Financial Performance - Total revenue reached $380.3 million, a 28% increase year-over-year[2] - Adjusted EBITDA was $19.1 million, a 5% decrease year-over-year[2] Operational Highlights - Avocado volume sold was 166.4 million pounds, a 1% decrease year-over-year[2] - Average selling price for avocados increased by 26% year-over-year to $2.00 per pound[2] - The company's diversification strategy yielded positive results across all segments[3] - Mango business achieved record volumes and gained significant market share[3] - Blueberries posted 57% revenue growth[3] - International Farming adjusted EBITDA turned positive due to improved utilization and efficiencies[3] Strategic Positioning - The company is well-positioned for strong second-half cash generation due to increased Peruvian supply meeting continued strong demand[3]

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. has developed a resilient strategy to navigate avocado pricing volatility through vertical integration and geographic diversification in sourcing avocados [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Strategy - The company employs vertical integration by controlling multiple stages of the supply chain, which allows for quick adaptation to market fluctuations and effective cost management [1][7] - Geographic diversification is emphasized, sourcing avocados from Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Guatemala to mitigate region-specific risks and stabilize prices [1][2] Group 2: Market Demand and Operational Efficiency - Global avocado demand remains strong, with consumption growing in North America and rapidly increasing in Europe and Asia [2] - Mission Produce is enhancing productivity in packing and ripening facilities, optimizing logistics, and leveraging data analytics for better inventory management and demand forecasting [2] Group 3: Innovation and Future Outlook - The company is investing in proprietary ripening technology to deliver consistent, ready-to-eat avocados with minimal waste [3] - Mission Produce is exploring value-added products and sustainable packaging solutions to align with evolving consumer preferences [3] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Calavo Growers, Inc. is focusing on agile pricing and supply-chain strength, expanding sourcing beyond Mexico to stabilize supply and manage costs [4] - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. leverages a vertically integrated supply chain and invests in agri-tech, posing a competitive threat to Mission Produce, especially in international markets [5] Group 5: Financial Performance and Valuation - Mission Produce shares have lost approximately 20% year to date, contrasting with the industry's growth of 7.6% [6] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.88X, significantly above the industry average of 16.07X [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year decline of 32.4% for fiscal 2025 earnings and a 6% decline for fiscal 2026 [9]

Group 1: Earnings Performance - Mission Produce reported quarterly earnings of $0.12 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.03 per share, but down from $0.14 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 300% [1] - The company posted revenues of $380.3 million for the quarter ended April 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 34.81%, compared to $297.6 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Mission Produce has consistently surpassed consensus EPS and revenue estimates [2] Group 2: Stock Performance and Outlook - Mission Produce shares have declined approximately 26.4% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 1.5% [3] - The company's future stock performance will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the earnings outlook [4][6] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.13 on revenues of $271.2 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.50 on revenues of $1.15 billion [7] Group 3: Industry Context - The Agriculture - Operations industry, to which Mission Produce belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 25% of over 250 Zacks industries, which may impact stock performance [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, suggesting that industry outlook can significantly affect stock performance [5][8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record second quarter revenue of $380.3 million, an increase of 28% compared to the prior year period [5][14] - Adjusted EBITDA was $19.1 million, down from $20.2 million in the previous year, primarily due to lower per unit gross margins on avocados sold [17] - Gross profit was $28.4 million, compared to $31 million in the prior year, mainly due to challenges in obtaining necessary Mexican fruit supply [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Marketing and Distribution segment net sales increased 26% to $362.5 million, driven by favorable avocado pricing dynamics [17] - The International Farming segment saw net sales increase by $6.7 million to $8.1 million, with adjusted EBITDA improving by $3.7 million to a positive $1.5 million [18] - The blueberry segment's net sales increased 57% to $15.7 million, driven by higher volumes from increased acreage and yields [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pricing environment