Freshpet (NASDAQ:FRPT) Bolsa

FRESHPET INC

Freshpet

Freshpet produces and sells premium fresh pet food through its company-owned refrigerators placed in grocery, mass and club, pet specialty, and natural stores. Freshpet primarily targets dogs (96% of 2024 sales), with cats and treats comprising the rest of its sales. Geographically, the company's home US market, where all its food is produced, accounts for about 98% of sales, with exports to Canada, the United Kingdom, and other European countries accounting for the remaining balance.

Freshpet Inc

In the current session, Freshpet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) is trading at $71.72, after a 0.28% drop. Over the past month, the stock fell by 15.51%, and in the past year, by 45.03%. With performance like this, long-term shareholders are more likely to start looking into the company's price-to-earnings ratio. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1750370464_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>Comparing Freshpet P/E Against Its Peers</h3>
The P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company's market performance against aggregate market data, historical earnings, and the industry at large. A lower P/E could indicate that shareholders do not expect the stock to perform better in the future or it could mean that the company is undervalued. 
Freshpet has a better P/E ratio of 239.73 than the aggregate P/E ratio of 18.63 of the Food Products industry. Ideally, one might believe that Freshpet Inc. might perform better in the future than it's industry group, but it's probable that the stock is overvalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1750370464_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In conclusion, the price-to-earnings ratio is a useful metric for analyzing a company's market performance, but it has its limitations. While a lower P/E can indicate that a company is undervalued, it can also suggest that shareholders do not expect future growth. Additionally, the P/E ratio should not be used in isolation, as other factors such as industry trends and business cycles can also impact a company's stock price. Therefore, investors should use the P/E ratio in conjunction with other financial metrics and qualitative analysis to make informed investment decisions.

News

Intraday Update

Markets

FRPT

A Look Into Freshpet Inc's Price Over Earnings

UBS analyst Bryan Adams initiates coverage on Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) with a Sell rating and announces Price Target of $65.

Price Target

Initiation

Analyst Ratings

UBS Initiates Coverage On Freshpet with Sell Rating, Announces Price Target of $65

Stifel analyst Matthew Smith reinstates Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) with a Buy and announces $90 price target.

