OXNARD, Calif., Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mission Produce, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVO) (“Mission” or “the Company”) a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, today announced it will release its financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended January 31, 2026 after the market closes on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its financial results at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the same day. Conference Call Details The confere ...

Core Viewpoint - Mission Produce, Inc. has adopted a limited duration stockholder rights plan to protect against potential control by a strategic investor, Globalharvest Holdings Venture Ltd, while promoting fair treatment of all shareholders [1][2]. Group 1: Rights Plan Details - The Rights Plan is effective from January 21, 2026, and will expire on January 21, 2027, unless extended or terminated earlier [3]. - Each stockholder will receive one preferred stock purchase right for each share of common stock held as of February 4, 2026, allowing them to purchase a fraction of a share of newly-created Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $63.00 [3]. - The Board of Directors can redeem the rights at $0.01 per right before any person or group acquires 15% or more of the outstanding common stock [3]. Group 2: Acquisition Conditions - If a person or group acquires 15% or more of the common stock, the rights will allow holders to purchase shares of common stock at a market value of two times the right's exercise price [4]. - Rights held by the acquiring person will become void, and if the company is acquired in a merger not approved by the Board, rights will allow holders to purchase shares of the acquiring company's stock at a similar valuation [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Mission Produce is a global leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, with additional offerings in mangos and blueberries, servicing customers in over 25 countries [6]. - The company operates four packing facilities in key growing locations, including California, Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala, and has sourcing capabilities in various countries, ensuring a year-round supply of premium fruit [6]. - Mission Produce's distribution network includes strategically positioned centers across North America, China, Europe, and the UK, providing value-added services such as ripening and logistical management [6].

Financial Performance - Total revenue reached $319 million, a 10% year-over-year decrease[2] - Adjusted EBITDA hit a record $41.4 million, up 12% year-over-year[2, 3] - Avocado volume sold increased by 13% year-over-year, reaching 181.5 million pounds[2, 3] - Average selling price decreased by 27% year-over-year to $1.39 per pound[2] Segment Performance - Marketing & Distribution segment adjusted EBITDA increased by 11% due to higher volume[4] - International Farming adjusted EBITDA increased significantly by 211%[4] - Peruvian orchards produced approximately 105 million pounds of exportable avocados, more than double the prior year's production[4] Cash Flow and Capital Expenditure - The company generated $89 million in operating cash flow for the full year[5] - The company generated more than $180 million of operating cash flow over a two-year period[5] - Fiscal year 2026 capital expenditure is expected to decrease to approximately $40 million[5]

Core Insights - Mission Produce achieved record full year revenue of $1.39 billion, a 13% increase year-over-year, driven by strong performance in Marketing & Distribution and higher yields from Peruvian orchards in International Farming [1][4] - The company generated nearly $180 million in cash flow from operations over the past two years, with capital expenditures expected to decrease to approximately $40 million in FY26 as it enters a phase of accelerated free cash flow generation [1][6] - A leadership succession plan was announced, with Founder & CEO Steve Barnard transitioning to Executive Chairman and John Pawlowski assuming the CEO role in April 2026 [1] Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Overview - Total revenue for Q4 2025 was $319.0 million, a decrease of 10% compared to the same period last year, primarily due to a 27% decrease in average per-unit avocado sales prices, partially offset by a 13% increase in avocado volume sold [6][11] - Net income attributable to Mission Produce for Q4 was $16.0 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to $17.3 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the same period last year [9][35] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 increased 12% to $41.4 million, driven by increased avocado production in the International Farming segment and higher volume sold in Marketing & Distribution [10][41] Full Year 2025 Financial Overview - Full year revenue reached $1.39 billion, with a volume growth of 7% compared to the previous year [5] - Net income attributable to Mission Produce increased 3% to $37.7 million, or $0.53 per diluted share [5] - Adjusted net income for the year increased 6% to $56.2 million, or $0.79 per diluted share [5] Segment Performance Marketing & Distribution - Net sales decreased 15% to $271.9 million for Q4, driven by avocado volume and pricing dynamics [11] - Segment operating income increased 9% to $20.3 million, attributed to higher avocado volume sold [12] International Farming - Total sales in the International Farming segment for Q4 increased 97% to $59.6 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising 211% to $8.4 million [14] - The increase was driven by higher yields from owned avocado orchards and increased packing and cooling services provided to third parties [14] Blueberries - Sales in the Blueberries segment increased 16% to $36.5 million for Q4, primarily due to higher volume produced on owned farms [16] - Segment operating income was $4.9 million for Q4, down from $11.6 million in the same period last year due to higher unit costs [17] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents as of October 31, 2025, were $64.8 million, up from $58.0 million a year earlier [18] - Net cash provided by operating activities for the year was $88.6 million, compared to $93.4 million last year [19] - Capital expenditures for the year were $51.4 million, primarily for avocado orchard development and packhouse construction [20] Outlook - For Q1 FY26, avocado industry volumes are expected to increase by approximately 10%, driven by a larger Mexican crop [24] - Pricing is anticipated to be lower year-over-year by about 25% compared to the previous year's average [24] - Total capital expenditure for FY26 is expected to be approximately $40 million [24]

