Central Garden & Pet (CENT) 10-Q 7 May 20 2020 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 28, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-33268
Entity Registrant Name	CENTRAL GARDEN & PET CO
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	68-0275553
Entity Address, Address Line One	1340 Treat Blvd.
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 600
Entity Address, City or Town	Walnut Creek
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	94597
City Area Code	925
Local Phone Number	948-4000
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Central Index Key	0000887733
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-26
Common Class
Document Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	CENT
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,300,810
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A Common Stock
Trading Symbol	CENTA
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,712,472
Class B Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,647,922

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 331,555	$ 497,749	$ 329,724
Restricted cash	13,021	12,952	16,115
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $22,103, $16,818 and $21,128)	460,985	300,135	456,129
Inventories, net	517,207	466,197	517,158
Prepaid expenses and other	36,160	30,160	33,161
Total current assets	1,358,928	1,307,193	1,352,287
Plant, property and equipment, net	241,878	245,405	217,538
Goodwill	289,854	286,077	281,177
Other intangible assets, net	141,686	146,137	142,798
Operating lease right-of-use assets	99,098
Other assets	35,963	40,208	52,340
Total	2,167,407	2,025,020	2,046,140
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	186,871	149,246	157,596
Accrued expenses	137,723	129,166	136,413
Current lease liabilities	32,403
Current portion of long-term debt	103	113	5,119
Total current liabilities	357,100	278,525	299,128
Long-term debt	693,622	693,037	692,646
Long-term lease liabilities	70,760
Deferred income taxes and other long-term obligations	52,483	57,281	55,064
Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	562,625	575,380	592,331
Retained earnings	431,486	421,742	407,117
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,645)	(1,676)	(1,280)
Total Central Garden & Pet Company shareholders’ equity	993,013	996,007	998,749
Noncontrolling interest	429	170	553
Total equity	993,442	996,177	999,302
Total	$ 2,167,407	2,025,020	2,046,140
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Common Class
Equity:
Common stock	$ 113	115	121
Total equity	$ 113	$ 115	$ 121
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	11,329,110	11,543,969	12,145,135
Class A Common Stock
Equity:
Common stock	$ 418	$ 430	$ 444
Total equity	$ 418	$ 430	$ 444
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	41,802,735	42,968,493	44,386,792
Class B Stock
Equity:
Common stock	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16
Total equity	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	1,647,922	1,652,262	1,652,262

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019
Accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 22,103	$ 21,128	$ 16,818
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Common Class
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	11,329,110	11,543,969	12,145,135
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	41,802,735	42,968,493	44,386,792
Class B Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	1,647,922	1,652,262	1,652,262

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 703,229	$ 673,701	$ 1,186,057	$ 1,135,691
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	496,112	467,650	847,674	799,458
Gross profit	207,117	206,051	338,383	336,233
Selling, general and administrative expenses	141,012	143,898	270,213	263,899
Operating income	66,105	62,153	68,170	72,334
Interest expense	(10,753)	(10,640)	(21,394)	(21,254)
Interest income	1,417	2,255	3,421	4,792
Other income (expense)	(979)	500	(674)	308
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	55,790	54,268	49,523	56,180
Income tax expense	12,648	11,546	10,920	11,819
Income including noncontrolling interest	43,142	42,722	38,603	44,361
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	438	331	316	167
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 42,704	$ 42,391	$ 38,287	$ 44,194
Net income per share attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.79	$ 0.74	$ 0.70	$ 0.78
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.78	$ 0.73	$ 0.69	$ 0.76
Weighted average shares used in the computation of net income per share:
Basic (in shares)	54,281	57,050	54,517	56,976
Diluted (in shares)	54,952	58,026	55,220	58,013

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Income including noncontrolling interest	$ 43,142		$ 42,722		$ 38,603	$ 44,361
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation	(405)		212		32	(62)
Total comprehensive income	42,737	$ (4,103)	42,934	$ 1,365	38,635	44,299
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	438		331		316	167
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 42,299		$ 42,603		$ 38,319	$ 44,132

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 38,603	$ 44,361
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	26,316	24,229
Amortization of deferred financing costs	921	916
Non-cash lease expense	17,194
Stock-based compensation	8,423	5,907
Deferred income taxes	4,966	6,044
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(9)	(16)
Other	1,331	(710)
Change in assets and liabilities (excluding businesses acquired):
Accounts receivable	(160,799)	(159,933)
Inventories	(50,471)	(59,630)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(6,051)	(2,772)
Accounts payable	37,857	41,332
Accrued expenses	6,803	20,818
Other long-term obligations	23	135
Operating lease liabilities	(17,765)
Net cash used by operating activities	(92,658)	(79,319)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to plant, property and equipment	(19,487)	(14,302)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired	0	(11,137)
Investments	(4,439)	(1,749)
Other investing activities	(437)	(368)
Net cash used in investing activities	(24,363)	(27,556)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(59)	(36,466)
Repurchase of common stock, including shares surrendered for tax withholding	(48,026)	(3,739)
Payment of contingent consideration liability	(90)	(66)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(57)	0
Payment of financing costs	(959)	0
Net cash used by financing activities	(49,191)	(40,271)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	87	(20)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(166,125)	(147,166)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	510,701	493,005
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	344,576	345,839
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest	$ 21,464	$ 21,298

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated balance sheets of Central Garden & Pet Company and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Central”) as of March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019, the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019 have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, the interim financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. For the Company’s foreign business in the UK, the local currency is the functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated using the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Deferred taxes are not provided on translation gains and losses because the Company expects earnings of its foreign subsidiary to be permanently reinvested. Transaction gains and losses are included in results of operations. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s garden business, the results of operations for the three and six months ended March 28, 2020 are not indicative of the operating results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual audited financial statements, accounting policies and financial notes thereto, included in the Company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The September 28, 2019 balance sheet presented herein was derived from the audited financial statements. Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements represents the 20% interest not owned by Central in a consolidated subsidiary. Since the Company controls this subsidiary, its financial statements are consolidated with those of the Company, and the noncontrolling owner’s 20% share of the subsidiary’s net assets and results of operations is deducted and reported as noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets and as net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 9, Supplemental Equity Information, for additional information. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash The Company considers cash and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash and cash equivalents. Restricted cash includes cash and highly liquid instruments that are used as collateral for stand-alone letter of credit agreements related to normal business transactions. These agreements require the Company to maintain specified amounts of cash as collateral in segregated accounts to support the letters of credit issued thereunder, which will affect the amount of cash the Company has available for other uses. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as of March 28, 2020, March 30, 2019 and September 28, 2019, respectively (in thousands). March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 September 28, 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 331,555 $ 329,724 $ 497,749 Restricted cash 13,021 16,115 12,952 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 344,576 $ 345,839 $ 510,701 Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition and Nature of Products and Services The Company manufactures, markets and distributes a wide variety of branded, private label and third-party pet and garden products to wholesalers, distributors and retailers, primarily in the United States. The majority of the Company’s revenue is generated from the sale of finished pet and garden products. The Company also recognizes a minor amount of non-product revenue (less than one percent of consolidated net sales) comprising third-party logistics services, merchandising services and royalty income from sales-based licensing arrangements. Product and non-product revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of the contracts with customers are satisfied. The Company recognizes product revenue when control over the finished goods transfers to its customers, which generally occurs upon shipment to, or receipt at, customers’ locations, as determined by the specific terms of the contract. These revenue arrangements generally have single performance obligations. Non-product revenue is recognized as the services are provided to the customer in the case of third-party logistics services and merchandising services, or as third-party licensee sales occur for royalty income. Revenue, which includes shipping and handling charges billed to the customer, is reported net of variable consideration and consideration payable to our customers, including applicable discounts, returns, allowances, trade promotion, unsaleable product, consumer coupon redemption and rebates. Shipping and handling costs that occur before the customer obtains control of the goods are deemed to be fulfillment activities and are accounted for as fulfillment costs. Key sales terms are established on a frequent basis such that most customer arrangements and related incentives have a one year or shorter duration. As such, the Company does not capitalize contract inception costs. Product fulfillment costs are capitalized as a part of inventoriable costs in accordance with our inventory policies. The Company generally does not have unbilled receivables at the end of a period. Deferred revenues are not material and primarily include advance payments for services that have yet to be rendered. The Company does not receive noncash consideration for the sale of goods. Amounts billed and due from our customers are classified as receivables and require payment on a short-term basis; therefore, the Company does not have any significant financing components. Sales Incentives and Other Promotional Programs The Company routinely offers sales incentives and discounts through various regional and national programs to our customers and consumers. These programs include product discounts or allowances, product rebates, product returns, one-time or ongoing trade-promotion programs with customers and consumer coupon programs that require the Company to estimate and accrue the expected costs of such programs. The costs associated with these activities are accounted for as reductions to the transaction price of the Company’s products and are, therefore, recorded as reductions to gross sales at the time of sale. The Company bases its estimates of incentive costs on historical trend experience with similar programs, actual incentive terms per customer contractual obligations and expected levels of performance of trade promotions, utilizing customer and sales organization inputs. The Company maintains liabilities at the end of each period for the estimated incentive costs incurred but unpaid for these programs. Differences between estimated and actual incentive costs are generally not material and are recognized in earnings in the period such differences are determined. Reserves for product returns, accrued rebates and promotional accruals are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as part of accrued expenses, and the value of inventory associated with reserves for sales returns is included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Leases Effective September 29, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification 842, Leases ("ASC 842"). Under this guidance, the Company determines whether an arrangement contains a lease at inception by determining if the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration and other facts and circumstances. On September 29, 2019, the Company began to record operating leases on its condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of December 28, 2019, long-term operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and current and long-term operating lease liabilities were presented separately in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance lease ROU assets continue to be presented in property, plant and equipment, net, and the related finance liabilities have been presented with current and long-term debt in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Lease ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets are calculated based on the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments paid to the lessor at or before the commencement date and excludes any lease incentives received from the lessor. Lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. The lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. As the Company's leases typically do not contain a readily determinable implicit rate, the Company determines the present value of the lease liability using its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date based on the lease term on a collateralized basis. Variable lease payments are expensed as incurred and include certain non-lease components, such as maintenance and other services provided by the lessor, and other charges included in the lease, as applicable. Non-lease components and the lease components to which they relate are accounted for as a single lease component, as the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components for all classes of underlying assets. Amortization of ROU lease assets is calculated on a straight-line basis over the lease term with the expense recorded in cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses, depending on the nature of the leased item. Interest expense is recorded over the lease term and is recorded in interest expense (based on a front-loaded interest expense pattern) for finance leases and is recorded in cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses (on a straight-line basis) for operating leases. All operating lease cash payments and interest on finance leases are recorded within cash flows from operating activities and all finance lease principal payments are recorded within cash flows from financing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires companies to recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets and disclose key information about leasing information. Topic 842 was subsequently amended by ASU 2018-01, Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 ; ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases ; and ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements . The new standard establishes a right-of-use model (ROU) that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the statement of operations. The Company adopted the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, on a modified retrospective basis using the optional transition method, and accordingly, has not restated comparative periods. Fiscal year 2019 balances and related disclosures supporting those comparative period balances continue to be presented under ASC 840, "Leases." The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. The Company elected the 'package of practical expedients,' which permit it to not reassess under the new standard its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company elected not to recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for short-term operating leases with terms of 12 months or less. The Company did not elect the use-of-hindsight or the practical expedient pertaining to land easements, the latter not being applicable. Upon adoption, the Company recorded operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $111 million and $115 million, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, which included the reclassifications of amounts presented in comparative periods as deferred rent as a reduction of the ROU assets. The Company did not record an adjustment to beginning retained earnings associated with the adoption of this standard. See Note 7. Leases for more information. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Goodwill and Intangible Assets In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The new guidance simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The new guidance is effective for annual periods or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2021. The amendment should be applied on a prospective basis. Based on the Company's most recent annual goodwill impairment test performed as of July 1, 2018, there were no reporting units for which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value; therefore, this ASU would not currently have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. However, if upon adoption the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company would be impacted by the amount of impairment recognized. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract . This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). ASU 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted, and is effective for the Company in fiscal 2021. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2018-15 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Fair Value Disclosures In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Me asurement . This ASU modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying or adding certain disclosures. ASU 2018-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted and is effective for the Company in fiscal 2021. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2018-13 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Accounting for Income Taxes In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) , Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes , which eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating taxes during the quarters and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. This guidance also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes, enacts changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. ASU 2019-12 is effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2022 and would require the Company to recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings, if applicable. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2019-12 may have on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements ASC 820 establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires financial assets and liabilities to be categorized based on the inputs used to calculate their fair values as follows: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk). The Company’s financial instruments include cash and equivalents, short term investments consisting of bank certificates of deposit, accounts receivable and payable, derivative instruments, short-term borrowings, and accrued liabilities. The carrying amount of these instruments approximates fair value because of their short-term nature. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of March 28, 2020 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 1,310 $ 1,310 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 1,310 $ 1,310 The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of March 30, 2019 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 7,729 $ 7,729 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 7,729 $ 7,729 The following table presents our financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of September 28, 2019 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 7,369 $ 7,369 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 7,369 $ 7,369 (a) The liability for contingent consideration relates to an earn-out for B2E, acquired in December 2012, future performance-based contingent payments for Hydro-Organics Wholesale, Inc., acquired in October 2015 and future performance-based contingent payments for Segrest, Inc., acquired in October 2016. In December 2019, performance-based criteria associated with the $6 million contingent consideration liability related to Segrest, Inc. were met and accordingly, the entire amount was released out of an independent escrow account to the former owners as of December 28, 2019. The fair value of the estimated contingent consideration arrangement is determined based on the Company’s evaluation as to the probability and amount of any earn-out that will be achieved based on expected future performance by the acquired entity. This is presented as part of long-term liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of the Company's Level 3 financial instruments for the periods ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019 (in thousands): Amount Balance September 28, 2019 $ 7,369 Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition — Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition 31 Performance-based payments (6,090) Balance March 28, 2020 $ 1,310 Amount Balance September 29, 2018 $ 8,224 Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition — Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition (429) Performance-based payments (66) Balance March 30, 2019 $ 7,729 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis The Company measures certain non-financial assets and liabilities, including long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets, at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are used primarily in the impairment analyses of long-lived assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. During the periods ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019, the Company was not required to measure any significant non-financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments In December 2017, the Company issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 5.125% senior notes due February 2028 (the "2028 Notes"). The estimated fair value of the Company's 2028 Notes as of March 28, 2020, March 30, 2019 and September 28, 2019 was $270.2 million, $278.2 million and $307.1 million, respectively, compared to a carrying value of $296.3 million, $295.9 million and $296.1 million, respectively. In November 2015, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due November 2023 (the “2023 Notes”). The estimated fair value of the Company’s 2023 Notes as of March 28, 2020, March 30, 2019 and September 28, 2019 was $385.0 million, $417.7 million and $414.6 million, respectively, compared to a carrying value of $397.2 million, $396.3 million and $396.7 million, respectively.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions C&S Products In May 2019, the Company purchased C&S Products, a manufacturer of suet and other wild bird feed products, to complement our existing wild bird feed business for approximately $30.0 million. Subsequent to the acquisition, approximately $4.7 million of cash was used to eliminate the acquired long-term debt. The financial results of C&S Products have been included in the results of operations within the Pet segment since the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the purchase price and recording of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and subsequent adjustments. In thousands Amounts Previously Recognized as of Acquisition Date (1) Measurement Period Adjustments Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as Adjusted) Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 9,794 $ 441 $ 10,235 Fixed assets 23,743 (3,786) 19,957 Goodwill — 3,777 3,777 Other assets 5,081 (3,242) 1,839 Other intangible assets, net — 2,810 2,810 Current liabilities (2,137) — (2,137) Long-term obligations (6,457) $ — (6,457) Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents $ 30,024 $ — $ 30,024 (1) As previously reported in the Company's Form 10-K for the period ended September 28, 2019. The impact to the consolidated statement of operations associated with the finalization of purchase accounting and true-up of intangible assets for C&S Products was immaterial.

