OXNARD, Calif., Aug. 25, 2025 (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 third quarter ended July 31, 2025 after the market closes on Monday, September 8, 2025. 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 conferenc ...

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. announced the retirement of Juan Wiesner, President of Central and South America, effective November 1, 2025, after 14 years of leadership [1][2] - Simón González, a 13-year veteran of the company, will be promoted to Senior Vice President, International Farming, as part of the strategic succession plan [1][4] Company Growth and Operations - During Wiesner's tenure, he significantly contributed to the growth of Mission Produce in Central and South America, particularly in launching and scaling operations in Peru and expanding into Guatemala [2][3] - The company has developed a vertically integrated farming operation, with over 6,500 plantable hectares dedicated to avocados, mangos, and blueberries across Peru and Guatemala [3] Leadership Transition - Simón González brings over 20 years of agribusiness experience and has been instrumental in executing strategic initiatives in Peru and Guatemala [3][4] - The company is confident in González's ability to continue driving international success and operational excellence as it approaches a new chapter in its global growth strategy [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 operates five state-of-the-art packing facilities across the U.S., Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala, ensuring a year-round supply of premium fresh fruit [4]

Core Viewpoint - Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) has seen stock momentum due to strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing customer relationships and expanding globally, but its current forward P/E ratio of 28.98X raises concerns about valuation compared to the industry average of 15.28X [1][3][7] Valuation Metrics - The price-to-sales ratio for Mission Produce is 0.69X, which is higher than the industry average of 0.48X, indicating potential investor unease regarding its value proposition at current levels [2] - AVO's P/E ratio of 28.98X is significantly above peers like Archer Daniels Midland Company (12.39X), Corteva Inc. (22.36X), and Adecoagro (11.68X), suggesting a premium valuation [3][19] Stock Performance - Over the past three months, AVO's shares have increased by 17.2%, outperforming the Agricultural-Operations industry's growth of 14.4% and the S&P 500's rally of 14.3% [4][8] - The current share price of $12.19 is 20.1% below its 52-week high of $15.25 and 27.5% above its 52-week low of $9.56, indicating bullish sentiment as it trades above its 50 and 200-day moving averages [10][11] Strategic Initiatives - Mission Produce is effectively managing seasonal supply challenges through a global sourcing network and a vertically integrated structure, enhancing its reputation in the fresh produce market [14][20] - The company is expanding its mango business and improving operations in the U.K., which are yielding strategic benefits and driving customer engagement [15][16] Future Outlook - AVO is positioned to benefit from strong seasonal harvests and favorable consumer demand trends, with expectations of a 10-15% increase in avocado volumes due to a strong Peruvian harvest [16] - Despite muted EPS estimates for the near term, the company's focus on top-line growth and strategic expansion suggests long-term upside potential [21]

Core Insights - Mission Produce's expansion into Europe is part of a global strategy focused on diversification and operational efficiency, aiming to reduce reliance on North America and ensure year-round supply [1][7] - The company reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, achieving record revenues and growth in core categories like avocados and blueberries, indicating its capacity to support geographic expansion [2][7] - The European market presents logistical challenges and competitive pressures, with established players and varying consumer preferences, which could complicate Mission Produce's strategy [3][4][5] Financial Performance - Mission Produce's shares increased by 19.5% over the last three months, while the industry saw a growth of 30.1% [6] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.59X, significantly higher than the industry average of 16.71X, indicating a premium valuation [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts a year-over-year earnings decline of 20.3% for both fiscal 2025 and 2026, with estimates remaining unchanged over the past week [9][10]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Agriculture – Operations industry is expected to benefit from continuous innovation and rising demand for health-conscious products, particularly alternative proteins [1] - The industry includes companies involved in the production, transportation, storage, processing, and distribution of agricultural commodities, as well as those engaged in dairy operations and food ingredient development [3] Growth Drivers - Key growth drivers include acquisitions, joint ventures, expansion strategies, advances in food processing, enhanced grain-handling techniques, and strong demand from emerging markets [1][5] - The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects agricultural exports of $170.5 billion for fiscal 2025, driven by stronger grain and feed exports, particularly corn [4] Challenges - The industry faces headwinds such as volatile commodity prices, rising input costs, trade uncertainties, and escalating operational expenses, which are squeezing margins and disrupting productivity [2][6] - Companies are managing higher selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses due to performance-related compensation and technology investments [7] Market Performance - The Zacks Agriculture – Operations industry has outperformed the Zacks Consumer Staples sector with a collective gain of 9.3% over the past year, while underperforming the S&P 500, which gained 11.5% [11] - The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 229, placing it in the bottom 7% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating dull near-term prospects [9][10] Company Highlights - **Mission Produce**: Engaged in sourcing and distributing avocados, mangoes, and blueberries, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 earnings up 18% in the past 30 days [17][18] - **Corteva**: Positioned for above-market growth through innovation and a strong product pipeline, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings suggesting a 16.7% increase [21][23] - **Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)**: Focused on nutrition and sustainable materials, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings declining by 0.5% [25][26] - **Alico**: Benefits from strong consumption of not-from-concentrate orange juice, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for current fiscal-year sales suggesting a 20.5% growth [29][30]

