Q1 2026 Maple Leaf Foods Inc Earnings Call

May 7, 2026

Operator: Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Maple Leaf Foods' Q1 2026 Financial Results Conference Call. As a reminder, this conference call is being webcast and recorded. Please note that there will be a question and answer session following the formal remarks. Instructions for participating in the Q&A will be provided following the conclusion of the formal presentation.

Speaker #2: Please note that there will be a question-and-answer session following the formal remarks. Instructions for participating in the Q&A will be provided following the conclusion of the formal presentation.

Speaker #2: I would now like to turn the conference over to Omar Javed, Vice President of Investor Relations at Maple Leaf Foods. Please go ahead, Mr. Javed.

Operator: I would now like to turn the conference over to Omar Javed, Vice President of Investor Relations at Maple Leaf Foods. Please go ahead, Mr. Javed.

Speaker #2: Thank you and good morning, everyone. Before we begin, I would like to remind you that some statements made on today's call may constitute forward-looking information, and our future results may differ materially from what we discuss.

Omar Javed: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. Before we begin, I would like to remind you that some statements made on today's call may constitute forward-looking information and our future results may differ materially from what we discuss. Please refer to our Q1 2026 MD&A and financial statements and other information on our website for a broader description of operations and risk factors that could affect the company's performance. We've also uploaded our Q1 2026 investor presentation to our website. As always, the investor relations team will be available after the call for any follow-up questions you may have. With that, I'll turn the call over to our President and CEO, Curtis Frank.

Speaker #2: Please refer to our first quarter 2026 MD&A and financial statements and other information on our website for a broader description of operations and risk factors that could affect the company's performance.

Speaker #2: We've also uploaded our first quarter 2026 investor presentation to our website. As always, the investor relations team will be available after the call for any follow-up questions you may have.

Omar Javed: We've also uploaded our Q1 2026 investor presentation to our website. As always, the investor relations team will be available after the call for any follow-up questions you may have. With that, I'll turn the call over to our President and CEO, Curtis Frank.

Speaker #2: With that, I'll turn the call over to our president and CEO, Curtis Frank. Okay. Thank you, Omar, and good morning, everyone. Joining me on our call today is our Chief Financial Officer, David Smales.

Curtis Frank: Okay. Thank you, Omar. Good morning, everyone. Joining me on our call today is our Chief Financial Officer, David Smales. I will begin with a strategic and operational update. Dave will walk you through the financial results in more detail. Then I will return with a few closing thoughts before we open the line to questions. The headline for today is that we delivered a solid Q1. We are firmly on track to deliver our 2026 outlook. Sales in Q1 were CAD 963 million, up just over 6% year-over-year, driven by our proven and resilient growth platforms. Poultry delivered double-digit growth, supported by improved panel mix and strong consumer demand across both the retail and food service channels. Prepared Foods also delivered sales growth supported by pricing and mix.

Speaker #2: I will begin with a strategic and operational update. David will walk you through the financial results in more detail, and then I will return with a few closing thoughts before we open the line to questions.

Speaker #2: The headline for today is that we delivered a solid first quarter, and we are firmly on track to deliver our 2026 outlook. Sales in Q1 were $963 million, up just over 6% year over year.

Curtis Frank: We are firmly on track to deliver our 2026 outlook. Sales in Q1 were CAD 963 million, up just over 6% year-over-year, driven by our proven and resilient growth platforms. Poultry delivered double-digit growth, supported by improved panel mix and strong consumer demand across both the retail and food service channels. Prepared Foods also delivered sales growth supported by pricing and mix.

Speaker #2: Driven by our proven and resilient growth platforms, poultry delivered double-digit growth, supported by improved panel mix and strong consumer demand across both the retail and food service channels.

Speaker #2: And prepared foods also delivered sales growth, supported by pricing and mix. Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $122 million, up nearly 6% year over year. And our adjusted EBITDA margin was 12.7%.

Curtis Frank: Adjusted EBITDA was approximately CAD 122 million, up nearly 6% year-over-year, and our adjusted EBITDA margin was 12.7%. Margin improved sequentially by 90 basis points, as we expected, supported by the inflation-based passthrough pricing we implemented in the quarter. Productivity initiatives and efficiency improvements, including our Fuel for Growth program and better sales mix, are contributing to EBITDA growth and supporting continued margin resilience. This disciplined execution reflects the benefits of the separation of our pork operations, which has sharpened our focus as a purpose-driven, protein-focused, and brand-led CPG company, and has strengthened our ability to accelerate profitable growth and generate free cash flow. Earlier this year at our Investor Day, we introduced our 2030 financial ambitions and the strategic blueprint that will guide us to achieving them. That ambition is supported by a clear value creation framework.

Speaker #2: Margin improved sequentially by 90 basis points, as we expected. Supported by the inflation-based pass-through pricing we implemented in the quarter. Productivity initiatives and efficiency improvements including our fuel-for-growth program and better sales mix are contributing to EBITDA growth and supporting continued margin resilience.

Speaker #2: This disciplined execution reflects the benefits of the separation of our pork operations which has sharpened our focus as a purpose-driven, protein-focused, and brand-led CPG company and has strengthened our ability to accelerate profitable growth and generate free cash flow.

Curtis Frank: This disciplined execution reflects the benefits of the separation of our pork operations, which has sharpened our focus as a purpose-driven, protein-focused, and brand-led CPG company, and has strengthened our ability to accelerate profitable growth and generate free cash flow. Earlier this year at our Investor Day, we introduced our 2030 financial ambitions and the strategic blueprint that will guide us to achieving them. That ambition is supported by a clear value creation framework.

Speaker #2: Earlier this year at our investor day, we introduced our 2030 financial ambitions and the strategic blueprint that will guide us to achieving them. That ambition is supported by a clear value creation framework.

Speaker #2: First, scaling the core business through our proven growth platforms leading in sustainable meats. Building a portfolio of loved brands accelerating impactful innovation expanding our reach into the US new channels and new categories and aligning more deeply with our customer strategies.

Curtis Frank: First, scaling the core business through our proven growth platforms, leading in sustainable meats, building a portfolio of loved brands, accelerating impactful innovation, expanding our reach into the US, new channels and new categories, and aligning more deeply with our customer strategies. Second, expanding structural margins through improved commercial mix, disciplined revenue management, and a productivity-driven operating model supported by the continued benefits of our Fuel for Growth program. Third, allocating capital with discipline, maintaining a strong balance sheet, investing to support growth and efficiency, and returning capital to shareholders in a balanced and consistent way.

Speaker #2: Second, expanding structural margins through improved commercial mix disciplined revenue management and a productivity-driven operating model supported by the continued benefits of our fuel-for-growth program.

Curtis Frank: Second, expanding structural margins through improved commercial mix, disciplined revenue management, and a productivity-driven operating model supported by the continued benefits of our Fuel for Growth program. Third, allocating capital with discipline, maintaining a strong balance sheet, investing to support growth and efficiency, and returning capital to shareholders in a balanced and consistent way.

Speaker #2: And third, allocating capital with discipline maintaining a strong balance sheet investing to support growth and efficiency and returning capital to shareholders in a balanced and consistent way.

Speaker #2: By executing against this framework, we are targeting approximately $5 billion in revenue approximately $750 million in adjusted EBITDA and cumulative free cash flow of approximately $1.7 to $1.8 billion by 2030 while maintaining an investment-grade leverage below three times net debt to adjusted EBITDA.