Stifel Reinstates Buy on Freshpet, Announces $90 Price Target

Although artificial intelligence specialist SoundHound AI Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOUN#NASDAQ">SOUN</a>) represents one of the more innovative entities in the broader digitalization movement, it's also fair to point out that its equity suffers from wild valuation swings. For example, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOUN">SOUN stock</a> has nearly doubled in value over the past year. But from the beginning of this year, it's down 51%. Still, the volatility also facilitates opportunity for speculators.
Recently, SOUN stock has pulled back from a swing in positive momentum last week. Much of the choppiness has been centered on SoundHound's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45498678/soundhound-ai-stock-slides-after-strong-monthly-rally-mixed-q1-results">mixed performance in the first quarter</a>. On May 8, the tech specialist — which specializes in conversational assistance and voice-enabled applications — posted revenue of $29.13 million.
By comparison to last year, the sales tally represented 151% growth, an achievement sparked by strategic acquisitions and strong demand from the automotive and restaurant sectors. While encouraging, the end result missed analysts' consensus target of $30.38 million.
Adding to the pressure, the options market lit up last week, with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/options/25/05/45416530/10-information-technology-stocks-whale-activity-in-todays-session">sweep transactions for sold calls</a> hitting SOUN stock. Essentially the institutional version of a market order, sweep transactions suggest a heightened tempo to secure the trade quickly. This transaction has bearish implications because the trader is underwriting the risk — due to uncertainty — that SOUN will not rise above the profitability threshold by expiration.
Thanks to the wide-ranging pessimism, short interest in SoundHound is sky-high at 30.7% of its float. What's more, the short interest ratio stands at 5.31 days to cover, meaning that traders will require at least a week to unwind their bearish positions based on average trading volume.
Translation? Given the popularity of SOUN stock among retail traders, the red ink could be viewed as a discount. If so, the bears might find themselves on the wrong end of the barrel, thus setting off a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-is-a-short-squeeze">short squeeze</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Market Breadth May Fan The Flames Of SOUN Stock</h2>
As pet food products specialist Freshpet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) recently demonstrated, short squeezes can be quite powerful. Earlier this month, FRPT's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45236387/frpt-stock-short-squeeze-mixed-q1-earnings">short interest popped to 15.3%</a>. And even though much of the upswing had already materialized by the time I discussed the trading idea, I stated at the time that there was still room for growth.
Although the price discovery process was incredibly choppy, the proof is in the receipt: the short squeeze helped drive the share price higher.
With SOUN stock, the situation is arguably even more compelling for risk-takers. Generative AI and its practical applications are intensely popular talking points. Further, SOUN's short interest is double that of FRPT, with nearly identical days to cover. Subsequently, the upside could be robust.
Fueling this speculation is market breadth data. Currently, SOUN is riding a "3-7-D" sequence: three up weeks mixed with seven down weeks, with a net negative trajectory across the 10-week period. Notably, in 58.33% of cases, the following week's price action resulted in upside, with a median return of 13.58%.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/22145001/SOUN-stock-10wk-forecast-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-924983" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/22145001/SOUN-stock-10wk-forecast-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/22145001/SOUN-stock-10wk-forecast-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/22145001/SOUN-stock-10wk-forecast-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/22145001/SOUN-stock-10wk-forecast.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by author</figcaption></figure>
Under "normal" conditions, SOUN stock features a negative bias. Statistically, the chance that a long position will be profitable on any given week is only 47.5%. For context, a stable blue chip will usually feature long-side odds of around 52% — a tiny edge that theoretically favors the bullish investor over a lengthy period.
With SOUN stock, the market is pricing shares with the assumption of this negative bias. However, the aforementioned market breadth data shows that in the current sentiment regime, the odds favor speculation.
By deduction, then, the previously mentioned sold call may be the wrong move. When the odds favor a directional swing — either bullish or bearish — the incentivization shifts toward a debit-based transaction.
In other words, the trader is incentivized to buy the probability, not sell the uncertainty.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Advantaging Potentially Mispriced Options</h2>
Because of the wild volatility of SOUN stock, market makers are extremely skeptical about the equity. Traders can use this potential mispricing to their advantage.
Take for example the 10/10.50 bull call spread expiring June 6. This transaction involves buying the $10 call and simultaneously selling the $10.50 call, for a net debit paid of $19. Should SOUN stock rise through the short strike price at expiration, the maximum reward is $31, a payout of over 163%.
Primarily, this trade is attractive because, as stated earlier, market makers are assuming a negative bias in SOUN stock. And they would be correct in most circumstances. However, the current market breadth setup suggests that the odds have tilted in favor of the bulls, making the above call spread awfully tempting.
Read Next:
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Photo: Shutterstock

Equities

Options

Tech

SOUN

Options Corner: Wall Street's Blind Spot On SoundHound AI Sets Up A Bullish Edge

<a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1998597/000090266425002348/xslForm13F_X02/infotable.xml" title="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1998597/000090266425002348/xslForm13F_X02/infotable.xml">https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1998597/000090266425002348/xslForm13F_X02/infotable.xml</a>

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JANA Partners 13F Filing Shows Increased Stake In Lamb Weston By 854,087 Shares; Increased Stake In Markel Group By 47,096 Shares; Increased Stake In Rapid7 By 415,927 Shares; Decreased Stake In Trimble By 232,861 Shares; Sold Complete Stake In Wolfspeed; New Position Of Freshpet With 734,763 Shares

