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Beirut: Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah are set to implement a ceasefire on Wednesday at 1pm (AEDT) as part of a US-proposed deal for a 60-day truce to end more than a year of hostilities. The text of the deal has not been published and Reuters has not seen a draft. Israeli soldiers organise equipment as they stand on a tank near the border with Lebanon in northern Israel. Credit: Getty Images US President Joe Biden announced the deal, saying it was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities. Israel’s security cabinet has approved it and it will be put to the whole cabinet for review. Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the deal, which Hezbollah approved last week. The agreement, negotiated by US mediator Amos Hochstein, is five pages long and includes 13 sections, according to a senior Lebanese political source with direct knowledge of the matter. Hezbollah fighters carry the coffin of a colleague. The Lebanese group is expected to leave its position in southern Lebanon to move north. Credit: AP Here is a summary of its key provisions. Halt to hostilities The halt to hostilities is set to begin at 4am local time (2am GMT) on Wednesday, Biden announced, with both sides expected to cease fire by Wednesday morning. The senior Lebanese source said Israel was expected to “stop carrying out any military operations against Lebanese territory, including against civilian and military targets, and Lebanese state institutions, through land, sea and air”. All armed groups in Lebanon – meaning Hezbollah and its allies – would halt operations against Israel, the source said. An Israeli Air Force F-15 jet fighter manoeuvres over northern Israel. Credit: AP Israeli troops withdraw Two Israeli officials said the Israeli military would withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days. Biden said the troops would gradually pull out and civilians on both sides would be able to return home. Lebanon had earlier pushed for Israeli troops to withdraw as quickly as possible within the truce period, Lebanese officials told Reuters. They now expect Israeli troops to withdraw within the first month, the senior Lebanese political source said. A Lebanese official told Reuters the deal included language that preserved both Lebanon’s and Israel’s rights to self-defence. Hezbollah pulls north, Lebanese army deploys Hezbollah fighters will leave their positions in southern Lebanon to move north of the Litani River, which runs about 30 kilometres north of the border with Israel. Their withdrawal will not be public, the senior Lebanese political source said. He said the group’s military facilities “will be dismantled” but it was not immediately clear whether the group would take them apart itself, or whether the fighters would take their weapons with them as they withdrew. The Lebanese army would deploy troops to south of the Litani to have around 5000 soldiers there, including at 33 posts along the border with Israel, a Lebanese security source told Reuters. “The deployment is the first challenge – then how to deal with the locals that want to return home,” given the risks of unexploded ordnance, the source said. More than 1.2 million people have been displaced by Israeli strikes on Lebanon, many of them from south Lebanon. Hezbollah sees the return of the displaced to their homes as a priority, Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah told Reuters. Tens of thousands displaced from northern Israel are also expected to return home. Monitoring mechanism One of the sticking points in the final days leading to the ceasefire’s conclusion was how it would be monitored, Lebanon’s deputy speaker of parliament Elias Bou Saab told Reuters. Loading A pre-existing tripartite mechanism between the United Nations peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Lebanese army and the Israeli army would be expanded to include the US and France, with the US chairing the group, Bou Saab said. Israel would be expected to flag possible breaches to the monitoring mechanism, and France and the US together would determine whether a violation had taken place, an Israeli official and a Western diplomat told Reuters. A joint statement by Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron said France and the US would work together to ensure the deal is applied fully. Unilateral Israeli strikes Israeli officials have insisted that the Israeli army would continue to strike Hezbollah if it identified threats to its security, including transfers of weapons and military equipment to the group. An Israeli official told Reuters that US envoy Hochstein had given assurances directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel could carry out such strikes on Lebanon. Netanyahu said in a televised address after the security cabinet met that Israel would strike Hezbollah if it violated the deal. The official said Israel would use drones to monitor movements on the ground in Lebanon. Lebanese officials say that provision is not in the deal that it agreed, and that it would oppose any violations of its sovereignty. Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for the weekly What in the World newsletter here . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Middle East at war Israel Lebanon Benjamin Netanyahu Joe Biden Most Viewed in World LoadingNEW YORK , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global voice evacuation systems market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.1 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.84% during the forecast period. Growth of real estate and construction industry is driving market growth, with a trend towards adoption of lot in building control systems. However, high initial cost of installation of voice sounder and loudspeakers poses a challenge. Key market players include 4EVAC Hacousto Holland BV, ABB Ltd., Ambient System SP ZOO, ATEIS International SA, Audico Systems Oy, Baldwin Boxall Communications Ltd., Cofem SA, Eaton Corp. Plc, Hochiki America Corp., Honeywell International Inc., Johnson Controls International Plc, Mircom Group of Companies, NAFFCO FZCO, OPTIMUS SA , ORR Protection Systems Inc., Protec Fire and Security Group Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH, Siemens AG, TOA Corp., and Zeta Alarms Ltd.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver Voice evacuation systems, also known as voice alarm systems, are becoming increasingly popular for emergency communication in public facilities, commercial buildings, industrial sites, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. These systems use spoken messages to alert individuals of potential risks, such as fire breakouts, in a calm and clear manner. This trend is driven by the need for safe evacuation during unprecedented events, ensuring the safety and awareness of individuals in secure environments. Traditional fire alarm systems have limitations, such as the use of horns or chimes which can cause panic. Voice evacuation systems offer a more effective solution by providing customized messages and clear instructions. The initial financial investment for voice evacuation systems can be higher than traditional systems due to necessary equipment, customization, and professional installation services. However, the long-term benefits, including cost savings from retrofitting existing buildings and seamless communication with building automation systems, make it a worthwhile investment. The decision-making process for potential clients includes considering the building size, complex zoning, and existing building technologies. Voice evacuation systems offer interoperability with smart building technologies, elevators, and real-time monitoring, making them a converging solution for safety and security. With the industry shift towards innovative technologies, compatibility challenges with existing building technologies and communication protocols are being addressed. Safety and wellbeing are top priorities for private buildings, residential areas, public sector undertakings, industrial units, governments, and corporations. Voice evacuation systems are an essential part of safety solutions, ensuring social consideration for individuals with disabilities, impairments, and an ageing population. These systems offer a critical infrastructure for emergency communication, providing effective solution for evacuation during fire incidents. The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized building systems and safety equipment by enabling interconnected devices to exchange data over a network. Traditionally, voice evacuation systems operated independently. However, integrating IoT technology has significantly improved their functionality. This integration enhances data and control management, ensuring quick response and notification without human intervention. The development of mesh networks further supports connectivity, allowing every device to function as a node to a central location. This advancement in technology not only increases reliability but also eliminates redundancy, making voice evacuation systems more efficient and effective. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Voice evacuation systems are essential safety solutions for public facilities, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. These systems deliver spoken messages during emergencies like fire breakouts, unprecedented events, or fire incidents. Traditional alarm systems using horns or chimes can cause panic and confusion. Voice evacuation systems provide clear instructions for safe evacuation, enhancing safety, awareness, and security. However, adopting voice evacuation systems comes with challenges. Cost is a significant factor, influenced by building size, necessary equipment, and professional installation services. Complex zoning, customization, and hardware costs add to the initial financial investment. Custom content and audio quality are essential considerations. Retrofitting existing buildings with voice evacuation systems can be complex due to interoperability issues with existing building technologies, communication protocols, and compatibility challenges. Critical infrastructure like airports, stadiums, and other public spaces require evacuation systems to ensure safety and wellbeing. Safety and social considerations, such