5 Best Pet Stocks of 2024!

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December 17, 2024

Issue #132

December 17th, 2024

Austin at DogConnectors here.

I’ve consulted over 1,012 DTC pet brands. Here’s some helpful info. 

$241.70 nCAC vs. $52.17 nCAC

nCAC = New Customer Acquisition Costs.

This is a very important number if you want to scale your eCommerce brand.

$241.70 nCAC:

  • Your site looks pretty, but the copy doesn’t compel cold traffic to buy.

  • You’re stuck on Wordpress with slow execution. Marketing waits on devs to make small changes.

  • Copy uses weak phrases like "the best", "is awesome" or "tastes great."

$52.17 nCAC:

  • You’re on Shopify, and marketers can execute ideas 10x faster without relying on devs.

  • Your team knows how to convert cold traffic using direct response copywriting, human psychology, and market sophistication.

Quick Hits:

Top 5 Pet Stocks of 2024: Tail-Wagging Winners

Written by Jesse Cohen, Senior Financial Analyst at Investing.com

The pet care industry continues to thrive, driven by the unwavering love and devotion pet owners feel for their furry, feathery, and scaly companions. 

In 2024, several companies have captured attention not only for their commitment to enhancing the lives of pets and their humans but also for their financial performance and remarkable growth. 

Here’s a deeper dive into five standout pet-focused companies that have outperformed this year, showcasing products and services that pet lovers can’t get enough of:

1. Trupanion (TRUP)

  • Year-to-Date Gain: +72.8%

  • Market Cap: $2.2 Billion

Trupanion specializes in pet health insurance, offering comprehensive coverage for dogs and cats. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in Seattle, Washington. 

Unlike traditional pet insurance, Trupanion covers unexpected illnesses and injuries, with no payout limits. The company’s direct vet payment system simplifies the claims process, allowing pet parents to focus on care, not costs.

In 2024, TRUP stock soared 72.8%, making it the top-performing pet-related stock of the year. 

Its success can be attributed to the rising awareness of pet healthcare and an expanding subscriber base. Its partnership with veterinarians and seamless digital tools have further endeared the company to modern pet owners. 

As more people view pets as family members, Trupanion’s role in ensuring affordable and accessible care has solidified its position in the industry.

2. Freshpet (FRPT)

  • Year-to-Date Gain: +69.3%

  • Market Cap: $7.1 Billion

Freshpet revolutionized pet nutrition by bringing fresh, refrigerated meals to the forefront. Their offerings include all-natural dog and cat food, crafted from real ingredients like chicken, beef, and vegetables—always free from artificial preservatives. 

Available in the signature Freshpet refrigerators at grocery and pet stores, their meals are designed to cater to pets’ evolving nutritional needs.

FRPT shares have scored an impressive year-to-date gain of 69.3%, making it the second-best pet-related stock of 2024.

This year, Freshpet’s performance reflected pet owners' growing preference for high-quality, human-grade food. The brand’s dedication to transparency, sustainability, and crafting meals that promote better digestion and overall health resonated with eco-conscious pet parents. 

All things considered, Freshpet - which was founded in Secaucus, New Jersey, in 2006 - is expected to continue growing as the demand for premium, fresh pet food accelerates.

3. Petco Health & Wellness (WOOF)

  • Year-to-Date Gain: +40.8%

  • Market Cap: $1.2 Billion

Petco is a one-stop shop for all things pet-related, offering food, supplies, grooming, training, and veterinary services. With brands like WholeHearted (premium pet food) and in-store clinics providing vaccinations, dental cleanings, and wellness exams, Petco ensures pets live their healthiest lives.

Founded in 1965 as a mail-order veterinary supply company in California, Petco has evolved into a household name in the pet care industry.

With around two weeks to go until the end of the year, WOOF stock is up a noteworthy 40.8%.

The company’s strong annual performance reflects its ability to adapt to consumer needs, particularly through its growing emphasis on in-store veterinary services and e-commerce platforms. Petco’s "Petco Love" initiatives have also strengthened its connection with pet-loving communities.

For pet lovers, Petco’s emphasis on holistic pet care and community initiatives, like adoption events, continues to make it a beloved household name.

4. Chewy (CHWY)

  • Year-to-Date Gain: +36.5%

  • Market Cap: $13.1 Billion

Chewy is the ultimate online destination for pet parents, offering everything from premium food and treats to toys, beds, and grooming tools. Its auto-ship program ensures pet owners never run out of essentials, while personalized pet profiles and telehealth services enhance the overall experience.

As more and more homes adopt pets, Chewy’s customer-first approach ensures its place as a leader in the pet care space.

CHWY stock has seen a 36.5% year-to-date increase, making it the fourth-best pet stock of 2024.

The beloved online pet retailer’s success can be credited to a surge in online shopping, an expanded product line, and continued investment in personalized pet care, such as prescription medications and telehealth services.

With a vast array of pet products, auto-ship subscriptions, and exceptional customer service, Chewy has become a favorite among pet parents. 

5. Central Garden & Pet (CENT)

  • Year-to-Date Gain: +3.8%

  • Market Cap: $2.3 Billion

Central Garden & Pet offers a broad portfolio of products, including brands like Kaytee (small animal supplies), Aqueon (aquarium essentials), and Nylabone (durable dog chews). Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, fish hobbyist, or reptile lover, Central has products tailored to meet every need.

Founded in 1980 as a distribution company, Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,700 employees primarily across North America.

CENT stock has posted a modest yet promising 3.8% year-to-date gain this year.

While its growth has been slower compared to others on this list, Central’s diverse product lineup, steady expansion into new markets, and commitment to innovation ensure its relevance in the thriving pet care industry.

For pet owners with niche needs, Central’s wide-ranging offerings provide reliable and trusted solutions.

Conclusion

The common thread driving these companies’ success is the growing humanization of pets. Whether it’s premium food, health insurance, or tailored care, pet parents are willing to invest in products and services that improve their pets’ quality of life.

This trend, combined with technological advancements and increasing pet ownership rates, has made the pet care sector one of the most resilient and rewarding industries today.

After all, our pets deserve the best—and these brands are here to deliver. 🐾

Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes only. It is not intended to encourage the purchase of assets in any way, nor does it constitute a solicitation, offer, recommendation or suggestion to invest. I would like to remind you that all assets are evaluated from multiple perspectives and are highly risky, so any investment decision and the associated risk belong to the investor. We also do not provide any investment advisory services.

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A single pet emergency could set you back thousands

Some veterinary procedures cost $10,000+. Don’t let it catch you off-guard.

Pet insurance companies can offer up to 90% reimbursement for covered claims, providing peace of mind and protection against expensive medical bills.

Don’t let unexpected vet bills stress you out. Protect your pet and your finances with the right pet insurance plan.

(Source: @dogmemejunkie)

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