Q4 2025 Lassonde Industries Inc Earnings Call

March 27, 2026

Operator: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for standing by. Welcome to Lassonde Industries' 2025 Q4 and year-end earnings conference call. The corporation's press release reporting its financial results was published yesterday after market close. It can be found on its website at lassonde.com, along with the MD&A and financial statements. These documents are available on SEDAR+ as well. A presentation supporting this conference call was also posted on the website. At this time, all participants are in the listen-only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. Instructions will be provided at that time for you to queue up for questions. If anyone has any difficulties hearing the conference, please press star followed by zero for operator assistance at any time.

Speaker #2: It can be found on its website at lassonde.com, along with the MD&A and financial statements. These documents are available on SEDAR+ as well.

Speaker #2: A presentation supporting this conference call was also posted on the website. At this time, all participants are in listen-only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question-and-answer session.

Speaker #2: Instructions will be provided at that time for you to queue up for questions. If anyone has any difficulties hearing the conference, please press star followed by zero for operator assistance at any time.

Speaker #2: Before turning to management's prerecorded remarks, please be advised that this conference call will contain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of the Canadian Securities Laws.

Operator: Before turning to management's pre-recorded remarks, please be advised that this conference call will contain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations and assumptions and is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. For a discussion of key assumptions and risk factors, please refer to the Forward-Looking Statements section of the MD&A. Also note that all figures expressed on today's call are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated, and that most amounts have been rounded to ease the presentation. This call will also include certain non-IFRS financial measures and ratios that are not standardized under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers.

Speaker #2: Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations and assumptions, and is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.

Speaker #2: For a discussion of key assumptions and risk factors, please refer to the forward-looking statements section of the MD&A. Also note that all figures expressed on today's call are in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated, and that most amounts have been rounded to ease the presentation.

Speaker #2: This call will also include certain non-IFRS financial measures and ratios that are not standardized under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers.

Speaker #2: Reconciliations to the most directly comparable IFRS measures, and related definitions, are provided in the appendix to the presentation and in the Corporation's MD&A. This conference call is being recorded on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Operator: Reconciliations to the most directly comparable IFRS measures and related definitions are provided in the appendix to the presentation and in the corporation's MD&A. This conference call is being recorded on Friday, 27 March 2026. I now turn the call over to Vince Timpano, Chief Executive Officer.

Speaker #2: I now turn the call over to Vince Timpano, Chief Executive Officer. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I'm here with Eric Gemme, our Chief Financial Officer.

Vincent R. Timpano: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I'm here with Éric Gemme, our Chief Financial Officer. We appreciate your time today as we review our results for the Q4 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. Please turn to slide 4. 2025 was a record year for Lassonde. We delivered record sales and a strong increase in profitability despite a challenging and rapidly evolving macroeconomic environment. Even with this context, each of our divisions recorded sales growth over the prior year. These achievements reflect our team's continued focus on executing our strategy, supported by a deep and diversified product portfolio. They also show the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness of commercial execution in a challenged demand environment. More specific to the Q4, sales increased 4.1% to CAD 768 million, while net profit doubled to CAD 54 million.

Vince Timpano: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I'm here with Éric Gemme, our Chief Financial Officer. We appreciate your time today as we review our results for the Q4 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. Please turn to slide 4. 2025 was a record year for Lassonde. We delivered record sales and a strong increase in profitability despite a challenging and rapidly evolving macroeconomic environment. Even with this context, each of our divisions recorded sales growth over the prior year. These achievements reflect our team's continued focus on executing our strategy, supported by a deep and diversified product portfolio. They also show the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness of commercial execution in a challenged demand environment. More specific to the Q4, sales increased 4.1% to CAD 768 million, while net profit doubled to CAD 54 million.

Speaker #2: We appreciate your time today as we review our results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. Please turn to slide four.

Speaker #2: 2025 was a record year for Lassonde. We delivered record sales and a strong increase in profitability, despite a challenging and rapidly evolving macroeconomic environment.

Speaker #2: Even with this context, each of our divisions recorded sales growth over the prior year. These achievements reflect our team's continued focus on executing our strategy, supported by a deep and diversified product portfolio.

Speaker #2: They also show the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness of commercial execution in a challenged demand environment. More specific to the fourth quarter, sales increased 4.1% to $768 million.

Speaker #2: While net profit doubled to $54 million. Now, let's turn to slide five for a closer look at operations. Beginning with US beverage activities, Lassonde gained market share in the fourth quarter.

Vincent R. Timpano: Now let's turn to slide five for a closer look at operations, beginning with US beverage activities. Lassonde gained market share in Q4, increasing its total volume while the category was down mid-single digits. Our private label business was in line with its category, as positive impacts from our build back plan were balanced by pricing discipline. With our ability to bring more volume to market, we are well-positioned to benefit from private label momentum, which is gaining share as consumers increasingly seek value in uncertain times. Market share gains were more important in our branded business, driven by a sharper focus on higher velocity SKUs following key investments in single-serve and juice box platforms at our North Carolina facility. We are increasingly reaping benefits from the relocation of production assets from a US co-packer into our network.

Vince Timpano: Now let's turn to slide five for a closer look at operations, beginning with US beverage activities. Lassonde gained market share in Q4, increasing its total volume while the category was down mid-single digits. Our private label business was in line with its category, as positive impacts from our build back plan were balanced by pricing discipline. With our ability to bring more volume to market, we are well-positioned to benefit from private label momentum, which is gaining share as consumers increasingly seek value in uncertain times. Market share gains were more important in our branded business, driven by a sharper focus on higher velocity SKUs following key investments in single-serve and juice box platforms at our North Carolina facility. We are increasingly reaping benefits from the relocation of production assets from a US co-packer into our network.

Speaker #2: Increasing its total volume while the category was down mid-single digits. Our private label business was in line with its category, as positive impacts from our Build Back plan were balanced by pricing discipline.

Speaker #2: With our ability to bring more volume to market, we are well positioned to benefit from private label momentum, which has been gaining share as consumers increasingly seek value in uncertain times.

Speaker #2: Market share gains were more important in our branded business, driven by a sharper focus on higher-velocity SKUs following key investments in single-serve and juice box platforms at our North Carolina facility.

Speaker #2: We are increasingly reaping benefits from the relocation of production assets from a US co-packer into our network. Over the coming months, this transition should continue to improve throughput.

Vincent R. Timpano: Over the coming months, this transition should continue to improve throughput, allowing us to capture additional volume across both US branded and private label products. As for our new facility in New Jersey, the pace of construction is progressing well. The project remains on budget and on schedule, with the building expected to be enclosed in the upcoming weeks. We plan to gradually begin transferring existing production activities from the current facility by late 2026, and complete this phase in early 2027. Turning to Slide 6 for our Canadian beverage activities. While category volumes declined mid-single digits in Q4, we continued to gain market share. Lassonde's national brands meaningfully outpaced the category, supported by distribution gains across both shelf-stable and chilled products, and strong growth in single-serve formats.

Vince Timpano: Over the coming months, this transition should continue to improve throughput, allowing us to capture additional volume across both US branded and private label products. As for our new facility in New Jersey, the pace of construction is progressing well. The project remains on budget and on schedule, with the building expected to be enclosed in the upcoming weeks. We plan to gradually begin transferring existing production activities from the current facility by late 2026, and complete this phase in early 2027. Turning to Slide 6 for our Canadian beverage activities. While category volumes declined mid-single digits in Q4, we continued to gain market share. Lassonde's national brands meaningfully outpaced the category, supported by distribution gains across both shelf-stable and chilled products, and strong growth in single-serve formats.

Speaker #2: Allowing us to capture additional volume across both U.S. branded and private label products. As for our new facility in New Jersey, the pace of construction is progressing well.

Speaker #2: The project remains on budget and on schedule, with the building expected to be enclosed in the upcoming weeks. We plan to gradually begin transferring existing production activities from the current facility by late 2026.

Speaker #2: And complete this phase in early 2027. Turning to slide six for our Canadian beverage activities. While category volumes declined mid-single digits in the fourth quarter, we continue to gain market share.

Speaker #2: Lassonde's national brands meaningfully outpaced the category, supported by distribution gains across both shelf-stable and chilled products, and strong growth in single-serve formats. We continue to execute disciplined pricing execution alongside targeted promotional and marketing efforts, ensuring balance between pricing effectiveness, brand building, and supporting consumer value in a challenging environment.

Vincent R. Timpano: We continue to execute disciplined pricing execution alongside targeted promotional and marketing efforts, ensuring balance between pricing effectiveness, brand building, and supporting consumer value in a challenging environment. For instance, our Oasis of Light marketing campaign launched in the quarter delivered strong results, enabling distribution gains, raising awareness, and brand engagement, while reinforcing our Canadian heritage. In Q4, we also continued to benefit from a buy Canadian sentiment, but to a lesser extent. We also continue to reduce our commodity exposure through innovation by increasing the proportion of juice blends and of less than 100% juice beverages within our portfolio. Innovation is one of Lassonde's core strengths, as it allows us to capture opportunities in on-trend and growing beverage segments.

Vince Timpano: We continue to execute disciplined pricing execution alongside targeted promotional and marketing efforts, ensuring balance between pricing effectiveness, brand building, and supporting consumer value in a challenging environment. For instance, our Oasis of Light marketing campaign launched in the quarter delivered strong results, enabling distribution gains, raising awareness, and brand engagement, while reinforcing our Canadian heritage. In Q4, we also continued to benefit from a buy Canadian sentiment, but to a lesser extent. We also continue to reduce our commodity exposure through innovation by increasing the proportion of juice blends and of less than 100% juice beverages within our portfolio. Innovation is one of Lassonde's core strengths, as it allows us to capture opportunities in on-trend and growing beverage segments.