Curtis Frank: By executing against this framework, we are targeting approximately CAD 5 billion in revenue, approximately CAD 750 million in adjusted EBITDA, and cumulative free cash flow of approximately CAD 1.7 to 1.8 billion by 2030, while maintaining an investment-grade leverage below 3x net debt to adjusted EBITDA. Our 2026 outlook demonstrates progress toward these ambitions. In January, we introduced 2026 guidance, calling for mid-single-digit revenue growth, adjusted EBITDA in the range of approximately CAD 520 to 540 million, and continued discipline in capital allocation, including dividend growth, capital investments of approximately CAD 160 to 180 million, and maintaining leverage below 3x. Today, we are reaffirming that outlook. I do, however, want to offer some context with respect to how we see the balance of the year playing out.

Speaker #2: Our 2026 outlook demonstrates progress toward these ambitions. In January, we introduced 2026 guidance calling for mid-single-digit revenue growth, adjusted EBITDA in the range of approximately $520 to $540 million, and continued discipline in capital allocation, including dividend growth, capital investments of approximately $160 to $180 million, and maintaining leverage below three times.

Curtis Frank: In January, we introduced 2026 guidance, calling for mid-single-digit revenue growth, adjusted EBITDA in the range of approximately CAD 520 to 540 million, and continued discipline in capital allocation, including dividend growth, capital investments of approximately CAD 160 to 180 million, and maintaining leverage below 3x. Today, we are reaffirming that outlook. I do, however, want to offer some context with respect to how we see the balance of the year playing out.

Speaker #2: Today, we are reaffirming that outlook. I do, however, want to offer some context with respect to how we see the balance of the year playing out.

Speaker #2: First, despite the noise of the external market, our focus remains on executing our strategic blueprint. We have an experienced and highly capable team proven growth strategies and a productivity playbook that is active across the business.

Curtis Frank: First, despite the noise of the external market, our focus remains on executing our strategic blueprint. We have an experienced and highly capable team, proven growth strategies, and a productivity playbook that is active across the business. We are also maintaining a disciplined, shareholder-friendly approach to capital allocation. Second, food inflation remains an active area of management focus. Geopolitical developments, including the conflict involving Iran, are affecting energy markets and increasing transportation costs in the near term. We are monitoring these pressures closely, and we are responding with speed and with discipline. In addition to the inflation-based pricing actions implemented in February, we have introduced a temporary fuel surcharge as a direct passthrough tied to higher transportation costs. This provides transparency around the underlying drivers of those increases and will be removed if or as fuel markets normalize.

Speaker #2: We are also maintaining a to capital allocation. Second, food inflation remains an active area of management focus. Geopolitical developments including the conflict involving Iran are affecting energy markets and increasing transportation costs in the near term.

Speaker #2: We are monitoring these pressures closely and we are responding with speed and with discipline. In addition to the inflation-based pricing actions implemented in February, we have introduced a temporary fuel surcharge as a direct pass-through tied to higher transportation costs.

Curtis Frank: We are monitoring these pressures closely, and we are responding with speed and with discipline. In addition to the inflation-based pricing actions implemented in February, we have introduced a temporary fuel surcharge as a direct passthrough tied to higher transportation costs. This provides transparency around the underlying drivers of those increases and will be removed if or as fuel markets normalize.

Speaker #2: This provides transparency around the underlying drivers of those increases and will be removed if or as fuel markets normalize. With the pricing actions we have taken to date, along with the optimization of our ongoing promotional programs and the discipline we are showing in managing our costs, we are confident we are well positioned today to mitigate these inflationary impacts.

Curtis Frank: With the pricing actions we have taken to date, along with the optimization of our ongoing promotional programs and the discipline we are showing in managing our costs, we are confident we are well-positioned today to mitigate these inflationary impacts. Of course, should additional inflation justify pricing become necessary, we will act as quickly as possible, respecting the normal lag time required for our CPG industry. Finally, we've been examining the seasonality patterns of the new Maple Leaf Foods and our business profile following the spin-off of Canada Packers.

Speaker #2: Of course, should additional inflation justify pricing become necessary, we will act as quickly as possible respecting the normal lag time required for our CPG industry.

Speaker #2: And finally, we've been examining the seasonality patterns of the new Maple Leaf Foods and our business profile following the spinoff of Canada Packers. As we noted in our MD&A, revenue is typically the lowest in the first quarter and then remains relatively consistent throughout the balance of the year while raw material input costs are often higher in the second half.

Curtis Frank: As we noted in our MD&A, revenue is typically the lowest in Q1 and then remains relatively consistent throughout the balance of the year, while raw material input costs are often higher in H2. This can create some variability in margins from quarter to quarter, as we've seen in recent years, particularly in Q3, reflecting our typical business mix and input cost profile at that time of year. You can see this clearly in our supporting slides, which illustrates this pattern in 2024 and 2025. Importantly, this is a matter of phasing and does not impact our full year expectations. We look ahead, we remain confident in the trajectory of the business and confident in delivering our full year outlook.

Speaker #2: This can create some variability in margins from quarter to quarter, as we've seen in recent years, particularly in the third quarter, reflecting our typical business mix and input cost profile at that time of year.

Speaker #2: You can see this clearly in our supporting slides which illustrates this pattern in 2024 and 2025. Importantly, this is a matter of phasing and does not impact our full year expectations.

Curtis Frank: You can see this clearly in our supporting slides, which illustrates this pattern in 2024 and 2025. Importantly, this is a matter of phasing and does not impact our full year expectations. We look ahead, we remain confident in the trajectory of the business and confident in delivering our full year outlook.

Speaker #2: As we look ahead, we remain confident in the trajectory of the business and confident in delivering our full year outlook. Protein continues to be one of the most attractive and resilient segments in food with demand supported by strong consumer fundamentals and long-term structural growth.

Curtis Frank: Protein continues to be one of the most attractive and resilient segments in food, with demand supported by strong consumer fundamentals and long-term structural growth. We have a clear strategic blueprint, a portfolio of leading brands, a focused operating model, and a team that is executing with precision and with discipline. Our focus is set squarely on staying close to the consumer, responding to changing needs, demonstrating excellence in revenue management, protecting service and quality, and continuing to drive cost efficiency across our business. The fundamentals of the business are strong and our priorities are clear. With that, I will now turn it over to David to walk through the financial results in more detail. David?

Speaker #2: We have a clear strategic blueprint, a portfolio of leading brands, a focused operating model, and a team that is executing with precision and with discipline.

Speaker #2: Our focus is set squarely on staying close to the consumer responding to changing needs demonstrating excellence in revenue management protecting service and quality and continuing to drive cost efficiency across our business.

Curtis Frank: Our focus is set squarely on staying close to the consumer, responding to changing needs, demonstrating excellence in revenue management, protecting service and quality, and continuing to drive cost efficiency across our business. The fundamentals of the business are strong and our priorities are clear. With that, I will now turn it over to David to walk through the financial results in more detail. David?

Speaker #2: The fundamentals of the business are strong, and our priorities are clear. With that, I will now turn it over to Dave to walk through the financial results in more detail.

Speaker #2: Dave? Thank you, Curtis, and good morning, everyone. Today, I'll comment on results for the first quarter before turning to the balance sheet and outlook for 2026.

