10 Best Pet Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) is highlighted as one of the best pet stocks due to recent corporate developments. The company recently increased its stock repurchase program by an additional $100 million, appointed Kay M. Schwichtenberg to its Board of Directors, and released its fiscal Q1 2026 financial results showing $617 million in net sales. The company believes its stock is currently undervalued and expanded its gross margin by 110 basis points.
Central Garden & Pet Company Announces Upcoming Investor Conferences
Central Garden & Pet Company is set to participate in upcoming investor conferences, highlighting its leadership in the pet and garden industries. The company projects net sales of $3.1 billion for fiscal year 2025 and emphasizes its diverse portfolio of brands and commitment to sustainable solutions. Analyst ratings indicate a "Moderate Buy" for its stock, with recent price target adjustments from firms like Canaccord and JPMorgan.
Why (CENTA) Price Action Is Critical for Tactical Trading
This article provides an in-depth analysis of Central Garden & Pet Company Class A Common Stock (NASDAQ: CENTA), focusing on its price action and tactical trading opportunities. It highlights key findings like strong near and mid-term sentiment, potential for long-term extension, and elevated downside risk. The analysis includes AI-generated institutional trading strategies (Long, Momentum Breakout, and Risk Hedging) with specific entry, target, and stop-loss levels, alongside a multi-timeframe signal analysis.
Central Garden & Pet Announces Increase in Stock Repurchase Authorization
Central Garden & Pet Company announced that its Board of Directors has authorized an increase of an additional $100 million in its stock repurchase program. The company believes its shares are currently undervalued, making repurchases advantageous for the company and its stockholders. The program has no expiration date and allows for flexible repurchase methods.
Central Garden & Pet Shareholders Re-Elect Directors and Approve Auditor
Central Garden & Pet shareholders re-elected all nine director nominees, approved Deloitte as the independent auditor, and endorsed executive compensation during their 2026 annual meeting. These decisions highlight strong shareholder confidence in the company's governance, financial transparency, and management policies. The meeting also confirmed a significant quorum, indicating active shareholder engagement in the company's future.
Central Garden & Pet Shareholders Re-Elect Directors, Approve Deloitte and Executive Pay at AGM
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENT) held its 2026 annual meeting of shareholders where all nine director nominees were re-elected, Deloitte & Touche was ratified as the independent auditor for fiscal 2026, and executive officer compensation was approved in an advisory "say-on-pay" vote. A quorum was established for the meeting, and no shareholder questions were submitted. The company operates in the lawn and garden and pet supplies markets, offering a comprehensive range of products.
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENTA) Cut to "Hold" at Wall Street Zen
Wall Street Zen downgraded Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENTA) from a "buy" to a "hold" rating, aligning with MarketBeat's consensus "Hold" rating and an average price target of $40.75. The company exceeded EPS expectations but missed revenue targets for its latest quarter and provided FY2026 guidance above analyst projections for the current year. Institutional ownership of CENTA is high at approximately 50.8%, with several funds recently increasing their stakes despite mixed analyst opinions including an "underweight" rating from JPMorgan.
Understanding Momentum Shifts in (CENTA)
The article analyzes momentum shifts for Central Garden & Pet Company Class A Common Stock (CENTA) using AI models. It highlights a sustained breakout, positive sentiment, and elevated downside risk while providing institutional trading strategies tailored to various risk profiles and holding periods, including entry zones, targets, and stop losses. The analysis covers near-term, mid-term, and long-term signal strengths, support, and resistance levels.
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENT) Posts Quarterly Earnings Results, Beats Estimates By $0.09 EPS
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENT) reported strong quarterly earnings, beating analyst estimates by $0.09 with an EPS of $0.21. The stock rose 1.4% to $34.98 following the announcement. Analysts currently rate the stock as "Moderate Buy" with an average price target of $42.50.
Central Garden & Pet trims Q1 sales but sticks to 2026 profit goal
Central Garden & Pet announced its Q1 fiscal 2026 financial results, reporting GAAP diluted EPS of $0.11 and non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.21, a decrease from the prior year. Despite a reduction in Q1 net sales to $617 million from $656 million, the company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS outlook of $2.70 or better, attributing the sales dip to shipment timing and portfolio optimization. Central Garden & Pet remains confident in its "Central to Home" strategy and continued focus on cost efficiency and growth.