Speaker #2: For instance, our Oasis of Light marketing campaign launched in the quarter delivered strong results, enabling distribution gains, raising awareness and brand engagement, while reinforcing our Canadian heritage.

Speaker #2: In Q4, we also continue to benefit from a 'buy Canadian' sentiment but to a lesser extent. We also continue to reduce our commodity exposure through innovation by increasing the proportion of juice blends and of less than 100% juice beverages within our portfolio.

Speaker #2: Innovation is one of Lassonde's core strengths, as it allows us to capture opportunities in on-trend and growing beverage segments. To reinforce our commitment to innovation, we are developing a multi-year pipeline aimed at further reducing commodity exposure and, more importantly, expanding consumption occasions by addressing evolving consumer beverage needs.

Vincent R. Timpano: To reinforce our commitment to innovation, we are developing a multi-year pipeline aimed at further reducing commodity exposure and, more importantly, expanding consumption locations by addressing evolving consumer beverage needs. Moving on to Food Service on Slide 7. Food Service activities had another strong quarter. Growth was driven by volume gains with broadline distributors in the United States, and by ongoing progress in improving national account penetration in Canada. The deployment of our new bag-in-box aseptic packaging line continues to progress. We are exploring various opportunities to increase the market penetration of this packaging format and remain in active negotiations and bidding processes with large national customers and various other regional players across North America. Now let's turn to Specialty Food on Slide 8. In Q4, we continued our efforts to integrate our North American Specialty Food network.

Vince Timpano: To reinforce our commitment to innovation, we are developing a multi-year pipeline aimed at further reducing commodity exposure and, more importantly, expanding consumption locations by addressing evolving consumer beverage needs. Moving on to Food Service on Slide 7. Food Service activities had another strong quarter. Growth was driven by volume gains with broadline distributors in the United States, and by ongoing progress in improving national account penetration in Canada.

Speaker #2: Moving on to food service on slide seven. Food service activities had another strong quarter. Growth was driven by volume gains with broadline distributors in the United States and by ongoing progress in improving national account penetration in Canada.

Speaker #2: The deployment of our new bag-in-a-box aseptic packaging line continues to progress. We are exploring various opportunities to increase the market penetration of this packaging format and remain in active negotiations and bidding processes with large national customers and various other regional players across North America.

Vince Timpano: The deployment of our new bag-in-box aseptic packaging line continues to progress. We are exploring various opportunities to increase the market penetration of this packaging format and remain in active negotiations and bidding processes with large national customers and various other regional players across North America. Now let's turn to Specialty Food on Slide 8. In Q4, we continued our efforts to integrate our North American Specialty Food network.

Speaker #2: Now let's turn to specialty food on slide eight. In the fourth quarter, we continued our efforts to integrate our North America specialty food network.

Speaker #2: Summer garden sales totaled $52 million in the quarter, down from $55.7 million last year, as we lapped a very strong quarter in 2024. The reduction also reflects, among other reasons, a change in third-party mix and the timing of certain promotions.

Vincent R. Timpano: Summer Garden sales totaled $52 million in the quarter, down from $55.7 million last year, as we lapped a very strong quarter in 2024. The reduction also reflects, among other reasons, a change in third-party mix and the timing of certain promotions. During the quarter, Summer Garden encountered system recovery and restoration issues that led to non-recurring expenses and missed commercial opportunities, impacting their overall performance. The matter was addressed promptly, fully contained, not material to consolidated results, and with only residual impact in the ensuing period. Meanwhile, legacy operations delivered solid sales and profit growth, driven by premium pasta sauces as well as in the soup category.

Vince Timpano: Summer Garden sales totaled $52 million in the quarter, down from $55.7 million last year, as we lapped a very strong quarter in 2024. The reduction also reflects, among other reasons, a change in third-party mix and the timing of certain promotions. During the quarter, Summer Garden encountered system recovery and restoration issues that led to non-recurring expenses and missed commercial opportunities, impacting their overall performance. The matter was addressed promptly, fully contained, not material to consolidated results, and with only residual impact in the ensuing period. Meanwhile, legacy operations delivered solid sales and profit growth, driven by premium pasta sauces as well as in the soup category.

Speaker #2: During the quarter, Summer Garden encountered system recovery and restoration issues that led to non-recurring expenses and missed commercial opportunities, impacting their overall performance. The matter was addressed promptly.

Speaker #2: Fully contained, not material to consolidated results, and with only residual impact in the ensuing period. Meanwhile, legacy operations delivered solid sales and profit growth, driven by premium pasta sauces as well as in the soup category.

Speaker #2: As we sharpen our specialty food strategy to drive sustainable and profitable growth, we recently proceeded with key nominations to newly created positions that mark important steps in the evolution of the division.

Vincent R. Timpano: As we sharpen our specialty food strategy to drive sustainable and profitable growth, we recently proceeded with key nominations to newly created positions that mark important steps in the evolution of the division, as you can see on Slide 9. First, we appointed Jean-Philippe Leblanc as President, North American Specialty Food Division. Throughout his career in the food and beverage industry, Jean-Philippe has distinguished himself through a deep commercial expertise and operational understanding of complex business environments. He brings a proven track record of leading sizable branded, private label, and third-party brand portfolios, and of developing high-performance teams. We also named Jamie Bradford as Chief Marketing Officer, North American Specialty Food. Jamie has been with Lassonde for over a decade, most recently as VP Innovation, North America. As CMO, she will focus on building new marketing capabilities for our specialty food brands to capture new distribution opportunities and accelerate innovation.

Vince Timpano: As we sharpen our specialty food strategy to drive sustainable and profitable growth, we recently proceeded with key nominations to newly created positions that mark important steps in the evolution of the division, as you can see on Slide 9. First, we appointed Jean-Philippe Leblanc as President, North American Specialty Food Division. Throughout his career in the food and beverage industry, Jean-Philippe has distinguished himself through a deep commercial expertise and operational understanding of complex business environments.

Speaker #2: As you can see on slide nine. First, we appointed Jean-Philippe LeBlanc as President, North American Specialty Food Division. Throughout his career in the food and beverage industry, Jean-Philippe has distinguished himself through a deep commercial expertise and operational understanding of complex business environments.

Speaker #2: He brings a proven track record of leading sizable branded, private label, and third-party brand portfolios, and of developing high-performance teams. We also named Jamie Bradford as Chief Marketing Officer, North American Specialty Food.

Vince Timpano: He brings a proven track record of leading sizable branded, private label, and third-party brand portfolios, and of developing high-performance teams. We also named Jamie Bradford as Chief Marketing Officer, North American Specialty Food. Jamie has been with Lassonde for over a decade, most recently as VP Innovation, North America. As CMO, she will focus on building new marketing capabilities for our specialty food brands to capture new distribution opportunities and accelerate innovation.

Speaker #2: Jamie has been with Lassonde for over a decade. Most recently, his VPN eviction, North America. As CMO, she will focus on building new marketing capabilities for our specialty food brands to capture new distribution opportunities and accelerate innovation.

Speaker #2: With these appointments, the structure of our specialty food division now aligns with that of our beverage division, featuring a North America president, a chief marketing officer, and general managers overseeing private label and branded products.

Vincent R. Timpano: With these appointments, the structure of our specialty food division now aligns with that of our beverage division, featuring a North America president, a chief marketing officer, and general managers overseeing private label and branded products. Now, before turning the meeting to Éric, let me highlight two additional key nominations to our corporate executive team. I am pleased to welcome Francis Trudeau, who joined us earlier this month as Executive Vice President, Finance. Francis brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate finance, mainly with dynamic growth-oriented companies. We believe his leadership skills and proven background in strategic planning, corporate development, and operations will allow Lassonde to sustain profitable growth and achieve its long-term objectives. His nomination is part of a leadership transition that will culminate with Francis being appointed chief financial officer on 19 May. This is a carefully planned phase transition.

Vince Timpano: With these appointments, the structure of our specialty food division now aligns with that of our beverage division, featuring a North America president, a chief marketing officer, and general managers overseeing private label and branded products. Now, before turning the meeting to Éric, let me highlight two additional key nominations to our corporate executive team. I am pleased to welcome Francis Trudeau, who joined us earlier this month as Executive Vice President, Finance.

Speaker #2: Now, before turning the meeting to Eric, let me highlight two additional key nominations to our corporate executive team. I am pleased to welcome Francis Trudeau, who joined us earlier this month as Executive Vice President, Finance.

Vince Timpano: Francis brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate finance, mainly with dynamic growth-oriented companies. We believe his leadership skills and proven background in strategic planning, corporate development, and operations will allow Lassonde to sustain profitable growth and achieve its long-term objectives. His nomination is part of a leadership transition that will culminate with Francis being appointed chief financial officer on 19 May. This is a carefully planned phase transition.

Speaker #2: Francis brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate finance, mainly with dynamic, growth-oriented companies. We believe his leadership skills and proven background in strategic planning, corporate development, and operations will allow Lassonde to sustain profitable growth and achieve its long-term objectives.

Speaker #2: His nomination is part of a leadership transition that will culminate with Francis being appointed Chief Financial Officer on May 19th. This is a carefully planned, phased transition.