David Smales: Thank you, Curtis, and good morning, everyone. Today, I'll comment on results for Q1 before turning to the balance sheet and outlook for 2026. Sales in the quarter were CAD 963 million, an increase of 6.2% compared to last year. This robust growth was driven by both poultry and prepared foods, which grew by 11.7% and 2.3% respectively. In poultry, sales increased compared to the same quarter a year ago due to improved channel mix, with growth in both retail and food service volume, as well as pricing impacts. Prepared food sales growth was driven by improved mix, related party revenue, and pricing impacts, which were partially offset by lower volume tied to timing of promotional activity and lower industrial sales, as well as unfavorable foreign exchange translation on US sales.

Speaker #2: Sales in the quarter were $963 million an increase of 6.2% compared to last year. This robust growth was driven by both poultry and prepared foods which grew by 11.7% and 2.3% respectively.

Speaker #2: In poultry, sales increased compared to the same quarter a year ago due to improved channel mix with growth in both retail and food service volume as well as pricing impacts.

David Smales: In poultry, sales increased compared to the same quarter a year ago due to improved channel mix, with growth in both retail and food service volume, as well as pricing impacts. Prepared food sales growth was driven by improved mix, related party revenue, and pricing impacts, which were partially offset by lower volume tied to timing of promotional activity and lower industrial sales, as well as unfavorable foreign exchange translation on US sales.

Speaker #2: Prepared food sales growth was driven by improved mix related pie revenue and pricing impacts which were partially offset by lower volume tied to timing of promotional activity and lower industrial sales as well as unfavorable foreign exchange translation on US sales.

Speaker #2: Adjusted EBITDA of $122.4 million increased by 5.7% versus the first quarter of last year. With an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.7% compared to 12.8% last year.

David Smales: Adjusted EBITDA of CAD 122.4 million increased by 5.7% versus Q1 of last year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.7% compared to 12.8% last year. Improved profitability was mainly driven by advances in operating efficiency, inclusive of the benefits from our productivity playbook and Fuel for Growth program and favorable poultry channel mix tied to retail and food service volume growth. These factors were partially offset by the impact of non-recurring items, which were a benefit in Q1 of last year, as well as increased trade promotion spending this year. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.7% was comparable to last year, despite the impact of non-recurring items that were a benefit in Q1 a year ago.

Speaker #2: Improved profitability was mainly driven by advances in operating efficiency, inclusive of the benefits from our productivity playbook and Fuel for Growth program, and favorable poultry channel mix tied to retail and food service volume growth.

Speaker #2: These factors were partially offset by the impact of non-recurring items which were a benefit in the first quarter of last year. As well as increased trade promotion spending this year.

David Smales: These factors were partially offset by the impact of non-recurring items, which were a benefit in Q1 of last year, as well as increased trade promotion spending this year. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.7% was comparable to last year, despite the impact of non-recurring items that were a benefit in Q1 a year ago.

Speaker #2: Adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.7% was comparable to last year despite the impact of non-recurring. That were a benefit in the first quarter a year ago.

David Smales: Importantly, the implementation of pass-through price increases in mid-February, following the inflation we saw in the second half of 2025, contributed to a sequential margin improvement of 90 basis points from Q4. SG&A expenses were CAD 101.9 million in the quarter, broadly consistent with CAD 103.1 million last year, while SG&A as a percentage of sales improved by 80 basis points. Earnings from continuing operations were CAD 46.1 million for the quarter or CAD 0.37 per basic share, compared to CAD 16 million or CAD 0.13 per share last year. The increase in earnings was driven by strong operating performance, reduced interest expense due to lower debt levels, and changes in unrealized net gains on commodity futures contracts, which were partially offset by the impact of non-recurring items that benefited Q1 of last year.

Speaker #2: Importantly, the implementation of pass-through price increases in mid-February following the inflation we saw in the second half of 2025 contributed to a sequential margin improvement of 90 basis points from the fourth quarter.

Speaker #2: SG&A expenses were $101.9 million in the quarter broadly consistent with $103.1 million last year. While SG&A is a percentage of sales improved by 80 basis points.

Speaker #2: Earnings from continuing operations were $46.1 million for the quarter or $37 cents per basic share. Compared to $16 million or $13 cents per share last year.

David Smales: Earnings from continuing operations were CAD 46.1 million for the quarter or CAD 0.37 per basic share, compared to CAD 16 million or CAD 0.13 per share last year. The increase in earnings was driven by strong operating performance, reduced interest expense due to lower debt levels, and changes in unrealized net gains on commodity futures contracts, which were partially offset by the impact of non-recurring items that benefited Q1 of last year.

Speaker #2: The increase in earnings was driven by strong operating performance reduced interest expense due to lower debt levels and changes in unrealized net gains on commodity futures contracts which were partially offset by the impact of non-recurring items that benefited the first quarter of last year.

Speaker #2: Capital expenditures were $21.3 million in the quarter compared to $25.1 million in the same period last year. The decrease was driven by approximately $8 million of prior year capital expenditures related to discontinued operations partially offset by increased spending in the first quarter of this year on maintenance projects.

David Smales: Capital expenditures were CAD 21.3 million in the quarter, compared to CAD 25.1 million in the same period last year. The decrease was driven by approximately CAD 8 million of prior year capital expenditures related to discontinued operations, partially offset by increased spending in Q1 of this year on maintenance projects. Looking ahead, and consistent with our 2026 guidance, we still expect capital investments for the full year to be in the range of CAD 160 to CAD 180 million, with spend focused on maintenance and productivity enhancement initiatives. We generated CAD 36.6 million in free cash flow in the quarter, an increase of CAD 50.2 million compared to the same period last year.

Speaker #2: Looking ahead, and consistent with our 2026 guidance, we still expect capital investments for the full year to be in the range of $160 to $180 million with spend focused on maintenance and productivity enhancement initiatives.

David Smales: Looking ahead, and consistent with our 2026 guidance, we still expect capital investments for the full year to be in the range of CAD 160 to CAD 180 million, with spend focused on maintenance and productivity enhancement initiatives. We generated CAD 36.6 million in free cash flow in the quarter, an increase of CAD 50.2 million compared to the same period last year.

Speaker #2: We generated $36.6 million in free cash flow in the quarter an increase of 50.2 million compared to the same period last year. The improvement was driven by a lower level of investment in working capital improved cash earnings from continuing operations and lower interest payments which were partially offset by prior year cash earnings generated by discontinued operations.

David Smales: The improvement was driven by a lower level of investment in working capital, improved cash earnings from continuing operations and lower interest payments, which were partially offset by prior year cash earnings generated by discontinued operations. Consistent with our stated capital allocation priorities, our leverage ratio remains well within an investment grade range, with a net debt to trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.1x at the end of the quarter. In line with leverage at the end of Q4 and down from 2.6x a year ago. Strong free cash flow generation and an investment-grade balance sheet provide flexibility to execute a more balanced approach to capital allocation.

Speaker #2: Consistent with our stated capital allocation priorities, our leverage ratio remains well within an investment grade range with a net debt to trailing 12 months adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.1 times at the end of the quarter in line with leverage at the end of the fourth quarter and down from 2.6 times a year ago.

David Smales: In line with leverage at the end of Q4 and down from 2.6x a year ago. Strong free cash flow generation and an investment-grade balance sheet provide flexibility to execute a more balanced approach to capital allocation.

