Del Monte Corp 10-Q for FY2024 Q1
Del Monte Corp (DMC)
10-Q
2024-05-03
For: 2024-03-29
View Original
Added on
April 06, 2026
About this 10-Q
Del Monte Corp filed this 10-Q on May 3, 2024, covering the quarter ended March 29, 2024 (FY2024 Q1).
Headline figures
Quarter ended March 29, 2024, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- $1.11B
- down 1.8% from $1.13B a year earlier
- Net income
- $26.1M
- down 33.1% from net income of $39M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- $0.55
- down 32.1% from $0.81 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
———————————
FORM 10-Q
———————————
(Mark One)
For the quarterly period ended March 29, 2024
OR
For the transition period from to
(Commission file number)
———————————
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
———————————
| N/A | |||||||||||
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S Employer Identification No.) | ||||||||||
| Grand Cayman, | |||||||||||
| N/A | |||||||||||
| (Address of Registrant’s Principal Executive Office) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
(305 ) 520-8400
(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)
Please send copies of notices and communications from the Securities and Exchange Commission to:
c/o Del Monte Fresh Produce Company
241 Sevilla Avenue
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
(Address of Registrant’s U.S. Executive Office)
———————————
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | ||||||||||
| Smaller reporting company | |||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | |||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of April 26, 2024, there were 47,898,240 ordinary shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. issued and outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||||
| PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION | ||||||||
| PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | ||||||||
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(U.S. dollars in millions, except share and per share data)
| March 29, 2024 | December 29, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $ | |||||||||||
Other accounts receivable, net of allowance of $ | |||||||||||
| Inventories, net | |||||||||||
| Assets held for sale | |||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Investments in and advances to unconsolidated companies | |||||||||||
| Property, plant and equipment, net | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Other noncurrent assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Liabilities and shareholders' equity | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Current maturities of debt and finance leases | |||||||||||
| Current maturities of operating leases | |||||||||||
| Income taxes and other taxes payable | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance leases | |||||||||||
| Retirement benefits | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Operating leases, less current maturities | |||||||||||
| Other noncurrent liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (See note 9) | |||||||||||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interest | |||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity: | |||||||||||
Preferred shares, $ authorized; | |||||||||||
Ordinary shares, $ | |||||||||||
| Paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Retained earnings | |||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. shareholders' equity | |||||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | |||||||||||
| Total shareholders' equity | |||||||||||
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and shareholders' equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes.
1
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(U.S. dollars in millions, except share and per share data)
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of products sold | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset impairment and other charges, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income before income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax provision | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net income attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per ordinary share attributable to Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. - Basic | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income per ordinary share attributable to Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. - Diluted | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends declared per ordinary share | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes.
2
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
(U.S. dollars in millions)
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized foreign currency translation (loss) gain | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net change in retirement benefit adjustment, net of tax | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable and noncontrolling interests | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes.
3
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(U.S. dollars in millions)
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
| Amortization of debt issuance costs | |||||||||||
| Share-based compensation expense | |||||||||||
| Change in uncertain tax positions | ( | ||||||||||
| Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ( | ||||||||||
| Other, net | |||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | |||||||||||
| Receivables | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Inventories | |||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | |||||||||||
| Other assets and liabilities | ( | ||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||
| Investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment | |||||||||||
| Investments in and advances to unconsolidated companies | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by investing activities | |||||||||||
| Financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from debt | |||||||||||
| Payments on debt | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interests | ( | ||||||||||
| Share-based awards settled in cash for taxes | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Dividends paid | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Payment of deferred financing costs | ( | ||||||||||
| Other financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | ( | ||||||||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, ending | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information: | |||||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Cash paid for income taxes | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Non-cash financing and investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Dividends on restricted stock units | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Non-cash conversion of note receivable in exchange for investment in unconsolidated company | $ | $ | |||||||||
See accompanying notes.
4
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
(Unaudited) (U.S. dollars in millions, except share data)
| Ordinary Shares Outstanding | Ordinary Shares | Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. Shareholders' Equity | Noncontrolling Interests | Total Shareholders' Equity | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 29, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement of restricted stock units | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payment expense | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividend declared | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | ( | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized foreign currency translation loss | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | — | ( | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in retirement benefit adjustment, net of tax | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | — | ( | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 29, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ordinary Shares Outstanding | Ordinary Shares | Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. Shareholders' Equity | Noncontrolling Interests | Total Shareholders' Equity | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 30, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercises of stock options | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Settlement of restricted stock units | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payment expense | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution to noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dividend declared | — | — | ( | — | ( | — | ( | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net unrealized foreign currency translation gain | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Change in retirement benefit adjustment, net of tax | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | — | ( | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes.
5
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
1. General
Reference in this Report to “Fresh Del Monte”, “we”, “our” and “us” and the “Company” refer to Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Nature of Business
We were incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands in 1996. We are one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and marketer of prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, beverages and snacks in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. We market our products worldwide under the Del Monte® brand, a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability since 1892. Our major sales markets are organized as follows: North America, Europe, the Middle East (which includes North Africa) and Asia. Our global sourcing and logistics system allows us to provide regular delivery of consistently high-quality produce and value-added services to our customers. Our major production operations are located in North, Central and South America, Asia and Africa. Our products are sourced from company-owned operations and through supply contracts with independent growers.
Our business is comprised of three reportable segments, two of which represent our primary businesses of fresh and value-added products and banana, and one that represents our other ancillary businesses.
•Fresh and value-added products - includes pineapples, fresh-cut fruit, fresh-cut vegetables (which includes fresh-cut salads), melons, vegetables, non-tropical fruit (including grapes, apples, citrus, blueberries, strawberries, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries and kiwis), other fruit and vegetables, avocados, and prepared foods (including prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, other beverages, and meals and snacks).
•Banana
•Other products and services - includes our third-party freight and logistic services business and our Jordanian poultry and meats business.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended March 29, 2024 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. They do not include all information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter ended March 29, 2024 are subject to significant seasonal variations and are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 27, 2024. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023.
We are required to evaluate events occurring after March 29, 2024 for recognition and disclosure in the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the quarter ended March 29, 2024. Events are evaluated based on whether they represent information existing as of March 29, 2024, which require recognition in the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, or new events occurring after March 29, 2024 which do not require recognition but require disclosure if the event is significant to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements. We evaluated events occurring subsequent to March 29, 2024 through the date of issuance of these unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
6
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
As part of the Mann Packing acquisition in 2018, we acquired a put option exercisable by the 25 % shareholder of one of the acquired subsidiaries. The put option allowed the noncontrolling shareholder to sell its 25 % noncontrolling interest to us for a multiple of the subsidiary's adjusted earnings. As the put option was outside of our control, the carrying value of the 25 % noncontrolling interest was presented as a redeemable noncontrolling interest outside of permanent equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. At each reporting period, the redeemable noncontrolling interest was recognized at the higher of (1) the initial carrying amount adjusted for accumulated earnings and distributions or (2) the contractually-defined redemption value as of the balance sheet date.
During the year ended December 29, 2023, the noncontrolling shareholder exercised its put option right and accordingly, we closed the purchase of the remaining 25 % of this subsidiary for $5.2 million in cash consideration. The transaction was accounted for as an equity transaction, with the differential between the redeemable noncontrolling interest carrying amount at the time of closing and the cash purchase price being recognized as a $42.7 million increase in paid-in capital within shareholders' equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
2. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This ASU amends Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 280 to enhance the nature and frequency of segment disclosures. Specifically, the update requires disclosure of significant segment expenses regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") included within the reported measures of a segment's profit or loss, the amount and composition of other segment items in order to reconcile to the reported measures of a segment's profit or loss, the CODM's title and position, and how the CODM uses the reported measures of a segment's profit or loss in assessing segment performance and how to allocate resources. The ASU also makes requires that annual disclosures about a reportable segment's profit or loss and assets required by Topic 280 be made in interim periods. ASU 2023-07 is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024 with early adoption permitted. We have evaluated the impact of the adoption of this ASU and concluded it has no impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU amends ASC 740 to enhance the nature of disclosures for income taxes. Specifically, the ASU requires public business entities to disclose additional information in categories defined within the ASU within the reconciliation of the effective tax rate to the statutory rate for federal, state and foreign income taxes. Additionally, the ASU requires disclosure of taxes paid, net of refunds received, disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes. ASU 2023-09 is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2024 with early adoption permitted. We have evaluated the impact of the adoption of this ASU and concluded it has no impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
7
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
3. Asset Impairment and Other Charges, Net
The following represents a summary of asset impairment and other charges, net recorded during the quarters ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023 (U.S. dollars in millions):
| Quarter ended | Quarter ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-lived and other asset impairment | Exit activity and other charges | Total | Long-lived and other asset impairment | Exit activity and other charges | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banana segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
California Air Resource Board reserve (1) | $ | — | $ | $ | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legal settlement (2) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 cybersecurity incident expenses (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total asset impairment and other charges, net | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) During the three months ended March 29, 2024, we recorded a $0.5 million reserve relating to a potential liability arising from our third-party logistics operation. Refer to Note 9, “Commitments and Contingencies.”
