Analyst Sentiment on CENT Holds Steady Amid Consumer Staples Reassessment

Analyst coverage for Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) remains stable, with 11 firms tracking the stock as of late December 2025. The consensus rating stands at 'Hold,' reflecting a balanced view on the company’s near-term prospects. Among the 11 analysts, four have issued 'Buy' ratings, five recommend 'Hold,' and two have issued 'Sell' ratings. The average price target across these analysts is $34.80, suggesting a modest 3.2% upside from the current trading level of $33.72 as of December 9, 2025. CENT operates in the consumer staples sector, focusing on pet supplies and garden care products through owned brands and private label distribution. The company reported fiscal 2025 second-quarter earnings of $0.78 per share, slightly ahead of the $0.75 consensus estimate, driven by improved margin performance and selective price increases. However, same-store sales growth for the quarter was flat at 0.1%, indicating persistent challenges in consumer discretionary spending. Market participants are closely monitoring CENT’s ability to navigate inflationary pressures and shifting retail trends, particularly in the pet supply segment where competition from e-commerce platforms has intensified. The company’s debt-to-EBITDA ratio stands at 2.8x, within acceptable range for its sector, supporting financial stability. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, CENT continues to generate consistent free cash flow, with $124 million in the trailing twelve months. Investors in the consumer staples and retail sectors should watch for quarterly earnings updates and any shifts in analyst sentiment, especially given the company’s exposure to discretionary spending patterns. The stock remains a moderate play on niche consumer goods, with limited catalysts expected in the near term.