Freshpet's stock surged 8.84% in pre-market trading following the release of its first-quarter 2026 financial results, which exceeded analyst expectations.

The fresh pet food maker reported Q1 net sales of $297.6 million, beating the consensus estimate of $291.9 million and representing a 13.1% year-over-year increase. The company's net income swung to a profit of $48.5 million, with gross margin widening to 40.5%.

Investors reacted positively as Freshpet also raised its full-year net sales growth outlook to a range of 8% to 11%, up from its previous guidance of 7% to 10%. The improved financial performance, driven by volume gains and lower input costs, provided the catalyst for the significant pre-market price movement.