(2) Subsequent to March 29, 2024, we entered into a settlement agreement with respect to a litigation matter by a former employee. This matter was in the discovery phase until the first quarter of 2024, when the court set the expected trial date and the parties began to discuss settlement. Accordingly, we accrued $1.8 million, net of insurance reimbursements, associated with the settlement as of March 29, 2024.
4. Income Taxes
In connection with the examination of the tax returns in two foreign jurisdictions, the taxing authorities have issued income tax deficiencies related to transfer pricing aggregating approximately $174.1 million (including interest and penalties) for tax years 2012 through 2016. We strongly disagree with the proposed adjustments and have filed a protest with each of the taxing authorities.
In one of the foreign jurisdictions, we are currently contesting tax assessments related to the 2012-2015 audit years and the 2016 audit year in both the administrative court and the judicial court. During 2019 and 2020, we filed actions contesting the tax assessment in the administrative office. Our initial challenge to each of these tax assessments was rejected, and we subsequently lost our appeals at the administrative court. We have subsequently filed actions to contest each of these tax assessments in the country’s judicial courts. In addition, we have filed a request for injunction to the judicial court to stay the tax authorities' collection efforts for these two tax assessments, pending final judicial decisions. The court granted our injunction with respect to the 2016 audit year, however denied our injunction with respect to the 2012-2015 audit years. We timely appealed the denial of the injunction, and on August 10, 2022 the appellate court overturned the denial and granted our injunction for the 2012-2015 audit years. Pursuant to local law, we registered real estate collateral with an approximate fair market value of $7.3 million in connection with the grant of the 2016 audit year injunction. This real estate collateral has a net book value of $3.8 million as of the quarter ended March 29, 2024. In addition, in connection with the grant of the 2012-2015 audit year injunction, we registered real estate collateral with an approximate fair market value of $30.3 million, and a net book value of $4.6 million as of the quarter ended March 29, 2024. The registration of this real estate collateral does not affect our operations in the country.
In the other foreign jurisdiction, the administrative court denied our appeal, and on March 4, 2020 we filed an action in the judicial court to contest the administrative court's decision. The case is still pending.
8
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
We will continue to vigorously contest the adjustments and intend to exhaust all administrative and judicial remedies necessary in both jurisdictions to resolve the matters, which could be a lengthy process.
Additionally, the European Union (EU) Member States formally adopted the EU’s Pillar Two Directive, which generally provides for a minimum effective tax rate of 15%, as established by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Pillar Two Framework. Pursuant to the implementation dates prescribed in the Directive, it is expected the rules will be effective for the Company for the 2025 fiscal year. A significant number of other countries are expected to also implement similar legislation with varying effective dates in the future. We are continuing to evaluate the potential impact on future periods of the Pillar Two Framework, pending legislative adoption by additional individual countries, however, we may not be able to completely mitigate the impact of the legislation which could have an adverse material effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Income tax provision was $5.3 million for the quarter ended March 29, 2024 compared with $9.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in the income tax provision was primarily due to decreased earnings in certain higher tax jurisdictions.
5. Allowance for Credit Losses
We estimate expected credit losses on our trade receivables and financing receivables in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses.
Trade Receivables
Trade receivables as of March 29, 2024 were $435.0 million, net of an allowance of $23.2 million. Our allowance for trade receivables consists of two components: a $8.0 million allowance for credit losses and a $15.2 million allowance for customer claims accounted for under the scope of ASC 606 - Revenue Recognition.
As a result of our robust credit monitoring practices, the industry in which we operate, and the nature of our customer base, the credit losses associated with our trade receivables have historically been insignificant in comparison to our annual net sales. We measure the allowance for credit losses on trade receivables on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. We generally pool our trade receivables based on the geographic region or country to which the receivables relate. Receivables that do not share similar risk characteristics are evaluated for collectability on an individual basis.
Our historical credit loss experience provides the basis for our estimation of expected credit losses. We generally use a three-year average annual loss rate as a starting point for our estimation, and make adjustments to the historical loss rate to account for differences in current conditions impacting the collectability of our receivable pools. We generally monitor macroeconomic indicators to assess whether adjustments are necessary to reflect current conditions.
The table below presents a rollforward of our trade receivable allowance for credit losses for the quarters ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023 (U.S. dollars in millions):
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trade receivables | March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for uncollectible amounts | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deductions to allowance related to write-offs | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange effects | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
9
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
Financing Receivables
Financing receivables are included in other accounts receivable, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are recognized at amortized cost less an allowance for estimated credit losses. Financing receivables include seasonal advances to growers and suppliers, which are usually short-term in nature, and other financing receivables.
A significant portion of the fresh produce we sell is acquired through supply contracts with independent growers. In order to ensure the consistent high quality of our products and packaging, we make advances to independent growers and suppliers. These growers and suppliers typically sell all of their production to us and make payments on their advances as a deduction to the agreed upon selling price of the fruit or packaging material. The majority of the advances to growers and suppliers are for terms less than one year and typically span a growing season. In certain cases, there may be longer term advances with terms of up to five years .
We measure the allowance for credit losses on advances to suppliers and growers on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. We generally pool our advances based on the country to which they relate, and further disaggregate them based on their current or past-due status. We generally consider an advance to a grower to be past due when the advance is not fully paid within the respective growing season. The allowance for advances to growers and suppliers that do not share similar risk characteristics are determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the expected production for the season and other contributing factors. The advances are typically collateralized by property liens and pledges of the respective season’s produce. Occasionally, we agree to a payment plan with these growers or take steps to recover the advance via established collateral. We may write-off uncollectible financing receivables after our collection efforts are exhausted.
Our historical credit loss experience provides the basis for our estimation of expected credit losses. We generally use a three-year average annual loss rate as a starting point for our estimation, and make adjustments to the historical loss rate to account for differences in current or expected future conditions. We generally monitor macroeconomic indicators as well as other factors, including unfavorable weather conditions and crop diseases, which may impact the collectability of the advances when assessing whether adjustments to the historical loss rate are necessary.
The following table details the advances to growers and suppliers based on their credit risk profile (U.S. dollars in millions):
| March 29, 2024 | December 29, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current | Past-Due | Current | Past-Due | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross advances to growers and suppliers | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
The allowance for advances to growers and suppliers for the quarters ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023 were as follows (U.S. dollars in millions):
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for advances to growers and suppliers: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for uncollectible amounts | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
10
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
6. Share-Based Compensation
We maintain various compensation plans for officers, other employees, and non-employee members of our Board of Directors. On June 2, 2022, our shareholders approved and ratified the 2022 Omnibus Share Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”). The 2022 Plan allows us to grant equity-based compensation awards including restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance stock units (“PSUs”), stock options, and restricted stock awards. The 2022 Plan replaces and supersedes the 2014 Omnibus Share Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”). No awards can be granted under the Prior Plan upon adoption of the 2022 Plan. Under the 2022 Plan, the Board of Directors is authorized to award up to (i) 2,800,000 ordinary shares plus (ii) any ordinary shares remaining available for future awards under the Prior Plan at the time of adoption (of which there were approximately 241,263 ) plus (iii) any ordinary shares with respect to awards and Prior Plan awards that are forfeited, canceled, expire unexercised, or are settled in cash following adoption of the 2022 Plan.
Share-based compensation expense related to RSUs and PSUs is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and was comprised in the relevant period as follows (U.S. dollars in millions):
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| RSUs/PSUs | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units
The following table lists the RSUs and PSUs awarded under the 2022 Plan during the quarters ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023:
| Date of Award | Type of award | Units awarded | Price per share | ||||||||||||||
| For the quarter ended March 29, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||
| March 1, 2024 | PSU | $ | |||||||||||||||
| For the quarter ended March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||
March 2, 2023 (1) | PSU | $ | |||||||||||||||
| March 2, 2023 | RSU | $ | |||||||||||||||
(1) The 2023 PSUs were forfeited during the quarter ended March 29, 2024 as a result of not meeting the performance metric.
Under the 2022 Plan and Prior Plan, each RSU/PSU represents a contingent right to receive one of our ordinary shares. The PSUs are subject to meeting minimum performance criteria set by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. The actual number of shares the recipient receives is determined based on the results achieved versus performance goals. Those performance goals are based on exceeding a measure of our earnings. Depending on the results achieved, the actual number of shares that an award recipient receives at the end of the period may range from 0 % to 100 % of the award units granted, or as it relates to the 2024 and 2023 PSU awards granted to our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 0 % to 125 % of the award units granted. Provided such criteria are met, the PSUs granted during 2024, 2023 and prior to 2022 vest in three equal annual installments on each of the next three anniversary dates. PSUs granted during 2022 vest in three equal installments in 1) June and July 2023, 2) March 2024, and 3) March 2025. All PSU vesting is contingent on the recipient's continued employment with us.
Expense for RSUs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. RSUs granted in 2023 and 2021 vest annually in three equal installments over a three-year service period while RSUs granted prior to 2021 vested 20 % on the grant date, with 20 % vesting on each of the next four anniversaries. RSUs granted in 2022 vest in three equal installments in June 2023, March 2024 and March 2025. RSUs granted to our Board of Directors generally vest after a one-year period.
