Dole plc Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Business Wire 26-Feb-2025 6:00 AM

Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE) ("Dole" or the "Group" or the "Company") today released its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2024.

Highlights for the quarter ended December 31, 2024:

• Strong fourth quarter operational performance for the Group
• Revenue of $2.2 billion, an increase of 4.6% (an increase of 10.1% on a like-for-like basis¹)
• Net Loss of $31.6 million, primarily due to a non-cash write-down of the carrying value of the Fresh Vegetables division of $78.2 million
• Adjusted EBITDA² of $74.6 million, a decrease of 2.9% (an increase of 3.7% on a like-for-like basis)
• Adjusted Net Income² of $15.3 million and Adjusted Diluted EPS² of $0.16

Highlights for the year ended December 31, 2024:

• Very strong full year results achieved following a year of good momentum for the Group
• Revenue of $8.5 billion, an increase of 2.8% (an increase of 6.7% on a like-for-like basis)
• Net Income decreased to $143.4 million, primarily due to the non-cash write down of the carrying value of the Fresh Vegetables division in the fourth quarter, offset significantly by the strong operational performance of the Group
• Diluted EPS was $1.32, an increase from $1.30
• Adjusted EBITDA of $392.2 million, an increase of 1.8% (an increase of 6.7% on a like-for-like basis)
• Adjusted Net Income increased 2.4% to $120.9 million and Adjusted Diluted EPS increased 2.4% to $1.27
• Free Cash Flow from Continuing Operations² of $180.3 million
• Net Debt² of $637.1 million, a reduction of $181.1 million, and Net Leverage² of 1.6x

Commenting on the results, Carl McCann, Executive Chairman, said:

"We are pleased to report another strong result in the fourth quarter, rounding out a year of positive progress and development for the Group. Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.7% on a like-for-like basis, a result which was ahead of our latest guidance.

We finished the year in a strong financial position, with net leverage reducing to 1.6x, as we prioritized capital allocation and maximizing cash flow generation.

For the current financial year, although there is increased uncertainty due to the evolving geopolitical environment, we believe our business is well positioned to deliver another good result. At this early stage of the financial year, we are targeting full year Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $370 - $380 million.

Finally, we would like to extend thanks to all our dedicated people for their contributions and focus throughout the year, helping to drive our Group forward and delivering our strong 2024 financial result."

Group Results - Fourth Quarter

Revenue increased 4.6%, or $95.2 million, primarily due to positive operational performance across all segments, offset partially by an unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of $2.5 million and a net negative impact from acquisitions and divestitures of $111.2 million, particularly in the Diversified Fresh Produce - Americas & ROW segment as a result of the disposal of the Progressive Produce business in mid-March 2024. On a like-for-like basis, group revenue increased 10.1%, or $208.9 million.

Net loss was $31.6 million, a decrease from net income of $28.9 million in the prior year. This decrease was due to a loss of $61.2 million in discontinued operations (Fresh Vegetables) compared to income of $5.8 million in the prior year with improved operating results offset by a non-cash held for sale fair value loss of $104.9 million ($78.2 million, net of tax), which adjusted the carrying value of the Fresh Vegetables division to its estimated fair value. This loss was primarily due to $78.1 million of unrecorded depreciation and amortization from March 31, 2023 in accordance with held for sale guidance.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 2.9%, or $2.2 million, primarily driven by a net negative impact from acquisitions and divestitures of $4.9 million, particularly in the Diversified Fresh Produce - Americas & ROW segment as a result of the disposal of the Progressive Produce business. These decreases were partially offset by good performance in the Fresh Fruit segment. On a like-for-like basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased 3.7%, or $2.8 million.

Adjusted Net Income increased 3.0%, or $0.5 million, predominantly due to lower interest expense, as well as lower depreciation, interest and tax expense recorded within our equity method investments, offset partially by the decreases in Adjusted EBITDA as noted above. Adjusted Diluted EPS was $0.16 in each year.

Group Results - Full Year

Revenue increased 2.8%, or $230.1 million, predominantly due to strong operational performances across all segments and a favorable impact from foreign currency translation of $13.4 million. These positive impacts were partially offset by a net negative impact from acquisitions and divestitures of $335.6 million, particularly in the Diversified Fresh Produce - Americas & ROW segment as a result of the disposal of the Progressive Produce business. On a like-for-like basis, revenue increased 6.7%, or $552.2 million.