Inventories, net

Inventories, net	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, net	Inventories, net Inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence, consist of the following (in thousands): March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 September 28, 2019 Raw materials $ 148,730 $ 136,879 $ 145,331 Work in progress 66,866 58,529 51,154 Finished goods 286,448 305,569 255,870 Supplies 15,163 16,181 13,842 Total inventories, net $ 517,207 $ 517,158 $ 466,197

Goodwill

Goodwill	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	GoodwillThe Company tests goodwill for impairment annually (as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter), or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined that it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, it is unnecessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the two-step test is performed to identify potential goodwill impairment. Based on certain circumstances, the Company may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test, which compares the fair value of the Company’s reporting units to their related carrying values, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company performs an additional step to determine the implied fair value of goodwill associated with that reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by first allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities and then computing the excess of the reporting unit’s fair value over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, such excess represents the amount of goodwill impairment, and accordingly, the Company recognizes such impairment. The Company’s goodwill impairment analysis also includes a comparison of the aggregate estimated fair value of its two reporting units to the Company’s total market capitalization. No impairment of goodwill was recorded for the three and six months ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019. The Company recorded approximately $3.8 million of goodwill in its Pet segment during the three months ended December 28, 2019 as part of its finalization of the purchase price allocation of C&S Products.

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets The following table summarizes the components of gross and net acquired intangible assets: Gross Accumulated Accumulated Net (in millions) March 28, 2020 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 20.6 $ (17.1) $ — $ 3.5 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 91.2 (17.1) (26.0) 48.1 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 140.3 (58.8) (2.5) 79.0 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (17.3) — 8.7 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.1 — (1.2) 5.9 Total 33.1 (17.3) (1.2) 14.6 Total other intangible assets $ 264.6 $ (93.2) $ (29.7) $ 141.7 Gross Accumulated Accumulated Net (in millions) March 30, 2019 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 18.6 $ (15.2) $ — $ 3.4 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 89.2 (15.2) (26.0) 48.0 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 128.3 (47.5) (2.5) 78.3 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (15.5) — 10.5 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.2 — (1.2) 6.0 Total 33.2 (15.5) (1.2) 16.5 Total other intangible assets $ 250.7 $ (78.2) $ (29.7) $ 142.8 Gross Accumulated Accumulated Net (in millions) September 28, 2019 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 19.7 $ (16.3) $ — $ 3.4 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 90.3 (16.3) (26.0) 48.0 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 138.4 (53.3) (2.5) 82.6 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (16.4) — 9.6 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.1 — (1.2) 5.9 Total 33.1 (16.4) (1.2) 15.5 Total other intangible assets $ 261.8 $ (86.0) $ (29.7) $ 146.1 Other acquired intangible assets include contract-based and technology-based intangible assets. As part of its acquisition of C&S Products in the third quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company acquired approximately $0.9 million of amortizable marketing-related intangible assets and approximately $1.9 million of customer-related intangible assets. The Company evaluates long-lived assets, including amortizable and indefinite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates indefinite-lived intangible assets on an annual basis. Factors indicating the carrying value of the Company’s amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable were not present in the three or six months ended March 28, 2020, and accordingly, no impairment testing was performed on these assets. As a result of one of our retail customers exiting the live fish business, factors indicating the carrying value of certain amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable were present during the quarter ended March 30, 2019. The Company performed impairment testing on these assets, found the carrying value was not recoverable and accordingly, recorded an impairment charge in its Pet segment of approximately $2.5 million as part of selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company amortizes its acquired intangible assets with definite lives over periods ranging from 3 years to 25 years; over weighted average remaining lives of 4 years for marketing-related intangibles, 9 years for customer-related intangibles and 10 years for other acquired intangibles. Amortization expense for intangibles subject to amortization was approximately $3.5 million and $3.4 million for the three months ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019, respectively, and $7.3 million and $6.9 million for the six months ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019, respectively, and is classified within selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets in each of the succeeding five years is estimated to be approximately $12 million per year from fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2024 and thereafter. .

Leases

Leases	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company has operating and finance leases for manufacturing and distribution facilities, vehicles, equipment and office space. The Company's leases have remaining lease terms of one to 10 years, inclusive of renewal or termination options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. The Company does not include significant restrictions or covenants in its lease agreements, and residual value guarantees are not included within its operating leases. Some of the Company's leasing arrangements require variable payments that are dependent on usage or output or may vary for other reasons, such as product costs, insurance and tax payments. These variable payments are not included in the Company's recorded lease assets and liabilities and are expensed as incurred. Certain leases are tied to a variable index or rate and are included in lease assets and liabilities based on the indices or rates as of lease commencement. See Note 1. Basis of Presentation, Leases, for more information about the Company's lease accounting policies. Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company's leases was as follows: Balance Sheet Classification As of Operating leases Right-of-use assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 99.1 Current lease liabilities Current operating lease liabilities $ 32.4 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term operating lease liabilities 70.8 Total operating lease liabilities $ 103.2 Finance leases Right-of-use assets Property, plant and equipment, net $ 0.4 Current lease liabilities Current portion of long-term debt $ 0.1 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term debt 0.1 Total finance lease liabilities $ 0.2 Components of lease cost were as follows: Three months ended Six months ended Operating lease cost $ 9.7 $ 19.3 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ — $ — Interest on lease liabilities — — Total finance lease cost $ — $ — Short-term lease cost $ 1.0 $ 1.7 Variable lease cost $ 2.6 $ 3.5 Total lease cost $ 13.3 $ 24.5 Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity related to the Company's leases was as follows: Six months ended Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 17.8 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ — Financing cash flows from finance leases $ — Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 5.0 Finance leases $ — Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for the Company's leases were as follows: As of March 28, 2020 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 4.8 Finance leases 2.4 Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases 3.83 % Finance leases 4.85 % Future non-cancelable lease payments under prior lease accounting rules (ASC 840) and under the new lease accounting rules (ASC 842) that went into effect September 29, 2019 were as follows (in millions): As of March 28, 2020 As of September 28, 2019 ASC 842 ASC 840 Operating Leases Finance Leases Operating Leases Fiscal Year 2020 (excluding the six months ended March 28, 2020) $ 19.2 $ — 2020 $ 38.0 2021 30.4 0.1 29.3 2022 22.9 0.1 21.8 2023 12.5 — 11.3 2024 8.8 — 7.9 Thereafter 21.2 — 20.7 Total future undiscounted lease payments $ 115.0 $ 0.2 $ 129.0 Less imputed interest (11.8) — Total reported lease liability $ 103.2 $ 0.2
Leases	Leases The Company has operating and finance leases for manufacturing and distribution facilities, vehicles, equipment and office space. The Company's leases have remaining lease terms of one to 10 years, inclusive of renewal or termination options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. The Company does not include significant restrictions or covenants in its lease agreements, and residual value guarantees are not included within its operating leases. Some of the Company's leasing arrangements require variable payments that are dependent on usage or output or may vary for other reasons, such as product costs, insurance and tax payments. These variable payments are not included in the Company's recorded lease assets and liabilities and are expensed as incurred. Certain leases are tied to a variable index or rate and are included in lease assets and liabilities based on the indices or rates as of lease commencement. See Note 1. Basis of Presentation, Leases, for more information about the Company's lease accounting policies. Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company's leases was as follows: Balance Sheet Classification As of Operating leases Right-of-use assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 99.1 Current lease liabilities Current operating lease liabilities $ 32.4 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term operating lease liabilities 70.8 Total operating lease liabilities $ 103.2 Finance leases Right-of-use assets Property, plant and equipment, net $ 0.4 Current lease liabilities Current portion of long-term debt $ 0.1 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term debt 0.1 Total finance lease liabilities $ 0.2 Components of lease cost were as follows: Three months ended Six months ended Operating lease cost $ 9.7 $ 19.3 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ — $ — Interest on lease liabilities — — Total finance lease cost $ — $ — Short-term lease cost $ 1.0 $ 1.7 Variable lease cost $ 2.6 $ 3.5 Total lease cost $ 13.3 $ 24.5 Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity related to the Company's leases was as follows: Six months ended Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 17.8 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ — Financing cash flows from finance leases $ — Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 5.0 Finance leases $ — Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for the Company's leases were as follows: As of March 28, 2020 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 4.8 Finance leases 2.4 Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases 3.83 % Finance leases 4.85 % Future non-cancelable lease payments under prior lease accounting rules (ASC 840) and under the new lease accounting rules (ASC 842) that went into effect September 29, 2019 were as follows (in millions): As of March 28, 2020 As of September 28, 2019 ASC 842 ASC 840 Operating Leases Finance Leases Operating Leases Fiscal Year 2020 (excluding the six months ended March 28, 2020) $ 19.2 $ — 2020 $ 38.0 2021 30.4 0.1 29.3 2022 22.9 0.1 21.8 2023 12.5 — 11.3 2024 8.8 — 7.9 Thereafter 21.2 — 20.7 Total future undiscounted lease payments $ 115.0 $ 0.2 $ 129.0 Less imputed interest (11.8) — Total reported lease liability $ 103.2 $ 0.2

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following: March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 September 28, 2019 (in thousands) Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028 300,000 300,000 300,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (6,524) (7,791) (7,158) Net carrying value 693,476 692,209 692,842 Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.0% to 0.50%, final maturity September 2024. — — — Other notes payable 249 5,556 308 Total 693,725 697,765 693,150 Less current portion (103) (5,119) (113) Long-term portion $ 693,622 $ 692,646 $ 693,037 Senior Notes $300 million 5.125% Senior Notes On December 14, 2017, the Company issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 5.125% senior notes due February 2028 (the "2028 Notes"). The Company will use the net proceeds from the offering to finance future acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. The Company incurred approximately $4.8 million of debt issuance costs in conjunction with this transaction, which included underwriter fees and legal, accounting and rating agency expenses. The debt issuance costs are being amortized over the term of the 2028 Notes. The 2028 Notes require semiannual interest payments on February 1 and August 1, commencing August 1, 2018. The 2028 Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by the Company's existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries who are borrowers under or guarantors of Central's senior secured revolving credit facility, or who guarantee the 2023 Notes. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2028 Notes at any time, at its option, prior to January 1, 2023 at the principal amount plus a “make whole” premium. At any time prior to January 1, 2021, the Company may also redeem, at its option, up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 105.125% of the principal amount of the notes. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2028 Notes, at its option, at any time on or after January 1, 2023 for 102.563%, on or after January 1, 2024 for 101.708%, on or after January 1, 2025 for 100.854%, and on or after January 1, 2026 for 100.0%, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the 2028 Notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the 2028 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101.0% of the principal amount of the notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest upon the occurrence of a change of control. The 2028 Notes contain customary high yield covenants, including covenants limiting debt incurrence and restricted payments, subject to certain baskets and exceptions. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of March 28, 2020. $400 million 6.125% Senior Notes On November 9, 2015, the Company issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due November 2023 (the "2023 Notes"). In December 2015, the Company used the net proceeds from the offering, together with available cash, to redeem its $400 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% senior subordinated notes due March 1, 2018 ("2018 Notes") at a price of 102.063% of the principal amount and to pay fees and expenses related to the offering. The 2023 Notes are unsecured senior obligations and are subordinated to all of the Company’s existing and future secured debt, including the Company’s Credit Facility, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. The Company incurred approximately $6.3 million of debt issuance costs in conjunction with these transactions, which included underwriter fees and legal, accounting and rating agency expenses. The debt issuance costs are being amortized over the term of the 2023 Notes. The 2023 Notes require semiannual interest payments on May 15 and November 15. The 2023 Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by each of the Company’s existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries which are borrowers under or guarantors of Central’s senior secured revolving credit facility. The 2023 Notes are unsecured senior obligations and are subordinated to all of the Company’s existing and future secured debt, including the Company’s Credit Facility, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes at any time, at its option, at any time on or after November 15, 2019 for 103.063%, on or after November 15, 2020 for 101.531% and on or after November 15, 2021 for 100%, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the 2023 Notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the 2023 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest upon the occurrence of a change of control. The 2023 Notes contain customary high yield covenants, including covenants limiting debt incurrence and restricted payments, subject to certain baskets and exceptions. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of March 28, 2020. Asset-Based Loan Facility Amendment On September 27, 2019, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Amended Credit Agreement”). The Amended Credit Agreement amended and restated the previous credit agreement dated April 22, 2016 and continues to provide up to a $400.0 million principal amount senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, with up to an additional $200.0 million principal amount available with the consent of the Lenders, as defined, if the Company exercises the accordion feature set forth therein (collectively, the “Amended Credit Facility”). The Amended Credit Facility matures on September 27, 2024. The Company may borrow, repay and reborrow amounts under the Amended Credit Facility until its maturity date, at which time all amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility must be repaid in full. The Amended Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base, reduced capacity due to reserves and certain other restrictions. The borrowing base is calculated using a formula initially based upon eligible receivables and inventory minus certain reserves, and was $400.0 million as of March 28, 2020. The Amended Credit Facility also allows the Company to add real property to the borrowing base so long as the real property is subject to a first priority lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders. The Company did not draw down any commitments under the Amended Credit Facility upon closing. Proceeds of the Amended Credit Facility will be used for general corporate purposes. The Amended Credit Facility includes a $50 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit and an increased $40 million sublimit for short-notice borrowings. As of March 28, 2020, there were no borrowings outstanding and no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility. There were other letters of credit of $3.2 million outstanding as of March 28, 2020. Subsequent to quarter end, the Company borrowed $200 million under its revolving credit facility to increase financial flexibility while it navigates an uncertain COVID-19 economic environment. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility will bear interest at an index based on LIBOR or, at the option of the Company, the Base Rate (defined as the highest of (a) the SunTrust prime rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (c) one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%), plus, in either case, an applicable margin based on the Company’s consolidated senior leverage ratio and (d) 0.00%. Such applicable margin for LIBOR-based borrowings fluctuates between 1.00%-1.50%, and was 1.00% as of March 28, 2020, and such applicable margin for Base Rate borrowings fluctuates between 0.00%-0.50%, and was 0% as of March 28, 2020. An unused line fee shall be payable monthly in respect of the total amount of the unutilized Lenders’ commitments and short-notice borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility. Letter of credit fees at the applicable margin on the average undrawn and unreimbursed amount of letters of credit shall be payable monthly and a facing fee of 0.125% shall be paid on demand for the stated amount of each letter of credit. The Company is also required to pay certain fees to the administrative agent under the Amended Credit Facility. As of March 28, 2020, the applicable interest rate related to Base Rate borrowings was 3.3%, and the applicable interest rate related to LIBOR-based borrowings was 2.0%. The Company incurred approximately $1.6 million of debt issuance costs in conjunction with this transaction, which included underwriter fees and legal expenses. The debt issuance costs are being amortized over the term of the Amended Credit Facility. The Amended Credit Facility continues to contain customary covenants, including financial covenants which require the Company to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.00:1.00 upon triggered quarterly testing (e.g. when availability falls below certain thresholds established in the agreement), reporting requirements and events of default. The Amended Credit Facility is secured by substantially all assets of the borrowing parties, including (i) pledges of 100% of the stock or other equity interest of each domestic subsidiary that is directly owned by such entity and (ii) 65% of the stock or other equity interest of each foreign subsidiary that is directly owned by such entity. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Amended Credit Facility during the period ended March 28, 2020.