11
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
The fair market value for RSUs and PSUs is based on the closing price of our stock on the grant date. We recognize expenses related to RSUs and PSUs based on the fair market value, as determined on the grant date, ratably over the vesting period, provided the performance condition, if any, is probable. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur.
RSUs and PSUs do not have the voting rights of ordinary shares, and the shares underlying the RSUs and PSUs are not considered issued and outstanding. However, shares underlying RSUs/PSUs are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share to the extent the performance criteria are met, if any.
Each of our outstanding RSUs and PSUs are eligible to earn Dividend Equivalent Units (“DEUs”) equal to the cash dividend paid to ordinary shareholders. DEUs are subject to the same performance and/or service conditions as the underlying RSUs and PSUs and are forfeitable.
7. Inventories, net
Inventories consisted of the following (U.S. dollars in millions):
| March 29, 2024 | December 29, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Finished goods | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Raw materials and packaging supplies | |||||||||||
| Growing crops | |||||||||||
| Total inventories, net | $ | $ | |||||||||
8. Debt and Finance Lease Obligations
The following is a summary of long-term debt and finance lease obligations (U.S. dollars in millions):
| March 29, 2024 | December 29, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Senior unsecured revolving credit facility (see Credit Facility below) | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Finance lease obligations | |||||||||||
| Total debt and finance lease obligations | |||||||||||
| Less: Current maturities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease obligations | $ | $ | |||||||||
Credit Facility
On October 1, 2019, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as amended, the “Second A&R Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and BofA Securities, Inc. as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner and certain other lenders. The Second A&R Credit Agreement provided for a five-year , $0.9 billion syndicated senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturing on October 1, 2024. The Second A&R Credit Agreement was subsequently amended on December 30, 2022, to replace the Eurocurrency Rate with the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("Term SOFR" effective January 3, 2023.
On February 21, 2024, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "2024 Amended Credit Facility") with Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and BofA Securities, Inc. as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner and certain other lenders. The 2024 Amended Credit Facility provides for a five-year , $0.75 billion syndicated senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturing on February 21, 2029. Amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facility accrue interest at a rate equal to the Term SOFR rate plus a margin that ranges from 1.0 % to 1.625 % based on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2024 Amended Credit Facility). The 2024 Amended Credit Facility also permits, under certain conditions, $200 million of Permitted Receivables Financing (as defined in the 2024 Amended Credit Facility). In addition, we pay a fee on unused commitments at a rate equal to 0.150 % to 0.250 % based on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio.
12
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
The 2024 Amended Credit Facility provides for an accordion feature that permits us, without the consent of the other lenders, to request that one or more lenders provide us with increases in revolving credit facility or term loans up to an aggregate of $300 million (“Incremental Increases”). The aggregate amount of Incremental Increases can be further increased to the extent that after giving effect to the proposed increase in revolving credit facility commitments or term loans our Consolidated Leverage Ratio, on a pro forma basis, would not exceed 2.75 to 1.00. Our ability to request such increases or term loans is subject to our compliance with customary conditions set forth in the 2024 Amended Credit Facility including compliance, on a pro forma basis, with certain financial covenants and ratios. Upon our request, each lender may decide, in its sole discretion, whether to increase all or a portion of its revolving credit facility commitment or provide term loans.
The 2024 Amended Credit Facility contains similar financial covenants to those included within the Second A&R Credit Agreement. Specifically, it requires us to maintain 1) a Consolidated Leverage Ratio of not more than 3.75 to 1.00 at any time during any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, subject to certain exceptions and 2) minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio of not less than 2.25 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. Additionally, it requires us to comply with certain other covenants, including limitations on capital investments, the amount of dividends that can be paid in the future, the amounts and types of liens and indebtedness, material asset sales, and mergers. Under the 2024 Amended Credit Facility, we are permitted to declare or pay cash dividends in any fiscal year up to an amount that does not exceed the greater of (i) an amount equal to (1) the greater of (A) 50 % of the Consolidated Net Income (as defined in the 2024 Amended Credit Facility) for the immediately preceding fiscal year or (B) $25 million (the "Base Dividend Basket") plus (2) commencing in the fiscal year ending December 26, 2025 any portion of the Base Dividend Basket not used in the immediately preceding fiscal year, or (ii) the greatest amount which would not cause the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (determined on a pro forma basis as of the date of declaration or payment) to exceed 3.50 to 1.00. It also provides an allowance for stock repurchases to be an amount not exceeding the greater of (i) (A) $50,000,000 (the "Base Redemption Basket") plus (B) commencing in the fiscal year ending December 26, 2025, any portion of the Base Redemption Basket not used in the immediately preceding fiscal year or (ii) the greatest amount which would not cause the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (determined on a pro forma basis as of the date of such repurchase) to exceed 3.50 to 1.00. As of March 29, 2024, we were in compliance with all the covenants contained in the 2024 Amended Credit Facility.
In connection with the 2024 Amended Credit Facility, we paid lender and third-party fees of $2.1 million associated with the amendment. We concluded that the amendment resulted in a modification of debt and as such, determined that debt issuance costs incurred in connection with the 2024 Amended Credit Facility would be deferred and amortized over the term of the new arrangement. Debt issuance costs of $2.1 million and $0.1 million are included in other noncurrent assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 29, 2024 and December 29, 2023, respectively.
The following is a summary of the material terms of the 2024 Amended Credit Facility and other working capital facilities at March 29, 2024 (U.S. dollars in millions):
| Term | Maturity date | Interest rate | Borrowing limit | Available borrowings, net of letters of credit and bank guarantees | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bank of America credit facility | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rabobank letter of credit facility | Varies | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other working capital facilities | Varies | Varies | Varies | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The margin for Term SOFR advances as of March 29, 2024 was 1.375 %. We intend to use funds borrowed under the 2024 Amended Credit Facility from time to time for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital needs, capital expenditures, funding of possible acquisitions, share repurchases, and satisfaction of other obligations.
As of March 29, 2024, we applied $32.8 million to letters of credit and bank guarantees issued from Rabobank Nederland, Bank of America, and other banks.
During 2018, we entered into interest rate swaps in order to hedge the risk of the fluctuation on future interest payments related to our variable rate borrowings from our revolving credit facility. Refer to Note 13, “Derivative Financial Instruments.”
13
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Kunia Well Site
In 1980, elevated levels of certain chemicals were detected in the soil and ground-water at a plantation leased by one of our U.S. subsidiaries in Honolulu, Hawaii (the “Kunia Well Site”). In 2005, our subsidiary signed a Consent Decree (“Consent Decree”) with the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) for the performance of the clean-up work for the Kunia Well Site. Based on findings from remedial investigations, our subsidiary coordinated with the EPA to evaluate the clean-up work required in accordance with the Consent Decree. On July 25, 2022, an Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for the Kunia Well Site was filed by the EPA, which formally transitioned the remedy for the Kunia Well Site to a Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA), thereby reducing our potential liability.
The revised estimate associated with the clean-up costs, and on which our accrual is based, is $2.7 million. As of March 29, 2024, $2.4 million was included in other noncurrent liabilities, and $0.3 million was included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the Kunia Well Site clean-up. We expect to expend approximately $0.3 million in 2024, $0.6 million in 2025, $0.5 million in 2026, $0.4 million in 2027, and $0.4 million in 2028.
California Air Resource Board
On December 21, 2022, the California Air Resource Board ("CARB") issued a Notice of Violation ("NOV") to the Company regarding violations of certain California anti-air pollution regulations by three non-shore capable vessels that were subject to a time charter by us from an unrelated non-U.S. third party. We are cooperating with and assisted CARB in its audits for the alleged violations during 2021. While a formal proceeding by CARB has not been filed, we are discussing a settlement with CARB directly. During the three months ended March 29, 2024, we accrued expenses of $0.5 million as a contingent reserve which are included in asset impairments and other charges, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. This amount is in addition to a $0.4 million contingent reserve accrued as of December 29, 2023 related to this matter.
Legal Settlement
Subsequent to March 29, 2024, we entered into a settlement agreement with respect to a litigation matter by a former employee regarding a legacy claim stemming from the 1970s. This matter was in the discovery phase until the first quarter of 2024, when the court set the expected trial date and the parties began to discuss settlement. Accordingly, we have accrued $1.8 million, net of insurance reimbursements, associated with the settlement, which is included in assets impairment and other charges, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 29, 2024.
Additional Information
In addition to the foregoing, we are involved from time to time in various claims and legal actions incident to our operations, both as plaintiff and defendant. In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, none of these other claims are currently expected to have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position or our cash flows.
14
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
10. Earnings Per Share
Basic and diluted net income per ordinary share is calculated as follows (U.S. dollars in millions, except share and per share data):
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Numerator: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Denominator: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares - Basic | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities - share-based awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares - Diluted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Antidilutive awards (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income per ordinary share attributable to Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
(1)Certain unvested RSUs and PSUs are not included in the calculation of net income per ordinary share because the effect would have been antidilutive.
