Q3 2025 Highlights - Dole's broadly based business model delivered a good Q3 2025 result, in line with market expectations[9] - The company completed the sale of its Fresh Vegetable division at the beginning of August for $140 million[9] - The board authorized share repurchases of up to $100 million[9] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue increased to $2,279 million, compared to $2,062 million in Q3 2024[25] - Income from continuing operations for Q3 2025 was $241 million, up from $151 million in Q3 2024[25] - Net income attributable to Dole plc decreased to $51 million in Q3 2025, from $144 million in Q3 2024[25] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $808 million, slightly down from $821 million in Q3 2024[25] Segment Results - Fresh Fruit revenue increased by 115% to $890 million, but Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 367% to $272 million due to higher sourcing costs[28] - Diversified Fresh Produce – EMEA revenue increased by 109% to $998 million, and Adjusted EBITDA increased by 342% to $407 million[32] - Diversified Fresh Produce – Americas & ROW revenue increased by 77% to $420 million, and Adjusted EBITDA increased by 462% to $129 million[37] FY'25 Outlook - The company is targeting the upper end of the $380-$390 million range for Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations[46] - Routine capital expenditure for continuing operations is expected to be approximately $85 million[46]

Q3 2025 Financial Performance - Net sales reached $1022 million, while adjusted net sales were $960 million [16] - Gross profit was $81 million, with an adjusted gross profit of $88 million [16] - Adjusted operating income stood at $40 million, and adjusted FDP net income was $33 million [16] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $069, and adjusted EBITDA reached $58 million [16] - The company declared a dividend of $030 per share and executed share repurchases of 201,514 shares for $72 million [35] Segment Performance - Fresh and Value-Added Products: Net sales were $611 million, with adjusted net sales at $548 million compared to $551 million in the previous period [18, 19] Gross profit was $68 million, resulting in a gross margin of 112%, while adjusted gross profit was $76 million, yielding an adjusted gross margin of 139% [19] - Banana: Net sales were $358 million [24] Gross profit was $5 million, leading to a gross margin of 13%, while adjusted gross profit was $4 million, resulting in an adjusted gross margin of 12% [25] - Other Products & Services: Net sales were $53 million [29] Gross profit was $8 million, resulting in a gross profit margin of 148% [30] Financial Position - Long-term debt amounted to $234 million, with an adjusted leverage ratio of 033x [35] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $173 million, and capital spending was $36 million [35] Strategic Actions - The company signed an agreement to divest Mann Packing to focus on higher-margin products [13] - The company exited underperforming banana farms in the Philippines [13]

Core Insights - Investors favor businesses with consistent profitability, measured effectively by net profit margin, which indicates a company's efficiency in converting sales into profits [1][2] - Companies like Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO), Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP), Dycom Industries, Inc. (DY), and Century Aluminum Company (CENX) demonstrate strong net profit margins, making them attractive to investors [1][8] Financial Metrics - Net profit margin is calculated as Net Profit/Sales * 100, representing the profit retained after all expenses [2] - A higher net profit margin not only attracts investors but also skilled employees, enhancing overall business value [3] Investment Considerations - A strong net profit margin provides clarity on a company's pricing policy, cost structure, and manufacturing efficiency, making it a preferred metric among investors [4] - However, net profit margin varies significantly across industries, and its relevance can diminish for technology companies [4][5] Screening Criteria - The screening parameters for selecting stocks include a net margin of at least 0%, positive percentage change in EPS, and a broker rating of 1, indicating strong bullishness [7] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 are expected to outperform their peers in various market conditions [8] Company Profiles - **Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO)**: Engages in sourcing, producing, and marketing avocados, with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A. The fiscal 2025 earnings estimate was revised upward by 13.6% to $0.67 per share [9][10] - **Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP)**: A leading manufacturer of automotive replacement parts, currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 with a VGM Score of A. The earnings estimate for 2025 remains at $3.76 per share [11][12] - **Dycom Industries, Inc. (DY)**: Operates in the telecom industry, providing various services. It has a Zacks Rank of 2 and a VGM Score of A, with a revised earnings estimate of $10.01 per share for fiscal 2026 [13][14] - **Century Aluminum Company (CENX)**: Engaged in aluminum production, currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 and a VGM Score of A. The earnings estimate for 2025 increased by 11.7% to $2.30 per share [14][15]

