Core Insights - Mission Produce (AVO) is currently facing challenges in the avocado business, experiencing a downturn and reporting losses despite its leading market position in a growing industry [1]. Group 1: Company Performance - The avocado business of Mission Produce is not performing well, leading to financial losses [1]. - The company is recognized as a leader in the avocado market, which is experiencing growth, yet it is struggling to capitalize on this trend [1]. Group 2: Investment Opportunities - The investment group "Value In Corporate Events" focuses on identifying actionable ideas from major corporate events such as earnings reports, M&A, and IPOs [1]. - The group aims to provide coverage of approximately 10 major events each month to uncover the best investment opportunities [1].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of investing in safe-haven assets and undervalued dividend-paying consumer staples stocks during periods of market volatility and geopolitical tension [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - Safe-haven assets like gold, silver, and U.S. Treasuries are recommended for hedging risks, although their effectiveness may vary [1]. - Consumer staples and utilities are considered safe investments due to their inelastic demand and established history of returning capital to shareholders [2]. Group 2: Selected Companies - **United Breweries Co. (CCU)**: - Benzinga Edge Value Score of 98.14, with a current dividend yield of 2.8% and a dividend payout ratio (DPR) of 58.9% [4]. - The stock trades at 16 times earnings and 0.85 times sales, showing positive price action [4]. - CCU shares have increased over 11% recently, with bullish indicators such as a Golden Cross and favorable MACD signals [7]. - **NuSkin Enterprises Inc. (NUS)**: - Benzinga Edge Value Score of 86.96, with a market cap of $540 million and a dividend yield of 2.08% [8]. - The company reduced its dividend payout from $0.39 to $0.06, but the current payout allows for future increases [8]. - NUS shares have risen 15% at the start of the year, indicating bullish momentum [11]. - **Cresud SACIF y A (CRESY)**: - Benzinga Edge Value Score of 93.82, with a dividend yield of over 5% and a DPR of 23.4% [12]. - The company operates in agriculture and real estate, providing diversification during geopolitical tensions [12]. - CRESY shares have formed a Golden Cross, with the 50-day SMA acting as support [15]. - **Weis Markets Inc. (WMK)**: - Benzinga Edge Value Score of 89.87, with a market cap of $1.68 billion and a dividend yield of 2% [16]. - The DPR is 35.79%, allowing potential for future dividend increases [16]. - WMK shares have shown bullish signals, with a breakout above the 50-day SMA and an RSI indicating upward momentum [18]. - **Calavo Growers Inc. (CVGW)**: - Benzinga Edge Value Score of 80.91, with a dividend yield of 3.09% and a DPR of 72% [19]. - The company operates in the fresh produce sector, which is less affected by tariffs [19]. - CVGW shares have surged nearly 20% recently, breaking above key moving averages [21].

Summary of Mission Produce and Calavo Acquisition Conference Call Company and Industry Overview - **Companies Involved**: Mission Produce (NasdaqGS: AVO) and Calavo Growers - **Industry**: Fresh produce, specifically focusing on avocados, tomatoes, papayas, and prepared foods Core Points and Arguments - **Acquisition Announcement**: Mission Produce has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Calavo, a leading provider in the fresh produce market, particularly avocados and prepared foods [2][4] - **Strategic Importance**: This acquisition is seen as a significant milestone for both Mission and the industry, aiming to create a more diversified and stronger company for long-term growth [4][6] - **Complementary Strengths**: Mission's scale and distribution capabilities will be enhanced by Calavo's strong customer relationships and prepared foods platform, creating a fully integrated model [6][11] - **Financial Projections**: On a pro forma basis, the combined company is expected to generate approximately $2 billion in net sales and $176 million in adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025 [6][12] - **Transaction Structure**: The acquisition will be a cash and stock transaction, with Calavo shareholders receiving $27 per share, consisting of $14.85 in cash and 0.9790 shares of Mission [7][8] - **Ownership Post-Transaction**: Mission shareholders are expected to own approximately 80.3% of the combined company, while Calavo shareholders will own about 19.7% [7] Additional Important Insights - **Market Expansion**: The acquisition will strengthen Mission's position in the North American avocado market and accelerate international expansion, particularly in Mexico and California [10][12] - **Prepared Foods Segment**: Calavo's portfolio includes guacamole, salsas, and dips, which is a growing market with a total addressable market of approximately $1.7 billion, growing in the high single digits [11][12] - **Synergies and Cost Savings**: Mission anticipates $25 million in annualized cost synergies within 18 months post-close, with potential for additional upside [12][26] - **Revenue Synergies**: The combined marketing capabilities and sourcing strength are expected to enhance overall commercial opportunities, although specific quantitative estimates were not provided [31][40] - **Operational Integration**: The management teams from both companies are confident in their ability to execute a seamless integration, leveraging best practices and operational efficiencies [12][13] Conclusion - The acquisition of Calavo by Mission Produce is positioned as a strategic move to enhance market presence, diversify product offerings, and create significant value through operational synergies and expanded capabilities in the fresh produce and prepared foods sectors [4][6][15]