11. Retirement and Other Employee Benefits
The following table sets forth the net periodic benefit costs of our defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement benefit plans (U.S. dollars in millions):
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service cost | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expected return on assets | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of net actuarial loss | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net periodic benefit costs | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
We provide certain other retirement benefits to certain employees who are not U.S.-based and are not included above. Generally, benefits under these programs are based on an employee’s length of service and level of compensation. These programs are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements. The net periodic benefit costs related to other non-U.S. based plans is $0.7 million for the quarter ended March 29, 2024 and $0.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
15
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
12. Business Segment Data
Our business is comprised of three reportable segments, two of which represent our primary businesses of fresh and value-added products and banana, and one that represents our other ancillary businesses.
•Fresh and value-added products - includes pineapples, fresh-cut fruit, fresh-cut vegetables (which includes fresh-cut salads), melons, vegetables, non-tropical fruit (including grapes, apples, citrus, blueberries, strawberries, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries and kiwis), other fruit and vegetables, avocados, and prepared foods (including prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, other beverages, and meals and snacks).
•Banana
•Other products and services - includes our third-party freight and logistic services business and our Jordanian poultry and meats business.
We evaluate performance based on several factors, of which net sales and gross profit are the primary financial measures (U.S. dollars in millions):
| Quarter ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segments: | Net Sales | Gross Profit | Net Sales | Gross Profit | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fresh and value-added products | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other products and services | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Totals | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The following table indicates our net sales by geographic region (U.S. dollars in millions):
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales by geographic region: | March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| North America | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Europe | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asia | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Middle East | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Totals | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
16
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
The following table indicates our net sales by product (U.S. dollars in millions) and, in each case, the percentage of the total represented thereby:
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fresh and value-added products: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fresh-cut fruit | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fresh-cut vegetables | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pineapples | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Avocados | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-tropical fruit | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prepared foods | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Melons | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tomatoes | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vegetables | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other fruit and vegetables | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total fresh and value-added products | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banana | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other products and services | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Totals | $ | % | $ | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13. Derivative Financial Instruments
Our derivative financial instruments reduce our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and variable interest rates. We designate our derivative financial instruments as cash flow hedges.
Counterparties expose us to credit loss in the event of non-performance of hedges. We monitor our exposure to counterparty non-performance risk both at inception of the hedge and at least quarterly thereafter.
Fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged. A cash flow hedge requires that the change in the fair value of a derivative instrument be recognized in other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders’ equity, and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings and is presented in the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the hedged item.
Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require the current credit relationship between us and our counterparty to be maintained throughout the term of the derivative instruments. If that credit relationship changes, certain provisions could be triggered, and the counterparty could request immediate collateralization of derivative instruments in a net liability position above a certain threshold. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with a credit-risk-related contingent feature that were in a liability position on March 29, 2024 was $0.1 million. As of March 29, 2024, no triggering event has occurred and thus we are not required to post collateral.
Derivative instruments are disclosed on a gross basis. There are various rights of setoff associated with our derivative instruments that are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreements. Although various rights of setoff and master netting arrangements or similar agreements may exist with the individual counterparties, individually, these financial rights are not material.
Cash flows from derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges are classified in the same category as the cash flows from the underlying hedged items. In the event that hedge accounting is discontinued, cash flows related to changes in fair value subsequent to the date of discontinuance are classified within investing activities.
17
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
Foreign Currency Hedges
Our results of operations and financial condition are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar, and we mitigate that exposure by entering into foreign currency forward contracts or foreign currency collars. A foreign currency collar consists of a written call option and a purchased put option to sell the foreign currency at a range of predetermined exchange rates. A foreign currency collar guarantees that the exchange rate of the currency will not fluctuate beyond the range of the options’ strike prices. Certain of our subsidiaries periodically enter into foreign currency forward contracts or foreign currency collars in order to hedge portions of forecasted sales or cost of sales denominated in foreign currencies, which generally mature within one year. At March 29, 2024, our foreign currency forward and collar contracts hedge a portion of our 2024 foreign currency exposure.
The foreign currency forward contracts and foreign currency collars qualifying as cash flow hedges were designated as single-purpose cash flow hedges of forecasted cash flows.
We had the following outstanding foreign currency contracts as of March 29, 2024 (in millions):
| Foreign currency contracts qualifying as cash flow hedges: | Notional amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Euro | EUR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| British pound | GBP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kenyan shilling | KES | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Contracts
Our results of operations and financial condition are exposed to fluctuations in variable interest rates, and we mitigate that exposure by entering into interest rate swaps. During 2018, we entered into interest rate swaps in order to hedge the risk of the fluctuation on future interest payments related to our variable rate LIBOR-based borrowings through 2028. We amended our Second A&R Credit Agreement and our interest rate swaps to transition from LIBOR to SOFR as a reference rate effective January 3, 2023.
Gains or losses on interest rate swaps are recorded in other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings as the interest expense on debt is recognized in earnings. At March 29, 2024, the notional value of interest rate contracts outstanding was $400.0 million, with $200.0 million maturing in June 2024 and the remaining $200.0 million maturing in 2028. Refer to Note 8, “Debt and Finance Lease Obligations.”
The following table reflects the fair values of derivative instruments, which are designated as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy, as of March 29, 2024 and December 29, 2023 (U.S. dollars in millions):
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | Interest rate swaps | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance Sheet location: | March 29, 2024 | December 29, 2023 | March 29, 2024 | December 29, 2023 | March 29, 2024 | December 29, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other noncurrent assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total asset derivatives | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Liability derivatives: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liability derivatives | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) See Note 14, “Fair Value Measurements,” for fair value disclosures.
18
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
We expect that $5.2 million of the net fair value of our cash flow hedges recognized as a net gain in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be transferred to earnings during the next 12 months, and the remaining net gain of $4.9 million over the following 5 years, along with the earnings effect of the related forecasted transactions.
The following table reflects the effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the quarters ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023 (U.S. dollars in millions):
| | Net amount of gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income on derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quarter ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative instruments | March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange contracts | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps, net of tax | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Refer to Note 15, “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss,” for the effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the quarters ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023.
14. Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Our derivative assets or liabilities include foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives that are measured at fair value using observable market inputs such as forward rates, interest rates, and our own credit risk as well as an evaluation of our counterparties' credit risks. We use an income approach to value our outstanding foreign currency and interest rate hedges, which consists of a discounted cash flow model that takes into account the present value of future cash flows under the terms of the contract using current market information as of the measurement date such as foreign currency spot rates, forward rates and interest rates. Additionally, we include an element of default risk based on observable inputs into the fair value calculation. Based on these inputs, the derivative assets or liabilities are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
The following table provides a summary of the fair values of our derivative financial instruments measured on a recurring basis (U.S. dollars in millions):
| Fair value measurements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency forward contracts, net asset (liability) | Interest rate contracts, net asset | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | December 29, 2023 | March 29, 2024 | December 29, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Significant observable inputs (Level 2) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In estimating our fair value disclosures for financial instruments, we use the following methods and assumptions:
Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these items approximates fair value due to their liquid nature and are classified as Level 1.
Trade accounts receivable and other accounts receivable, net: The carrying value reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these items is net of allowances, which includes a degree of counterparty non-performance risk and are classified as Level 2.
19
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities: The carrying value reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these items approximates their fair value, which is the likely amount for which the liability with short settlement periods would be transferred to a market participant with a similar credit standing as ours and are classified as Level 2.
Long-term debt: The carrying value of our long-term debt reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets approximates their fair value since they bear interest at variable rates which contain an element of default risk. The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated using Level 2 inputs based on quoted prices for those or similar instruments. Refer to Note 8, “Debt and Finance Lease Obligations.”
Fair Value of Non-Financial Assets
The fair value of the banana reporting unit's goodwill and the prepared food reporting unit's goodwill and remaining trade names and trademarks are highly sensitive to differences between estimated and actual cash flows and changes in the related discount rate used to evaluate the fair value of these assets. We disclosed the sensitivity related to the banana reporting unit's goodwill and the prepared food reporting unit's goodwill and remaining trade names and trademarks in our notes to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023. Our current estimates of future cash flows depend on our ability to demonstrate successful implementation of our strategies to improve sales and profitability from these activities over the upcoming quarters. If we are unable to demonstrate successful implementation of these strategies, it could lead to impairment of some or all of these assets.
Assets held for sale, which had a carrying amount of $11.7 million as of March 29, 2024, primarily consisted of $8.9 million related to a distribution facility in North America, $1.7 million related to an office and farm land in Central America and $0.8 million related to a warehouse in Europe. Assets held for sale are recognized at the lower of cost or fair value less cost to sell. The fair value measurements for our held for sale assets are generally based on Level 3 inputs, which include information obtained from third-party appraisals.
During the quarter ended March 29, 2024, we received proceeds of $17.8 million from the sale of assets previously held for sale and recorded a gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net of $14.7 million.
20
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table includes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (U.S. dollars in millions):
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flow Hedges | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment | Retirement Benefit Adjustment | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Quarter ended March 29, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 29, 2023 | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (3) | ( | (2) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 29, 2024 | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Quarter ended March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 30, 2022 | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | ( | (3) | (2) | ( | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||||||||||||||
(1) All amounts are net of tax and noncontrolling interest.
(2) Includes a loss of $2.8 million and a gain of $0.8 million for the quarter ended March 29, 2024 and quarter ended March 31, 2023, respectively, on intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature.