Supplemental Equity Information

Supplemental Equity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Supplemental Equity Information	Supplemental Equity Information The following table provides a summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of equity attributable to controlling interest and noncontrolling interest through the six months ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019. Controlling Interest (in thousands) Common Class A Class Additional Retained Accumulated Total Noncontrolling Total Balance September 28, 2019 $ 115 $ 430 $ 16 $ 575,380 $ 421,742 $ (1,676) $ 996,007 $ 170 $ 996,177 Comprehensive income — — — — (4,417) 436 (3,981) (122) (4,103) Amortization of share-based awards — — — 2,804 — — 2,804 — 2,804 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement — — — (318) — — (318) — (318) Repurchase of stock — (8) — (8,488) (13,632) — (22,128) — (22,128) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options — 1 — 739 — — 740 — 740 Balance December 28, 2019 $ 115 $ 423 $ 16 $ 570,117 $ 403,693 $ (1,240) $ 973,124 $ 48 $ 973,172 Comprehensive income — — — — 42,704 (405) 42,299 438 42,737 Amortization of share-based awards — — — 2,923 — — 2,923 — 2,923 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement — 3 — (807) — — (804) — (804) Repurchase of stock (2) (8) — (10,121) (14,911) — (25,042) — (25,042) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options — — — 513 — — 513 — 513 Distribution to Noncontrolling interest — — — — — — — (57) (57) Balance March 28, 2020 $ 113 $ 418 $ 16 $ 562,625 $ 431,486 $ (1,645) $ 993,013 $ 429 $ 993,442 Controlling Interest (in thousands) Common Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Stock Additional Paid In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Noncontrolling Interest Total Balance September 29, 2018 $ 121 $ 439 $ 16 $ 590,168 $ 362,923 $ (1,218) $ 952,449 $ 385 $ 952,834 Comprehensive income — — — — 1,803 (274) 1,529 (164) 1,365 Amortization of share-based awards — — — 2,261 — — 2,261 — 2,261 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement — 1 — (386) — — (385) — (385) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options — 1 — 408 — — 409 — 409 Balance December 29, 2018 $ 121 $ 441 $ 16 $ 592,451 $ 364,726 $ (1,492) $ 956,263 $ 221 $ 956,484 Comprehensive income — — — — 42,391 212 42,603 331 42,934 Amortization of share-based awards — — — 2,473 — — 2,473 — 2,473 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement — 2 — (1,773) — — (1,771) — (1,771) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options — 1 — (820) — — (819) — (819) Other — — — — — — — 1 1 Balance March 30, 2019 $ 121 $ 444 $ 16 $ 592,331 $ 407,117 $ (1,280) $ 998,749 $ 553 $ 999,302

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based CompensationThe Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $8.4 million and $5.9 million for the six months ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019, respectively, as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. The tax benefit associated with share-based compensation expense for the six months ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019 was $2.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for income from continuing operations (in thousands except share and per share amounts). Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 March 28, 2020 Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 42,704 54,281 $ 0.79 $ 38,287 54,517 $ 0.70 Effect of dilutive securities (1): Options to purchase common stock — 343 (0.01) — 368 (0.01) Restricted shares — 328 — — 335 — Diluted EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 42,704 54,952 $ 0.78 $ 38,287 55,220 $ 0.69 (1) The potential effects of stock awards were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended December 28, 2019, because their inclusion in a net loss period would be anti-dilutive to the earnings per share calculation. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 30, 2019 March 30, 2019 Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 42,391 57,050 $ 0.74 $ 44,194 56,976 $ 0.78 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock — 609 (0.01) — 639 (0.01) Restricted shares — 367 — — 398 (0.01) Diluted EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 42,391 58,026 $ 0.73 $ 44,194 58,013 $ 0.76 Options to purchase 3.4 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $10.63 to $38.10 per share were outstanding at March 28, 2020, and options to purchase 2.8 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $8.56 to $38.10 per share were outstanding at March 30, 2019. For the three months ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019, 1.5 million and 1.8 million options outstanding were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and therefore, the effect of including these options would be antidilutive. For the six months ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019, 1.2 million and 1.8 million options outstanding were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and therefore, the effect of including these options would be antidilutive.

Segment Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information Management has determined that the Company has two operating segments, which are also reportable segments based on the level at which the Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews the results of operations to make decisions regarding performance assessment and resource allocation. These operating segments are Pet segment and Garden segment and are presented in the table below (in thousands). Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 Net sales: Pet segment $ 360,792 $ 338,183 $ 714,813 $ 678,599 Garden segment 342,437 335,518 471,244 457,092 Total net sales $ 703,229 $ 673,701 $ 1,186,057 $ 1,135,691 Operating Income (loss) Pet segment 33,617 26,984 63,839 56,739 Garden segment 53,020 53,355 44,652 48,718 Corporate (20,532) (18,186) (40,321) (33,123) Total operating income 66,105 62,153 68,170 72,334 Interest expense - net (9,336) (8,385) (17,973) (16,462) Other income (expense) (979) 500 (674) 308 Income tax expense 12,648 11,546 10,920 11,819 Income including noncontrolling interest 43,142 42,722 38,603 44,361 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 438 331 316 167 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 42,704 $ 42,391 $ 38,287 $ 44,194 Depreciation and amortization: Pet segment $ 8,441 $ 8,039 $ 16,931 $ 16,095 Garden segment 3,324 2,312 6,619 5,138 Corporate 1,411 1,526 2,766 2,996 Total depreciation and amortization $ 13,176 $ 11,877 $ 26,316 $ 24,229 March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 September 28, 2019 Assets: Pet segment $ 796,080 $ 700,638 $ 734,380 Garden segment 712,061 687,951 463,889 Corporate 659,266 657,551 826,751 Total assets $ 2,167,407 $ 2,046,140 $ 2,025,020 Goodwill (included in corporate assets above): Pet segment $ 272,066 $ 268,289 $ 268,289 Garden segment 17,788 12,888 17,788 Total goodwill $ 289,854 $ 281,177 $ 286,077 The tables below presents the Company's disaggregated revenues by segment (in millions): Three Months Ended March 28, 2020 Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 Pet Segment Garden Segment Total Pet Segment Garden Segment Total Other pet products $ 164.2 $ — $ 164.2 $ 302.0 $ — $ 302.0 Dog and cat products 111.4 — 111.4 241.8 — 241.8 Other manufacturers' products 85.2 65.1 150.3 171.0 95.0 266.0 Garden controls and fertilizer products — 110.8 110.8 — 133.9 133.9 Other garden supplies — 166.5 166.5 — 242.3 242.3 Total $ 360.8 $ 342.4 $ 703.2 $ 714.8 $ 471.2 $ 1,186.1 Three Months Ended March 30, 2019 Six Months Ended March 30, 2019 Pet Segment Garden Segment Total Pet Segment Garden Segment Total Other pet products $ 154.8 $ — $ 154.8 $ 285.6 $ — $ 285.6 Dog and cat products 105.2 — 105.2 236.3 — 236.3 Other manufacturers' products 78.2 52.3 130.5 156.7 81.4 238.1 Garden controls and fertilizer products — 113.8 113.8 — 138.1 138.1 Other garden supplies — 169.4 169.4 — 237.6 237.6 Total $ 338.2 $ 335.5 $ 673.7 $ 678.6 $ 457.1 $ 1,135.7

Consolidating Condensed Financi

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries	Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries Certain 100% wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company (as listed below, collectively the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) have guaranteed fully and unconditionally, on a joint and several basis, the obligation to pay principal and interest on the Company’s 2023 Notes and 2028 Notes. Certain subsidiaries and operating divisions are not guarantors of the 2023 Notes and 2028 Notes. Those subsidiaries that are guarantors and co-obligors of the 2023 Notes and 2028 Notes are as follows: Arden Companies, LLC C&S Products Co., Inc. Farnam Companies, Inc. Four Paws Products Ltd. Gulfstream Home & Garden, Inc. Hydro-Organics Wholesale, Inc. IMS Trading, LLC IMS Southern, LLC K&H Manufacturing, LLC Kaytee Products, Inc. Matson, LLC New England Pottery, LLC Pennington Seed, Inc. (including Gro Tec, Inc., NEXGEN Turf Research, LLC and All-Glass Aquarium Co., Inc.) Pets International, Ltd. Segrest, Inc. (including Blue Springs Hatchery, Inc., Segrest Farms, Inc., Florida Tropical Distributors International, Inc., Sun Pet, Ltd, Aquatica Tropicals, Inc., Quality Pets, LLC and Midwest Tropicals, LLC) T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Wellmark International (including B2E Corporation, B2E Microbials, LLC, B2E Manufacturing, LLC, Four Star Microbial Products, LLC and B2E Biotech LLC) In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries, the Company has included the accompanying consolidating condensed financial statements based on the Company’s understanding of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s interpretation and application of Rule 3-10 of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation S-X. CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 218,951 $ 35,651 $ 473,627 $ (25,000) $ 703,229 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 167,640 33,240 318,451 (23,219) 496,112 Gross profit 51,311 2,411 155,176 (1,781) 207,117 Selling, general and administrative expenses 47,616 8,988 86,189 (1,781) 141,012 Operating income (loss) 3,695 (6,577) 68,987 — 66,105 Interest expense (10,666) (84) (3) — (10,753) Interest income 1,409 8 — — 1,417 Other income (expense) (361) (668) 50 — (979) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates (5,923) (7,321) 69,034 — 55,790 Income tax expense (benefit) (433) 185 12,896 — 12,648 Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates 48,194 — 69 (48,263) — Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 42,704 (7,506) 56,207 (48,263) 43,142 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — 438 — — 438 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 42,704 $ (7,944) $ 56,207 $ (48,263) $ 42,704 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 214,042 $ 35,191 $ 449,810 $ (25,342) $ 673,701 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 163,133 30,343 297,864 (23,690) 467,650 Gross profit 50,909 4,848 151,946 (1,652) 206,051 Selling, general and administrative expenses 47,135 10,485 87,930 (1,652) 143,898 Operating income (loss) 3,774 (5,637) 64,016 — 62,153 Interest expense (10,482) (141) (17) — (10,640) Interest income 2,250 5 — — 2,255 Other income (expense) 305 243 (48) — 500 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates (4,153) (5,530) 63,951 — 54,268 Income tax expense (benefit) (1,748) (55) 13,349 11,546 Equity in earnings of affiliates 44,796 — (101) (44,695) — Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 42,391 (5,475) 50,501 (44,695) 42,722 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 331 — — 331 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 42,391 $ (5,806) $ 50,501 $ (44,695) $ 42,391 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 389,279 $ 59,488 $ 774,668 $ (37,378) $ 1,186,057 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 299,913 56,952 525,435 (34,626) 847,674 Gross profit 89,366 2,536 249,233 (2,752) 338,383 Selling, general and administrative expenses 90,853 16,807 165,305 (2,752) 270,213 Operating income (loss) (1,487) (14,271) 83,928 — 68,170 Interest expense (21,244) (144) (6) — (21,394) Interest income 3,406 15 — — 3,421 Other income (expense) (436) 69 (307) — (674) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates (19,761) (14,331) 83,615 — 49,523 Income tax expense (benefit) (4,331) (180) 15,431 — 10,920 Equity in earnings of affiliates 53,717 — (611) (53,106) — Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 38,287 (14,151) 67,573 (53,106) 38,603 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 316 — — 316 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 38,287 $ (14,467) $ 67,573 $ (53,106) $ 38,287 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Six Months Ended March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 387,448 $ 58,820 $ 729,644 $ (40,221) $ 1,135,691 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 299,146 52,346 485,547 (37,581) 799,458 Gross profit 88,302 6,474 244,097 (2,640) 336,233 Selling, general and administrative expenses 90,800 17,836 157,903 (2,640) 263,899 Operating income (loss) (2,498) (11,362) 86,194 — 72,334 Interest expense (20,979) (255) (20) — (21,254) Interest income 4,783 9 — — 4,792 Other income (expense) 342 27 (61) — 308 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates (18,352) (11,581) 86,113 — 56,180 Income tax expense (benefit) (3,836) (311) 15,966 — 11,819 Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates 58,710 — (1,213) (57,497) — Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 44,194 (11,270) 68,934 (57,497) 44,361 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 167 — — 167 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 44,194 $ (11,437) $ 68,934 $ (57,497) $ 44,194 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Three Months Ended March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 42,704 $ (7,506) $ 56,207 $ (48,263) $ 43,142 Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation (405) (227) (83) 310 (405) Total comprehensive income (loss) 42,299 (7,733) 56,124 (47,953) 42,737 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 438 — — 438 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 42,299 $ (8,171) $ 56,124 $ (47,953) $ 42,299 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Three Months Ended March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 42,391 $ (5,475) $ 50,501 $ (44,695) $ 42,722 Other comprehensive income: Foreign currency translation 212 127 35 (162) 212 Total comprehensive income (loss) 42,603 (5,348) 50,536 (44,857) 42,934 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 331 — — 331 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 42,603 $ (5,679) $ 50,536 $ (44,857) $ 42,603 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 38,287 $ (14,151) $ 67,573 $ (53,106) $ 38,603 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation 32 70 (62) (8) 32 Total comprehensive income (loss) 38,319 (14,081) 67,511 (53,114) 38,635 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 316 — — 316 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 38,319 $ (14,397) $ 67,511 $ (53,114) $ 38,319 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Six Months Ended March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 44,194 $ (11,270) $ 68,934 $ (57,497) $ 44,361 Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation (62) (2) (60) 62 (62) Total comprehensive income 44,132 (11,272) 68,874 (57,435) 44,299 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — 167 — — 167 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 44,132 $ (11,439) $ 68,874 $ (57,435) $ 44,132 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 319,187 $ 11,165 $ 1,203 $ — $ 331,555 Restricted cash 13,021 — — — 13,021 Accounts receivable, net 137,422 18,661 304,902 — 460,985 Inventories, net 125,002 46,241 345,964 — 517,207 Prepaid expenses and other 7,626 1,839 26,695 — 36,160 Total current assets 602,258 77,906 678,764 — 1,358,928 Property, plant and equipment, net 27,561 34,962 179,355 — 241,878 Goodwill 20,577 7,414 261,863 — 289,854 Operating lease right-of-use assets 48,013 5,916 45,169 — 99,098 Other long-term assets 48,172 4,791 133,690 (9,004) 177,649 Intercompany receivable 62,722 — 815,955 (878,677) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,838,475 — — (1,838,475) — Total $ 2,647,778 $ 130,989 $ 2,114,796 $ (2,726,156) $ 2,167,407 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 53,323 $ 22,800 $ 110,748 $ — $ 186,871 Accrued expenses 59,861 5,216 72,646 — 137,723 Current operating lease liability 19,306 3,206 9,891 — 32,403 Current portion of long-term debt 103 — — — 103 Total current liabilities 132,593 31,222 193,285 — 357,100 Long-term debt 693,622 — — — 693,622 Operating lease long term liabilities 30,721 2,670 37,369 — 70,760 Intercompany payable 797,082 81,595 — (878,677) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 26,408 (26,408) — Other long-term obligations 747 — 60,740 (9,004) 52,483 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 993,013 15,073 1,796,994 (1,812,067) 993,013 Noncontrolling interest — 429 — — 429 Total equity 993,013 15,502 1,796,994 (1,812,067) 993,442 Total $ 2,647,778 $ 130,989 $ 2,114,796 $ (2,726,156) $ 2,167,407 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 322,149 $ 6,354 $ 1,221 $ — $ 329,724 Restricted cash 10,888 — 5,227 — 16,115 Accounts receivable, net 134,251 22,844 299,034 — 456,129 Inventories, net 138,778 46,035 332,345 — 517,158 Prepaid expenses and other 8,355 1,386 23,420 — 33,161 Total current assets 614,421 76,619 661,247 — 1,352,287 Property, plant and equipment, net 29,701 36,180 151,657 — 217,538 Goodwill 20,578 7,414 253,185 — 281,177 Other long-term assets 47,512 6,273 147,035 (5,682) 195,138 Intercompany receivable 59,152 — 680,937 (740,089) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,688,163 — — (1,688,163) — Total $ 2,459,527 $ 126,486 $ 1,894,061 $ (2,433,934) $ 2,046,140 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 41,488 $ 21,833 $ 94,275 $ — $ 157,596 Accrued expenses 55,181 6,200 75,032 — 136,413 Current portion of long-term debt 119 — 5,000 — 5,119 Total current liabilities 96,788 28,033 174,307 — 299,128 Long-term debt 692,459 — 187 — 692,646 Intercompany payable 662,927 77,163 — (740,090) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 26,248 (26,248) — Other long-term obligations 8,604 — 52,142 (5,682) 55,064 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 998,749 20,737 1,641,177 (1,661,914) 998,749 Noncontrolling interest — 553 — — 553 Total equity 998,749 21,290 1,641,177 (1,661,914) 999,302 Total $ 2,459,527 $ 126,486 $ 1,894,061 $ (2,433,934) $ 2,046,140 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET September 28, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 489,590 $ 7,308 $ 851 $ — $ 497,749 Restricted cash 12,952 — — — 12,952 Accounts receivable, net 99,372 11,551 189,212 — 300,135 Inventories, net 121,344 30,826 314,027 — 466,197 Prepaid expenses and other assets 9,339 1,241 19,580 — 30,160 Total current assets 732,597 50,926 523,670 — 1,307,193 Property, plant and equipment, net 27,395 35,854 182,156 — 245,405 Goodwill 20,578 7,414 258,085 — 286,077 Other long-term assets 55,690 5,487 139,138 (13,970) 186,345 Intercompany receivable 37,544 — 879,231 (916,775) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,784,750 — — (1,784,750) — Total $ 2,658,554 $ 99,681 $ 1,982,280 $ (2,715,495) $ 2,025,020 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 47,506 $ 6,895 $ 94,845 $ — $ 149,246 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 54,623 4,814 69,729 — 129,166 Current portion of long term debt 113 — — — 113 Total current liabilities 102,242 11,709 164,574 — 278,525 Long-term debt 693,037 — — — 693,037 Intercompany payable 858,673 58,102 — (916,775) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 25,567 (25,567) — Other long-term obligations 8,595 — 62,656 (13,970) 57,281 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 996,007 29,700 1,729,483 (1,759,183) 996,007 Noncontrolling interest — 170 — — 170 Total equity 996,007 29,870 1,729,483 (1,759,183) 996,177 Total $ 2,658,554 $ 99,681 $ 1,982,280 $ (2,715,495) $ 2,025,020 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net cash used by operating activities $ (25,504) $ (19,073) $ (47,851) $ (230) $ (92,658) Additions to property, plant and equipment (4,236) (291) (14,960) — (19,487) Investments (4,439) — — — (4,439) Other investing activities (437) — — — (437) Intercompany investing activities (25,179) — 63,276 (38,097) — Net cash (used) provided by investing activities (34,291) (291) 48,316 (38,097) (24,363) Repayments of long-term debt (59) — — — (59) Payment of financing costs (959) (959) Repurchase of common stock (48,026) — — — (48,026) Distribution to parent — (230) — 230 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest — (57) — — (57) Payment of contingent consideration liability — — (90) — (90) Intercompany financing activities (61,589) 23,492 — 38,097 — Net cash (used) provided by financing activities (110,633) 23,205 (90) 38,327 (49,191) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 94 16 (23) — 87 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (170,334) 3,857 352 — (166,125) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 502,542 7,308 851 — 510,701 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 332,208 $ 11,165 $ 1,203 $ — $ 344,576 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Six Months Ended March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ (23,565) $ (17,128) $ (38,626) $ — $ (79,319) Additions to property, plant and equipment (1,716) (3,350) (9,236) — (14,302) Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired (11,137) — — — (11,137) Investments (1,749) — — — (1,749) Other investing activities (368) — — — (368) Intercompany investing activities (18,788) — 88,949 (70,161) — Net cash used by investing activities (33,758) (3,350) 79,713 (70,161) (27,556) Repayments of long-term debt (3) — (36,463) — (36,466) Repurchase of common stock (3,739) — — — (3,739) Payment of contingent consideration — — (66) — (66) Intercompany financing activities (91,005) 20,844 — 70,161 — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (94,747) 20,844 (36,529) 70,161 (40,271) Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (2) (17) (1) — (20) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (152,072) 349 4,557 — (147,166) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 485,109 6,005 1,891 — 493,005 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 333,037 $ 6,354 $ 6,448 $ — $ 345,839

