The end of an earnings season can be a great time to discover new stocks and assess how companies are handling the current business environment. Let’s take a look at how Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND) and the rest of the perishable food stocks fared in Q4.

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 1.4%.

While some perishable food stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 2.3% since the latest earnings results.

Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND)

A pioneer at the forefront of the plant-based protein revolution, Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND) is a food company specializing in alternatives to traditional meat products.

Beyond Meat reported revenues of $76.66 million, up 4% year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 1.9%. Despite the top-line beat, it was still a softer quarter for the company with a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

Beyond Meat President and CEO Ethan Brown commented, “2024 was a pivotal year for Beyond Meat. We returned to year-over-year net revenue growth in the second half, meaningfully expanded gross margin compared to the prior year, sharply reduced operating expenses, and delivered a significant year-over-year improvement in Adjusted EBITDA.”

Unsurprisingly, the stock is down 28.2% since reporting and currently trades at $2.55.

Read our full report on Beyond Meat 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.

Mission Produce scored the biggest analyst estimates beat among its peers. Although it had a fine quarter compared its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 9.7% since reporting. It currently trades at $10.66.

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 estimates.

Interestingly, the stock is up 12.8% since the results and currently trades at $34.81.

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

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 $1.42 billion, up 102% year on year. This result missed analysts’ expectations by 0.8%. Overall, it was a softer quarter as it also logged a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

Cal-Maine achieved the fastest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is up 5% since reporting and currently trades at $95.

Read our full, actionable report on Cal-Maine 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. This print topped analysts’ expectations by 3.8%. Overall, it was a stunning quarter as it also logged a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

Vital Farms scored the highest full-year guidance raise among its peers. The stock is down 1.7% since reporting and currently trades at $33.30.

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

Market Update

As a result of the Fed’s rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, inflation has come down from frothy levels post-pandemic. The general rise in the price of goods and services is trending towards the Fed’s 2% goal as of late, which is good news. The higher rates that fought inflation also didn't slow economic activity enough to catalyze a recession. So far, soft landing. This, combined with recent rate cuts (half a percent in September 2024 and a quarter percent in November 2024) have led to strong stock market performance in 2024. The icing on the cake for 2024 returns was Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. Presidential Election in early November, sending major indices to all-time highs in the week following the election. Still, debates around the health of the economy and the impact of potential tariffs and corporate tax cuts remain, leaving much uncertainty around 2025.

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

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