Central Garden & Pet (CENT) 10-Q 4 Feb 21 2021 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Jan. 31, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 26, 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	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Central Index Key	0000887733
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-25
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		11,336,358
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		42,219,410
Class B Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,612,374

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2020	Sep. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 608,285	$ 652,712	$ 445,813
Restricted cash	13,670	13,685	12,990
Accounts receivable (less allowances of $30,951, $21,257 and $27,661)	322,806	391,773	268,229
Inventories, net	574,878	439,615	556,479
Prepaid expenses and other	28,074	27,498	37,569
Total current assets	1,547,713	1,525,283	1,321,080
Plant, property and equipment, net	252,157	244,667	241,795
Goodwill	289,955	289,955	289,854
Other intangible assets, net	131,557	134,924	145,153
Operating lease right-of-use assets	115,833	115,882	105,277
Other assets	108,884	28,653	31,998
Total	2,446,099	2,339,364	2,135,157
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	216,991	205,234	184,659
Accrued expenses	189,290	201,436	124,774
Current lease liabilities	34,834	33,495	34,320
Current portion of long-term debt	97	97	107
Total current liabilities	441,212	440,262	343,860
Long-term debt	788,921	693,956	693,329
Non-current lease liabilities	85,729	86,516	75,283
Deferred income taxes and other long-term obligations	43,224	40,956	49,513
Equity:
Additional paid-in capital	570,678	566,883	570,117
Retained earnings	516,394	510,781	403,693
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,032)	(1,409)	(1,240)
Total Central Garden & Pet Company shareholders’ equity	1,086,591	1,076,803	973,124
Noncontrolling interest	422	871	48
Total equity	1,087,013	1,077,674	973,172
Total	2,446,099	2,339,364	2,135,157
Common Class
Equity:
Common stock	113	113	115
Total equity	113	113	115
Class A Common Stock
Equity:
Common stock	422	419	423
Total equity	422	419	423
Class B Stock
Equity:
Common stock	16	16	16
Total equity	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2020	Sep. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 30,951	$ 27,661	$ 21,257
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)	11,336,358	11,336,358	11,484,297
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	42,171,329	41,856,626	42,289,882
Class B Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	1,612,374	1,612,374	1,647,922

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 592,230	$ 482,828
Cost of goods sold and occupancy	426,811	351,562
Gross profit	165,419	131,266
Selling, general and administrative expenses	138,379	129,201
Operating income	27,040	2,065
Interest expense	(20,975)	(10,641)
Interest income	206	2,004
Other income	752	305
Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interest	7,023	(6,267)
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,381	(1,728)
Income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	5,642	(4,539)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	29	(122)
Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 5,613	$ (4,417)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ (0.08)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ (0.08)
Weighted average shares used in the computation of net income (loss) per share:
Basic (in shares)	53,734	54,755
Diluted (in shares)	54,686	54,755

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Los) (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	$ 5,642	$ (4,539)
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation	377	436
Total comprehensive income (loss)	6,019	(4,103)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	29	(122)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	$ 5,990	$ (3,981)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 5,642	$ (4,539)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	12,915	13,140
Amortization of deferred financing costs	475	446
Non-cash lease expense	9,087	8,513
Stock-based compensation	4,669	4,152
Debt extinguishment costs	8,577	0
Loss on sale of business	2,611	0
Deferred income taxes	973	1,890
Gain on sale of property and equipment	(664)	(8)
Other	210	474
Change in assets and liabilities (excluding businesses acquired):
Accounts receivable	68,929	32,173
Inventories	(137,635)	(89,327)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,362)	(8,065)
Accounts payable	10,134	35,700
Accrued expenses	(13,393)	(4,422)
Other long-term obligations	1,437	115
Operating lease liabilities	(8,720)	(8,264)
Net cash used by operating activities	(36,115)	(18,022)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to plant, property and equipment	(14,661)	(9,877)
Payments to acquire companies, net of cash acquired	(80,887)	0
Proceeds from the sale of business	2,400	0
Investments	0	(424)
Other investing activities	(223)	(75)
Net cash used in investing activities	(93,371)	(10,376)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(400,024)	(31)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	500,000	0
Premium paid on extinguishment of debt	(6,124)	0
Repurchase of common stock, including shares surrendered for tax withholding	(871)	(23,054)
Payment of contingent consideration liability	(110)	(77)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(478)	0
Payment of financing costs	(8,031)	(869)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities	84,362	(24,031)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	682	531
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(44,442)	(51,898)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	666,397	510,701
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	621,955	458,803
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest	$ 13,180	$ 12,944

