Financial

Central Garden & Pet Company reported a net sales boost of 5.3% in the second quarter, much of which was driven by strength in its Pet segment.

Net sales for the quarter ended March 25 were $569.9 million, up from $541.2 million in the second quarter of 2016.

The boost was largely due to an 8.4% increase in net sales for the Pet segment, which in turn was driven primarily by the recent Segrest acquisition. Organic pet sales grew by 1.3%.

With a stated objective of doubling the size of the company by 2022, and coming off the announcement of a plan to buy the Craftsman brand from Sears, Stanley Black & Decker reported fourth quarter and full year sales gains.

Company-wide, net sales increased 2.6% to $2.92 billion in the fourth quarter. Net earnings declined 3.9% to $265.5 million.

In the tools & storage division, net sales increased 6% in the fourth quarter.

Central Garden & Pet Company had double-digit sales growth to report for its full fiscal year in 2016 -- and decent figures for the fourth quarter as well.

Central Garden & Pet Company experienced a solid double-digit boost in the first quarter, putting the company on track to meet its 2017 guidance.