Nov 26, 2025 7:30 AM Eastern Standard Time Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. and THACO AGRI Sign Strategic Sourcing Partnership for Bananas Share New partnership strengthens Fresh Del Monte's sourcing diversification strategy and expands banana production ties in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (NYSE: FDP), one of the world's leading vertically integrated producers, marketers, and distributors of high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables, today an ...

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]

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) and Dole plc (DOLE) represent two distinct business models in the fresh produce sector, with AVO focusing on avocados and DOLE on a broader range of fruits and vegetables [1][2] Group 1: Mission Produce (AVO) - AVO reported a record quarterly revenue of $357.7 million for Q3 fiscal 2025, marking a 10% year-over-year increase, driven by a 10% rise in avocado volumes [2][4] - The company's vertically integrated model allows it to manage the entire value chain, ensuring supply reliability and pricing agility, with its International Farming segment seeing a 79% year-over-year revenue increase [3][4] - AVO's net income for the fiscal third quarter was $14.7 million, with strong cash generation of $34 million from operations, supported by investments in digital traceability and market expansion [4] Group 2: Dole plc (DOLE) - DOLE achieved a revenue of $2.4 billion in Q2 2025, reflecting a 14.3% year-over-year increase, alongside a 9.3% rise in adjusted EBITDA to $137 million [5][9] - The company has a significant presence in the global fruit and vegetable market, with a diversified portfolio that includes leading positions in bananas and pineapples [6][7] - Dole's strategic divestiture of its Fresh Vegetables division aims to enhance focus on high-performing segments, while its strong distribution partnerships support its market position [7][9] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - AVO's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple is 20.57X, slightly below its 5-year median of 20.77X, while DOLE's forward P/E is 9.26X, below its 5-year median of 9.92X [18][20] - In the past year, AVO's stock declined by 11.5%, outperforming DOLE's 21.8% decline, although both underperformed the S&P 500's 15.7% return [14][20] - AVO is viewed as a higher-growth business, while DOLE's valuation reflects its diversified nature and stability, appealing to value-focused investors [20][21] Group 4: Market Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests AVO's fiscal 2025 sales will grow by 12.1%, while DOLE's sales are expected to increase by 7% [10][12] - AVO's focus on premium growth in the avocado market contrasts with DOLE's broader, more stable approach, making AVO attractive for growth-oriented investors [21][22] - Overall, AVO is positioned as a leader in the avocado sector, while DOLE offers a diversified portfolio that ensures stability and income [22][24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 2025 were $1.022 billion, reflecting an increase driven by higher net sales in the banana and other product services segments, primarily due to higher per unit selling prices in the banana segment [12][13] - Adjusted net sales were $960 million, with gross profit at $81 million, leading to a gross margin decrease to 7.9% [13][15] - The company reported an operating loss of $22 million, while adjusted operating income was $40 million [15] - Net loss attributable to the company was $29 million, with adjusted net income at $33 million, resulting in a diluted earnings per share loss of $0.61 and adjusted earnings per share income of $0.69 [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh and value-added product segment net sales were $611 million, with a gross profit of $68 million and a gross margin increase to 11.2% [16] - Banana segment net sales were $358 million, with a gross profit of $5 million and a gross margin decrease to 1.3% [17] - Other products and services segment net sales were $53 million, with a gross profit of $8 million and a gross margin decrease to 14.8% [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The banana industry faced a 22% year-over-year production decline, equating to approximately 18 million boxes lost, primarily due to Black Sigatoka disease [8][9] - In Costa Rica, production has significantly declined, impacting costs across the industry [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is shifting towards higher margin value-added categories, divesting Mann Packing to enhance overall margin profile and capital efficiency [4][10] - The focus remains on margin discipline over volume in the banana segment, prioritizing product quality and reliability [22][57] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the challenges posed by diseases affecting banana production, particularly Fusarium wilt TR4 and Black Sigatoka, which are increasing costs and impacting supply [5][50] - The company expects net sales growth of approximately 2% year-over-year and anticipates margin recovery supported by the Mann Packing divestiture [20][24] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share, with an annualized yield of 3.4% based on the current share price [19] - Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2025 totaled $36 million, with investments focused on enhancing operations in Central America and North America [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the adjusted gross margin of 13.9% the new normal for the fresh and value-added segment? - Management expressed confidence that the segment could consistently approach the 13% margin, while remaining cautious with guidance of 11% to 13% [28] Question: Are costs for pineapples increasing similarly to bananas? - Management indicated that while there are inflation-adjusted cost increases, pineapples are not facing the same disease pressures as bananas, and margins are expected to remain strong [30] Question: What is the outlook for avocado pricing? - Management noted that avocado prices could firm up in the next few months but do not expect a long-term escalation in prices [36][37] Question: Why is banana consumption down in North America? - Management attributed the decline to seasonal factors, suggesting that consumption will stabilize despite rising costs [48] Question: Will the new banana producers' organization lead to more rational pricing? - Management clarified that the organization aims to improve understanding and practices rather than directly influence pricing [52]

