CORAL GABLES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. to Report Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results. ...

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) reported a 10% year-over-year increase in total revenues, reaching $357.7 million, primarily driven by a 10% rise in avocado volumes supported by improved production from Peru and Mexico [1][9] - Gross profit increased by 22% year over year to $45.1 million, with adjusted net income rising to $18.2 million, or 26 cents per share, indicating strong profitability [2][9] - The International Farming segment saw a remarkable 79% year-over-year sales increase to $49 million, with adjusted EBITDA soaring 163% to $12.1 million, showcasing the effectiveness of the company's sourcing and sales strategies [3][9] Financial Performance - The operational success of International Farming is evident in the optimized sourcing mix and enhanced retail relationships, contributing to significant sales growth and profitability [3] - Capital expenditures are being controlled to ensure meaningful free cash flow, while low debt levels provide flexibility for future investments [4][9] - AVO's shares have outperformed the industry, gaining 13.6% over the last three months compared to the industry's 4.9% growth [8] Competitive Landscape - Mission Produce faces competition from Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) and Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (FDP), both of which have distinct strategic advantages in the fresh produce market [5] - Calavo's strengths lie in its reliable supply chain and partnerships with Mexican growers, while Fresh Del Monte benefits from a fully integrated global model that enhances its sourcing and distribution capabilities [6][7] Valuation and Estimates - AVO trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 26.87X, significantly higher than the industry average of 15.08X, indicating a premium valuation [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests a year-over-year earnings decline of 20.3% for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, with estimates remaining unchanged over the past week [12]

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. reported a 28% increase in revenue to $380.3 million for Q2 fiscal 2025, but gross profit fell by 8.3% to $28.4 million, indicating a margin squeeze due to supply challenges and unique costs [1][9] - The gross margin decreased to 7.5%, down 290 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to falling per-unit margins on avocados [1] - Management indicated that some pressures are situational rather than permanent, with sourcing adjustments helping to improve margins towards the end of the quarter [2] Financial Performance - Mission Produce's gross profit declined despite record revenue growth, highlighting vulnerabilities in its business model when supply dynamics tighten [1][9] - The company faced unique costs, including $1.1 million in tariffs and $1.5 million related to Canadian facility closures, which further pressured profitability [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests a year-over-year earnings decline of 20.3% for both fiscal 2025 and 2026, with estimates remaining unchanged over the past week [11] Competitive Landscape - Mission Produce faces stiff competition from Dole Plc and Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., both of which have demonstrated different margin dynamics [5] - Dole has maintained resilient margins despite sourcing and shipping challenges, benefiting from strong pricing and demand in key markets [6] - Fresh Del Monte's gross profit increased to $120.1 million, with a gross margin expansion to 10.2%, driven by strong demand for proprietary products [7] Market Dynamics - Avocado pricing and supply remain volatile, making Mission Produce reliant on global sourcing agility to protect margins [3] - The upcoming Peruvian harvest is expected to be significantly stronger than last year, which will be a critical test for margin normalization [4] - Mission Produce's stock has gained 15% over the last three months, outperforming the industry growth of 6.6% [8] Valuation Metrics - Mission Produce trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 29.93X, which is significantly above the industry average of 14.86X [10]

Q2'25 Financial Highlights - Revenue reached $2.4 billion, a 14% increase LFL(Like-for-like) [10] - Adjusted EBITDA was $137 million, up 12% LFL [10] - Adjusted Diluted EPS stood at $0.55, reflecting a 9% increase [10] Segment Performance - Fresh Fruit revenue increased by 14.2% to $972 million [32, 35], with Adjusted EBITDA up by 3% to $72.7 million [32, 35] - Diversified Fresh Produce – EMEA saw a revenue increase of 16.5% to $1.101 billion [37, 40], with Adjusted EBITDA up 14.7% to $49 million [37, 40] - Diversified Fresh Produce – Americas & ROW experienced an 8.5% increase in revenue to $386 million [42, 45], and Adjusted EBITDA increased by 27% to $15.4 million [42, 45] Capital Allocation and Debt - Cash CAPEX for continuing operations was $(19.4) million in Q2'25 and $(72.2) million in H1'25 [46] - Free Cash Flow from continuing operations was $(1.0) million in Q2'25 and $(132.6) million in H1'25 [46] - Net Debt stood at $(788.8) million with a Net Leverage of 2.0x as of June 30, 2025 [47] FY'25 Outlook - The company anticipates Adjusted EBITDA for continuing operations to be approximately $380 - $390 million [51] - Maintenance CAPEX for continuing operations is projected to be around $100 million [51] - Interest expense is expected to be approximately $67 million [51]