as an ageing population, disabilities, and impairments, necessitate innovative technologies and assistance in understanding risks. The convergence of voice evacuation systems with smart building technologies, building management, real-time monitoring, and building automation systems offers seamless communication and evacuation processes. The industry shift towards voice evacuation systems underscores the importance of professional skills in installation and design, as well as the need for preloaded messages and custom content. The decision-making process for potential clients includes considering the potential risks, necessary equipment, and the benefits of voice evacuation systems over traditional alarm systems. Voice evacuation systems are essential safety features in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. In small and mid-size buildings, the cost of deploying these systems includes hardware installation, which is the largest expense, and minimal service and maintenance costs. However, in large buildings and high-rise residential complexes, regulations mandate the installation of automated emergency alarms and voice evacuation systems, leading to higher procurement and setup costs. In the commercial sector, especially healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and hotels, the expense of installing multiple systems, including emergency alarm control systems, is significant. Overall, the cost of voice evacuation systems varies depending on the size and complexity of the building or facility. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This voice evacuation systems market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Commercial sector 1.2 Industrial sector 1.3 Residential sector 2.1 Voice sounders 2.2 Loudspeakers 2.3 Emergency microphones 2.4 Networked and wireless system 3.1 APAC 3.2 North America 3.3 Europe 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Commercial sector- The commercial sector is experiencing significant growth in the voice evacuation systems market due to increased regulations and safety awareness. This trend is driven by stringent government requirements and user education in various countries. The global market is also benefiting from rising foreign direct investment and construction activity in emerging economies. A major technological advancement is the integration of voice evacuation systems with fire alarms and security control systems. However, compatibility and interoperability challenges persist when integrating these systems with existing infrastructure. Mature markets like the US, Canada , and parts of Europe will primarily focus on replacement activities and software upgrades. In contrast, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, particularly Dammam in Saudi Arabia , is poised for substantial growth due to commercial hub development and expanding retail sectors. Key projects like the Al-Rehab project in Dammam are expected to boost market expansion during the forecast period. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis Voice evacuation systems, also known as voice alarm systems, are essential components of modern public address (PA) systems designed to ensure safety and order during emergency situations. These systems use spoken messages to alert and guide people in buildings during unprecedented events such as fire breakouts. They are installed in various public facilities, including private buildings, residential areas, public sector undertakings, industrial units, government establishments, and new age constructions. The voice evacuation system is a crucial part of a building's ecosystem, prioritizing safety and wellbeing, and is a matter of corporate social responsibility and strict safety laws. The system's detectors trigger a preloaded message, which may include instructions on the nature of the emergency and the safest evacuation routes. The message can be delivered through a voice alarm or a combination of voice and horn or chime. The effective implementation of voice evacuation systems requires professional skills and adherence to industry standards. Market Research Overview Voice evacuation systems, also known as voice alarm systems, are essential safety solutions designed to ensure safe evacuation of individuals in public facilities and buildings during fire breakouts or unprecedented events. These systems use spoken messages instead of traditional alarm systems with horns or chimes to provide clear instructions and reduce panic. Public facilities, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities all benefit from voice evacuation systems, prioritizing safety, awareness, security, and the wellbeing of individuals. The adoption of voice evacuation systems is driven by potential risks such as fire incidents and the need for evacuation systems to protect assets. Traditional alarm systems may not provide adequate communication during emergencies, making voice evacuation systems a cost-effective and necessary investment for buildings of all sizes. Customization is a crucial factor, with prefabricated messages and custom content available to cater to specific building needs. Audio quality, initial financial investment, and