Core Insights - Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) reported a strong Q3 for fiscal 2025, with revenues increasing by 10% year-over-year to $357.7 million, driven by a 10% rise in avocado volumes sold [1][9] - The company's gross profit rose by 22% to $45.1 million, highlighting operational efficiency and pricing discipline as key components of its growth strategy [1][9] - AVO's disciplined cost management framework was evident despite a 19% increase in SG&A expenses, primarily due to performance-based incentives [2] Financial Performance - Revenues for Q3 reached $357.7 million, a 10% increase from the previous year, attributed to higher avocado sales [9] - Gross profit increased by 22% to $45.1 million, indicating improved margins through operational efficiency [1][9] - AVO's forward price-to-earnings ratio stands at 24.02X, significantly higher than the industry average of 12.96X [10] Strategic Focus - The company is prioritizing debt reduction and working capital optimization, maintaining leverage at approximately 1x adjusted EBITDA [3] - AVO is focusing on diversification and efficiency, with plans to expand blueberry and mango production, and has seen a 37% increase in European sales [4] - Capital expenditures are directed towards long-term productivity, including investments in farming in Latin America and a new packhouse in Guatemala [2] Competitive Landscape - AVO faces competition from Corteva, Inc. (CTVA) and Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (FDP), both leveraging unique strategic advantages in the fresh produce sector [5] - Corteva focuses on agricultural innovation and sustainability, while Fresh Del Monte emphasizes a vertically integrated global network and investments in automation and renewable energy [6][7] Market Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings decline of 9.4% for fiscal 2025 and 28.3% for fiscal 2026, with stable estimates over the past 30 days [11] - AVO's stock has gained 16.8% over the last six months, outperforming the industry growth of 5.5% [8]

Core Insights - Fyffes has agreed to sell its Sol Group melon growing and distribution business to Martori Farms, creating one of the world's largest year-round melon producers [1][2] - The transaction includes Fyffes' melon production operations in Honduras and Guatemala, along with a distribution operation in Miami, Florida [1] - The sale allows Fyffes to focus on its core categories of bananas and pineapples, enhancing its market leadership in these areas [2] Company Profiles - Sol Group is recognized as the largest supplier of winter melons to North American customers [2] - Martori Farms, a family-owned grower established in 1913, is known for its Kandy brand melons, including cantaloupe, watermelon, and lemon drop melon [3][4] - The acquisition is expected to create a reliable and diversified melon supply chain across the US, Central America, and South America [3] Strategic Goals - Martori Farms aims to deliver high-quality melons year-round, enhancing consumer satisfaction through flavor, appearance, and quality [4] - The acquisition of Sol Group is seen as a strategic move to extend Martori Farms' production capabilities and improve its distribution network [5]

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 Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 4% to $1.183 billion compared to $1.14 billion in the prior year [14] - Gross profit rose by 6% to $120 million from $113 million in the prior year, with gross margin expanding to 10.2% from 9.9% [6][15] - Net income attributable to Fresh Del Monte was $57 million, up from $54 million in the prior year, with adjusted diluted earnings per share increasing to $1.23 from $1.16 [18] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh and value-added products segment net sales increased by 4% to $723 million, driven by higher selling prices in the pineapple product line [19] - Banana segment net sales also rose by 4% to $410 million, primarily due to higher selling prices across regions [21] - Other products and services segment saw a slight decrease in net sales to $50 million from $51 million, attributed to lower selling prices in poultry and meats [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer spending on tropical fruit has risen by 58% since February 2017, indicating a growing market relevance [8] - The company launched PingGlow in the UAE, marking its first sustained market entry for a variety in the Middle East [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from legacy break box shipping vessels to container vessels in the Asia Pacific region to enhance operational efficiency [27] - There is a focus on expanding production capacity in Costa Rica and other regions, including Brazil and Africa, to meet growing demand [36][38] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a continued shortage of pineapple supply into 2026, with strong market dynamics expected to persist [35][36] - The company remains confident in its ability to deliver on full-year objectives, expecting net sales growth of 2% year-over-year [28] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share, equating to an annualized yield of 3.3% based on current share price [26] - The effective tax rate for the second quarter was 20%, reflecting increased earnings in higher tax jurisdictions [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on pineapple supply and growth expectations - Management expects a continued shortage of supply through the end of the year and into next year, with strong market conditions for premium varieties [35][36] Question: Distribution growth for Pink Glow - Supply is currently constrained due to regulatory issues, but management anticipates increased acreage and supply in about 18 months [40][41] Question: Demand sources for fresh cut fruit - Demand is primarily coming from retail and convenience stores, with growth observed globally, not just in North America [45][46] Question: Impact of black sigatoka on banana supply - Costa Rica's export volume is down over 20% due to black sigatoka disease, which is expected to worsen [52] Question: Foreign exchange impact on revenue - The strengthening of the euro, British pound, and Japanese yen positively impacted net sales, while the Costa Rican colon presented headwinds [62][65]