Core Insights - The company reported a strong financial performance for fiscal 2024, achieving $1.2 billion in revenue and $107.8 million in adjusted EBITDA, highlighting its robust business model and market position [4][10] - The Marketing and Distribution segment was a key driver of growth, with net sales increasing by 35% to $319.6 million, primarily due to a 36% rise in avocado sales prices [13] - The International Farming segment faced challenges due to El Nino weather conditions, but still managed to generate positive adjusted EBITDA, indicating resilience in the face of adverse circumstances [14] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q4 2024 increased by 37% to $354.4 million, driven by higher avocado prices resulting from supply constraints in Peru [10] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $19.6 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, compared to $7.5 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, in the previous year [12] - Operating cash flow for fiscal 2024 increased by $64.2 million to $93.4 million, supported by improved operational performance and favorable working capital management [16] Segment Performance - The Marketing and Distribution segment's adjusted EBITDA rose by $14.8 million to $25.6 million, benefiting from higher per-unit gross margins [13] - The International Farming segment reported net sales of $30.3 million and adjusted EBITDA of $2.7 million, down from $40.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in the prior year due to reduced volume from adverse weather [14] - The blueberry segment saw net sales increase to $31.6 million from $19.5 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $8.6 million from $5.4 million, driven by higher volumes and yield improvements [15] Capital Expenditures and Future Outlook - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2024 were $32.2 million, down from $49.8 million the previous year, with a projected CapEx budget for fiscal 2025 expected to be between $50 million and $55 million [18][19] - The company aims to maintain a trajectory of moderating capital spending while focusing on optimizing returns from its existing asset base [19] - The USDA's approval of Guatemalan avocado imports is expected to enhance the company's competitive position and support its expansion strategy [6][7] Market Dynamics - The company capitalized on supply constraints in the avocado market, leveraging its global sourcing network to maintain consistent supply and achieve robust per-unit margins [3] - Consumer demand for avocados remains strong, with expectations for pricing to be approximately 20% higher year-over-year in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 [21] - The blueberry harvest season is anticipated to peak in the first quarter, with expected volume increases offset by lower average sales prices due to higher overall industry volumes [22][23]

Group 1: Mission Produce Overview - Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) is expanding its portfolio beyond avocados into berries, particularly blueberries, to reduce reliance on a single crop and unlock new growth avenues [1][7] - The company is leveraging its vertically integrated model, including owned farming operations and established distribution infrastructure, to compete in the berry category, which has strong long-term demand but high execution risk [1][7] - Investments in premium varietals, expanded acreage, and improved post-harvest handling are aimed at enhancing flavor, shelf life, and year-round availability, reflecting a disciplined, data-driven approach [1] Group 2: Diversification and Challenges - Diversification into berries introduces complexity, as they are more cost-intensive and sensitive to weather and labor dynamics, requiring sustained capital investment before returns materialize [2] - Near-term margin volatility is expected, but the broader strategy is anticipated to strengthen AVO's growth profile and resilience over time [2] - If AVO can consistently apply its operational expertise across multiple fruit categories, it could become a multi-category global produce leader, reducing exposure to single-crop cycles [2] Group 3: Market Position and Valuation - AVO's shares have decreased by 2.1% over the last six months, outperforming the industry's decline of 10.4% [6] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.22X, significantly above the industry average of 14.45X [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AVO's fiscal 2026 earnings suggests a year-over-year decline of 10.13%, while fiscal 2027 indicates growth of 4.23% [9]