Core Insights - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is set to report its financial results for the third quarter of 2025, indicating a forthcoming update on the company's performance and financial health [1] Company Summary - The announcement of the financial results suggests that Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is actively engaging with its stakeholders by providing transparency regarding its financial performance [1]

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) reported a 10% year-over-year increase in total revenues, reaching $357.7 million, primarily driven by a 10% rise in avocado volumes supported by improved production from Peru and Mexico [1][9] - Gross profit increased by 22% year over year to $45.1 million, with adjusted net income rising to $18.2 million, or 26 cents per share, indicating strong profitability [2][9] - The International Farming segment saw a remarkable 79% year-over-year sales increase to $49 million, with adjusted EBITDA soaring 163% to $12.1 million, showcasing the effectiveness of the company's sourcing and sales strategies [3][9] Financial Performance - The operational success of International Farming is evident in the optimized sourcing mix and enhanced retail relationships, contributing to significant sales growth and profitability [3] - Capital expenditures are being controlled to ensure meaningful free cash flow, while low debt levels provide flexibility for future investments [4][9] - AVO's shares have outperformed the industry, gaining 13.6% over the last three months compared to the industry's 4.9% growth [8] Competitive Landscape - Mission Produce faces competition from Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) and Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (FDP), both of which have distinct strategic advantages in the fresh produce market [5] - Calavo's strengths lie in its reliable supply chain and partnerships with Mexican growers, while Fresh Del Monte benefits from a fully integrated global model that enhances its sourcing and distribution capabilities [6][7] Valuation and Estimates - AVO trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 26.87X, significantly higher than the industry average of 15.08X, indicating a premium valuation [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests a year-over-year earnings decline of 20.3% for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, with estimates remaining unchanged over the past week [12]

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. reported a 28% increase in revenue to $380.3 million for Q2 fiscal 2025, but gross profit fell by 8.3% to $28.4 million, indicating a margin squeeze due to supply challenges and unique costs [1][9] - The gross margin decreased to 7.5%, down 290 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to falling per-unit margins on avocados [1] - Management indicated that some pressures are situational rather than permanent, with sourcing adjustments helping to improve margins towards the end of the quarter [2] Financial Performance - Mission Produce's gross profit declined despite record revenue growth, highlighting vulnerabilities in its business model when supply dynamics tighten [1][9] - The company faced unique costs, including $1.1 million in tariffs and $1.5 million related to Canadian facility closures, which further pressured profitability [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests a year-over-year earnings decline of 20.3% for both fiscal 2025 and 2026, with estimates remaining unchanged over the past week [11] Competitive Landscape - Mission Produce faces stiff competition from Dole Plc and Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., both of which have demonstrated different margin dynamics [5] - Dole has maintained resilient margins despite sourcing and shipping challenges, benefiting from strong pricing and demand in key markets [6] - Fresh Del Monte's gross profit increased to $120.1 million, with a gross margin expansion to 10.2%, driven by strong demand for proprietary products [7] Market Dynamics - Avocado pricing and supply remain volatile, making Mission Produce reliant on global sourcing agility to protect margins [3] - The upcoming Peruvian harvest is expected to be significantly stronger than last year, which will be a critical test for margin normalization [4] - Mission Produce's stock has gained 15% over the last three months, outperforming the industry growth of 6.6% [8] Valuation Metrics - Mission Produce trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 29.93X, which is significantly above the industry average of 14.86X [10]

Q2'25 Financial Highlights - Revenue reached $2.4 billion, a 14% increase LFL(Like-for-like) [10] - Adjusted EBITDA was $137 million, up 12% LFL [10] - Adjusted Diluted EPS stood at $0.55, reflecting a 9% increase [10] Segment Performance - Fresh Fruit revenue increased by 14.2% to $972 million [32, 35], with Adjusted EBITDA up by 3% to $72.7 million [32, 35] - Diversified Fresh Produce – EMEA saw a revenue increase of 16.5% to $1.101 billion [37, 40], with Adjusted EBITDA up 14.7% to $49 million [37, 40] - Diversified Fresh Produce – Americas & ROW experienced an 8.5% increase in revenue to $386 million [42, 45], and Adjusted EBITDA increased by 27% to $15.4 million [42, 45] Capital Allocation and Debt - Cash CAPEX for continuing operations was $(19.4) million in Q2'25 and $(72.2) million in H1'25 [46] - Free Cash Flow from continuing operations was $(1.0) million in Q2'25 and $(132.6) million in H1'25 [46] - Net Debt stood at $(788.8) million with a Net Leverage of 2.0x as of June 30, 2025 [47] FY'25 Outlook - The company anticipates Adjusted EBITDA for continuing operations to be approximately $380 - $390 million [51] - Maintenance CAPEX for continuing operations is projected to be around $100 million [51] - Interest expense is expected to be approximately $67 million [51]