Contingencies

Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	Contingencies The Company may from time to time become involved in legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Currently, the Company is not a party to any legal proceedings that management believes are likely to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations with the potential exception of the proceeding below. In 2012, Nite Glow Industries, Inc and its owner, Marni Markell, (“Nite Glow”) filed suit in the United States District Court for New Jersey against the Company alleging that the applicator developed and used by the Company for certain of its branded topical flea and tick products infringes a patent held by Nite Glow and asserted related claims for breach of contract and misappropriation of confidential information based on the terms of a Non-Disclosure Agreement. On June 27, 2018, a jury returned a verdict in favor of Nite Glow on each of the three claims and awarded damages of approximately $12.6 million. The case is currently in the post-trial motion phase of proceedings and is expected to proceed to appeal once all such motions have been resolved. Unless the verdicts are over-turned in the post-trial proceedings, the Company intends to vigorously pursue its rights on appeal and believes that it will prevail on the merits. While the Company believes that the ultimate resolution of this matter will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements, the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain and the final resolution of this matter may result in expense to the Company in excess of management's expectations. During fiscal 2013, the Company received notices from several states stating that they have appointed an agent to conduct an examination of the books and records of the Company to determine whether it has complied with state unclaimed property laws. In addition to seeking unclaimed property subject to escheat laws, the states may seek interest, penalties and other relief. The examinations are at an early stage and, as such, management is unable to determine the impact, if any, on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In November 2019, the Company's DMC business unit in its Pet Segment experienced a fire in one of its leased properties located in Athens, Texas, which resulted in inventory, property-related and business interruption losses in the estimated range of $35 million to $40 million.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events In April 2020, the Company’s DMC business unit in its Pet Segment experienced a fire in one of its leased properties located in Athens, Texas. As a result, the Company sustained inventory and property-related losses estimated to be approximately $10 million. This event has temporarily had a limited impact on the Company’s ability to fulfill orders to certain of its customers. Over the last few months, the Company has seen the effects a novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) is having globally on human health, the economy and society at large. The impact of COVID-19 and measures to prevent its spread are affecting the Company’s business in a number of ways. Central is considered an essential business in most jurisdictions and almost all of its employees continue to work to meet essential needs. The Company has been actively addressing the COVID-19 situation and its impact on its employees and business. Subsequent to quarter end, the Company borrowed $200 million under its revolving credit facility to increase financial flexibility while it navigates an uncertain COVID-19 economic environment.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest	Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements represents the 20% interest not owned by Central in a consolidated subsidiary. Since the Company controls this subsidiary, its financial statements are consolidated with those of the Company, and the noncontrolling owner’s 20% share of the subsidiary’s net assets and results of operations is deducted and reported as noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets and as net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 9, Supplemental Equity Information, for additional information.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash The Company considers cash and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to be cash and cash equivalents. Restricted cash includes cash and highly liquid instruments that are used as collateral for stand-alone letter of credit agreements related to normal business transactions. These agreements require the Company to maintain specified amounts of cash as collateral in segregated accounts to support the letters of credit issued thereunder, which will affect the amount of cash the Company has available for other uses.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition and Nature of Products and Services The Company manufactures, markets and distributes a wide variety of branded, private label and third-party pet and garden products to wholesalers, distributors and retailers, primarily in the United States. The majority of the Company’s revenue is generated from the sale of finished pet and garden products. The Company also recognizes a minor amount of non-product revenue (less than one percent of consolidated net sales) comprising third-party logistics services, merchandising services and royalty income from sales-based licensing arrangements. Product and non-product revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of the contracts with customers are satisfied. The Company recognizes product revenue when control over the finished goods transfers to its customers, which generally occurs upon shipment to, or receipt at, customers’ locations, as determined by the specific terms of the contract. These revenue arrangements generally have single performance obligations. Non-product revenue is recognized as the services are provided to the customer in the case of third-party logistics services and merchandising services, or as third-party licensee sales occur for royalty income. Revenue, which includes shipping and handling charges billed to the customer, is reported net of variable consideration and consideration payable to our customers, including applicable discounts, returns, allowances, trade promotion, unsaleable product, consumer coupon redemption and rebates. Shipping and handling costs that occur before the customer obtains control of the goods are deemed to be fulfillment activities and are accounted for as fulfillment costs. Key sales terms are established on a frequent basis such that most customer arrangements and related incentives have a one year or shorter duration. As such, the Company does not capitalize contract inception costs. Product fulfillment costs are capitalized as a part of inventoriable costs in accordance with our inventory policies. The Company generally does not have unbilled receivables at the end of a period. Deferred revenues are not material and primarily include advance payments for services that have yet to be rendered. The Company does not receive noncash consideration for the sale of goods. Amounts billed and due from our customers are classified as receivables and require payment on a short-term basis; therefore, the Company does not have any significant financing components. Sales Incentives and Other Promotional Programs The Company routinely offers sales incentives and discounts through various regional and national programs to our customers and consumers. These programs include product discounts or allowances, product rebates, product returns, one-time or ongoing trade-promotion programs with customers and consumer coupon programs that require the Company to estimate and accrue the expected costs of such programs. The costs associated with these activities are accounted for as reductions to the transaction price of the Company’s products and are, therefore, recorded as reductions to gross sales at the time of sale. The Company bases its estimates of incentive costs on historical trend experience with similar programs, actual incentive terms per customer contractual obligations and expected levels of performance of trade promotions, utilizing customer and sales organization inputs. The Company maintains liabilities at the end of each period for the estimated incentive costs incurred but unpaid for these programs. Differences between estimated and actual incentive costs are generally not material and are recognized in earnings in the period such differences are determined. Reserves for product returns, accrued rebates and promotional accruals are included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as part of accrued expenses, and the value of inventory associated with reserves for sales returns is included within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Leases Effective September 29, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification 842, Leases ("ASC 842"). Under this guidance, the Company determines whether an arrangement contains a lease at inception by determining if the contract conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration and other facts and circumstances. On September 29, 2019, the Company began to record operating leases on its condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of December 28, 2019, long-term operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and current and long-term operating lease liabilities were presented separately in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance lease ROU assets continue to be presented in property, plant and equipment, net, and the related finance liabilities have been presented with current and long-term debt in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Lease ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets are calculated based on the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments paid to the lessor at or before the commencement date and excludes any lease incentives received from the lessor. Lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. The lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. As the Company's leases typically do not contain a readily determinable implicit rate, the Company determines the present value of the lease liability using its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date based on the lease term on a collateralized basis. Variable lease payments are expensed as incurred and include certain non-lease components, such as maintenance and other services provided by the lessor, and other charges included in the lease, as applicable. Non-lease components and the lease components to which they relate are accounted for as a single lease component, as the Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components for all classes of underlying assets. Amortization of ROU lease assets is calculated on a straight-line basis over the lease term with the expense recorded in cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses, depending on the nature of the leased item. Interest expense is recorded over the lease term and is recorded in interest expense (based on a front-loaded interest expense pattern) for finance leases and is recorded in cost of sales or selling, general and administrative expenses (on a straight-line basis) for operating leases. All operating lease cash payments and interest on finance leases are recorded within cash flows from operating activities and all finance lease principal payments are recorded within cash flows from financing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires companies to recognize on the balance sheet operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets and disclose key information about leasing information. Topic 842 was subsequently amended by ASU 2018-01, Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 ; ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases ; and ASU 2018-11, Targeted Improvements . The new standard establishes a right-of-use model (ROU) that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the statement of operations. The Company adopted the new standard in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, on a modified retrospective basis using the optional transition method, and accordingly, has not restated comparative periods. Fiscal year 2019 balances and related disclosures supporting those comparative period balances continue to be presented under ASC 840, "Leases." The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. The Company elected the 'package of practical expedients,' which permit it to not reassess under the new standard its prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. The Company elected not to recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities for short-term operating leases with terms of 12 months or less. The Company did not elect the use-of-hindsight or the practical expedient pertaining to land easements, the latter not being applicable. Upon adoption, the Company recorded operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $111 million and $115 million, respectively, in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, which included the reclassifications of amounts presented in comparative periods as deferred rent as a reduction of the ROU assets. The Company did not record an adjustment to beginning retained earnings associated with the adoption of this standard. See Note 7. Leases for more information. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Goodwill and Intangible Assets In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The new guidance simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The new guidance is effective for annual periods or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, or the Company's first quarter of fiscal 2021. The amendment should be applied on a prospective basis. Based on the Company's most recent annual goodwill impairment test performed as of July 1, 2018, there were no reporting units for which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value; therefore, this ASU would not currently have an impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. However, if upon adoption the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company would be impacted by the amount of impairment recognized. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract . This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). ASU 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted, and is effective for the Company in fiscal 2021. The amendments in this ASU should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2018-15 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Fair Value Disclosures In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Me asurement . This ASU modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying or adding certain disclosures. ASU 2018-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted and is effective for the Company in fiscal 2021. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2018-13 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Accounting for Income Taxes In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) , Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes , which eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating taxes during the quarters and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. This guidance also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes, enacts changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. ASU 2019-12 is effective for the Company in its first quarter of fiscal 2022 and would require the Company to recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings, if applicable. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2019-12 may have on its consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurements ASC 820 establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires financial assets and liabilities to be categorized based on the inputs used to calculate their fair values as follows: Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability (including assumptions about risk). The Company’s financial instruments include cash and equivalents, short term investments consisting of bank certificates of deposit, accounts receivable and payable, derivative instruments, short-term borrowings, and accrued liabilities. The carrying amount of these instruments approximates fair value because of their short-term nature.
Goodwill	GoodwillThe Company tests goodwill for impairment annually (as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter), or whenever events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If it is determined that it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, it is unnecessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the two-step test is performed to identify potential goodwill impairment. Based on certain circumstances, the Company may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test, which compares the fair value of the Company’s reporting units to their related carrying values, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company performs an additional step to determine the implied fair value of goodwill associated with that reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by first allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities and then computing the excess of the reporting unit’s fair value over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill, such excess represents the amount of goodwill impairment, and accordingly, the Company recognizes such impairment. The Company’s goodwill impairment analysis also includes a comparison of the aggregate estimated fair value of its two reporting units to the Company’s total market capitalization.