Financial Performance - Net sales for Q2 2025 increased to $1,183 million compared to $1,140 million in the prior year, driven by higher net sales in fresh and value-added products and banana segments[18] - Gross profit for Q2 2025 increased to $120 million compared to $113 million in the prior year, driven by higher net sales in fresh and value-added products[19] - Gross margin increased to 102% in Q2 2025, compared to 99% in the prior year[21] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $954 million compared to $890 million in the prior year[55] Segment Performance - Net sales in the fresh and value-added products segment increased, driven by higher pricing in pineapple and higher sales volume and pricing in fresh-cut fruit[23] - Gross margin in the fresh and value-added products segment increased to 117% compared to 112% in the prior year[23] - Net sales in the banana segment increased, driven by higher selling prices across all regions[29] - Gross margin in the banana segment decreased to 73% compared to 76% in the prior year[28] - Net sales in other products & services decreased slightly due to lower net sales in poultry and meats[31] - Gross margin in other products & services decreased to 104% compared to 107% in the prior year[31] Other Financial Data - The company's income tax rate was 20% compared to 19% in the prior year[34] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $159 million compared to $144 million in the prior year[34] - The company declared a dividend of $030 per share versus $025 per share in the prior year[34]

Core Insights - Mission Produce Inc. (AVO) has effectively managed price fluctuations through its vertically integrated model, which includes sourcing from multiple countries and controlling logistics, allowing it to remain resilient against regional disruptions [1][2] - The company reported a 29% year-over-year revenue increase in fiscal 2025, driven by a 25% rise in per-unit avocado pricing and increased sales of mangoes and blueberries, despite facing margin pressures due to reliance on co-packers and the spot market [2][7] - Future growth for AVO is expected to be supported by higher volumes from Peru and ongoing investments in farming assets and technology, although maintaining momentum amid market volatility will be crucial [3] Competitive Landscape - Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) is a significant competitor, facing similar supply challenges and declining margins due to rising costs and logistical issues, which has led to restructuring efforts [4] - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (FDP) competes with a broader product portfolio but also experiences price instability and macroeconomic pressures, focusing on supply chain integration to mitigate margin erosion [5] Financial Performance - AVO's stock has increased by 20.8% over the last three months, outperforming the industry average growth of 18.5% [6] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24X, significantly higher than the industry average of 15.53X, indicating a premium valuation [8] - Zacks Consensus Estimates predict a year-over-year earnings decline of 20.3% for both fiscal 2025 and 2026, with estimates remaining unchanged over the past month [9]

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. is strategically entering the mango category to diversify its offerings and leverage its successful avocado model, aiming to improve quality and consistency in a market that is currently underrepresented in North America [1][7] - The company plans to replicate its vertically integrated framework used in avocados, focusing on robust sourcing, efficient packing, and strong retail partnerships to position itself as a category builder in the mango market [2][7] - Mission Produce is optimistic about the growth potential for mangoes and complementary fruits like blueberries, driven by consumer preferences for healthy snacks and the company's ability to provide high-quality fruit year-round [3] Company Strategy - The mango program is in its early stages, but initial results are promising, with the company willing to absorb initial margin pressure as an investment for long-term market share gains [2][3] - The diversification strategy aims to stabilize financial performance against seasonal and geopolitical fluctuations, enhancing asset utilization across the supply chain [3] Peer Comparison - Calavo Growers, Inc. faces margin pressures due to limited diversification beyond avocados but is restructuring to improve efficiency and profitability [4] - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. benefits from a broader product mix and is investing in automation and sustainability to enhance operational efficiency [5] Market Performance - Mission Produce shares have gained 20.7% in the past month, outperforming the industry growth of 7.4% [6] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.93X, significantly above the industry average of 16.58X [8] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year decline of 20.3% in earnings for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 [9]