Financial Performance - Net sales for Q2 2025 increased to $1,183 million compared to $1,140 million in the prior year, driven by higher net sales in fresh and value-added products and banana segments[18] - Gross profit for Q2 2025 increased to $120 million compared to $113 million in the prior year, driven by higher net sales in fresh and value-added products[19] - Gross margin increased to 102% in Q2 2025, compared to 99% in the prior year[21] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $954 million compared to $890 million in the prior year[55] Segment Performance - Net sales in the fresh and value-added products segment increased, driven by higher pricing in pineapple and higher sales volume and pricing in fresh-cut fruit[23] - Gross margin in the fresh and value-added products segment increased to 117% compared to 112% in the prior year[23] - Net sales in the banana segment increased, driven by higher selling prices across all regions[29] - Gross margin in the banana segment decreased to 73% compared to 76% in the prior year[28] - Net sales in other products & services decreased slightly due to lower net sales in poultry and meats[31] - Gross margin in other products & services decreased to 104% compared to 107% in the prior year[31] Other Financial Data - The company's income tax rate was 20% compared to 19% in the prior year[34] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $159 million compared to $144 million in the prior year[34] - The company declared a dividend of $030 per share versus $025 per share in the prior year[34]

Core Insights - Mission Produce Inc. (AVO) has effectively managed price fluctuations through its vertically integrated model, which includes sourcing from multiple countries and controlling logistics, allowing it to remain resilient against regional disruptions [1][2] - The company reported a 29% year-over-year revenue increase in fiscal 2025, driven by a 25% rise in per-unit avocado pricing and increased sales of mangoes and blueberries, despite facing margin pressures due to reliance on co-packers and the spot market [2][7] - Future growth for AVO is expected to be supported by higher volumes from Peru and ongoing investments in farming assets and technology, although maintaining momentum amid market volatility will be crucial [3] Competitive Landscape - Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) is a significant competitor, facing similar supply challenges and declining margins due to rising costs and logistical issues, which has led to restructuring efforts [4] - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (FDP) competes with a broader product portfolio but also experiences price instability and macroeconomic pressures, focusing on supply chain integration to mitigate margin erosion [5] Financial Performance - AVO's stock has increased by 20.8% over the last three months, outperforming the industry average growth of 18.5% [6] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24X, significantly higher than the industry average of 15.53X, indicating a premium valuation [8] - Zacks Consensus Estimates predict a year-over-year earnings decline of 20.3% for both fiscal 2025 and 2026, with estimates remaining unchanged over the past month [9]

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. is strategically entering the mango category to diversify its offerings and leverage its successful avocado model, aiming to improve quality and consistency in a market that is currently underrepresented in North America [1][7] - The company plans to replicate its vertically integrated framework used in avocados, focusing on robust sourcing, efficient packing, and strong retail partnerships to position itself as a category builder in the mango market [2][7] - Mission Produce is optimistic about the growth potential for mangoes and complementary fruits like blueberries, driven by consumer preferences for healthy snacks and the company's ability to provide high-quality fruit year-round [3] Company Strategy - The mango program is in its early stages, but initial results are promising, with the company willing to absorb initial margin pressure as an investment for long-term market share gains [2][3] - The diversification strategy aims to stabilize financial performance against seasonal and geopolitical fluctuations, enhancing asset utilization across the supply chain [3] Peer Comparison - Calavo Growers, Inc. faces margin pressures due to limited diversification beyond avocados but is restructuring to improve efficiency and profitability [4] - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. benefits from a broader product mix and is investing in automation and sustainability to enhance operational efficiency [5] Market Performance - Mission Produce shares have gained 20.7% in the past month, outperforming the industry growth of 7.4% [6] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.93X, significantly above the industry average of 16.58X [8] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year decline of 20.3% in earnings for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 [9]