Increasing sales

Central Garden & Pet Company reported net sales of $ 401 mio for the second quarter of fiscal 2006, an increase of 6 per cent from $ 379 mio in the comparable 2005 period. Income from operations for the quarter increased 15 per cent to $ 45.7 mio. Net income for the quarter increased 17 per cent to $ 26.2 mio from $ 22.4 mio in the year ago period. Net sales for the garden products segment were $ 214 mio, a decline of 3 per cent compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2005. Net sales for the pet products segment were $187 mio, an increase of 18 per cent compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2005. Pet branded products sales increased 23 per cent and sales of other manufacturers’ products increased 1 per cent. Operating income for the pet products segment was $ 25.1 mio in the quarter, an increase of 6 per cent, which includes $ 1.6 mio of profit acceleration program costs, when compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2005. For the six months ending 25 March of fiscal 2006, the company reported net sales of $ 694 mio, an increase of 8 per cent from $ 644 mio in the comparable 2005 period.