Leadership Transition - Mission Produce announced that John Pawlowski will become CEO effective at the close of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in April 2026, succeeding co-founder Steve Barnard, who will transition to Executive Chairman of the Board [1][2] - Steve Barnard has been with the company since its founding in 1983 and has served as CEO since 1988, highlighting the company's growth and operational success under his leadership [2][3] Financial Performance - The company has experienced exceptional financial performance over the past two years, completing a significant capital expenditure cycle and enhancing cash flow generation [2][3] - Mission Produce is well-positioned for future growth, with investments in growing operations and distribution infrastructure creating competitive advantages [3] Board Refreshment Initiative - Mission Produce is undergoing a strategic Board refreshment initiative, adding three new independent directors with expertise in finance, food and beverage operations, and agribusiness [4][5] - The Board is preparing for the retirement of long-time Board Chair Stephen Beebe and Board member Bonnie Lind, with Linda Segre appointed as the new Lead Independent Director [4][5] New Board Members - Michael Sims, Laura Flanagan, and Douglas Stone have been appointed as new independent directors, bringing extensive experience in the food and agribusiness sectors [9] - Sims will assume the role of Chair of the Audit Committee, Flanagan will chair the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Stone will serve on the Compensation Committee [9]

Core Viewpoint - Mission Produce, Inc. will release its financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter ended October 31, 2025, on December 18, 2025, after market close, followed by a conference call to discuss the results [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be released after market close on December 18, 2025 [1]. - A conference call and webcast will be held at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the financial results [1]. Group 2: Conference Call Details - The conference call can be accessed live by dialing (877) 407-9039 for domestic callers and (201) 689-8470 for international callers [2]. - A replay of the call will be available until January 1, 2026, with specific dialing instructions for both domestic and international callers [2]. Group 3: Webcast Information - The live audio webcast of the conference call will be accessible on the Company's Investor Relations website [3]. - An archived replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the live event concludes [3]. Group 4: Company Overview - Mission Produce is a global leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados and mangos, serving customers in over 25 countries [4]. - The company has been in operation since 1983 and is vertically integrated with five packing facilities across the U.S., Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala [4]. - Mission Produce has sourcing capabilities from over 20 premium growing regions, ensuring a year-round supply of fresh fruit [4]. - The company's distribution network includes strategically positioned centers across North America, China, Europe, and the UK, offering various value-added services [4].

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. has appointed Douglas M. Stone to its Board of Directors, effective November 26, 2025, increasing the board size from ten to eleven directors [1][2] - Stone will also serve on the Compensation Committee, replacing Bruce C. Taylor [2] - Stone has extensive leadership experience in the agribusiness sector, having previously served as President of AgriBusiness at J.R. Simplot Company and held various key roles in other companies [3][4] Company Overview - Mission Produce is a global leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados and mangos, operating in over 25 countries [5] - The company has been in operation since 1983 and is vertically integrated with five packing facilities across the U.S., Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala [5] - Mission Produce has sourcing capabilities from over 20 premium growing regions, ensuring a year-round supply of fresh fruit [5]

