NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of Chiquita Brands International Inc. rose in premarket trading on Wednesday after the banana and produce seller reported a third-quarter profit as it trimmed costs and better managed its pricing strategy to deal with seasonal shifts.

Jefferies & Co. analyst Scott Mushkin said results were helped by improved results in Fresh Express salads and better-than-expected banana sales.

"Success with the company's turnaround of its salad operations continues and Chiquita has again raised profitability expectations for salads in 2009," said Jefferies & Co. analyst Scott Mushkin and reiterated his "Buy" rating. He raised his target price to $25 from $29.

Shares rose 4.1 percent, or 60 cents, to $15.35 during premarket trading.