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EXHIBIT 12
CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Dollars in thousands)
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September 28, September 27, September 26, September 25, September 30,
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income (loss) before income taxes............. $14,465 $30,368 $58,095 $43,733 $(6,598)
Fixed charges (1)............................. 4,826 7,609 8,807 13,755 24,841
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Total earnings and fixed charges........... 19,291 37,977 66,902 57,488 18,243
Fixed charges (1)............................. $ 4,826 $ 7,609 $ 8,807 $13,755 $24,841
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges............ 4.00 4.99 7.60 4.18 0.73
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(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.