Cineplex operator Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNK#NYSE">CNK</a>) presently operates under the framework of two sets of facts. Both facts can be true at the same time. Still, at a certain point, one narrative will likely become truer than the other, making <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/05/45209210/box-office-momentum-pushes-cinemark-past-forecasts-says-analyst">CNK stock</a> one of the most fascinating (albeit risky) ideas.
On one hand, Cinemark is a beneficiary of intense speculative fervor. Ordinarily, investors may not be so quick to overlook — let alone reward — a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45169195/whats-going-on-with-cinemark-stock-today">mixed earnings performance</a>. Yet late last week, market participants ignored convention when the company disclosed a quarterly per-share loss of 32 cents in the first quarter, well off the consensus view of a 10-cent loss.
True, sales in the period of $540.7 million managed to just beat out analysts' target of $540.68 million. Nevertheless, the tally represented a 6.6% decline on a year-over-year basis. It should be noted that the slate of movies during this time were weak. Also, management stated that the business still suffered lingering effects of the 2023 Hollywood strikes. Even so, the circumstances aren't exactly encouraging for Cinemark.
For retail investors, the challenges apparently didn't matter, with CNK stock responding strongly despite the mixed numbers. After a brief selloff on Monday, shares have stormed higher, fueled potentially by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-is-a-short-squeeze">short-squeeze speculation</a>.
At the moment, CNK's short interest stands at a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CNK/short-interest">staggering 33.3% of its float</a>, while its short interest ratio is 4.99 days to cover. Therefore, it would take approximately a week (based on average trading volume) for the bears to fully unwind their short exposure.
As pet food company Freshpet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) has demonstrated, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/05/45236387/frpt-stock-short-squeeze-mixed-q1-earnings">short squeezes can extract robust performances</a> for an extended period. Therefore, CNK stock can stay elevated for quite some time.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sustainability Challenges May Eventually Weigh On CNK Stock</h2>
Adding to the remarkable rally is that this isn't Cinemark's first rodeo in terms of extended bullishness. Assuming that CNK stock can finish out this week in the black, it will have generated six straight weeks of upside. Such a streak has occurred three times over the past 10 years — and has only reversed one time.
Frankly, it's difficult to read too much into a sample size of three datapoints. Nevertheless, the available empirical data suggests that short-squeeze pressure on CNK stock can last for a while.
On the other hand, no asset continues to rise indefinitely without encountering some challenges, which raises the other set of facts: CNK stock has difficulty sustaining bullish dominance.
As circumstances stand now, CNK is printing an "8-2" sequence: eight weeks of upside (six of them consecutive) mixed with two weeks of downside. The issue, though, is that this bullish-dominant sequence has only materialized 10 times in the past decade — and seven of the cases resulted in a downcycle for the following week.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/07153828/CNK-stock-10wk-forecast-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-906571" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/07153828/CNK-stock-10wk-forecast-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/07153828/CNK-stock-10wk-forecast-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/07153828/CNK-stock-10wk-forecast-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/07153828/CNK-stock-10wk-forecast.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by author</figcaption></figure>
What's more, the 7-3 sequence — which has occurred 48 times — features a downside probability in the following week of 60.42%. Stated differently, as the euphoria fades, there's a greater risk that the weaker hands among the optimists get skittish about the elevated valuation.
Fundamentally, and this relates to the other truth about CNK's sustainability issue, the cineplex industry is fighting to beat expectations in a shrinking market. Going back to Cinemark's first-quarter earnings report, admissions revenue dipped 8.9% to $264.1 million, stemming from an attendance figure that declined 7.8% to 36.6 million patrons.
Granted, Cinemark performed admirably in light of the context — that cannot be ignored. But the shrinking arena also cannot be casually dismissed.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A High-Stakes Bearish Gamble</h2>
With the freight train still rolling for CNK stock, it's wise not to fight the tape. At some point, though, the fervor may eventually fade, with reality then taking the wheel. At that point, it's possible the bears could take control of the market.
For emotionally agnostic traders, then, the 31/29 bear put spread expiring June 20 appears tempting. This transaction involves buying the $31 put and simultaneously selling the $29 put, for a net debit paid of $80. Should CNK stock fall through the short strike price of $29 at expiration, the maximum reward at time of writing is $120, or a 150% payout.
Granted, CNK stock is extremely difficult to decipher because of the extremely high short interest, which usually doesn't neatly resolve linearly. However, based on prior trends — combined with some speculation to account for the short interest — CNK has an arguably solid chance of falling to the short strike price over the next several weeks.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/05/45209210/box-office-momentum-pushes-cinemark-past-forecasts-says-analyst">Box Office Momentum Pushes Cinemark Past Forecasts, Says Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Options Corner: Cinemark's Short Squeeze Won't Prevent The Credits From Eventually Rolling

