BROWN WILLIAM E 4

What Happened

• William E. Brown, reported as a 10% owner of Central Garden & Pet (CENT), received an award of 14,063 restricted Class A common shares on 2026-02-11. The grant was reported as an acquisition at $0.00 (total reported acquisition value $0). The shares vest in three equal increments of 33 1/3% per year, commencing on the third anniversary of the grant (i.e., vests in installments on years 3, 4 and 5).

Key Details

• Transaction date: 2026-02-11; Form 4 filed: 2026-02-12 (appears timely).
• Transaction type/code: Award/Grant (A).
• Shares granted: 14,063 at $0.00; reported acquisition value $0.
• Vesting: 33 1/3% per year, commencing on the third anniversary of the grant (three annual installments).
• Ownership/beneficial interest: The securities are held directly by various family irrevocable trusts and indirectly by Mr. Brown and his spouse as co-trustees; they disclaim beneficial ownership except to the extent of pecuniary interest (footnote F2).
• Filing accession: 0001193125-26-049368 (Period of Report: 2026-02-11).

Context

• This was an equity award (restricted stock) rather than an open-market purchase or sale. Restricted shares generally cannot be sold until they vest, so the grant itself does not indicate immediate buying or selling. As a 10% owner and co-trustee of trusts that hold the securities, Brown’s reported relationship to the shares is primarily through family trusts rather than a direct, immediate market transaction.