5 times. Fiscal 2026 Guidance: Raised non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance to $2.85 or better, up from $2.70 or better. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Signs with CENT. Is CENT fairly valued? Test your thesis with our free DCF calculator. Release Date: August 05, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Central Garden & Pet Co (NASDAQ:CENT) delivered another solid quarter with organic sales growth of 2% and operating margin expansion of 90 basis points to 15.4%. The company announced the acquisition of TRIXIE, a leading European pet supplies company, which significantly expands its international footprint and provides a platform for growth in the fragmented European market. Project Horizon, the multi-year logistics network modernization, is approximately 95% complete, with all projects delivered under budget and minimal customer disruption, leading to improved productivity and service levels. Garden segment achieved record sales in fertilizer and wild bird categories, with overall segment sales up 3% and operating margin improving 70 basis points to 18.9%. The company raised its fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance from $2.70 or better to $2.85 or better, reflecting strong year-to-date performance and confidence in the fourth quarter. Cash flow from operations was a record $327 million for the quarter, and net leverage reached an all-time low of 0.5 times, providing significant financial flexibility for future M&A. Net sales declined 8% to $882 million, driven by the exit of the Pet distribution business, which will continue to reduce reported revenue over the next several quarters. Pet segment dog and cat revenues were lower due to timing of promotional events and supply issues caused by a fire at a supplier's plant in South America, which also negatively impacted margins. Non-GAAP operating income decreased 2% to $136 million, with higher corporate spend related to the TRIXIE acquisition and investments in data capabilities accounting for more than 100% of the decrease. The macroeconomic environment remains dynamic, with consumers continuing to seek value, leading to trade-down behavior in certain categories and a shift towards private label and value-oriented products. The company faced higher materials and freight costs in the Pet segment, which offset some of the productivity benefits and margin mix improvements. Garden segment results were achieved despite a less-than-optimal weather quarter, including a heat dome and extended heat, which could have negatively impacted demand. Q: Can you provide more color on the underlying trends within the Pet segment, given the various moving parts like the distribution JV and the exit of lower-margin durables?A: CEO Nicholas Lahanas noted a real stabilization in the Pet business, with strength in the professional, equine, and small animal/avian categories. The dog and cat business had a hiccup due to a supplier plant fire in South America, which was an internal, non-systemic issue. President of Pet Consumer Products John Hanson added that the company is holding or gaining market share in key areas like rawhide, dog treats, and flea and tick, and feels good about the overall stabilization. Q: How should we think about organic growth rates for Pet and Garden going forward, given the recent portfolio reshaping?A: CEO Nicholas Lahanas stated the company intends to return to its long-term growth rates, targeting 1% to 4% for Pet and 1% to 2% for Garden. He emphasized a shift in mindset from cost and simplicity to a greater focus on growth and innovation, which is starting to materialize in recent quarters, with M&A activity layered on top. Q: What drove the Garden segment's 3% growth, and how should we think about the fourth quarter given the weather challenges and retail inventories?A: EVP of Garden Consumer Products Jason Barnes explained that despite a mixed weather bag (cold/wet start, heat dome, extended heat), the company's brands were up mid-to-high single digits, driven by strength in grass seed, fertilizer, and wild bird. He noted that retailer inventories are well-positioned, and the intense summer heat bodes well for the fall overseeding season for grass seed and fertilizer. Q: Can you elaborate on the potential synergies with the TRIXIE acquisition and the opportunity to enhance margins?A: CEO Nicholas Lahanas highlighted several opportunities, including adding manufacturing margin by moving product to Europe from U.S. facilities, collaborating on innovation (TRIXIE introduces hundreds of new products annually), and improving sourcing. He also praised TRIXIE's advanced logistics facility, from which Central can learn. CFO Brad Smith added that synergies are expected to start in the second year after the deal closes, not the first. Q: Can you provide more color on consumer behavior, particularly regarding trading down from branded to private label products?A: CEO Nicholas Lahanas noted consumers are seeking value, and Central is winning where it nails the value equation, citing Rebel grass seed in Garden and Bully Hide in Pet as examples. John Hanson added that on the Pet side, branded products outperformed private label in Q3, with trade-down occurring more in super-premium products. CFO Brad Smith also highlighted a significant channel shift to Club and Walmart, which is expected to continue. Q: With Project Horizon largely complete, how much more opportunity is there for cost and productivity initiatives?A: CEO Nicholas Lahanas stated that while the large moves are behind them, the next phase involves AI, robotics, and learning from TRIXIE's advanced facilities. He also noted ongoing opportunities to further integrate Pet and Garden operations. John Hanson added that cost and simplicity is now embedded in the company's