On paper, pet food products specialist Freshpet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) should be struggling for traction — and on a wider scale, it certainly is. Since the beginning of the year, FRPT stock is down about 45%, a staggering loss. Further, mixed results from the company's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45193586/why-pet-food-company-freshpets-stock-is-sliding-today">first-quarter earnings report</a> didn't help improve the picture. Nevertheless, the market has other ideas, making the equity an intriguing idea for risk-tolerant speculators.
At the start of this week before the opening bell, Freshpet disclosed first-quarter revenue that increased 17.6% on a year-over-year basis to $263.25 million, outpacing analysts' consensus view of $260.12 million. Volume gains of 14.9%, along with a favorable price/mix of 2.7%, contributed to the lift in net sales.
However, the financial performance went off course in terms of the bottom line. Specifically, the adjusted loss per share landed at 26 cents, missing the consensus target of earnings per share of 10 cents.
Moreover, despite management's positive framing, it was difficult to ignore the obvious concerns facing Freshpet's core business. Admitting the obstacles inherent in the current economic paradigm, the leadership team lowered its fiscal year 2025 sales outlook from a range of $1.18 billion to $1.21 billion, down to $1.12 billion to $1.15 billion. On the other end, analysts were anticipating an outlook revision to $1.18 billion.
Still, even with these overall disappointing figures, FRPT stock has been on the rise. Helping to fuel upward speculation is the security's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FRPT/short-interest">elevated short interest</a>. Presently, FRPT's short interest as a percentage of float clocks in at 15.3%. What's more, the short interest ratio stands at 4.99 days to cover, meaning that it would take one week (based on average trading volume) for the bears to unwind their position.
In other words, this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/what-is-a-short-squeeze">short squeeze</a> — or the "reverse" panic stemming from being on the opposite side of market momentum — could last for some time.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trading FRPT Stock While The Deck Is Hot</h2>
Although it doesn't look like it given the security's penchant for devastating volatility, FRPT stock historically demonstrates an upward bias. Using data since January 2019, the chances that a long position will be profitable over a one-week span is 54.38%. In its natural state, investors can generally expect decent performance out of this solid middle-capitalization entity.
However, from a trading perspective, 54% isn't that much of a probabilistic edge. Indeed, with such a small advantage, going for big payout strategies may represent a speculation trap. Instead, it may be better to wait for the target security to enter a more advantageous phase — essentially when the deck becomes hot in favor of the bettor rather than the house.
Statistically, it's improbable for a publicly traded security's baseline odds to stay static across sentiment regimes. During periods of extreme fear or greed, the odds of long-side success may shift dramatically from the baseline, presenting superior setups for speculators.
Regarding Freshpet, in the last 10 weeks, its stock printed a "3-7" sequence: three weeks of upside combined with seven weeks of downside, with an overall net negative trajectory across the period. The significance of this pattern is that it appears to be a reversal signal. First, there have only been two cases of 2-8 sequences in the past 10 years.
Second and more importantly, there's a 62.79% chance of upside in the subsequent week following the flashing of the 3-7 sequence. What's more, the median one-week return under the positive pathway stands at 5.1%, whereas the median loss under the negative pathway is 3.14%. Thus, the risk-reward profile from a payout perspective is also asymmetrically favorable to the bullish speculator.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Plotting An Aggressive Multi-Leg Strategy For Freshpet</h2>
Over the next 10 weeks, if the positive pathway wins out, FRPT stock could see an early swing higher before the momentum tapers off, resulting in a price target around $81. Should the negative pathway win out, investors may see some choppiness before a stabilization point around $77.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/06145047/FRPT-stock-10wk-forecast-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-904206" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/06145047/FRPT-stock-10wk-forecast-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/06145047/FRPT-stock-10wk-forecast-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/06145047/FRPT-stock-10wk-forecast-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/06145047/FRPT-stock-10wk-forecast.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by author</figcaption></figure>
It all comes down to the short squeeze, which is notoriously difficult to predict.
Aggressive traders may consider the 82.50/85 bull call spread expiring May 16, which is probably the highest one can reach for while still being rational. This transaction involves buying the 82.50 call and simultaneously selling the $85 call, for a net debit paid (at time of writing) of $130. Should FRPT stock rise through the short strike price of $85 at expiration, the maximum reward is $120, a payout of over 92%.
If all goes to plan, the above trade should take advantage of any remaining momentum from the potential short squeeze. However, if circumstances go awry, the bull spread's capped-risk profile would keep the most that can be lost at the net debit paid of $130.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Earnings

