Record Q1 Volume and Revenue Growth
Company reported record first-quarter volume and revenues; total revenues increased 13% year‑over‑year, supported by volume growth and higher average prices in Mexico, Europe and Latin America.
Comparable EBITDA Expansion
Comparable EBITDA rose 18% year‑over‑year and management reported delivering $260 million in Q1 (described as in line with expectations), with the quarter noted as the second‑highest comparable EBITDA for the period.
Mexico Outperformance and Category Leadership
Mexico delivered record Q1 volume, revenues and EBITDA; strong performance driven by dairy (yogurt expansion and #1 nationwide position) and packaged meats in proximity retail. Value‑oriented brands grew faster than the rest of the portfolio.
Europe Progress — Volume and Profitability Recovery
Europe volume increased 4% year‑over‑year; fresh meat delivered double‑digit growth benefiting from temporarily lower live hog prices in Spain. Europe Q1 EBITDA was $25 million, the highest Q1 figure since 2021. Capacity recovery projects (La Bureba expansion nearly complete; Valencia packaged meats plant on track for 2027) are advancing.
Balance Sheet Strength and Attractive Financing
Maintains an investment‑grade balance sheet with no material debt maturities over the next two years. Successfully issued approximately $580 million in local notes, extended average debt tenor to 8 years, with demand ~3x initial target.
Shareholder Returns and Capital Allocation
Shareholders approved total cash dividends of $150 million for 2026, reflecting strong cash generation while management continues disciplined investment in high‑return strategic projects.
Working Capital and Inventory Positioning
Net working capital investments were 18% lower versus Q1 2025 (an improvement year‑over‑year). Management also opportunistically increased inventories early in the year (e.g., turkey and beef) at favorable prices to secure supply and expected working capital to normalize through the year.
Strategic Momentum and U.S. Brand Penetration
Progress on strategic initiatives: advancing regulatory approvals for the fresh meat transaction in Spain, U.S. Hispanic brands gaining traction in mainstream channels, and continued investments in yogurt and cheese capacity to support growth.