necessary equipment are essential considerations in the decision-making process. Professional installation services ensure seamless communication and interoperability with existing building technologies, including building management systems, elevators, and smart building technologies. Voice evacuation systems are increasingly important in private buildings, residential areas, public sector undertakings, industrial units, government establishments, and new age buildings. The safety and wellbeing of individuals, corporate social responsibility, and strict safety laws are driving the industry shift towards voice evacuation systems. Existing buildings may require retrofitting with voice evacuation systems, posing challenges related to existing building technologies, communication protocols, and compatibility with proprietary technologies. Critical infrastructure and converging technologies, such as building automation systems, elevators, and real-time monitoring, are essential considerations in the adoption of voice evacuation systems. The voice evacuation system market is continually evolving, with innovative technologies addressing consumer requirements and addressing the unique needs of various sectors. Detectors, preloaded messages, and modern designs are essential components of voice evacuation systems, ensuring effective and efficient evacuation during emergencies. The understanding of risks, social considerations, and the ageing population, disabilities, and impairments are crucial factors in the design and implementation of voice evacuation systems. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation End-user Commercial Sector Industrial Sector Residential Sector Type Voice Sounders Loudspeakers Emergency Microphones Networked And Wireless System Geography APAC North America Europe Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioA new year means new laws for Texans, and several will go into effect starting Jan. 1. Some of these laws will affect drivers and internet users, while others will affect court operations and school funding. Changes to the laws were passed during the 88th Texas Legislature and were signed by Gov. Greg Abbott. Here’s an outline of those new state laws and how they will affect Texans in 2025. Vehicle safety inspections Safety inspections will no longer be required for Texans to register a vehicle, with the exception of commercial ones, according to The Texas Department of Public Safety. All non-commercial vehicles will, however, be required to pay a $7.50 inspection program replacement charge when registering with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Cars that have not been registered in Texas or another state will have to pay a $16.75 initial inspection program replacement charge to cover two years. A safety examination is still necessary for commercial vehicles. There won’t be any replacement costs for such cars. The cost of registration will not change, and a non-commercial vehicle must still undergo an emissions test if it is registered in a county where it is mandated. The following counties require emissions tests: Brazoria, Collin, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Ellis, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Johnson, Kaufman, Montgomery, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson. Emissions tests will be required in Bexar County starting in 2026. Choice in data sharing Texans will be able to decide if a company is allowed to collect and process their personal data in 2025, under the updated Texas Data Privacy and Security Act. House Bill 4 already let Texans authorize someone else or technology to opt out of having a company process their personal information. This new safeguard starting on Jan. 1 enables Texans to use browser settings, extensions and device functionalities to opt out of data sales, targeted advertising and profiling based on personal data. Opting out must be the user’s choice rather than a default setting, according to the law, and that must be made clear by companies. Texas judicial district courts Three new courts will be established in Texas counties, as outlined in House Bill 3474. Denton County will be home to the 477th judicial district court, and cases in Edwards, Gillespie and Kimball counties will be heard by the new 499th judicial court. Kendall County will be home to the 498th judicial district court. School funding Under Senate Bill 2, more money will be available to school districts if they run out of their budgets after regular state funding and local taxes are calculated in 2025. Districts will be able to apply for extra funds in an effort to make up for the loss of tax revenues due to limitations on tax increases for elderly and disabled homeowners. The Texas Education Agency must also publish the highest compressed rate for every school district starting in January. Clarity on Texas law The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure will undergo revisions that will provide clarity for the public and legal experts. The modifications will make legal statutes easier to understand without affecting their structure or readability. These changes aim to bring the state’s legal system up to date.