culture, ensuring continuous improvement. Q: Are you seeing more M&A opportunities, and what is the quality and valuation environment like?A: CEO Nicholas Lahanas indicated the pipeline is filling up with better quality deals and more realistic valuations. He confirmed the company is actively looking at other deals and has the liquidity (nearly $1 billion in cash) to pursue them. CFO Brad Smith added that Europe is a fertile hunting ground for Pet M&A, with relatively lower multiples than the U.S. Q: Will the TRIXIE integration pause your ability to pursue other M&A transactions?A: CEO Nicholas Lahanas confirmed that the company is actively looking at several other deals and will not pause its M&A strategy. He emphasized that TRIXIE has a separate work stream and that Central has the bandwidth to do more, while being thoughtful not to disrupt TRIXIE's successful business. Q: What drove the record cash flow from operations in the quarter?A: CFO Brad Smith attributed the strong cash conversion to an overall good quarter, further helped by unwinding inventory from exiting the distribution business and working through a significant amount of grass seed inventory. Q: Can you quantify the impact of the supplier plant fire on the dog and cat business?A: CEO Nicholas Lahanas stated the company has not quantified the impact but acknowledged it left both sales and margin on the table due to the need to airship product from alternative sources. CFO Brad Smith added that roughly two-thirds of the dog and cat sales decline was due to normal timing differences related to promotional events, and July results were encouraging. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Reports fiscal 2026 Q3 net sales decline of 8%, with organic sales growth of 2% Delivers fiscal 2026 Q3 GAAP diluted EPS of $1.45 versus $1.52 in the prior year, and non-GAAP EPS of $1.54 versus $1.56 Raises fiscal 2026 outlook for non-GAAP diluted EPS from $2.70 or better to $2.85 or better WALNUT CREEK, Calif., August 05, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) ("Central"), a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries, today announced financial results for its fiscal 2026 third quarter ended June 27, 2026. "Third quarter results showed continued strength across the business with improvements in both organic sales and margins versus last year, reflecting sharp execution and favorable margins due primarily to the exit of the pet distribution business earlier this year. Following the quarter, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in TRIXIE, the leading European pet supplies and pet snacks company, a significant step in expanding our presence in Europe," said Niko Lahanas, CEO of Central Garden & Pet. "As we enter the final phase of the garden season, and given the strength we've seen across the business, we're raising our fiscal year outlook." Fiscal 2026 Third Quarter Financial Results (All comparisons versus Q3 FY 2025) Net sales were $882 million compared with $961 million, a decrease of 8%. Organic net sales, which take into account the exit of the pet distribution business at the beginning of the quarter, were $862 million compared with $842 million, an increase of 2%. Gross profit was $317 million, compared with $332 million, a decrease of 5%, with gross margin expanding by 130 basis points to 35.9% from 34.6%. SG&A was $191 million, compared with $197 million, a decrease of 3%. Non-GAAP SG&A was $182 million, compared with $193 million, a decrease of 6%. Operating income totaled $126 million, compared with $135 million, a decrease of 7%, with operating margin expanding by 20 basis points to 14.3% from 14.1%. On a non-GAAP basis, operating income totaled $136 million, compared with $139 million, a decrease of only 2%, with operating margin expanding by 90 basis points to 15.4% from 14.5%. Other income was $2 million, slightly above the prior year. Net interest expense was $8 million, lower than a year ago. Net income was $90 million, compared with $95 million, a decrease of 5%, or $1.45 per diluted share compared with $1.52, a decrease of $0.07. On a non-GAAP basis, net income was $96 million, compared with $98 million, a decrease of 2%, or $1.54 per diluted share compared with $1.56, a decrease of $0.02. Adjusted EBITDA was $162 million, compared with $167 million, a decrease of $5 million, with margin expanding by 100 basis points to 18.3% from 17.3%. Pet Segment Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results (All comparisons versus Q3 FY 2025) Net sales in the Pet segment were $400 million, compared with $493 million, a decrease of 19% reflecting the exit of the pet distribution business. Organic net sales in the Pet segment were $380 million, an increase of 2%. Operating income was $67 million, compared with $76 million, a decrease of 12%, with margin of 16.7% versus 15.5%, up 120 basis points. Non-GAAP operating income was $76 million, compared with $78 million, a decrease of 2%, with margin of 19.0% versus 15.8%, up 320 basis points. Adjusted EBITDA was $86 million, compared with $88 million, a decrease of $2 million, with margin of 21.4% versus 17.9%, up 350 basis points. Garden Segment Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results (All comparisons versus Q3 FY 2025) Net sales in the Garden segment were $482 million, compared with $468 million, an increase of 3%. The increase was primarily driven by Wild Bird, Fertilizer and Controls, and Grass Seeds. Operating income was $90 million, compared with $83 million, an increase of 9%, with margin expanding by 100 basis points to 18.7% from 17.7%. Non-GAAP operating income was $91 million, compared with $85 million, an increase of 7%, with margin of 18.9% versus 18.2%, up 70 basis points. Adjusted EBITDA was $101 million, compared with $96 million, an increase