Speaker #2: Strong free cash flow generation and an investment grade balance sheet provide flexibility to execute a more balanced approach to capital allocation. In the first quarter, we returned $36 million in capital to shareholders through a combination of our first quarter dividend which increased by 10.5% from the prior year and the repurchase of approximately $0.3 million shares under the NCIB.

David Smales: In Q1, we returned CAD 36 million in capital to shareholders through a combination of our Q1 dividend, which increased by 10.5% from the prior year, and the repurchase of approximately 0.3 million shares under the NCIB. We intend to remain active with the NCIB to, at a minimum, offset the impact of dilution. As Curtis mentioned in his remarks, we are reaffirming our 2026 guidance. As such, expect to deliver mid-single digit revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA in the range of approximately CAD 520 to 540 million while executing a balanced approach to capital allocation. I will now turn the call back to Curtis.

Speaker #2: We intend to remain active with the NCIB to a minimum offset the impact of dilution. As Curtis mentioned in his remarks, we are reaffirming our 2026 guidance and as such expect to deliver mid-single digit revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA in the range of approximately $520 to $540 million while executing a balanced approach to capital allocation.

Speaker #2: I will now turn the call back to Curtis.

Speaker #1: Okay. Thank you, Dave. Let me close with a few key messages which closely mirror those of our recent investor day. First, the transformation of Maple Leaf Foods is complete.

Curtis Frank: Okay. Thank you, Dave. Let me close with a few key messages which closely mirror those of our recent investor day. First, the transformation of Maple Leaf Foods is complete. Over the past decade, we have reshaped the business through major capital investment, portfolio simplification, and strategic focus. That work, and the capital associated with it, is now firmly behind us. Second, we now operate with stronger structural advantage as a purpose-driven, protein-focused, and brand-led CPG company. These advantages are sort of showing through in our performance relative to our peers and the broader CPG market. Third, we are firmly in our delivery and return phase. Our focus is on growth, margin expansion, cash generation, and improving returns on invested capital. Our 2025 results and our Q1 2026 performance reflect the benefits of that focus. Fourth, our strategic blueprint is future-ready.

Speaker #1: Over the past decade, we have reshaped the business through major capital investment, portfolio simplification, and strategic focus. That work and the capital associated with it is now firmly behind us.

Speaker #1: Second, we now operate with stronger structural advantage as a purpose-driven, protein-focused, and brand-led CPG company. These advantages are showing through in our performance relative to our peers, and the broader CPG market.

Curtis Frank: Second, we now operate with stronger structural advantage as a purpose-driven, protein-focused, and brand-led CPG company. These advantages are sort of showing through in our performance relative to our peers and the broader CPG market. Third, we are firmly in our delivery and return phase. Our focus is on growth, margin expansion, cash generation, and improving returns on invested capital. Our 2025 results and our Q1 2026 performance reflect the benefits of that focus. Fourth, our strategic blueprint is future-ready.

Speaker #1: Third, we are firmly in our delivery and return phase. Our focus is on growth, margin expansion, cash generation, and improving returns on invested capital.

Speaker #1: Our 2025 results and our first quarter of 2026 performance reflect the benefits of that focus. Fourth, our strategic blueprint is future-ready. Our strategy, our assets, and our team are aligned to deliver long-term value with a clear line of sight to our 2030 financial ambitions.

Curtis Frank: Our strategy, our assets, and our team are aligned to deliver long-term value with a clear line of sight to our 2030 financial ambitions. Finally, we are reaffirming our 2026 outlook today. As I close here this morning, I want to recognize the Maple Leaf team. You continue to live our values and deliver outstanding results in a demanding operating environment, while at the same time advancing our bold vision to be the most sustainable protein company on earth. Thank you. Operator, we can now open the line to questions, please.

Speaker #1: And finally, we are reaffirming our 2026 outlook today. As I close here this morning, I want to recognize the Maple Leaf team. You continue to live our values and deliver outstanding results in a demanding, operating environment while at the same time advancing our bold vision to be the most sustainable protein company on Earth.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Operator, we can now open the line to questions, please.

Speaker #3: Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. If you'd like to ask a question, just press star one on your touch-tone phone.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. If you'd like to ask a question, just press star one on your touchtone phone. If you would like to withdraw your question, just press star two. Our first question comes from the line of Michael Van Aelst from TD Cowen. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: And if you would like to withdraw your question, just press star two. Our first question comes from the line of Michael Van Ails. From TD Cowan, please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hi. Good morning. I want to start off with some questions around the consumer because there was some commentary on a conference call yesterday that talked about trade down.

Michael Van Aelst: Hi, good morning. I wanna start off with some questions around the consumer because there was some commentary on a conference call yesterday that talked about trade down, particularly in actually mentioned poultry trading down from I guess a private label RWA product down to entry-level price points at a double-digit pace. I'm wondering if you're seeing the same things given that you've had some pretty strong momentum in your branded items at retail in recent quarters and whether that's changed.

Speaker #4: Particularly, in actually mentioned poultry, we're seeing trading down from, I guess, a private label RWA product down to entry-level price points at a double-digit pace. I'm wondering if you're seeing the same thing, given that you've had some pretty strong momentum in your branded items at retail in recent quarters, and whether that's changed.

Curtis Frank: Good morning, Mike. Thank you. Before I answer your question, which I will, I understand that today is most likely your last call with us, given your retirement. I wanted to first congratulate you, and second, thank you for your coverage and support of Maple Leaf Foods over the past many number of years. You've been with us on a lengthy journey, and I and we all at Maple Leaf certainly appreciate that. Thank you and congratulations.

Speaker #1: Good morning, Mike. Thank you. Before I answer your question, which I will, I understand that today is most likely your last call with us given your retirement.

Speaker #1: So I wanted to first congratulate you and second, thank you for your coverage and support of Maple Leaf Foods over the past many number of years.

Speaker #1: And you've been with us on a lengthy journey, and I and we all at Maple Leaf certainly appreciate that. So thank you and congratulations.

Speaker #4: Thank you.

Michael Van Aelst: Thank you.

Speaker #1: On the topic of poultry and trade down, which I think was predominantly your question and a little bit around the consumer environment, the consumer environment we've been saying consistently and for a relatively lengthy period of time here that things are stable, but that still means the consumer is under stress.

Curtis Frank: On the topic of poultry and trade down, which I think was predominantly your question and a little bit around the consumer environment. You know, the consumer environment we've been seeing consistently and for a relatively lengthy period of time here that things are stable, but that still means the consumer is under stress. We continue, as David mentioned in his comments, to be investing in promotional allowances that are right sized to the consumer environment today. You know, that intensity hasn't changed, I don't think, in any material way quarter to quarter. On the poultry side, I think there's some important clarification for our own portfolio. We had a very successful Q1 in the poultry business, which you saw in our top-line results.

Speaker #1: We continue as David mentioned in his comments to be investing in promotional allowances that are right-sized to the consumer environment today. So that intensity hasn't changed, I don't think, in any material way quarter to quarter.

Curtis Frank: We continue, as David mentioned in his comments, to be investing in promotional allowances that are right sized to the consumer environment today. You know, that intensity hasn't changed, I don't think, in any material way quarter to quarter. On the poultry side, I think there's some important clarification for our own portfolio. We had a very successful Q1 in the poultry business, which you saw in our top-line results.

Speaker #1: But on the poultry side, I think there's some important clarification for our own portfolio. We had a very successful first quarter in the poultry business, which you saw in our top-line results.