(3) Includes a tax effect of $0.1 million and $1.5 million for the quarter ended March 29, 2024 and quarter ended March 31, 2023, respectively.
21
FRESH DEL MONTE PRODUCE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) (Unaudited)
The following table includes details about amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (U.S. dollars in millions):
| Amount of (gain) loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Details about accumulated other comprehensive loss components | Quarter ended | Quarter ended | Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Designated as hedging instruments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency cash flow hedges | $ | ( | $ | ( | Net sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency cash flow hedges | Cost of products sold | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest rate swaps | ( | ( | Interest expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of retirement benefits: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actuarial losses | Other expense, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Curtailment and settlement losses | Asset impairment and other charges, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16. Shareholders’ Equity
Our shareholders have authorized 50,000,000 0.01 none 200,000,000 0.01 47,896,132
The below is a summary of the dividends paid per share during the quarter ended March 29, 2024 and quarter ended March 31, 2023. These dividends were declared and paid within the same fiscal quarter.
| Quarter ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dividend Payment Date | Cash Dividend per Ordinary Share | Dividend Payment Date | Cash Dividend per Ordinary Share | |||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | $ | March 31, 2023 | $ | |||||||||||||||||
We paid $11.9 million in dividends during the quarter ended March 29, 2024 and $7.2 million in dividends during the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
On April 30, 2024, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of twenty-five cents ($0.25 ) per share, payable on June 7, 2024, to shareholders of record on May 16, 2024.
22
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
We are one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and marketer of prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, beverages and snacks in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. We market our products worldwide under the Del Monte® brand, a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability since 1892. Our major sales markets are organized as follows: North America, Europe, the Middle East (which includes North Africa) and Asia. Our global sourcing and logistics system allows us to provide regular delivery of consistently high-quality produce and value-added services to our customers. Our major production operations are located in North, Central and South America, Asia and Africa.
Our business is comprised of three reportable segments, two of which represent our primary businesses of fresh and value-added products and banana, and one that represents our other ancillary businesses.
•Fresh and value-added products - includes pineapples, fresh-cut fruit, fresh-cut vegetables (which includes fresh-cut salads), melons, vegetables, non-tropical fruit (including grapes, apples, citrus, blueberries, strawberries, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, and kiwis), other fruit and vegetables, avocados, and prepared foods (including prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, other beverages, and meals and snacks).
•Banana
•Other products and services - includes our third-party freight and logistic services business and our Jordanian poultry and meats business.
Our vision is to inspire healthy lifestyles through wholesome and convenient products. Our strategy is founded on six goals:
Current Macroeconomic Environment and Inflation Impact
Starting in fiscal year 2021, we began experiencing inflationary and cost pressures due to volatility and disruption in the global economy which increased our production and distribution costs due to a multitude of external factors. Specifically, costs of packaging materials, fertilizers, labor, fuel, and ocean and inland freight were significantly impacted, and continued to adversely affect our profitability and operating cash flows during 2023 and 2024.
In response to these persisting inflationary and cost pressures, we instituted price increases on the majority of our products. Additionally, certain of our contracts for key products include contractually indexed fuel and freight surcharges that vary depending on commodity pricing. We expect that these inflation-justified price increases and surcharges will continue to help mitigate our increased costs.
23
In addition, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia has led to further economic disruption and, while we do not operate in Ukraine and our operations in Russia are de minimis, the conflict has exacerbated inflationary costs, supply chain and logistical pressures that negatively impacted our business. Similarly, recent shipping disruptions in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways have created logistical pressures that have negatively impacted our business, including impacts to the availability of certain shipping routes resulting in increased shipping times. We have taken actions to divert our shipping routes in order to minimize impacts on our business, however we may not be able to mitigate the impact of longer shipping routes if conditions deteriorate.
Based on the stabilization of inflation in certain key markets during the latter part of 2023, we do not anticipate further inflation-justified price increases and surcharges in 2024. We are actively monitoring region-specific macroeconomic factors to mitigate increases in our costs, if necessary.
Optimization Program
During fiscal 2020, we began a comprehensive review of our asset portfolio, which we continuously update, aimed at identifying non-strategic and underutilized assets to dispose of while reducing costs and driving further efficiencies in our operations (which we refer to as the "2020 Optimization Program"). As a result of the review, we identified assets across all of our regions, primarily consisting of underutilized facilities and land, which we made a strategic decision to sell. During the first three months of 2023, we completed the sales of various assets including two distribution centers and related assets in Saudi Arabia and an idle production facility in North America. Upon the closing of the sale of these assets in the first quarter of 2023, we completed the 2020 Optimization Program.
Strategic Alternatives for Mann Packing Operation
During the second half of 2023, we conducted a strategic review and assessed our operational priorities of our North America operations, including our subsidiary, Mann Packing. Preliminary findings of this review were finalized in the fourth quarter of 2023. We announced in conjunction with our fourth quarter of 2023 earnings that we were exploring strategic alternatives for the business. This process is ongoing and we intend to make a decision by the third quarter of 2024, however there can be no assurance that this process will result in any specific strategic outcome.
Income Taxes
In connection with the examination of the tax returns in two foreign jurisdictions, the taxing authorities have issued income tax deficiencies related to transfer pricing aggregating approximately $174.1 million (including interest and penalties) for tax years 2012 through 2016. We strongly disagree with the proposed adjustments and have filed a protest with each of the taxing authorities.
In one of the foreign jurisdictions, we are currently contesting tax assessments related to the 2012-2015 audit years and the 2016 audit year in both the administrative court and the judicial court. During 2019 and 2020, we filed actions contesting the tax assessment in the administrative office. Our initial challenge to each of these tax assessments was rejected, and we subsequently lost our appeals at the administrative court. We have subsequently filed actions to contest each of these tax assessments in the country’s judicial courts. In addition, we have filed a request for injunction to the judicial court to stay the tax authorities' collection efforts for these two tax assessments, pending final judicial decisions. The court granted our injunction with respect to the 2016 audit year, however denied our injunction with respect to the 2012-2015 audit years. We timely appealed the denial of the injunction, and on August 10, 2022 the appellate court overturned the denial and granted our injunction for the 2012-2015 audit years. Pursuant to local law, we registered real estate collateral with an approximate fair market value of $7.3 million in connection with the grant of the 2016 audit year injunction. This real estate collateral has a net book value of $3.8 million as of the quarter ended March 29, 2024. In addition, in connection with the grant of the 2012-2015 audit year injunction, we registered real estate collateral with an approximate fair market value of $30.3 million, and a net book value of $4.6 million as of the quarter ended March 29, 2024. The registration of this real estate collateral does not affect our operations in the country.
In the other foreign jurisdiction, the administrative court denied our appeal, and on March 4, 2020 we filed an action in the judicial court to contest the administrative court's decision. The case is still pending.
We will continue to vigorously contest the adjustments and intend to exhaust all administrative and judicial remedies necessary in both jurisdictions to resolve the matters, which could be a lengthy process.
24
Additionally, the European Union (EU) Member States formally adopted the EU’s Pillar Two Directive, which generally provides for a minimum effective tax rate of 15%, as established by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Pillar Two Framework. Pursuant to the implementation dates prescribed in the Directive, it is expected the rules will be effective for the Company for the 2025 fiscal year. A significant number of other countries are expected to also implement similar legislation with varying effective dates in the future. We are continuing to evaluate the potential impact on future periods of the Pillar Two Framework, pending legislative adoption by additional individual countries, however, we may not be able to completely mitigate the impact of the legislation which could have an adverse material effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Consolidated Financial Results
The following summarizes the more significant factors impacting our operating results for the 13-week periods ended March 29, 2024 (also referred to as the “first quarter of 2024”) and March 31, 2023 (also referred to as the “first quarter of 2023”).
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 1,107.9 | $ | 1,128.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 82.3 | 97.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 50.7 | 47.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 44.1 | 74.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales - Net sales for the first quarter of 2024 was $1,107.9 million, compared with $1,128.5 million in the first quarter of 2023. The decrease in net sales was a result of lower banana net sales, driven by lower volume and pricing, and lower net sales in the other products and services segment. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in net sales in the fresh and value-added product segment, driven by higher overall sales volume and pricing in the segment.
Gross profit - Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 was $82.3 million, compared with $97.0 million in the first quarter of 2023. Gross profit was impacted by lower overall net sales, higher production and procurement costs, and the negative impact of fluctuations in exchange rates partially offset by lower ocean freight and distribution costs.
Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 included $(1.0) million of other product-related credits comprised primarily of $2.2 million of insurance recoveries associated with damages tied to the flooding of a seasonal production facility in Greece during the third quarter of 2023, partially offset by $1.2 million of severance charges from the outsourcing of certain functions of our fresh and value-added operations. In the first quarter of 2023, gross profit included $1.8 million of other product-related charges related inventory write-offs due to the sale of two distribution centers in the Middle East.
Selling, general and administrative expenses - Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2024 increased by $3.1 million, or 7%, when compared with the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to higher professional fees in North America and higher payroll, marketing and promotional activities in Europe and Africa, partially offset by a reduction in amortization of definite lived intangible assets due to the impairment of the carrying value of customer relationships and trade name intangible assets during the fourth quarter of 2023.