People moves: Bruce Czachor joins Stardust Power as new general counsel
Stardust Power has appointed Bruce Czachor as its new general counsel, bringing over 30 years of experience to oversee legal, regulatory, and corporate governance matters. This article also covers other significant personnel changes, including Minako Pazdera joining LB Pharmaceuticals as general counsel, Apur Patel becoming chief legal officer at Central Garden & Pet Company, Adam Copley's appointment as EVP, chief legal officer, and general counsel at The Duckhorn Portfolio, and Jordan Black taking on the corporate secretary role at Homeland Nickel. These appointments underscore a focus on strengthening legal and governance expertise across various industries.
Central Garden & Pet (CENT) Expected to Announce Quarterly Earnings on Wednesday
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT) is scheduled to announce its Q1 2026 earnings before market open on Wednesday, February 4th. Analysts anticipate earnings per share of $0.12 and revenue of $636.62 million, with the company providing full-year 2026 guidance of $2.70 EPS. The stock trades near $32, holds a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating from analysts, and previously beat estimates in November 2024.
Central Garden & Pet (CENTA) to Release Quarterly Earnings on Wednesday
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENTA) is set to report its quarterly earnings before market open on Wednesday, February 4th. Analysts anticipate earnings of $0.12 per share and $636.62 million in revenue, while the company has issued FY2026 guidance of $2.70 EPS. The stock currently holds a "Hold" consensus rating from analysts, with a target price of $40.75, and institutional investors own 50.82% of the company's shares.
Central Garden & Pet appoints Apur Patel as new chief legal officer
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT), a consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries, has appointed Apur Patel as its new Chief Legal Officer, effective January 26, 2026. Patel will be responsible for corporate governance, M&A, securities, compliance, litigation, and intellectual property. He joins Central from The Clorox Company and will report directly to CEO Niko Lahanas.
Avoiding Lag: Real-Time Signals in (CENTA) Movement
This article analyzes Central Garden & Pet Company Class A Common Stock (NASDAQ: CENTA) using AI models to provide real-time trading signals and strategies. It highlights a near-term strong sentiment with resistance being tested, and offers three distinct trading strategies (Position, Momentum Breakout, Risk Hedging) tailored to different risk profiles. The analysis also includes multi-timeframe signal analysis, support and resistance levels, and risk-reward ratios.
Central Garden & Pet Names Apur Patel Chief Legal Officer
Central Garden & Pet Company has appointed Apur Patel as its new Chief Legal Officer, effective January 26, 2026. Mr. Patel will oversee all legal matters for the company, including corporate governance, M&A, and compliance, succeeding George Yuhas who is retiring. Patel brings over 30 years of global legal experience from companies like The Clorox Company, Cisco, Cargill, and UnitedHealth Group.
Central Garden & Pet names Apur Patel chief legal officer
Central Garden & Pet Company has named Apur Patel as its new Chief Legal Officer, effective January 26, 2026. The announcement was made via Reuters and included in the company's press releases. This appointment follows similar news listed under "Chief Legal Officer Changes" for the same date.
1 Consumer Stock on Our Watchlist and 2 We Question
This article analyzes three consumer staples stocks, recommending one to watch and two to question. It suggests investing in Colgate-Palmolive (CL) due to its dominant market position and strong financials, while advising against Central Garden & Pet (CENT) and Mondelez (MDLZ) due to concerns about their organic revenue growth, weak demand, and declining efficiency, respectively. The piece emphasizes the importance of identifying durable advantages in consumer staples sector amidst choppy markets.
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENTA) Receives Average Rating of "Hold" from Analysts
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENTA) has received a consensus "Hold" rating from analysts, with an average 12-month price target of $40.75. The company recently surpassed earnings expectations, reporting an EPS of ($0.09) against an expected ($0.20) and revenue of $678 million, and has issued an optimistic FY2026 EPS guidance of 2.70. The stock was trading down by approximately 2.9% at market open, with a market capitalization of $1.83 billion and a P/E ratio of 11.48.