Core Viewpoint - Mission Produce, Inc. reported record fiscal second quarter revenue driven by the Marketing & Distribution segment, achieving a total revenue of $380.3 million, a 28% increase compared to the same period last year [4][6]. Financial Overview - Total revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 increased by $82.7 million or 28% to $380.3 million compared to the same period last year [4]. - Net income for the second quarter was $3.1 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, down from $7.0 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the same period last year [6][7]. - Adjusted net income was $8.7 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to $9.8 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the same period last year [8]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $19.1 million, a decrease of $1.1 million or 5% compared to $20.2 million in the prior year period [8]. Segment Performance - In the Marketing & Distribution segment, net sales increased by $75.4 million or 26% to $362.5 million, driven by higher avocado pricing [9]. - The International Farming segment saw total sales increase by $6.7 million or 479% to $8.1 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $1.5 million from a loss of $2.2 million in the same period last year [11]. - The Blueberries segment reported a 57% increase in net sales to $15.7 million, primarily due to higher volume driven by increased acreage and yields [12]. Operational Insights - The company executed $5.2 million in share repurchases during the quarter, reflecting a belief that the share price was undervalued [3]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $36.7 million as of April 30, 2025, down from $58.0 million as of October 31, 2024 [14]. - Net cash used in operating activities was $13.0 million for the six months ended April 30, 2025, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $12.9 million for the same period last year [16]. Outlook - For the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, industry volumes are expected to be approximately 10-15% higher compared to the prior year, driven by a strong Peruvian harvest outlook [23]. - The company anticipates exportable avocado production from its owned farms in Peru to range between 100 million to 110 million pounds, significantly higher than the 43 million pounds in the 2024 harvest season [23]. - Total capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 are expected to remain in the range of $50 to $55 million [23].

Core Viewpoint - Mission Produce, Inc. will release its financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended April 30, 2025, on June 5, 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 closes on June 5, 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 June 19, 2025, with specific dialing instructions for both domestic and international callers [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Mission Produce is a global leader in the avocado business, also offering mangos and blueberries, and has been in operation since 1983 [4]. - The company services retail, wholesale, and foodservice customers in over 25 countries and operates four packing facilities in key growing locations [4]. - Mission Produce has a vertically integrated supply chain and a global distribution network, providing year-round supply of premium fruit [4].

Core Viewpoint - Mission Produce, Inc. has appointed Michael Bryan Sims as an independent Class I director to its board, effective May 5, 2025, increasing the board size from eight to nine directors [1]. Company Overview - Mission Produce is a global leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, with additional offerings in mangos and blueberries. The company has been operational since 1983 and serves customers in over 25 countries [7]. - The company operates four state-of-the-art packing facilities in key growing locations, including California, Mexico, Peru, and Guatemala, and has sourcing capabilities in several other countries, ensuring a year-round supply of premium fruit [7]. Appointment of Michael Bryan Sims - Michael Bryan Sims brings over four decades of experience in leading global organizations in the food, agriculture, and consumer industries, with a strong background in operational, strategic, and financial expertise [3]. - Sims has previously served as Executive Vice President and CFO of TruGreen, where he led financial restructurings and operational improvements. He also held senior roles at AdvancePierre Foods and Chiquita Brands International [4]. - In addition to his executive experience, Sims serves on the boards of The Hain Celestial Group and Winland Foods, providing strategic and financial oversight [5]. Expectations from the Appointment - The CEO of Mission Produce, Steve Barnard, expressed confidence that Sims' financial background and board-level experience will enhance the company's growth strategies and create sustainable value [6]. - Sims stated that he is honored to join the board and aligns with Mission's commitment to operational excellence and supply chain transparency, looking forward to supporting the company's growth [6].

Core Industry Insights - The Zacks Agriculture – Operations industry is benefiting from ongoing innovation and increasing consumer demand for health-focused products, particularly alternative proteins [1][2] - Advancements in food processing technologies, improved grain-handling methods, and expanded storage capacity are supporting industry momentum [2] - The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects agricultural exports of $170.5 billion for fiscal 2025, driven by stronger grain and feed exports [6] Company Highlights Mission Produce - Engaged in sourcing, farming, packaging, marketing, and distribution of avocados, mangoes, and blueberries, Mission Produce has optimized per-unit margins through effective integration of sales and sourcing operations [19][20] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mission Produce's fiscal 2025 earnings has increased by 19% in the past 30 days, although sales and earnings are expected to decline by 6.6% and 32.4% respectively from the previous year [21] Corteva - Corteva is positioned for above-market growth through its innovative product pipeline and strong market demand for naturally derived products [22] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Corteva's 2025 earnings suggests growth of 1.7% and 15.2% respectively from the year-ago period [23] Dole - Dole is expected to benefit from improved logistical efficiencies and a healthier supply-demand balance, which has led to better pricing conditions in Europe [24] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dole's 2025 earnings suggests a growth of 4.7% from the previous year [25] Adecoagro - Adecoagro operates in farming, dairy, sugar, ethanol, and energy production, benefiting from high asset flexibility in a volatile market [26] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Adecoagro's 2025 earnings suggests declines of 3.2% and 41.1% respectively from the previous year [27] Industry Challenges - The industry faces challenges such as fluctuating commodity prices, rising input costs, trade uncertainties, and increasing operational expenses, which impact productivity and profitability [3][11] - Companies are managing higher selling, general and administrative expenses due to performance-related compensation and technology investments [12] Market Performance - The Zacks Agriculture – Operations industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Consumer Staples sector and the S&P 500, with a collective decline of 12.2% over the past year [16] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 13.34X, compared to the S&P 500's 20.05X and the sector's 17.18X [17]