Vincent R. Timpano: Éric and Francis are working closely to ensure full continuity in reporting discipline, capital allocation, and strategy execution. Finally, earlier this week, we were pleased to welcome Minh Quan Dam as Chief Information Officer. With over 20 years of experience in technology strategy, digital transformation, and enterprise modernization for prominent Canadian and international organizations, Minh brings substantial expertise to Lassonde. In this new position, he will guide strategic vision for systems, infrastructure, data, and AI projects, ensuring strong cybersecurity and fostering skills and innovation to support future growth. I will now turn the call over to Éric for a review of Q4 results. Éric?

Vince Timpano: Éric and Francis are working closely to ensure full continuity in reporting discipline, capital allocation, and strategy execution. Finally, earlier this week, we were pleased to welcome Minh Quan Dam as Chief Information Officer. With over 20 years of experience in technology strategy, digital transformation, and enterprise modernization for prominent Canadian and international organizations, Minh brings substantial expertise to Lassonde. In this new position, he will guide strategic vision for systems, infrastructure, data, and AI projects, ensuring strong cybersecurity and fostering skills and innovation to support future growth. I will now turn the call over to Éric for a review of Q4 results. Éric?

Speaker #2: Eric and

Speaker #1: Francis and I are working closely to ensure full continuity in reporting discipline, capital allocation, and strategy execution. Finally, earlier this week, we were pleased to welcome Min Kuan Dong as Chief Information Officer.

Speaker #1: With over 20 years of experience in technology strategy, digital transformation, and enterprise modernization for prominent Canadian and international organizations, Min brings substantial expertise to Lassonde in this new position.

Speaker #1: He will guide strategic vision for systems, infrastructure, data, and AI projects, ensuring strong cybersecurity and fostering skills and innovation to support future growth.

Speaker #1: I will now turn the call over to Eric for a review of Q4 results. Eric.

Éric Gemme: Thank you, Vince. Good morning, everyone. Let's get to the numbers by turning to slide 10. Q4 sales were CAD 768 million, up 4% year over year. This increase was entirely organic, with negligible foreign exchange effect. The growth reflects disciplined pricing actions, mainly in Canada, and higher sales volume in the US. Moving to slide 11. Gross profit reached CAD 225 million, up 17% from CAD 193 million a year ago. This CAD 32 million increase reflects a favorable impact of selling price adjustments, a positive shift in the US sales mix, and the absence of certain prior year startup costs and costs related to a production disruption in North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene.

Speaker #2: Thank you Vince . Good morning everyone Let's get to the numbers by turning to slide ten . For quarter sales were $768 million , up 4% year over year This increase was entirely organic with negligible foreign exchange effect The growth reflects a disciplined pricing actions , mainly in Canada and our sales volume in the US Moving to slide 11 .

Speaker #2: Gross profit reached $225 million, up 17% from $193 million a year ago. This $32 million increase reflects a favorable impact of selling price adjustments.

Speaker #2: A positive shift in the US sales mix, and the absence of certain prior year start-up costs and costs related to a production disruption in North Carolina due to Hurricane Helen.

Éric Gemme: These factors were partly offset by an increase in certain conversion costs in the US, mostly related to the deployment of new assets in North Carolina. SG&A expenses were CAD 154 million, up slightly from CAD 150 million last year due to increases in certain administrative expenses, performance-related compensation expenses, and finished goods warehousing costs, mainly in Canada. These were partly offset by lower transportation costs to deliver products to clients and costs incurred last year related to the strategy and the Summer Garden acquisition. Excluding items that impact comparability, adjusted EBITDA increased 28% to CAD 102 million, or 13.3% of sales, from CAD 80 million or 10.8% of sales last year. That's a 250 basis points margin expansion driven by a stronger gross profit and disciplined cost management.

Speaker #2: These factors were partly offset by an increase in certain conversion costs in the US, mostly related to the deployment of new assets in North Carolina. As G&A expenses were $154 million, up slightly from $150 million last year due to increases in certain administrative expenses.

Speaker #2: Performance related compensation expenses and finished goods , warehousing costs , mainly in Canada . These were partly offset by lower transportation costs to deliver products to clients and cost incurred last year related to the strategy and the summer garden acquisition Excluding items that impact comparability , adjusted EBITDA increased 28% to $102 million , or 13.3% of sales from 80 million , or 10.8% of sales last year That's a 250 basis point margin expansion , driven by a stronger gross profit and disciplined cost management Turning to slide 12 .

Éric Gemme: Turning to slide 12 for net profit. Adjusted profit attributable to the corporation shareholders reached CAD 51 million or CAD 7.52 per share, our highest quarterly adjusted EPS on record, up 47% from last year. Looking briefly at annual results on slide 13. Sales amounted to CAD 2.9 billion, up 12.8% from CAD 2.6 billion last year. Excluding the contribution of Summer Garden for just over 7 months and FX, the increase was 7.2%, driven by price, volume, and mix improvement. Adjusted EBITDA reached CAD 344 million or 11.7% of sales, compared to CAD 276 million or 10.6% of sales in 2024.

Speaker #2: For net profit adjusted profit attributable to the corporation . Shareholders reached $51 million , or $7.52 per share Our highest quarterly adjusted EPS on record , up 47% from last year Looking briefly at annual results on slide 13 , sales amounted to $2.9 billion , up 12.8% from 2.6 billion last year .

Speaker #2: Excluding the contribution of Summer Garden for just over seven months and FX, the increase was 7.2%, driven by price, volume, and mix improvement.

Speaker #2: Adjusted EBITDA reached $344 million , or 11.7% of sales , compared to $276 million , or 10.6% of sales in 2020 . For adjusted profit attributable to the corporation shareholders totaled $156 million , or $22.82 per share .

Éric Gemme: Adjusted profit attributable to the corporation shareholder totaled CAD 156 million or CAD 22.82 per share versus CAD 130 million or CAD 19.05 per share last year. Turning to working capital on slide 14. At year-end, the days of operating working capital ratio dropped to 43 days from 55 days in Q3, returning to the historical range as expected. This decrease was primarily driven by lower DIO and DSO, and a modest rise in DPO. In 2026, with working capital back within historical range, our focus will be on maintaining service levels while staying disciplined with the flexibility to build an inventory selectively if supply conditions warrant it. We should also recognize that working capital may fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to usual changes in payable and inventory timing.

Speaker #2: Versus $130 million , or $19.05 per share last year Turning to working capital on slide 14 at year end , the days of operating working capital ratio dropped to 43 days from 55 days in Q3 Returning to the historical range as expected , this decrease was primarily driven by lower D , I , and DSO and a modest rise in DPO in 2026 , with working capital back within historical range .

Speaker #2: Our focus will be on maintaining service levels while staying disciplined, with the flexibility to build inventory selectively if supply conditions warrant it. We should also recognize that working capital may fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to usual changes in payables and inventory timing.

Éric Gemme: Now on slide 15 for cash flow. Operating activities generated CAD 122 million in Q4 2025, up from 76 million last year, driven by higher EBITDA and stronger working capital performance, particularly lower inventory as volume purchased earlier in the year were largely consumed. For the year, operating cash flow was CAD 176 million versus CAD 234 million in 2024, reflecting higher cash used by working capital, mainly due to lower accounts payable and higher income tax and interest paid, partly offset by higher EBITDA. CapEx totaled CAD 45 million in Q4 2025, and CAD 187 million for the year, including $16 million for the construction of the New Jersey facility.

Speaker #2: Now, on slide 15, for cash flow: Operating activities generated $122 million in Q4 2025, up from $76 million last year, driven by higher EBITDA and stronger working capital performance, particularly lower inventory.

Speaker #2: As volumes purchased earlier in the year were largely consumed. For the year, operating cash flow was $176 million versus $234 million in 2020.

Speaker #2: For reflecting higher cash used by working capital, mainly due to lower accounts payable and higher income tax and interest paid, partly offset by higher EBITDA.

Speaker #2: CapEx totaled $45 million in Q4 2025 and $187 million for the year, including $60 million for the construction of the New Jersey facility.

Éric Gemme: While CapEx are projected to reach up to 7% of sales in 2026, including approximately $96 million for the New Jersey project, they remain aligned with well-defined milestones. We are actively managing execution risk and expect to fund the program primarily through operating cash flow while maintaining comfortable leverage. Turning to our financial position on slide 16. Lassonde's net debt totaled CAD 489 million at the end of Q4, down from CAD 550 million three months earlier. The decrease mainly results from our solid operating cash flow generation during the quarter, partly offset by CapEx. As a result, the net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 1.4 to 1 at the end of Q4 2025, compared to 1.7 to 1 at the end of the previous quarter.

Speaker #2: While CapEx are projected to reach up to 7% of sales in 2026, including approximately $96 million for the New Jersey project, they remain aligned with well-defined milestones.

Speaker #2: We are actively managing execution risk and expect to fund the program primarily through operating cash flow, while maintaining comfortable leverage. Turning to our financial position on slide 16, licensed net debt totaled $489 million at the end of the fourth quarter, down from $550 million three months earlier.

Speaker #2: The decrease , mainly results from our solid operating cash flow generation during the quarter , partly offset by CapEx as a result , the net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 1.4 to 1 at the end of Q4 2025 , compared to 1.7 to 1 at the end of the previous quarter .

Éric Gemme: All things being equal, the leverage ratio should remain below 2 to 1 throughout 2026, well within our comfort zone of less than 3.25 to 1. I'll now turn the call back to Vince for the outlook. Vince?

Speaker #2: All things being equal , the leverage ratio should remain below 2 to 1 throughout 2026 , well within our comfort zone of less than 3.25 to 1 .

Speaker #2: And I'll turn the call back to Vince for the outlook. Vince.