Group 1: Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) Mango Business - AVO's mango business is emerging as a promising growth engine alongside its core avocado operations due to rising global demand and retailer preferences for consistent supply [2][9] - The company has expanded sourcing across multiple geographies, which helps to smooth seasonal gaps and reduce dependence on any single region, enhancing logistics and category management [3][9] - AVO faces challenges in achieving year-round supply consistency due to the variability in mango types, weather volatility, and regional crop risks, but its disciplined approach suggests potential for mangoes to become a significant growth pillar [4][9] Group 2: Operational Efficiency in Corteva, Inc. (CTVA) and Dole plc (DOLE) - CTVA and DOLE are enhancing their competitive edge by focusing on operational efficiency, leveraging innovation, scale, and supply-chain discipline to protect margins in cost-sensitive markets [5] - CTVA's strength lies in operational and innovation-driven efficiency, focusing on precision agriculture and advanced seed genetics to maximize yields while optimizing costs [6] - DOLE's efficiency is based on scale and logistics discipline, utilizing global sourcing and integrated distribution networks to manage thin margins and improve asset utilization [7] Group 3: AVO's Financial Performance and Valuation - AVO's shares have decreased by 2.9% over the last three months, while the industry has declined by 4.7% [8] - AVO trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.38X, significantly higher than the industry average of 12.69X [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year decline of 10.13% in AVO's fiscal 2026 earnings, with a projected growth of 4.23% for fiscal 2027 [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 FY2025, total net revenue was $42.8 million, a decrease from $43.9 million in Q4 FY2024 [15] - Agribusiness revenue was $41.3 million compared to $42.5 million in the same quarter last year [15] - Operating loss for Q4 FY2025 was $11.1 million, compared to an operating loss of $2.8 million in Q4 FY2024 [18] - Net loss applicable to common stock for Q4 FY2025 was $8.8 million, compared to a net loss of $2 million in Q4 FY2024 [18] - For FY2025, total net revenue was $159.7 million, down from $191.5 million in FY2024 [20] - Adjusted EBITDA for FY2025 was a loss of $6.5 million compared to income of $26.7 million in FY2024 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh packed lemon sales in Q4 FY2025 were $19.2 million, up from $8.4 million in Q4 FY2024, with 821,000 cartons sold at an average price of $23.33 per carton [15] - Avocado revenue in Q4 FY2025 was $300,000, down from $8.9 million in Q4 FY2024, with 396,000 pounds sold at an average price of $0.79 per pound [16] - Orange revenue in Q4 FY2025 was $2.9 million, compared to $1.7 million in Q4 FY2024 [17] - Specialty citrus and other revenues were $2.9 million in Q4 FY2025, down from $3.5 million in Q4 FY2024 [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The California avocado crop typically experiences alternate years of high and low production, impacting revenue [16] - The company expects fresh lemon volumes of 4-4.5 million cartons and avocado volumes of 5-6 million pounds for FY2026 [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming its business model by reducing exposure to volatile lemon pricing and expanding into avocados and organic recycling [5][10] - A partnership with Sunkist is expected to generate $10 million in cost savings for FY2026 [6][24] - The company is also focusing on real estate development projects, expecting $155 million in distributions over the next five fiscal years [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted a significant transformation in the business model, moving from a commodity lemon producer to a diversified agricultural and real estate company [11] - The company anticipates improved financial performance in FY2026 due to cost savings and enhanced customer access through the Sunkist partnership [11][24] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of its Chilean assets for $15 million and is advancing the monetization of other non-strategic assets [9] - Long-term debt as of October 31, 2025, was $72.5 million, up from $40 million at the end of FY2024 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the $10 million cost savings from the Sunkist partnership? - Management explained that the savings come from reduced sales and marketing costs and improved operational efficiencies, including renegotiated storage contracts [29][30] Question: How does the company plan to monetize its water rights? - Management discussed the complexities of water rights in water-scarce areas and the potential for monetization through conservation and fallowing programs [39][40] Question: What is the outlook for lemon pricing? - Management indicated that lemon prices are expected to stabilize, with a potential average price in the $20 range, depending on market conditions [76][77] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding debt management? - Management emphasized the goal of reducing debt while increasing EBITDA through core operations and asset monetization [80][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, total net revenue was $42.8 million, a decrease from $43.9 million in the same quarter of the previous year [15] - Agribusiness revenue was $41.3 million compared to $42.5 million in the fourth quarter last year, while other operations revenue increased slightly to $1.5 million from $1.4 million [15] - The operating loss for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 was $11.1 million, compared to an operating loss of $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 [18] - Net loss applicable to common stock after preferred dividends was $8.8 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to a net loss of $2 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024 [18] - For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, total net revenue was $159.7 million, down from $191.5 million the previous year, primarily due to decreased agribusiness revenues [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Agribusiness revenue for the fourth quarter included $19.2 million in fresh packed lemon sales, significantly up from $8.4 million during the same period of fiscal year 2024 [15] - Brokered lemons and other lemon sales were $12.