of $5 million, with margin of 20.9% versus 20.4%, up 50 basis points. Liquidity and Debt (All comparisons versus Q3 FY 2025) Cash provided by operations was $327 million, compared with $265 million, primarily reflecting seasonal changes in working capital. Cash and cash equivalents at June 27, 2026, totaled $997 million, compared with $713 million. Total debt was $1.2 billion, consistent with the prior year period, with strong liquidity supporting continued investment capacity and financial flexibility. Gross leverage, calculated using the definitions for Indebtedness and EBITDA in Central's credit agreement, ended the third quarter at 2.8x, compared with 2.9x in the prior year and below the target range of 3.0 to 3.5x. Net leverage was 0.5x. As of June 27, 2026, $128 million remained available for future stock repurchases. Acquisition of TRIXIE Following the close of the quarter, Central entered into a definitive agreement to acquire an 80% interest in TRIXIE Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG ("TRIXIE"), the leading European pet supplies and pet snacks company, for €340 million in cash at closing plus up to €60 million in additional earn-out payments, for total consideration of up to €400 million. Together, Central and TRIXIE will create the leading global player in pet supplies. TRIXIE serves over 30,000 pet retail stores internationally with a broad portfolio of pet products, approximately 90% of which are own-brand. The transaction will give Central a differentiated presence with approximately 10% of net sales generated outside of the United States and establish a scaled platform to consolidate the fragmented European pet specialty market. Members of TRIXIE's leadership team will retain a minority stake and continue in key roles. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of fiscal 2027. Fiscal 2026 Guidance Reflecting year-to-date results and improved visibility into the balance of the year, Central raises its outlook for fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS from $2.70 or better to $2.85 or better, driven by continued margin discipline, ongoing investment in growth initiatives, and portfolio optimization. The outlook incorporates current assumptions regarding a competitive and promotional retail environment, a value-oriented consumer, existing tariffs, and inflation in select commodities. It also assumes continued stability across key commodities despite a dynamic macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 are projected to be approximately $50 million, focused on maintenance, productivity initiatives, and targeted growth investments across both segments. This outlook excludes any potential impacts from further acquisitions, divestitures, or restructuring activities that may occur during the remainder of fiscal 2026, including projects under Central's Cost and Simplicity agenda, as well as further tariff refunds. Conference Call Central will hold a conference call today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time), hosted by CEO Niko Lahanas and CFO Brad Smith, to discuss these results and to provide a general business update. The conference call and related materials can be accessed at http://ir.central.com. Alternatively, to listen to the call by telephone, dial (201) 689-8345 (domestic and international) using confirmation #13760653. About Central Garden & Pet Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, the company has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture that incorporates sustainability. Central is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs more than 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more. Safe Harbor Statement "Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained in this release which are not historical facts, including statements concerning evolving consumer demand and unfavorable retailer dynamics, productivity initiatives, estimated capital spending, earnings guidance for fiscal 2026, the expected timing of the closing of the acquisition of TRIXIE, and our ability to successfully manage and grow TRIXIE’s business, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon Central's current expectations and various assumptions. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release including, but not limited to, the following factors: economic uncertainty and other adverse macroeconomic conditions, including a potential recession or inflationary pressure; impacts of further tariffs or a trade war and our ability to receive tariff refunds; risks associated with international sourcing; the failure to obtain certain required regulatory approvals or the failure to satisfy any of the other closing conditions to the completion of the TRIXIE transaction; our ability to close the TRIXIE acquisition in a timely basis or at all; our ability to integrate the acquired company and realize the potential benefits of the TRIXIE transaction to Central and our customers; fluctuations in energy prices, fuel and related petrochemical costs; the impact of the new pet distribution partnership on our financial results and ability to distribute and promote our pet branded products; declines in consumer spending and the associated increased inventory risk; seasonality and fluctuations in our operating results and cash flow; adverse weather conditions and climate change; the success of our Central to Home strategy and our Cost and Simplicity agenda; fluctuations in market prices for seeds and grains and other raw materials, including the impact of significant declines in grass seed market prices on our inventory valuation; risks associated with new product introductions, including the risk that our new products will not produce sufficient sales to recoup our investment; dependence on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our