Speaker #1: A sales grew at a little over 11% in the poultry business for us in Q1, which was, again, a very strong quarter. But underneath that, the prime brand in particular, which is our premium brand positioned in the RWA segment, grew at around the same pace in a double-digit range.

Curtis Frank: Sales grew at a little over 11% in the poultry business for us in Q1, which was, again, a very strong quarter. Underneath that, you know, the Maple Leaf Prime brand in particular, which is our premium brand positioned in the RWA segment, grew at around the same pace in a double-digit range. Our sustainable meats, fresh poultry business grew at double digits, and we actually picked up a little more than 1.7 points of market share gains in Q1. You know, overall, it was a pretty successful Q1 in the poultry business for us. You know, we're optimistic that will continue over the balance of the year, but I think all things positive on the poultry front.

Speaker #1: Our sustainable meats of fresh poultry business grew at double digits and we actually picked up a little more than 1.7 points of market share gains in the first quarter.

Curtis Frank: Our sustainable meats, fresh poultry business grew at double digits, and we actually picked up a little more than 1.7 points of market share gains in Q1. You know, overall, it was a pretty successful Q1 in the poultry business for us. You know, we're optimistic that will continue over the balance of the year, but I think all things positive on the poultry front.

Speaker #1: So overall, it was a pretty successful first quarter in the poultry business for us. So we're optimistic that we'll continue over the balance of the year, but I think all things positive on the poultry front.

Michael Van Aelst: Did you see any change recently in at least in the last month or so as fuel prices have spiked?

Speaker #4: Did you see any change recently and at least in the last month or so as fuel prices have spiked?

Michael Van Aelst: Did you see any change recently in at least in the last month or so as fuel prices have spiked?

Curtis Frank: Not materially. I think, more, not materially in terms of change. I would point to the fact, Mike, that our prepared foods business revenue growth in the quarter was around 2.3%, predominantly driven by mix and pricing. We had a small volume decline in the prepared foods business. Small, between 1% and 2%. That's not atypical in, you know, in the period following price adjustments. As you know, we took our prices up in February, you know, that's that would be in line with kind of the normal consumer behavior following a price change like that. I would say nothing abnormal or atypical from the environment that's existed pretty consistently here.

Speaker #1: Not materially. I think more not materially in terms of change. I would point to the fact Mike that our prepared foods business revenue growth in the quarter was around 2.3% predominantly driven by mix and pricing.

Speaker #1: And we had a small volume decline in the prepared foods business—small, between 1% and 2%. That's not atypical in the period following price adjustments, as we took our prices up in February.

Curtis Frank: That's not atypical in, you know, in the period following price adjustments. As you know, we took our prices up in February, you know, that's that would be in line with kind of the normal consumer behavior following a price change like that. I would say nothing abnormal or atypical from the environment that's existed pretty consistently here.

Speaker #1: And that would be in line with kind of the normal consumer behavior following a price change like that. So I would say nothing abnormal or atypical from the environment that's existed pretty consistently here.

Speaker #4: All right. Perfect. Thank you. I'll get back into Q and appreciate your kind comments.

Michael Van Aelst: All right. Perfect. Thank you. I'll get back in the queue and

Curtis Frank: Thank you. Thank you

Michael Van Aelst: appreciate your kind comments.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Curtis Frank: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Irene Natel from RBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Irene Nattel from RBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Speaker #5: Thanks. And good morning, everyone. One unpack a little bit the cost side of the equation, very much appreciated your commentary. Around the introduction of fuel charges.

Irene Nattel: Thanks, good morning, everyone. Wanted to unpack a little bit the cost side of the equation. Very much appreciated your commentary around the introduction of fuel charges. Pardon me. I'm wondering about what you're hearing from your suppliers, say, you know, packaging as an example, with respect to price increases, and what your outlook is for your operating costs, as we move through 2026.

Speaker #5: Pardon me, but I'm wondering about what you're hearing from your suppliers, say packaging as an example. With respect to price increases, what your outlook is for your operating costs as we move through 2026.

Speaker #1: Oh, hi, Irene. Good morning. Yeah, thanks. We as you know, implemented in February kind of our broader-based inflationary view of the year and the costs associated with the increases we took early in the year.

Curtis Frank: Hi, Irene. Good morning. Yeah, thanks. We, as you know, implemented in February kind of our broader-based inflationary view of the year and the costs associated with the increases we took early in the year. Those are in the market and have been implemented. You see the sequential benefits of that pricing taking place from Q4 to Q1 and the cost recovery we've had. On fuel specifically, we are working today alongside our customers to implement a very targeted and hopefully what's temporary, although certainly lots to play out, but hopefully what's temporary, a fuel surcharge in the market to reflect what was essentially in the range of a 50% cost increase in fuel throughout the month of April, as an example.

Speaker #1: Those are in the market and have been implemented. And you see the sequential benefits of that pricing taking place from Q4 to Q1 and the cost recovery we've had.

Speaker #1: On fuel specifically, we are working today alongside our customers to implement a very targeted and hopefully what's temporary, although that's certainly lots to play out, but hopefully what's temporary fuel surcharge in the market to reflect what was essentially in the range of a 50% cost increase in fuel throughout the month of April as an example.

Curtis Frank: On fuel specifically, we are working today alongside our customers to implement a very targeted and hopefully what's temporary, although certainly lots to play out, but hopefully what's temporary, a fuel surcharge in the market to reflect what was essentially in the range of a 50% cost increase in fuel throughout the month of April, as an example.

Speaker #1: So we see that as a justified increase and we took the learning of moving a little slower than we would have liked to have in the last part of last year and moved with certainly more pace this year.

Curtis Frank: You know, we see that as a justified increase, and we took the learning of moving a little slower than we would've liked to have in the last part of last year and moved with certainly more pace this year. The longer term implications of the conflict in Iran are kind of yet to play out. They come in areas that you're referencing in, you know, packaging and plastics in particular as a secondary impact. To date, those impacts are certainly manageable. We're monitoring them closely like, just like we did fuel. We feel like, you know, we're really well-positioned today.

Speaker #1: So we feel like we're well positioned from a fuel recovery perspective. The longer-term implications of the conflict in Iran are kind of yet to play out.

Speaker #1: They come in areas that you're referencing in packaging and plastics in particular as a secondary impact. To date, those impacts are certainly manageable. We're monitoring them closely, just like we did fuel.

Speaker #1: But we feel like we're really well positioned today. And should anything change I think we're monitoring things closely and are prepared to act quickly should we need to.

Curtis Frank: Should anything change, you know, I think we're monitoring things closely and are prepared to act quickly should we need to. We're hopeful that won't be the case, but we're well prepared in the event we need to.

Speaker #1: We're hopeful that won't be the case, but we're well prepared in the event we need to.

Speaker #5: Thanks. That's very helpful. And then just a follow-up question if I may. In the release, you talked about the timing of promotional activity in the prepared meats segment.

Irene Nattel: Thanks. That's very helpful. Just a follow-up question if I may. In the release, you talked about the timing of promotional activity in the prepared meat segment, and sort of that having a negative impact on volumes as well. Can you talk us through how we should think about that? You know, does the promotion happen more in Q2? Can you just walk us through that and your thinking around volumes as we move through the year?

Speaker #5: And sort of that having a negative impact on volumes as well. Can you talk us through how we should think about that? Does the promotion happen more in Q2?

