Central Garden & Pet Company (Class A) (CENTA)
NASDAQConsumer StaplesPackaged FoodsSnapshot 2026-09-04
$36.07+0.03%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NASDAQConsumer StaplesPackaged FoodsSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · CENTA
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within consumer staples on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks CENTA against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 3 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 3 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Consumer Staples names rated strong grew net income 64% of the time over the next year (vs 53% for the rest of the cohort, n=2094).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Maintain and deliver on the fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance of $2.70 or better through margin discipline and growth initiatives.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. Management reaffirmed fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance of $2.70 or better consistently. Diluted EPS grew from $0.11 in 2026-Q1 to $1.28 in 2026-Q2, showing progress toward the annual target. The trajectory is delivering as EPS improved and guidance remains stable.
“Reaffirms fiscal 2026 outlook for non-GAAP diluted EPS of $2.70 or better”
“Central continues to expect fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS of $2.70 or better”
“Expects fiscal 2026 non-GAAP EPS of $2.70 or better”
“Central continues to expect fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS of $2.70 or better”
Continue disciplined capital expenditure program targeting $50 million to $60 million annually for maintenance and growth investments.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 4 quarters. Management consistently projects capital expenditures between $50 million and $60 million annually, focused on maintenance and growth. Actual quarterly capex shows disciplined spending consistent with this range. The trajectory is stable and aligned with stated guidance.
Grow European market presence by acquiring approximately 80% of TRIXIE, a leading European pet supplies company.
Newly stated in 2026-Q3 with the announcement of acquiring approximately 80% of TRIXIE, a leading European pet supplies company. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of fiscal 2027, marking a strategic expansion into Europe. As this is a recent announcement, delivery is pending.
“Announced agreement to acquire majority interest in TRIXIE, leading European pet supplies company”
Implement share repurchase program authorized up to $127 million to return capital to shareholders.
Stated in 2 of last 2 quarters. The Board increased share repurchase authorization to approximately $127 million in 2026-Q1. In 2026-Q2, Central repurchased 110 thousand shares for $3.4 million with $128 million remaining available. The program is underway with ongoing execution.
Continue multi-year Cost and Simplicity agenda to streamline operations, reduce complexity, and improve margins.
Stated in 2 of last 2 quarters. Management reports ongoing progress in the Cost and Simplicity agenda, including facility closures and portfolio rationalization. While specific financial impacts are not quantified, the agenda is a recurring focus with limited disclosed financial detail so far.
“Further progress in multi-year Cost and Simplicity agenda, streamlining operations and driving margin improvement”
Over the trailing year it converted -2.27x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Consumer Staples names rated fragile grew net income 46% of the time over the next year (vs 58% for the rest of the cohort, n=1569).
Most sensitive to the broad stock market.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to long-term interest rates, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, Fed net liquidity, the US dollar (low R² over the window).
3 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by M&A activity. Historically, Consumer Staples names rated stable grew net income 51% of the time over the next year (vs 52% for the rest of the cohort, n=940).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“Capital expenditures are projected to be approximately $50 million to $60 million”
“Capital expenditures are projected to be approximately $50 million to $60 million”
“Capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 are projected to be approximately $50 million”
“Central anticipates fiscal 2025 capital expenditures of approximately $50 to $60 million”
“Central repurchased 110 thousand shares for $3.4 million; $128 million remains available”
“Board approved $100 million increase in share repurchase authorization to $127 million total”
“Cost and Simplicity agenda includes facility closures and portfolio rationalization”