Calavo Growers Q4 2022 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
Calavo Growers, Inc. reported an 11% decline in total revenue to $243.6 million compared to the prior year. However, the company saw improvements in gross profit and adjusted EBITDA, led by the Prepared segment. The Grown segment experienced a slower than anticipated recovery, moderating overall earnings.
Total revenue decreased by 11% year-over-year to $243.6 million.
Grown segment revenue declined by 20% year-over-year to $119.1 million.
Prepared segment revenue increased by 0.6% year-over-year to $125.0 million.
Net loss was $(3.3) million, or $(0.19) per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(13.0) million, or $(0.73) per diluted share, for the same period last year.
Calavo Growers
Calavo Growers
Calavo Growers Revenue by Segment
Forward Guidance
In fiscal 2023, Calavo anticipates a larger Mexican avocado crop, the availability of Jalisco fruit for the full year, and volume growth across its businesses. The company expects avocado pricing to decline with increased supply but aims to maintain a targeted gross profit per carton. Performance in the fresh-cut business is expected to continue improving, with a target gross margin run rate of 10-12% by the end of 2023. Capital expenditures for 2023 are projected to be approximately $18 million.
Positive Outlook
- Mexican avocado crop will be 10-20% larger in 2023, and Jalisco fruit will be available for the full year
- Mexican avocado volume to grow in conjunction with increased supplies from Mexico and generally expect volume growth across the businesses
- Input costs for guacamole are expected to be lower due to the supply outlook
- Gross margin to approximate 25% in the guacamole division
- Performance in fresh-cut business is expected to continue improving in 2023
Challenges Ahead
- Avocado pricing is expected to decline with increased supply
- First quarter to be weaker due to seasonality
- Q1 Prepared earnings to decline by about a third from the Q4 level due to seasonality
- We expect around 15-20% of our full year earnings to be generated in Q1
- 2023 capital expenditures to approximate $18 million