Net income of $143.4 million was $12.3 million lower than the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to the non-cash held for sale fair value loss of $78.2 million, net of tax, in the fourth quarter within discontinued operations as described above, as well as higher tax expense. These decreases were partially offset by higher operating income due to strong underlying performance across the Group, higher other income, primarily related to fair value adjustments of financial instruments, and lower interest expense.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 1.8%, or $7.1 million, primarily due to good performance in the Fresh Fruit and Diversified Fresh Produce - Americas & ROW segments, partially offset by a lower result in the Diversified Fresh Produce - EMEA segment and a net negative impact from acquisitions and divestitures of $18.8 million. The impact of foreign currency translation was not material. On a like-for-like basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.7%, or $25.7 million.

Adjusted Net Income increased 2.4%, or $2.8 million, predominantly due to the increases in Adjusted EBITDA as noted above, as well as lower interest and depreciation expense, partially offset by higher tax expense. Adjusted Diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $1.27 compared to $1.24 in the prior year.

Fourth Quarter Commentary

Fresh Fruit

Revenue increased 9.4%, or $70.4 million, primarily due to higher worldwide volumes of bananas sold, higher worldwide pricing of pineapples and higher pricing and volume for plantains in North America. These increases were partially offset by lower worldwide volumes of pineapples sold, lower worldwide pricing for bananas and lower pricing and volume for plantains in Europe.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by 10.8%, or $3.1 million, primarily driven by higher revenue in bananas in particular, as well as lower fruit sourcing and shipping costs in Europe, partially offset by higher shipping costs in North America due to scheduled dry dockings.

Diversified Fresh Produce – EMEA

Revenue increased 5.5%, or $47.7 million, primarily driven by strong performance in the U.K., Spain and the Nordics, partially offset by a net negative impact from acquisitions and divestitures of $7.4 million. On a like-for-like basis, revenue increased 6.5%, or $56.1 million.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 0.5%, or $0.2 million, primarily due to decreases in the Czech Republic, South Africa and Ireland as well as an unfavorable impact from foreign currency translation of $0.2 million, partially offset by stronger performance in Spain and the U.K. On a like-for-like basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased 0.3%, or $0.1 million.

Diversified Fresh Produce – Americas & ROW

Revenue decreased 5.4%, or $26.5 million, primarily due to the disposal of the Progressive Produce business in mid-March 2024. On a like-for-like basis, revenue increased 16.1%, or $78.8 million, primarily due to higher export volumes in cherries and grapes as well as strong trading performance across commodities in the North American market.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 33.7%, or $5.2 million, primarily due to the disposal of the Progressive Produce business. On a like-for-like basis, Adjusted EBITDA decreased 2.2%, or $0.3 million, primarily due to a lower profitability in the Chilean cherry business, partially offset by continued good performance in North America, particularly in kiwi, grapes and avocados.

Full Year Commentary

Fresh Fruit

Revenue increased 5.0%, or $157.7 million, predominantly driven by higher worldwide volumes of bananas sold, higher worldwide pricing of pineapples, higher pricing of bananas in North America and higher pricing and volume for plantains in North America. These increases were partially offset by lower pricing for bananas in Europe, lower volumes of pineapples sold on a worldwide basis, lower pricing for plantains in Europe and lower commercial cargo revenue.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 2.8%, or $5.9 million, primarily driven by higher revenue in bananas in particular, as well as lower fruit sourcing and shipping costs in Europe, partially offset by higher shipping costs in North America due to scheduled dry dockings and a decrease in commercial cargo profitability.

Diversified Fresh Produce – EMEA

Revenue increased 5.1%, or $175.7 million, primarily driven by strong performance in Ireland and the U.K., a favorable impact from foreign currency translation of $16.7 million, as a result of the strengthening of the British pound sterling and Swedish krona against the U.S. Dollar, and a net positive impact from acquisitions and divestitures of $8.3 million. On a like-for-like basis, revenue increased 4.4%, or $150.8 million.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 1.5%, or $2.1 million, primarily driven by decreases in the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. These decreases were partially offset by strong performance in the Nordics, Spain and South Africa, as well as a favorable impact from foreign currency translation of $0.3 million. On a like-for-like basis, Adjusted EBITDA decreased 1.9%, or $2.5 million.