Q1 2025 Financial Highlights - Revenue reached $2.1 billion, a decrease of 1% year-over-year[10,33] - Adjusted EBITDA was $105 million, a decrease of 5% year-over-year[10,33] - Adjusted Diluted EPS was $0.35, a decrease of 18% year-over-year[10,33] - Revenue increased by 4% on a Like-For-Like (LFL) basis[10,14] Segment Performance - Fresh Fruit revenue increased by 6.5% year-over-year to $878 million, but Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 8.8% to $63.3 million[35,37,39] - Diversified Fresh Produce – EMEA revenue increased by 4.5% year-over-year to $892 million, with Adjusted EBITDA increasing by 6.6% to $27.7 million[35,44] - Diversified Fresh Produce – Americas & ROW revenue decreased by 23.8% year-over-year to $363 million, with Adjusted EBITDA decreasing by 5.9% to $13.8 million[35,49] Capital Allocation and Outlook - Free Cash Flow from Continuing Operations was $(52.8) million[53] - Net Debt stood at $(742) million, with Net Leverage at 1.9x[54] - The company expects Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations to be at least $380 million for FY'25[60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 2025 were $1.098 billion, down from $1.108 billion in the prior year, primarily due to lower sales in the banana segment and negative exchange rate fluctuations, partially offset by higher sales in fresh and value-added products [15] - Gross profit increased to $92 million from $82 million year-over-year, driven by higher sales in fresh and value-added segments, despite increased production and distribution costs [15][16] - Gross margin improved to 8.4% from 7.4% in the prior year, reflecting a sequential increase from 6.8% in Q4 2024 [16] - Net income attributable to Fresh Del Monte was $31 million, compared to $26 million in the prior year, with diluted EPS rising to $0.64 from $0.55 [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh and value-added products segment net sales were $683 million, up from $677 million, driven by higher selling prices in avocados and fresh cut fruits [19] - Banana segment net sales decreased to $364 million from $380 million, impacted by lower sales volume and prices in Asia and North America [21] - Other products and services segment net sales remained stable at $51 million, with gross profit increasing to $6 million from $5 million due to higher selling prices in poultry and meats [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong consumer interest in avocados and fresh cut fruits continues, with these categories central to the company's long-term growth strategy [8] - Pineapples are experiencing demand exceeding supply, indicating strong market positioning [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to lead in fresh and value-added products, focusing on quality, innovation, and sustainability [12] - Strategic acquisition of a majority stake in Abolio, a leading avocado oil producer in Uganda, aims to reduce waste and enhance value in a high-margin category [11] - The company is committed to operational efficiency and leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain to navigate global shipping disruptions [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued solid demand for fresh produce, despite consumer pressures [34] - The company is closely monitoring tariff impacts and is working collaboratively with buyers to mitigate negative effects [38] - Expectations for full-year 2025 include a 2% growth in net sales and targeted gross margins across segments [28][29] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share, representing a 3.5% yield based on current share price [25] - Long-term debt decreased by 5% from the previous fiscal year-end, reflecting improved financial health [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand in the produce category - Management noted continuous solid demand in fresh produce, with no expected reductions in consumption [34] Question: Logistic issues in the industry - Management indicated that smaller operators are at a disadvantage due to logistical disruptions, while the company remains agile and capable of fulfilling customer demands [36][37] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing - Management is working with buyers to mitigate tariff impacts without negatively affecting consumers [38] Question: Performance of avocado segment - The avocado segment is performing well, with diversification in sourcing contributing to growth [40] Question: Fresh cut fruit margins - Management believes fresh cut fruit operations are strengthening, with increased efficiency leading to stable margins [44] Question: Pineapple supply and demand - Management highlighted that increasing consumption is driving demand for pineapples, which are still competitively priced compared to other fruits [46][47]