Central Expects Fiscal 2026 Non-GAAP EPS of $2.70 or Better
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4d ago
0mins
Should l Buy CENTA?
Central "continues to expect fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS of $2.70 or better, reflecting continued margin discipline, cost efficiency initiatives, and portfolio optimization. The outlook incorporates current assumptions regarding a competitive and promotional retail environment, value-oriented consumer behavior, current tariffs, and inflation in select commodity categories, within a dynamic macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. Capital expenditures are projected to be approximately $50 million to $60 million, focused on maintenance, productivity initiatives, and targeted growth investments across both segments."
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy CENTA?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on CENTA
About CENTA
Central Garden & Pet Company is engaged in the garden and pet industries. The Company offers a portfolio of over 60 brands, including Amdro, Aqueon, Best Bully Sticks, Cadet, C&S, Farnam, Ferry-Morse, Kaytee, Nylabone, Pennington, Sevin, Zoecon, and JustiFLY. Its segments include Pet and Garden. The Pet segment includes dog and cat supplies such as treats and chews, toys, beds and containment, grooming products, waste management and training pads; supplies for aquatics, small animals, reptiles and pet birds including toys, enclosures and habitats, bedding, food and supplements; products for equine and livestock, animal and household health and insect control products; live fish and small animals as well as outdoor cushions. The Garden segment includes lawn and garden consumables such as grass seed; vegetable, flower and herb packet seed; wild bird feed, bird houses and other birding accessories; weed, grass, and other herbicides, insecticide and pesticide products, and live plants.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Central Garden & Pet Company Q1 2026 Earnings Call Insights
- Financial Performance Overview: Central Garden & Pet reported net sales of $617 million for Q1, reflecting a 6% year-over-year decline primarily due to spring inventory shipment timing and portfolio optimization, although non-GAAP gross margin improved to 30.8%, indicating ongoing cost management efforts.
- Acquisition and Innovation Strategy: The company completed the acquisition of Champion USA at quarter-end, enhancing its market position in the livestock sector, while management emphasized continued investments in digital capabilities and innovation to drive future organic growth.
- Earnings Guidance Reaffirmed: Management reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS expectation of $2.70 or better, indicating confidence in future performance despite ongoing pressures from shipment timing and portfolio optimization.
- Market Outlook and Challenges: Despite challenges from SKU rationalization and shipment timing, management expressed optimism about stabilization in pet categories and anticipated a positive market rebound during the spring gardening season, showcasing the company's potential for market share gains and long-term profitability.
See More
CENTA Stock 52-Week High and Low Analysis
- Price Range Analysis: CENTA's stock has a 52-week low of $25.93 and a high of $37.35, with the last trade recorded at $31.26, indicating significant price fluctuations within this range.
- Market Performance Comparison: The current price of $31.26 represents a 20.67% increase from the 52-week low, yet it is 16.38% below the high, reflecting a cautious market sentiment towards the stock.
- Technical Indicator Reference: The relationship between CENTA's stock performance and its 200-day moving average remains unclear, prompting investors to monitor whether the stock can sustain a breakthrough above this critical technical level.
- Investor Sentiment Analysis: Although the current stock price is positioned in the middle of the 52-week range, market perceptions may be influenced by the overall economic environment and industry dynamics.
See More
JPMorgan Downgrades CENTA and HNST Ratings, Mixed Outlook Ahead of Earnings
- Rating Downgrade: JPMorgan downgraded Central Garden & Pet (CENTA) from Neutral to Underweight due to subdued demand in the pet category, projecting low single-digit sales and EPS growth, which reflects the company's reliance on the U.S. consumer and market uncertainties.
- Increased Competitive Pressure: The firm issued a double downgrade for The Honest Company (HNST) from Overweight to Underweight, primarily due to heightened competition in the diaper market, which is expected to necessitate increased price promotions to maintain market share, impacting profitability.
- Market Reaction: Following the downgrades, CENTA shares fell 3.3% in early Friday afternoon trading, while HNST shares dropped 3.1%, indicating heightened investor concerns about future performance and reflecting a cautious sentiment towards household personal care stocks.