Long Ideas

Options Corner: Short-Squeeze Pressure Continues To Fuel Freshpet's Contrarian Rally

JP Morgan analyst Ken Goldman maintains Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $91 to $85.

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on Freshpet, Lowers Price Target to $85

Benchmark analyst Todd Brooks maintains Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $140 to $120.

Benchmark Maintains Buy on Freshpet, Lowers Price Target to $120

Wells Fargo analyst Marc Torrente maintains Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $110 to $100.

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on Freshpet, Lowers Price Target to $100

Baird analyst Peter Benedict maintains Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $125 to $115.

Baird Maintains Outperform on Freshpet, Lowers Price Target to $115

Shares of pet food company Freshpet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) were <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket">trading lower in premarket </a>on Monday after the first-quarter FY25 earnings.
The company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/05/g45189874/freshpet-inc-reports-first-quarter-2025-financial-results" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a first-quarter revenue increase </a>of 17.6% year over year to $263.25 million, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $260.12 million.
The increase in net sales was primarily driven by volume gains of 14.9% and favorable price/mix of 2.7%.
Gross profit increased 17.6% year over year to $103.8 million, with the margin consistent at 39.4% for both periods. The benefit from lower input costs and reduced quality costs was fully offset by reduced leverage on plant expenses.
Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 44.6% to $115.3 million. The company reported an operating loss of $(11.5) million for the quarter compared to an operating income of $8.5 million last year.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/25/05/45177147/mcdonalds-stumbles-on-weak-traffic-despite-margin-gains-and-analyst-optimism">McDonald&#8217;s Stumbles On Weak Traffic, Despite Margin Gains And Analyst Optimism</a>
Adjusted EBITDA was $35.5 million, compared to $30.6 million last year. EPS loss of $(0.26)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings">missed the consensus</a> estimate of $0.10.
As of March 31, 2025, the company held $243.7 million in cash and equivalents. The operating cash flow for the quarter was $4.8 million.
&#8220;Despite the recent macro-economic headwinds, we believe Freshpet remains a structurally advantaged business with a long runway for growth in a category with long-term tailwinds,&#8221; said CEO Billy Cyr. &#8220;However, our growth year-to-date has not been as robust as we had anticipated so we are adapting our growth plans to the current economic challenges that our consumers are facing while continuing to drive the operational improvements that are essential to our long-term success.&#8221; 
Outlook: Freshpet lowered its FY25 sales outlook from $1.18 billion—$1.21 billion to $1.12 billion—$1.15 billion, compared to an estimate of $1.18 billion.
The company expects adjusted EBITDA of $190 million—$210 million, and FRPT expects capital expenditures of ~$225 million.
Price Action: FRPT shares traded lower by 2.83% at $74.20 in premarket at last check Monday.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45179419/estee-lauders-beauty-gains-cant-offset-global-headwinds-says-analyst">Estée Lauder&#8217;s Beauty Gains Can&#8217;t Offset Global Headwinds, Says Analyst</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

General

Why Is Pet Food Company Freshpet's Stock Sliding Today?

Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.09 per share which met the analyst consensus estimate. This is a 75.68 percent decrease over earnings of $0.37 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $263.25 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $260.12 million by 1.20 percent. This is a 17.60 percent increase over sales of $223.85 million the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

Freshpet Q1 Adj. EPS $0.09, Inline, Sales $263.25M Beat $260.12M Estimate

Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) reported quarterly losses of $(0.26) per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $0.10 by 360 percent. This is a 170.27 percent decrease over earnings of $0.37 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $263.25 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $260.12 million by 1.20 percent. This is a 17.60 percent increase over sales of $223.85 million the same period last year.

Earnings Misses

Freshpet Q1 EPS $(0.26) Misses $0.10 Estimate, Sales $263.25M Beat $260.12M Estimate

Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) lowers FY2025 sales outlook from $1.18 billion-$1.21 billion to $1.12 billion-$1.15 billion vs $1.18 billion estimate.

Guidance

Freshpet Lowers FY2025 Sales Guidance from $1.18B-$1.21B to $1.12B-$1.15B vs $1.18B Est

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Earnings Scheduled For May 5, 2025

Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) will release its quarterly earnings report on Monday, 2025-05-05. Here's a brief overview for investors ahead of the announcement.
Analysts anticipate Freshpet to report an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.32.
Anticipation surrounds Freshpet's announcement, with investors hoping to hear about both surpassing estimates and receiving positive guidance for the next quarter.
New investors should understand that while earnings performance is important, market reactions are often driven by guidance.
<h3>Earnings History Snapshot</h3>
The company's EPS missed by $0.05 in the last quarter, leading to a 5.74% drop in the share price on the following day.
Here's a look at Freshpet's past performance and the resulting price change:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q4 2024</th>
<th>Q3 2024</th>
<th>Q2 2024</th>
<th>Q1 2024</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>0.41</td>
<td>0.11</td>
<td>-0.03</td>
<td>-0.22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>0.36</td>
<td>0.24</td>
<td>-0.03</td>
<td>0.37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price Change %</td>
<td>-6.0%</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
<td>5.0%</td>
<td>-0.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1746219759_0.png" alt="eps graph" />
<h3>Performance of Freshpet Shares</h3>
Shares of Freshpet were trading at $72.72 as of May 01. Over the last 52-week period, shares are down 36.91%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are likely a little upset going into this earnings release. 
<h3>Insights Shared by Analysts on Freshpet</h3>
For investors, grasping market sentiments and expectations in the industry is vital. This analysis explores the latest insights regarding Freshpet.
The consensus rating for Freshpet is Buy, derived from 17 analyst ratings. An average one-year price target of $126.29 implies a potential 73.67% upside.
<h3>Comparing Ratings with Competitors</h3>
This comparison focuses on the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of Flowers Foods, Simply Good Foods and Nomad Foods, three major players in the industry, shedding light on their relative performance expectations and market positioning.
<ul>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for Flowers Foods, with an average 1-year price target of $20.5, suggesting a potential 71.81% downside.</li>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for Simply Good Foods, with an average 1-year price target of $40.4, suggesting a potential 44.44% downside.</li>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Outperform trajectory for Nomad Foods, with an average 1-year price target of $24.5, suggesting a potential 66.31% downside.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis Summary for Peers</h3>
The peer analysis summary provides a snapshot of key metrics for Flowers Foods, Simply Good Foods and Nomad Foods, illuminating their respective standings within the industry. These metrics offer valuable insights into their market positions and comparative performance.

