Looking back on perishable food stocks’ Q4 earnings, we examine this quarter’s best and worst performers, including Mission Produce (NASDAQ:AVO) and its peers.
The perishable food industry is diverse, encompassing large-scale producers and distributors to specialty and artisanal brands. These companies sell produce, dairy products, meats, and baked goods and have become integral to serving modern American consumers who prioritize freshness, quality, and nutritional value. Investing in perishable food stocks presents both opportunities and challenges. While the perishable nature of products can introduce risks related to supply chain management and shelf life, it also creates a constant demand driven by the necessity for fresh food. Companies that can efficiently manage inventory, distribution, and quality control are well-positioned to thrive in this competitive market. Navigating the perishable food industry requires adherence to strict food safety standards, regulations, and labeling requirements.
The 11 perishable food stocks we track reported a satisfactory Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 3.9%.
While some perishable food stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 4.1% since the latest earnings results.
Best Q4: Mission Produce (NASDAQ:AVO)
Founded in 1983 in California, Mission Produce (NASDAQ:AVO) grows, packages, and distributes avocados.
Mission Produce reported revenues of $334.2 million, up 29.2% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 17%. Overall, it was an incredible quarter for the company with an impressive beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.
Steve Barnard, CEO of Mission, stated, “We were pleased to meet robust consumer demand in our fiscal first quarter and deliver volume growth despite industry supply challenges in Mexico. Our Marketing & Distribution segment drove volume growth despite higher pricing, demonstrating the underlying strength of the category. Additionally, our strategic investments in our Blueberries segment supported significant volume growth which led to solid segment EBITDA contribution. While the operating environment led to lower per unit avocado margins this year due to higher fruit costs, our diversification across categories and markets helped us deliver solid bottom-line results against a tough year-ago comparison. Looking ahead, while the impact of tariffs on Mexican supply dynamics continues to be uncertain and fluid, we will focus on leveraging our competitive strengths in the California and Peruvian sourcing markets to deliver for our customers. Combined with our strong balance sheet and disciplined approach to capital allocation, we believe we're well-positioned to continue creating value for our shareholders.”
The stock is down 12.6% since reporting and currently trades at $10.32.
Is now the time to buy Mission Produce? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Vital Farms (NASDAQ:VITL)
With an emphasis on ethically produced products, Vital Farms (NASDAQ:VITL) specializes in pasture-raised eggs and butter.
Vital Farms reported revenues of $166 million, up 22.2% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 3.8%. The business had a stunning quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.
Vital Farms delivered the highest full-year guidance raise among its peers. Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 10.5% since reporting. It currently trades at $30.33.
Is now the time to buy Vital Farms? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Weakest Q4: Fresh Del Monte Produce (NYSE:FDP)
Translating to "of the mountain" in Spanish, Fresh Del Monte (NYSE:FDP) is a leader in providing high-quality, sustainably grown fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fresh Del Monte Produce reported revenues of $1.01 billion, flat year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 2%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA and gross margin estimates.
The stock is flat since the results and currently trades at $30.60.
Read our full analysis of Fresh Del Monte Produce’s results here.
Freshpet (NASDAQ:FRPT)
Standing out from typical processed pet foods, Freshpet (NASDAQ:FRPT) is a pet food company whose product portfolio includes natural meals and treats for dogs and cats.
Freshpet reported revenues of $262.7 million, up 22% year on year. This result missed analysts’ expectations by 0.6%. Zooming out, it was actually a strong quarter as it recorded an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.
Freshpet had the weakest full-year guidance update among its peers. The stock is down 33.5% since reporting and currently trades at $86.90.
Read our full, actionable report on Freshpet here, it’s free.
Dole (NYSE:DOLE)
Known for its delicious pineapples and Hawaiian roots, Dole (NYSE:DOLE) is a global agricultural company specializing in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Dole reported revenues of $2.17 billion, up 4.6% year on year. This number surpassed analysts’ expectations by 6.9%. Overall, it was a strong quarter as it also produced a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.
The stock is up 3.2% since reporting and currently trades at $14.50.
Read our full, actionable report on Dole here, it’s free.
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