Why Central Garden (CENT) is a Top Growth Stock for the Long-Term

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - The Zacks Style Scores are indicators that assist investors in selecting stocks likely to outperform the market within 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum [3] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Cash Flow [4] - The Growth Score evaluates a company's financial health and future outlook through projected earnings and sales [5] - The Momentum Score helps investors capitalize on price trends by analyzing recent price changes and earnings estimate shifts [6] - The VGM Score combines the three Style Scores to identify stocks with attractive value, growth potential, and momentum [7] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios [8] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically produced an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [9] - There are over 800 stocks rated 1 or 2, making it essential for investors to use Style Scores to narrow down choices [10] Stock Highlight: Central Garden & Pet Co. (CENT) - Central Garden & Pet Co. is positioned as a leading player in the U.S. pet supplies and lawn and garden supplies market, driven by product innovation and customer service [12] - CENT holds a 1 (Strong Buy) Zacks Rank and a VGM Score of A, indicating strong potential [12] - The company has a Growth Style Score of B, with an expected year-over-year earnings growth of 8.4% for the current fiscal year, and a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.32 per share [13] - CENT has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of 208.7%, making it a strong candidate for growth investors [13]