Speaker #5: Can you just walk us through that and your thinking around volumes as we move through the year?

Speaker #1: Yeah, it's just a commentary that was more reflective of the change in a couple of key promotional activities with customers that we had in Q1 last year and we expect are going to take place into Q2 and Q3 next year.

Curtis Frank: It's just commentary that was more reflective of the change in a couple of key promotional activities with customers that we had in Q1 last year, and we expect are gonna take place into Q2 and Q3 next year. Just the phasing of our annual plans and some seasonality attached to that, the timing of seasonal events and things like that. I don't think there's anything material to our year. You know, we continue to reaffirm our outlook for the year, which I think is a good indication of the fact that we don't expect the timing of those events to significantly impact the results we deliver in the year, just the timing quarter to quarter.

Speaker #1: So just the phasing of our annual plans. And some seasonality attached to that, the timing of seasonal events and things like that. So I don't think there's anything material to our year.

Speaker #1: And we continue to reaffirm our outlook for the year, which I think is a good indication of the fact that we don't expect the timing of those events to significantly impact the results we deliver in the year, just the timing quarter to quarter.

Speaker #5: That's great. Thank you.

Irene Nattel: That's great. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of George Demay. From Ventum Financial. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of George Doumet from Ventum Financial. Please go ahead.

Speaker #4: Hey, guys. Good morning. I just wanted to follow up on the seasonal information you guys provided for the quarter. I think you mentioned Q3 is more seasonal quarter, a weakness, I guess, based on the commodity pricing and all that kind of stuff.

George Doumet: Hey, guys. Good morning. I just wanted to follow up on the seasonal information you guys provided for the quarter. I think you mentioned Q3 is more seasonal quarter, a weakness, I guess, based on the commodity pricing and all that kind of stuff. Can you talk a little bit about any of the factors that we should be cognizant, you know, that we might that might get in the way of us attaining kind of those low 30% EBITDA margins next quarter as early as next quarter as I guess those levels attained earlier last year? Thanks.

Speaker #4: But can you talk a little bit about any of the factors that we should be cognizant that we might that might get in the way of us attaining kind of those low 30% EBITDA margins next quarter?

Speaker #4: As early as next quarter, I guess those levels attained earlier last year. Thanks.

Speaker #1: Hi, George. Good morning. Well, I'm not going to give precise quarterly guidance. I think what we offered in our commentary is entirely appropriate. But I'll recap that a little bit with some maybe color around it.

Curtis Frank: Hi, George. Good morning. Well, I'm not gonna give precise quarterly guidance. I think what we offered in our commentary is entirely appropriate, but I'll recap that a little bit with some maybe color around it. The first and I think most important news is we had a very strong Q1, and the key message today is that positions us to deliver our outlook for the year, and we're entirely confident in that. That's the headline overall. We did put a little bit of color around that. I mean, Q2 logically is all about the pricing impact on volume, keeping in mind that we took, you know, pricing in February. The response has been relatively normal so far, but we're paying careful attention to that.

Speaker #1: The first, and I think most important news is we had a very strong Q1. And the key message today is that positions us to deliver our outlook for the year and we're entirely confident in that.

Speaker #1: So that's the headline overall. We did put a little bit of color around that. I mean, Q2 logically is all about the pricing impact on volume, keeping in mind that we took pricing in February, the response has been relatively normal so far, but we're paying careful attention to that.

Curtis Frank: That's the headline overall. We did put a little bit of color around that. I mean, Q2 logically is all about the pricing impact on volume, keeping in mind that we took, you know, pricing in February. The response has been relatively normal so far, but we're paying careful attention to that.

Speaker #1: And the inflation from an energy perspective, which as I just said, I feel like we're positioned really well for. Q3, we wanted to give a little bit more commentary more because of the composition of the new Maple Leaf Foods.

Curtis Frank: The inflation from an energy perspective, which, as I just said, I feel like we're positioned really well for. Q3, we wanted to give a little bit more commentary, more because of the composition of the new Maple Leaf Foods. We've been studying the seasonality of the new business after the separation of pork, obviously quite closely. We did put in our supplementary materials. If you look at the continuing operations section, you'll see kind of the quarterly progression of margins over the last couple of years. Q3 tends to be because of higher meat costs in the second half, an escalation in things like bellies, as an example, in Q3.

Speaker #1: We've been studying the seasonality of the new business after the separation of pork, obviously quite closely, and we did put in our supplementary materials.

Speaker #1: If you look at the continuing operations section, you'll see kind of the quarterly progression of margins over the last couple of years. And Q3 tends to be because of higher meat costs in the second half and an escalation in things like bellies as an example in Q3.

Curtis Frank: If you look at the continuing operations section, you'll see kind of the quarterly progression of margins over the last couple of years. Q3 tends to be because of higher meat costs in the second half, an escalation in things like bellies, as an example, in Q3.

Speaker #1: Q3 tends to be a little lower margin than the balance of the year. And we thought it was important to be transparent about that and call that to your attention.

Curtis Frank: Q3 tends to be a little lower margin than the balance of the year, and we thought it was important to be transparent about that and call that to your attention. I would say no new news for Q4. It all leads to very confident in delivering our year, with some extra context and color around how we see it playing out. If things change, we'll continue to update you along the way.

Speaker #1: And then I would say no new news for Q4. So it all leads to very confident in delivering our year. With some extra context and color around how we see it playing out.

Speaker #1: And of course, if things change, we'll continue to update here along the way.

Speaker #4: Great. And one last one from me, Chris. Given what the balance sheet is today, can you talk a little bit about M&A? How should we think about kind of the nice-to-haves versus the really sought-out targets out there?

George Doumet: Great. One last one from me, Curtis. Given where the balance sheet is today, can you talk a little bit about M&A? How should we think about kind of the nice-to-haves versus the really sought-out targets out there? Thanks.

Speaker #4: Thanks.

Speaker #1: Yeah, and Dave could maybe add some color from an M&A perspective. What I would say is it's not our immediate priority, although our focus from a management perspective is certainly shifting imminent happening in the moment.

Curtis Frank: Yeah. David could maybe add some color from an M&A perspective. What I would say is, it's not our immediate priority, although our focus from a management perspective is certainly shifting there strategically. There's nothing imminent happening in the moment. Our focus has been on returning capital to shareholders, which, as David mentioned in his comments, Q1 was around CAD 36 million of capital returned to shareholders and over a 10% increase in our annual dividend. Given the health of the balance sheet, obviously, you know, we'll turn our attention to strategic alternatives in M&A, but it's not urgent for us, and we're focused on proving out the earnings. I think Q1 was a good reflection of that, and we'll continue down that path.

Speaker #1: Our focus has been on returning capital to shareholders, which, as David mentioned in his comments, Q1 was around 36 million dollars of capital returned to shareholders.

Speaker #1: And over a 10% increase in our annual dividend. Given the health of the balance sheet, obviously, we'll turn our attention to strategic alternatives in M&A, but it's not urgent for us.

Curtis Frank: Given the health of the balance sheet, obviously, you know, we'll turn our attention to strategic alternatives in M&A, but it's not urgent for us, and we're focused on proving out the earnings. I think Q1 was a good reflection of that, and we'll continue down that path.

Speaker #1: We're focused on proving out the earnings. I think Q1 was a good reflection of that. And we'll continue down that path. There's nothing urgent in the moment, but Dave, maybe any other color you'd like to add?