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) is effectively managing input and freight inflation through a vertically integrated sourcing and farming model, which enhances control over production costs and supply stability [1][7] - The company has optimized its logistics and cold-chain infrastructure to combat rising freight costs, enabling efficient routing and reducing reliance on third-party carriers [2][7] - AVO anticipates easing input and freight-related headwinds as it transitions to harvesting avocados from its own farms, which is expected to stabilize inventory costs [3][7] Company Strategy - Mission Produce owns and leases thousands of acres of avocado farms in Peru, Colombia, and Guatemala, reducing dependence on third-party growers [1] - The company operates a global network of ripening and distribution centers in North America, Europe, and Asia to manage the supply chain effectively [2] - AVO is diversifying into high-growth categories like blueberries and mangoes to enhance long-term growth prospects [3] Peer Comparison - Competitors like Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) and Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (FDP) are also managing inflation through operational streamlining and vertical integration [4][5] - CVGW focuses on automation and facility consolidation, while FDP optimizes shipping routes and diversifies sourcing to mitigate cost spikes [4][5] Financial Performance - AVO's shares have increased by 15.4% in the past month, outperforming the industry's growth of 3.8% [6] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 25.63X, significantly higher than the industry average of 16.32X [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year decline in earnings for fiscal 2025 and 2026, with declines of 32.4% and 6% respectively [9]

Financial Performance - Net sales decreased slightly to $1098 million from $1108 million in the prior year[22] - Gross profit increased to $92 million from $82 million in the prior year[23] - Adjusted operating income increased to $44 million from $31 million in the prior year[24] - Adjusted net income increased to $30 million from $16 million in the prior year[24] - Adjusted diluted EPS increased to $063 from $034 in the prior year[24] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $61 million from $44 million in the prior year[24] Segment Performance - Fresh and value-added products gross margin increased to 101% from 83%[31] - Banana gross margin decreased to 46% from 57%[37] - Other products & services gross margin increased to 119% from 89%[39] Financial Position - Net cash provided by operating activities was $46 million compared to $19 million in the prior year[42] - Long-term debt was $233 million compared to $244 million at the end of the prior year[42] - Adjusted leverage ratio was 086x compared to 177x in the prior year[42] - Capital spending was $10 million compared to $13 million in the prior year[42] - Dividend declared was $030 per share compared to $025 per share in the prior year[42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $1.098 billion, down from $1.108 billion in the prior year, primarily due to lower banana segment sales volume and negative exchange rate fluctuations, partially offset by higher sales in fresh and value-added products [13] - Gross profit increased to $92 million from $82 million year-over-year, driven by higher sales in fresh and value-added segments, despite increased production and distribution costs [13][14] - Gross margin improved to 8.4% from 7.4% in the prior year, reflecting a sequential increase from 6.8% in Q4 2024 [14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $61 million, or 6% of net sales, compared to $44 million, or 4%, in the prior year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh and value-added products segment net sales were $683 million, up from $677 million, driven by higher selling prices in avocados and fresh cut fruits [17] - Banana segment net sales decreased to $364 million from $380 million, impacted by lower sales volume and prices in Asia and North America, along with negative exchange rate effects [19] - Other products and services segment net sales remained stable at $51 million, with gross profit increasing to $6 million from $5 million due to higher selling prices in poultry and meats [20][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong consumer interest in avocados and fresh cut fruits was noted, with these categories central to the company's long-term growth strategy [6] - The company is closely monitoring global production conditions and managing supply-demand imbalances, particularly in the pineapple category, where demand exceeds supply [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to lead the industry in fresh and value-added products, focusing on quality, innovation, and sustainability [10] - Strategic acquisition of a majority stake in Abolio, a leading avocado oil producer in Uganda, is expected to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce waste [9] - The company is committed to diversifying its product portfolio and reducing reliance on any single market while investing in operational excellence and sustainability [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued solid demand for fresh produce, despite consumer pressures, and noted that market disruptions could present opportunities [32] - The company expects net sales to grow by 2% year-over-year for 2025, with gross margins projected to improve across various segments [26][27] - Management is closely monitoring tariff impacts and geopolitical developments but remains optimistic about the fundamentals of the business [25][27] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share, representing a 3.5% yield based on the current share price [23] - Long-term debt decreased to $233 million, a 5% reduction from the previous fiscal year-end [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand in the produce category - Management noted continuous solid demand in fresh produce, with no expected reductions in consumption, and highlighted potential opportunities arising from market disruptions [32] Question: Logistic issues in the industry - Management acknowledged that smaller operators are at a disadvantage due to logistical disruptions, while the company's integrated supply chain allows for operational flexibility [34][35] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing - Management is working closely with buyers to mitigate tariff impacts without negatively affecting consumers [36] Question: Performance of avocado segment - The avocado segment is performing well, with diversification in sourcing from various countries, indicating growth potential [38] Question: Fresh cut fruit margins - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong margins in the fresh cut fruit segment due to improved efficiency and sourcing [41] Question: Pineapple supply and demand - Management indicated that increasing consumption is driving demand for pineapples, which are currently in short supply relative to demand [44][45]