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.