EXHIBIT 12
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Nine Month
Ended Ended Ended Period Ended
December 27, December 26, December 25, September 30,
1992 1993 1994 1995
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Income before income taxes and minority interst 3,938 6,605 2,341 1,983
Fixed charges (1) 4,266 4,029 6,037 6,414
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Total earnings and fixed charges 8,224 10,634 8,378 8,397
Fixed charges (1) 4,286 4,029 6,037 6,414
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 1.92 2.64 1.39 1.31
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Fiscal Year Six Months Six Months
Ended Ended Ended
September 28, March 30, March 29,
1996 1996 1997
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Income before income taxes and minority interst 14,465 4,826 8,695
Fixed charges (1) 4,826 1,440 2,294
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Total earnings and fixed charges 19,291 6,266 10,989
Fixed charges (1) 4,826 1,440 2,294
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 4.00 4.35 4.79
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(1) Fixed charges consist of interest expense incurred and the portion of rental expense under operating leases deemed by the
Company to be representative of the interest factor.