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, down from $14.7 million in the previous year [16] - Avocado revenue dropped to $300,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 from $8.9 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024, attributed to lower production [16] - Orange revenue increased to $2.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 from $1.7 million in the same period of fiscal year 2024 [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The California avocado crop typically experiences alternate years of high and low production, which impacted the volume sold in fiscal year 2025 [16] - The average price per carton for U.S. packed fresh lemons was $23.33 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025, compared to $17.95 in the same period of fiscal year 2024 [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming its business model by reducing exposure to volatile lemon pricing and expanding into avocados, with a goal of generating $10 million in cost savings in fiscal year 2026 [5][6] - The return to Sunkist is expected to enhance customer access and improve packing margins, while the avocado production capacity is set to increase significantly over the next few years [7][10] - The company is also pursuing a 50/50 organic recycling joint venture and real estate development projects, with expected distributions totaling $155 million over the next five fiscal years [8] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence that fiscal year 2026 will mark the beginning of the financial impact from the transformation, with expectations for improved financial performance [11] - The company anticipates a 50% reduction in SG&A expenses, approximately $10 million in savings, and expects avocado production to contribute meaningfully starting in fiscal year 2027 [10][24] - Management highlighted the importance of diversifying revenue streams and optimizing the asset base to create a more resilient business model [10] Other Important Information - The company successfully completed the sale of its Chilean assets for $15 million and is advancing the monetization of its Windfall Farms vineyard and other agricultural assets valued at approximately $40 million [9] - Long-term debt as of October 31, 2025, was $72.5 million, up from $40 million at the end of fiscal year 2024, with a net debt position of $71 million [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the $10 million cost savings and customer relationships? - Management explained that the cost savings come from transitioning to Sunkist and renegotiating storage contracts, with a significant reduction in sales and marketing costs per carton [29][32] Question: What is the outlook for lemon pricing? - Management indicated that lemon prices are expected to stabilize, with a potential average price in the $20 range, depending on market conditions [75] Question: Can you elaborate on the water rights strategy? - Management discussed the complexities of water rights in water-scarce areas and the potential for monetizing conserved water rights, particularly in California and Arizona [39][40] Question: What is the development strategy for Limco Del Mar? - Management outlined the entitlement process for the Limco Del Mar project, emphasizing community engagement and the potential increase in land value upon successful entitlement [55][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 FY 2025, total net revenue was $42.8 million, a decrease from $43.9 million in Q4 FY 2024. Agribusiness revenue was $41.3 million compared to $42.5 million in the previous year [13][19] - The operating loss for Q4 FY 2025 was $11.1 million, compared to a loss of $2.8 million in Q4 FY 2024. The net loss applicable to common stock was $8.8 million, compared to a loss of $2 million in the same period last year [17][20] - For FY 2025, total net revenue was $159.7 million, down from $191.5 million in FY 2024, primarily due to decreased agribusiness revenues [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Agribusiness revenue for Q4 FY 2025 included $19.2 million in fresh packed lemon sales, significantly up from $8.4 million in Q4 FY 2024. Approximately 821,000 cartons of U.S. packed fresh lemons were sold at an average price of $23.33 per carton [13][14] - Avocado revenue was $300,000 in Q4 FY 2025, down from $8.9 million in Q4 FY 2024, with approximately 396,000 pounds sold at an average price of $0.79 per pound [15] - Orange revenue increased to $2.9 million in Q4 FY 2025 from $1.7 million in Q4 FY 2024, with 148,000 cartons sold at an average price of $19.67 per carton [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects fresh lemon volumes of 4-4.5 million cartons and avocado volumes of 5-6 million pounds for FY 2026, indicating a strategic shift towards higher-demand products [24] - The transition to Sunkist is anticipated to enhance customer access and pricing stability, with a focus on contracted sales rather than open market sales [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming its business model by reducing reliance on volatile lemon pricing and expanding into avocados and real estate development [5][9] - A planned organic recycling joint