Mission(US:AVO)2024-09-09 23:07Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2024 increased by 24% year-over-year to a record $324 million, driven by a 36% increase in avocado sales prices [6][13] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 49% to $31.5 million compared to $21.2 million in the previous year [6][15] - Operating cash flow improved by $62.7 million year-to-date versus the prior year period, showcasing strong execution [6][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Marketing and Distribution segment net sales increased by 25% to $321.3 million, primarily due to higher avocado pricing [15][16] - International Farming segment net sales decreased to $27.4 million from $38.2 million, with adjusted EBITDA remaining relatively flat at $4.6 million despite a 40% reduction in owned farm sales volume [17][18] - Blueberry segment net sales slightly increased to $1.6 million, with adjusted EBITDA decreasing to $0.1 million [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The avocado market experienced strong consumer demand, with pricing remaining high due to supply shortages from Peru and Mexico [7][14] - California's avocado harvest yielded over 50% larger volumes than the previous year, allowing the company to capture a record market share of approximately 30% [8][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on long-term health and productivity of orchards, with proactive steps taken to mitigate weather-related challenges [9][10] - Expansion plans for the blueberry segment are being accelerated, reflecting the company's commitment to diversifying its product offerings [10] - The UK facility achieved profitability for the first time, indicating successful market penetration and operational refinement [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the return of normalized weather conditions and the potential for improved operational efficiencies [9][24] - The company anticipates flat to slightly lower avocado volumes in Q4 2024, with pricing expected to decrease sequentially but remain higher than the previous year [23][24] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet and prioritizing debt paydown while evaluating future capital allocation opportunities [36][37] Other Important Information - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $49.5 million as of July 31, 2024, compared to $42.9 million at the end of the previous fiscal year [19][20] - Capital expenditures for the nine months ended July 31, 2024, were $25.3 million, with a projected budget of $40 million to $45 million for the fiscal year [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for the upcoming Peruvian avocado harvest - Management noted that the harvest volume was lower than initially estimated due to extreme heat from El Nino, but higher prices helped offset the impact [28][29] Question: Increase in market share in California - The company achieved close to 30% market share in California due to proactive engagement with local growers and effective management of supply challenges [32][33] Question: Future capital allocation and investments - Management indicated that while the balance sheet is stronger, the focus remains on debt reduction and planned capital expenditures rather than aggressive new investments [36][37]