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net - The gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net for the first quarter of 2024 of $14.8 million primarily consisted of the sale of two idle facilities in South America. The gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net for the first quarter of 2023 primarily related to a $20.5 million gain on the sale of two distribution centers and related assets in Saudi Arabia and a $6.8 million gain on the sale of an idle production facility in North America.
Asset impairment and other charges, net - Asset impairment and other charges, net of $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2024 primarily consisted of the accrual of a settlement agreement with respect to a litigation matter by a former employee, net of insurance reimbursements.
25
Asset impairment and other charges, net of $2.4 million during the first quarter of 2023 consisted of expenses incurred in connection with a cybersecurity incident that occurred during early 2023. The incident temporarily impacted certain of our operational and information technology systems. We were able to promptly recover our critical operational data and business systems and accordingly, the incident did not have a material impact on our financial results for the first quarter of 2023. However, we did incur incremental costs primarily related to the engagement of specialized legal counsel and other incident response advisors.
Operating income - Operating income decreased by $30.4 million in the first quarter of 2024 when compared with first quarter of 2023, primarily due to lower gross profit and a higher gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net in the prior-year period.
Interest expense - Interest expense was $5.2 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared with $8.0 million for the first quarter of 2023 due to lower average debt balances.
Other expense, net - Other expense, net decreased by $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2024, when compared with the first quarter of 2023, primarily due to lower foreign currency-related losses.
Income tax provision - Income tax provision was $5.3 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared with $9.5 million for the first quarter of 2023. The decrease in the income tax provision in the first quarter of 2024 was primarily due to decreased earnings in certain higher tax jurisdictions.
Financial Results by Segment
The following table presents net sales and gross profit by segment (U.S. dollars in millions), and in each case, the percentage of the total represented thereby and gross margin percentage:
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment | Net Sales | Gross Profit | Gross Margin | Net Sales | Gross Profit | Gross Margin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fresh and value-added products | $ | 676.8 | 61 | % | $ | 55.9 | 68 | % | 8.3 | % | $ | 643.4 | 57 | % | $ | 47.1 | 49 | % | 7.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Banana | 379.5 | 34 | % | 21.8 | 26 | % | 5.7 | % | 425.1 | 38 | % | 43.2 | 45 | % | 10.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other products and services | 51.6 | 5 | % | 4.6 | 6 | % | 8.9 | % | 60.0 | 5 | % | 6.7 | 6 | % | 11.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Totals | $ | 1,107.9 | 100 | % | $ | 82.3 | 100 | % | 7.4 | % | $ | 1,128.5 | 100 | % | $ | 97.0 | 100 | % | 8.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First Quarter of 2024 Compared with First Quarter of 2023
Fresh and value-added products
Net sales for the first quarter of 2024 were $676.8 million, compared with $643.4 million in the prior-year period, primarily as a result of higher sales volume of pineapples, melons, and prepared foods and higher per unit selling prices of avocados, partially offset by lower net sales of fresh-cut fruit due to lower sales volumes.
Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 was $55.9 million, compared with $47.1 million in the prior-year period. Gross profit variance was primarily driven by overall higher net sales partially offset by higher production and procurement costs of pineapple and avocados, including the negative impact of fluctuations in exchange rates primarily due to a stronger Costa Rican colon and Mexican peso.
Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 included $(1.0) million of other product-related credits comprised primarily of $2.2 million of insurance recoveries associated with damages tied to the flooding of a seasonal production facility in Greece during the third quarter of 2023, partially offset by $1.2 million of severance charges from the outsourcing of certain functions of our fresh and value-added operations. In the first quarter of 2023, gross profit included $1.7 million of other product-related charges related inventory write-offs due to the sale of two distribution centers in the Middle East. Gross margin increased to 8.3% compared with 7.3% in the prior-year period.
26
Banana
Net sales for the first quarter of 2024 were $379.5 million, compared with $425.1 million in the prior-year period, primarily as a result of lower volume due partially to service level issues in the first two months of the year and lower selling prices due to competitive market pressures in North America and Europe.
Gross profit for the first quarter of 2024 was $21.8 million, compared with $43.2 million in the prior-year period as a result of the lower net sales, higher per unit production and procurement costs and the negative fluctuation in exchange rates in Costa Rican colon, partially offset by lower distribution and ocean freight cost. Gross margin decreased to 5.7% compared with 10.2% in the prior-year period.
Other products and services
Net sales for the first quarter of 2024 were $51.6 million, compared with $60.0 million in the prior-year period, primarily due to lower net sales of third-party ocean freight services as a result of lower rates driven by a competitive market environment and the sale of our plastics subsidiary in the prior-year period.
Gross profit was $4.6 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared with $6.7 million in the prior-year period, primarily as a result of lower net sales. Gross margin decreased to 8.9% from 11.2% in the prior-year period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a holding company whose only significant asset is the outstanding capital stock of our subsidiaries that directly or indirectly own all of our assets. We conduct all of our business operations through our subsidiaries. Accordingly, as of March 29, 2024, our principal sources of liquidity were (i) cash generated from operations of our subsidiaries, (ii) our combined $806 million of credit facilities, including $750 million associated with our recently amended senior unsecured revolving credit facility, with an available capacity of approximately $379 million and (iii) existing cash and cash equivalents of $42.2 million. The loan commitments under our credit facilities can be used for working capital or other general corporate purposes. On a long-term basis, we will continue to rely on our credit facilities for any long-term funding not provided by cash generated from operations of our subsidiaries.
Our principal uses of liquidity are paying the costs associated with our operations, paying dividends, and making capital expenditures to increase our productivity and expand our product offerings and geographic reach. We may also, from time to time, prepay outstanding indebtedness on our credit facility, repurchase and retire ordinary shares of our common stock, or make investments in businesses that we believe are complementary to our operations and long-term strategy.
A summary of our cash flows is as follows (U.S. dollars in millions):
| Quarter ended | |||||||||||
| March 29, 2024 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Summary cash flow information: | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 18.7 | $ | 15.5 | |||||||
| Net cash provided by investing activities | 3.9 | 79.6 | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (16.0) | (75.9) | |||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 1.8 | (0.7) | |||||||||
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 8.4 | 18.5 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning | 33.8 | 17.2 | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, ending | $ | 42.2 | $ | 35.7 | |||||||
27
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $18.7 million for the first three months of 2024 compared with $15.5 million for the first three months of 2023, an increase of $3.2 million. The increase was primarily attributable to working capital fluctuations, mainly driven by higher levels of accounts payable and accrued expenses and lower inventory levels due to optimization efforts around working capital, partially offset by a lower net income during the first three months of 2024 as compared to the first three months of 2023.
At March 29, 2024, we had working capital of $634.3 million, compared with $603.7 million at December 29, 2023, an increase of $30.6 million. The increase in working capital was primarily due to (i) higher levels of accounts receivable mainly driven by seasonal variations, (ii) higher balance of cash on hand due the timing of asset sales during the first quarter of 2024, and (iii) an increase in assets held for sale. Partially offsetting the increase in working capital was (a) a decrease in growing crop inventory, primarily due to seasonal variations and (b) higher levels of accounts payable and accrued expenses due to the timing of payments near period end.
Investing Activities
Net cash provided by investing activities for the first three months of 2024 was $3.9 million, compared with net cash provided by investing activities of $79.6 million for the first three months of 2023. Net cash provided by investing activities for the first three months of 2024 primarily consisted of proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $20.1 million which mainly related to the sale of two facilities in South America and installment payments received from the sale of our plastics business subsidiary in South America during 2023.
Partially offsetting the net cash provided by investing activities for the first three months of 2024 were capital expenditures of $12.7 million which mainly included expenditures related to investments in our operations and production facilities in North America benefiting both our fresh and value-added products and banana segments, including expenditures related to automation and technology initiatives and improvements to our pineapple operations in Kenya. Net cash provided by investing activities for the first three months of 2024 also reflects $3.5 million in investments in unconsolidated companies in the food and nutrition sector that align with our long-term strategy and vision.
Net cash provided by investing activities for the first three months of 2023 primarily consisted of proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $90.7 million which mainly related to the sales of two distribution centers in Saudi Arabia and an idle production facility in North America. Partially offsetting the net cash provided by investing activities were capital expenditures of $10.0 million which mainly related to (i) improvements to our pineapple operations in Central America and Kenya, (ii) investments in our operations and production facilities in North America benefiting both our fresh and value-added products and banana segments, including expenditures related to automation and technology initiatives, and (iii) improvements to our value-added production facilities in Europe and the Middle East.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the first three months of 2024 was $16.0 million, compared with $75.9 million for the first three months of 2023. Net cash used in financing activities for the first three months of 2024 primarily consisted of dividends paid of $11.9 million and the payment of deferred financing costs of $2.1 million.
Net cash used in financing activities for the first three months of 2023 primarily consisted of net repayments on debt of $67.1 million and dividends paid of $7.2 million.
