Freshpet | FRPT | Long at $63.15Freshpet's NASDAQ:FRPT future growth looks very good based on *current* estimates. The company's revenue is anticipated to grow from $1.18B–$1.21B in 2025 to ~$1.9B by 2028, implying an annual growth rate of ~13–17%. NASDAQ:FRPT targets a 22% adjusted EBITDA margin by 2027, with adjusted EBITDA expected at $190M–$210M in 2025. The stock is definitely not "cheap" right now with a price-to-earnings of 92x. However, the growth projections look solid if they can maintain the pace of growth through a tumultuous economy - the pet market is wildly resilient.
Since February 2025, insiders have grabbed over $931,764 in shares at an average price of $100.93. The only open price gap below the current price was a closed yesterday. A blaring price gap between $124-$128 is likely to be closed - just a matter of when. With very low debt (debt-to-earnings of 0.5x), Quick Ratio over 3 (heathy), and Altman's Z-score of 3+ (low bankruptcy risk), the company appears extremely healthy. I think there is a chance the price could reach into the high $40's and $50's in the near-term, but long term... if the projections are correct... the company looks poised from major profit.
Thus, at $63.15, NASDAQ:FRPT is in a personal buy zone with near-term risk of a drop into the high $40s and $50s.
Targets into 2028:
$90.00 (+42.5%)
$125.00 (+ 97.9%)
Freshpet
Freshpet, Inc. Reports Q1 2024 Financial Results Stock Up 10%Freshpet, Inc. ( NASDAQ:FRPT ) reported its Q1 2024 financial results, which were a significant increase from the prior year period. The company's net sales increased 33.6% to $223.8 million, a 33.6% increase from the previous year. Gross margin was 39.4%, compared to 30.3%, and adjusted gross margin was 45.3%. Net income was $18.6 million, compared to the prior year period net loss of $24.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $30.6 million, compared to the prior year period of $3.0 million.
Freshpet's Chief Executive Officer, Billy Cyr, stated that the strong first quarter results provide solid evidence that the company can deliver its long-term financial goals. The company's strong business model and consumer proposition continue to drive robust net sales growth, and its intense focus on operational improvements is delivering the margin expansion it knew it could achieve with additional scale. Freshpet's ( NASDAQ:FRPT ) focus now is on delivering consistently strong performance, creating significant shareholder value while fulfilling its mission to nourish pets, people, and the planet.
Net sales increased 33.6% to $223.8 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $167.5 million for the prior year period. The increase in net sales was primarily driven by volume gains of 30.6%. Gross profit was $88.2 million, or 39.4% as a percentage of net sales, for the first quarter of 2024, compared to $50.8 million, or 30.3% as a percentage of net sales, for the prior year period. The increase in reported gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to improved leverage on plant expenses, reduced quality costs, and lower input cost as a percentage of sales.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) were $79.7 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $72.3 million for the prior year period. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A decreased to 35.6% for the first quarter of 2024 compared to 43.1% for the prior year period. The decrease of 750 basis points in SG&A as a percentage of net sales was mainly a result of reduced logistics costs and media as a percentage of net sales, in addition to lower share-based compensation. Adjusted SG&A for the first quarter of 2024 was $70.9 million, or 31.7% as a percentage of net sales, compared to $61.5 million, or 36.7% as a percentage of net sales, for the prior year period.
As of March 31, 2024, Freshpet ( NASDAQ:FRPT ) had cash and cash equivalents of $257.9 million with $393.6 million of debt outstanding net of $8.9 million of unamortized debt issuance costs. For the first quarter of 2024, cash from operations was $5.4 million, an increase of $19.1 million compared to the prior year period. The Company will utilize its balance sheet to support its ongoing capital needs in connection with its long-term capacity plan.
For full year 2024, the Company is updating its guidance and now expects net sales of at least $950 million, adjusted EBITDA of at least $120 million, and capital expenditures of ~$210 million. The company does not guide net income, the U.S. GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA, and cannot provide a reconciliation between its forecasted Adjusted EBITDA and net income metrics without unreasonable effort due to the unavailability of reliable estimates for certain components of net income and the respective reconciliations.
Technical Outlook
Freshpet ( NASDAQ:FRPT ) stock is up 10% as a result of the earnings beat forming an upside gap or gapper effect. The stock is trading in the overbought region with a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 73.55.
Freshpet, Inc. Thrives in 2023: Reporting Stellar Results
Freshpet, Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:FRPT ) has emerged as a trailblazer in the pet food industry, showcasing remarkable growth and profitability in its fourth quarter and full-year 2023 financial results. Led by Chief Executive Officer Billy Cyr, Freshpet's strategic initiatives have not only bolstered its bottom line but also positioned the company for sustained success in the dynamic pet food market.
Exceeding Expectations:
Freshpet's ( NASDAQ:FRPT ) financial performance in 2023 surpassed expectations, with fourth-quarter net sales reaching $215.4 million, marking a significant increase of 29.9% compared to the previous year. This robust growth trajectory was further underscored by a remarkable shift from a net loss to a net income of $15.3 million, indicative of Freshpet's ( NASDAQ:FRPT ) strengthened position in the market.
Driving Forces Behind Success:
Billy Cyr attributed Freshpet's success to the execution of their strategic plan, aptly named the "Fresh Future plan," which focuses on scalability, operational efficiency, and capital discipline. Investments in scaling operations and leveraging their first-mover advantage have yielded improved profitability and substantial operating cash flow, setting the stage for continued growth and value creation.
Operational Excellence:
Freshpet's ( NASDAQ:FRPT ) operational prowess was evident in the fourth quarter, with gross profit reaching $74.6 million, representing 34.6% of net sales. This increase was primarily driven by volume gains and improved leverage on plant expenses. Additionally, the reduction in logistics costs and efficient management of selling, general, and administrative expenses contributed to enhanced profitability.
Strategic Investments for Future Growth:
Looking ahead to 2024, Freshpet ( NASDAQ:FRPT ) remains committed to further margin improvement and capital discipline while sustaining robust sales growth. With a steadfast belief in the future of fresh pet food, Freshpet ( NASDAQ:FRPT ) is poised to capitalize on its leadership position, driving growth and delivering significant shareholder value.