Vincent R. Timpano: Thank you, Éric. Now, please turn to slide 17 for our outlook. Building on the momentum of 2025, Lassonde is entering 2026 from a position of strength. Our priorities remain executing our strategy and maintaining our focus on capturing profitable and sustainable growth, while being mindful of a challenging macro environment and of its potential implications on supply and consumer spending. In this context, we will continue to leverage our diversified portfolio balanced with pricing, promotion, and other volume initiatives. Excluding foreign exchange impacts and barring any significant external disruption, we anticipate achieving our stated goal of CAD 3 billion in sales by 2026. This being said, our focus remains on achieving profitable growth and supported by strong cash generation. If market conditions evolve, we will adapt to ensure sustainable expansion rather than prioritizing sales volume solely for revenue growth.

Vince Timpano: Thank you, Éric. Now, please turn to slide 17 for our outlook. Building on the momentum of 2025, Lassonde is entering 2026 from a position of strength. Our priorities remain executing our strategy and maintaining our focus on capturing profitable and sustainable growth, while being mindful of a challenging macro environment and of its potential implications on supply and consumer spending. In this context, we will continue to leverage our diversified portfolio balanced with pricing, promotion, and other volume initiatives.

Speaker #1: Thank you . Eric . Now please turn to slide 17 for our outlook . Building on the momentum of 2025 , Lassonde is entering 2026 from a position of strength .

Speaker #1: Our priorities remain executing our strategy and maintaining our focus on capturing profitable and sustainable growth, while being mindful of a challenging macro environment and of its potential implications on supply and consumer spending.

Speaker #1: In this context, we will continue to leverage our diversified portfolio, balanced with pricing, promotion, and other volume initiatives, excluding foreign exchange impacts and barring any significant external disruption.

Vince Timpano: Excluding foreign exchange impacts and barring any significant external disruption, we anticipate achieving our stated goal of CAD 3 billion in sales by 2026. This being said, our focus remains on achieving profitable growth and supported by strong cash generation. If market conditions evolve, we will adapt to ensure sustainable expansion rather than prioritizing sales volume solely for revenue growth.

Speaker #1: We anticipate achieving our stated goal of $3 billion in sales by 2026. This being said, our focus remains on achieving profitable growth and being supported by strong cash generation if market conditions evolve.

Speaker #1: We will adapt to ensure sustainable expansion rather than prioritizing sales volume solely for revenue growth. Moving to slide 18 for strategic priorities by Division for US Beverage.

Vincent R. Timpano: Moving to slide 18 for strategic priorities by division. For US Beverage, our focus will be on continuing our private label volume build-back plan, delivering capacity ramp-ups for our single-serve and juice box lines, maintaining pricing discipline while being responsive to shifts in consumer behaviors, and completing our new facility to improve capacity and lower cost. As for our Canadian Beverage business, our priority remains fortifying our leadership through innovation-led growth initiatives, continuing our focus on effective revenue management strategies, which includes targeted promotion spending while simultaneously investing in brand-building activities and strengthening our execution in core channels. Our North America Foodservice team will continue its expansion push in this key market, including through our bag-in-box initiative.

Vince Timpano: Moving to slide 18 for strategic priorities by division. For US Beverage, our focus will be on continuing our private label volume build-back plan, delivering capacity ramp-ups for our single-serve and juice box lines, maintaining pricing discipline while being responsive to shifts in consumer behaviors, and completing our new facility to improve capacity and lower cost. As for our Canadian Beverage business, our priority remains fortifying our leadership through innovation-led growth initiatives, continuing our focus on effective revenue management strategies, which includes targeted promotion spending while simultaneously investing in brand-building activities and strengthening our execution in core channels. Our North America Foodservice team will continue its expansion push in this key market, including through our bag-in-box initiative.

Speaker #1: Our focus will be on continuing our private label volume , build back plan , delivering capacity ramp ups for our single serve and juice box lines , maintaining pricing discipline while being responsive to shifts in consumer behaviors and completing our new facility to improve capacity and lower cost As for our Canadian beverage business , our priority remains fortifying our leadership through innovation led growth initiatives .

Speaker #1: Continuing our focus on effective revenue management strategies , which includes targeted promotion spending . While simultaneously investing in brand building activities and strengthening our execution and core channels Our North American Food Service team will continue its expansion push in this key market , including through our bag in a box initiative in specialty food .

Vincent R. Timpano: In Specialty Food, our priorities are to achieve profitable growth by optimizing the integration of our North American network, strengthening brand equity, and accelerating brand development and growth through a strategic refresh of our G Hughes brand in the zero sugar category. Turning to slide 19 for an overview of certain cost components. On commodities, we're seeing some easing in orange concentrate versus 2025 spot levels, but realized benefits will depend on the timing of our hedges and other risk mitigation actions. Regarding apple juice concentrate, the near-term market sentiment remains cautious to moderately bearish, and regional supply constraints are preventing significant price declines. The pineapple concentrates market is shifting from supply tightness towards a more balanced state. We see modest downward pressure on prices as inventories recover. However, availability in Thailand remains relatively constrained.

Vince Timpano: In Specialty Food, our priorities are to achieve profitable growth by optimizing the integration of our North American network, strengthening brand equity, and accelerating brand development and growth through a strategic refresh of our G Hughes brand in the zero sugar category. Turning to slide 19 for an overview of certain cost components. On commodities, we're seeing some easing in orange concentrate versus 2025 spot levels, but realized benefits will depend on the timing of our hedges and other risk mitigation actions.

Speaker #1: Our priorities are to achieve profitable growth by optimizing the integration of our North American network, strengthening brand equity, and accelerating brand development and growth through a strategic refresh of our G.

Speaker #1: Brand . In the zero sugar category . Turning to slide 19 for an overview of certain cost components on commodities . We're seeing some easing in orange concentrate versus 2025 spot levels , but realized benefits will depend on the timing of our hedges and other risk mitigation actions Regarding apple juice concentrate , the near-term market sentiment remains cautious to moderately bearish and regional supply constraints are preventing significant price declines The pineapple Concentrates market is shifting from supply tightness towards a more balanced state .

Vince Timpano: Regarding apple juice concentrate, the near-term market sentiment remains cautious to moderately bearish, and regional supply constraints are preventing significant price declines. The pineapple concentrates market is shifting from supply tightness towards a more balanced state. We see modest downward pressure on prices as inventories recover. However, availability in Thailand remains relatively constrained.

Speaker #1: We see modest downward pressure on prices as inventories recover. However, availability in Thailand remains relatively constrained. Despite these improvements in the commodity environment, we must remain vigilant in monitoring changes in consumer food habits and demand elasticity for our products.

Vincent R. Timpano: Despite these improvements in the commodity environment, we must remain vigilant in monitoring changes in consumer food habits and demand elasticity for our products. To alleviate these effects, we will continue to bring innovation to market, which reinforces the key roles of our new marketing leadership in our Beverage and Specialty Food divisions. Recent developments in Middle East also raised our focus on transportation and PET resin cost. Geopolitics and trade remain key uncertainties. We're planning for continued volatility, running scenarios and mitigation plans across sourcing, pricing, and cross-border flows. We're staying agile in this dynamic environment. In closing, as shown on slide 20, we expect to deliver another solid performance in 2026. We remain focused on executing our strategy and capturing growth opportunities. Our recently announced new leadership and finance-

Vince Timpano: Despite these improvements in the commodity environment, we must remain vigilant in monitoring changes in consumer food habits and demand elasticity for our products. To alleviate these effects, we will continue to bring innovation to market, which reinforces the key roles of our new marketing leadership in our Beverage and Specialty Food divisions. Recent developments in Middle East also raised our focus on transportation and PET resin cost. Geopolitics and trade remain key uncertainties.

Speaker #1: To alleviate these effects, we will continue to bring innovation to market, which reinforces the key roles of our new marketing, leadership, and our beverage and specialty food divisions. Recent developments in the Middle East have also raised our focus on transportation and PET resin costs. Geopolitics and trade remain key uncertainties.

Vince Timpano: We're planning for continued volatility, running scenarios and mitigation plans across sourcing, pricing, and cross-border flows. We're staying agile in this dynamic environment. In closing, as shown on slide 20, we expect to deliver another solid performance in 2026. We remain focused on executing our strategy and capturing growth opportunities. Our recently announced new leadership and finance-Enhancement in IT, along with a new organization structure supported by new leadership built around our North American beverage and specialty food divisions, supports one of our strategic pillars in building our capacity to act through talent, capabilities, and a winning culture.

Speaker #1: We're planning for continued volatility, running scenarios in mitigation plans across sourcing, pricing, and cross-border flows. We're staying agile in this dynamic environment.

Speaker #1: In closing, as shown on slide 20, we expect to deliver another solid performance in 2026. We remain focused on executing our strategy and capturing growth opportunities.

Vincent R. Timpano: Enhancement in IT, along with a new organization structure supported by new leadership built around our North American beverage and specialty food divisions, supports one of our strategic pillars in building our capacity to act through talent, capabilities, and a winning culture. Driven by the dedication of our employees and the strength of our diversified product portfolio, Lassonde is well-positioned to maintain a strong competitive position and sustain profitable growth in the North American food and beverage market. This concludes our prepared remarks. We are now pleased to answer your questions.

Speaker #1: Our recently announced new leadership in Finance and IT, along with a new organization structure supported by new leadership built around our North America Beverage and Specialty Food divisions, supports one of our strategic pillars in building our capacity to act through talent, capabilities, and a winning culture driven by the dedication of our employees and the strength of our diversified product portfolio.

