CENTRAL GARDEN & PET Business Summary

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT, CENTA) operates as a leading manufacturer and distributor of branded products for the pet and lawn and garden industries. The company generates revenue through a transaction-based wholesale model, supplying a portfolio of over 65 proprietary brands—including Nylabone, Kaytee, Pennington, and Sevin—to mass-market retailers, specialty pet stores, and independent distributors. Its business is divided into two core segments: Pet, which encompasses dog and cat supplies, aquatics, and animal health; and Garden, which focuses on grass seed, fertilizers, and pest control. Within a competitive landscape featuring Spectrum Brands, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, and General Mills, Central Garden & Pet maintains a unique position as a vertically integrated "house of brands" that leverages an extensive internal distribution network to secure a dominant mid-market presence across both consumer categories. The company is led by Chief Executive Officer Nicholas "Niko" Lahanas, a 20-year veteran of the firm who transitioned from CFO to CEO in late 2024. The executive suite includes Chief Financial Officer Bradley G. Smith, formerly of Delhaize Group, and Chief Legal Officer Apur Patel, who joined in January 2026 from The Clorox Company. Operations are further managed by segment presidents John Edward Hanson (Pet) and John D. Walker (Garden). Founded by William E. Brown, who remains active as Chairman of the Board, the company’s governance is supported by Lead Independent Director Mary Beth Springer and newly appointed director Kay M. Schwichtenberg, an animal health expert who joined the board effective March 1, 2026. This leadership team is currently focused on a "cost and simplicity" agenda alongside a strategic pivot toward digital innovation and M&A-driven growth, recently exemplified by the February 2026 acquisition of Champion USA.