Curtis Frank: You know, there's nothing urgent in the moment, but David, many maybe any other color you'd like to add?

Speaker #4: Yeah, I mean, just in terms of M&A, I'd point you to the materials from Investor Day where we kind of laid out the strategic priorities as well as the financial framework we would look at in terms of assessing opportunities.

David Smales: Yeah, I mean, just in terms of M&A, I point you to the materials from Investor Day, where we kind of laid out the strategic priorities as well as the financial framework we would look at in terms of assessing opportunities, you know, which from a high level, you know, branded protein in core categories with a focus on North America and in particular, the opportunity to build out our platform in the US. Nothing's changed in terms of how we think, how we're thinking about that. As Curtis mentioned, timing is not urgent.

Speaker #4: Which, from a high level, is branded protein in core categories, with a focus on North America and, in particular, the opportunity to build out our platform in the US.

Speaker #4: So nothing's changed in terms of how we think how we're thinking about that and as Curtis mentioned, timing is not urgent.

Speaker #6: Appreciate it. Thanks.

George Doumet: Appreciate it. Thanks.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Curtis Frank: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Vishal Sridhar. From National Bank. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Vishal Shreedhar from National Bank. Please go ahead.

Speaker #7: Hi. Thanks for taking my questions. With respect to prepared foods and the slowdown in growth that was in part a response to pricing, how long does it take for that pricing response to normalize such that the consumer would go back to the volume growth that you expect in that segment?

Vishal Shreedhar: Hi. Thanks for taking my questions. With respect to prepared foods and the slowdown in growth that you noted sequentially, which you said it was in part a response to pricing, how long does it take for that pricing response to normalize such that the consumer would go back to the volume growth that you expect in that segment?

Speaker #1: Hi. Yeah, good morning, Vishal. In consumer packaged goods, our typical experience, and I think for us, not just for us, but for all CPGs, is as kind of the category leader, we tend to move first and quickly.

Curtis Frank: Hi. Yeah, good morning, Vishal. In consumer packaged goods, you know, our typical experience, and I think for us, not just for us, but for all CPGs is, as kind of the category leader, we tend to move first and quickly, I think as we should from a leadership position, in times of inflation. The consequence of that is typically a little bit of volume trade-off in the near term. That typically plays out for a quarter or two, maybe at the most, before normalizing. I was really encouraged last quarter actually by the market share performance. I mean, the volume was down very slightly, which again is typical, but the market share performance in both prepared meats and in the poultry business was relatively strong.

Speaker #1: I think as we should from a leadership position. In times of inflation, the consequence of that is typically a little bit of volume trade-off in the near term.

Speaker #1: That typically plays out for a quarter or two, maybe at the most, before a normalizing. I was really share performance. I mean, the volume was down very slightly.

Curtis Frank: That typically plays out for a quarter or two, maybe at the most, before normalizing. I was really encouraged last quarter actually by the market share performance. I mean, the volume was down very slightly, which again is typical, but the market share performance in both prepared meats and in the poultry business was relatively strong.

Speaker #1: Which, again, is typical. But the market share performance in both prepared meats and in the poultry business was relatively strong. We picked up a small amount of share in prepared meats, which is good on the back of a price was really strong.

Curtis Frank: We picked up a small amount of share in prepared meats, which is good on the back of a price increase. Poultry, as I noted earlier, was really strong. You know, typically a quarter or two of consumer adjustment from a volumetric point of view, and then kinda right back to normal.

Speaker #1: So typically a quarter or two of consumer adjustment from a volumetric point of view and then kind of right back to normal.

Speaker #7: Okay. And with respect to how trends are playing out intra-quarter, are you seeing any acceleration in prepared foods? And are you seeing any change to the poultry trends?

Vishal Shreedhar: Okay. With respect to how trends are playing out, inter-quarter, are you seeing any acceleration in prepared foods and/or are you seeing any change to the poultry trends?

Curtis Frank: Which, is your question between Q1 and Q2, Vishal?

Speaker #1: Is your question between Q1 and Q2, Vishal?

Speaker #7: Yeah. If there's any material changes intra-quarter associated with either the pricing actions and consumers' ability to respond and/or the I know you said the impact of fuel wasn't that large, but are you seeing any incremental changes on the margin with respect to trend quarter over quarter intra-quarter?

Vishal Shreedhar: Yeah, like if there's any material changes inter-quarter associated with either the pricing actions and consumers' ability to respond and/or the, I know you said the impact of fuel wasn't that large, but are you seeing any incremental changes on the margin with respect to trend quarter-over-quarter, inter-quarter?

Speaker #1: No, not materially. I mean, 12% was a pretty strong quarter in poultry this past quarter. I mean, I think I would point you to our annual guidance of mid-single digits.

Curtis Frank: No, not materially. I mean, 12% was a pretty strong quarter in poultry this past quarter. I mean, I think, you know, I would point you to our annual guidance of mid-single digits. I think the, through the combination of prepared foods and poultry, again, we expect to deliver that this year, remain entirely confident in it. However, I don't know that we'll have double-digit growth every quarter in poultry. I think that was a relatively strong quarter. No, I don't think anything has changed materially.

Speaker #1: And I think through the combination of prepared foods and poultry, again, we expect to deliver that this year, remain entirely confident in it. However, I don't know that we'll have double-digit growth every quarter in poultry.

Speaker #1: I think that was a relatively strong quarter. But no, I don't think anything has changed materially.

Speaker #7: Thank you.

Vishal Shreedhar: Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thanks.

Curtis Frank: Thanks.

Speaker #3: Next question comes from the line of Mark Pitree. From CIBC Capital Markets. Go ahead.

Operator: Next question comes from the line of Mark Petrie from CIBC Capital Markets. Go ahead.

Speaker #8: Yeah, thanks. Good morning. I actually wanted to follow up on a couple of the topics you just touched on. So first, with regards to the poultry growth, putting aside any shifts in consumer taste or preferences, seems fair to assume that once you start lapping the double-digit growth in second half of or from second half of last year, you're going to see some deceleration.

Mark Petrie: Yeah, thanks. Good morning. I actually wanted to follow up on a couple of the topics you just touched on. First, with regards to the poultry growth, you know, putting aside any shifts in consumer tastes or preferences, seems fair to assume that once you start lapping, you know, the double-digit growth from H2 of last year, you're gonna see some deceleration. I think that's what you just sort of called out. I'm wondering if you could just specifically talk about the potential tailwinds still to come from London. I understand that a big part-

Speaker #8: I think that's what you just sort of called out. But I'm wondering if you could just specifically talk about the potential tailwinds still to come from London.

Speaker #8: I understand that a big part of the growth has been driven by the trade pack capacity and leveraging that. Where are you with regards to actually utilizing that capacity?

Curtis Frank: Yeah

Mark Petrie: of the growth has been driven by, you know, the tray pack capacity and leveraging that. Where are you with regards to actually utilizing that capacity? Is it still a growth driver?

Speaker #8: And is it still a growth driver?

Speaker #1: Yeah. Great question. Thanks, Mark. We continue to be encouraged by the poultry business. Starting with consumer demand, I mean, we're seeing very, very strong consumer demand.

