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Maple Leaf Foods Inc (TSE:MFI)
TSX:MFI

Maple Leaf Foods (MFI) AI Stock Analysis

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Maple Leaf Foods

(TSX:MFI)

Rating:72Outperform
Price Target:
C$31.00
▲(9.62%Upside)
Maple Leaf Foods showcases strong earnings call results and strategic initiatives, contributing positively to the score. Financial performance indicates solid cash flow management, though profitability remains a challenge. Technical analysis shows positive momentum, tempered by potential overvaluation. The strategic spin-off of pork operations is expected to create additional value.

Maple Leaf Foods (MFI) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

Maple Leaf Foods Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionMaple Leaf Foods Inc. produces food products in the United States, Canada, Japan, China, and internationally. It produces various food products, including prepared meats, ready-to-cook and ready-to-serve meals, snacks kits, fresh pork and poultry, and plant protein products. The company offers its products under various brands, including Maple Leaf, Schneiders, Greenfield Natural Meat Co., Swift, Prime, Maple Leaf Natural Selections, Mina, Big Stick, Cappola, Deli Express, Field Roast Grain Meat Co., Holiday, Hygrade, Larsen, Lightlife, Lunch Mate, Main Street Deli, Maple Leaf Foodservice, Mitchell's, Olympic Craft Meats, Parma, Shopsy's, Sunrise, and Swift. Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is based in Mississauga, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyMaple Leaf Foods generates revenue primarily through the sale of its wide range of meat products to retail, foodservice, and industrial customers. The company operates numerous processing facilities across Canada, enabling it to produce and distribute its products efficiently. Key revenue streams include branded retail sales, private-label products, and foodservice partnerships. Maple Leaf Foods also emphasizes its sustainable and premium product lines, which cater to the growing consumer demand for high-quality and ethically produced food. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions further enhance its market position and expand its product offerings, contributing to its overall earnings.

Maple Leaf Foods Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 08, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 13.53%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 31, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call demonstrated strong financial performance with significant improvements in adjusted EBITDA and sales growth across key segments. Strategic initiatives such as the Canada Packer spin-off and product innovations are progressing well. However, challenges persist in the form of consumer stress and geopolitical factors affecting the pork market. Overall, the company is optimistic about continued momentum and meeting its 2025 outlook.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Significant Increase in Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA grew by $50 million to $166 million with an expanded EBITDA margin, which increased by 330 basis points to 13.4%.
Robust Sales Growth
Sales growth of 8.2% year-over-year was achieved, demonstrating strong performance across Prepared Foods, Poultry, and Pork segments.
Successful Product Innovations
Launch of 28 new items in the market, following 50 new items last year, including a new category adjacency with Schneiders frozen breakfast portfolio.
Dividend Increase and Share Buyback Program
Announcement of an increase to the quarterly dividend to $0.24 per share, marking the 10th consecutive year of increases. A normal course issuer bid to purchase up to 7.3 million shares was also announced.
Pork Complex Revenue Growth
The Pork Complex delivered a 12% increase in sales compared to Q1 last year, driven by higher processing volumes, higher average hog weights, and favorable exchange impacts.
Strategic Initiatives Progress
Advancement in the Canada Packer spin-off with management information circular filing and shareholder vote scheduled for June 11.
Negative Updates
Continued Consumer Pressure
The consumer environment remains under stress, necessitating increased promotional investments to sustain volume and market share.
Impact of China's Tariff on Canadian Pork
China imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian pork, although it is relatively small compared to the U.S. tariff and affects less than 5% of revenue.
Input Costs and Operational Challenges
Input costs have stabilized, but operational excellence is required to enhance both top and bottom line results in the Pork Complex.
Company Guidance
During Maple Leaf Foods' First Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call, significant progress towards annual goals was reported, highlighted by an 8.2% year-over-year sales growth across all operating units, including Prepared Foods, Poultry, and Pork. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $50 million to $166 million, with a margin expansion of 330 basis points to 13.4%. The company's "Look For The Leaf" campaign achieved over 35 million impressions, reaching 66% of Canadian grocery shoppers. The Mina halal brand also saw growth during Ramadan. The sustainable meats portfolio reported another quarter of double-digit growth, supported by the Greenfield brand's performance in the U.S. market. The company's "Fuel for Growth" initiative advanced in supply chain optimization, SG&A restructuring, and strategic manufacturing review. Maple Leaf Foods remains focused on achieving the 2025 outlook, with mid-single-digit revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA of $634 million or better, underpinned by investment-grade leverage and a successful Canada Packers spin-off. The company also announced a 10th consecutive year of dividend increases and an NCIB program to repurchase up to 7.3 million shares.

