The end of the earnings season is always a good time to take a step back and see who shined (and who not so much). Let’s take a look at how perishable food stocks fared in Q4, starting with Calavo (NASDAQ: CVGW).

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 7.7% since the latest earnings results.

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 fell short of analysts’ expectations by 4.4%. Overall, it was a slower quarter for the company with a miss of analysts’ gross margin estimates and a slight miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

Management Commentary“Our first quarter results reflect the strongest Q1 adjusted net income performance we’ve delivered since 2019,” said Lee Cole, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calavo Growers,

The stock is up 1.1% since reporting and currently trades at $22.02.

Read our full report on Calavo 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 14.6% since reporting. It currently trades at $10.09.

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 3.7% since the results and currently trades at $29.72.

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

Flowers Foods (NYSE: FLO)

With Wonder Bread as its premier brand, Flower Foods (NYSE: FLO) is a packaged foods company that focuses on bakery products such as breads, buns, and cakes.

Flowers Foods reported revenues of $1.11 billion, down 1.6% year on year. This number came in 1.5% below analysts' expectations. More broadly, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also logged full-year revenue guidance exceeding analysts’ expectations but a miss of analysts’ organic revenue estimates.

The stock is down 5.1% since reporting and currently trades at $18.34.

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

Cal-Maine (NASDAQ: CALM)

Known for brands such as Egg-Land’s Best and Land O’ Lakes, Cal-Maine (NASDAQ: CALM) produces, packages, and distributes eggs.

Cal-Maine reported revenues of $954.7 million, up 82.5% year on year. This result beat analysts’ expectations by 27%. Overall, it was a very strong quarter as it also logged an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

Cal-Maine pulled off the biggest analyst estimates beat and fastest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is down 21.9% since reporting and currently trades at $81.01.

Read our full, actionable report on Cal-Maine here, it’s free.

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