Fresh Del Monte Produce (FDP) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

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] - Gross margin improved to 8.4% from 7.4% in the prior year and 6.8% in Q4 2024 [16] - Net income attributable to Fresh Del Monte was $31 million, up from $26 million in the prior year, with adjusted net income at $30 million compared to $16 million last year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh and value-added products segment net sales were $683 million, slightly up from $677 million, driven by higher avocado prices and fresh cut fruit sales in North America [19] - Banana segment net sales decreased to $364 million from $380 million, impacted by lower sales volume and prices in Asia and North America due to market demand and supply issues [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 poultry and meat prices [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong consumer interest in avocados and fresh cut fruit continues, with the avocado segment expected to grow as sourcing diversifies from Peru and Colombia [39] - Pineapple demand exceeds supply, attributed to increasing consumption and favorable pricing compared to other fruits [44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to lead in fresh and value-added products, focusing on quality, innovation, and sustainability, with a vision extending through 2025 to 2027 [12] - Strategic acquisition of a majority stake in Abolio, an avocado oil producer, aims to reduce waste and enhance value in a high-margin category [11] - The company is committed to operational excellence, resource efficiency, and global expansion while reducing reliance on any single market [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued solid demand for fresh produce despite consumer pressures, indicating resilience in the face of logistical disruptions [33] - The company is closely monitoring tariff impacts and working collaboratively with buyers to mitigate costs without negatively affecting consumers [37] - Expectations for full-year 2025 include a 2% growth in net sales and gross margins of 10-11% in fresh and value-added products, 5-7% in bananas, and 12-14% in other products [27][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 to $233 million, a 5% reduction from the previous fiscal year-end [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Demand in the produce category - Management noted solid demand in fresh produce, with no expected reductions in consumption, viewing market disruptions as potential opportunities [33] Question: Logistic issues in the industry - Management confirmed that smaller operators face challenges due to logistics disruptions, while the company’s integrated supply chain allows for uninterrupted operations [34][36] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing - The company is working with buyers to mitigate tariff impacts cooperatively, aiming to avoid negative effects on consumer prices [37] Question: Performance of avocado segment - The avocado segment is performing well, with growth expected as sourcing diversifies [39] Question: Fresh cut fruit margins - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong margins in fresh cut fruit operations due to increased efficiency and demand [42] Question: Pineapple supply and demand - Management indicated that increasing consumption is driving demand for pineapples, which are still competitively priced compared to other fruits [44]