remained favorable throughout the quarter, with a 26% increase in per unit avocado selling prices [14][15] - The company anticipates industry volumes to be approximately 10% to 15% higher in the fiscal third quarter compared to the prior year, primarily due to a strong Peruvian harvest outlook [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its competitive position globally by enhancing market access and leveraging its global sourcing network [5][7] - A forward distribution center in the UK has been established to accelerate reach in the European market, resulting in strong customer penetration and higher volumes [7] - The diversification strategy aims to optimize facility utilization year-round, positioning the company for stronger performance during peak harvest seasons [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the quality and sizing of the upcoming Peruvian avocado harvest, expecting good production and quality [26][30] - The company is optimistic about generating customary cash flow increases in the second half of the fiscal year, aided by a more normal Peruvian crop [11][12] - Management noted that the higher price environment has amplified normal seasonal dynamics but expects a meaningful step up in cash generation in the second half [20][21] Other Important Information - The company executed $5.2 million in share repurchases during the second quarter, reflecting belief that the share price is undervalued [12][21] - Capital expenditures for the fiscal year to date were $28 million, primarily for avocado and blueberry farming investments [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for the International Farming segment - Management indicated that fruit quality from Peru is expected to be good, with sizing also looking favorable [26][30] Question: Co-packer volume in the second quarter - Management confirmed that they were able to reach normalized levels of co-packer volume by leveraging other source markets [32][33] Question: Changes in behavior due to tariff uncertainty - Management noted that there was initial skittishness among suppliers during the tariff announcements, but by April, operations returned to normal [41][42] Question: Market share in the mango business - The company is now the second largest mango distributor in the U.S., with market share increasing from below 5% to closer to 10% [46][48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record second quarter revenue of $380.3 million, an increase of 28% compared to the prior year period [5][14] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $8.7 million or $0.12 per diluted share, down from $9.8 million or $0.14 per diluted share last year [16] - Adjusted EBITDA was $19.1 million compared to $20.2 million last year, primarily driven by lower per unit gross margins on avocados sold [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Marketing and Distribution segment net sales increased 26% to $362.5 million, primarily due to favorable avocado pricing dynamics [16] - The International Farming segment saw net sales increase by $6.7 million to $8.1 million, with adjusted EBITDA improving by $3.7 million to a positive $1.5 million [17] - The blueberry segment's net sales increased 57% to $15.7 million, driven by higher volumes from increased acreage and yields [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The pricing environment remained favorable throughout the quarter, with a 26% increase in per unit avocado selling prices driven by strong consumer demand [14][16] - Exportable avocado production from the company's own farms in Peru is expected to range between 100 million to 110 million pounds, significantly higher than the previous year's 43 million pounds [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is applying its successful commercial strategy to enhance competitive positioning globally, including opening a forward distribution center in the UK to expand market reach [7] - The diversification strategy is aimed at optimizing facility utilization year-round while preparing for stronger performance during the avocado harvest season in South America [10] - The company is strategically expanding its blueberry acreage, expecting to add more than 200 hectares for the next season to capitalize on growing consumer demand [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the quality and sizing of the upcoming Peruvian avocado harvest, indicating expectations for a good year [26][28] - The company anticipates a meaningful step up in cash generation in the second half of the fiscal year, driven by improved production and market conditions [19] - Management noted that the pricing is expected to decrease by approximately 10% to 15% year-over-year due to higher volumes available in the market [22] Other Important Information - The company executed $5.2 million in share repurchases during the second quarter, reflecting belief that the share price is undervalued [12] - Capital expenditures for the fiscal year to date were $28 million, primarily for avocado and blueberry farming investments [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for the International Farming segment - Management indicated that fruit quality is expected to be good, with sizing also looking favorable [26][28] Question: Co-packer volume in the second quarter - Management confirmed that they were able to moderate co-packer volume to more normalized levels by leveraging other source markets [32][33] Question: Changes in behavior due to tariff uncertainty - Management noted that there was initial skittishness among suppliers, but by April, operations returned to normal with no significant disruptions [41][42] Question: Market share and growth potential in the Mango business - The company is now the second largest mango distributor in the U.S., with market share increasing from below 5% to closer to 10% [46][48]