business; consolidation trends in the retail industry; supply shortages in pet birds, small animals and fish; potential credit risk associated with certain brick and mortar retailers in the pet specialty segment; reductions in demand for our product categories; competition in our industries; continuing implementation of an enterprise resource planning information technology system; regulatory issues; potential environmental liabilities; access to and cost of additional capital; the impact of product recalls; risks associated with our acquisition strategy, including our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions and the impact of purchase accounting on our financial results; potential goodwill or intangible asset impairment; the potential for significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, particularly of acquired companies; our dependence upon our key executives; our ability to recruit and retain members of our management team and employees to support our businesses; potential costs and risks associated with actual or potential cyberattacks; our ability to protect our trademarks and other proprietary rights; litigation and product liability claims; the impact of new accounting regulations and the possibility our effective tax rate will increase as a result of future changes in the corporate tax rate or other tax law changes; potential dilution from issuance of authorized shares; and the voting power associated with our Class B stock. These and other risks are described in greater detail in Central’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 26, 2025. Central has not filed its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 27, 2026. As a result, all financial results described here should be considered preliminary, and are subject to change to reflect any necessary adjustments or changes in accounting estimates that are identified prior to the time the Company files the Form 10-Q. Central assumes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or any other development. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, to supplement the financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use non-GAAP financial measures including non-GAAP net income and diluted net income per share, non-GAAP operating income, organic net sales and adjusted EBITDA. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures that exclude the impact of specific items (described below) in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating our performance. Also, management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures may be useful to investors in their assessment of our ongoing operating performance and provide additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. While management believes that non-GAAP measures are useful supplemental information, such adjusted results are not intended to replace our GAAP financial results and should be read in conjunction with those GAAP results. We have also provided organic net sales, a non-GAAP measure that excludes the impact of businesses purchased or exited in the prior 12 months, because we believe it permits investors to better understand the performance of our historical business without the impact of recent acquisitions or dispositions. Adjusted EBITDA is defined by us as income before income tax, net other expense, net interest expense and depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation expense (or operating income plus depreciation and amortization expense and stock-based compensation expense). Adjusted EBITDA further excludes charges related to facility closures. We present adjusted EBITDA because we believe that adjusted EBITDA is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating the cash flows and performance of our business and provides greater transparency into our results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA is used by our management to perform such evaluations. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash flow from operations, income from operations or other income statement measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies, many of which present adjusted EBITDA when reporting their results. Other companies may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently and it may not be comparable. The reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are shown in the tables below. Non-GAAP financial measures reflect adjustments based on the following items: Facility closures and business exit: we have excluded charges related to the closure of distribution and manufacturing facilities and our decisions to exit businesses as they represent infrequent transactions that impact the comparability between operating periods. Tariff refunds: we have excluded the impact of tariff refunds received for certain tariffs previously imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act which were deemed unconstitutional. We believe the tariff refund amounts we have received represent infrequent transactions that impact the comparability between operating periods. Business contribution to new pet distribution partnership formation: we have excluded the gain related to the divestiture of the pet distribution business and its contribution to the formation of a partnership as it represents an infrequent transaction that impacts the comparability between operating periods. From time to time in the future, there may be other items that we may exclude if we believe that doing so is consistent with the goal of providing useful supplemental information to investors and management. We have not provided a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to the corresponding GAAP measures on a forward-looking basis as we cannot do so without unreasonable efforts due to