Carrefour’s cold shoulder for South American beef sparks a backlash from Brazil

Ituka scores 18 off the bench, Jacksonville State downs East Carolina 86-78WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 25, 2024-- Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) ("Central"), a market leader in the pet and garden industries, today announced results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended September 28, 2024. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125974807/en/ "We have a lot to be proud of this year. We increased non-GAAP EPS, continued margin expansion, made significant progress on our Cost and Simplicity program, and achieved strong profits in our Pet segment and record cash flow for the company. We accomplished this despite continued soft demand across our Pet segment, in particular in durable pet products, and a difficult garden season," said Niko Lahanas, Central Garden & Pet's new CEO. "While we expect the external environment to remain challenging, I am confident we have the right strategy and people in place to deliver profitable growth in fiscal 2025 and for the long term." Fiscal 2024 Results Net sales were $3.2 billion compared to $3.3 billion in the prior year, a decrease of 3%. Fiscal 2023 benefited from an additional week in the fourth quarter. Organic net sales decreased 4% excluding the impact of the acquisition of TDBBS in fiscal 2024 and the sale of the independent garden channel distribution business in fiscal 2023. Net sales for the Pet segment were $1.83 billion compared to $1.88 billion a year ago, a decrease of 2%. Pet organic net sales decreased 6%. Net sales for the Garden segment were $1.37 billion compared to $1.43 billion in the prior year, a decrease of 5%. Garden organic net sales decreased 1%. Gross margin expanded by 90 basis points to 29.5% from 28.6% in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin expanded by 110 basis points to 30.0% from 28.9% a year ago driven by productivity efforts and moderating inflation. Operating income was $185 million compared to $211 million in the prior year, a decrease of 12%. On a non-GAAP basis, operating income was $223 million compared to $227 million a year ago. Operating margin was 5.8% compared to 6.4% in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin expanded to 7.0% from 6.9% a year ago due to improved gross margin and continued cost discipline in selling, general and administrative expense. Net interest expense was $38 million compared to $50 million in the prior year driven by higher interest income. Other expense was $5.1 million compared to other income of $1.5 million a year ago due to the impairment of two underperforming equity investments in the fourth quarter. Net income was $108 million compared to $126 million in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, net income increased to $142 million from $138 million a year ago. Earnings per share were $1.62 compared to $1.88 in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, earnings per share increased to $2.13 from $2.07 a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA was $334 million compared to $343 million in the prior year. The effective tax rate for the fiscal year was 23.2% compared to 22.4% a year ago primarily due to an increase in the blended state income tax rate in the current year compared to the prior year. Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results Net sales were $669 million compared to $750 million a year ago, a decrease of 11%. The prior year quarter benefited from an extra week. Organic net sales decreased 13% excluding the impact of the acquisition of TDBBS and the sale of the independent garden channel distribution business. Gross margin contracted by 110 basis points to 25.2% compared to 26.3% a year ago primarily driven by the impairment of grass seed inventory more than offsetting moderating inflation and productivity efforts. On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin contracted by 60 basis points to 26.0% from 26.6% in the prior year. Operating loss was $32 million compared to operating income of $9 million a year ago. On a non-GAAP basis, operating loss was $11 million compared to operating income of $12 million reflecting lower volumes, the inventory impairment, and the timing of expenses related to productivity and commercial initiatives. Operating margin was (4.8)% compared to 1.2% in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin contracted to (1.7)% from 1.6% a year ago. Other expense was $6 million compared to $2 million in the prior year. Net interest expense was $6 million compared to $8 million a year ago. Net loss was $34 million compared to net income of $3 million in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, net loss was $12 million compared to net income $5 million a year ago. Loss per share was $0.51 compared to earnings per share of $0.04 in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, loss per share was $0.18 compared to earnings per share of $0.08 a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA was $17 million compared to $42 million in the prior year. Pet Segment Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results Net sales for the Pet segment were $435 million compared to $483 million in the prior year, a decrease of 10%. The decrease was primarily due to an extra week in the prior year quarter. Organic net sales decreased 14% excluding the impact of the acquisition of TDBBS. The Pet segment’s operating income was $14 million compared to $43 million a year ago. On a non-GAAP basis, operating income was $35 million compared to $48 million in the prior year due to lower volume and the timing of expenses related to productivity and commercial initiatives. Operating margin was 3.3% compared to 9.0% in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin was 8.0% compared to 9.9% a year ago. Pet segment adjusted EBITDA was $45 million compared to $58 million in the prior year quarter. Garden Segment Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results