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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 December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended December 26, 2020 and December 28, 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 United Kingdom, 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 months ended December 26, 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 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The September 26, 2020 balance sheet presented herein was derived from the audited financial statements. Change in Segment Components During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company began reporting the results of its outdoor cushion operations in the Pet segment as a result of a change in internal management reporting lines due to potential synergies in sourcing, manufacturing and innovation and to be consistent with the reporting of financial information used to assess performance and allocate resources. These operations were previously reported in the Garden segment and are now managed and reported in the Pet segment. All prior period segment disclosures have been recast to reflect this segment change. 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 December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019 and September 26, 2020, respectively. December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 September 26, 2020 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 608,285 $ 445,813 $ 652,712 Restricted cash 13,670 12,990 13,685 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 621,955 $ 458,803 $ 666,397 Allowance for Credit Losses and Customer Allowances The Company’s trade accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value, which includes an allowance for estimated credit losses, as well as allowances for contractual customer deductions accounted for as variable consideration. Under the guidance found in ASC Topic 326, the “expected credit loss” model replaces the previous incurred loss model and requires consideration of a broader range of information to estimate expected credit losses over the lives of the Company’s trade accounts receivable. The Company’s prior methodology for estimating credit losses on its trade accounts receivable did not differ significantly from the new requirements of Topic 326. The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses related to its trade accounts receivable for future expected credit losses for the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company estimates the allowance based upon historical bad debts, current customer receivable balances and the customer’s financial condition. The allowance is adjusted to reflect changes in current and forecasted macroeconomic conditions. The Company’s estimate of credit losses includes expected current and future economic and market conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, which did not significantly impact its allowance. 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 1% of consolidated net sales) from 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 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. Long-term operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and current and long-term operating lease liabilities are presented separately in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance lease ROU assets are presented in property, plant and equipment, net, and the related finance liabilities are 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 Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) , which changes the impairment model for most financial assets to require measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade receivables. The model replaces the probable, incurred loss model for those assets and broadens the information an entity must consider when developing its expected credit loss estimate for assets measured at amortized cost. The Company adopted the standard as of September 27, 2020, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Additionally, there have been no significant changes to the Company's accounting policies as disclosed in the Company's fiscal 2020 Form 10-K as a result of the adoption of this new accounting guidance. Goodwill and Intangible Assets 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). The Company adopted this standard as of September 27, 2020 on a prospective basis, and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. 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 Company adopted this guidance as of September 27, 2020 on a prospective basis. Based on the Company's most recent annual goodwill impairment test performed as of July 1, 2020, there were no reporting units for which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value; therefore, the adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's 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. 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. The Company adopted this standard as of September 27, 2020, and the adoption did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted 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 condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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 December 26, 2020: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 1,227 $ 1,227 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 1,227 $ 1,227 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 December 28, 2019: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 1,323 $ 1,323 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 1,323 $ 1,323 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 26, 2020: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 1,369 $ 1,369 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 1,369 $ 1,369 (a) The fair values of the Company's contingent consideration liabilities from previous business acquisitions are considered "Level 3" measurements because the Company uses various estimates in the valuation models to project timing and amount of future contingent payments. 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 December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019: Amount (in thousands) Balance September 26, 2020 $ 1,369 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 (32) Performance-based payments (110) Balance December 26, 2020 $ 1,227 Amount (in thousands) 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 (6,077) Balance December 28, 2019 $ 1,323 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 December 26, 2020 and December 28, 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 October 2020, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% senior notes due October 2030 (the "2030 Notes"). The estimated fair value of the Company's 2030 Notes as of December 26, 2020 was $522.1 million, compared to a carrying value of $492.1 million. 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 December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019 and September 26, 2020 was $318.1 million, $312.2 million and $316.0 million, respectively, compared to a carrying value of $296.7 million, $296.2 million and $296.6 million, respectively. In November 2020, the Company redeemed $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due November 2023 (the “2023 Notes”) at a price of 101.531%. The estimated fair value of the Company’s 2023 Notes as of December 28, 2019 and September 26, 2020 was $413.8 million and $409.2 million, respectively, compared to a carrying value of $397.0 million and $397.5 million, respectively. The estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices for these notes, which are Level 1 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions and Divestitures	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Divestitures	Acquisitions and Divestitures Acquisition DoMyOwn In December 2020, the Company acquired DoMyOwn, a leading online retailer of professional-grade control products in the United States, for approximately $83 million. The acquisition strengthens the Company's position in the control products category and adds a leading online platform for eCommerce fulfillment and digital capabilities. The Company has not yet finalized the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the tangible assets, intangible assets and liabilities acquired. Approximately $80 million of the purchase price remains unallocated, and is included in other assets on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 26, 2020. The financial results of DoMyOwn have been included in the results of operations within the Garden segment since the date of acquisition. Divestiture Breeder's Choice

Inventories, net

Inventories, net	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, net	Inventories, net Inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence, consist of the following: December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 September 26, 2020 (in thousands) Raw materials $ 167,135 $ 156,464 $ 152,692 Work in progress 58,175 68,489 49,312 Finished goods 335,086 314,213 218,847 Supplies 14,482 17,313 18,764 Total inventories, net $ 574,878 $ 556,479 $ 439,615

Goodwill

Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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 quantitative 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 quantitative 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 quantitative goodwill impairment test, which compares the fair value of the Company’s reporting units to their related carrying values, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company will recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. 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 months ended December 26, 2020 and December 28, 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 allocation of the purchase price paid for C&S Products.

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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) December 26, 2020 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 20.6 $ (17.8) $ — $ 2.8 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 91.2 (17.8) (26.0) 47.4 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 140.3 (66.8) (2.5) 71.0 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (18.7) — 7.3 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.1 — (1.2) 5.9 Total 33.1 (18.7) (1.2) 13.2 Total other intangible assets $ 264.6 $ (103.3) $ (29.8) $ 131.6 Gross Accumulated Accumulated Net (in millions) December 28, 2019 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 20.6 $ (16.8) $ — $ 3.8 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 91.2 (16.8) (26.0) 48.4 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 140.3 (56.0) (2.5) 81.8 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (16.9) — 9.1 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.1 — (1.2) 5.9 Total 33.1 (16.9) (1.2) 15.0 Total other intangible assets $ 264.6 $ (89.7) $ (29.7) $ 145.2 Gross Accumulated Accumulated Net (in millions) September 26, 2020 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 20.6 $ (17.6) $ — $ 3.0 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 91.2 (17.6) (26.0) 47.6 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 140.3 (64.1) (2.5) 73.7 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (18.2) — 7.8 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.1 — (1.2) 5.9 Total 33.1 (18.2) (1.2) 13.6 Total other intangible assets $ 264.6 $ (99.9) $ (29.8) $ 134.9 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 months ended December 26, 2020, and accordingly, no impairment testing was performed on these assets.

