ZACKSยท2025-07-01 16:20Industry Overview - The Zacks Agriculture - Products industry is facing challenges due to lower commodity prices, high input costs, and labor shortages, but increasing consumer awareness regarding food ingredients and healthier alternatives is expected to support growth [1][4] - The industry includes companies involved in storing agricultural commodities, distributing ingredients, and farming crops, livestock, and poultry products [3] Current Trends - Agricultural commodity prices are under pressure from ample supply, while rising labor, packaging, and distribution costs are impacting profitability [4] - Global food demand is projected to increase by 50% by 2050 due to population growth, with the global population expected to reach 9.6 billion [5] - Hydroponics and vertical farming are emerging as key agricultural technologies, with hydroponic equipment sales projected to reach $67 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 16.2% [6] Company Insights - Bunge Global S.A. is focusing on strategic mergers, including a $34 billion merger with Viterra Ltd, to enhance its position in grain exports and oilseed processing [18][19] - CalMaine Foods is expanding its cage-free operations and product portfolio, with a projected earnings growth of 299.5% for fiscal 2025 [22][23] - Hydrofarm is streamlining operations and focusing on proprietary brands, with a significant increase in the sales mix of proprietary brands to 55% in Q1 2025 [26][27] Market Performance - The Zacks Agriculture - Products industry has underperformed compared to the Basic Materials sector and the S&P 500, with a 12.9% decline over the past 12 months [9] - The industry is currently trading at an EV/EBITDA ratio of 5.98X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 17.51X [12][17]