Vince Timpano: Driven by the dedication of our employees and the strength of our diversified product portfolio, Lassonde is well-positioned to maintain a strong competitive position and sustain profitable growth in the North American food and beverage market. This concludes our prepared remarks. We are now pleased to answer your questions.

Speaker #1: Lassonde is well positioned to maintain a strong, competitive position and sustain profitable growth in the North American food and beverage market. This concludes our prepared remarks.

Speaker #1: We are now pleased to answer your questions.

Operator: We will now begin the question and answer session. To join the question queue, you may press star then 1 on your telephone keypad. You will hear a tone acknowledging your request. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing any keys. To withdraw your question, please press star then 2. We will pause for a moment as callers join the queue. The first question comes from Ahmed Abdullah with National Bank. Your line is now open.

Speaker #3: We will now begin the question and answer session . To join the question queue , you may press star then one on your telephone keypad .

Speaker #3: You will hear a tone acknowledging your request. If you are using a speakerphone, please pick up your handset before pressing any keys. To withdraw your question, please press star then two.

Speaker #3: We will pause for a moment as callers join the queue. The first question comes from Ahmed Abdullah with National Bank. Your line is now open.

Ahmed Abdullah: Yeah, good morning, and thanks for taking my question. You saw a good balance of pricing and volume this quarter. How are you thinking about price elasticity going forward, or particularly if we're in an economic scenario here that's seeing the consumer being pressured further into 2026?

Speaker #4: Yeah. Good morning, and thanks for taking my question. You saw a good balance of pricing and volume this quarter. How are you thinking about price elasticity going forward, particularly if we're in an economic scenario here that's seeing the consumer being pressured further into 2026?

Vincent R. Timpano: Yeah, look at. I'll answer that. It's Vince. The environment that we're moving into 2026, while we talk about continued volatility and uncertainty, is really no different than what we were dealing with in 2025, where consumers were dealing with persistent inflation and having to adapt to various pricing scenarios. I think what I would take you back to is when you take a look at the core strengths of Lassonde and its ability to withstand some of these changes within the market. I take you back to sort of historically, the business has been proven to be quite resilient. We've got a culture that is defined as agile, which stays true to our strategic priorities, but understands when and how to pivot when required.

Vince Timpano: Yeah, look at. I'll answer that. It's Vince. The environment that we're moving into 2026, while we talk about continued volatility and uncertainty, is really no different than what we were dealing with in 2025, where consumers were dealing with persistent inflation and having to adapt to various pricing scenarios. I think what I would take you back to is when you take a look at the core strengths of Lassonde and its ability to withstand some of these changes within the market. I take you back to sort of historically, the business has been proven to be quite resilient. We've got a culture that is defined as agile, which stays true to our strategic priorities, but understands when and how to pivot when required.

Speaker #1: Yeah. Look at, I'll answer that. It's Vince. The environment that we're moving into in 2026, while we talk about continued volatility and uncertainty, is really no different than what we were dealing with in 2025.

Speaker #1: Where consumers were dealing with persistent inflation and having to adapt to various pricing scenarios, I think what I would take you back to is when you take a look at the core strengths of Lassonde and its ability to withstand some of these changes within the market.

Speaker #1: I take you back to sort of historically , the business has been proven to be quite resilient . Two , we've got a culture that is defined as agile , which stays true to our strategic priorities .

Speaker #1: But understands when and how to pivot when required . But I think most importantly , and this is something that I've shared in the past , is not losing sight of .

Vincent R. Timpano: I think most importantly, and this is something that I've shared in the past, is not losing sight of one of our core strengths is the diversification of our portfolio. When you take a look at the diversity of our portfolio, whether it's product diversity, whether it's segment diversity between brand and private label, as well as food versus beverage, as well as package diversity and channel diversity, it does allow us to pivot, to adjust to where consumers are going, in particular in the value segment. What I would reinforce is what we'll continue to do is simply stay the course in recognizing the strengths that we have and making sure that we continue to move that way in the market.

Vince Timpano: I think most importantly, and this is something that I've shared in the past, is not losing sight of one of our core strengths is the diversification of our portfolio. When you take a look at the diversity of our portfolio, whether it's product diversity, whether it's segment diversity between brand and private label, as well as food versus beverage, as well as package diversity and channel diversity, it does allow us to pivot, to adjust to where consumers are going, in particular in the value segment. What I would reinforce is what we'll continue to do is simply stay the course in recognizing the strengths that we have and making sure that we continue to move that way in the market.

Speaker #1: One of our core strengths is the diversification of our portfolio So when you take a look at the diversity of our portfolio , whether it's product diversity , whether it's segment diversity between brand and brand and private label , as well as food versus beverage , as well as package diversity and channel diversity .

Speaker #1: It does allow us to pivot, to adjust to where consumers are going, in particular in the value segment. So what I would reinforce is what we will continue to do is simply stay the course and recognize the strengths that we have, and make sure that we continue to move that way in the market.

Ahmed Abdullah: Okay. That's very helpful color. Just on the input cost, you're calling for, you know, a picture that seems a bit mixed in 2026, and rightfully so, given the ongoing uncertainties. Can you just help us frame the net impact we're expecting on margins here and where you still have some pricing flexibility to maybe offset some of that?

Speaker #4: Okay . That's very helpful . Color Just on the input costs , you're calling for , you know , a picture that seems a bit mixed in 2026 , and rightfully so given the ongoing uncertainties .

Speaker #4: Can you just help us frame the net impact we're expecting on margins here? And where you still have some pricing flexibility to maybe offset some of that?

Vincent R. Timpano: That's Éric, Ahmed. You are correct. Of course, we are seeing yet again in a dynamic input cost commodity related 2026. Orange is now at a more reasonable price range, which is good. Remain to be seen if it's gonna be stable at this price. Now from other commodities, absent of the current conflict and the implication, we are seeing apple and pineapple remaining a high price commodity with limited sight in terms of abatement this year. All in, and again, we're not giving guidance necessarily on profitability like below our top line. However, I believe that we have a relatively wash impact on our P&L.

Vince Timpano: That's Éric, Ahmed. You are correct. Of course, we are seeing yet again in a dynamic input cost commodity related 2026. Orange is now at a more reasonable price range, which is good. Remain to be seen if it's gonna be stable at this price. Now from other commodities, absent of the current conflict and the implication, we are seeing apple and pineapple remaining a high price commodity with limited sight in terms of abatement this year. All in, and again, we're not giving guidance necessarily on profitability like below our top line. However, I believe that we have a relatively wash impact on our P&L.

Speaker #5: So that's Eric Ahmed . So you you are correct . Of course we are . We are seeing a yet again in the dynamic input cost commodity related 2026 oranges .

Speaker #2: Now at a more reasonable price range, which is good. It remains to be seen if it's going to be stable at this price.

Speaker #2: Now from other commodities absent of the current conflict and the implication we are seeing Apple and pineapple remaining a high , high priced commodity with limited limited sight in terms of abatement , this year So all in and again , we're not giving guidance necessarily on profitability like our top line .

Speaker #2: However, I'll— and I believe that we have a relatively wash impact on our P&L. Again, all this is subject to whatever will happen in the next few weeks and next few months in terms of implications from what's going on in the Middle East.

Vincent R. Timpano: Again, all this subject to whatever will happen in the next few weeks and next few months in terms of implication from what's going on in the Middle East.

Vince Timpano: Again, all this subject to whatever will happen in the next few weeks and next few months in terms of implication from what's going on in the Middle East.

Ahmed Abdullah: Okay. That's very helpful. I'll queue up again, and congratulations on the quarter.

Speaker #4: Okay, that's very helpful. I'll queue up again, and congratulations on the quarter.

Vincent R. Timpano: Thank you very much, Ahmed.

Vince Timpano: Thank you very much, Ahmed.

Speaker #2: Thank you very much, Ahmed.

Operator: Your next question comes from Martin Landry with Stifel. Your line is now open.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Martin Landry with Stifel. Your line is now open.

Martin Landry: Hi. Good morning, Vince and Eric, and congrats on your strong results.

Speaker #6: Hi. Good morning, Vince and Eric, and congrats on your strong results.

Vincent R. Timpano: Thank you, Martin.

Vince Timpano: Thank you, Martin.

Martin Landry: My first question, I wanna dig in a little bit in your gross margin. I think it was one of the strongest gross margin you've reported in the last five years. I was wondering if you could provide a margin bridge and quantify a little bit the main drivers of the margin expansion.

Speaker #2: Thank you Martin .

Speaker #6: My first question, I want to dig in a little bit on your gross margin. I think it was one of the strongest gross margins you have reported in the last five years.

Speaker #6: And I was wondering if you could provide a margin bridge and quantify a little bit. The main drivers of the margin expansion.

Vincent R. Timpano: Let me take that, Vince. Absolutely, Martin. You are correct. This is a healthy 29.3% margin, is not unheard of at Lassonde, but over the last few years, this is a very good performance. I think it's a tale of many stories. I mean, you look at from a pricing to cost gearing. I think now we were at a right place. Basically, our commodity were correctly priced in our product, giving us the right margin there. Second, we had a slight volume effect that helped absorb fixed costs, right? As you know, we are a capital-intensive business, so volume is an important contributor, so a bit of a better absorption. Also, last year, right?

Éric Gemme: Let me take that, Vince. Absolutely, Martin. You are correct. This is a healthy 29.3% margin, is not unheard of at Lassonde, but over the last few years, this is a very good performance. I think it's a tale of many stories. I mean, you look at from a pricing to cost gearing. I think now we were at a right place. Basically, our commodity were correctly priced in our product, giving us the right margin there. Second, we had a slight volume effect that helped absorb fixed costs, right? As you know, we are a capital-intensive business, so volume is an important contributor, so a bit of a better absorption. Also, last year, right?