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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 Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company's leases was as follows: Balance Sheet Classification As of As of (in millions) Operating leases Right-of-use assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 115.8 $ 105.3 Current lease liabilities Current operating lease liabilities $ 34.8 $ 34.3 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term operating lease liabilities 85.7 75.3 Total operating lease liabilities $ 120.5 $ 109.6 Finance leases Right-of-use assets Property, plant and equipment, net $ 0.3 $ 0.4 Current lease liabilities Current portion of long-term debt $ 0.1 $ 0.1 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term debt 0.1 0.2 Total finance lease liabilities $ 0.2 $ 0.3 Components of lease cost were as follows: Three months ended Three months ended (in millions) Operating lease cost $ 10.0 $ 9.6 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ — $ — Interest on lease liabilities — — Total finance lease cost $ — $ — Short-term lease cost $ 0.9 $ 0.7 Variable lease cost $ 2.2 $ 0.9 Total lease cost $ 13.1 $ 11.2 Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity related to the Company's leases was as follows: Three Months Ended Three months ended (in millions) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 8.7 $ 8.6 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ — $ — Financing cash flows from finance leases $ — $ — Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 9.3 $ 2.5 Finance leases $ — $ — Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for the Company's leases were as follows: As of December 26, 2020 As of December 28, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 4.7 4.9 Finance leases 1.8 2.6 Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases 3.16 % 3.88 % Finance leases 4.81 % 4.86 % Future non-cancelable lease payments are as follows: As of December 26, 2020 Operating Leases Finance Leases Fiscal Year (in millions) 2021 (remaining nine months) $ 37.7 $ 0.1 2022 30.4 0.1 2023 19.7 — 2024 15.4 — 2025 11.9 — Thereafter 15.2 — Total future undiscounted lease payments $ 130.3 $ 0.2 Less imputed interest (9.8) — Total reported lease liability $ 120.5 $ 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 Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company's leases was as follows: Balance Sheet Classification As of As of (in millions) Operating leases Right-of-use assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 115.8 $ 105.3 Current lease liabilities Current operating lease liabilities $ 34.8 $ 34.3 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term operating lease liabilities 85.7 75.3 Total operating lease liabilities $ 120.5 $ 109.6 Finance leases Right-of-use assets Property, plant and equipment, net $ 0.3 $ 0.4 Current lease liabilities Current portion of long-term debt $ 0.1 $ 0.1 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term debt 0.1 0.2 Total finance lease liabilities $ 0.2 $ 0.3 Components of lease cost were as follows: Three months ended Three months ended (in millions) Operating lease cost $ 10.0 $ 9.6 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ — $ — Interest on lease liabilities — — Total finance lease cost $ — $ — Short-term lease cost $ 0.9 $ 0.7 Variable lease cost $ 2.2 $ 0.9 Total lease cost $ 13.1 $ 11.2 Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity related to the Company's leases was as follows: Three Months Ended Three months ended (in millions) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 8.7 $ 8.6 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ — $ — Financing cash flows from finance leases $ — $ — Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 9.3 $ 2.5 Finance leases $ — $ — Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for the Company's leases were as follows: As of December 26, 2020 As of December 28, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 4.7 4.9 Finance leases 1.8 2.6 Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases 3.16 % 3.88 % Finance leases 4.81 % 4.86 % Future non-cancelable lease payments are as follows: As of December 26, 2020 Operating Leases Finance Leases Fiscal Year (in millions) 2021 (remaining nine months) $ 37.7 $ 0.1 2022 30.4 0.1 2023 19.7 — 2024 15.4 — 2025 11.9 — Thereafter 15.2 — Total future undiscounted lease payments $ 130.3 $ 0.2 Less imputed interest (9.8) — Total reported lease liability $ 120.5 $ 0.2

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following: December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 September 26, 2020 (in thousands) Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 $ — $ 400,000 $ 400,000 Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028 300,000 300,000 300,000 Senior notes, interest at 4.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due October 2030 500,000 — — Unamortized debt issuance costs (11,153) (6,841) (6,142) Net carrying value 788,847 693,159 693,858 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 171 277 195 Total 789,018 693,436 694,053 Less current portion (97) (107) (97) Long-term portion $ 788,921 $ 693,329 $ 693,956 Senior Notes Issuance of $500 million 4.125% Senior Notes due 2030 and Redemption of $400 million 6.125% Senior Notes due 2023 In October 2020, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% senior notes due October 2030 (the "2030 Notes"). In November 2020, the Company used a portion of the net proceeds to redeem all of its outstanding 6.125% senior notes due November 2023 (the "2023 Notes") at a redemption price of 101.531% plus accrued and unpaid interest, and to pay related fees and expenses, with the remainder for general corporate purposes. The Company incurred approximately $8.0 million of debt issuance costs associated 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 2030 Notes. As a result of the Company's redemption of the 2023 Notes, the Company incurred a call premium payment of $6.1 million, overlapping interest expense for 30 days of approximately $1.4 million and a $2.5 million non-cash charge for the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs related to the 2023 Notes. These amounts are included in interest expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The 2030 Notes require semiannual interest payments on October 15 and April 15, commencing April 15, 2021. The 2030 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 or guarantee Central's other debt. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2030 Notes at any time, at its option, prior to October 15, 2025 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium. Prior to October 15, 2023, the Company may redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of the notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 104.125% of the principal amount of the notes. The Company may redeem some or all of the 2030 Notes, at its option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after October 15, 2025 for 102.063%, on or after October 15, 2026 for 101.375%, on or after October 15, 2027 for 100.688% and on or after October 15, 2028 for 100.0%, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The holders of the 2030 Notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of the 2030 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 2030 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 December 26, 2020. $300 million 5.125% Senior Notes due 2028 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 used the net proceeds from the offering to finance 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. The 2028 Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by the Company's existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries which are borrowers under or guarantors of Central's senior secured revolving credit facility, or which guarantee Central's other debt. 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. 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 December 26, 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 a $400 million principal amount senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility, with up to an additional $200 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 that is calculated using a formula initially based upon eligible receivables and inventory minus certain reserves and adjustments. 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. Net availability under the Amended Credit Facility was $400 million as of December 26, 2020. The Amended Credit Facility includes a $50 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit and a $40 million sublimit for short-notice borrowings. As of December 26, 2020, there were no borrowings outstanding and no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility. There were other letters of credit of $2.4 million outstanding as of December 26, 2020. 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, plus, in either case, an applicable margin based on the Company's usage under the credit facility. Base Rate is 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%) and (d) 0.00%. The applicable margin for LIBOR-based borrowings fluctuates between 1.00%-1.50%, and was 1.00% as of December 26, 2020, and such applicable margin for Base Rate borrowings fluctuates between 0.00%-0.50%, and was 0% as of December 26, 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 December 26, 2020, the applicable interest rate related to Base Rate borrowings was 3.3%, and the applicable interest rate related to one-month LIBOR-based borrowings was 1.1%. Banks currently reporting information used to set LIBOR will stop doing so after 2021. Various parties, including government agencies, are seeking to identify an alternative rate to replace LIBOR. The Company is monitoring their efforts, and it will likely amend contracts to accommodate any replacement rate where it is not already provided. The Company's Amended Credit Facility already anticipates the potential loss of LIBOR and defines procedures for establishing a replacement rate. 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. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the Amended Credit Facility during the period ended December 26, 2020.

Supplemental Equity Information

Supplemental Equity Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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 three months ended December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019. Controlling Interest Common Class A Class Additional Retained Accumulated Total Noncontrolling Total (in thousands) Balance September 26, 2020 $ 113 $ 419 $ 16 $ 566,883 $ 510,781 $ (1,409) $ 1,076,803 $ 871 $ 1,077,674 Comprehensive income — — — — 5,613 377 5,990 29 6,019 Amortization of share-based awards — — — 3,225 — — 3,225 — 3,225 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement — 3 — (364) — — (361) — (361) Distribution to Noncontrolling interest — — — — — — — (478) (478) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options — — — 934 — — 934 — 934 Balance December 26, 2020 $ 113 $ 422 $ 16 $ 570,678 $ 516,394 $ (1,032) $ 1,086,591 $ 422 $ 1,087,013 Controlling Interest Common Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Stock Additional Paid In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Noncontrolling Interest Total (in thousands) 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

