Mission(US:AVO)2025-12-18 23:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal 2025 recorded revenue of $1.39 billion, a 13% increase from the previous year, driven by a 7% volume growth in avocados [6][17] - Fourth quarter revenue totaled $319 million, down 10% year-over-year due to a 27% decrease in average per-unit avocado sales prices, despite a 13% volume growth [17][19] - Adjusted net income for the quarter was $22.2 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, compared to $19.6 million, or $0.28 per diluted share last year [18] - Adjusted EBITDA increased 12% to a record $41.4 million compared to $36.9 million last year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The marketing and distribution segment achieved 7% avocado volume growth for the full year and 13% in the fourth quarter [9][20] - International farming segment sales increased 97% to $59.7 million, with segment-adjusted EBITDA more than tripling to $8.4 million [20][21] - Blueberry net sales increased 16% to $36.5 million, but segment-adjusted EBITDA decreased due to lower per-unit margins [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The North American market showed stable growth, while Europe and Asia experienced significant volume growth, with European volume sold increasing by 40% [8][10] - The company's Peruvian orchards returned to normal growing conditions, doubling exportable avocado production to approximately $105 million [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leveraging its global sourcing network and distribution infrastructure to drive growth and enhance household penetration in the avocado market [8][15] - There is a strong emphasis on expanding market share in mangoes and blueberries, with a goal to increase consumer awareness and household penetration [12][15] - The company plans to reduce capital expenditures to approximately $40 million for Fiscal 2026, marking the end of a heavy capital investment cycle [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate pricing volatility and supply disruptions, highlighting the team's execution capabilities [9][15] - The outlook for Fiscal 2026 anticipates a 10% increase in avocado industry volumes, but pricing is expected to be lower year-over-year by approximately 25% [25] - Management aims to achieve household penetration of avocados in the 73%-75% range over the next couple of years, leveraging lower pricing environments to drive consumer engagement [52][53] Other Important Information - A leadership transition was announced, with John Pawlowski set to become CEO, while Steve Barnard will transition to Executive Chairman [3][4] - The company has significantly reduced long-term debt by approximately $18 million during Fiscal 2025, resulting in a healthy net leverage ratio well below one times EBITDA [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for mangoes and potential growth - Management indicated that the growth trajectory for mangoes will be similar to previous years, focusing on market share penetration and global sourcing initiatives [27][29] Question: Risks in achieving free cash flow growth - Management highlighted strong operating performance as the primary driver of cash flow, with a target of $40 million in capital expenditures for the upcoming year [30][31] Question: Capital allocation and use of cash going forward - The focus remains on growth opportunities, with flexibility to consider share buybacks and other investments to maximize shareholder value [32][33] Question: Changes in strategy with management transition - Management reassured that the strategic direction remains consistent, with a focus on growth and capital deployment for the next five to ten years [34][38] Question: Insights on household penetration goals for avocados - Management aims to increase household penetration to 73%-75% over the next couple of years, leveraging promotional strategies during lower pricing environments [47][53]