Central Garden & Pet Company $CENTA Shares Acquired by Nordea Investment Management AB
Nordea Investment Management AB significantly increased its holdings in Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENTA) by 22.7%, acquiring an additional 39,339 shares, bringing their total to 212,850 shares valued at approximately $6.23 million. Other institutional investors also adjusted their positions in CENTA, which currently has a mixed analyst sentiment with an average "Hold" rating and a target price of $40.75. The company recently surpassed quarterly earnings estimates and provided FY2026 guidance above analyst expectations.
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENTA) Receives Underweight Rating from JPMorgan Chase & Co.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. has reiterated an "underweight" rating on Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENTA) and lowered its price target to $28 from $31, suggesting a potential 7.1% downside. Despite this, the company recently beat Q4 earnings and revenue expectations and provided a positive FY2026 EPS guidance. Analyst coverage is mixed, with an average "Hold" rating and a consensus target price of $40.75.
Behavioral Patterns of CENTA and Institutional Flows
This article analyzes the behavioral patterns and institutional flows for Central Garden & Pet Company Class A Common Stock (NASDAQ: CENTA). It identifies weak near and mid-term sentiment, a mid-channel oscillation pattern, and an exceptional short setup. The analysis provides specific institutional trading strategies (Long, Momentum Breakout, Short) with entry, target, and stop-loss levels, alongside multi-timeframe signal analysis.
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENTA) Given Consensus Recommendation of "Moderate Buy" by Analysts
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENTA) has received a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating from analysts, with an average one-year target price of $41.50. The company recently reported better-than-expected quarterly results and set optimistic FY2026 guidance. Institutional investors own over 50% of the stock, with several increasing their positions.
Liquidity Mapping Around (CENTA) Price Events
This article provides a detailed analysis of Central Garden & Pet Company Class A Common Stock (NASDAQ: CENTA) using AI models. It highlights weak near-term sentiment, identifies a mid-channel oscillation pattern, and details three distinct trading strategies catering to different risk profiles: Position Trading, Momentum Breakout, and Risk Hedging. The analysis also includes multi-timeframe signal analysis for support and resistance levels.
Squarepoint Ops LLC Invests $1.15 Million in Central Garden & Pet Company $CENTA
Squarepoint Ops LLC recently purchased 36,685 shares of Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENTA) valued at $1.15 million, representing a new stake in the company. Several other institutional investors also increased their holdings, bringing total institutional ownership to 50.82%. Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating with a consensus target price of $41.50, following the company's recent beat on quarterly EPS and revenue estimates, and strong FY2026 guidance.
M&A move: Central Garden & Pet acquires US assets of Champion USA
This article reports on Central Garden & Pet's acquisition of the US assets of Champion USA. The deal expands Central Garden & Pet's portfolio within the pet care industry.
Central Garden & Pet stock rises as KeyBanc reiterates Overweight rating
Central Garden & Pet Co. (NASDAQ:CENTA) stock gained after KeyBanc reiterated its Overweight rating and $50.00 price target. This follows Central Garden & Pet's acquisition of Champion USA's U.S. assets, which includes the JustiFLY product line for cattle-fly control, enhancing its professional business portfolio. KeyBanc views this acquisition as a strategic move into a high-growth market, especially given the significant growth potential in fly-control products for livestock producers.
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT) Given Average Recommendation of "Hold" by Analysts
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT) has received a consensus "Hold" rating from analysts, with an average 1-year price target of $42.50. The company recently surpassed earnings estimates with an EPS of ($0.09) and revenue of $678.18 million, and has provided optimistic FY2026 EPS guidance. Institutional investors, including Vanguard and Millennium Management, have increased their stakes in the company.
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT) buys Champion USA assets to expand livestock fly control
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT) has acquired the U.S. assets of Champion USA, including its proprietary JustiFLY® line of products for cattle fly control. This strategic acquisition enhances Central's presence in the animal health sector and expands its portfolio of EPA-approved, sustainable fly-control solutions for livestock. The transaction closed on December 12, 2025, and Central will provide further details during its first-quarter earnings call.
Price-Driven Insight from (CENTA) for Rule-Based Strategy
This article provides a price-driven insight for Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENTA) based on AI models. It highlights a neutral near-term sentiment but strong mid-term sentiment, with an exceptional 32.4:1 risk-reward setup targeting a 9.7% gain. The piece also details specific institutional trading strategies including long, breakout, and short positions for varying risk profiles.
