JPMorgan Downgrades CENTA and HNST Ratings, Mixed Outlook Ahead of Earnings
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 16 2026
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Source: seekingalpha
- 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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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