Diversified Fresh Produce – Americas & ROW

Revenue decreased 6.3%, or $113.9 million, primarily due to the disposal of the Progressive Produce business in mid-March 2024. On a like-for-like basis, revenue increased 13.0%, or $233.3 million, primarily due to significantly higher export volumes of cherries, accentuated by important seasonal timing differences in 2024, as well as good developments in most other export products. In addition, the segment also saw strong growth in the North American marketplace, driven by increases in kiwis, avocados and grapes, in particular, partially offset by decreases in berries.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 7.6%, or $3.2 million, primarily due to a strong export performance in Chilean cherries, accentuated by seasonal timing differences in 2024, as well as a strong performance on the export side of the business. In addition, there was also a strong performance in North America, particularly in kiwis, grapes and avocados. These positive impacts were significantly offset by the disposal of the Progressive Produce business. On a like-for-like basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased 52.3% or $22.3 million.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $82.4 million which included investments in shipping containers, farming investments, efficiency projects in our warehouses and ongoing investments in IT and logistics assets. Additions through finance leases from continuing operations were $53.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. These additions were primarily related to $41.1 million of investments in two vessels made during the three months ended September 30, 2024 that we had previously chartered; the vessels were subsequently purchased in February of 2025. Total capital additions from continuing operations, including additions through finance leases, were $135.7 million.

Free Cash Flow from Continuing Operations, Net Debt and Net Leverage

Free cash flow from continuing operations was $180.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Free cash flow was driven by normal seasonal impacts. There were higher outflows from receivables based on higher revenues (excluding the impacts of divestitures) and timing of collections and higher outflows from inventories, partly offset by inflows from accounts payables, accrued liabilities and other liabilities. At the end of the year, Net Debt was $637.1 million, a reduction from $818.3 million as of December 31, 2023. Net Leverage, which is calculated by dividing Net Debt with Adjusted EBITDA, decreased to 1.6x as of December 31, 2024 from 2.1x as of December 31, 2023.

Outlook for Fiscal Year 2025 (forward-looking statement)

We are very pleased with the group's strong performance in 2024, delivering $392.2 million of Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations. This result exceeded expectations and gives us a strong platform to move forward into the 2025 financial year.

While we continue to see excellent opportunities for our business in 2025, we will also face challenges and uncertainties this year. The evolving geopolitical environment is adding increased uncertainty in areas including regulation, foreign exchange rates and the potential impact of any tariffs on sourcing costs and supply chains.

Our management teams are keenly focused on preparing for any eventualities while also continuing to promote the critical benefits of the fresh produce industry in supporting shared global goals toward enhancing health and wellness.

For our own operations, we will face a known short-term headwind in 2025 following the impact of Tropical Storm Sara on our Honduran operations in November 2024. Factoring in this and given our excellent finish to the 2024 financial year, which exceeded expectations, at this early stage of the financial year our target is to deliver full year Adjusted EBITDA in a range of $370 - $380 million.

Dividend

On February 25, 2025, the Board of Directors of Dole plc declared a cash dividend for the fourth quarter of 2024 of $0.08 per share, payable on April 3, 2025 to shareholders of record on March 20, 2025. A cash dividend of $0.08 per share was paid on January 3, 2025 for the third quarter of 2024.

About Dole plc

A global leader in fresh produce, Dole plc produces, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers' requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and a more sustainable place.

Webcast and Conference Call Information

Dole plc will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast at 08:00 a.m. Eastern Time today to discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results. The live webcast and a replay after the event can be accessed at www.doleplc.com/investor-relations or directly at https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/264989893. The conference call can be accessed by registering at https://registrations.events/direct/Q4I604517.

Forward-looking information

Certain statements made in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future economic performance, considering the information currently available to management. These statements are not statements of historical fact. The words "believe," "may," "could," "will," "should," "would," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "objective," "seek," "strive," "target" or similar words, or the negative of these words, identify forward-looking statements. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates, or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, financial results, financial condition, business prospects, growth strategy and liquidity. Accordingly, there are, or will be, important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from what we may have expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We caution that you should not place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made except as required by the federal securities laws.

Category: Financial

Appendix

Reconciliation from Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA – Unaudited

The following information is provided to give quantitative information related to items impacting comparability. Refer to the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures' section of this document for additional detail on each item.

Reconciliation from Net Income attributable to Dole plc to Adjusted Net Income – Unaudited

The following information is provided to give quantitative information related to items impacting comparability. Refer to the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures' section of this document for additional detail on each item. Refer to the Appendix for supplementary detail.

Supplemental Reconciliation from Net Income attributable to Dole plc to Adjusted Net Income – Unaudited

The following information is provided to give quantitative information related to items impacting comparability. Refer to the 'Non-GAAP Financial Measures' section of this document for additional detail on each item.