Financial Performance - Net sales increased by $82.7 million or 28% in the three months ended April 30, 2025, and by $158.2 million or 28% in the six months ended April 30, 2025, primarily driven by the Marketing & Distribution segment [84]. - Total net sales for Q2 2025 were $380.3 million, an increase from $297.6 million in Q2 2024, while total net sales for the first half of 2025 were $714.5 million compared to $556.3 million in the same period last year [108]. - Net sales in the Marketing & Distribution segment increased by $75.4 million or 26% for the three months ended April 30, 2025, compared to the same period last year [114]. - Net sales in the Blueberries segment increased by $5.7 million or 57% for the three months ended April 30, 2025, primarily due to higher volume from increased acreage and yields [118]. Profitability and Expenses - Gross profit decreased by $2.6 million or 8% in the three months ended April 30, 2025, to $28.4 million, with gross profit percentage decreasing to 7.5% of revenue [90]. - SG&A expenses increased by $2.8 million or 15% in the three months ended April 30, 2025, and by $4.3 million or 11% in the six months ended April 30, 2025, primarily due to higher employee-related costs [93]. - Other expense was $0.6 million in Q2 2025 compared to other income of $1.0 million in Q2 2024, driven by foreign currency transaction losses from a weakening U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso [100]. - Total adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $19.1 million, a decrease from $20.2 million in Q2 2024, while total adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2025 was $36.8 million compared to $39.4 million in the same period last year [109]. - Marketing & Distribution adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $16.8 million, down from $21.7 million in Q2 2024, and for the first half of 2025 it was $26.5 million compared to $32.7 million in the same period last year [109]. - Segment adjusted EBITDA for the Blueberries segment decreased by $2.4 million or 26% for the six months ended April 30, 2025, primarily due to lower per-unit margins [121]. International Operations - Gross profit at the International Farming segment increased due to higher pricing and yield from owned mango orchards [91]. - The International Farming segment's sales are concentrated in the second half of the fiscal year, aligning with the Peruvian avocado harvest season [76]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the International Farming segment increased by $3.7 million or 168% for the three months ended April 30, 2025, driven by higher pricing and yield from mango orchards [117]. - Equity method income increased by $0.4 million or 80% in Q2 2025 and by $0.8 million or 89% in the first half of 2025, primarily due to improved margins on fruit sold by Mr. Avocado in China [98]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - Net cash used in operating activities was $13.0 million for the six months ended April 30, 2025, compared to cash provided of $12.9 million in the same period last year, largely due to growth in working capital [123]. - The company’s liquidity includes cash and cash equivalents of $36.7 million as of April 30, 2025, down from $58.0 million as of October 31, 2024 [131]. - Outstanding borrowings on the syndicated debt facility totaled $147.5 million as of April 30, 2025 [136]. - The company was in compliance with all financial covenants of the credit facility as of April 30, 2025 [133]. Taxation and Regulatory Environment - Provision for income taxes decreased by $1.7 million or 50% in Q2 2025 and by $0.6 million or 11% in the first half of 2025, primarily due to lower income before taxes [105]. - The effective tax rate for Q2 2025 was 36.2%, compared to 32.7% in Q2 2024, and for the first half of 2025 it was 34.8% compared to 37.9% in the same period last year [105]. - The company continues to monitor regulatory changes and their impact on pricing strategies due to potential future trade policy changes [77]. Interest and Charges - Interest expense for the period primarily consisted of interest on borrowings under working capital facilities and long-term debt [95]. - Interest expense decreased by $0.9 million or 26% in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, and by $2.0 million or 30% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, due to lower average balances on the revolving line of credit and lower interest rates [96]. - The company incurred $1.5 million in charges related to the closure of Canadian distribution centers during the first quarter of 2025 [78]. - The company recognized $1.1 million in tariffs on Mexican imports during a brief tariff application period in March 2025 [75].