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based CompensationThe Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $4.7 million and $4.2 million for the three months ended December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, respectively, as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses. The tax benefit associated with share-based compensation expense for the three months ended December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019 was $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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. Three Months Ended December 26, 2020 Income Shares Per Share (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 5,613 53,734 $ 0.10 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock — 414 — Restricted shares — 538 — Diluted EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 5,613 54,686 $ 0.10 Three Months Ended December 28, 2019 Income Shares Per Share (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ (4,417) 54,755 $ (0.08) Effect of dilutive securities (1): Options to purchase common stock — — — Restricted shares — — — Diluted EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ (4,417) 54,755 $ (0.08) (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. Options to purchase 3.0 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $10.63 to $38.97 per share were outstanding at December 26, 2020, and options to purchase 2.6 million shares of common stock at prices ranging from $8.56 to $38.10 per share were outstanding at December 28, 2019. For the three months ended December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019, 0.5 million and 1.0 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 three months ended December 28, 2019, 0.4 million options outstanding and 0.3 million restricted shares were excluded in the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion in a net loss period would be anti-dilutive to the earnings per share calculation.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company began reporting the results of its outdoor cushion operations in the Pet segment as a result of a change in internal management reporting lines due to potential synergies in sourcing, manufacturing and innovation and to be consistent with the reporting of financial information used to assess performance and allocate resources. These operations were previously reported in the Garden segment and are now managed and reported in the Pet segment. All prior period segment disclosures have been recast to reflect this segment change. Three Months Ended December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 (in thousands) Net sales: Pet segment $ 436,410 $ 366,591 Garden segment 155,820 116,237 Total net sales $ 592,230 $ 482,828 Operating Income Pet segment 43,525 28,737 Garden segment 4,651 (6,883) Corporate (21,136) (19,789) Total operating income 27,040 2,065 Interest expense - net (20,769) (8,637) Other income 752 305 Income tax expense (benefit) 1,381 (1,728) Income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 5,642 (4,539) Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 29 (122) Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 5,613 $ (4,417) Depreciation and amortization: Pet segment $ 9,085 $ 9,072 Garden segment 2,638 2,713 Corporate 1,192 1,355 Total depreciation and amortization $ 12,915 $ 13,140 December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 September 26, 2020 (in thousands) Assets: Pet segment $ 911,787 $ 884,564 $ 877,901 Garden segment 599,097 470,413 481,401 Corporate 935,215 780,180 980,062 Total assets $ 2,446,099 $ 2,135,157 $ 2,339,364 Goodwill (included in corporate assets above): Pet segment $ 277,067 $ 276,966 $ 277,067 Garden segment 12,888 12,888 12,888 Total goodwill $ 289,955 $ 289,854 $ 289,955 The tables below presents the Company's disaggregated revenues by segment: Three Months Ended December 26, 2020 Pet Segment Garden Segment Total (in millions) Other pet products $ 182.2 $ — $ 182.2 Dog and cat products 155.5 — 155.5 Other manufacturers' products 98.7 44.0 142.7 Garden controls and fertilizer products — 29.1 29.1 Other garden supplies — 82.7 82.7 Total $ 436.4 $ 155.8 $ 592.2 Three Months Ended December 28, 2019 Pet Segment Garden Segment Total (in millions) Other pet products $ 150.9 $ — $ 150.9 Dog and cat products 129.9 — 129.9 Other manufacturers' products 85.8 29.8 115.6 Garden controls and fertilizer products — 23.1 23.1 Other garden supplies — 63.3 63.3 Total $ 366.6 $ 116.2 $ 482.8

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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 U.S. 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 court ruled on post-trial motions in early June 2020, reducing the judgment amount to $12.4 million and denying the plaintiff's request for attorneys' fees. The Company has filed its notice of appeal and the plaintiffs have cross-appealed. 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 continuing; however, the ultimate resolution and impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements is uncertain. In November 2019, the DMC business unit in the Company's 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. In April 2020, DMC experienced an additional fire in the same leased property in Athens, Texas, which resulted in inventory and property-related losses estimated to be approximately $10 million. As of December 26, 2020, the Company had approximately $10 million of cost in excess of insurance proceeds related to these losses recorded on its balance sheet. The Company currently believes its insurance coverage is sufficient to cover the remaining asset-related losses as well as the business interruption loss associated with this event. The Company has experienced, and may in the future experience, issues with products that may lead to product liability, recalls, withdrawals, replacements of products, or regulatory actions by governmental authorities. The Company has not experienced recent issues with products, the resolution of which management believes would have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On December 31, 2020, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of Hopewell Nursery, a leading live goods wholesale grower serving retail nurseries, landscape contractors, wholesalers and garden centers across the Northeast, for approximately $81 million. The addition of Hopewell to the Central portfolio strengthens the Company's position as a leading live goods provider in the garden category. On December 30, 2020, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Green Garden Products, a leading provider of vegetable, herb and flower seed packets, seed starters and plant nutrients in North America, for approximately $532 million. The acquisition is expected to be consummated in February 2021. The addition of Green Garden Products is intended to expand the Company's portfolio into an adjacent garden category.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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.
Allowance for Credit Losses and Customer Allowances	Allowance for Credit Losses and Customer Allowances The Company’s trade accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value, which includes an allowance for estimated credit losses, as well as allowances for contractual customer deductions accounted for as variable consideration. Under the guidance found in ASC Topic 326, the “expected credit loss” model replaces the previous incurred loss model and requires consideration of a broader range of
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 1% of consolidated net sales) from 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 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. Long-term operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and current and long-term operating lease liabilities are presented separately in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance lease ROU assets are presented in property, plant and equipment, net, and the related finance liabilities are 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 Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) , which changes the impairment model for most financial assets to require measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost, including trade receivables. The model replaces the probable, incurred loss model for those assets and broadens the information an entity must consider when developing its expected credit loss estimate for assets measured at amortized cost. The Company adopted the standard as of September 27, 2020, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Additionally, there have been no significant changes to the Company's accounting policies as disclosed in the Company's fiscal 2020 Form 10-K as a result of the adoption of this new accounting guidance. Goodwill and Intangible Assets 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). The Company adopted this standard as of September 27, 2020 on a prospective basis, and the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. 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 Company adopted this guidance as of September 27, 2020 on a prospective basis. Based on the Company's most recent annual goodwill impairment test performed as of July 1, 2020, there were no reporting units for which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeded its fair value; therefore, the adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's 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. 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. The Company adopted this standard as of September 27, 2020, and the adoption did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted 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 condensed 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 quantitative 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 quantitative 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 quantitative goodwill impairment test, which compares the fair value of the Company’s reporting units to their related carrying values, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company will recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. 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 months ended December 26, 2020 and December 28, 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 allocation of the purchase price paid for C&S Products.