Armistice Capital LLC Sells 701,085 Shares of Central Garden & Pet Company $CENTA
Armistice Capital LLC significantly reduced its stake in Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENTA) by selling 701,085 shares, holding 0.49% of the company's stock. Other institutional investors like The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and Qube Research & Technologies Ltd increased their holdings in CENTA. Analyst ratings for Central Garden & Pet are mixed, with an average rating of "Hold" and an average target price of $41.50.
Q2 EPS Forecast for Central Garden & Pet Reduced by Analyst
Zacks Research has reduced its Q2 2026 earnings per share estimate for Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENTA) from $1.08 to $1.06, maintaining a "Hold" rating. Other analysts have a mixed view with an average "Hold" rating and an average price target of $41.50. Despite the revised forecast, Central Garden & Pet recently surpassed quarterly expectations and set positive FY2026 guidance.
Central Garden & Pet to Participate in the 2025 KeyBanc Capital Markets Consumer Conference
Central Garden & Pet Company announced that CFO Brad Smith will host a fireside chat at the 2025 KeyBanc Capital Markets Consumer Conference on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 12:55 p.m. Eastern Time. Senior management will also be available for one-on-one meetings with investors throughout the day. A live webcast and replay of the fireside chat will be accessible through virtual event platforms and Central Garden & Pet's investor relations website, respectively.
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT) to host fireside chat at 2025 KeyBanc Consumer Conference
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT, CENTA) announced that CFO Brad Smith will host a fireside chat at the 2025 KeyBanc Capital Markets Consumer Conference on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 12:55 p.m. Eastern Time. The virtual event will also include one-on-one meetings with investors. A live webcast and replay of the fireside chat will be available.
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT) at 2025 Morgan Stanley and BofA Conferences
Central Garden & Pet Company announced its senior management will participate in two investor conferences on December 2, 2025: the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference and the BofA Securities Leveraged Finance Conference. CFO Brad Smith and CEO Niko Lahanas will conduct fireside chats and be available for investor meetings at these events. Live webcasts and replays will be available on the company's investor relations website for registered participants.
Central Garden & Pet Co. Experiences Revision in Stock Evaluation Amid Mixed Market Signals
Central Garden & Pet Co. has revised its stock evaluation amidst fluctuating market conditions, with the stock priced at $34.16. Despite a year-long decline of 14.94% and mixed technical indicators, the company achieved a 5.79% gain over the past week, outperforming the S&P 500. Its year-to-date return remains negative at -11.96%, highlighting both challenges and resilience in navigating market dynamics.
Central Garden Pet (CENT) Earnings Call Transcript
Central Garden Pet (CENT) reported fiscal 2025 as a "record bottom-line performance," driven by expanded gross margins, strategic portfolio optimization, and a shift towards higher-margin consumables. The company completed a multiyear supply chain redesign and expects to continue expanding margins in 2026 despite potential top-line challenges from tariffs and consumer confidence. Management is cautiously optimistic about the Garden segment's outlook, citing increased distribution points while actively pursuing margin-accretive M&A opportunities in pet consumables.
Orchard Capital Management LLC Sells 62,182 Shares of Central Garden & Pet Company $CENT
Orchard Capital Management LLC significantly reduced its stake in Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT) by 59.3% in Q2, selling 62,182 shares and now holding 42,720 shares valued at $1.503 million. Other institutional investors like Banque Cantonale Vaudoise and CWM LLC also adjusted their positions. Central Garden & Pet exceeded Q-results expectations with an EPS of -$0.09 versus a -$0.20 consensus and revenue of $678.18 million, and has set FY2026 guidance at 2.70 EPS.
Central Garden & Pet Co. Hits Day High with 8.85% Surge
Central Garden & Pet Co. saw an 8.85% stock surge on November 26, 2025, reaching an intraday high of USD 34.68. The company shows strong operating cash flow and a favorable interest coverage ratio, outperforming the S&P 500 in weekly and monthly gains. However, its long-term performance has lagged the broader market, with a 1-year decline of 11.85%.
Central Garden & Pet Co. Opens with 8.65% Gain, Outperforming S&P 500
Central Garden & Pet Co. opened with an 8.65% gain, significantly outperforming the S&P 500. While the company demonstrates short-term resilience with improved cash flow and reduced raw material costs, it faces long-term growth challenges, reflected in modest operating profit increases over five years. Despite a -12.01% return over the past year, profits increased by 2.7%, and it maintains strong institutional ownership.