Maple Leaf Foods Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Maple Leaf Foods maintains a solid financial foundation with stable revenue growth and efficient cash flow management. Profitability margins face challenges, but operational efficiency and cash generation are strong. The balance sheet reflects manageable debt levels, though equity returns could improve.
Income Statement
70
Positive
Maple Leaf Foods demonstrates moderate revenue growth with a TTM revenue of CAD 4.98 billion, marking a slight increase from the previous annual period. Gross profit margin stands at 15.48% for TTM, showing consistent performance, although lower than historical highs. Net profit margin is relatively low at 1.90%, indicating pressure on profitability. Both EBIT and EBITDA margins show stability, with EBITDA margin at 10.91% TTM, suggesting reasonable operating efficiency despite industry challenges.
Balance Sheet
65
Positive
The debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 1.18, reflecting a balanced but leveraged financial structure. Return on equity is modest at 6.02% TTM, indicating limited profitability from equity investments. The equity ratio stands at 35.44%, suggesting a stable capital structure with room for improvement in equity financing. Overall, the balance sheet shows a stable position with manageable debt levels.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
The company shows a strong free cash flow growth rate of 79% from the previous year, indicating effective cash management and operational efficiency. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 4.10 TTM, highlighting strong cash conversion. The free cash flow to net income ratio is 3.92, suggesting excellent cash generation capabilities relative to net earnings.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
4.98B4.90B4.87B4.74B4.52B4.30B
Gross Profit
771.44M780.01M451.37M424.14M659.08M703.05M
EBIT
329.53M342.87M46.31M-7.58M192.01M193.95M
EBITDA
543.51M561.19M279.62M-8.99M373.43M387.62M
Net Income Common Stockholders
94.61M96.60M-124.98M-311.89M102.82M113.28M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
119.05M175.91M203.36M91.08M162.03M100.83M
Total Assets
4.44B4.43B4.60B4.44B4.39B3.86B
Total Debt
1.86B1.88B2.13B1.89B1.43B986.18M
Net Debt
1.74B1.70B1.93B1.80B1.27B885.36M
Total Liabilities
2.86B2.89B3.09B2.78B2.35B1.93B
Stockholders Equity
1.57B1.54B1.51B1.66B2.04B1.93B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
370.94M464.92M-21.30M-306.42M-275.56M-111.09M
Operating Cash Flow
387.48M464.92M176.88M49.32M304.79M321.45M
Investing Cash Flow
-71.36M-82.54M-188.57M-377.01M-623.48M-417.43M
Financing Cash Flow
-403.46M-409.84M123.97M256.74M379.90M99.53M

Maple Leaf Foods Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price28.28
Price Trends
50DMA
26.09
Positive
100DMA
24.72
Positive
200DMA
23.01
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.56
Positive
RSI
70.52
Negative
STOCH
82.10
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:MFI, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 28.28 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 27.55, above the 50-day MA of 26.09, and above the 200-day MA of 23.01, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.56 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 70.52 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 82.10 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for TSE:MFI.