- Strategic Adjustments: The Honest Company is implementing a new productivity program that involves exiting lower-margin, non-strategic categories and channels, which, while aimed at improving efficiency, also necessitates finding new revenue sources to offset potential income losses, increasing future growth uncertainties.
See More
Central Garden & Pet Acquires Champion USA to Expand Sustainable Livestock Business
- Acquisition Expansion: Central Garden & Pet has acquired the U.S. assets of Champion USA, known for its JustiFLY® product line, which will further solidify Central's market position in the rapidly growing animal health sector.
- Market Impact: Champion USA has provided effective fly control solutions to over 300,000 cattle producers over the past 15 years, treating more than 50 million head of cattle, and is expected to reach a broader customer base through Central's resources and distribution network.
- Product Integration: The acquisition integrates Champion USA's employees into Central's Professional business unit, ensuring a priority on product quality and customer service, thereby enhancing Central's competitiveness in the livestock sector.
- Future Outlook: The transaction closed on December 12, 2025, with Central set to provide more details during its first quarter earnings call in February 2026, reflecting the company's confidence and strategic planning for future growth.
See More
Nylabone Donates Over $1.3 Million to Animal Welfare in 2025
- Charitable Donations: Nylabone, through its Nylabone Cares™ program, donated over $1.3 million in chew toys and treats in 2025, significantly enhancing brand image and emotional connection with consumers while supporting animal welfare organizations.
- Product Impact: In 2025, Nylabone donated over 100,000 durable chew toys to animal shelters across the U.S., which not only alleviated anxiety in dogs but also encouraged non-destructive behavior, creating better conditions for future adoptions.
- Community Engagement: During its 70th anniversary, Nylabone launched the CHEWS For Good™ initiative, pledging to donate a chew toy for every purchase to Best Friends Animal Society, potentially providing up to 25,000 toys to shelters, thereby reinforcing the brand's commitment to social responsibility.
- Strategic Partnerships: Nylabone collaborated with various charities to support multiple initiatives, including the American Humane Society and the Military Working Dog Reunification Project, showcasing its long-term commitment to advancing animal welfare and community development.
See More
Canaccord Genuity Reaffirms Buy Rating for Central Garden & Pet (CENTA)
Analyst Recommendation: Canaccord Genuity has maintained a Buy recommendation for Central Garden & Pet (CENTA), with an average one-year price target of $38.65/share, indicating a potential upside of 24.92% from its current price of $30.94/share.
Revenue and Earnings Projections: The projected annual revenue for Central Garden & Pet is $3,486 million, reflecting an 11.41% increase, with a projected non-GAAP EPS of 3.03.
Institutional Ownership Trends: There are 550 funds reporting positions in CENTA, with a slight increase in total shares owned by institutions over the last three months, despite varying changes in individual fund allocations.
Market Sentiment: The put/call ratio for CENTA is 0.10, suggesting a bullish outlook among investors, while several funds have adjusted their portfolio allocations, with some increasing and others decreasing their holdings in the company.
See More
Central Garden & Pet Company Q1 2026 Earnings Call Insights
- Financial Performance Overview: Central Garden & Pet reported net sales of $617 million for Q1, reflecting a 6% year-over-year decline primarily due to spring inventory shipment timing and portfolio optimization, although non-GAAP gross margin improved to 30.8%, indicating ongoing cost management efforts.
- Acquisition and Innovation Strategy: The company completed the acquisition of Champion USA at quarter-end, enhancing its market position in the livestock sector, while management emphasized continued investments in digital capabilities and innovation to drive future organic growth.
- Earnings Guidance Reaffirmed: Management reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS expectation of $2.70 or better, indicating confidence in future performance despite ongoing pressures from shipment timing and portfolio optimization.
- Market Outlook and Challenges: Despite challenges from SKU rationalization and shipment timing, management expressed optimism about stabilization in pet categories and anticipated a positive market rebound during the spring gardening season, showcasing the company's potential for market share gains and long-term profitability.
See More
CENTA Stock 52-Week High and Low Analysis
- Price Range Analysis: CENTA's stock has a 52-week low of $25.93 and a high of $37.35, with the last trade recorded at $31.26, indicating significant price fluctuations within this range.
- Market Performance Comparison: The current price of $31.26 represents a 20.67% increase from the 52-week low, yet it is 16.38% below the high, reflecting a cautious market sentiment towards the stock.