Financial Performance - Total revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 increased by $82.7 million or 28% to $380.3 million compared to the same period last year[4]. - Net income for the second quarter was $3.1 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, down from $7.0 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the same period last year[9]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $19.1 million, a decrease of $1.1 million or 5% compared to $20.2 million in the prior year period[10]. - Net income attributable to Mission Produce for the three months ended April 30, 2025, was $3.1 million, down from $7.0 million in the same period of 2024[34]. - Adjusted net income for Q2 2025 was $8.7 million, a decrease of 11.2% from $9.8 million in Q2 2024[42]. - The company reported a net income of $3.0 million for Q2 2025, down from $7.0 million in Q2 2024, representing a decline of 57.1%[48]. Sales and Revenue Breakdown - The Marketing & Distribution segment net sales increased by $75.4 million or 26% to $362.5 million, driven by higher avocado pricing[11]. - International Farming segment sales increased by $6.7 million or 479% to $8.1 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $1.5 million from negative $2.2 million[13]. - Blueberries segment net sales increased by 57% to $15.7 million, primarily due to higher volume driven by increased acreage and yields[14]. - Avocado sales for Q2 2025 amounted to $332.6 million, a 24.3% increase compared to $267.5 million in Q2 2024[57]. - Total net sales for the six months ended April 30, 2025, were $714.5 million, compared to $556.3 million for the same period in 2024, marking a 28.4% increase[55]. - Total segment sales for the six months ended April 30, 2025, reached $727.7 million, up 29.6% from $561.4 million in the same period of 2024[55]. Cash and Assets - Cash and cash equivalents were $36.7 million as of April 30, 2025, down from $58.0 million as of October 31, 2024[16]. - Total assets increased to $1,010.5 million as of April 30, 2025, compared to $971.5 million as of October 31, 2024[32]. - Total liabilities rose to $426.2 million as of April 30, 2025, up from $394.4 million as of October 31, 2024[32]. - The company reported a net cash used in operating activities of $13.0 million for the six months ended April 30, 2025, compared to net cash provided of $12.9 million in the same period of 2024[36]. - The company invested $28.0 million in property, plant, and equipment during the six months ended April 30, 2025[36]. Operational Metrics - Operating income for the six months ended April 30, 2025, was $16.2 million, down from $20.3 million in the same period of 2024[34]. - The company sold 166.4 million pounds of avocados in Q2 2025, a slight decrease from 168.6 million pounds in Q2 2024[56]. - The average sales price per pound of avocados increased to $2.00 in Q2 2025 from $1.59 in Q2 2024, reflecting a 25.8% rise[56]. Future Outlook - For the third quarter of fiscal 2025, industry volumes are expected to be approximately 10-15% higher, with exportable avocado production from owned farms in Peru expected to range between 100 million to 110 million pounds[27]. - Total capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 are expected to remain in the range of $50 to $55 million[27]. Other Notable Information - The company executed $5.2 million in share repurchases during the quarter, reflecting a belief that the share price was undervalued[3]. - The company incurred $1.1 million in tariff charges during a three-day period in March 2025, which impacted pricing strategies[44]. - Gross profit for the six months ended April 30, 2025, was $59.9 million, slightly up from $59.7 million in the same period of 2024[34]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $19.1 million, a decrease of 5.4% from $20.2 million in Q2 2024[48]. - The weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for diluted earnings per share were 71,105,463 for the three months ended April 30, 2025[34].

Core Viewpoint - Mission Produce, Inc. reported record fiscal second quarter revenue driven by the Marketing & Distribution segment, achieving a total revenue of $380.3 million, a 28% increase compared to the same period last year [4][6]. Financial Overview - Total revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 increased by $82.7 million or 28% to $380.3 million compared to the same period last year [4]. - Net income for the second quarter was $3.1 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, down from $7.0 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the same period last year [6][7]. - Adjusted net income was $8.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to $9.8 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the same period last year [8]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $19.1 million, a decrease of $1.1 million or 5% compared to $20.2 million in the prior year period [8]. Segment Performance - In the Marketing & Distribution segment, net sales increased by $75.4 million or 26% to $362.5 million, driven by higher avocado pricing [9]. - The International Farming segment saw total sales increase by $6.7 million or 479% to $8.1 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $1.5 million from a loss of $2.2 million in the same period last year [11]. - The Blueberries segment reported a 57% increase in net sales to $15.7 million, primarily due to higher volume driven by increased acreage and yields [12]. Operational Insights - The company executed $5.2 million in share repurchases during the quarter, reflecting a belief that the share price was undervalued [3]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $36.7 million as of April 30, 2025, down from $58.0 million as of October 31, 2024 [14]. - Net cash used in operating activities was $13.0 million for the six months ended April 30, 2025, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $12.9 million for the same period last year [16]. Outlook - For the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, industry volumes are expected to be approximately 10-15% higher compared to the prior year, driven by a strong Peruvian harvest outlook [23]. - The company anticipates exportable avocado production from its owned farms in Peru to range between 100 million to 110 million pounds, significantly higher than the 43 million pounds in the 2024 harvest season [23]. - Total capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 are expected to remain in the range of $50 to $55 million [23].