Basis of Presentation Basis of

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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 December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019 and September 26, 2020, respectively. December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 September 26, 2020 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 608,285 $ 445,813 $ 652,712 Restricted cash 13,670 12,990 13,685 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 621,955 $ 458,803 $ 666,397
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 December 26, 2020, December 28, 2019 and September 26, 2020, respectively. December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 September 26, 2020 (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 608,285 $ 445,813 $ 652,712 Restricted cash 13,670 12,990 13,685 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 621,955 $ 458,803 $ 666,397

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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 December 26, 2020: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 1,227 $ 1,227 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 1,227 $ 1,227 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 December 28, 2019: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 1,323 $ 1,323 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 1,323 $ 1,323 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 26, 2020: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) Liabilities: Liability for contingent consideration (a) $ — $ — $ 1,369 $ 1,369 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 1,369 $ 1,369 (a) The fair values of the Company's contingent consideration liabilities from previous business acquisitions are considered "Level 3" measurements because the Company uses various estimates in the valuation models to project timing and amount of future contingent payments. 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 December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019: Amount (in thousands) Balance September 26, 2020 $ 1,369 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 (32) Performance-based payments (110) Balance December 26, 2020 $ 1,227 Amount (in thousands) 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 (6,077) Balance December 28, 2019 $ 1,323

Inventories, net (Tables)

Inventories, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Inventories, Net of Allowance for Obsolescence	Inventories, net of allowance for obsolescence, consist of the following: December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 September 26, 2020 (in thousands) Raw materials $ 167,135 $ 156,464 $ 152,692 Work in progress 58,175 68,489 49,312 Finished goods 335,086 314,213 218,847 Supplies 14,482 17,313 18,764 Total inventories, net $ 574,878 $ 556,479 $ 439,615

Other Intangible Assets (Tables

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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) December 26, 2020 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 20.6 $ (17.8) $ — $ 2.8 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 91.2 (17.8) (26.0) 47.4 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 140.3 (66.8) (2.5) 71.0 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (18.7) — 7.3 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.1 — (1.2) 5.9 Total 33.1 (18.7) (1.2) 13.2 Total other intangible assets $ 264.6 $ (103.3) $ (29.8) $ 131.6 Gross Accumulated Accumulated Net (in millions) December 28, 2019 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 20.6 $ (16.8) $ — $ 3.8 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 91.2 (16.8) (26.0) 48.4 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 140.3 (56.0) (2.5) 81.8 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (16.9) — 9.1 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.1 — (1.2) 5.9 Total 33.1 (16.9) (1.2) 15.0 Total other intangible assets $ 264.6 $ (89.7) $ (29.7) $ 145.2 Gross Accumulated Accumulated Net (in millions) September 26, 2020 Marketing-related intangible assets – amortizable $ 20.6 $ (17.6) $ — $ 3.0 Marketing-related intangible assets – nonamortizable 70.6 — (26.0) 44.6 Total 91.2 (17.6) (26.0) 47.6 Customer-related intangible assets – amortizable 140.3 (64.1) (2.5) 73.7 Other acquired intangible assets – amortizable 26.0 (18.2) — 7.8 Other acquired intangible assets – nonamortizable 7.1 — (1.2) 5.9 Total 33.1 (18.2) (1.2) 13.6 Total other intangible assets $ 264.6 $ (99.9) $ (29.8) $ 134.9

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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 As of (in millions) Operating leases Right-of-use assets Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 115.8 $ 105.3 Current lease liabilities Current operating lease liabilities $ 34.8 $ 34.3 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term operating lease liabilities 85.7 75.3 Total operating lease liabilities $ 120.5 $ 109.6 Finance leases Right-of-use assets Property, plant and equipment, net $ 0.3 $ 0.4 Current lease liabilities Current portion of long-term debt $ 0.1 $ 0.1 Non-current lease liabilities Long-term debt 0.1 0.2 Total finance lease liabilities $ 0.2 $ 0.3 Weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate for the Company's leases were as follows: As of December 26, 2020 As of December 28, 2019 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 4.7 4.9 Finance leases 1.8 2.6 Weighted-average discount rate: Operating leases 3.16 % 3.88 % Finance leases 4.81 % 4.86 %
Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information Related to Leases	Components of lease cost were as follows: Three months ended Three months ended (in millions) Operating lease cost $ 10.0 $ 9.6 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ — $ — Interest on lease liabilities — — Total finance lease cost $ — $ — Short-term lease cost $ 0.9 $ 0.7 Variable lease cost $ 2.2 $ 0.9 Total lease cost $ 13.1 $ 11.2 Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity related to the Company's leases was as follows: Three Months Ended Three months ended (in millions) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 8.7 $ 8.6 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ — $ — Financing cash flows from finance leases $ — $ — Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 9.3 $ 2.5 Finance leases $ — $ —
Operating Lease Maturity	Future non-cancelable lease payments are as follows: As of December 26, 2020 Operating Leases Finance Leases Fiscal Year (in millions) 2021 (remaining nine months) $ 37.7 $ 0.1 2022 30.4 0.1 2023 19.7 — 2024 15.4 — 2025 11.9 — Thereafter 15.2 — Total future undiscounted lease payments $ 130.3 $ 0.2 Less imputed interest (9.8) — Total reported lease liability $ 120.5 $ 0.2
Finance Leases Maturity	Future non-cancelable lease payments are as follows: As of December 26, 2020 Operating Leases Finance Leases Fiscal Year (in millions) 2021 (remaining nine months) $ 37.7 $ 0.1 2022 30.4 0.1 2023 19.7 — 2024 15.4 — 2025 11.9 — Thereafter 15.2 — Total future undiscounted lease payments $ 130.3 $ 0.2 Less imputed interest (9.8) — Total reported lease liability $ 120.5 $ 0.2

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consists of the following: December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 September 26, 2020 (in thousands) Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 $ — $ 400,000 $ 400,000 Senior notes, interest at 5.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due February 2028 300,000 300,000 300,000 Senior notes, interest at 4.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due October 2030 500,000 — — Unamortized debt issuance costs (11,153) (6,841) (6,142) Net carrying value 788,847 693,159 693,858 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 171 277 195 Total 789,018 693,436 694,053 Less current portion (97) (107) (97) Long-term portion $ 788,921 $ 693,329 $ 693,956

