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 - Calavo Growers has appointed B. John Lindeman as the new CEO, succeeding Lee Cole, who will retire on December 8 [1] - Lindeman previously served as CEO of Hydrofarm Holdings Group and has extensive experience in the industry, including a prior role as CFO at Calavo [3][4] - The company is currently evaluating strategic alternatives following takeover interest received in June [5][6] Company Performance - For the fiscal third quarter ended July 31, 2025, Calavo reported net sales of $178.8 million, a decrease of 0.4% year-on-year [6] - Fresh segment sales were $155.9 million, reflecting a 5% decline, while prepared segment sales increased by 40% to $22.9 million [6] - Operating income fell by 7.5% to $8.6 million, with net income reported at $4.7 million, compared to a loss of $762,000 in the previous year [7] - For the nine months ended July 31, net sales totaled $523.7 million, an increase of 6.5% compared to the prior-year period [7] - Fresh segment sales rose by 6% to $470.3 million, and prepared segment sales increased by 10% to $53.5 million [7]

Core Viewpoint - Calavo Growers, Inc. has received a non-binding proposal to acquire all outstanding shares at a nominal value of $32.00 per share, which includes a mix of stock and cash, pending due diligence and financing [1]. Company Overview - Calavo Growers, Inc. is a global leader in sourcing, packing, and distributing fresh avocados, tomatoes, papayas, and processing guacamole and other avocado products [2]. - The company was founded in 1924 and has a strong culture of innovation and sustainable practices, serving various markets including retail grocery, foodservice, and wholesalers worldwide [2]. - Calavo is headquartered in Santa Paula, California, with facilities across the U.S. and Mexico [2].

Core Viewpoint - Calavo Growers, Inc. is set to provide a general business update following its 2025 annual shareholder meeting, highlighting its leadership in the avocado industry and value-added fresh food sector [1]. Group 1: Annual Meeting Details - The Annual Meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with eligible shareholders able to participate and vote [2]. - Shareholders of record as of February 24, 2025, will have the right to submit questions and vote during the meeting [2]. - Non-shareholders can attend as guests but will not have voting rights or the ability to ask questions [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Calavo Growers, Inc. is a global leader in processing and distributing avocados, tomatoes, papayas, and guacamole, operating a vertically integrated business model [4]. - Founded in 1924, the company serves various sectors including retail grocery, foodservice, club stores, and food distributors worldwide [4]. - The company is headquartered in Santa Paula, California, with operations throughout the U.S. and Mexico [4].

Core Viewpoint - Calavo Growers, Inc. has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $25 million to enhance shareholder value, reflecting confidence in its long-term strategy and financial position [1][2]. Group 1: Share Repurchase Program - The share repurchase program allows the company to buy back up to $25 million of its common stock through various methods, including open-market transactions and privately negotiated transactions [2]. - The program is effective until March 18, 2027, unless extended or terminated earlier by the Board of Directors [2]. - The timing, volume, and pricing of repurchases will depend on market conditions and the company's financial position [2]. Group 2: Financial Position and Strategy - The company emphasizes its strong balance sheet, expected cash flow generation, and robust liquidity position as key factors supporting the repurchase program [2]. - The repurchase initiative is part of the company's commitment to shareholders while maintaining flexibility for strategic growth and operational improvements [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Calavo Growers, Inc. is a leader in the processing and distribution of avocados, tomatoes, papayas, and guacamole, operating a vertically integrated business model [3]. - Founded in 1924, the company serves various sectors, including retail grocery, foodservice, and food distributors, with operations in the U.S. and Mexico [3].