Core Viewpoint - Corteva, Inc. is a global agricultural company specializing in seeds and crop protection products, with the stock previously rated as a Hold due to fair pricing [1] Company Overview - Corteva, Inc. operates in the farming sector, focusing on the production of seeds and crop protection solutions [1] Investment Focus - The analysis primarily targets small- to mid-cap companies, which are often overlooked by investors, while also occasionally reviewing large-cap companies for a broader market perspective [1]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Agriculture – Operations industry is experiencing persistent challenges such as volatile commodity prices, rising input costs, trade uncertainties, and increasing operational expenses, which are squeezing margins and disrupting productivity [1][6][10] - 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] Future Growth Factors - The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects agricultural exports to reach $173 billion for fiscal 2025, driven by stronger grain and feed exports, particularly corn, which is expected to increase by $1.2 billion [4] - The industry is benefiting from rising consumer demand for healthier food options, leading to a shift towards organic farming practices and innovations in food processing and grain-handling techniques [5] Cost Pressures - Agricultural companies are facing elevated costs due to fluctuating commodity prices and inflation-driven input increases, which are narrowing profit margins [6][7] - Companies are managing higher selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses, which may continue to impact profitability [7] Industry Performance - The Zacks Agriculture – Operations industry ranks 158, placing it in the bottom 36% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating dull near-term prospects [8][9] - Over the past year, the industry has underperformed compared to the Zacks Consumer Staples sector and the S&P 500, with a collective decline of 8% [11] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 13.21X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 23.36X and the sector's 16.51X [14] Notable Companies - **Corteva Inc. (CTVA)**: Positioned for above-market growth with a strong product pipeline and innovation focus, expected to see 2025 earnings growth of 23.7% [17][18] - **Mission Produce Inc. (AVO)**: Engaged in sourcing and distributing avocados and other fruits, with a projected earnings growth of 12.1% for fiscal 2025 [20][22] - **Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)**: Focused on nutrition and sustainable materials, with a stable performance in its Nutrition segment, but facing declines in overall earnings [25][26] - **Dole plc (DOLE)**: A leader in fresh produce, benefiting from improved logistical efficiencies, though projected earnings for 2025 suggest a decline of 18.9% [29][30]

Group 1 - Corteva is considering a breakup to separate its seed and pesticide businesses into two distinct companies [1] - The decision is influenced by ongoing discussions and insights from individuals familiar with the matter [1] - This potential restructuring reflects a broader trend in the agriculture industry towards specialization [1]

Core Viewpoint - Lavoro Limited's subsidiary, Lavoro Brazil, has reached an out-of-court restructuring agreement with key suppliers to extend payment terms and secure multi-year product supply, aiming to mitigate supply chain disruptions and enhance operational efficiency [1][2][3]. Group 1: Restructuring Agreement - The agreement with suppliers includes BASF, FMC Agrícola, UPL Brasil, EuroChem, and Ourofino, and aims to support Lavoro Brazil's reorganization plan [3]. - The restructuring plan, known as the EJ Plan, will be binding upon court approval and is designed to ensure broad-based effectiveness across all eligible suppliers [2][4]. - The EJ Plan restructures approximately R$2.5 billion in trade payables owed to suppliers, categorizing them into different creditor classes with tailored repayment obligations [10][11]. Group 2: Financial Impact - Preliminary unaudited consolidated revenue for 2Q25 was R$2.25 billion, a decrease of 27% year-over-year, primarily due to inventory shortages [7][22]. - Preliminary unaudited gross profit for 2Q25 decreased by 28% to R$366.9 million, with gross margins contracting to 16.3% [22]. - The Brazil Ag Retail segment saw a 30% decline in revenue to R$1.84 billion in 2Q25, attributed to product availability constraints [22]. Group 3: Market Context - The 2023/24 crop year in Brazil faced challenges such as falling commodity prices, declining farmer profitability, and severe droughts, impacting Lavoro Brazil's operations [6]. - Despite these challenges, Lavoro Brazil gained market share and is positioned to benefit from signs of market stabilization entering FY25 [6]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The EJ Plan aims to standardize inventory supply and financing terms, ensuring reliable product availability and mitigating risks from future credit condition changes [5][9]. - Management has withdrawn its fiscal 2025 guidance due to the complexities associated with the EJ Plan [14].