Central Garden & Pet Company Reports Q1 EPS of $(0.16) vs. $(0.10)

Central Garden & Pet Company CENT today announced results for its first quarter ended December 25, 2010. The Company reported first quarter net sales of $282 million, an increase of 5 percent over the same period a year ago. Net sales increased in both its Garden and Pet segments. The Company reported an operating loss of $6.5 million compared to operating income of $0.5 million in the comparable prior year period due primarily to rising grain and other raw material prices and increased marketing and brand building expenditures. The net loss for the quarter was $9.6 million, or $0.16 per share compared to a net loss of $2.9 million or $0.04 per share in the year ago period. The Company historically reports a loss in its first fiscal quarter given the seasonal nature of the lawn and garden category.