This article first appeared on GuruFocus .
A Deep Dive into Dole PLC's Upcoming Dividend and Sustainability Metrics
Dole PLC ( NYSE:DOLE ) recently announced a total dividend of $0.09 per share, with the ex-dividend date set for Sept. 16, 2026. This payment includes a $0.09 per share cash dividend payable on Oct. 7, 2026. For income-focused investors, the ex-dividend date is a critical marker: shareholders must own the stock before this date to qualify for the payout. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using data from GuruFocus, let's look into Dole PLC's dividend performance and assess its sustainability.
What Does Dole PLC Do?
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Dole PLC operates in the North American and European markets for fresh fruits and vegetables. The company's segments include Fresh Fruit; Diversified Fresh Produce - EMEA; Diversified Fresh Produce - Americas and ROW. It generates maximum revenue from the Diversified Fresh Produce - EMEA segment, which includes Dole's Irish, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, U.K., Swedish, Danish, South African, Eastern European, and Brazilian businesses. The majority of these operations sell a variety of imported and local fresh fruits and vegetables through retail, wholesale, and, in some instances, food service channels across the European marketplace. Geographically, the company operates in the United States, Ireland, the U.K., Spain, Sweden, and other regions.
A Glimpse at Dole PLC's Dividend History
Dole PLC has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 2021. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis, providing investors with a steady stream of income throughout the year. This regular cadence is particularly appealing to value investors who prioritize predictable cash returns. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends. By examining this data, shareholders can gauge whether the company has reliably grown its payout over time or maintained a stable distribution, which informs expectations for future payments.
Breaking Down Dole PLC's Dividend Yield and Growth
As of today, Dole PLC currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.54% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 2.54%. The alignment of these two figures suggests an expectation of identical dividend payments over the next 12 months, indicating stability in the company's distribution policy. Over the past three years, Dole PLC's annual dividend growth rate was 1.50%. While modest, this growth signals management's commitment to returning capital. Based on Dole PLC's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Dole PLC stock as of today is approximately 2.54%.
The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability
To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of June 30, 2026, Dole PLC's dividend payout ratio is 0.42, meaning 42% of earnings are paid out. This leaves a healthy cushion for reinvestment and financial flexibility.
Dole PLC's profitability rank offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Dole PLC's profitability 7 out of 10 as of June 30, 2026, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported net profit in 7 years out of the past 10 years, demonstrating resilience across economic cycles. This track record supports the argument that the dividend is on solid footing, though investors should monitor any volatility in earnings that could pressure future payouts.
Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook
To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Dole PLC's growth rank of 7 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Dole PLC's revenue per share , combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate , indicates a strong revenue model. Dole PLC's revenue has increased by approximately 4.20% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 52.94% of global competitors.
The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, Dole PLC's earnings increased by approximately 7.40% per year on average, a rate that outperforms approximately 50% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 10.20% outperforms approximately 59.36% of global competitors. These metrics collectively paint a picture of a company with adequate growth to support its dividend, though the modest yield and slow dividend growth rate may not satisfy all income investors.
Next Steps
In conclusion, Dole PLC's upcoming dividend of $0.09 per share, payable on Oct. 7, 2026, reflects a company with a reasonable payout ratio of 0.42 and solid profitability and growth ranks. The 2.54% yield is moderate, and the 1.50% three-year dividend growth rate is modest, but the company's consistent payment record since 2021 and strong revenue and earnings growth provide a foundation for sustainability. Value investors should weigh these factors against the competitive landscape of the fresh produce industry. For those seeking to identify other high-dividend opportunities, GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener . Will Dole PLC's steady growth and disciplined payout policy make it a staple in your income portfolio?