Debt Instruments and Debt Service Requirements
On October 1, 2019, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Second A&R Credit Agreement”) with the financial institutions and other lenders named therein, including Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and BofA Securities, Inc. as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner. The Second A&R Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, $0.9 billion syndicated senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturing on October 1, 2024. The Second A&R Credit Agreement was subsequently amended on December 30, 2022, to replace the Eurocurrency Rate with the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("Term SOFR") effective January 3, 2023.
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On February 21, 2024, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "2024 Amended Credit Facility") with Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent and BofA Securities, Inc. as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner and certain other lenders. The 2024 Amended Credit Facility provides for a five-year, $0.75 billion syndicated senior unsecured revolving credit facility maturing on February 21, 2029. Amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facility accrue interest at a rate equal to the Term SOFR rate plus a margin that ranges from 1.0% to 1.625% based on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2024 Amended Credit Facility). The 2024 Amended Credit Facility also permits, under certain conditions, $200 million of Permitted Receivables Financing (as defined in the 2024 Amended Credit Facility). In addition, we pay a fee on unused commitments at a rate equal to 0.150% to 0.250% based on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio. We intend to use funds borrowed under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility from time to time for general corporate purposes, working capital, capital expenditures and other permitted investment opportunities.
The 2024 Amended Credit Facility provides for an accordion feature that permits us, without the consent of the other lenders, to request that one or more lenders provide us with increases in revolving credit facility or term loans up to an aggregate of $300 million (“Incremental Increases”). The aggregate amount of Incremental Increases can be further increased to the extent that after giving effect to the proposed increase in revolving credit facility commitments or term loans our Consolidated Leverage Ratio, on a pro forma basis, would not exceed 2.75 to 1.00. Our ability to request such increases or term loans is subject to our compliance with customary conditions set forth in the 2024 Amended Credit Facility including compliance, on a pro forma basis, with certain financial covenants and ratios. Upon our request, each lender may decide, in its sole discretion, whether to increase all or a portion of its revolving credit facility commitment or provide term loans.
The 2024 Amended Credit Facility contains similar financial covenants to those included within the Second A&R Credit Agreement. Specifically, it requires us to maintain 1) a Consolidated Leverage Ratio of not more than 3.75 to 1.00 at any time during any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, subject to certain exceptions and 2) minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio of not less than 2.25 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. Additionally, it requires us to comply with certain other covenants, including limitations on capital investments, the amount of dividends that can be paid in the future, the amounts and types of liens and indebtedness, material asset sales, and mergers. Under the 2024 Amended Credit Facility, we are permitted to declare or pay cash dividends in any fiscal year up to an amount that does not exceed the greater of (i) an amount equal to (1) the greater of (A) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income (as defined in the 2024 Amended Credit Facility) for the immediately preceding fiscal year or (B) $25 million (the "Base Dividend Basket") plus (2) commencing in the fiscal year ending December 26, 2025 any portion of the Base Dividend Basket not used in the immediately preceding fiscal year, or (ii) the greatest amount which would not cause the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (determined on a pro forma basis as of the date of declaration or payment) to exceed 3.50 to 1.00. It also provides an allowance for stock repurchases to be an amount not exceeding the greater of (i) (A) $50,000,000 (the "Base Redemption Basket") plus (B) commencing in the fiscal year ending December 26, 2025, any portion of the Base Redemption Basket not used in the immediately preceding fiscal year or (ii) the greatest amount which would not cause the Consolidated Leverage Ratio (determined on a pro forma basis as of the date of such repurchase) to exceed 3.50 to 1.00. As of March 29, 2024, we were in compliance with all the covenants contained in the 2024 Amended Credit Facility.
In addition to the indebtedness under our 2024 Amended Credit Facility, our material cash requirements include contractual obligations from other working capital facilities and lease obligations. Refer to Note 8. "Debt and Finance Lease Obligations" of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for more information regarding these material cash requirements.
As of March 29, 2024, we had $379.4 million unused borrowing capacity, net of letters of credit and guarantees, primarily under the 2024 Amended Credit Facility.
We believe that our cash on hand, borrowing capacity available under our 2024 Amended Credit Facility, and cash flows from operations for the next twelve months will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements and service our outstanding debt during the next twelve months. However, we cannot predict whether future developments associated with the current economic environment will materially adversely affect our long-term liquidity position. Our liquidity assumptions, the adequacy of our available funding sources, and our ability to meet our 2024 Amended Credit Facility covenants are dependent on many additional factors, including those set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2023.
Contractual Obligations
As of March 29, 2024, there were no material changes in our commitments or contractual obligations as compared to those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2023.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
A discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates can be found in “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2023. There were no material changes to these critical accounting policies or estimates during the first quarter of 2024.
Fair Value Measurements
Our results of operations and financial condition are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar, and we mitigate that exposure by entering into foreign currency forward contracts. Certain of our subsidiaries periodically enter into foreign currency forward contracts in order to hedge portions of forecasted sales or cost of sales denominated in foreign currencies which generally expire within one year. During the quarter ended March 29, 2024, we entered into a foreign currency collar contract to hedge portions of our cost of sales denominated in the Kenyan shilling. A foreign currency collar consists of a written call option and a purchased put option to sell the foreign currency at a range of predetermined exchange rates. A foreign currency collar guarantees that the exchange rate of the currency will not fluctuate beyond the range of the options’ strike prices. The fair value of our foreign currency cash flow hedges was a net asset position of $1.2 million as of March 29, 2024 compared to a net liability position of $0.3 million as of December 29, 2023 due to the relative strengthening or weakening of exchange rates when compared to contracted rates.
Our results of operations and financial condition are exposed to fluctuations in variable interest rates, and we mitigate that exposure by entering into interest rate swaps from time to time. During 2018, we entered into interest rate swaps in order to hedge the risk of the fluctuation on future interest payments related to a portion of our variable rate borrowings through 2028. The fair value of our interest rate swap cash flow hedges was an asset position of $9.9 million as of March 29, 2024 compared to an asset position of $7.9 million as of December 29, 2023. The change in value was due to the relative increase in variable interest rates when compared to the rates as of December 29, 2023. In December 2022 in connection with the amendment of our revolving credit facility, we amended our interest rate swaps to transition from LIBOR to Term SOFR effective January 3, 2023.
We enter into derivative instruments with counterparties that are highly rated and do not expect a deterioration of our counterparty’s credit ratings; however, the deterioration of our counterparty’s credit ratings would affect the Consolidated Financial Statements in the recognition of the fair value of the hedges that would be transferred to earnings as the contracts settle. We expect that $5.2 million of the net fair value of our cash flow hedges recognized as a net gain in accumulated other comprehensive loss will be transferred to earnings during the next 12 months and the remaining net gain of $4.9 million over a period of approximately 5 years, along with the earnings effect of the related forecasted transactions.
The fair value of the banana reporting unit's goodwill and the prepared food reporting unit's goodwill and remaining trade names and trademarks are highly sensitive to differences between estimated and actual cash flows and changes in the related discount rate used to evaluate the fair value of these assets. We disclosed the sensitivity related to the banana reporting unit's goodwill and the prepared food reporting unit's goodwill and trade names and trademarks in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2023. During the quarter ended March 29, 2024, we did not record impairment charges associated with these reporting units or trade names and trademarks, however we continue to monitor their performance.
Potential impairment exists if the fair value of a reporting unit to which goodwill has been allocated is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit. Future changes in the estimates used to conduct our impairment review, including our financial projections and changes in the discount rates used, could cause the analysis to indicate that our goodwill or trade names and trademarks are impaired in subsequent periods and result in a write-off of a portion or all of goodwill or trade names and trademarks.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 2. “Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.
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Seasonality
Interim results are subject to significant variations and may not be indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for an entire fiscal year. Due to seasonal sales price fluctuations, we have historically realized a greater portion of our net sales and gross profit during the first two quarters of the year. The sales price of any fresh produce item fluctuates throughout the year due to the supply of and demand for that particular item, as well as the pricing and availability of other fresh produce items, many of which are seasonal in nature. Information about the seasonality of our results is included under the caption “Seasonality” provided in Item 1. Business, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2023.
Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report contains “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. These statements concern expectations, beliefs, projections, plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Specifically, this quarterly report contains forward-looking statements regarding:
•our expectations regarding future financial and operational performance;
•our intentions regarding the use of borrowed funds;
•our expectation regarding the exploration of strategic alternatives for our Mann Packing business
•our expectations regarding continued inflationary pressures, our ability to mitigate such pressures through pricing, and the impacts to our operating results;
•our expectations regarding market conditions, volatility and seasonality, and their impact on our operating results;
•our beliefs related to the sufficiency of our capital resources, including that our cash on hand, capacity under our 2024 Amended Credit Facility and cash flows from operations for the next twelve months will be sufficient to service our outstanding debt during the next twelve months;
•our expectations regarding our derivative instruments, including our counterparties’ credit ratings and the anticipated impacts on our financials;
•our expectations and estimates regarding certain legal, tax and accounting matters, including our litigation strategy, plans and beliefs regarding the ultimate outcome of income tax adjustments assessed by foreign taxing authorities;
•our expectations concerning the fair value of hedges, including the timing and impact to our results;
•our expectations regarding estimated liabilities related to environmental cleanup; and
•our plans and future performance.
