Village Farms' Cost Discipline Pays Off: Can Margins Keep Improving?

Core Insights - Village Farms International's third-quarter 2025 performance demonstrates improved margins due to sustained cost discipline and operational efficiency [1] Financial Performance - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations reached $20.7 million, representing 31% of sales, a significant increase from $4.7 million or 8.5% of sales in the prior-year quarter [2] - Operating cash flow strengthened to $24.4 million, indicating improved cost absorption and efficiency [2] Segment Analysis - The Canadian cannabis business showed significant cost discipline, with gross margin expanding to 56% from 26% a year ago, driven by operational efficiency and a favorable mix towards higher-margin international export sales [3] - Canadian cannabis adjusted EBITDA increased 306% year over year to $19.3 million, or 41% of segment sales, attributed to higher productivity, improved crop yields, and lower packaging inputs [4] Management Insights - Management emphasized that cost control is integral to the company's culture and maintained a long-term gross margin target range of 30%-40% [5] - The third-quarter results reflect how consistent cost discipline and operational focus are reshaping the company's margin profile [5] Market Performance - Village Farms' shares have surged 383.3% over the past year, outperforming the industry's decline of 11.8% and the S&P 500's increase of 21.8% [6] - In comparison, shares of Scotts Miracle-Gro declined by 10.2%, while Mission Produce rose by 1.5% during the same period [6] Valuation Metrics - Village Farms' forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio is 1.6, lower than the industry's 2.05, indicating a relatively favorable valuation [9] - The company is trading at a premium compared to Scotts Miracle-Gro (1.03) and Mission Produce (0.7) [9] Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates year-over-year growth of 165.6% for the current financial year and 14.3% for the next financial year [10]