- Technical Indicator Reference: The relationship between CENTA's stock performance and its 200-day moving average remains unclear, prompting investors to monitor whether the stock can sustain a breakthrough above this critical technical level.
- Investor Sentiment Analysis: Although the current stock price is positioned in the middle of the 52-week range, market perceptions may be influenced by the overall economic environment and industry dynamics.
See More
JPMorgan Downgrades CENTA and HNST Ratings, Mixed Outlook Ahead of Earnings
- Rating Downgrade: JPMorgan downgraded Central Garden & Pet (CENTA) from Neutral to Underweight due to subdued demand in the pet category, projecting low single-digit sales and EPS growth, which reflects the company's reliance on the U.S. consumer and market uncertainties.
- Increased Competitive Pressure: The firm issued a double downgrade for The Honest Company (HNST) from Overweight to Underweight, primarily due to heightened competition in the diaper market, which is expected to necessitate increased price promotions to maintain market share, impacting profitability.
- Market Reaction: Following the downgrades, CENTA shares fell 3.3% in early Friday afternoon trading, while HNST shares dropped 3.1%, indicating heightened investor concerns about future performance and reflecting a cautious sentiment towards household personal care stocks.
- Strategic Adjustments: The Honest Company is implementing a new productivity program that involves exiting lower-margin, non-strategic categories and channels, which, while aimed at improving efficiency, also necessitates finding new revenue sources to offset potential income losses, increasing future growth uncertainties.
See More
Central Garden & Pet Acquires Champion USA to Expand Sustainable Livestock Business
- Acquisition Expansion: Central Garden & Pet has acquired the U.S. assets of Champion USA, known for its JustiFLY® product line, which will further solidify Central's market position in the rapidly growing animal health sector.
- Market Impact: Champion USA has provided effective fly control solutions to over 300,000 cattle producers over the past 15 years, treating more than 50 million head of cattle, and is expected to reach a broader customer base through Central's resources and distribution network.
- Product Integration: The acquisition integrates Champion USA's employees into Central's Professional business unit, ensuring a priority on product quality and customer service, thereby enhancing Central's competitiveness in the livestock sector.
- Future Outlook: The transaction closed on December 12, 2025, with Central set to provide more details during its first quarter earnings call in February 2026, reflecting the company's confidence and strategic planning for future growth.
See More
Nylabone Donates Over $1.3 Million to Animal Welfare in 2025
- Charitable Donations: Nylabone, through its Nylabone Cares™ program, donated over $1.3 million in chew toys and treats in 2025, significantly enhancing brand image and emotional connection with consumers while supporting animal welfare organizations.
- Product Impact: In 2025, Nylabone donated over 100,000 durable chew toys to animal shelters across the U.S., which not only alleviated anxiety in dogs but also encouraged non-destructive behavior, creating better conditions for future adoptions.
- Community Engagement: During its 70th anniversary, Nylabone launched the CHEWS For Good™ initiative, pledging to donate a chew toy for every purchase to Best Friends Animal Society, potentially providing up to 25,000 toys to shelters, thereby reinforcing the brand's commitment to social responsibility.
- Strategic Partnerships: Nylabone collaborated with various charities to support multiple initiatives, including the American Humane Society and the Military Working Dog Reunification Project, showcasing its long-term commitment to advancing animal welfare and community development.
See More
Canaccord Genuity Reaffirms Buy Rating for Central Garden & Pet (CENTA)
Analyst Recommendation: Canaccord Genuity has maintained a Buy recommendation for Central Garden & Pet (CENTA), with an average one-year price target of $38.65/share, indicating a potential upside of 24.92% from its current price of $30.94/share.
Revenue and Earnings Projections: The projected annual revenue for Central Garden & Pet is $3,486 million, reflecting an 11.41% increase, with a projected non-GAAP EPS of 3.03.
Institutional Ownership Trends: There are 550 funds reporting positions in CENTA, with a slight increase in total shares owned by institutions over the last three months, despite varying changes in individual fund allocations.
Market Sentiment: The put/call ratio for CENTA is 0.10, suggesting a bullish outlook among investors, while several funds have adjusted their portfolio allocations, with some increasing and others decreasing their holdings in the company.
See More