Net sales for the Garden segment were $234 million compared to $267 million a year ago, a decrease of 12%. The decrease was primarily due to an extra week in the prior year quarter. Organic net sales decreased 11% excluding the impact of the sale of the independent garden channel distribution business. The Garden segment’s operating loss was $29 million compared to a loss of $3 million in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, operating loss was $25 million compared to a loss of $5 million a year ago due to lower volume as well as the impairment of grass seed inventory. Operating margin was (12.3)% compared to (1.3)% in the prior year. On a non-GAAP basis, operating margin was (10.6)% compared to (2.0)% a year ago. Garden segment adjusted EBITDA was $(14) million compared to $6 million in the prior year. Liquidity and Debt At September 28, 2024, cash and cash equivalents was $754 million, compared to $489 million a year ago. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was driven by converting inventory to cash over the last 12 months and lower capital expenditures. Cash provided by operations for fiscal 2024 was $395 million, compared to $382 million in the prior year. The increase in cash provided by operations was primarily due to changes in working capital driven by the reduction in inventory. Total debt at September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 was $1.2 billion. The gross leverage ratio, calculated using the definitions for Indebtedness and EBITDA in Central's credit agreement, at the end of the quarter was 3.1x, in line with the prior year. Central repurchased 270,032 shares or $9 million of its stock during the quarter. Subsequent to the fiscal year end, Central purchased an additional 1,663,479 shares or $52 million of its stock through November 21, 2024. Non-GAAP Adjustments Fiscal 2024 Central recognized $45 million in non-GAAP charges in fiscal 2024, $28 million of which related to Cost & Simplicity initiatives. Within the Garden segment, this included closure and consolidation of one manufacturing facility, six distribution facilities and one research facility as well as beginning the wind-down of Central's pottery business. Within the Pet segment, this included the announced closure and consolidation of two manufacturing facilities related to a durable pet supply business as well as impairment of intangible assets related to this business due to changing market conditions and increased international competition. In addition to Cost & Simplicity related charges, Central recognized $4 million in charges related to the impairment of equity investments in two underperforming private businesses, partially offset by a gain on the settlement of a litigation. The $45 million overall charge was mostly noncash, with $16 million included in cost of goods sold, $21 million in selling, general and administrative expense, and $8 million in other expense. Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Non-GAAP charges for the fourth quarter were $29 million, $12 million of which related to Cost & Simplicity initiatives, $13 million related to intangible impairments, and $4 million related to the equity investment write downs and partially offsetting a gain on the settlement of a litigation. The $29 million overall charge was mostly noncash, with $5 million included in cost of goods sold, $16 million in selling, general and administrative expense, and $8 million in other expense. Outlook for Fiscal 2025 Central currently expects fiscal 2025 non-GAAP EPS to be $2.20 or better. This outlook takes into consideration deflationary pressure in certain commodity businesses, evolving consumer behavior in an environment of macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, and the challenging brick-and-mortar retail environment. Central expects fiscal 2025 capital spending to be in the range of $60-70 million. This outlook excludes the impact of any acquisitions, divestitures or restructuring activities that may occur during fiscal 2025, including projects under the Cost and Simplicity program. Conference Call Central will hold a conference call today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time), hosted by Niko Lahanas, CEO, and Brad Smith, CFO, to discuss these results and to provide a general business update. The conference call and related materials can be accessed at http://ir.central.com . Alternatively, to listen to the call by telephone, dial (201) 689-8345 (domestic and international) using confirmation #13748436. About Central Garden & Pet Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro ®, Aqueon ®, Cadet ®, C&S ®, Farnam ®, Ferry-Morse ®, Four Paws ®, Kaytee ®, Nylabone ® and Pennington ®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,450 employees primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more. Safe Harbor Statement “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained in this release which are not historical facts, including statements concerning evolving consumer demand and unfavorable retailer dynamics, productivity initiatives and estimated capital spending, and earnings guidance for fiscal 2025, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon Central's current expectations and various assumptions. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release including, but not limited to, the following factors: These risks and others are described in Central’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Central undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, to supplement the financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use non-GAAP financial measures including non-GAAP net income and diluted net income per share, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin, non-GAAP selling, general and administrative expense, adjusted EBITDA and organic net sales. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures that exclude the impact of specific items (described below) in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating our performance. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures may be useful to investors in their assessment of our ongoing operating performance and provide additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. While Management believes that non-GAAP measures are useful supplemental information, such adjusted results are not intended to replace our GAAP financial results and should be read in conjunction with those GAAP results. Adjusted EBITDA is defined by us as income before income tax, net other expense, net interest expense and depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation expense (or operating income plus depreciation and amortization expense and stock-based compensation expense). Adjusted EBITDA further excludes one-time charges related to facility closures exits of business, intangible and investment impairments and gains from a litigation settlement. We present adjusted EBITDA because we believe that adjusted EBITDA is a useful supplemental measure in evaluating the cash flows and performance of our business and provides greater transparency into our results of operations. Adjusted EBITDA is used by our management to perform such evaluations. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash flow from operations, income from operations or other income statement measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe that adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies, many of which present adjusted EBITDA when reporting their results. Other companies may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently and it may not be comparable. The reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are shown in the tables below. We have not provided a reconciliation of non-GAAP guidance measures to the corresponding GAAP measures on a forward-looking basis as we cannot do so without unreasonable efforts due to the potential variability and limited visibility of excluded items. For the same reasons, we are unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. Non-GAAP financial measures reflect adjustments based on the following items: From time to time in the future, there may be other items that we may exclude if we believe that doing so is consistent with the goal of providing useful information to investors and management. The non-GAAP adjustments made reflect the following: Facility closures and business exits (1) During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024, we recognized incremental expense of $7.5 million in our Pet segment in the consolidated statement of operations, from the closure of manufacturing facilities in California and Arizona. Additionally, we recognized incremental expense in our Garden segment of $3.9 million related to facility closures and business exits announced in fiscal 2023 and earlier in fiscal 2024. (2) During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, we recognized incremental expense of $11.1 million in the consolidated statement of operations, from the decision to exit the pottery business, the closure of a live goods distribution facility in Delaware and the relocation of our grass seed research facility. (3) During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, we recognized incremental expense of $5.3 million in the consolidated statement of operations from the closure of a manufacturing facility in California and the consolidation of our Southeast distribution network. (4) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, we recognized a gain of $5.8 million from the sale of our independent garden center distribution business, which includes the impact of associated facility closure costs. The gain is included in selling, general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of operations. (5) In fiscal 2023, we recognized incremental expense of $13.9 million in our Pet segment in the consolidated statement of operations from the closure of a manufacturing and distribution facility in Texas. Additionally, we recognized incremental expense of $1.8 million in our Pet segment in the consolidated statement of operations, from the closure of a second manufacturing and distribution facility in Texas. Intangible Impairments (6) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge in our Pet segment of $12.8 million related to the impairment of intangible assets due primarily to changing market conditions resulting from the decline in demand for durable products and increased international competition. (7) In fiscal 2023, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge in our Pet segment of $2.8 million related to the impairment of intangible assets caused by the loss of a significant customer in our live fish business. Also, we recognized a non-cash impairment charge in our Garden segment of $3.9 million related to the impairment of intangible assets due to reduced demand for products we sold under an acquired trade name. The impairments were recorded as part of selling, general and administrative costs. Gain from litigation and investment impairment (8) Within corporate, the Company received $3.2 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 in settlement of litigation which gain is included in selling, general and administrative expense. Additionally, we recognized a $7.5 million non-cash impairment charge for two related private company investments that is included within Other income (expense) in the consolidated statement of operations. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125974807/en/ CONTACT: Investor & Media Contact Friederike Edelmann VP of Investor Relations & Corporate Sustainability (925) 412 6726 |fedelmann@central.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL CONSUMER HOME GOODS SPECIALTY PETS CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY LANDSCAPE SOURCE: Central Garden & Pet Company Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/25/2024 04:03 PM/DISC: 11/25/2024 04:03 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125974807/en

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