Speaker #2: Let me take that , Vince . So , absolutely . So you are is a healthy 29.3% margin . Is not unheard of at Lausanne .

Speaker #2: But over the last few years , this is a a very good performance . I think it's a story of it's a tale of many stories .

Speaker #2: I mean, if you look at it from a pricing to cost gearing, I think now we are—well, we were at the right place.

Speaker #2: So basically our commodity were correctly priced in our product . So giving us the right margin there . Second , we had a slight volume effect that helped absorb fixed costs , right ?

Speaker #2: As you know , we are a capital intensive business . So volume is an important contributor . So a bit of a better absorption .

Vincent R. Timpano: If you compare to last year, there were some one-time costs associated with Hurricane Helene and also the start of our Line 5.

Éric Gemme: If you compare to last year, there were some one-time costs associated with Hurricane Helene and also the start of our Line 5. Also, we've been investing in this organization over the last many years to improve efficiency in our manufacturing environment and also logistics. Remember, right, we have a portion of our logistics costs buried in SG&A, so everything that has to do with finished goods, but everything that has to do with raw material is in our cost of sales. If you look at all of those little efficiency projects that we've done, I think they start to show up in our P&L. The sum of all of that, I believe, explained a good margin at 29.3% in the quarter and a good margin for the year at 27.6%.

Speaker #2: Also last year , right ? If you compare to last year , there was a for some one time costs associated with the Helen and also the startup of our line five and also we've been investing in this organization over the last many years to improve efficiency and efficiency in our manufacturing environment and also logistics .

Éric Gemme: Also, we've been investing in this organization over the last many years to improve efficiency in our manufacturing environment and also logistics. Remember, right, we have a portion of our logistics costs buried in SG&A, so everything that has to do with finished goods, but everything that has to do with raw material is in our cost of sales. If you look at all of those little efficiency projects that we've done, I think they start to show up in our P&L. The sum of all of that, I believe, explained a good margin at 29.3% in the quarter and a good margin for the year at 27.6%.

Speaker #2: And remember , right , we have a portion of our logistics costs buried in . So everything that has to do with finished goods , but everything that has to do with raw material is in our cost of sales .

Speaker #2: So, if you look at all of those little efficiency projects that we've done, I think they start to show up in our P&L.

Speaker #2: So the sum of all of that , I believe , explained a , a , a good margin at 29.3% in the quarter and a good margin for the year at 27 point , something I think , six .

Vincent R. Timpano: Martin, it's Vince. I just wanna build on what Eric said, that you know, clearly this remains a priority for us as an organization. We're going to use all the tools in our toolbox to be able to continue to focus on gross margin expansion, gross margin dollar expansion, which is important for us. The one item that Eric didn't reference, but I wanna reinforce, is this notion of innovation and also broadening the portfolio, lessening the dependency on commodities as a way that over time allows us to have a more attractive proposition that frankly, consumers are attracted to at a margin profile that are attractive for us.

Vince Timpano: Martin, it's Vince. I just wanna build on what Eric said, that you know, clearly this remains a priority for us as an organization. We're going to use all the tools in our toolbox to be able to continue to focus on gross margin expansion, gross margin dollar expansion, which is important for us. The one item that Eric didn't reference, but I wanna reinforce, is this notion of innovation and also broadening the portfolio, lessening the dependency on commodities as a way that over time allows us to have a more attractive proposition that frankly, consumers are attracted to at a margin profile that are attractive for us.

Speaker #1: Martin it's Vince . I just want to build on what Eric said that , you know , clearly this remains a priority for us as an organization .

Speaker #1: And we're going to use all the tools in our toolbox to be able to continue to focus on gross margin expansion, gross margin, dollar expansion, which is important for us.

Speaker #1: The one item that Eric didn't reference , but I want to reinforce is this notion of innovation . And also broadening the portfolio , lessening the dependency on commodities as a way that over time allows us to have a more attractive proposition that , frankly , consumers are attracted to at a margin profile that are attractive for us .

Vincent R. Timpano: I just wanna build, like I said, on what Éric said, which sort of adds this notion of portfolio and the role that innovation plays that allows us to manage our mix a little more effectively as well.

Vince Timpano: I just wanna build, like I said, on what Éric said, which sort of adds this notion of portfolio and the role that innovation plays that allows us to manage our mix a little more effectively as well.

Speaker #1: So I just want to build , like I said , on what Eric said , which is sort of adds this notion of portfolio and the role that innovation plays , that allows us to manage our mix a little more effectively as well .

Éric Gemme: Thank you, Vince. You're absolutely correct. The mix effect does also play its part on this quarter's margin.

Speaker #1: Okay .

Speaker #2: Thank you , Vince . You're absolutely correct . The mix effect has also played a played its part on the smart . This quarter's margin

Martin Landry: Okay. Just maybe a follow-up to Vince to that question. It's an interesting topic. Would it be possible to have the proportion of your juices that are not 100 percent right now? You know, is it? 'Cause I think that's what you're referring to in part, blends and juices that are not 100 percent. Just an idea of where it is, where it was before, and where it could go.

Speaker #6: Okay . Just maybe , maybe a follow up . Vince to that question . It's an interesting topic . Would it be possible to have the proportion of your juices that are not 100% right now ?

Speaker #6: You know , because I think that's what you're referring to in part glands and juices that are not 100% just just an eye , you know , an idea of where it is , where , where it was before and where it could go .

Éric Gemme: Martin, this is a good question, very valid question. However, we don't have the information at hand at the moment, so I can see what we can do from a follow-up perspective. Apologize for not giving you

Vince Timpano: Martin, this is a good question, very valid question. However, we don't have the information at hand at the moment, so I can see what we can do from a follow-up perspective. Apologize for not giving you

Speaker #2: So, Matthias, it's a good question—a very valid question. However, I don't have, we don't have, the information at hand at the moment.

Speaker #2: So I can see what we can do from a follow-up perspective. Apologize for—

Martin Landry: Yeah, super. No, I know it's not an obvious one, so I understand. Okay. Maybe just moving on to 2026. Following Ahmed's question, I'd like to dig in a little bit. I was in the same boat, just trying to understand a little bit, where EBITDA margins are gonna land. So, you know, I heard your answer, Éric. It sounds like you're saying it's gonna be a wash. So, you know, would you suggest in our model for 2026 that we probably use similar EBITDA margins than what you realize in 2025?

Speaker #6: No , I know it's not . It's not an obvious one , so I understand . Okay , maybe just moving on to 26 .

Speaker #6: Following Ahmed's question, I'd like to dig in a little bit. I was in the same boat, just trying to understand a little bit where EBITDA margins are going to land.

Speaker #6: So , you know , I heard your answer . Eric , it sounds like you're saying it's going to be a wash . So , so , so , you know , would you suggest in our model for 26 that we , we probably use a similar EBITDA margins that when you what you've realized in 25 .

Éric Gemme: Martin, thank you for your question. Of course, you know what I'm gonna answer is I'm not giving guidance. However, what I can tell you, Martin, three years ago, we had the investor day. We've put a target on where we wanna be from a sales perspective and where we would like to be from a margin perspective, in the distribution. If you see what we've done over the last few years, we are slowly getting to that point. We're happy to see our EBITDA margin today, and we're getting close to where we felt was the right place for 2022, for 2026, I mean.

Speaker #2: So thank you for your question . Of course , you know what I'm going to answer is I'm not giving guidance . However , what I can tell you .

Speaker #2: Martin . For three years ago already , when we had . Or two , three years ago , we had the . This Investor de I we've put a a a target on where we want it to be from a sales perspective and where we would like to be from a margin perspective in the distribution .

Speaker #2: So , and if you see what we've done over the last few years , we are slowly getting to that point . So I'm we're happy to see our EBITDA margin today .

Speaker #2: And we're getting close to where we felt was the right place for 2022, for 2026. I mean.

Martin Landry: Okay. Okay, maybe just lastly, Éric, any color or Vince that you can provide for Q1 to help us understand the moving parts and model a little bit what we should expect for Q1? How's this quarter started? How are your sales progression, your listings, and your margin? Any color would be super helpful.

Speaker #7: Okay , okay .

Speaker #6: And maybe just lastly , Eric , any color or event that you can provide for Q1 to help us understand the moving parts and , and model a little bit what we should expect for Q1 , how's this quarter started ?

Speaker #6: How are your , your sales progression , your listings and your , your margin ? Any , any color would be super helpful .

Éric Gemme: We are not gonna give, of course, guidance on 2026. We're, of course, close to it. We have good visibility on it. Martin, I cannot comment on a quarter that has not been published. No surprise so far on our side. 2026, again, we need to remain very vigilant and agile given the circumstance. I'm sorry, I cannot give you more color on Q1, more specifically.

Speaker #2: Okay , let me just go back on We are not going to give , of course , guidance on 2026 . We're of course close to it .

Speaker #2: We have good visibility on it , but I cannot comment on a quarter that has not been published But no , no surprise so far on our side , 2026 , again , we need to remain very vigilant and agile given the circumstance .

Speaker #2: But I'm sorry, I cannot give you more color on Q1, more specifically.

Vincent R. Timpano: Maybe what I would turn you to, Martin, is a little bit to take a look at our MD&A and our reference to what we're seeing in the category. It's not so much guidance, but just to give you context in terms of the category dynamics, in terms of what we're dealing with. More specifically, what you're seeing in Canada is a category that declines have accelerated a little bit, moving from well, actually have held flat in Canada, apologies, at mid-single digit. In the US, they've slightly softened from low single digit to mid-single digit. Again, that is looking backwards over the course of the past many weeks. I would just refer you to that.

