CENT

Central Garden & Pet (CENT) is significantly outperforming its Consumer Discretionary peers with a 21% year-to-date return compared to the sector's -14.6% average loss. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with improving analyst sentiment, as consensus earnings estimates have risen 3% in the past quarter. People Inc. (PPLI) is another outperformer in the sector with a 7.3% return and a stronger Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating.

Central Garden (CENT) received an upgrade to Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) based on upward trends in earnings estimates. The company, which operates in pet supply and lawn and garden markets, has seen analysts steadily raise estimates over the past three months with a 3% increase in consensus estimates. The upgrade positions the stock in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential near-term price appreciation.

Central Garden & Pet (CENT) is identified as an attractive value stock with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating and an 'A' Value grade. Trading at a P/E ratio of 12.91 compared to its industry average of 13.85, and a P/B ratio of 1.38 versus the industry average of 2.83, the stock appears undervalued with a strong earnings outlook.