Supplemental Equity Informati_2

Supplemental Equity Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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 three months ended December 26, 2020 and December 28, 2019. Controlling Interest Common Class A Class Additional Retained Accumulated Total Noncontrolling Total (in thousands) Balance September 26, 2020 $ 113 $ 419 $ 16 $ 566,883 $ 510,781 $ (1,409) $ 1,076,803 $ 871 $ 1,077,674 Comprehensive income — — — — 5,613 377 5,990 29 6,019 Amortization of share-based awards — — — 3,225 — — 3,225 — 3,225 Restricted share activity, including net share settlement — 3 — (364) — — (361) — (361) Distribution to Noncontrolling interest — — — — — — — (478) (478) Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options — — — 934 — — 934 — 934 Balance December 26, 2020 $ 113 $ 422 $ 16 $ 570,678 $ 516,394 $ (1,032) $ 1,086,591 $ 422 $ 1,087,013 Controlling Interest Common Stock Class A Common Stock Class B Stock Additional Paid In Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total Noncontrolling Interest Total (in thousands) 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

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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. Three Months Ended December 26, 2020 Income Shares Per Share (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 5,613 53,734 $ 0.10 Effect of dilutive securities: Options to purchase common stock — 414 — Restricted shares — 538 — Diluted EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ 5,613 54,686 $ 0.10 Three Months Ended December 28, 2019 Income Shares Per Share (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ (4,417) 54,755 $ (0.08) Effect of dilutive securities (1): Options to purchase common stock — — — Restricted shares — — — Diluted EPS: Net income available to common shareholders $ (4,417) 54,755 $ (0.08) (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.

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial Information Relating to Company's Business Segments	Three Months Ended December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 (in thousands) Net sales: Pet segment $ 436,410 $ 366,591 Garden segment 155,820 116,237 Total net sales $ 592,230 $ 482,828 Operating Income Pet segment 43,525 28,737 Garden segment 4,651 (6,883) Corporate (21,136) (19,789) Total operating income 27,040 2,065 Interest expense - net (20,769) (8,637) Other income 752 305 Income tax expense (benefit) 1,381 (1,728) Income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 5,642 (4,539) Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 29 (122) Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company $ 5,613 $ (4,417) Depreciation and amortization: Pet segment $ 9,085 $ 9,072 Garden segment 2,638 2,713 Corporate 1,192 1,355 Total depreciation and amortization $ 12,915 $ 13,140 December 26, 2020 December 28, 2019 September 26, 2020 (in thousands) Assets: Pet segment $ 911,787 $ 884,564 $ 877,901 Garden segment 599,097 470,413 481,401 Corporate 935,215 780,180 980,062 Total assets $ 2,446,099 $ 2,135,157 $ 2,339,364 Goodwill (included in corporate assets above): Pet segment $ 277,067 $ 276,966 $ 277,067 Garden segment 12,888 12,888 12,888 Total goodwill $ 289,955 $ 289,854 $ 289,955 The tables below presents the Company's disaggregated revenues by segment: Three Months Ended December 26, 2020 Pet Segment Garden Segment Total (in millions) Other pet products $ 182.2 $ — $ 182.2 Dog and cat products 155.5 — 155.5 Other manufacturers' products 98.7 44.0 142.7 Garden controls and fertilizer products — 29.1 29.1 Other garden supplies — 82.7 82.7 Total $ 436.4 $ 155.8 $ 592.2 Three Months Ended December 28, 2019 Pet Segment Garden Segment Total (in millions) Other pet products $ 150.9 $ — $ 150.9 Dog and cat products 129.9 — 129.9 Other manufacturers' products 85.8 29.8 115.6 Garden controls and fertilizer products — 23.1 23.1 Other garden supplies — 63.3 63.3 Total $ 366.6 $ 116.2 $ 482.8

Basis of Presentation - Narrati

Basis of Presentation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2020	Sep. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 115,833	$ 115,882	$ 105,277
Total reported lease liability	$ 120,500		$ 109,600
Subsidiary
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest owned by the subsidiary	20.00%

Basis of Presentation - Cash, C

Basis of Presentation - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2020	Sep. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 608,285	$ 652,712	$ 445,813
Restricted Cash	13,670	13,685	12,990
Total Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 621,955	$ 666,397	$ 458,803	$ 510,701

Fair Value Measurements - Summa

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2020	Sep. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019
Level 3
Liabilities:
Liability for contingent consideration (a)	$ 1,227	$ 1,369	$ 1,323	$ 7,369
Recurring
Liabilities:
Liability for contingent consideration (a)	1,227	1,369	1,323
Total liabilities	1,227	1,369	1,323
Recurring | Level 1
Liabilities:
Liability for contingent consideration (a)	0	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0	0
Recurring | Level 2
Liabilities:
Liability for contingent consideration (a)	0	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0	0
Recurring | Level 3
Liabilities:
Liability for contingent consideration (a)	1,227	1,369	1,323
Total liabilities	$ 1,227	$ 1,369	1,323
Segrest, Inc. | Recurring
Liabilities:
Liability for contingent consideration (a)			$ 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	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,369	$ 7,369
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	(32)	31
Performance-based payments	(110)	(6,077)
Ending balance	$ 1,227	$ 1,323

Fair Value Measurements - Narra

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 15, 2020	Nov. 30, 2020	Dec. 26, 2020	Oct. 31, 2020	Sep. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 14, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes			$ 789,018,000		$ 694,053,000	$ 693,436,000
Senior notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes			$ 788,847,000		693,858,000	693,159,000
Senior notes | Senior notes, interest at 4.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due October 2030
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt, aggregate principal amount				$ 500,000,000
Debt redemption price percentage	104.125%
Interest rate	4.125%		4.125%	4.125%
Estimated fair value of senior notes			$ 522,100,000
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes			$ 492,100,000
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
Interest rate			5.125%				5.125%	5.125%
Estimated fair value of senior notes			$ 318,100,000		316,000,000	312,200,000
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes			$ 296,700,000		296,600,000	296,200,000
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 redemption price percentage		101.531%
Interest rate		6.125%
Estimated fair value of senior notes					409,200,000	413,800,000
Carrying value of senior subordinated notes					$ 397,500,000	$ 397,000,000

Acquisitions and Divestitures -

Acquisitions and Divestitures - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Loss on sale of business		$ 2,611	$ 0
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Breeders Choice
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash proceeds	$ 2,400
Disposal group, current and long-term net assets	4,700	4,700
Loss on sale of business		2,600
DoMyOwn
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business	83,000
Business acquisition, other assets	$ 80,000	$ 80,000

