SCHEDULE 13G/A: BlackRock Amends Freshpet Stake, Discloses 11.6% Beneficial Ownership

BlackRock, Inc. has filed an amendment to its Schedule 13G, disclosing a beneficial ownership of 11.6% in Freshpet, Inc. common stock as of March 31, 2025.

Summary

• BlackRock, Inc. filed Amendment No. 3 to its Schedule 13G concerning its beneficial ownership in Freshpet, Inc.
• As of March 31, 2025, BlackRock, Inc. beneficially owns an aggregate of 5,644,972 shares of Freshpet, Inc. common stock.
• This ownership represents 11.6% of Freshpet, Inc.'s total common stock outstanding.
• BlackRock holds sole voting power over 5,534,698 shares and sole dispositive power over 5,644,972 shares.
• No shared voting or dispositive power was reported by BlackRock.
• The filing certifies that the securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and not for the purpose of changing or influencing control of Freshpet, Inc.
• iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, an entity associated with BlackRock, is noted to hold more than 5% of Freshpet, Inc.'s outstanding common stock.
• BlackRock Fund Advisors is also identified as an entity beneficially owning 5% or greater of the outstanding shares.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: This is a routine beneficial ownership disclosure (Schedule 13G Amendment) by a large institutional investor, BlackRock, Inc., indicating its continued significant stake in Freshpet, Inc. It does not contain new operational or financial information about the issuer that would typically influence sentiment positively or negatively.

Future Outlook

NA

Management Comments

• "By signing below I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the securities referred to above were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business and were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of or with the effect of changing or influencing the control of the issuer of the securities and were not acquired and are not held in connection with or as a participant in any transaction having that purpose or effect, other than activities solely in connection with a nomination under 240.14a-11."

Industry Context

This filing is a routine disclosure of beneficial ownership by a major institutional investor and does not provide specific insights into broader industry trends or competitive dynamics beyond the fact that Freshpet, Inc. is part of BlackRock's investment portfolio.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Provides transparency regarding a major institutional investor's continued significant stake, which can influence market perception and liquidity of Freshpet, Inc. shares.

Key Dates

Keywords

BlackRock, Freshpet, Schedule 13G, Beneficial Ownership, Institutional Investor, Common Stock, SEC Filing, Investment Management, FRPT