Calavo Growers Stock Price, News & Analysis

Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) has appointed Steven Hollister as the new Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Hollister, who served as interim CEO from Sept. 8 to Jan. 31, takes over from J. Link Leavens, who remains on the board. CEO Brian W. Kocher is now officially in charge of the company. Hollister emphasized his commitment to leveraging his finance and agricultural experience to support the company's growth trajectory, promising to focus on long-term benefits for stakeholders.

Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) announced the retirement of Harold S. Edwards from its Board of Directors, effective Feb. 1, 2022. His departure, after 16 years of service, reduces the board size to 10 members, aligning it better with the company’s scale. Chairman J. Link Leavens acknowledged Edwards' significant contributions, while Interim CEO Steve Hollister reaffirmed the strong relationship with Limoneira, where Edwards serves as CEO. Established in 1924, Calavo is recognized as a leader in the avocado industry, providing fresh food products globally.

Calavo Growers has appointed Brian W. Kocher as its new President and CEO, effective February 1, 2022. The Board of Directors selected Kocher due to his extensive experience in the fresh produce industry, previously serving as CEO of Castellini Group and in various executive roles at Chiquita Brands. He succeeds Steve Hollister, who has been interim CEO since September 2021. Hollister will return to the Board of Directors post-transition. Kocher expressed his enthusiasm for leading Calavo into its next growth phase.

Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) reported a net loss of $(13.0) million for Q4 2021, reversing from a net income of $6.2 million in Q4 2020. Total revenue for the quarter was $273.4 million, up 17% year-over-year, driven by a 26% increase in the Fresh segment. However, gross profit plummeted to $9.1 million (3.3% of revenue), down from $21.2 million (9.0% of revenue) a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA also decreased to $1.4 million, compared to $13.4 million in Q4 2020. For the full fiscal year 2021, revenue was steady at $1.1 billion, with a net loss of $(11.8) million.

Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) announced it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, on December 20, 2021, after market close. A conference call for analysts and investors is scheduled for the same day at 5:00 PM ET to discuss the results and answer questions. Calavo, founded in 1924, is a leader in the avocado and fresh food industries, with a portfolio that includes fresh avocados, guacamole, and prepared foods, marketed under well-known brands.

Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) announced the appointment of Adriana G. Mendizabal as an independent director effective December 1, 2021. Mendizabal brings over 30 years of experience in business turnarounds, currently serving as Group President at Stanley Black & Decker Latin America. She has also held senior roles at Nature's Sunshine Products and Visa USA. Meanwhile, long-time director Scott Van Der Kar will retire from the board effective January 3, 2022, after 27 years of service. Following these changes, the board will consist of 11 directors, seven of whom are independent.

Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) announced an annual cash dividend of $1.15 per share, to be paid on December 3, 2021. Shareholders on record as of November 12, 2021 will receive this dividend. This marks the continuation of a tradition since Calavo went public in 2002. Interim CEO Steven Hollister expressed confidence in the company's future execution capabilities, highlighting the board's approval of this dividend as a sign of strength.

Calavo Growers (Nasdaq-GS: CVGW) announced the appointment of Graciela Montgomery as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective October 11, 2021. Montgomery, with over 30 years of HR experience, will oversee talent development, recruitment, and training for nearly 4,000 employees across the U.S. and Mexico. She previously enhanced HR strategies at Deckers Brands, contributing to substantial revenue growth. Her leadership aims to support Calavo's growth and further develop its HR capabilities.

Calavo Growers has appointed Mariela Matute as Chief Financial Officer, effective October 11, 2021. She brings extensive financial expertise from roles, including her previous position as CFO of Amazon's B2B division and CFO for Driscoll’s Americas. Ms. Matute's background in food production and agriculture is expected to help Calavo accelerate its growth and enhance shareholder value. Interim CFO Farha Aslam will return to her role as an independent director following a smooth transition.