Inventories, net - Summary of I

Inventories, net - Summary of Inventories, Net of Allowance for Obsolescence (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2020	Sep. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 167,135	$ 152,692	$ 156,464
Work in progress	58,175	49,312	68,489
Finished goods	335,086	218,847	314,213
Supplies	14,482	18,764	17,313
Total inventories, net	$ 574,878	$ 439,615	$ 556,479

Goodwill - Narrative (Details)

Goodwill - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020USD ($)segment	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 26, 2020USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of reporting units | segment	2
Impairment of goodwill	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 289,955,000	289,854,000	$ 289,955,000
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	Dec. 26, 2020	Sep. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	$ 264,600	$ 264,600	$ 264,600
Accumulated Amortization	(103,300)	(99,900)	(89,700)
Accumulated Impairment	(29,800)	(29,800)	(29,700)
Net Carrying Value	131,557	134,924	145,153
Marketing-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	91,200	91,200	91,200
Accumulated Amortization	(17,800)	(17,600)	(16,800)
Accumulated Impairment	(26,000)	(26,000)	(26,000)
Net Carrying Value	47,400	47,600	48,400
Other acquired intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	33,100	33,100	33,100
Accumulated Amortization	(18,700)	(18,200)	(16,900)
Accumulated Impairment	(1,200)	(1,200)	(1,200)
Net Carrying Value	13,200	13,600	15,000
Amortizable | Marketing-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	20,600	20,600	20,600
Accumulated Amortization	(17,800)	(17,600)	(16,800)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0	0
Net Carrying Value	2,800	3,000	3,800
Amortizable | Customer-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	140,300	140,300	140,300
Accumulated Amortization	(66,800)	(64,100)	(56,000)
Accumulated Impairment	(2,500)	(2,500)	(2,500)
Net Carrying Value	71,000	73,700	81,800
Amortizable | Other acquired intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	26,000	26,000	26,000
Accumulated Amortization	(18,700)	(18,200)	(16,900)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0	0
Net Carrying Value	7,300	7,800	9,100
Nonamortizable | Marketing-related intangible assets
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	70,600	70,600	70,600
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	7,100
Accumulated Impairment	(1,200)	(1,200)	(1,200)
Net Carrying Value	$ 5,900	$ 5,900	$ 5,900

Other Intangible Assets - Narra

Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019	Sep. 26, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	$ 131,557	$ 145,153	$ 134,924
2021 estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets	12,000
2022 estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets	12,000
2023 estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets	12,000
2024 estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets	12,000
2025 estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets	12,000
Estimated annual amortization expense related to acquired intangible assets after 2025	12,000
Marketing-related intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	$ 47,400	48,400	47,600
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets	3 years
Marketing-related intangible assets | Amortizable
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	$ 2,800	3,800	3,000
Customer-related intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average remaining lives of acquired intangible assets	8 years
Customer-related intangible assets | Amortizable
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	$ 71,000	81,800	73,700
Other acquired intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, net	$ 13,200	15,000	13,600
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	$ 7,300	9,100	$ 7,800
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	$ 3,400	$ 3,800
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)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2020	Sep. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Operating leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 115,833	$ 115,882	$ 105,277
Current lease liabilities	34,834	33,495	34,320
Non-current lease liabilities	85,729	$ 86,516	75,283
Total operating lease liabilities	120,500		109,600
Finance leases
Finance lease right-of-use assets	$ 300		$ 400
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet		us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
Current lease liabilities	$ 100		$ 100
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:LongTermDebtCurrent		us-gaap:LongTermDebtCurrent
Non-current lease liabilities	$ 100		$ 200
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:LongTermDebtNoncurrent		us-gaap:LongTermDebtNoncurrent
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 200		$ 300
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases	4 years 8 months 12 days		4 years 10 months 24 days
Finance leases	1 year 9 months 18 days		2 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases	3.16%		3.88%
Finance leases	4.81%		4.86%

Leases - Schedule of Supplement

Leases - Schedule of Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information Related to Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 10	$ 9.6
Amortization of right-of-use assets	0	0
Interest on lease liabilities	0	0
Total finance lease cost	0	0
Short-term lease cost	0.9	0.7
Variable lease cost	2.2	0.9
Total lease cost	13.1	11.2
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	8.7	8.6
Operating cash flows from finance leases	0	0
Financing cash flows from finance leases	0	0
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	9.3	2.5
Finance leases	$ 0	$ 0

Leases - Lease Maturity (Detail

Leases - Lease Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Operating Leases, After Adoption of 842
2021 (remaining nine months)	$ 37.7
2022	30.4
2023	19.7
2024	15.4
2025	11.9
Thereafter	15.2
Total future undiscounted lease payments	130.3
Less imputed interest	(9.8)
Total reported lease liability	120.5	$ 109.6
Finance Leases, After Adoption of 842
2021 (remaining nine months)	0.1
2022	0.1
2023	0
2024	0
2025	0
Thereafter	0
Total future undiscounted lease payments	0.2
Less imputed interest	0
Total reported lease liability	$ 0.2	$ 0.3

Long-Term Debt - Components of

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Oct. 31, 2020	Oct. 15, 2020	Sep. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 14, 2017	Nov. 09, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 789,018,000			$ 694,053,000	$ 693,436,000
Less current portion	(97,000)			(97,000)	(107,000)
Long-term portion	788,921,000			693,956,000	693,329,000
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(11,153,000)			(6,142,000)	(6,841,000)
Total	788,847,000			693,858,000	693,159,000
Senior notes | Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes	$ 0			400,000,000	400,000,000			$ 400,000,000
Interest rate	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
Total	$ 296,700,000			296,600,000	296,200,000
Interest rate	5.125%					5.125%	5.125%
Senior notes | Senior notes, interest at 4.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due October 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes	$ 500,000,000		$ 500,000,000	0	0
Total	$ 492,100,000
Interest rate	4.125%	4.125%	4.125%
Secured debt | Base rate borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate margin	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
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]
Interest rate margin	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]
Interest rate margin	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]
Interest rate margin	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]
Interest rate margin	0.50%
Other notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$ 171,000			$ 195,000	$ 277,000

