Freshpet Inc. (NASDAQ: FRPT) Stock Upgrade and Financial Performance Review

Core Insights - Freshpet Inc. specializes in fresh, refrigerated pet food, differentiating itself with natural ingredients in a competitive market [1] - Stephens upgraded Freshpet's stock to "Overweight" with a price target increase from $80 to $90, reflecting positive sentiment based on strong financial performance [2][6] Financial Performance - Freshpet's Q4 revenue rose by 8.6% year-over-year to $285.2 million, driven by a 9.7% increase in volume, despite a 1.1% unfavorable price/mix [3][6] - The adjusted gross margin improved by 30 basis points to 48.4%, with quarterly earnings of $0.64 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.44 per share, resulting in a 47.19% earnings surprise [4][6] Future Outlook - Freshpet projects revenue growth of 7-10% for fiscal year 2026, targeting a total revenue between $1.18 billion and $1.21 billion, indicating continued growth and financial health [5] - The current stock price is $80.31, reflecting a 2.20% increase, with a market capitalization of approximately $3.92 billion [5]