Central Garden & Pet Q4 2025 slides: record earnings despite sales dip, shares slip
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENT) reported record earnings for fiscal year 2025, with strong Q4 results surpassing analyst expectations despite a modest decline in net sales. The company achieved significant margin expansion and operational improvements, driven by strategic initiatives in both its Pet and Garden segments. Despite the positive financial performance and optimistic guidance for fiscal year 2026, the company's shares experienced a slight dip, indicating cautious investor sentiment amidst broader market concerns and tariff impacts.
Central Garden & Pet Co. Hits Day High with 8.65% Surge
Central Garden & Pet Co. experienced a significant stock surge of 8.65% on November 25, 2025, reaching an intraday high of USD 35.93. This performance contrasts with the S&P 500's modest gain, and the company reported positive metrics including strong cash flow and reduced raw material costs. Despite a year-long decline, the company boasts high institutional holdings and a market capitalization of USD 2,174 million.
Central Garden & Pet to Announce Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results
Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT, CENTA) will release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results on Monday, November 24, 2025, after the close of trading. Following the announcement, the company will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results and provide a business update. The webcast and replay will be available on their investor relations website.
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT) opens DTC Salt Lake City hub, consolidating two sites
Central Garden & Pet has opened a new direct-to-consumer (DTC) fulfillment center in Salt Lake City, Utah, consolidating two older sites. This strategic move aims to enhance efficiency, reduce complexity, and improve service nationwide. The facility is part of a broader strategy to optimize Central's logistics network, allowing for faster and more cost-effective delivery, and leveraging advanced safety systems and workflows.
Central Garden & Pet Co. Adjusts Valuation Amid Strong Financial Metrics and Performance
Central Garden & Pet Co. has seen its valuation grade adjusted to "very expensive" despite strong financial metrics. The company boasts a P/E ratio of 13, a P/B ratio of 1.33, and reported robust operating cash flow of USD 352.88 million for the latest quarter. Institutional holdings at 100% further highlight investor interest and analytical backing for the company.
Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) Stock forecasts - Yahoo
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Nylabone Sponsors Reunification of Local Retired Military Working Dog with Former Handler
Nylabone, a brand of Central Garden & Pet, partnered with American Humane Society to sponsor the reunification of retired military working dog Erika with her former handler, Staff Sergeant Tara. Nylabone's sponsorship covers Erika's cross-country relocation to Texas and her lifelong veterinary care, demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to supporting military working dogs. This effort aligns with Nylabone's Nylabone Cares program and Central Garden & Pet's Impact strategy, focusing on community health and philanthropic work.
Nylabone Sponsors Reunification of Local Retired Military Working Dog with Former Handler
Nylabone, a brand under Central Garden & Pet, partnered with the American Humane Society to sponsor the reunification of retired military working dog Erika with her former handler, Staff Sergeant Tara. Nylabone's sponsorship covers Erika's transportation to Texas and her lifelong veterinary care. This effort is part of Nylabone's ongoing commitment to supporting military working dogs and handlers, including through the Pups4Patriots™ program and the Nylabone Cares™ initiative.
Nylabone Sponsors Reunification of Local Retired Military Working Dog with Former Handler - Financial Times
Nylabone, a brand of Central Garden & Pet, partnered with American Humane Society to sponsor the reunification of retired military working dog Erika with her former handler, Staff Sergeant Tara. Nylabone's sponsorship covers Erika's transportation to her new home in Texas and her lifetime veterinary care. This effort is part of Nylabone's ongoing commitment to supporting military working dogs through its Nylabone Cares™ program and partnership with American Humane Society's Pups4Patriots™ program.
Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ:CENTA) Sets New 1-Year Low - What's Next? - MarketBeat
Central Garden & Pet's stock (NASDAQ:CENTA) recently hit a new 52-week low of $26.20, closing at $26.27. While some analysts have upgraded the stock, like Canaccord Genuity raising its price target to $50, the company faces mixed ratings. This comes after Central Garden & Pet reported strong quarterly earnings of $1.56 EPS, beating estimates, though revenue fell short at $960.91 million.