Maple Leaf Foods Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSHLF
78
Outperform
C$536.17M7.0014.49%5.04%-4.45%90.27%
76
Outperform
C$1.52B28.4611.64%3.12%12.62%47.37%
TSMFI
72
Outperform
C$3.49B36.846.05%4.65%3.16%
TSPBH
68
Neutral
C$3.57B30.036.75%4.27%6.29%24.34%
65
Neutral
$8.73B15.144.69%4.60%3.64%-2.51%
TSSAP
60
Neutral
C$11.09B42.30-2.51%2.84%9.20%-147.37%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:MFI
Maple Leaf Foods
28.28
6.30
28.66%
TSE:HLF
High Liner Foods
18.21
5.52
43.50%
TSE:PBH
Premium Brands
78.90
-8.67
-9.90%
TSE:SAP
Saputo Inc.
26.76
-2.60
-8.86%
TSE:JWEL
Jamieson Wellness Inc
35.53
8.69
32.38%

Maple Leaf Foods Corporate Events

Shareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Maple Leaf Foods Shareholders Approve Strategic Spin-Off of Pork Operations
Positive
Jun 11, 2025

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. announced that its shareholders have approved the spin-off of its pork operations to form Canada Packers Inc. This strategic move aims to create two independent companies with distinct business models and growth potentials, enhancing Maple Leaf Foods’ focus on being a purpose-driven, protein-focused, branded consumer packaged goods company. The spin-off, which received overwhelming shareholder support, is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Additionally, all incumbent directors were re-elected to the Board, and other resolutions, including the reappointment of KPMG LLP as auditors, were approved.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:MFI) stock is a Buy with a C$31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Maple Leaf Foods stock, see the TSE:MFI Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Maple Leaf Foods Reaffirms Commitment to Board Diversity
Positive
May 20, 2025

Maple Leaf Foods has reaffirmed its commitment to board diversity, maintaining a policy to have at least 30% representation from each gender on its Board of Directors. Although the current representation of women has temporarily decreased to 27%, the company plans to appoint another woman director by its 2026 annual meeting. This move underscores Maple Leaf Foods’ dedication to diversity and inclusion, which is an important aspect of its corporate governance and may influence its industry positioning and stakeholder relations.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:MFI) stock is a Buy with a C$31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Maple Leaf Foods stock, see the TSE:MFI Stock Forecast page.

Shareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Maple Leaf Foods Proposes Spin-off to Focus on Protein-Centric Strategy
Positive
May 12, 2025

Maple Leaf Foods has announced its 2025 Notice of Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders, highlighting a significant proposal for the spin-off of its pork operations into a new independent company, Canada Packers Inc. This strategic move aims to position Maple Leaf Foods as a focused, protein-centric company while establishing Canada Packers as a leader in sustainable pork production. The spin-off is expected to enhance the companies’ abilities to meet global protein demand and create value for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:MFI) stock is a Buy with a C$31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Maple Leaf Foods stock, see the TSE:MFI Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Maple Leaf Foods Reports Strong Q1 2025 Results and Advances Strategic Separation
Positive
May 8, 2025

Maple Leaf Foods reported an 8.2% increase in revenue and a 43% rise in Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025, reflecting strong performance across its Prepared Foods, Poultry, and Pork units. The company is advancing its strategic plan to separate its Pork operations into a standalone entity, Canada Packers Inc., aiming to enhance its market positioning as a leader in sustainable protein products. The separation is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025, which could create significant value for stakeholders.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Maple Leaf Foods Advances Spin-Off of Pork Operations
Positive
May 1, 2025

Maple Leaf Foods has announced progress in its plan to spin off its pork operations into a new independent company, Canada Packers Inc. This strategic move is intended to enhance focus and unlock value by allowing each entity to pursue distinct growth opportunities. The spin-off will position Maple Leaf Foods as a focused protein company while Canada Packers Inc. will become a leader in premium, sustainably produced pork products. The transaction is expected to create value for stakeholders by optimizing operations and providing more focused investment opportunities.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.