EXHIBIT 12 CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal Year Nine-Month Fiscal Year Ended Period Ended Ended December 25, September 30, September 28, 1994 1995 1996 ------------ ------------- ------------- Income before income taxes $2,341 $1,983 $14,465 Fixed charges (1) 6,037 6,414 4,826 ------ ------ ------- Total earnings and fixed charges 8,378 8,397 19,291 Fixed charges (1) $6,037 $6,414 $ 4,826 Ratio of earnings to fix charges 1.39 1.31 4.00 ====== ====== =======
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Ended Ended September 27, September 26, 1997 1998 ------------- ------------- Income before income taxes $30,368 $58,095 Fixed charges (1) 7,609 8,807 ------- ------- 37,977 66,902 Fixed charges (1) $ 7,609 $ 8,807 Ratio of earnings to fix charges 4.99 7.60 ======= =======
(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.