Vince Timpano: Maybe what I would turn you to, Martin, is a little bit to take a look at our MD&A and our reference to what we're seeing in the category. It's not so much guidance, but just to give you context in terms of the category dynamics, in terms of what we're dealing with. More specifically, what you're seeing in Canada is a category that declines have accelerated a little bit, moving from well, actually have held flat in Canada, apologies, at mid-single digit. In the US, they've slightly softened from low single digit to mid-single digit. Again, that is looking backwards over the course of the past many weeks. I would just refer you to that.

Speaker #1: Maybe what I would turn you to , Martin , is a little bit take a look at our mDNA and our reference to what we're seeing in the category .

Speaker #1: It's not so much guidance , but just to give you context in terms of the category dynamics , in terms of what we're dealing with more specifically , what you're seeing in Canada is a category that declines , have accelerated a little bit , moving from I actually have held flat in Canada .

Speaker #1: Apologies at mid-single digit. And in the US, they've slightly softened from low single digit to mid-single digit. And again, that is looking backwards over the course of the past many weeks.

Speaker #1: But I would just refer you to that.

Martin Landry: Okay, that's helpful. Thank you very much, guys, and best of luck.

Speaker #7: Okay . That's helpful .

Éric Gemme: Martin, one last thing on the margin. We need to focus on margin dollars. Percentage, and I know that I referred you back to percentage earlier, but let's make sure that all of our eyes remain on margin dollars, as well.

Speaker #6: Thank you very much, guys, and best of luck.

Speaker #2: And Martin One last thing on on the margin . So we need to focus on margin dollars . So percentage and I know that I refer you back to percentage earlier , but let's make sure that all of our eyes remain on margin dollars as well .

Vincent R. Timpano: Understood. Thank you.

Vince Timpano: Understood. Thank you.

Speaker #7: Understood . Thank you .

Éric Gemme: Thank you.

Operator: Your next question comes from Luke Hannan with Canaccord Genuity. Your line is now open.

Speaker #2: Thank you .

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from Luke Hannon with Canaccord Genuity. Your line is now open.

Luke Hannan: Thanks. Good morning. Congratulations on the great quarter, and thanks-

Speaker #8: Thanks . Good morning . Congratulations on the on the great Quarter . And thanks for all the comments . Hey , thanks for all the commentary thus far .

Éric Gemme: Hello.

Luke Hannan: Hey, thanks for all the commentary thus far as well. I wanted to follow up on a couple of earlier lines of questioning. If we were to think back to the investor day, you guys gave some great color on how much of COGS is made up of ingredients and then packaging. I think you also gave some incremental color on how much exactly apple and orange juice concentrates also made up as a percentage of COGS. Vince, you touched on using innovation as a lever to sort of diversify a little bit there. Maybe the question is, how significantly have you been able to diversify your inputs? Again, if I remember correctly, I think it was around 25% of COGS was apple and orange juice concentrates.

Speaker #8: As well, I wanted to follow up on a couple of earlier lines of questioning. So, if we were to think back to the Investor Day, you guys gave some great color on how much of COGS is made up of ingredients.

Speaker #8: And then packaging. And then I think you also gave some incremental color on how much exactly apple and orange juice concentrates also made up as a percentage of COGS.

Speaker #8: And then , Vince , you touched on using innovation as a lever to , to sort of diversify a little bit there . How much maybe the question is how significantly have you been able to diversify your inputs ?

Speaker #8: Again, if I remember correctly, I think it was around 25% of COGS was apple and orange juice concentrates. How much lower is that number today?

Luke Hannan: How much lower is that number today?

Éric Gemme: It's still within that range given the price of these commodities. From a volume standpoint, I don't have the exact number, but from what I recall, from a volume, those commodities, we are using less volume of them by themselves, on the back of a higher production volume. The dependency on those commodities is slowly receding.

Speaker #2: It's still within that range . Given the price of these commodities from a volume standpoint , I don't have the exact number , but from what I recall from a volume dose , commodities , we are using less volume them by themselves on the back of a higher production volume .

Speaker #2: So, the dependency on those commodities is slowly receding.

Luke Hannan: Okay, thanks. I also wanted to follow up on the food service opportunity as well. I appreciate these are ongoing discussions. I imagine they've also been going on for a while as well. Can you just speak to, I guess, how active that pipeline is? Is it fair to say that you could, to the extent that you expect to see wins, that could flow through in 2026 as well? I'm just thinking of, I guess, the top-line bridge. I appreciate you guys pointing out that you expect to achieve that CAD 3 billion sales target. Admittedly, it does seem like a low bar and very achievable. I guess I'm just trying to frame the upside potential beyond that.

Speaker #8: Okay, thanks. And then I also wanted to follow up on the food service opportunity as well. And I appreciate these are ongoing discussions.

Speaker #8: I imagine they've also been going on for , for a while as well . Can you just speak to , I guess , how active that pipeline is and is it fair to say that you could to the extent that you you expect to see that that could flow through in , in 2026 as well ?

Speaker #8: I'm just thinking of , I guess the top line bridge , I appreciate you guys pointing out that you expect to , to achieve that , that $3 billion sales target .

Speaker #8: And admittedly, it does seem like a low bar and very achievable. So I guess I'm just trying to frame the upside potential beyond that.

Vincent R. Timpano: Luke, as you would expect, it's a difficult question to answer because you're right, we're in active discussions now with many customers. It's our hope that we can actually land some of those customers and see some of the benefits of those in 2026. It's too early to give you that color. I would say as that occurs, we'll be sure to let you know when we land a key customer. You know, in the whole scheme of things, when you take a look at our business and when you think that will come into the pipeline, I would say it would represent a relatively small portion of the growth in 2026.

Vince Timpano: Luke, as you would expect, it's a difficult question to answer because you're right, we're in active discussions now with many customers. It's our hope that we can actually land some of those customers and see some of the benefits of those in 2026. It's too early to give you that color. I would say as that occurs, we'll be sure to let you know when we land a key customer. You know, in the whole scheme of things, when you take a look at our business and when you think that will come into the pipeline, I would say it would represent a relatively small portion of the growth in 2026.

Speaker #1: Luke , as you would expect , it's a , it's a difficult question to answer because you're right . We're an active discussions now with many customers , but it's our hope that we can actually land some of those customers and see some of the benefits of those in 2026 .

Speaker #1: But it's too early to give you that color. I would say, as that occurs, we'll be sure to let you know when we land.

Speaker #1: The key customer . But you know , in the whole scheme of things , when you take a look at our business and when you think that will come into the pipeline , I would say it would represent a relatively small portion of the growth in 2026 .

Luke Hannan: Got it. When we think about the ramp-up of the new facility in New Jersey, I believe you had said you're gonna be transferring production over towards the end of this year. Should we be anticipating, I guess, any sort of margin pressure as you're presumably kinda gonna be running two facilities at once. There might be some duplicative costs. Do you expect there to be some margin headwinds related to that? Or should it be a relatively sort of smooth transition within that direction?

Speaker #8: Got it . When we think about the the ramp up of the new facility in new Jersey , I believe you said you're going to be transferring production over towards the the end of , of this year .

Speaker #8: Should we be anticipating , I guess , any sort of margin pressure as you're presumably you're of running two facilities at once ? There might be some duplicative costs .

Speaker #8: Do you expect there to be some margin headwinds related to that, or should it be a relatively sort of smooth transition without that?

Éric Gemme: No, there will be, of course, duplicative costs that will not be capitalized, that will help the P&L. We will, of course, as we are getting into those quarters, be clear in our normalization, to call out those non-recurring costs or costs that are affecting the comparability, so you can appropriately model the going forward margin.

Speaker #8: No friction

Speaker #2: , there will be , of course , duplicative cost costs that will not be capitalized , that will help the PNL . And we will , of course , as we getting into those quarters , the clear in our normalization to call out those non-recurring costs or costs that that are affecting the comparability .

Speaker #2: So you can appropriately model the going-forward margin.

Luke Hannan: Thanks. Last one.

Éric Gemme: That should hopefully incorporate the benefit of this great investment.

Speaker #8: Thanks . That should

Luke Hannan: That makes sense. Thanks. Last one before I requeue. Éric, you did touch on, so at the investor day, you laid out a sales target. You also talked about not necessarily a target for margins, but just roughly where the street should be thinking about margins moving forward. That was before the acquisition of Summer Garden as well. If we were to be, and I realize at this point in time, it's a very dynamic environment, probably too ambitious for us to assume things are status quo for the near term, but all else equal, just by virtue of that business organically growing higher than the Lassonde base business, there should be some implicit margin expansion overall related to that.

Speaker #2: Incorporate the benefit of this great investment.

Speaker #8: That makes sense . Thanks . Last one before I Requeue Eric , you did touch on . So at the Investor Day , you laid out a sales target .

Speaker #8: You also talked about not necessarily a target for margins, but just roughly where the Street should be thinking about margins moving forward.

Speaker #8: But that was before the acquisition of Summer garden as as well . So if we were to be and I realized at this point in time , it's a very dynamic environment , probably too ambitious for us to assume things are status quo for the near term , but all else equal , just by virtue of that business organically growing higher than the Lausanne base business , there should be some implicit margin expansion overall related to that .

Éric Gemme: No.

Luke Hannan: No?

Éric Gemme: When I go back to this, back then, of course, that specific acquisition was not line of sight, but getting more of the food segment part of our sales mix was considered. Therefore, a portion of the incremental EBITDA margin was coming from this diversification. You cannot say add to that.

