Core Insights - The Zacks Agriculture - Products industry is expected to benefit from stable food demand driven by population growth and consumer preferences for healthier options [1][4] - Innovative agricultural technologies like hydroponics and vertical farming are anticipated to be significant growth drivers for the industry [1][5] Industry Overview - The Zacks Agriculture - Products industry includes companies involved in storing agricultural commodities, distributing ingredients, and farming crops, livestock, and poultry products [3] - Companies in this sector also provide nutrients, advanced lighting systems, and accessories for hydroponic gardening, as well as innovative plant-based health products [3] Demand Trends - Global population is projected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030 and 9.7 billion by 2050, leading to a 50% increase in food demand [4] - Companies are investing in innovation to meet consumer demand for healthier food alternatives, enhancing product and market strategies [4] Technological Innovations - Hydroponics allows for controlled nutrient delivery and faster crop growth, making it popular in cannabis cultivation and vertical farming [5] - Vertical farming minimizes land and water usage, addressing environmental vulnerabilities and food production challenges [5] Cost Management - Industry players are facing rising costs in labor, packaging, and distribution, but have implemented cost-reduction actions to sustain margins [6] - Recent easing of feed prices may help companies engaged in animal products manage production costs [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Agriculture - Products industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 99, placing it in the top 41% of 243 Zacks industries, indicating positive prospects [7][8] - Over the past 12 months, the industry has underperformed, with a decline of 11.9% compared to the S&P 500's increase of 17.9% [9] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio of 10.17X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 18.51X and the Basic Materials sector's 14.62X [12] Company Highlights - **Bunge Global S.A (BG)**: Recently completed a $34 billion merger with Viterra Ltd., enhancing its global agribusiness platform and expected to yield stable cash flows and synergies [14] - BG has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11.75% and a long-term estimated earnings growth of 5.13%, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [15] - **GrowGeneration (GRWG)**: Reported a 15.4% sequential net sales growth in Q3 2025, returning to positive adjusted EBITDA and improving gross margins [21] - GRWG's proprietary brands are expected to contribute significantly to revenue growth, with a focus on acquiring profitable hydroponic garden centers [21][22]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Agriculture - Products industry is facing challenges due to lower commodity prices, high input costs, and labor shortages, but increasing consumer awareness regarding food ingredients and healthier alternatives is expected to support growth [1][4] - The industry includes companies involved in storing agricultural commodities, distributing ingredients, and farming crops, livestock, and poultry products [3] Current Trends - Agricultural commodity prices are under pressure from ample supply, while rising labor, packaging, and distribution costs are impacting profitability [4] - Global food demand is projected to increase by 50% by 2050 due to population growth, with the global population expected to reach 9.6 billion [5] - Hydroponics and vertical farming are emerging as key agricultural technologies, with hydroponic equipment sales projected to reach $67 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 16.2% [6] Company Insights - **Bunge Global S.A.** is focusing on strategic mergers, including a $34 billion merger with Viterra Ltd, to enhance its position in grain exports and oilseed processing [18][19] - **CalMaine Foods** is expanding its cage-free operations and product portfolio, with a projected earnings growth of 299.5% for fiscal 2025 [22][23] - **Hydrofarm** is streamlining operations and focusing on proprietary brands, with a significant increase in the sales mix of proprietary brands to 55% in Q1 2025 [26][27] Market Performance - The Zacks Agriculture - Products industry has underperformed compared to the Basic Materials sector and the S&P 500, with a 12.9% decline over the past 12 months [9] - The industry is currently trading at an EV/EBITDA ratio of 5.98X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 17.51X [12][17]