Basis of Presentation Basis of

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as of March 28, 2020, March 30, 2019 and September 28, 2019, respectively (in thousands). March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 September 28, 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 331,555 $ 329,724 $ 497,749 Restricted cash 13,021 16,115 12,952 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 344,576 $ 345,839 $ 510,701
Reconciliation of Restricted Cash	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as of March 28, 2020, March 30, 2019 and September 28, 2019, respectively (in thousands). March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 September 28, 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 331,555 $ 329,724 $ 497,749 Restricted cash 13,021 16,115 12,952 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 344,576 $ 345,839 $ 510,701

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of March 28, 2020 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 1,310 $ 1,310 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 1,310 $ 1,310 The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of March 30, 2019 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 7,729 $ 7,729 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 7,729 $ 7,729 The following table presents our financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of September 28, 2019 (in thousands): Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 7,369 $ 7,369 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 7,369 $ 7,369 (a) The liability for contingent consideration relates to an earn-out for B2E, acquired in December 2012, future performance-based contingent payments for Hydro-Organics Wholesale, Inc., acquired in October 2015 and future performance-based contingent payments for Segrest, Inc., acquired in October 2016. In December 2019, performance-based criteria associated with the $6 million contingent consideration liability related to Segrest, Inc. were met and accordingly, the entire amount was released out of an independent escrow account to the former owners as of December 28, 2019. The fair value of the estimated contingent consideration arrangement is determined based on the Company’s evaluation as to the probability and amount of any earn-out that will be achieved based on expected future performance by the acquired entity. This is presented as part of long-term liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Instruments	The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of the Company's Level 3 financial instruments for the periods ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019 (in thousands): Amount Balance September 28, 2019 $ 7,369 Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition — Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition 31 Performance-based payments (6,090) Balance March 28, 2020 $ 1,310 Amount Balance September 29, 2018 $ 8,224 Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition — Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition (429) Performance-based payments (66) Balance March 30, 2019 $ 7,729

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The financial results of C&S Products have been included in the results of operations within the Pet segment since the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the purchase price and recording of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date and subsequent adjustments. In thousands Amounts Previously Recognized as of Acquisition Date (1) Measurement Period Adjustments Amounts Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as Adjusted) Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired $ 9,794 $ 441 $ 10,235 Fixed assets 23,743 (3,786) 19,957 Goodwill — 3,777 3,777 Other assets 5,081 (3,242) 1,839 Other intangible assets, net — 2,810 2,810 Current liabilities (2,137) — (2,137) Long-term obligations (6,457) $ — (6,457) Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents $ 30,024 $ — $ 30,024 (1) As previously reported in the Company's Form 10-K for the period ended September 28, 2019.

Inventories, net (Tables)

Inventories, net (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories, Net of Allowance for Obsolescence	Inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence, consist of the following (in thousands): March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 September 28, 2019 Raw materials $ 148,730 $ 136,879 $ 145,331 Work in progress 66,866 58,529 51,154 Finished goods 286,448 305,569 255,870 Supplies 15,163 16,181 13,842 Total inventories, net $ 517,207 $ 517,158 $ 466,197

Other Intangible Assets (Tables

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Gross and Net Acquired Intangible Assets	The following table summarizes the components of gross and net acquired intangible assets: Gross Accumulated Accumulated Net (in millions) March 28, 2020 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 20.6 $ (17.1) $ — $ 3.5 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 91.2 (17.1) (26.0) 48.1 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 140.3 (58.8) (2.5) 79.0 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (17.3) — 8.7 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.1 — (1.2) 5.9 Total 33.1 (17.3) (1.2) 14.6 Total other intangible assets $ 264.6 $ (93.2) $ (29.7) $ 141.7 Gross Accumulated Accumulated Net (in millions) March 30, 2019 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 18.6 $ (15.2) $ — $ 3.4 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 89.2 (15.2) (26.0) 48.0 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 128.3 (47.5) (2.5) 78.3 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (15.5) — 10.5 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.2 — (1.2) 6.0 Total 33.2 (15.5) (1.2) 16.5 Total other intangible assets $ 250.7 $ (78.2) $ (29.7) $ 142.8 Gross Accumulated Accumulated Net (in millions) September 28, 2019 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 19.7 $ (16.3) $ — $ 3.4 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 90.3 (16.3) (26.0) 48.0 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 138.4 (53.3) (2.5) 82.6 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (16.4) — 9.6 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.1 — (1.2) 5.9 Total 33.1 (16.4) (1.2) 15.5 Total other intangible assets $ 261.8 $ (86.0) $ (29.7) $ 146.1

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company's leases was as follows: Balance Sheet Classification As of Operating leases Right-of-use assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 99.1 Current lease liabilities Current operating lease liabilities $ 32.4 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term operating lease liabilities 70.8 Total operating lease liabilities $ 103.2 Finance leases Right-of-use assets Property, plant and equipment, net $ 0.4 Current lease liabilities Current portion of long-term debt $ 0.1 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term debt 0.1 Total finance lease liabilities $ 0.2 Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for the Company's leases were as follows: As of March 28, 2020 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 4.8 Finance leases 2.4 Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases 3.83 % Finance leases 4.85 %
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information Related to Leases	Components of lease cost were as follows: Three months ended Six months ended Operating lease cost $ 9.7 $ 19.3 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ — $ — Interest on lease liabilities — — Total finance lease cost $ — $ — Short-term lease cost $ 1.0 $ 1.7 Variable lease cost $ 2.6 $ 3.5 Total lease cost $ 13.3 $ 24.5 Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity related to the Company's leases was as follows: Six months ended Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 17.8 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ — Financing cash flows from finance leases $ — Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 5.0 Finance leases $ —
Operating Lease Maturity	Future non-cancelable lease payments under prior lease accounting rules (ASC 840) and under the new lease accounting rules (ASC 842) that went into effect September 29, 2019 were as follows (in millions): As of March 28, 2020 As of September 28, 2019 ASC 842 ASC 840 Operating Leases Finance Leases Operating Leases Fiscal Year 2020 (excluding the six months ended March 28, 2020) $ 19.2 $ — 2020 $ 38.0 2021 30.4 0.1 29.3 2022 22.9 0.1 21.8 2023 12.5 — 11.3 2024 8.8 — 7.9 Thereafter 21.2 — 20.7 Total future undiscounted lease payments $ 115.0 $ 0.2 $ 129.0 Less imputed interest (11.8) — Total reported lease liability $ 103.2 $ 0.2
Finance Leases Maturity	Future non-cancelable lease payments under prior lease accounting rules (ASC 840) and under the new lease accounting rules (ASC 842) that went into effect September 29, 2019 were as follows (in millions): As of March 28, 2020 As of September 28, 2019 ASC 842 ASC 840 Operating Leases Finance Leases Operating Leases Fiscal Year 2020 (excluding the six months ended March 28, 2020) $ 19.2 $ — 2020 $ 38.0 2021 30.4 0.1 29.3 2022 22.9 0.1 21.8 2023 12.5 — 11.3 2024 8.8 — 7.9 Thereafter 21.2 — 20.7 Total future undiscounted lease payments $ 115.0 $ 0.2 $ 129.0 Less imputed interest (11.8) — Total reported lease liability $ 103.2 $ 0.2

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following: March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 September 28, 2019 (in thousands) Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 400,000 Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028 300,000 300,000 300,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (6,524) (7,791) (7,158) Net carrying value 693,476 692,209 692,842 Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.0% to 0.50%, final maturity September 2024. — — — Other notes payable 249 5,556 308 Total 693,725 697,765 693,150 Less current portion (103) (5,119) (113) Long-term portion $ 693,622 $ 692,646 $ 693,037

Supplemental Equity Informati_2

Supplemental Equity Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Carrying Amounts of Equity Attributable to Controlling Interest and Noncontrolling Interest	The following table provides a summary of the changes in the carrying amounts of equity attributable to controlling interest and noncontrolling interest through the six months ended March 28, 2020 and March 30, 2019. Controlling Interest (in thousands) Common Class A Class Additional Retained Accumulated Total Noncontrolling Total Balance September 28, 2019 $ 115 $ 430 $ 16 $ 575,380 $ 421,742 $ (1,676) $ 996,007 $ 170 $ 996,177 Comprehensive income — — — — (4,417) 436 (3,981) (122) (4,103) Amortization of share-based awards — — — 2,804 — — 2,804 — 2,804 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement — — — (318) — — (318) — (318) Repurchase of stock — (8) — (8,488) (13,632) — (22,128) — (22,128) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options — 1 — 739 — — 740 — 740 Balance December 28, 2019 $ 115 $ 423 $ 16 $ 570,117 $ 403,693 $ (1,240) $ 973,124 $ 48 $ 973,172 Comprehensive income — — — — 42,704 (405) 42,299 438 42,737 Amortization of share-based awards — — — 2,923 — — 2,923 — 2,923 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement — 3 — (807) — — (804) — (804) Repurchase of stock (2) (8) — (10,121) (14,911) — (25,042) — (25,042) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options — — — 513 — — 513 — 513 Distribution to Noncontrolling interest — — — — — — — (57) (57) Balance March 28, 2020 $ 113 $ 418 $ 16 $ 562,625 $ 431,486 $ (1,645) $ 993,013 $ 429 $ 993,442 Controlling Interest (in thousands) Common Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Stock Additional Paid In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Noncontrolling Interest Total Balance September 29, 2018 $ 121 $ 439 $ 16 $ 590,168 $ 362,923 $ (1,218) $ 952,449 $ 385 $ 952,834 Comprehensive income — — — — 1,803 (274) 1,529 (164) 1,365 Amortization of share-based awards — — — 2,261 — — 2,261 — 2,261 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement — 1 — (386) — — (385) — (385) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options — 1 — 408 — — 409 — 409 Balance December 29, 2018 $ 121 $ 441 $ 16 $ 592,451 $ 364,726 $ (1,492) $ 956,263 $ 221 $ 956,484 Comprehensive income — — — — 42,391 212 42,603 331 42,934 Amortization of share-based awards — — — 2,473 — — 2,473 — 2,473 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement — 2 — (1,773) — — (1,771) — (1,771) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options — 1 — (820) — — (819) — (819) Other — — — — — — — 1 1 Balance March 30, 2019 $ 121 $ 444 $ 16 $ 592,331 $ 407,117 $ (1,280) $ 998,749 $ 553 $ 999,302

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for income from continuing operations (in thousands except share and per share amounts). Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 March 28, 2020 Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 42,704 54,281 $ 0.79 $ 38,287 54,517 $ 0.70 Effect of dilutive securities (1): Options to purchase common stock — 343 (0.01) — 368 (0.01) Restricted shares — 328 — — 335 — Diluted EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 42,704 54,952 $ 0.78 $ 38,287 55,220 $ 0.69 (1) The potential effects of stock awards were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three months ended December 28, 2019, because their inclusion in a net loss period would be anti-dilutive to the earnings per share calculation. Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 30, 2019 March 30, 2019 Income Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 42,391 57,050 $ 0.74 $ 44,194 56,976 $ 0.78 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock — 609 (0.01) — 639 (0.01) Restricted shares — 367 — — 398 (0.01) Diluted EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 42,391 58,026 $ 0.73 $ 44,194 58,013 $ 0.76

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial Information Relating to Company's Business Segments	These operating segments are Pet segment and Garden segment and are presented in the table below (in thousands). Three Months Ended Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 Net sales: Pet segment $ 360,792 $ 338,183 $ 714,813 $ 678,599 Garden segment 342,437 335,518 471,244 457,092 Total net sales $ 703,229 $ 673,701 $ 1,186,057 $ 1,135,691 Operating Income (loss) Pet segment 33,617 26,984 63,839 56,739 Garden segment 53,020 53,355 44,652 48,718 Corporate (20,532) (18,186) (40,321) (33,123) Total operating income 66,105 62,153 68,170 72,334 Interest expense - net (9,336) (8,385) (17,973) (16,462) Other income (expense) (979) 500 (674) 308 Income tax expense 12,648 11,546 10,920 11,819 Income including noncontrolling interest 43,142 42,722 38,603 44,361 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 438 331 316 167 Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 42,704 $ 42,391 $ 38,287 $ 44,194 Depreciation and amortization: Pet segment $ 8,441 $ 8,039 $ 16,931 $ 16,095 Garden segment 3,324 2,312 6,619 5,138 Corporate 1,411 1,526 2,766 2,996 Total depreciation and amortization $ 13,176 $ 11,877 $ 26,316 $ 24,229 March 28, 2020 March 30, 2019 September 28, 2019 Assets: Pet segment $ 796,080 $ 700,638 $ 734,380 Garden segment 712,061 687,951 463,889 Corporate 659,266 657,551 826,751 Total assets $ 2,167,407 $ 2,046,140 $ 2,025,020 Goodwill (included in corporate assets above): Pet segment $ 272,066 $ 268,289 $ 268,289 Garden segment 17,788 12,888 17,788 Total goodwill $ 289,854 $ 281,177 $ 286,077 The tables below presents the Company's disaggregated revenues by segment (in millions): Three Months Ended March 28, 2020 Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 Pet Segment Garden Segment Total Pet Segment Garden Segment Total Other pet products $ 164.2 $ — $ 164.2 $ 302.0 $ — $ 302.0 Dog and cat products 111.4 — 111.4 241.8 — 241.8 Other manufacturers' products 85.2 65.1 150.3 171.0 95.0 266.0 Garden controls and fertilizer products — 110.8 110.8 — 133.9 133.9 Other garden supplies — 166.5 166.5 — 242.3 242.3 Total $ 360.8 $ 342.4 $ 703.2 $ 714.8 $ 471.2 $ 1,186.1 Three Months Ended March 30, 2019 Six Months Ended March 30, 2019 Pet Segment Garden Segment Total Pet Segment Garden Segment Total Other pet products $ 154.8 $ — $ 154.8 $ 285.6 $ — $ 285.6 Dog and cat products 105.2 — 105.2 236.3 — 236.3 Other manufacturers' products 78.2 52.3 130.5 156.7 81.4 238.1 Garden controls and fertilizer products — 113.8 113.8 — 138.1 138.1 Other garden supplies — 169.4 169.4 — 237.6 237.6 Total $ 338.2 $ 335.5 $ 673.7 $ 678.6 $ 457.1 $ 1,135.7

