EXHIBIT 12

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(dollars in thousands)

 

		Fiscal Year Ended
		September 30, 2017				September 24, 2016				September 26, 2015				September 27, 2014				September 28, 2013
Income (loss) before income taxes, and income (loss) of equity method investees		$	129,977			$	70,375			$	51,675			$	14,019			$	(3,185	)
Fixed charges (1)		29,647				43,807				40,847				43,608				44,038
Earnings		159,624				114,182				92,522				57,627				40,853
Fixed charges (1)		$	29,647			$	43,807			$	40,847			$	43,608			$	44,038
Earnings to fixed charges excess (deficiency)		$	129,977			$	70,375			$	51,675			$	14,019			$	(3,185	)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (2)		5.4				2.6				2.3				1.3				N/M

 

(1)	Fixed charges consist of interest expense, the portion of rental expense under operating leases deemed by management to be representative of the interest factor and amortization of deferred financing costs.

(2)	For the fiscal year ended September 28, 2013, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by approximately $3.2 million, and the ratio is not meaningful.