These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We wish to caution readers that certain important factors may have affected and could in the future affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. These various factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
•the impact of inflationary pressures on raw materials and other costs;
•the impact of increased costs for many of our products, including bananas, pineapples, avocados and other fresh produce;
•the impact of pricing and other actions by competitors, particularly during periods of low consumer confidence and spending levels;
•our ability to successfully compete in the markets in which we do business;
•the impact on our business of the consolidation of retailers, wholesalers and distributors in the food industry;
•the impact of foreign currency fluctuations and currency exchange risks because of our international business;
•the impact on our sales and profits if we lose one or more of our largest customers or such customers reduce their purchases from us;
•the availability of sufficient labor during peak growing and harvesting seasons;
•the continued ability of our distributors and suppliers to have access to sufficient liquidity to fund their operations;
•the impact of governmental trade restrictions, including adverse governmental regulation that may impact our ability to access certain markets;
•our ability to meet our anticipated cash needs in light of our liquidity;
•trends and other factors affecting our financial condition or results of operations from period to period, including changes in product mix, consumer preferences or consumer demand for branded products such as ours; anticipated price and expense levels;
•the impact of crop disease, such as vascular diseases, one of which is known as Tropical Race 4, or TR4 (also known as Panama Disease);
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•our ability to improve our existing quarantine policies and other prevention strategies, as well as find contingency plans, to protect our and our suppliers’ banana crops from vascular diseases;
•global or local disruptions or issues that impact our production facilities or complex logistics network;
•our inability to realize expected benefits on plans for expansion of our business (including through acquisitions);
•our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions and new product lines into our operations;
•the impact of impairment or other charges associated with exit activities, crop or facility damage or otherwise,
•the timing and cost of resolution of pending and future legal and environmental proceedings or investigation;
•the impact of changes in tax accounting or tax laws (or interpretations thereof), the impact of claims or adjustments proposed by the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authorities, including the EU, in connection with our tax audits and our ability to successfully contest such tax claims and pursue necessary remedies;
•the success of our joint ventures;
•the impact of severe weather conditions and natural disasters, such as flooding and earthquakes, on crop quality and yields and on our ability to grow, procure or export our products;
•the adequacy of our insurance coverage;
•the cost and other implications of changes in regulations applicable to our business, including potential legislative or regulatory initiatives in the United States or elsewhere directed at mitigating the effects of climate change;
•damage to our reputation or brand names or negative publicity about our products
•our ability to successfully manage the risks associated with international operations, including risks relating to inflation, tax laws, currency restrictions and exchange rate fluctuations, legal or judicial systems, and political or economic conditions;
•the impact of disruptions or breaches of our technology or information system security measures, or of third parties we rely upon;
•our ability to continue to comply with covenants and the terms of our credit instruments and our ability to obtain additional financing to fund our capital expenditures; and
•exposure to product liability claims and associated regulatory and legal actions, product recalls, or other legal proceedings relating to our business.
All forward-looking statements in this report are based on information available to us on the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Our plans and performance may also be affected by the factors described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K along with other reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2023.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 29, 2024. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. Such officers also confirm that there were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 29, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Tax related matters
In connection with the examination of the tax returns in two foreign jurisdictions, the taxing authorities have issued income tax deficiencies related to transfer pricing aggregating approximately $174.1 million (including interest and penalties) for tax years 2012 through 2016. We strongly disagree with the proposed adjustments and have filed a protest with each of the taxing authorities.
In one of the foreign jurisdictions, we are currently contesting tax assessments related to the 2012-2015 audit years and the 2016 audit year in both the administrative court and the judicial court. During 2019 and 2020, we filed actions contesting the tax assessment in the administrative office. Our initial challenge to each of these tax assessments was rejected, and we subsequently lost our appeals at the administrative court. We have subsequently filed actions to contest each of these tax assessments in the country’s judicial courts. In addition, we have filed a request for injunction to the judicial court to stay the tax authorities' collection efforts for these two tax assessments, pending final judicial decisions. The court granted our injunction with respect to the 2016 audit year, however denied our injunction with respect to the 2012-2015 audit years. We timely appealed the denial of the injunction, and on August 10, 2022 the appellate court overturned the denial and granted our injunction for the 2012-2015 audit years. Pursuant to local law, we registered real estate collateral with an approximate fair market value of $7.3 million in connection with the grant of the 2016 audit year injunction. This real estate collateral has a net book value of $3.8 million as of the quarter ended March 29, 2024. In addition, in connection with the grant of the 2012-2015 audit year injunction, we registered real estate collateral with an approximate fair market value of $30.3 million, and a net book value of $4.6 million as of the quarter ended March 29, 2024. The registration of this real estate collateral does not affect our operations in the country.
In the other foreign jurisdiction, the administrative court denied our appeal, and on March 4, 2020 we filed an action in the judicial court to contest the administrative court's decision. The case is still pending.
We will continue to vigorously contest the adjustments and intend to exhaust all administrative and judicial remedies necessary in both jurisdictions to resolve the matters, which could be a lengthy process.
Legal Settlement
Subsequent to March 29, 2024, we entered into a settlement agreement with respect to a litigation matter by a former employee regarding a legacy claim stemming from the 1970s. This matter was in the discovery phase until the first quarter of 2024, when the court set the expected trial date and the parties began to discuss settlement. During the quarter ended March 29, 2024, we recognized a $1.8 million charge, net of insurance reimbursements, with respect to this matter.
California Air Resource Board
On December 21, 2022, the California Air Resource Board ("CARB") issued a Notice of Violation ("NOV") to the Company regarding violations of certain California anti-air pollution regulations by three non-shore capable vessels that were subject to a time charter by us from an unrelated non-U.S. third party. We are cooperating with and assisted CARB in its audits for the alleged violations during 2021. While a formal proceeding by CARB has not been filed, we are discussing a settlement with CARB directly. During the three months ended March 29, 2024, we accrued expenses of $0.5 million as a contingent reserve which are included in asset impairments and other charges, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. This amount is in addition to a $0.4 million contingent reserve accrued as of December 29, 2023 related to this matter.
For more information, see Note 9. "Commitments and Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
“Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2023 includes a discussion of our risk factors. The information presented below updates, and should be read in conjunction with, the risk factors and information disclosed in our Form 10-K.
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Our strategy of diversifying our product lines, expanding into new geographic markets and increasing the value-added services that we provide to our customers may not be successful.
We are diversifying our product lines through expansion of our service offerings to include a higher proportion of value-added products and services, such as the preparation of fresh-cut produce, ripening, customized sorting and packing, direct-to-store delivery and in-store merchandising and promotional support. For instance, in January 2024, we announced the offering of our Rubyglow® pineapple, a red-shelled pineapple, which is first being launched in China.
In addition, we have made significant investments in distribution centers, growing operations and prepared foods facilities through capital expenditures, and have expanded our business into new geographic markets. We are also exploring opportunities to monetize our fruit residues, including exploring the use of fruit residue for medical and non-medical applications and biofertilizer. There may not be significant demand for these products and services, we may not be successful in anticipating such demand for these value-added products and services or in establishing the requisite infrastructure to meet customer demand or the provision of these value-added services. If we are unable to successfully develop and integrate the diversified product lines in our fresh-cut and value-added vegetable categories or use of fruit residues or if demand for these products does not meet expectations, we may not realize all the anticipated synergies and benefits of our investments which could have an adverse effect on our growth and our results of operations.
Item 5. Other Information
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
During the quarter ended March 29, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted terminated
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Item 6. Exhibits
| 10.1 | |||||
| 31.1** | |||||
| 31.2** | |||||
| 32* | |||||
| 101.INS*** | Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | ||||
| 101.SCH*** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | ||||
| 101.CAL*** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | ||||
| 101.DEF*** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | ||||
| 101.LAB*** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | ||||
| 101.PRE*** | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | ||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | ||||
_____________________
* Furnished herewith.
** Filed herewith.
*** Attached as Exhibit 101 to this report are the following formatted in Inline XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 29, 2024 and December 29, 2023, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the quarters ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the quarters ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the quarters ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023, (v) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest for the quarters ended March 29, 2024 and March 31, 2023 and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. | |||||||||||
| Date: | May 3, 2024 | By: | /s/ Mohammed Abbas | ||||||||
| Mohammed Abbas | |||||||||||
| Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer | |||||||||||
| By: | /s/ Monica Vicente | ||||||||||
| Monica Vicente | |||||||||||
| Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||||
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EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| Date: | May 3, 2024 | |||||||
| Signature: | /s/ Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh | |||||||
| Title: | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | |||||||
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Monica Vicente, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
| Date: | May 3, 2024 | |||||||
| Signature: | /s/ Monica Vicente | |||||||
| Title: | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||||
EXHIBIT 32
CERTIFICATIONS
PURSUANT TO 18 USC SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
We, Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh and Monica Vicente, as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to our knowledge:
(1)the accompanying Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the period ended March 29, 2024, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2)the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
| Date: | May 3, 2024 | By: | /s/ Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh | ||||||||
| Name: | Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh | ||||||||||
| Title: | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | ||||||||||
| Date: | May 3, 2024 | By: | /s/ Monica Vicente | ||||||||
| Name: | Monica Vicente | ||||||||||
| Title: | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||