DOLE earnings call: key takeaways

• Dole reported adjusted EBITDA of $84 million for the third quarter, up 4% from the prior year, with EPS of $0.16, in line with the prior year (1:35)
• The company revised its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance down to $380–$390 million from $400 million, citing higher fuel costs and weather-related challenges. (12:06)

Results vs expectations

What changed since last quarter

• Full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance was lowered to $380–$390 million from $400 million, citing higher fuel costs and weather impacts. (12:06)
• Fuel costs, particularly in Europe, are expected to have an adverse impact of $16 million for the full year. (4:38)
• The company highlighted the need for continued focus on cost management and operational execution amid ongoing challenges. (4:38)

Guidance

What analysts pressed on

• Whether fuel cost pressures will persist into 2027 and impact fresh fruit margins. (16:36)
• How the company plans to manage pricing and sourcing costs in the face of rising input costs. (19:06)
• The potential impact of El Niño on yields and supply chains, and whether Dole is better positioned than competitors. (25:24)

In their words

• We are moving forward with our plans for the long-term development of the Helsingborg facility. Rory Byrne (3:14)
• The biggest single factor is definitely fuel. Boren Sharma (15:11)
• We're hoping that will be the case going into 2027. (18:24)