Consolidating Condensed Finan_2

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 218,951 $ 35,651 $ 473,627 $ (25,000) $ 703,229 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 167,640 33,240 318,451 (23,219) 496,112 Gross profit 51,311 2,411 155,176 (1,781) 207,117 Selling, general and administrative expenses 47,616 8,988 86,189 (1,781) 141,012 Operating income (loss) 3,695 (6,577) 68,987 — 66,105 Interest expense (10,666) (84) (3) — (10,753) Interest income 1,409 8 — — 1,417 Other income (expense) (361) (668) 50 — (979) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates (5,923) (7,321) 69,034 — 55,790 Income tax expense (benefit) (433) 185 12,896 — 12,648 Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates 48,194 — 69 (48,263) — Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 42,704 (7,506) 56,207 (48,263) 43,142 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest — 438 — — 438 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 42,704 $ (7,944) $ 56,207 $ (48,263) $ 42,704 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 214,042 $ 35,191 $ 449,810 $ (25,342) $ 673,701 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 163,133 30,343 297,864 (23,690) 467,650 Gross profit 50,909 4,848 151,946 (1,652) 206,051 Selling, general and administrative expenses 47,135 10,485 87,930 (1,652) 143,898 Operating income (loss) 3,774 (5,637) 64,016 — 62,153 Interest expense (10,482) (141) (17) — (10,640) Interest income 2,250 5 — — 2,255 Other income (expense) 305 243 (48) — 500 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates (4,153) (5,530) 63,951 — 54,268 Income tax expense (benefit) (1,748) (55) 13,349 11,546 Equity in earnings of affiliates 44,796 — (101) (44,695) — Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 42,391 (5,475) 50,501 (44,695) 42,722 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 331 — — 331 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 42,391 $ (5,806) $ 50,501 $ (44,695) $ 42,391 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 389,279 $ 59,488 $ 774,668 $ (37,378) $ 1,186,057 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 299,913 56,952 525,435 (34,626) 847,674 Gross profit 89,366 2,536 249,233 (2,752) 338,383 Selling, general and administrative expenses 90,853 16,807 165,305 (2,752) 270,213 Operating income (loss) (1,487) (14,271) 83,928 — 68,170 Interest expense (21,244) (144) (6) — (21,394) Interest income 3,406 15 — — 3,421 Other income (expense) (436) 69 (307) — (674) Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates (19,761) (14,331) 83,615 — 49,523 Income tax expense (benefit) (4,331) (180) 15,431 — 10,920 Equity in earnings of affiliates 53,717 — (611) (53,106) — Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 38,287 (14,151) 67,573 (53,106) 38,603 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 316 — — 316 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 38,287 $ (14,467) $ 67,573 $ (53,106) $ 38,287 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Six Months Ended March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 387,448 $ 58,820 $ 729,644 $ (40,221) $ 1,135,691 Cost of goods sold and occupancy 299,146 52,346 485,547 (37,581) 799,458 Gross profit 88,302 6,474 244,097 (2,640) 336,233 Selling, general and administrative expenses 90,800 17,836 157,903 (2,640) 263,899 Operating income (loss) (2,498) (11,362) 86,194 — 72,334 Interest expense (20,979) (255) (20) — (21,254) Interest income 4,783 9 — — 4,792 Other income (expense) 342 27 (61) — 308 Income (loss) before taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates (18,352) (11,581) 86,113 — 56,180 Income tax expense (benefit) (3,836) (311) 15,966 — 11,819 Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates 58,710 — (1,213) (57,497) — Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 44,194 (11,270) 68,934 (57,497) 44,361 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — 167 — — 167 Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 44,194 $ (11,437) $ 68,934 $ (57,497) $ 44,194
Consolidating Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Three Months Ended March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 42,704 $ (7,506) $ 56,207 $ (48,263) $ 43,142 Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation (405) (227) (83) 310 (405) Total comprehensive income (loss) 42,299 (7,733) 56,124 (47,953) 42,737 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 438 — — 438 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 42,299 $ (8,171) $ 56,124 $ (47,953) $ 42,299 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Three Months Ended March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net income (loss) $ 42,391 $ (5,475) $ 50,501 $ (44,695) $ 42,722 Other comprehensive income: Foreign currency translation 212 127 35 (162) 212 Total comprehensive income (loss) 42,603 (5,348) 50,536 (44,857) 42,934 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 331 — — 331 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 42,603 $ (5,679) $ 50,536 $ (44,857) $ 42,603 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 38,287 $ (14,151) $ 67,573 $ (53,106) $ 38,603 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation 32 70 (62) (8) 32 Total comprehensive income (loss) 38,319 (14,081) 67,511 (53,114) 38,635 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — 316 — — 316 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 38,319 $ (14,397) $ 67,511 $ (53,114) $ 38,319 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Six Months Ended March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net income $ 44,194 $ (11,270) $ 68,934 $ (57,497) $ 44,361 Other comprehensive loss: Foreign currency translation (62) (2) (60) 62 (62) Total comprehensive income 44,132 (11,272) 68,874 (57,435) 44,299 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — 167 — — 167 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 44,132 $ (11,439) $ 68,874 $ (57,435) $ 44,132
Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 319,187 $ 11,165 $ 1,203 $ — $ 331,555 Restricted cash 13,021 — — — 13,021 Accounts receivable, net 137,422 18,661 304,902 — 460,985 Inventories, net 125,002 46,241 345,964 — 517,207 Prepaid expenses and other 7,626 1,839 26,695 — 36,160 Total current assets 602,258 77,906 678,764 — 1,358,928 Property, plant and equipment, net 27,561 34,962 179,355 — 241,878 Goodwill 20,577 7,414 261,863 — 289,854 Operating lease right-of-use assets 48,013 5,916 45,169 — 99,098 Other long-term assets 48,172 4,791 133,690 (9,004) 177,649 Intercompany receivable 62,722 — 815,955 (878,677) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,838,475 — — (1,838,475) — Total $ 2,647,778 $ 130,989 $ 2,114,796 $ (2,726,156) $ 2,167,407 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 53,323 $ 22,800 $ 110,748 $ — $ 186,871 Accrued expenses 59,861 5,216 72,646 — 137,723 Current operating lease liability 19,306 3,206 9,891 — 32,403 Current portion of long-term debt 103 — — — 103 Total current liabilities 132,593 31,222 193,285 — 357,100 Long-term debt 693,622 — — — 693,622 Operating lease long term liabilities 30,721 2,670 37,369 — 70,760 Intercompany payable 797,082 81,595 — (878,677) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 26,408 (26,408) — Other long-term obligations 747 — 60,740 (9,004) 52,483 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 993,013 15,073 1,796,994 (1,812,067) 993,013 Noncontrolling interest — 429 — — 429 Total equity 993,013 15,502 1,796,994 (1,812,067) 993,442 Total $ 2,647,778 $ 130,989 $ 2,114,796 $ (2,726,156) $ 2,167,407 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 322,149 $ 6,354 $ 1,221 $ — $ 329,724 Restricted cash 10,888 — 5,227 — 16,115 Accounts receivable, net 134,251 22,844 299,034 — 456,129 Inventories, net 138,778 46,035 332,345 — 517,158 Prepaid expenses and other 8,355 1,386 23,420 — 33,161 Total current assets 614,421 76,619 661,247 — 1,352,287 Property, plant and equipment, net 29,701 36,180 151,657 — 217,538 Goodwill 20,578 7,414 253,185 — 281,177 Other long-term assets 47,512 6,273 147,035 (5,682) 195,138 Intercompany receivable 59,152 — 680,937 (740,089) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,688,163 — — (1,688,163) — Total $ 2,459,527 $ 126,486 $ 1,894,061 $ (2,433,934) $ 2,046,140 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 41,488 $ 21,833 $ 94,275 $ — $ 157,596 Accrued expenses 55,181 6,200 75,032 — 136,413 Current portion of long-term debt 119 — 5,000 — 5,119 Total current liabilities 96,788 28,033 174,307 — 299,128 Long-term debt 692,459 — 187 — 692,646 Intercompany payable 662,927 77,163 — (740,090) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 26,248 (26,248) — Other long-term obligations 8,604 — 52,142 (5,682) 55,064 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 998,749 20,737 1,641,177 (1,661,914) 998,749 Noncontrolling interest — 553 — — 553 Total equity 998,749 21,290 1,641,177 (1,661,914) 999,302 Total $ 2,459,527 $ 126,486 $ 1,894,061 $ (2,433,934) $ 2,046,140 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET September 28, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 489,590 $ 7,308 $ 851 $ — $ 497,749 Restricted cash 12,952 — — — 12,952 Accounts receivable, net 99,372 11,551 189,212 — 300,135 Inventories, net 121,344 30,826 314,027 — 466,197 Prepaid expenses and other assets 9,339 1,241 19,580 — 30,160 Total current assets 732,597 50,926 523,670 — 1,307,193 Property, plant and equipment, net 27,395 35,854 182,156 — 245,405 Goodwill 20,578 7,414 258,085 — 286,077 Other long-term assets 55,690 5,487 139,138 (13,970) 186,345 Intercompany receivable 37,544 — 879,231 (916,775) — Investment in subsidiaries 1,784,750 — — (1,784,750) — Total $ 2,658,554 $ 99,681 $ 1,982,280 $ (2,715,495) $ 2,025,020 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Accounts payable $ 47,506 $ 6,895 $ 94,845 $ — $ 149,246 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 54,623 4,814 69,729 — 129,166 Current portion of long term debt 113 — — — 113 Total current liabilities 102,242 11,709 164,574 — 278,525 Long-term debt 693,037 — — — 693,037 Intercompany payable 858,673 58,102 — (916,775) — Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries — — 25,567 (25,567) — Other long-term obligations 8,595 — 62,656 (13,970) 57,281 Total Central Garden & Pet shareholders’ equity (deficit) 996,007 29,700 1,729,483 (1,759,183) 996,007 Noncontrolling interest — 170 — — 170 Total equity 996,007 29,870 1,729,483 (1,759,183) 996,177 Total $ 2,658,554 $ 99,681 $ 1,982,280 $ (2,715,495) $ 2,025,020
Consolidating Condensed Statement of Cash Flows	CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Six Months Ended March 28, 2020 (in thousands) Parent Non- Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net cash used by operating activities $ (25,504) $ (19,073) $ (47,851) $ (230) $ (92,658) Additions to property, plant and equipment (4,236) (291) (14,960) — (19,487) Investments (4,439) — — — (4,439) Other investing activities (437) — — — (437) Intercompany investing activities (25,179) — 63,276 (38,097) — Net cash (used) provided by investing activities (34,291) (291) 48,316 (38,097) (24,363) Repayments of long-term debt (59) — — — (59) Payment of financing costs (959) (959) Repurchase of common stock (48,026) — — — (48,026) Distribution to parent — (230) — 230 — Distribution to noncontrolling interest — (57) — — (57) Payment of contingent consideration liability — — (90) — (90) Intercompany financing activities (61,589) 23,492 — 38,097 — Net cash (used) provided by financing activities (110,633) 23,205 (90) 38,327 (49,191) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 94 16 (23) — 87 Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (170,334) 3,857 352 — (166,125) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 502,542 7,308 851 — 510,701 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 332,208 $ 11,165 $ 1,203 $ — $ 344,576 CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Six Months Ended March 30, 2019 (in thousands) Parent Non-Guarantor Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated Net cash (used) provided by operating activities $ (23,565) $ (17,128) $ (38,626) $ — $ (79,319) Additions to property, plant and equipment (1,716) (3,350) (9,236) — (14,302) Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired (11,137) — — — (11,137) Investments (1,749) — — — (1,749) Other investing activities (368) — — — (368) Intercompany investing activities (18,788) — 88,949 (70,161) — Net cash used by investing activities (33,758) (3,350) 79,713 (70,161) (27,556) Repayments of long-term debt (3) — (36,463) — (36,466) Repurchase of common stock (3,739) — — — (3,739) Payment of contingent consideration — — (66) — (66) Intercompany financing activities (91,005) 20,844 — 70,161 — Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (94,747) 20,844 (36,529) 70,161 (40,271) Effect of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (2) (17) (1) — (20) Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (152,072) 349 4,557 — (147,166) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 485,109 6,005 1,891 — 493,005 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 333,037 $ 6,354 $ 6,448 $ — $ 345,839

Basis of Presentation - Narrati

Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 99,098
Total reported lease liability	$ 103,200
Subsidiary
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest owned by the subsidiary	20.00%
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating lease right-of-use assets		$ 111,000
Total reported lease liability		$ 115,000

Basis of Presentation - Cash, C

Basis of Presentation - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 331,555	$ 497,749	$ 329,724
Restricted Cash	13,021	12,952	16,115
Total Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 344,576	$ 510,701	$ 345,839	$ 493,005

Fair Value Measurements - Summa

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	$ 1,310	$ 7,369	$ 7,729
Liability for contingent consideration
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	1,310	7,369	7,729
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	0	0	0
Level 1 | Liability for contingent consideration
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	0	0	0
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	0	0	0
Level 2 | Liability for contingent consideration
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	0	0	0
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	1,310	7,369	7,729
Level 3 | Liability for contingent consideration
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	1,310	$ 7,369	$ 7,729
Segrest, Inc. | Liability for contingent consideration
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Liabilities, fair value disclosure	$ 6,000

Fair Value Measurements - Sum_2

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Instruments (Details) - Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 7,369	$ 8,224
Estimated contingent performance-based consideration established at the time of acquisition	0	0
Changes in the fair value of contingent performance-based payments established at the time of acquisition	31	(429)
Performance-based payments	(6,090)	(66)
Ending balance	$ 1,310	$ 7,729

Fair Value Measurements - Narra

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 14, 2017	Nov. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes	$ 693,725,000	$ 693,150,000	$ 697,765,000
Senior notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes	$ 693,476,000	692,842,000	692,209,000
Senior notes | Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt, aggregate principal amount				$ 300,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage	5.125%			5.125%	5.125%
Estimated fair value of senior notes	$ 270,200,000	307,100,000	278,200,000
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes	296,300,000	296,100,000	295,900,000
Senior notes | 6.125% senior notes due in November 2023
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt, aggregate principal amount						$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage						6.125%
Estimated fair value of senior notes	385,000,000	414,600,000	417,700,000
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes	$ 397,200,000	$ 396,700,000	$ 396,300,000

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) - C&S Products $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire investments	$ 30
Payment for acquired debt extinguishment	$ 4.7

Acquisitions - C&S Products (De

Acquisitions - C&S Products (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2019	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 289,854	$ 286,077	$ 281,177
C&S Products
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	$ 10,235
Fixed assets	19,957
Goodwill	3,777
Other assets	1,839
Other intangible assets, net	2,810
Current liabilities	(2,137)
Long-term obligations	(6,457)
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents	30,024
Measurement Period Adjustments
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	441
Fixed assets	(3,786)
Goodwill	3,777
Other assets	(3,242)
Other intangible assets, net	2,810
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents	0
Previously Reported | C&S Products
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	9,794
Fixed assets	23,743
Goodwill	0
Other assets	5,081
Other intangible assets, net	0
Current liabilities	(2,137)
Long-term obligations	(6,457)
Net assets acquired, less cash and cash equivalents	$ 30,024

Inventories, net - Summary of I

Inventories, net - Summary of Inventories, Net of Allowance for Obsolescence (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 148,730	$ 145,331	$ 136,879
Work in progress	66,866	51,154	58,529
Finished goods	286,448	255,870	305,569
Supplies	15,163	13,842	16,181
Total inventories, net	$ 517,207	$ 466,197	$ 517,158

Goodwill - Narrative (Details)

Goodwill - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020USD ($)segment	Mar. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2019USD ($)	May 31, 2019USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of reporting units | segment	2
Impairment of goodwill	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 289,854,000	$ 281,177,000		$ 286,077,000
C&S Products
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill					$ 3,777,000
Pet Segment | C&S Products
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 3,800,000

