Dole (NYSE:DOLE) Shares Gap Down – Should You Sell?

Dole PLC (NYSE:DOLE)’s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $15.99, but opened at $14.90. Dole shares last traded at $15.0340, with a volume of 166,183 shares trading hands.

Dole News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Dole this week:

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

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “hold (c-)” rating on shares of Dole in a report on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Dole from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Saturday, December 13th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Dole has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $16.00.

Dole Trading Down 2.9%

The business has a 50-day moving average of $15.33 and a 200-day moving average of $14.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 103.53, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 1.21.

Dole (NYSE:DOLE) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 25th. The company reported $0.14 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $2.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $2.32 billion. Dole had a return on equity of 7.98% and a net margin of 0.17%.The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 9.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.16 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Dole PLC will post 1.19 EPS for the current year.

Dole declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock buyback program on Monday, November 10th that allows the company to buyback $100.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the company to repurchase up to 8.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally a sign that the company’s board believes its stock is undervalued.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dole

Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Signaturefd LLC increased its position in Dole by 190.2% in the 4th quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 1,680 shares of the company’s stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 1,101 shares during the period. Osaic Holdings Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Dole by 120.8% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 1,835 shares of the company’s stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 1,004 shares during the period. Westfuller Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dole during the third quarter worth approximately $49,000. State of Alaska Department of Revenue purchased a new stake in shares of Dole during the third quarter worth approximately $50,000. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Dole by 269.0% during the second quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 3,716 shares of the company’s stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 2,709 shares during the period.

About Dole

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

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