the potential variability and limited visibility of excluded items; these excluded items may include facility closures and exit costs, impairment charges and restructuring costs, among others. During the third quarter of fiscal 2026, we recognized incremental expense of $13.8 million in the consolidated statement of operations, of which $13.0 million in our Pet segment related to the exit of a minor business and the closure of two facilities, and $0.8 million in our Garden segment related to the closure of three distribution centers in fiscal 2025 and 2024. During the third quarter of fiscal 2026, we recognized incremental income in our Pet segment of $3.6 million for tariff refunds received. During the third quarter of fiscal 2026, we recognized incremental income of $2.5 million in Other Income from the contribution of our pet distribution business to the formation of a new new partnership. During the first six months of fiscal 2026, we recognized incremental expense of $8.0 million in the condensed consolidated statement of operations, of which $7.3 million in our Garden segment related to the closure of three distribution centers in fiscal 2025 and 2024 and $0.7 million in our Pet segment related to the closure of a sales and logistics facility in Pennsylvania. During the third quarter of fiscal 2025, we recognized incremental expense of $3.9 million in the consolidated statement of operations, $2.2 million in our Garden segment related to closing a distribution facility in Ontario, California and beginning the consolidation of our Western distribution network and an incremental $1.7 million in our Pet segment related to the decision to winddown our operations in the U.K. During the second quarter of fiscal 2025, we recognized incremental expense of $5.3 million in the condensed consolidated statement of operations, related to the decision to wind-down our operations in the U.K. and the related facility there as we move to a direct-export model. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260805868011/en/ Contacts Investor & Media Contact Friederike EdelmannVP, Investor Relations & Corporate Sustainability(925) [email protected]

Central Garden (CENTA) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.54 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.51 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.56 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +1.99%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this pet and lawn products maker would post earnings of $1.08 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.29, delivering a surprise of +19.44%. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times. Central Garden, which belongs to the Zacks Consumer Products - Discretionary industry, posted revenues of $882.36 million for the quarter ended June 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.66%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $960.91 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call. Central Garden shares have added about 32.4% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 13%. While Central Garden has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions. Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Central Garden was unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is -$0.05 on $586.21 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $2.90 on $2.99 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year. Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Consumer Products - Discretionary is currently in the bottom 22% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. One other stock from the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector, Fox Corporation (FOX), is yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2026. The results are expected to be released on August 6. This company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.15 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -9.5%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 13.9% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. Fox Corporation's revenues are expected to be $3.73 billion, up 13.5% from the year-ago quarter. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Central Garden & Pet Company (CENTA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Fox Corporation (FOX) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

The market expects Central Garden (CENTA) to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on lower revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates. The earnings report, which is expected to be released on August 5, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower. While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise. This pet and lawn products maker is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.51 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -3.2%. Revenues are expected to be $876.54 million, down 8.8% from the year-ago quarter. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 50% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period. Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Estimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core. The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier. Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only. A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP. Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell). For Central Garden, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -1.77%. On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #4. So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Central Garden will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number. For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Central Garden would post earnings of $1.08 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.29, delivering a surprise of +19.44%. Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times. An earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss. That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Central Garden doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release. Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Central Garden & Pet Company (CENTA) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research

