Dole(US:DOLE)2025-05-12 13:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group revenue increased by 4.2% to $2.1 billion on a like-for-like basis, while adjusted EBITDA decreased by 2% to $104.8 million [4][5] - Adjusted net income was $33.1 million, with adjusted EPS down to $0.35 from $0.43 in Q1 2024, primarily due to the decrease in adjusted EBITDA [5][17] - The company announced a 6.25% increase in dividend to $0.85 per share, marking the first dividend increase since 2021 [5][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh Fruit segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $63.3 million, exceeding expectations despite challenges from Tropical Storm Sarah [6][18] - Diversified EMEA segment achieved adjusted EBITDA of $27.7 million, with strong growth driven by the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands [9][19] - Diversified Americas segment saw a like-for-like revenue decline of 6.8%, primarily due to lower export pricing for Southern Hemisphere products [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced good volume growth in bananas, while European markets showed stable performance with volume growth in bananas and improved pineapple performance [8][9] - The company noted a favorable balance in supply and demand for bananas and pineapples, with expectations of robust demand continuing throughout the year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on exploring internal and external investment opportunities to drive growth, particularly in the Diversified EMEA segment [10][25] - Capital allocation will be influenced by the outcome of the fresh vegetable division's strategic review, with ongoing projects in automation technology and facility expansions [40][44] - The company aims to maintain a baseline capital expenditure of approximately $100 million while anticipating increased spending related to reinvestments in Honduras [25][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic challenges, revising full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance upwards to at least $380 million [24][52] - The company is monitoring evolving international trade dynamics and believes existing trade deals will remain favorable [24] - Management acknowledged potential short-term disruptions but emphasized the resilience of the business model [25] Other Important Information - The company completed a €1.2 billion refinancing of its credit facility, enhancing financial flexibility [5][21] - Free cash flow from continuing operations was an outflow of £131.6 million, primarily due to seasonal working capital trends [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Follow-up on EBITDA guidance and tariff impacts - Management indicated that the EBITDA guidance reflects better-than-expected Q1 performance and considers current tariffs [28][29] Question: Fresh vegetables business exit strategy - Management is actively working on a strategic exit for the fresh vegetables business, emphasizing the complexity of the process [31][33] Question: Capital allocation policy and growth initiatives - Management stated that all capital allocation options are on the table, with a focus on internal development projects and potential acquisitions [39][41] Question: Performance drivers in Diversified Americas - Management highlighted strong performance in North American distribution and handling businesses, with a return to normal market conditions in South America [46][48] Question: Incremental CapEx for reinvestment in Honduras - Management estimated additional CapEx for reinvestment in Honduras to be around $10 million to $12 million, aimed at improving yields and flood protections [49]