Fresh Del Monte’s third quarter results reflected a combination of stable sales and significant margin pressures, with revenue holding flat and operating margins declining. The company attributed these trends to higher production and procurement costs in the banana segment, driven by adverse weather and increased disease management expenses. CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh highlighted continued strength in the pineapple and fresh-cut fruit businesses, noting, “We saw continued gross margin expansion in our fresh and value-added product segment, and our pineapple program continues to perform well.” The divestiture of Mann Packing and exit from underperforming banana farms were key steps to address ongoing profitability challenges.

Is now the time to buy FDP? Find out in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.

Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Fresh Del Monte Produce’s Q3 Earnings Call

• Mitchell Pinheiro (Sturdivant & Co., Inc.) asked if the high adjusted gross margin in the fresh and value-added segment represents a new normal. CFO Monica Vicente responded that margins should remain near 13%, though the company remains cautious and guides to an 11–13% range.
• Pinheiro inquired about cost pressures in pineapples versus bananas. CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh explained that pineapple costs are not affected by the same diseases as bananas and that supply remains tight, supporting stable margins.
• Pinheiro questioned the outlook for avocado pricing and volume. Abu-Ghazaleh suggested prices could temporarily rise as Mexican supply dominates, but expects no sustained price increase, while Vicente added that margins are stable due to lower input costs.
• Pinheiro asked about the rationale for banana consumption declines in North America. Abu-Ghazaleh attributed it to seasonal factors and not a long-term trend, but reiterated that rising costs are not matched by price increases, squeezing margins.
• Pinheiro sought clarification on the new banana industry association (VANA). Abu-Ghazaleh stated the association focuses on operational collaboration, not price or volume coordination, and addressed ongoing risks from disease and supply constraints.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In upcoming quarters, our analysts will closely monitor (1) the successful closing and integration of the Mann Packing divestiture and its impact on segment profitability, (2) evidence of margin stabilization or recovery in the banana business despite persistent disease pressures, and (3) the ability of the company’s pineapple and fresh-cut fruit businesses to sustain demand and pricing power. Progress on disease-resistant crop development and supply chain optimization will also be important signposts.

Fresh Del Monte Produce currently trades at $36.14, up from $34.40 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

The Best Stocks for High-Quality Investors

Fresh US-China trade tensions just tanked stocks—but strong bank earnings are fueling a sharp rebound. Don’t miss the bounce.

Don’t let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.