Other Intangible Assets - Compo

Other Intangible Assets - Components of Gross and Net Acquired Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 264,600	$ 261,800	$ 250,700
Accumulated Amortization	(93,200)	(86,000)	(78,200)
Accumulated Impairment	(29,700)	(29,700)	(29,700)
Net Carrying Value	141,686	146,137	142,798
Marketing-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	91,200	90,300	89,200
Accumulated Amortization	(17,100)	(16,300)	(15,200)
Accumulated Impairment	(26,000)	(26,000)	(26,000)
Net Carrying Value	48,100	48,000	48,000
Other acquired intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	33,100	33,100	33,200
Accumulated Amortization	(17,300)	(16,400)	(15,500)
Accumulated Impairment	(1,200)	(1,200)	(1,200)
Net Carrying Value	14,600	15,500	16,500
Amortizable | Marketing-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	20,600	19,700	18,600
Accumulated Amortization	(17,100)	(16,300)	(15,200)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0	0
Net Carrying Value	3,500	3,400	3,400
Amortizable | Customer-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	140,300	138,400	128,300
Accumulated Amortization	(58,800)	(53,300)	(47,500)
Accumulated Impairment	(2,500)	(2,500)	(2,500)
Net Carrying Value	79,000	82,600	78,300
Amortizable | Other acquired intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	26,000	26,000	26,000
Accumulated Amortization	(17,300)	(16,400)	(15,500)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0	0
Net Carrying Value	8,700	9,600	10,500
Nonamortizable | Marketing-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	70,600	70,600	70,600
Accumulated Amortization	0	0	0
Accumulated Impairment	(26,000)	(26,000)	(26,000)
Net Carrying Value	44,600	44,600	44,600
Nonamortizable | Other acquired intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	7,100	7,100	7,200
Accumulated Amortization	0	0	0
Accumulated Impairment	(1,200)	(1,200)	(1,200)
Net Carrying Value	$ 5,900	$ 5,900	$ 6,000

Other Intangible Assets - Narra

Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	$ 141,686	$ 142,798	$ 141,686	$ 142,798	$ 146,137
2020 estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets	12,000		12,000
2021 estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets	12,000		12,000
2022 estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets	12,000		12,000
2023 estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets	12,000		12,000
2024 estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets	12,000		12,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets after 2024	12,000		12,000
Marketing-related intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	48,100	48,000	$ 48,100	48,000	48,000
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets			4 years
Marketing-related intangible assets | Amortizable
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	3,500	3,400	$ 3,500	3,400	3,400
Customer-related intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets			9 years
Customer-related intangible assets | Amortizable
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	79,000	78,300	$ 79,000	78,300	82,600
Other acquired intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	14,600	16,500	$ 14,600	16,500	15,500
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets			10 years
Other acquired intangible assets | Amortizable
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	8,700	10,500	$ 8,700	10,500	9,600
Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets			3 years
Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets			25 years
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense for intangibles	$ 3,500	$ 3,400	$ 7,300	$ 6,900
Selling, general and administrative expenses | Pet Segment
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets			$ 2,500
C&S Products | Marketing-related intangible assets | Amortizable
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net					900
C&S Products | Customer-related intangible assets | Amortizable
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net					$ 1,900

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	10 years

Leases - Supplemental Balance S

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2020USD ($)
Operating leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 99,098
Current lease liabilities	32,400
Non-current lease liabilities	70,800
Total operating lease liabilities	103,200
Finance leases
Finance lease right-of-use assets	400
Current lease liabilities	100
Non-current lease liabilities	100
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 200
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases	4 years 9 months 18 days
Finance leases	2 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases	3.83%
Finance leases	4.85%

Leases - Schedule of Supplement

Leases - Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 28, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 9.7	$ 19.3
Amortization of right-of-use assets	0	0
Interest on lease liabilities	0	0
Total finance lease cost	0	0
Short-term lease cost	1	1.7
Variable lease cost	2.6	3.5
Total lease cost	$ 13.3	24.5
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases		17.8
Operating cash flows from finance leases		0
Financing cash flows from finance leases		0
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases		5
Finance leases		$ 0

Leases - Lease Maturity (Detail

Leases - Lease Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019
Operating Leases, after Adoption of 842
2020	$ 19.2
2021	30.4
2022	22.9
2023	12.5
2024	8.8
Thereafter	21.2
Total future undiscounted lease payments	115
Less imputed interest	(11.8)
Total reported lease liability	103.2
Finance Leases, After Adoption of 842
2020	0
2021	0.1
2022	0.1
2023	0
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total future undiscounted lease payments	0.2
Less imputed interest	0
Total reported lease liability	$ 0.2
Operating Leases, Before Adoption of 842
2020		$ 38
2021		29.3
2022		21.8
2023		11.3
2024		7.9
Thereafter		20.7
Total future undiscounted lease payments		$ 129

Long-Term Debt - Components of

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 14, 2017	Nov. 09, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 693,725,000	$ 693,725,000	$ 693,150,000	$ 697,765,000
Less current portion	(103,000)	(103,000)	(113,000)	(5,119,000)
Long-term portion	693,622,000	693,622,000	693,037,000	692,646,000
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(6,524,000)	(6,524,000)	(7,158,000)	(7,791,000)
Total	693,476,000	693,476,000	692,842,000	692,209,000
Senior notes | Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes	$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000	400,000,000	400,000,000			$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage	6.125%	6.125%					6.125%
Senior notes | Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes	$ 300,000,000	$ 300,000,000	300,000,000	300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Total	$ 296,300,000	$ 296,300,000	296,100,000	295,900,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage	5.125%	5.125%			5.125%	5.125%
Secured debt | Base rate borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.00%
Secured debt | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.0% to 0.50%, final maturity September 2024.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 0	$ 0	0	0
Secured debt | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.0% to 0.50%, final maturity September 2024. | Minimum | LIBOR-based borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.00%
Secured debt | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.0% to 0.50%, final maturity September 2024. | Minimum | Base rate borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.00%
Secured debt | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.0% to 0.50%, final maturity September 2024. | Maximum | LIBOR-based borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.50%
Secured debt | Asset-based revolving credit facility, interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.00% to 1.50% or Base Rate plus a margin of 0.0% to 0.50%, final maturity September 2024. | Maximum | Base rate borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.50%
Other notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 249,000	$ 249,000	$ 308,000	$ 5,556,000

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Det

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 27, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 14, 2017USD ($)	Nov. 09, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2020USD ($)	May 07, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Apr. 22, 2016
Components of long-term debt
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage	0.125%
Ownership percentage of equity	65.00%
Collateral Pledged
Components of long-term debt
Ownership percentage of equity	100.00%
Revolving credit facility | LIBOR-based borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.00%
Letter of credit
Components of long-term debt
Other letters of credit outstanding					$ 3,200,000
Standby Letters of Credit
Components of long-term debt
Letters of credit outstanding	$ 50,000,000
Short-term Debt
Components of long-term debt
Letters of credit outstanding	40,000,000
Secured debt | Base rate borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility					0.00%
Secured debt | Revolving credit facility
Components of long-term debt
Credit facility, maximum principal amount	400,000,000
Credit facility, additional borrowings available	$ 200,000,000
Credit facility, available capacity					$ 400,000,000
Line of credit outstanding borrowings					0
Other letters of credit outstanding					0
Debt issuance costs					$ 1,600,000
Debt instrument fixed charge coverage ratio										1
Secured debt | Revolving credit facility | Subsequent Event
Components of long-term debt
Line of credit outstanding borrowings						$ 200,000,000
Secured debt | Revolving credit facility | Federal funds rate
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.50%
Secured debt | Revolving credit facility | One-month LIBOR
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.00%
Secured debt | Revolving credit facility | LIBOR-based borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.00%
Applicable interest rate on the credit facility					2.00%
Secured debt | Revolving credit facility | Base rate borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest rate on the credit facility					3.30%
Secured debt | Revolving credit facility | Minimum | LIBOR-based borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.00%
Secured debt | Revolving credit facility | Minimum | Base rate borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.00%
Secured debt | Revolving credit facility | Maximum | LIBOR-based borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	1.50%
Secured debt | Revolving credit facility | Maximum | Base rate borrowings
Components of long-term debt
Applicable interest margin rate on the credit facility	0.50%
Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028 | Redemption period one
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		105.125%
Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028 | Redemption period two
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		102.563%
Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028 | Redemption period three
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		101.708%
Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028 | Redemption period four
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		100.854%
Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028 | Redemption period five
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		100.00%
Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028 | Upon change of control
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage		101.00%
Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028 | Senior notes
Components of long-term debt
Aggregate principal amount of debt		$ 300,000,000			$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000	$ 300,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage		5.125%			5.125%				5.125%
Debt issuance cost		$ 4,800,000
Redemption percentage		35.00%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | Redemption period three
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage			103.063%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | Redemption period four
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage			101.531%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | Redemption period five
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage			100.00%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | Upon change of control
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage			101.00%
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | Senior notes
Components of long-term debt
Aggregate principal amount of debt			$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage			6.125%		6.125%
Debt issuance cost			$ 6,300,000
Senior subordinated notes, interest at 8.25%, payable semi-annually, principal due march 2018 | Senior notes
Components of long-term debt
Aggregate principal amount of debt				$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated, percentage				8.25%
Senior subordinated notes, interest at 8.25%, payable semi-annually, principal due march 2018 | Senior subordinated notes
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage				102.063%

Supplemental Equity Informati_3

Supplemental Equity Information - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amounts of Equity Attributable to Controlling Interest and Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 973,172	$ 996,177	$ 956,484	$ 952,834	$ 996,177	$ 952,834
Comprehensive income	42,737	(4,103)	42,934	1,365	38,635	44,299
Amortization of share-based awards	2,923	2,804	2,473	2,261
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement	(804)	(318)	(1,771)	(385)
Repurchase of stock	(25,042)	(22,128)
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options	513	740	(819)	409
Distribution to Noncontrolling interest	(57)
Other			1
Ending balance	993,442	973,172	999,302	956,484	993,442	999,302
Total
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	973,124	996,007	956,263	952,449	996,007	952,449
Comprehensive income	42,299	(3,981)	42,603	1,529
Amortization of share-based awards	2,923	2,804	2,473	2,261
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement	(804)	(318)	(1,771)	(385)
Repurchase of stock	(25,042)	(22,128)
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options	513	740	(819)	409
Ending balance	993,013	973,124	998,749	956,263	993,013	998,749
Additional Paid In Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	570,117	575,380	592,451	590,168	575,380	590,168
Amortization of share-based awards	2,923	2,804	2,473	2,261
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement	(807)	(318)	(1,773)	(386)
Repurchase of stock	(10,121)	(8,488)
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options	513	739	(820)	408
Ending balance	562,625	570,117	592,331	592,451	562,625	592,331
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	403,693	421,742	364,726	362,923	421,742	362,923
Comprehensive income	42,704	(4,417)	42,391	1,803
Repurchase of stock	(14,911)	(13,632)
Ending balance	431,486	403,693	407,117	364,726	431,486	407,117
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(1,240)	(1,676)	(1,492)	(1,218)	(1,676)	(1,218)
Comprehensive income	(405)	436	212	(274)
Ending balance	(1,645)	(1,240)	(1,280)	(1,492)	(1,645)	(1,280)
Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	48	170	221	385	170	385
Comprehensive income	438	(122)	331	(164)
Distribution to Noncontrolling interest	(57)
Other			1
Ending balance	429	48	553	221	429	553
Common Class
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	115	115	121	121	115	121
Repurchase of stock	(2)
Ending balance	113	115	121	121	113	121
Class A Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	423	430	441	439	430	439
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement	3		2	1
Repurchase of stock	(8)	(8)
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options		1	1	1
Ending balance	418	423	444	441	418	444
Class B Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	16	16	16	16	16	16
Ending balance	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16

Stock-Based Compensation - Narr

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 8.4	$ 5.9
Tax benefit associated with share-based compensation expense	$ 2	$ 1.4

Earnings Per Share - Earnings P

Earnings Per Share - Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Basic EPS:
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders basic	$ 42,704	$ 42,391	$ 38,287	$ 44,194
Weighted average shares, basic (in shares)	54,281	57,050	54,517	56,976
Earnings per share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.79	$ 0.74	$ 0.70	$ 0.78
Effect of dilutive securities (1):
Effective of dilutive securities (in shares)	343	609	368	639
Options to purchase common stock (in dollars per share)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)	$ (0.01)
Restricted shares (in shares)	328	367	335	398
Restricted shares (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (0.01)
Diluted EPS:
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders diluted	$ 42,704	$ 42,391	$ 38,287	$ 44,194
Weighted average shares, diluted (in shares)	54,952	58,026	55,220	58,013
Earnings per share, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.78	$ 0.73	$ 0.69	$ 0.76

Earnings Per Share - Narrative

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - $ / shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of options to purchase common stock outstanding (in shares)	3.4	2.8	3.4	2.8
Stock Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount (in shares)	1.5	1.8	1.2	1.8
Minimum
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options to purchase common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 10.63	$ 8.56	$ 10.63	$ 8.56
Maximum
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options to purchase common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 38.10	$ 38.10	$ 38.10	$ 38.10

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2

Segment Information - Financial

Segment Information - Financial Information Relating to Company's Business Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 703,229	$ 673,701	$ 1,186,057	$ 1,135,691
Operating Income (loss)
Total operating income	66,105	62,153	68,170	72,334
Interest expense - net	(9,336)	(8,385)	(17,973)	(16,462)
Other income (expense)	(979)	500	(674)	308
Income tax expense	12,648	11,546	10,920	11,819
Income including noncontrolling interest	43,142	42,722	38,603	44,361
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	438	331	316	167
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	42,704	42,391	38,287	44,194
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	13,176	11,877	26,316	24,229
Assets:
Assets	2,167,407	2,046,140	2,167,407	2,046,140	$ 2,025,020
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):
Goodwill	289,854	281,177	289,854	281,177	286,077
Pet Segment
Net sales:
Net sales	360,792	338,183	714,813	678,599
Garden Segment
Net sales:
Net sales	342,437	335,518	471,244	457,092
Operating segments | Pet Segment
Operating Income (loss)
Total operating income	33,617	26,984	63,839	56,739
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	8,441	8,039	16,931	16,095
Assets:
Assets	796,080	700,638	796,080	700,638	734,380
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):
Goodwill	272,066	268,289	272,066	268,289	268,289
Operating segments | Garden Segment
Operating Income (loss)
Total operating income	53,020	53,355	44,652	48,718
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	3,324	2,312	6,619	5,138
Assets:
Assets	712,061	687,951	712,061	687,951	463,889
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):
Goodwill	17,788	12,888	17,788	12,888	17,788
Corporate
Operating Income (loss)
Total operating income	(20,532)	(18,186)	(40,321)	(33,123)
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	1,411	1,526	2,766	2,996
Assets:
Assets	$ 659,266	$ 657,551	$ 659,266	$ 657,551	$ 826,751

Segment Information - Disaggreg

Segment Information - Disaggregated Revenues by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 703,229	$ 673,701	$ 1,186,057	$ 1,135,691
Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	360,792	338,183	714,813	678,599
Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	342,437	335,518	471,244	457,092
Other pet products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	164,200	154,800	302,000	285,600
Other pet products | Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	164,200	154,800	302,000	285,600
Other pet products | Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Dog and cat products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	111,400	105,200	241,800	236,300
Dog and cat products | Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	111,400	105,200	241,800	236,300
Dog and cat products | Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Other manufacturers' products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	150,300	130,500	266,000	238,100
Other manufacturers' products | Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	85,200	78,200	171,000	156,700
Other manufacturers' products | Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	65,100	52,300	95,000	81,400
Garden controls and fertilizer products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	110,800	113,800	133,900	138,100
Garden controls and fertilizer products | Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Garden controls and fertilizer products | Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	110,800	113,800	133,900	138,100
Other garden supplies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	166,500	169,400	242,300	237,600
Other garden supplies | Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Other garden supplies | Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 166,500	$ 169,400	$ 242,300	$ 237,600

