Dole (NYSE:DOLE) Releases Quarterly Earnings Results, Beats Expectations By $0.02 EPS

Dole (NYSE:DOLE) issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported $0.14 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.02, FiscalAI reports. The business had revenue of $2.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.32 billion. Dole had a net margin of 0.17% and a return on equity of 7.98%. Dole’s revenue for the quarter was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.16 earnings per share.

Here are the key takeaways from Dole’s conference call:

• We delivered Adjusted EBITDA of $395 million in 2025, beating guidance, and are targeting at least $400 million for 2026.
• Management completed strategic portfolio moves — the sale of the Fresh Vegetables business for $140 million and an expected ~ $75 million net proceed sale of the Guayaquil port — and renewed a $1.2 billion credit facility while launching a $100 million buyback program (S$4.5m spent to date), giving the company greater capital allocation flexibility.
• Fresh Fruit profitability was pressured by higher sourcing costs for bananas, pineapples and plantains and weather disruption (notably Tropical Storm Sara), though Honduran farm rehabilitation is underway with full recovery expected later in 2026.
• The Diversified Fresh Produce segments were strong — EMEA delivered $150 million Adjusted EBITDA (+14% YoY) and Diversified Americas drove double-digit growth (Q4 Adjusted EBITDA up 32%, full-year up 21%) led by kiwis, citrus and export volumes like cherries.
• Financials show improving leverage (net debt ~1.5x), expected 2026 interest expense of ~ $60 million, routine CapEx guidance of ~ $100 million, and longer-term free cash flow conversion guidance of 30–35% despite 2025 one-offs that reduced reported FCF.

Dole Stock Down 4.1%

Shares of NYSE:DOLE traded down $0.65 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $15.34. 482,552 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 670,852. The firm has a market cap of $1.46 billion, a PE ratio of 102.70, a P/E/G ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.64. Dole has a fifty-two week low of $12.52 and a fifty-two week high of $16.57. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $15.33 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $14.34. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60.

Key Headlines Impacting Dole

Here are the key news stories impacting Dole this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Q4 results beat revenue and EPS estimates: revenue ~$2.37B (vs. $2.32B est.), EPS $0.14 vs. $0.12 est., revenue +9.2% YoY — evidence of top-line momentum and better-than-expected operational performance. Dole beats revenue estimates with flat Q4 earnings
• Positive Sentiment: Management lifted its outlook alongside Q4 results and highlighted adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income beats, signaling confidence in earnings trajectory and cash generation. Fresh produce firm Dole lifts outlook as quarterly revenue climbs
• Positive Sentiment: Announced agreement to sell port assets in Ecuador — a potential balance-sheet / liquidity positive that could reduce capital intensity and free cash for debt reduction or reinvestment. Dole plc Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results
• Neutral Sentiment: Product expansion: DOLE WHIP® is rolling into new retail formats and flavors — supports brand/retail growth but is likely a gradual revenue contributor rather than an immediate margin driver. DOLE WHIP® EXPANDS INTO NEW RETAIL FORMATS AND FLAVORS
• Neutral Sentiment: Company provided operational reassurances after heavy rain (no Wahiawa reservoir dam breach) — limits near-term disruption risk to Hawaii operations. Dole assures no Wahiawa Reservoir Dam breach after heavy rain
• Negative Sentiment: Tiny net income and narrow margins: reported net income was $6.0M and net margin ~0.17%, and EPS was slightly below prior-year quarter ($0.16 → $0.14). Profitability remains pressured, which can limit valuation upside until margin improvement is sustained. Dole plc Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results

Dole declared that its board has authorized a stock buyback plan on Monday, November 10th that authorizes the company to repurchase $100.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to buy up to 8.3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically a sign that the company’s leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

Institutional Trading of Dole

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its stake in Dole by 120.8% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 1,835 shares of the company’s stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 1,004 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Dole by 269.0% during the 2nd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 3,716 shares of the company’s stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 2,709 shares during the last quarter. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd bought a new stake in Dole during the fourth quarter worth $58,000. California State Teachers Retirement System grew its position in shares of Dole by 22.8% in the 4th quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 5,087 shares of the company’s stock valued at $76,000 after acquiring an additional 943 shares during the period. Finally, Boothbay Fund Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Dole during the 3rd quarter worth about $175,000.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

DOLE has been the topic of several recent research reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded Dole from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Saturday, December 13th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “hold (c-)” rating on shares of Dole in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Dole currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $16.00.

About Dole

Dole plc is a global producer, marketer and distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables. The company’s product range includes bananas, pineapples, berries, grapes, salads and a variety of other fresh and packaged produce, sold under the Dole brand and through private-label arrangements. Dole’s operations span the full fresh-produce value chain, from farming and sourcing to packing, ripening, cold‑chain logistics and wholesale and retail distribution, supporting both retail grocery and foodservice customers.

The company traces its commercial heritage to the early 20th century Hawaiian pineapple business founded by James Dole and has evolved through subsequent corporate restructurings and combinations.