Quarterly earnings results are a good time to check in on a company’s progress, especially compared to its peers in the same sector. Today we are looking at Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) and the best and worst performers in the perishable food industry.

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%.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 7.2% since the latest earnings results.

Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN)

Started as a simple trucking business, Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world’s largest producers of chicken, beef, and pork.

Tyson Foods reported revenues of $13.62 billion, up 2.3% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1%. Overall, it was an exceptional quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

"Fiscal year 2025 is off to a strong start, as we delivered our third consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth in sales, operating income, and EPS," said Donnie King, President & CEO of Tyson Foods.

The stock is up 11% since reporting and currently trades at $62.69.

Is now the time to buy Tyson Foods? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

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, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 17%. The business had an incredible quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 17.4% since reporting. It currently trades at $9.76.

Is now the time to buy Mission Produce? 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.

As expected, the stock is down 8.4% since the results and currently trades at $28.27.

Read our full analysis of Fresh Del Monte Produce’s results here.

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. This number topped analysts’ expectations by 3.8%. Overall, it was a stunning quarter as it also recorded a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

Vital Farms achieved the highest full-year guidance raise among its peers. The stock is down 7.3% since reporting and currently trades at $31.41.

Read our full, actionable report on Vital Farms here, it’s free.

Calavo (NASDAQ: CVGW)

A trailblazer in the avocado industry, Calavo Growers (NASDAQ: CVGW) is a pioneering California-based provider of high-quality avocados and other fresh food products.

Calavo reported revenues of $154.4 million, up 21% year on year. This print missed analysts’ expectations by 4.4%. It was a slower quarter as it also produced a miss of analysts’ gross margin estimates and a slight miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The stock is up 2.8% since reporting and currently trades at $22.41.

Read our full, actionable report on Calavo here, it’s free.

Want to invest in winners with rock-solid fundamentals? Check out our 9 Best Market-Beating Stocks and add them to your watchlist. These companies are poised for growth regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate.

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