Increase of 22 per cent expected

American company Central Garden & Pet has announced its forecast for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006. Net sales are projected to be between $1.45 billion and $1.47 billion, an increase of approximately 5-6 per cent when compared with fiscal year 2005. Operating income is expected to be between $120 million and $123 million. Net income is expected to be between $65 million and $67 million, an increase of approximately 22 per cent when compared with fiscal year 2005. The company projects fiscal 2005 fully diluted earnings per share to be approximately $2.50 and sales of approximately $1.38 billion. Operating income is expected to be approximately $100 million. The fiscal 2005 estimates are preliminary and subject to final review and certification by the company's external auditors. The company is scheduled to release fiscal fourth quarter and full-year results in early December 2005. The Central Garden & Pet Company is a marketer and producer of quality branded products for the pet and lawn and garden supplies markets.