Consolidating Condensed Finan_3

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Narrative (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Collective ownership percentage on guarantor subsidiaries	100.00%

Consolidating Condensed Finan_4

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 703,229	$ 673,701	$ 1,186,057	$ 1,135,691
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	496,112	467,650	847,674	799,458
Gross profit	207,117	206,051	338,383	336,233
Selling, general and administrative expenses	141,012	143,898	270,213	263,899
Operating income	66,105	62,153	68,170	72,334
Interest expense	(10,753)	(10,640)	(21,394)	(21,254)
Interest income	1,417	2,255	3,421	4,792
Other income (expense)	(979)	500	(674)	308
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	55,790	54,268	49,523	56,180
Income tax expense (benefit)	12,648	11,546	10,920	11,819
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income including noncontrolling interest	43,142	42,722	38,603	44,361
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	438	331	316	167
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	42,704	42,391	38,287	44,194
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	(25,000)	(25,342)	(37,378)	(40,221)
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	(23,219)	(23,690)	(34,626)	(37,581)
Gross profit	(1,781)	(1,652)	(2,752)	(2,640)
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(1,781)	(1,652)	(2,752)	(2,640)
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense)	0	0	0	0
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	0		0	0
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates	(48,263)	(44,695)	(53,106)	(57,497)
Income including noncontrolling interest	(48,263)	(44,695)	(53,106)	(57,497)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	(48,263)	(44,695)	(53,106)	(57,497)
Parent | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	218,951	214,042	389,279	387,448
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	167,640	163,133	299,913	299,146
Gross profit	51,311	50,909	89,366	88,302
Selling, general and administrative expenses	47,616	47,135	90,853	90,800
Operating income	3,695	3,774	(1,487)	(2,498)
Interest expense	(10,666)	(10,482)	(21,244)	(20,979)
Interest income	1,409	2,250	3,406	4,783
Other income (expense)	(361)	305	(436)	342
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(5,923)	(4,153)	(19,761)	(18,352)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(433)	(1,748)	(4,331)	(3,836)
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates	48,194	44,796	53,717	58,710
Income including noncontrolling interest	42,704	42,391	38,287	44,194
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	42,704	42,391	38,287	44,194
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	35,651	35,191	59,488	58,820
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	33,240	30,343	56,952	52,346
Gross profit	2,411	4,848	2,536	6,474
Selling, general and administrative expenses	8,988	10,485	16,807	17,836
Operating income	(6,577)	(5,637)	(14,271)	(11,362)
Interest expense	(84)	(141)	(144)	(255)
Interest income	8	5	15	9
Other income (expense)	(668)	243	69	27
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	(7,321)	(5,530)	(14,331)	(11,581)
Income tax expense (benefit)	185	(55)	(180)	(311)
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income including noncontrolling interest	(7,506)	(5,475)	(14,151)	(11,270)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	438	331	316	167
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	(7,944)	(5,806)	(14,467)	(11,437)
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	473,627	449,810	774,668	729,644
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	318,451	297,864	525,435	485,547
Gross profit	155,176	151,946	249,233	244,097
Selling, general and administrative expenses	86,189	87,930	165,305	157,903
Operating income	68,987	64,016	83,928	86,194
Interest expense	(3)	(17)	(6)	(20)
Interest income	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense)	50	(48)	(307)	(61)
Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	69,034	63,951	83,615	86,113
Income tax expense (benefit)	12,896	13,349	15,431	15,966
Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates	69	(101)	(611)	(1,213)
Income including noncontrolling interest	56,207	50,501	67,573	68,934
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 56,207	$ 50,501	$ 67,573	$ 68,934

Consolidating Condensed Finan_5

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 43,142		$ 42,722		$ 38,603	$ 44,361
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation	(405)		212		32	(62)
Total comprehensive income	42,737	$ (4,103)	42,934	$ 1,365	38,635	44,299
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	438		331		316	167
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	42,299		42,603		38,319	44,132
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	(48,263)		(44,695)		(53,106)	(57,497)
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation	310		(162)		(8)	62
Total comprehensive income	(47,953)		(44,857)		(53,114)	(57,435)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0		0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	(47,953)		(44,857)		(53,114)	(57,435)
Parent | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	42,704		42,391		38,287	44,194
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation	(405)		212		32	(62)
Total comprehensive income	42,299		42,603		38,319	44,132
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0		0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	42,299		42,603		38,319	44,132
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	(7,506)		(5,475)		(14,151)	(11,270)
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation	(227)		127		70	(2)
Total comprehensive income	(7,733)		(5,348)		(14,081)	(11,272)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	438		331		316	167
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	(8,171)		(5,679)		(14,397)	(11,439)
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	56,207		50,501		67,573	68,934
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation	(83)		35		(62)	(60)
Total comprehensive income	56,124		50,536		67,511	68,874
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0		0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 56,124		$ 50,536		$ 67,511	$ 68,874

Consolidating Condensed Finan_6

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 29, 2018
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 331,555		$ 497,749	$ 329,724
Restricted cash	13,021		12,952	16,115
Accounts receivable, net	460,985		300,135	456,129
Inventories, net	517,207		466,197	517,158
Prepaid expenses and other	36,160		30,160	33,161
Total current assets	1,358,928		1,307,193	1,352,287
Property, plant and equipment, net	241,878		245,405	217,538
Goodwill	289,854		286,077	281,177
Operating lease right-of-use assets	99,098
Other long-term assets	177,649		186,345	195,138
Intercompany receivable	0		0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0		0	0
Total	2,167,407		2,025,020	2,046,140
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	186,871		149,246	157,596
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	137,723		129,166	136,413
Current lease liabilities	32,403
Current portion of long-term debt	103		113	5,119
Total current liabilities	357,100		278,525	299,128
Long-term debt	693,622		693,037	692,646
Long-term lease liabilities	70,760
Intercompany payable	0		0	0
Other long-term obligations	52,483		57,281	55,064
Total Central Garden & Pet Company shareholders’ equity	993,013		996,007	998,749
Noncontrolling interest	429		170	553
Total equity	993,442	$ 973,172	996,177	999,302	$ 956,484	$ 952,834
Total	2,167,407		2,025,020	2,046,140
Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0		0	0
Eliminations
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0	0
Restricted cash	0		0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0		0	0
Inventories, net	0		0	0
Prepaid expenses and other	0		0	0
Total current assets	0		0	0
Property, plant and equipment, net	0		0	0
Goodwill	0		0	0
Operating lease right-of-use assets	0
Other long-term assets	(9,004)		(13,970)	(5,682)
Intercompany receivable	(878,677)		(916,775)	(740,089)
Investment in subsidiaries	(1,838,475)		(1,784,750)	(1,688,163)
Total	(2,726,156)		(2,715,495)	(2,433,934)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	0		0	0
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	0		0	0
Current lease liabilities	0
Current portion of long-term debt	0		0	0
Total current liabilities	0		0	0
Long-term debt	0		0	0
Long-term lease liabilities	0
Intercompany payable	(878,677)		(916,775)	(740,090)
Other long-term obligations	(9,004)		(13,970)	(5,682)
Total Central Garden & Pet Company shareholders’ equity	(1,812,067)		(1,759,183)	(1,661,914)
Noncontrolling interest	0		0	0
Total equity	(1,812,067)		(1,759,183)	(1,661,914)
Total	(2,726,156)		(2,715,495)	(2,433,934)
Eliminations | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	(26,408)		(25,567)	(26,248)
Parent | Reportable Legal Entities
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	319,187		489,590	322,149
Restricted cash	13,021		12,952	10,888
Accounts receivable, net	137,422		99,372	134,251
Inventories, net	125,002		121,344	138,778
Prepaid expenses and other	7,626		9,339	8,355
Total current assets	602,258		732,597	614,421
Property, plant and equipment, net	27,561		27,395	29,701
Goodwill	20,577		20,578	20,578
Operating lease right-of-use assets	48,013
Other long-term assets	48,172		55,690	47,512
Intercompany receivable	62,722		37,544	59,152
Investment in subsidiaries	1,838,475		1,784,750	1,688,163
Total	2,647,778		2,658,554	2,459,527
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	53,323		47,506	41,488
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	59,861		54,623	55,181
Current lease liabilities	19,306
Current portion of long-term debt	103		113	119
Total current liabilities	132,593		102,242	96,788
Long-term debt	693,622		693,037	692,459
Long-term lease liabilities	30,721
Intercompany payable	797,082		858,673	662,927
Other long-term obligations	747		8,595	8,604
Total Central Garden & Pet Company shareholders’ equity	993,013		996,007	998,749
Noncontrolling interest	0		0	0
Total equity	993,013		996,007	998,749
Total	2,647,778		2,658,554	2,459,527
Parent | Reportable Legal Entities | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0		0	0
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	11,165		7,308	6,354
Restricted cash	0		0	0
Accounts receivable, net	18,661		11,551	22,844
Inventories, net	46,241		30,826	46,035
Prepaid expenses and other	1,839		1,241	1,386
Total current assets	77,906		50,926	76,619
Property, plant and equipment, net	34,962		35,854	36,180
Goodwill	7,414		7,414	7,414
Operating lease right-of-use assets	5,916
Other long-term assets	4,791		5,487	6,273
Intercompany receivable	0		0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0		0	0
Total	130,989		99,681	126,486
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	22,800		6,895	21,833
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	5,216		4,814	6,200
Current lease liabilities	3,206
Current portion of long-term debt	0		0	0
Total current liabilities	31,222		11,709	28,033
Long-term debt	0		0	0
Long-term lease liabilities	2,670
Intercompany payable	81,595		58,102	77,163
Other long-term obligations	0		0	0
Total Central Garden & Pet Company shareholders’ equity	15,073		29,700	20,737
Noncontrolling interest	429		170	553
Total equity	15,502		29,870	21,290
Total	130,989		99,681	126,486
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	0		0	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	1,203		851	1,221
Restricted cash	0		0	5,227
Accounts receivable, net	304,902		189,212	299,034
Inventories, net	345,964		314,027	332,345
Prepaid expenses and other	26,695		19,580	23,420
Total current assets	678,764		523,670	661,247
Property, plant and equipment, net	179,355		182,156	151,657
Goodwill	261,863		258,085	253,185
Operating lease right-of-use assets	45,169
Other long-term assets	133,690		139,138	147,035
Intercompany receivable	815,955		879,231	680,937
Investment in subsidiaries	0		0	0
Total	2,114,796		1,982,280	1,894,061
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	110,748		94,845	94,275
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	72,646		69,729	75,032
Current lease liabilities	9,891
Current portion of long-term debt	0		0	5,000
Total current liabilities	193,285		164,574	174,307
Long-term debt	0		0	187
Long-term lease liabilities	37,369
Intercompany payable	0		0	0
Other long-term obligations	60,740		62,656	52,142
Total Central Garden & Pet Company shareholders’ equity	1,796,994		1,729,483	1,641,177
Noncontrolling interest	0		0	0
Total equity	1,796,994		1,729,483	1,641,177
Total	2,114,796		1,982,280	1,894,061
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities | Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee or Group of Investees
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Losses in excess of investment in subsidiaries	$ 26,408		$ 25,567	$ 26,248

Consolidating Condensed Finan_7

Consolidating Condensed Financial Information of Guarantor Subsidiaries - Consolidating Condensed Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2020	Mar. 30, 2019
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash used by operating activities	$ (92,658)	$ (79,319)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(19,487)	(14,302)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired	0	(11,137)
Investments	(4,439)	(1,749)
Other investing activities	(437)	(368)
Intercompany investing activities	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(24,363)	(27,556)
Repayments of long-term debt	(59)	(36,466)
Payment of financing costs	(959)	0
Repurchase of common stock	(48,026)	(3,739)
Distribution to parent	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(57)	0
Payment of contingent consideration liability	(90)	(66)
Intercompany financing activities	0	0
Net cash used by financing activities	(49,191)	(40,271)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	87	(20)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(166,125)	(147,166)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	510,701	493,005
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	344,576	345,839
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash used by operating activities	(230)	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment	0	0
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired		0
Investments	0	0
Other investing activities	0	0
Intercompany investing activities	(38,097)	(70,161)
Net cash used in investing activities	(38,097)	(70,161)
Repayments of long-term debt	0	0
Payment of financing costs
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Distribution to parent	230
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0
Payment of contingent consideration liability	0	0
Intercompany financing activities	38,097	70,161
Net cash used by financing activities	38,327	70,161
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	0	0
Parent | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash used by operating activities	(25,504)	(23,565)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(4,236)	(1,716)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired		(11,137)
Investments	(4,439)	(1,749)
Other investing activities	(437)	(368)
Intercompany investing activities	(25,179)	(18,788)
Net cash used in investing activities	(34,291)	(33,758)
Repayments of long-term debt	(59)	(3)
Payment of financing costs	(959)
Repurchase of common stock	(48,026)	(3,739)
Distribution to parent	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0
Payment of contingent consideration liability	0	0
Intercompany financing activities	(61,589)	(91,005)
Net cash used by financing activities	(110,633)	(94,747)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	94	(2)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(170,334)	(152,072)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	502,542	485,109
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	332,208	333,037
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash used by operating activities	(19,073)	(17,128)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(291)	(3,350)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired		0
Investments	0	0
Other investing activities	0	0
Intercompany investing activities	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(291)	(3,350)
Repayments of long-term debt	0	0
Payment of financing costs
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Distribution to parent	(230)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(57)
Payment of contingent consideration liability	0	0
Intercompany financing activities	23,492	20,844
Net cash used by financing activities	23,205	20,844
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	16	(17)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	3,857	349
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	7,308	6,005
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	11,165	6,354
Guarantor Subsidiaries | Reportable Legal Entities
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash used by operating activities	(47,851)	(38,626)
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(14,960)	(9,236)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired		0
Investments	0	0
Other investing activities	0	0
Intercompany investing activities	63,276	88,949
Net cash used in investing activities	48,316	79,713
Repayments of long-term debt	0	(36,463)
Payment of financing costs
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Distribution to parent	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	0
Payment of contingent consideration liability	(90)	(66)
Intercompany financing activities	0	0
Net cash used by financing activities	(90)	(36,529)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(23)	(1)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	352	4,557
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	851	1,891
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$ 1,203	$ 6,448

Contingencies Contingencies (De

Contingencies Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 27, 2018USD ($)claim	Mar. 28, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)	Nov. 26, 2019USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of claims | claim	3
Damages awarded	$ 12.6
Pet Segment | Athens, Texas | Loss From Fire
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, loss in period		$ 25
Insurance proceeds		19
Loss contingency, cost in excess of insurance proceeds		$ 6
Minimum | Pet Segment | Athens, Texas | Loss From Fire
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Inventory and property related losses				$ 35
Maximum | Pet Segment | Athens, Texas | Loss From Fire
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Inventory and property related losses				$ 40
Subsequent Event | Minimum | Pet Segment | Athens, Texas | Loss From Fire
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Inventory and property related losses			$ 10

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Revolving credit facility - Secured debt - USD ($)	May 07, 2020	Mar. 28, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding borrowings		$ 0
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit outstanding borrowings	$ 200,000,000