Find your next quality investment with Simply Wall St's easy and powerful screener, trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide. Central Garden & Pet (NasdaqGS:CENT) received an upgrade to a top analyst rating. The company’s consensus earnings outlook was revised higher, reflecting stronger analyst expectations. The changes highlight increased confidence in Central Garden & Pet’s current business fundamentals. Central Garden & Pet, a supplier of lawn, garden, and pet products, sits at the intersection of consumer spending on pets and home outdoor care. The upgraded view on NasdaqGS:CENT arrives at a time when consumers continue to prioritize pets and home environments, keeping attention on companies tied to these everyday categories. For investors following the pet care and garden supplies space, this shift in sentiment adds a fresh data point to an already closely watched segment. For readers tracking NasdaqGS:CENT, the combination of a ratings upgrade and a higher earnings consensus can serve as a prompt to reassess how the company fits into an existing portfolio or watchlist. Although analyst views can change, they often reflect updated assessments of a company’s operations, cost profile, and end-market demand. Investors may want to monitor future company updates, earnings releases, and sector trends to see how this revised outlook holds up over time. Stay updated on the most important news stories for Central Garden & Pet by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Central Garden & Pet. See which insiders are buying and buying and selling Central Garden & Pet following this latest news. The Zacks Rank upgrade to #1 for Central Garden & Pet, alongside a 2.6% upward revision in the full-year earnings consensus over the past quarter, signals that covering analysts are reassessing the company’s earnings power more positively. The stock’s 32.8% year-to-date return versus a Consumer Discretionary sector average decline of 8.8% frames this as a period where investor interest has been rewarded relative to the wider sector. For current and prospective holders, this combination of stronger sentiment and share price outperformance suggests the market is paying closer attention to Central’s execution on its pet and garden categories, while treating it differently from many discretionary peers. The earnings estimate revision lines up with the narrative that premium pet and garden products, along with cost and simplicity initiatives, can support healthier margins and more resilient earnings. The dependence on core U.S. pet and lawn and garden categories, flagged in the narrative as a concentration risk, could be amplified if expectations keep rising faster than those end markets can support. The recent Zacks Rank change reflects sentiment and estimate trends, which are not explicitly captured in the narrative that focuses more on operations, category trends, and distribution moves. Knowing what a company is worth starts with understanding its story. Check out one of the top narratives in the Simply Wall St Community for Central Garden & Pet to help decide what it's worth to you. ⚠️ Rising expectations following the Zacks Rank upgrade and earnings revision raise the bar for future quarterly results, increasing the risk of disappointment if delivery falls short. ⚠️ Central Garden & Pet remains heavily tied to U.S. pet and lawn and garden spending, so any slowdown in those categories could weigh on earnings, even with analyst optimism. 🎁 The 2.6% higher full-year earnings consensus over the past quarter points to improving analyst conviction around Central’s earnings trajectory. 🎁 Outperformance versus the Consumer Discretionary sector so far this year suggests investors are differentiating Central from peers that have weaker earnings revisions or sentiment. From here, watch whether Central Garden & Pet’s upcoming earnings reports continue to track or exceed the upgraded consensus, as that will help show if the Zacks Rank shift is supported by fundamentals. Pay attention to commentary around pet consumables, premium product demand, and garden seasonality, since these areas sit at the core of the existing narrative and will influence future estimate revisions. It is also worth tracking how Central’s performance compares with other consumer companies exposed to pet and home spending, such as Chewy, Petco, or Scotts Miracle-Gro, to gauge whether sentiment remains company specific or shifts across the group. Finally, any new updates on distribution partnerships, cost programs, or capital allocation will help investors judge how sustainable this improved outlook might be. To ensure you're always in the loop on how the latest news impacts the investment narrative for Central Garden & Pet, head to the community page for Central Garden & Pet to never miss an update on the top community narratives. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include CENT. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected]