Speaker #8: No .

Speaker #2: So when I go back to this back then , of course , although we that specific acquisition was not a line of sight , but getting more of the food segment , part of our part of our sales mix was considered .

Speaker #2: So, therefore, a portion of the incremental EBITDA margin was coming from this diversification. So you cannot say, 'add to that.'

Luke Hannan: Fair enough. Got it.

Éric Gemme: Remember, that's about, what, 17% of our sales, so it will take more of that, specialty food contribution at that margin to have a direct impact on, or a more meaningful impact on our EBITDA margin, which again, guys, we need to focus on the dollars, please. Margin is, margins coming from food were incorporated in our view back in 2022, 2023, I mean.

Speaker #8: Fair enough .

Speaker #2: And remember , remember that's about what 17% of our sales . So it will take more of that Specialty food contribution at that margin to have a , a direct impact on or a more meaningful impact on our EBITDA margin , which again , guys , we need to focus on the dollars .

Speaker #2: Please. But margin is margin coming from food. We incorporated that in our view back in 2022. Three, I mean—

Luke Hannan: Appreciate it. Thanks so much for the time.

Éric Gemme: Pleasure.

Speaker #8: Appreciate it. Thanks so much for the time.

Operator: Your next question comes from Frederic Tremblay with Desjardins. Your line is now open.

Speaker #2: Pleasure .

Operator: Your next question comes from Frederic Tremblay with Desjardins. Your line is now open.

Speaker #3: Once again , if you have a question , please press star . Your next question comes from Frederick Trimble with Desjardins . Your line is now open .

Vincent R. Timpano: Thank you. Good morning.

Frederic Tremblay: Thank you. Good morning. On the US beverage front, the category was down mid-single digits in Q4. Lassonde made net volume gains driven by branded products. I'm just wondering, you know, if you have any thoughts on the sustainable aspect of these market share gains that you've been getting lately. Is that a dynamic that we should expect to continue in 2026? Or would you expect to normalize closer to sector performance in the near to midterm?

Frederic Tremblay: On the US beverage front, the category was down mid-single digits in Q4. Lassonde made net volume gains driven by branded products. I'm just wondering, you know, if you have any thoughts on the sustainable aspect of these market share gains that you've been getting lately. Is that a dynamic that we should expect to continue in 2026? Or would you expect to normalize closer to sector performance in the near to midterm?

Speaker #9: Thank you. Good morning. On the high end on the US beverage front, the category was down mid-single digits in Q4.

Speaker #9: Last song made a volume gains driven by bread and products . I'm just wondering if you have any thoughts on the sustainable aspect of these market share gains that that you're you've been , you've been getting lately ?

Speaker #9: Is that a dynamic that we should continue in 2026? Or would you expect it to normalize closer to sector performance in the near- to mid-term?

Vincent R. Timpano: Okay. What I would say, Frederic, is most likely a normalization as we build back, and what you should see is volume growth associated with trends in the category that would favor private label in the long term. It doesn't suggest that we're not in continued build back mode because we'll continue to innovate. We'll continue to pursue additional customers that'll help us improve volume. In particular, as you think about the work that we're doing with New Jersey, that'll give us a better cost structure and improved capacity to be able to secure new customers, you know, in the market. You know, that's how I would respond to the question.

Vince Timpano: Okay. What I would say, Frederic, is most likely a normalization as we build back, and what you should see is volume growth associated with trends in the category that would favor private label in the long term. It doesn't suggest that we're not in continued build back mode because we'll continue to innovate. We'll continue to pursue additional customers that'll help us improve volume. In particular, as you think about the work that we're doing with New Jersey, that'll give us a better cost structure and improved capacity to be able to secure new customers, you know, in the market. You know, that's how I would respond to the question.

Speaker #1: Okay . What I would say , Frederick , is most likely a normalization as we build back and what you should see is volume growth associated with trends in the category that would favor private label in the long term It doesn't suggest that we're not in continued build back mode because we'll continue to innovate , we'll continue pursue additional customers that'll help us improve volume , in particular , as you think about the work that we're doing with new Jersey , that'll give us a better cost structure and improved capacity to be able to secure new customers .

Speaker #1: You know , and in in the market . So , you know , that that's how I would respond to the question

Frederic Tremblay: Yeah, that's helpful. Maybe moving to pricing. On the last call, there was a discussion about you starting to see the price gap between private label and branded products restore back to normalized levels in the US. Just wanted to see if you had any more recent observation on the pricing environment in the sector and the gap between private label and branded products.

Speaker #9: That's helpful . And maybe moving to pricing on , on the last call , there was a discussion about you starting to see the price gap between private label and branded products , restore back to normalized levels in the US .

Speaker #9: Just wanted to see if you had any more recent observations on the pricing environment in the sector, and the gap between private label and branded end products.

Vincent R. Timpano: I'll need to come back to you on that, Frederic, but when I reflect back on it, I think you have seen some of the normalization in terms of the gap to brand and private label. You also see at the same time, brands in particular intensifying its promotional activity to deal with this in a difficult consumer environment and the need for value. I would just say on an everyday retail price basis, there has been some restoration of the gaps to more normalized levels, but I'll confirm that back with you.

Vince Timpano: I'll need to come back to you on that, Frederic, but when I reflect back on it, I think you have seen some of the normalization in terms of the gap to brand and private label. You also see at the same time, brands in particular intensifying its promotional activity to deal with this in a difficult consumer environment and the need for value. I would just say on an everyday retail price basis, there has been some restoration of the gaps to more normalized levels, but I'll confirm that back with you.

Speaker #1: I'll need to come back to you on that , Frederick . But when I when I reflect back on it , I think you have seen some of a normalization in terms of the gap to brand and private label , but you also see at the same time , brands in particular intensifying .

Speaker #1: Its promotional activity to deal with this , you difficult consumer environment and the need for value . But I would just I would say on a everyday retail price basis , there has been some restoration of the gaps to more normalized levels , but I'll confirm that back with you .

Frederic Tremblay: Okay, great. Last one for me. I know in the past there was some talk or analysis being done on potentially expanding the specialty foods capacity. I think specifically Summer Garden was being considered. Is that still something that you're considering or are we still kind of in a wait and see mode there as you implement the new management structure in that division?

Speaker #9: Okay, great. And then, last one for me. I know in the past there was some talk or analysis being done on potentially expanding the specialty foods capacity.

Speaker #9: I think specifically Summer garden was was being considered . Is that still something that you're considering or are we still kind of in a wait and see mode there as you implement the the new management structure in that division ?

Vincent R. Timpano: I would say it's still a little bit of a wait and see approach that we're taking. Actually, let me rephrase that. It's more of a pause as we fortify sort of the growth strategy for specialty food, in particular with our new leadership coming in. The other thing is, I want to acknowledge that the manufacturing team has done an outstanding job since the acquisition of leveraging our capabilities to help capture additional capacity beyond what we acquired at the time of acquisition within the existing footprint and within the existing equipment. We feel like we're adding capacity you know, at a lower cost to be able to go capture that.

Vince Timpano: I would say it's still a little bit of a wait and see approach that we're taking. Actually, let me rephrase that. It's more of a pause as we fortify sort of the growth strategy for specialty food, in particular with our new leadership coming in. The other thing is, I want to acknowledge that the manufacturing team has done an outstanding job since the acquisition of leveraging our capabilities to help capture additional capacity beyond what we acquired at the time of acquisition within the existing footprint and within the existing equipment. We feel like we're adding capacity you know, at a lower cost to be able to go capture that.

Speaker #1: I would say it's still a little bit of a wait and see approach that we're taking . And actually , let me rephrase that .

Speaker #1: It's more of a pause as we fortify, sort of, the growth strategy for specialty food in particular, with our new leadership coming in.

Speaker #1: But the other thing is, I want to acknowledge that the manufacturing team has done an outstanding job since the acquisition of leveraging our capabilities to help capture additional capacity—what we acquired at the time of acquisition—within the existing footprint and within the existing equipment.

Speaker #1: And so we feel like we're adding capacity, you know, at a lower cost to be able to go capture that.

Éric Gemme: We wanna remain prudent not to put too much capacity in the market, so we need to be mindful of that as well.

Speaker #2: And we want to remain prudent not to put too much capacity in the market. So we need to be mindful of that as well.

Frederic Tremblay: Yeah, very helpful. Thanks for taking the questions.

Vincent R. Timpano: Thanks, Frederic.

Vince Timpano: Thanks, Frederic.

Éric Gemme: Thank you, Frederic.

Speaker #9: Yeah, very helpful. Thanks for taking the questions.

Operator: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Vincent R. Timpano for any closing remarks.

Operator: This concludes the question and answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Vince Timpano for any closing remarks.

Speaker #1: Thanks , Frederick .

Speaker #2: Thank you . Frederick .

Speaker #3: This concludes the question-and-answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Vincent Timpano for any closing remarks.

Vincent R. Timpano: Thank you for joining us this morning. We look forward to speaking with you again at our next quarterly call. Have a great day. Have a great weekend.

Vince Timpano: Thank you for joining us this morning. We look forward to speaking with you again at our next quarterly call. Have a great day. Have a great weekend.

Speaker #1: Thank you for joining us this morning . We look forward to speaking with you again at our next quarterly , quarterly call . Have a great day .

Operator: This concludes today's conference call. You may disconnect your lines. Thank you for participating and have a pleasant day.

Speaker #1: Have a great weekend .

Q4 2025 Lassonde Industries Inc Earnings Call

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