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) and Dole plc (DOLE) represent two distinct business models in the fresh produce sector, with AVO focusing on avocados and DOLE on a broader range of fruits and vegetables [1][2] Group 1: Mission Produce (AVO) - AVO reported a record quarterly revenue of $357.7 million for Q3 fiscal 2025, marking a 10% year-over-year increase, driven by a 10% rise in avocado volumes [2][4] - The company's vertically integrated model allows it to manage the entire value chain, ensuring supply reliability and pricing agility, with its International Farming segment seeing a 79% year-over-year revenue increase [3][4] - AVO's net income for the fiscal third quarter was $14.7 million, with strong cash generation of $34 million from operations, supported by investments in digital traceability and market expansion [4] Group 2: Dole plc (DOLE) - DOLE achieved a revenue of $2.4 billion in Q2 2025, reflecting a 14.3% year-over-year increase, alongside a 9.3% rise in adjusted EBITDA to $137 million [5][9] - The company has a significant presence in the global fruit and vegetable market, with a diversified portfolio that includes leading positions in bananas and pineapples [6][7] - Dole's strategic divestiture of its Fresh Vegetables division aims to enhance focus on high-performing segments, while its strong distribution partnerships support its market position [7][9] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - AVO's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple is 20.57X, slightly below its 5-year median of 20.77X, while DOLE's forward P/E is 9.26X, below its 5-year median of 9.92X [18][20] - In the past year, AVO's stock declined by 11.5%, outperforming DOLE's 21.8% decline, although both underperformed the S&P 500's 15.7% return [14][20] - AVO is viewed as a higher-growth business, while DOLE's valuation reflects its diversified nature and stability, appealing to value-focused investors [20][21] Group 4: Market Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests AVO's fiscal 2025 sales will grow by 12.1%, while DOLE's sales are expected to increase by 7% [10][12] - AVO's focus on premium growth in the avocado market contrasts with DOLE's broader, more stable approach, making AVO attractive for growth-oriented investors [21][22] - Overall, AVO is positioned as a leader in the avocado sector, while DOLE offers a diversified portfolio that ensures stability and income [22][24]

Company Overview - Mission Produce, Inc. is a global leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados and mangos, serving retail, wholesale, and foodservice customers in over 25 countries [4] - The company has been in operation since 1983 and is vertically integrated, owning five state-of-the-art packing facilities across the U.S., Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala [4] - Mission Produce sources from over 20 premium growing regions, ensuring a year-round supply of premium fresh fruit [4] - The company's global distribution network includes strategically positioned forward distribution centers across key markets in North America, China, Europe, and the UK, offering value-added services [4] Financial Results Announcement - Mission Produce will release its financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended July 31, 2025, after the market closes on September 8, 2025 [1] - A conference call and webcast to discuss the financial results will be held at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the same day [1] Conference Call Details - The conference call can be accessed live by dialing (877) 407-9039 for domestic callers and (201) 689-8470 for international callers [2] - A replay of the call will be available until September 22, 2025, with specific dialing instructions for both domestic and international callers [2] - The live audio webcast will be accessible on the Company's Investor Relations website, with an archived replay available shortly after the live event [3]

Core Insights - Mission Produce Inc. (AVO) and Limoneira Company (LMNR) represent contrasting approaches in the fresh produce market, with AVO focusing on avocados and LMNR on a diversified citrus portfolio [1][2][3] Investment Case for AVO - Mission Produce is a leading vertically integrated supplier of Hass avocados, with a strong global presence and year-round supply capabilities [3][5] - The company is expanding its portfolio to include mangoes and blueberries, which helps mitigate risks associated with avocado price volatility [4][6] - AVO's scale and infrastructure allow it to effectively manage supply chain disruptions, maintaining customer commitments even during trade tensions [5][6] - The structural drivers of rising avocado consumption and AVO's adaptability position it well for long-term growth in the fresh produce sector [6] Investment Case for LMNR - Limoneira is a major U.S. lemon producer with a growing focus on avocados, aiming to increase production through new plantings [7][9] - The partnership with Sunkist Growers is expected to yield $5 million in annual savings and enhance efficiency, positioning LMNR as a multi-citrus player [10] - Limoneira's real estate and water monetization initiatives provide additional income streams, although its earnings are still subject to crop cycles and commodity pressures [11] Performance Comparison - AVO shares have increased by 16.9% over the past three months, while LMNR shares have declined by 4.3%, indicating diverging market momentum [8][18] - AVO trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 0.71X, below its 5-year median, while LMNR's P/S multiple is 2X [20][23] Conclusion - Mission Produce is viewed as the more compelling investment choice due to its strong market position, attractive valuation, and growth potential in avocados and adjacent categories [25][26] - Limoneira, while offering diversification, faces challenges that may slow its growth trajectory compared to AVO [24][26]