venture is expected to generate $4-$5 million in additional EBITDA starting in FY 2027 [7] - The company aims to achieve $10 million in cost savings in FY 2026, driven by operational restructuring and the Sunkist partnership [5][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the importance of the Sunkist partnership in improving cost structure and customer relationships, which is expected to yield financial benefits in FY 2026 [24] - The company anticipates a significant increase in avocado production capacity over the next few years, contributing to revenue growth [6][24] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term value of water rights and the potential for monetization through fallowing programs [39][46] Other Important Information - The company completed the sale of its Chilean assets for $15 million and is advancing the monetization of other non-strategic assets valued at approximately $40 million [8] - Long-term debt increased to $72.5 million as of October 31, 2025, compared to $40 million at the end of FY 2024 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the $10 million cost savings from the Sunkist partnership? - Management explained that the savings come from reduced sales and marketing costs and improved operational efficiencies, including renegotiated storage contracts [28][29] Question: How does the company plan to monetize its water rights? - Management discussed the complexities of water rights in water-scarce areas and the potential for monetization through conservation and fallowing programs [36][39] Question: What is the outlook for lemon pricing in the near term? - Management indicated that lemon prices are expected to stabilize, with a potential average price in the $20 range, depending on market conditions [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal 2025 recorded revenue of $1.39 billion, a 13% increase from the previous year, driven by a 7% volume growth in avocados [7][17] - Fourth quarter revenue totaled $319 million, down 10% year-over-year due to a 27% decrease in average per-unit avocado sales prices [17] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $22.2 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to $19.6 million, or $0.28 per diluted share last year [18] - Adjusted EBITDA increased 12% to a record $41.4 million compared to $36.9 million last year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The marketing and distribution segment achieved 7% avocado volume growth for the full year and 13% in the fourth quarter [9][20] - International farming segment sales increased 97% to $59.7 million, with segment-adjusted EBITDA more than tripling to $8.4 million [21] - Blueberry net sales increased 16% to $36.5 million, although segment-adjusted EBITDA decreased due to lower per-unit margins [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American market showed stable growth, while Europe and Asia experienced significant volume growth, with European volume sold increasing by 40% [8][10] - The company's international penetration was bolstered by consistent supply from Peruvian products, allowing for deeper relationships with large retailers [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging its integrated global platform to drive growth and enhance free cash flow, with a significant emphasis on international expansion [15][16] - The management transition is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on the company's strong foundation and drive future growth [3][4] - The company aims to increase household penetration of avocados from approximately 70% to 73%-75% over the next couple of years [51][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate pricing volatility and supply disruptions, highlighting the team's execution capabilities [9][15] - The outlook for Fiscal 2026 anticipates a 10% increase in avocado industry volumes, although pricing is expected to be lower year-over-year [24] Other Important Information - The company reduced long-term debt by approximately $18 million during Fiscal 2025, resulting in a 25% decline in interest expense [23] - Capital expenditures for the year were $51.4 million, with expectations to decrease to approximately $40 million in Fiscal 2026 [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for mangoes and potential growth - Management indicated that the growth trajectory for mangoes will be similar to previous years, focusing on market share penetration and global sourcing initiatives [28][29] Question: Risks in achieving free cash flow growth - Management highlighted strong operating performance as the primary driver of cash flow, with a focus on maintaining flexibility in capital expenditures [30][31] Question: Capital allocation with lower CapEx - The company is prioritizing growth and exploring various opportunities to maximize shareholder value, including potential share buybacks [32][33] Question: Changes in strategy with management transition - Management confirmed that the strategic direction remains consistent, with a focus on growth and capital deployment over the next five to ten years [34][36] Question: Insights on CapEx and growth opportunities - Approximately $20 million of the upcoming $40 million CapEx is expected to be growth-oriented, with investments in both farming operations and commercial expansion [41][42] Question: Household penetration goals for avocados - Management aims to increase household penetration to 73%-75% over the next couple of years, leveraging lower pricing environments to drive consumer engagement [47][52]