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Det

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details)	Oct. 15, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 14, 2017USD ($)	Nov. 09, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2020	Sep. 26, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Apr. 22, 2016
Components of long-term debt
Premium paid on extinguishment of debt						$ 6,124,000	$ 0
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage		0.125%
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						$ 2,400,000
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 | 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						1.10%
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 4.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due October 2030 | Upon change of control
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage	101.00%
Senior notes, interest at 4.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due October 2030 | Senior notes
Components of long-term debt
Aggregate principal amount of debt	$ 500,000,000					$ 500,000,000	0		$ 0
Interest rate	4.125%					4.125%		4.125%
Debt redemption price percentage	104.125%
Debt issuance costs	$ 8,000,000
Percentage of purchase price equal	100.00%
Redemption percentage	40.00%
Senior notes, interest at 4.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due October 2030 | Senior notes | Redemption period one
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage	102.063%
Senior notes, interest at 4.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due October 2030 | Senior notes | Redemption period two
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage	101.375%
Senior notes, interest at 4.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due October 2030 | Senior notes | Redemption period three
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage	100.688%
Senior notes, interest at 4.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due October 2030 | Senior notes | Redemption period four
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage	100.00%
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		$ 0	400,000,000		400,000,000
Interest rate				6.125%		6.125%
Premium paid on extinguishment of debt					$ 6,100,000
Interest expense, debt					1,400,000
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost					$ 2,500,000
Senior notes, interest at 6.125%, payable semi-annually, principal due November 2023 | Senior notes | Redemption period two
Components of long-term debt
Debt redemption price percentage				101.531%
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 | Senior notes
Components of long-term debt
Aggregate principal amount of debt			$ 300,000,000			$ 300,000,000	$ 300,000,000		$ 300,000,000
Interest rate			5.125%			5.125%				5.125%
Debt issuance cost			$ 4,800,000

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
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,077,674	$ 996,177
Comprehensive income	6,019	(4,103)
Amortization of share-based awards	3,225	2,804
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement	(361)	(318)
Repurchase of stock		(22,128)
Distribution to Noncontrolling interest	(478)
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options	934	740
Ending balance	1,087,013	973,172
Total
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,076,803	996,007
Comprehensive income	5,990	(3,981)
Amortization of share-based awards	3,225	2,804
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement	(361)	(318)
Repurchase of stock		(22,128)
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options	934	740
Ending balance	1,086,591	973,124
Additional Paid In Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	566,883	575,380
Amortization of share-based awards	3,225	2,804
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement	(364)	(318)
Repurchase of stock		(8,488)
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options	934	739
Ending balance	570,678	570,117
Retained Earnings
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	510,781	421,742
Comprehensive income	5,613	(4,417)
Repurchase of stock		(13,632)
Ending balance	516,394	403,693
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(1,409)	(1,676)
Comprehensive income	377	436
Ending balance	(1,032)	(1,240)
Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	871	170
Comprehensive income	29	(122)
Distribution to Noncontrolling interest	(478)
Ending balance	422	48
Common Class
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	113	115
Ending balance	113	115
Class A Common Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	419	430
Restricted share activity, including net share settlement	3
Repurchase of stock		(8)
Issuance of common stock, including net share settlement of stock options		1
Ending balance	422	423
Class B Stock
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	16	16
Ending balance	$ 16	$ 16

Stock-Based Compensation - Narr

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 4.7	$ 4.2
Tax benefit associated with share-based compensation expense	$ 1.1	$ 1

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
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Basic EPS:
Net income available to common shareholders basic	$ 5,613	$ (4,417)
Weighted average shares, basic (in shares)	53,734	54,755
Earnings per share, basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ (0.08)
Diluted EPS:
Net income available to common shareholders diluted	$ 5,613	$ (4,417)
Net income available to common shareholders, diluted (in shares)	54,686	54,755
Net income available to common shareholders, diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ (0.08)
Options to purchase common stock
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options to purchase common stock and restricted shares	$ 0	$ 0
Options to purchase common stock and restricted shares (in shares)	414	0
Options to purchase common stock and restricted shares (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted shares
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options to purchase common stock and restricted shares	$ 0	$ 0
Options to purchase common stock and restricted shares (in shares)	538	0
Options to purchase common stock and restricted shares (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0

Earnings Per Share - Narrative

Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - $ / shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of options to purchase common stock outstanding (in shares)	3	2.6
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount (in shares)		0.4
Equity Option
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount (in shares)	0.5	1
Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount (in shares)		0.3
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
Maximum
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options to purchase common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 38.97	$ 38.10

Segment Information - Narrative

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 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
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019	Sep. 26, 2020
Net sales:
Net sales	$ 592,230	$ 482,828
Operating Income
Total operating income	27,040	2,065
Interest expense - net	(20,769)	(8,637)
Other income	752	305
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,381	(1,728)
Income (loss) including noncontrolling interest	5,642	(4,539)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	29	(122)
Net income (loss) attributable to Central Garden & Pet Company	5,613	(4,417)
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	12,915	13,140
Assets:
Assets	2,446,099	2,135,157	$ 2,339,364
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):
Goodwill	289,955	289,854	289,955
Pet Segment
Net sales:
Net sales	436,410	366,591
Garden Segment
Net sales:
Net sales	155,820	116,237
Operating segments | Pet Segment
Operating Income
Total operating income	43,525	28,737
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	9,085	9,072
Assets:
Assets	911,787	884,564	877,901
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):
Goodwill	277,067	276,966	277,067
Operating segments | Garden Segment
Operating Income
Total operating income	4,651	(6,883)
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	2,638	2,713
Assets:
Assets	599,097	470,413	481,401
Goodwill (included in corporate assets above):
Goodwill	12,888	12,888	12,888
Corporate
Operating Income
Total operating income	(21,136)	(19,789)
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization	1,192	1,355
Assets:
Assets	$ 935,215	$ 780,180	$ 980,062

Segment Information - Disaggreg

Segment Information - Disaggregated Revenues by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2020	Dec. 28, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 592,230	$ 482,828
Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	436,410	366,591
Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	155,820	116,237
Other pet products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	182,200	150,900
Other pet products | Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	182,200	150,900
Other pet products | Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Dog and cat products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	155,500	129,900
Dog and cat products | Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	155,500	129,900
Dog and cat products | Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Other manufacturers' products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	142,700	115,600
Other manufacturers' products | Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	98,700	85,800
Other manufacturers' products | Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	44,000	29,800
Garden controls and fertilizer products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	29,100	23,100
Garden controls and fertilizer products | Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Garden controls and fertilizer products | Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	29,100	23,100
Other garden supplies
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	82,700	63,300
Other garden supplies | Pet Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0
Other garden supplies | Garden Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 82,700	$ 63,300

Contingencies Contingencies (De

Contingencies Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 26, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2018USD ($)claim	Jun. 27, 2020USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)	Nov. 26, 2019USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of claims | claim		3
Damages awarded		$ 12.6	$ 12.4
Pet Segment | Athens, Texas | Loss From Fire
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Inventory and property related losses				$ 10
Loss contingency, loss in period	$ 10
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 Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 30, 2020
Green Garden Products
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business		$ 532
Hopewell Nursery
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Payments for asset acquisitions	$ 81