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Consensus</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
<th>Gross Profit</th>
<th>Return on Equity</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Freshpet</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>21.95%</td>
<td>$111.60M</td>
<td>1.75%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Flowers Foods</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>-1.59%</td>
<td>$542.66M</td>
<td>3.06%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Simply Good Foods</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>15.20%</td>
<td>$130.14M</td>
<td>2.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nomad Foods</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>4.29%</td>
<td>$225.90M</td>
<td>1.92%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Key Takeaway:
Freshpet ranks highest in Revenue Growth among its peers, with a growth rate of 21.95%. In terms of Gross Profit, Freshpet is at the bottom with $111.60M. For Return on Equity, Freshpet is also at the bottom with a rate of 1.75%.
<h3>Discovering Freshpet: A Closer Look</h3>
Freshpet produces and sells premium fresh pet food through its company-owned refrigerators placed in grocery, mass and club, pet specialty, and natural stores. Freshpet primarily targets dogs (96% of 2024 sales), with cats and treats comprising the rest of its sales. Geographically, the company's home US market, where all its food is produced, accounts for about 98% of sales, with exports to Canada, the United Kingdom, and other European countries accounting for the remaining balance.
<h3>Freshpet: Delving into Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization: With restricted market capitalization, the company is positioned below industry averages. This reflects a smaller scale relative to peers.
Revenue Growth: Freshpet displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 31 December, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 21.95%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: Freshpet's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 6.9% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): Freshpet's ROE lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns on equity capital. With an ROE of 1.75%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): Freshpet's ROA is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 1.17%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.4, Freshpet adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FRPT/earnings">To track all earnings releases for Freshpet visit their earnings calendar on our site.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

An Overview of Freshpet's Earnings

Truist Securities analyst Bill Chappell downgrades Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) from Buy to Hold and lowers the price target from $90 to $80.

Downgrades

Truist Securities Downgrades Freshpet to Hold, Lowers Price Target to $80

DA Davidson analyst Brian Holland upgraded Utz Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UTZ#NYSE">UTZ</a>) from Neutral to Buy on Thursday, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UTZ/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining the price forecast of $16.</a>
The analyst sees a compelling &#8220;risk-reward&#8221; setup for Utz Brands despite broader challenges in the food sector.
Holland highlights several supportive factors, including a firming position in the salty snacks category, which benefits from reduced promotional pressure and Utz Brands&#8217; strong performance in non-tracked retail channels.
Additionally, the company has exceeded expectations in transforming its supply chain, potentially setting the stage for upward earnings revisions if its recent market share gains continue.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44988897/china-trade-war-4-big-brand-stocks-that-will-suffer-most" rel="noreferrer noopener">China Trade War: 4 Big-Brand Stocks That Will Suffer Most</a>
The analyst also notes that, aside from names like Freshpet, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) and SunOpta, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STKL#NASDAQ">STKL</a>), no other food stock is currently trading at &#8220;a wider relative valuation gap.&#8221;
The company released<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/04/b44861060/utz-appoints-william-j-kelley-jr-as-chief-financial-officer" rel="noreferrer noopener"> 1Q25 preliminary results released last week.</a>
Although overall sales in the salty snack category have remained weak due to inflation-driven volume pressure, growing health consciousness, and possible impacts from GLP-1 usage, the analyst notes that Utz Brands has steadily gained market share.
This modest but consistent share growth has been driven by expanded distribution, increased marketing efforts, and product innovation targeting largely untapped markets—particularly in regions that account for over 60% of salty snack sales.
While competitive promotions, especially from dominant players like Frito-Lay, created challenges through 2024, the lack of sustained volume gains from those promos led to a market reset, the analyst writes.
Price Action: Utz shares are trading higher by 1.61% to $13.60 at last check Thursday.
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Image: Shutterstock

Movers

STKL

Utz Brands Gets Analyst Upgrade As Salty Snacks Gain Traction, Promotions Ease

Truist Securities analyst Bill Chappell maintains Freshpet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRPT#NASDAQ">FRPT</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $110 to $90.

Truist Securities Maintains Buy on Freshpet, Lowers Price Target to $90

Press Releases

Freshpet, Inc. to Participate in the 2025 ICR Conference

Freshpet, Inc. to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results and Participate in the CAGNY Conference on Thursday, February 20, 2025

Freshpet, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

INVESTOR ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Investigates Claims On Behalf of Investors of Freshpet, Inc. - FRPT

Mutual Funds

DoorDash, TKO Group Holdings, Williams-Sonoma and Expand Energy Set to Join S&P 500; Others to Join S&P 100, S&P MidCap 400 and S&P SmallCap 600

Freshpet, Inc. to Report First Quarter 2025 Results on Monday, May 5, 2025

Freshpet, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Freshpet, Inc. to Participate in the Deutsche Bank Global Consumer Conference

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