Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio Makes New Investment in Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (NYSE:FDP)

Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio bought a new stake in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (NYSE:FDP - Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund bought 10,539 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $350,000.

Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Fresh Del Monte Produce by 2.8% in the fourth quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 4,809,451 shares of the company's stock valued at $159,722,000 after acquiring an additional 133,122 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce by 4.2% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,105,353 shares of the company's stock valued at $36,709,000 after purchasing an additional 44,777 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce by 22.0% in the 4th quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 950,108 shares of the company's stock worth $31,553,000 after purchasing an additional 171,574 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce by 21.7% in the 4th quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 919,612 shares of the company's stock worth $30,540,000 after purchasing an additional 164,120 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 776,161 shares of the company's stock worth $25,782,000 after purchasing an additional 3,045 shares in the last quarter. 64.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Tuesday, March 25th.

Insider Activity at Fresh Del Monte Produce

In related news, SVP Marissa R. Tenazas sold 1,148 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.05, for a total value of $35,645.40. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 3,573 shares of the company's stock, valued at $110,941.65. This trade represents a 24.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 30.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:FDP traded down $0.32 during trading on Friday, reaching $32.45. The stock had a trading volume of 408,022 shares, compared to its average volume of 335,391. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.56 billion, a PE ratio of 98.34 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 2.09 and a quick ratio of 1.04. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has a 52 week low of $21.23 and a 52 week high of $35.69. The business's 50-day moving average price is $32.93 and its 200 day moving average price is $32.09.

Fresh Del Monte Produce (NYSE:FDP - Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 30th. The company reported $0.63 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $1.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $1.12 billion. Fresh Del Monte Produce had a return on equity of 5.91% and a net margin of 0.36%. The business's revenue was down .9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.34 EPS.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 6th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 14th were issued a $0.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 14th. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.70%. Fresh Del Monte Produce's dividend payout ratio is 39.22%.

Fresh Del Monte Produce announced that its board has approved a stock buyback plan on Monday, February 24th that permits the company to repurchase $150.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to purchase up to 10.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often a sign that the company's board believes its shares are undervalued.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Company Profile

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc, through its subsidiaries, produces, markets, and distributes fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Fresh and Value-Added Products, Banana, and Other Products and Services.