Core Viewpoint - Mission Produce Inc. (AVO) is expected to report declines in both sales and earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, with sales estimated at $282.1 million, reflecting a 5.2% decrease year-over-year, and earnings projected at 3 cents per share, indicating a 78.6% decline from the previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company has shown a consistent earnings surprise trend, with a notable 900% surprise in the last reported quarter, raising questions about its ability to maintain this momentum [2]. - The Earnings ESP for AVO is 0.00%, and it holds a Zacks Rank of 3, suggesting that the model does not predict an earnings beat this season [3]. Market Trends and Growth Drivers - Mission Produce is expected to sustain growth momentum due to resilient global demand, strategic diversification, and operational agility, supported by increasing avocado consumption driven by health trends [4][8]. - The avocado industry is projected to see a 5% year-over-year increase in average pricing in the second quarter, despite supply challenges from Mexico, which are expected to be offset by increased production in California and Peru [6][8]. Segment Performance - The Blueberry segment is anticipated to perform strongly, with harvest volumes expected to rise by 35-40% due to expanded acreage and improved yields, while prices are expected to remain stable compared to the previous year [7][8]. Strategic Initiatives - Ongoing investments in vertical integration, digital innovation, and geographic diversification are expected to enhance operational efficiency and asset utilization, helping the company navigate supply volatility and tariff challenges [8][17]. - The company’s global sourcing strategy, including operations in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Guatemala, positions it well to absorb geopolitical shocks and maintain long-term growth potential [16][17]. Stock Performance and Valuation - AVO's stock has declined by 9.4% over the past three months, underperforming the industry and broader market indices [10][14]. - The current stock price of $11.18 reflects a 17.2% premium over its 52-week low but is 26.7% below its 52-week high, with a forward P/E multiple of 27.78X, indicating a premium valuation compared to industry averages [14][15]. Long-term Outlook - Despite near-term challenges such as inflation and tariff uncertainties, the long-term growth narrative for Mission Produce remains strong, supported by its diversified sourcing and expanding product portfolio [18][19]. - The company is focused on delivering disciplined, profitable growth through improved asset utilization and strategic execution, aligning with enduring consumer demand trends [19].

Core Insights - The avocado market is rapidly growing, with Mission Produce Inc. (AVO) and Calavo Growers Inc. (CVGW) as key players, each employing distinct strategies and market approaches [1][2][3] Group 1: Mission Produce (AVO) - AVO is positioned as a global leader in the avocado industry, showing strong momentum in fiscal 2025, particularly in its Marketing & Distribution segment despite supply disruptions in Mexico [4][5] - The company's growth strategy is centered on a vertically integrated model, diversified sourcing, and product expansion, with significant investments in infrastructure and a focus on operational efficiency [5][6] - Financially, AVO is demonstrating disciplined growth, with improved adjusted earnings and EBITDA, although it faces tariff uncertainties that could impact margins [6][11] Group 2: Calavo Growers (CVGW) - CVGW is focusing on profitability and operational efficiency, achieving its best first-quarter adjusted net income since 2019, indicating a successful turnaround after restructuring [7][8] - The company has a dual-segment portfolio, combining its Fresh segment with a Prepared segment, which remains strategically important despite facing margin pressures [8][10] - CVGW's operational backbone is strengthened by a vertically integrated supply chain and long-standing grower partnerships, with a significant reduction in SG&A expenses and a tripling of adjusted EBITDA [9][10] Group 3: Financial Estimates and Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AVO suggests year-over-year declines in sales and EPS for fiscal 2025, while CVGW is projected to experience growth in both metrics [11][14][16] - In the past three months, CVGW has outperformed AVO, with a total return of 16.8%, compared to AVO's decline of 12.3% [17] - AVO trades at a forward P/E multiple of 26.89X, above its 5-year median, while CVGW trades at a lower multiple of 12.49X, indicating a more attractive valuation for investors [21][22] Group 4: Investment Outlook - CVGW is viewed as a more compelling investment opportunity due to its operational turnaround, lower valuation, and improving financial performance, suggesting a favorable risk-reward profile [24][25][26] - Analyst sentiment is positive for CVGW, with forward estimates indicating growing confidence in its earnings potential, while AVO's premium pricing may limit upside surprises [27][28]