Central Garden & Pet’s 36.1% return over the past six months has outpaced the S&P 500 by 29.9%, and its stock price has climbed to $44.51 per share. This was partly due to its solid quarterly results, and the run-up might have investors contemplating their next move. Is there a buying opportunity in Central Garden & Pet, or does it present a risk to your portfolio? Get the full breakdown from our expert analysts, it’s free. Despite the momentum, we’re sitting this one out for now. Here are three reasons why there are better opportunities than CENT, plus one stock we’d rather own. Examining a company’s long-term performance can provide clues about its quality. Any business can put up a good quarter or two, but the best consistently grow over the long haul. Over the last three years, Central Garden & Pet’s demand was weak and its revenue declined by 1% per year. This wasn’t a great result and signals it’s a lower quality business. Forecasted revenues by Wall Street analysts signal a company’s potential. Predictions may not always be accurate, but accelerating growth typically boosts valuation multiples and stock prices while slowing growth does the opposite. Over the next 12 months, sell-side analysts expect Central Garden & Pet’s revenue to drop by 8.2%. This projection doesn’t excite us and implies its products will face some demand challenges. Growth gives us insight into a company’s long-term potential, but how capital-efficient was that growth? Enter ROIC, a metric showing how much operating profit a company generates relative to the money it has raised (debt and equity). Central Garden & Pet historically did a mediocre job investing in profitable growth initiatives. Its five-year average ROIC was 7.8%, somewhat low compared to the best consumer staples companies that consistently pump out 20%+. Central Garden & Pet’s business quality ultimately falls short of our standards. With its shares topping the market in recent months, the stock trades at 15× forward P/E (or $44.51 per share). Investors with a higher risk tolerance might like the company, but we don’t really see a big opportunity at the moment. We’re pretty confident there are more exciting stocks to buy at the moment. We’d recommend looking at the most entrenched endpoint security platform on the market. WHILE YOU’RE HERE: Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. The best stocks don’t just beat the market once. They do it again. And again. Robust revenue growth, rising free cash flow, returns on capital that leave their competition in the dust. The market has already rewarded these businesses. But our AI platform says the party isn’t over. Find out which 9 stocks made the cut this week — FREE. Get Our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks for Free HERE. Stocks that have made our list include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

As the craze of earnings season draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of the most exciting (and some less so) results from Q1. Today, we are looking at household products stocks, starting with Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENT). Household products stocks are generally stable investments, as many of the industry's products are essential for a comfortable and functional living space. Recently, there's been a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable offerings, reflecting the evolving consumer preferences for environmentally conscious options. These trends can be double-edged swords that benefit companies who innovate quickly to take advantage of them and hurt companies that don't invest enough to meet consumers where they want to be with regards to trends. The 10 household products stocks we track reported a strong Q1. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.7% while next quarter’s revenue guidance was in line. In light of this news, share prices of the companies have held steady as they are up 3.7% on average since the latest earnings results. Enhancing the lives of both pets and homeowners, Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENT) is a leading producer and distributor of essential products for pet care, lawn and garden maintenance, and pest control. Central Garden & Pet reported revenues of $906.2 million, up 8.7% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 6.4%. Overall, it was a strong quarter for the company with an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA and EPS estimates. Interestingly, the stock is up 16.6% since reporting and currently trades at $42.96. Is now the time to buy Central Garden & Pet? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free. A leader in multiple consumer product categories, Spectrum Brands (NYSE:SPB) is a diversified company with a portfolio of trusted brands spanning home appliances, garden care, personal care, and pet care. Spectrum Brands reported revenues of $708.9 million, up 4.9% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 4.4%. The business had a stunning quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates. Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 2% since reporting. It currently trades at $83.29. Is now the time to buy Spectrum Brands? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free. Best known for its Arm & Hammer baking soda, Church & Dwight (NYSE:CHD) is a household and personal care products company with a vast portfolio that spans laundry detergent to toothbrushes to hair removal creams. Church & Dwight reported revenues of $1.47 billion, flat year on year, exceeding analysts’ expectations by 0.7%. Still, it was a mixed quarter as it posted EPS guidance for next quarter missing analysts’ expectations. As expected, the stock is down 3.3% since the results and currently trades at $93.83. Read our full analysis of Church & Dwight’s results here. Founded in 1913 with bleach as the sole product offering, Clorox (NYSE:CLX) today is a consumer products giant whose product portfolio spans everything from bleach to skincare to salad dressing to kitty litter. Clorox reported revenues of $1.67 billion, flat year on year. This result met analysts’ expectations. Zooming out, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also recorded an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates but a miss of analysts’ gross margin estimates. The stock is down 5.5% since reporting and currently trades at $91.14. Read our full, actionable report on Clorox here, it’s free. Best known for its aluminum foil, Reynolds (NASDAQ:REYN) is a household products company whose products focus on food storage, cooking, and waste. Reynolds reported revenues of $877 million, up 7.2% year on year. This print surpassed analysts’ expectations by 6.6%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter as it also recorded a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA and organic revenue estimates. Reynolds scored the biggest analyst estimate beat among its peers. The stock is up 11.9% since reporting and currently trades at $23.82. Read our full, actionable report on Reynolds here, it’s free. Late in 2025 into early 2026, there was hand-wringing around artificial intelligence. For software companies, the fear was that AI would erode pricing power and compress margins as new tools made it easier to replicate what once required expensive enterprise platforms. Crypto investors had their own version of the same anxiety: if AI agents could trade, allocate capital, and manage wallets autonomously, what exactly was the long-term value of today’s crypto infrastructure? These concerns triggered a noticeable rotation away from these sectors and into safer havens. But markets rarely dwell on one narrative for long. Spring 2026 came, and the focus shifted abruptly from technological disruption to geopolitical risk. The US’ conflict with Iran became the dominant driver of market psychology, and when geopolitics takes center stage, the script changes quickly. Investors stop debating growth rates and start worrying about oil supply, inflation, and global stability. Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our Top 5 Growth Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. StockStory’s analyst team — all seasoned professional investors — uses quantitative analysis and automation to deliver market-beating insights faster and with higher quality.

Central Garden & Pet posted an 8.7% year-on-year sales increase in Q1, exceeding Wall Street’s revenue expectations. Management attributed these results to robust demand across both pet and garden segments, improved operational execution, and ongoing cost simplification initiatives. CEO Nicholas Lahanas noted that consolidating manufacturing and fulfillment operations, as well as new partnerships, have helped streamline operations and boost efficiency. Lahanas also highlighted, “We built a strong foundation and we are moving forward with focus, discipline, and confidence in our ability to deliver long-term growth and value.” Is now the time to buy CENT? Find out in our full research report (it’s free). Revenue: $906.2 million vs analyst estimates of $851.4 million (8.7% year-on-year growth, 6.4% beat) Adjusted EPS: $1.29 vs analyst estimates of $1.10 (17.3% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $134.6 million vs analyst estimates of $124.1 million (14.9% margin, 8.5% beat) Management reiterated its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance of $2.70 at the midpoint Operating Margin: 12.6%, up from 11.2% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $2.20 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Bradley Bingham Thomas (KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc.) asked about sell-through trends during the spring season and the ability to drive profit in the second half; President John D. Walker said momentum was strong but results remain weather-dependent, especially in May. Brian McNamara (Canaccord Genuity) pressed on whether pet segment growth would continue and what was driving it; President John Edward Hanson explained recent growth was aided by both organic improvements and timing, with a cautiously optimistic outlook. Brian McNamara (Canaccord Genuity) also inquired about the rationale and impact of the Phillips Pet Food joint venture; CEO Nicholas Lahanas highlighted the desire to simplify operations and focus on higher-margin businesses while still retaining channel access. Will (CJS Securities) asked about raw material costs and pricing; President John D. Walker noted some inflation in fertilizer inputs like urea, but said the company prebuilds inventory to manage volatility and expects any future pricing actions to be manageable. Shovana Chowdhury (JPMorgan) questioned consumer health and the effect of promotions or private label trade-down; management responded that consumers are more value-seeking but branded products remain resilient, with private label and e-commerce both growing. In upcoming quarters, our analyst team will be monitoring (1) the scale and margin impact of the new pet food distribution joint venture, (2) the performance of recently launched branded and private label products in both segments, and (3) the company’s ability to navigate weather-driven demand swings, especially during the crucial garden season. Execution on M&A opportunities and sustained cost discipline will also be important markers of progress. Central Garden & Pet currently trades at $38.25, up from $36.83 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members). ONE MORE THING: Top 5 Growth Stocks. The biggest stock winners almost always had one thing in common before they ran. Revenue growing like crazy. Meta. CrowdStrike. Broadcom. Our AI flagged all three. They returned 315%, 314%, and 455%, respectively. Find out which 5 stocks it's flagging for this month - FREE. Get Our Top 5 Growth Stocks for Free HERE. Stocks that have made our list include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.