EXHIBIT 12

CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(dollars in thousands)

 

		Fiscal Year Ended
		September 24, 2016				September 26, 2015				September 27, 2014				September 28, 2013				September 29, 2012
Income (loss) before income taxes, and income (loss) of equity method investees		$	70,375			$	51,675			$	14,019			$	(3,185	)		$	34,764
Fixed charges (1)		43,807				40,847				43,608				44,038				41,162
Earnings		114,182				92,522				57,627				40,853				75,926
Fixed charges (1)		$	43,807			$	40,847			$	43,608			$	44,038			$	41,162
Earnings to fixed charges excess (deficiency)		$	70,375			$	51,675			$	14,019			$	(3,185	)		$	34,764
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (2)		2.6				2.3				1.3				N/M				1.8

 

(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.