Curtis Frank: Yeah. Great question. Thanks, Mark Petrie. I, you know, we continue to be encouraged by the poultry business, starting with consumer demand. I mean, we're seeing very, very strong consumer demand, and that's translating into strength in both the retail and the food service channel and which is great news for us. Most importantly, it's leading to allocation growth from a supply management point of view, so we're getting volumetric support on the backs of strong and growing consumer demand in the Canadian market for poultry. You know, you continue to see relative affordability as compared to competing proteins like beef and consumer preferences for chicken and poultry continue to increase. That's positive structurally for the category, and we're seeing the benefits of that.

Speaker #1: That's translating into strength in both the retail and the food service channel. And which is great news for us. But most importantly, it's leading to allocation growth from a supply management point of view, so we're getting volumetric support on the backs of strong and growing consumer demand in the Canadian market for poultry.

Curtis Frank: Most importantly, it's leading to allocation growth from a supply management point of view, so we're getting volumetric support on the backs of strong and growing consumer demand in the Canadian market for poultry. You know, you continue to see relative affordability as compared to competing proteins like beef and consumer preferences for chicken and poultry continue to increase. That's positive structurally for the category, and we're seeing the benefits of that.

Speaker #1: You continue to see relative affordability as compared to competing proteins like beef and consumer preferences for chicken and poultry continue to increase. So that's positive, structurally, for the category.

Speaker #1: And we're seeing the benefits of that. The best thing we could have done in this situation is have a plant have built a plant like London Poultry with the capacity and capability to support that level of growth.

Curtis Frank: The best thing we could have done in this situation is have built a plant like London Poultry with the capacity and capability to support that level of growth. We feel like we are uniquely positioned in the Canadian market to capitalize on that growing consumer demand. That, you are seeing the benefits of that obviously in the quarter from London, but there is still runway. To be clear, there is still runway for growth in the poultry business supported by the benefits at London. The team is just doing a fantastic job there. They continue to operate the plant in a world-class way, both from a cost efficiency point of view, but also a throughput point of view to continue to support growth.

Speaker #1: We feel like we're uniquely positioned in the Canadian market to capitalize on that growing consumer demand. You're seeing the benefits of that, obviously, in the quarter from London.

Speaker #1: But there's still runway. To be clear, there's still runway for growth in the poultry business, supported by the benefits at London. The team's just doing a fantastic job there.

Curtis Frank: To be clear, there is still runway for growth in the poultry business supported by the benefits at London. The team is just doing a fantastic job there. They continue to operate the plant in a world-class way, both from a cost efficiency point of view, but also a throughput point of view to continue to support growth.

Speaker #1: They continue to operate the plant in a world-class way. Both from a cost efficiency point of view, but also a throughput point of view to continue to support growth.

Speaker #1: So I think we've got lots more to squeeze out of that asset. And it's going exceptionally well at the same time.

Curtis Frank: I think we got lots more to squeeze out of that asset, and it's going exceptionally well at the same time.

Speaker #8: Yeah. Okay. Thanks for that. And then just on the pricing dynamic, what's your sense of sort of how the competitive set followed your price increase?

Mark Petrie: Yeah. Okay. Thanks for that. Then, just on the pricing dynamic, what's your sense of sort of how the competitive set followed your price increase? Is it fair to say that that was sort of universally adopted or some of the gaps still adjusting after you took your price increase? How did that play out versus your competitors?

Speaker #8: Is it fair to say that that was sort of universally adopted or some of the gaps still adjusting after you took your price increase?

Speaker #8: How did that play out versus your competitors?

Speaker #1: I don't know yet. I mean, we watch shelf prices. Our measure for that is kind of auditing shelf prices and watching carefully. I think it's too soon to know what the follow-on effect is.

Curtis Frank: I don't know yet. I mean, we watch shelf prices. Our measure for that is in kind of auditing shelf prices and watching that carefully. I think it's too soon to know what the, you know, what the follow-on effect is. I mean, the order of magnitude's really important here too, Mark, right? Like on the February increase was important, and the fact that we were able to recover sequentially in the way that we did was critical. I mean, the order of magnitude in the fuel increase, I think has to be kept in perspective as well. It's around CAD 0.11 a kilo, I think this became public information, which is about CAD 0.04 a package for an average, you know, 375 gram pack of hot dogs or bacon.

Speaker #1: I mean, the order of magnitude's really important here too, Mark, right? On the February increase was important. And the fact that we were able to recover sequentially in the way that we did was critical.

Speaker #1: I mean, the order of magnitude in the fuel increase, I think it has to be kept in perspective as well. It's around 11 cents a kilo.

Curtis Frank: I mean, the order of magnitude in the fuel increase, I think has to be kept in perspective as well. It's around CAD 0.11 a kilo, I think this became public information, which is about CAD 0.04 a package for an average, you know, 375 gram pack of hot dogs or bacon.

Speaker #1: I think this became public information, which is about 4 cents a package for an average 375-gram pack of hot dogs or bacon. And that between the fuel surcharge actions we've taken, the cost reduction playbook we have in place, and the work we're doing from a revenue management perspective to optimize our promotions to the consumer, again, I feel like we're really well positioned.

Curtis Frank: That, you know, between the fuel surcharge actions we've taken, the cost reduction playbook we have in place, and the work we're doing from a revenue management perspective to optimize our promotions to the consumer, again, I feel like we're really well-positioned.

Speaker #8: Yeah. Okay. Thanks. And then just last one. I'm curious in terms of the cadence with regards to the volume pullback in prepared meats. I understand it was a modest volume.

Mark Petrie: Yeah. Okay, thanks. Just last one. I'm curious, in terms of the cadence with regards to the volume pullback in prepared meats, I understand it was, you know, a modest volume deceleration, but do you think any of that was sort of lapping maybe the Buy Canadian surge that happened in the latter part of Q1 last year? Is that what you're referring to with regards to the promotional activity, or is that something else?

Speaker #8: Deceleration. But do you think any of that was sort of lapping maybe the buy Canadian surge that happened in the latter part of Q1 last year?

Speaker #8: And is that what you're referring to with regards to the promotional activity, or is that something else?

Speaker #1: No, what I was referring to on the promotional side is more customer-specific activations. That's possible. Mark, although I would say that buy Canadian movement had a bit of a had a bit of a an impact on the momentum.

Curtis Frank: No, that's the What I was referring to on the promotional side is more customer-specific activations. You know, I, you know, that's possible, Mark, although I would say that that Buy Canadian movement had a bit of an impact on the momentum. Although I would point out that we also had the positive benefits in this year of the Olympic partnership that we had with Team Canada and the, I think the amazing promotional support that our marketing team put behind that. You know, I'd like to think the two There's no perfect data science behind that, but I'd like to think the two balanced each other out on a reasonable basis.

Speaker #1: Although I would point out that we also had the positive benefits in this year of the Olympic partnership that we had with Team Canada.

Speaker #1: And I think the amazing promotional support that our marketing team put behind that. And I'd like to think the two there's no perfect data, science behind that.

Speaker #1: But I'd like to think the two balanced each other out on a reasonable basis. But yeah, it's possible we saw small impact of the deceleration of the buy Canadian momentum in the market.

Curtis Frank: Yeah, it's possible we saw a small impact of the deceleration of the Buy Canadian momentum in the market. I've always said it's hard to tease the data out precisely around that, and I think it would be fair to point out, but we also had the positive benefits of the Olympic partnership as well.

Speaker #1: I've always said it's hard to tease the data out precisely around that. And I think it would be fair to point out, but we also had the positive benefits of the Olympic partnership as well.

Speaker #8: Yeah. Understood. Okay. Appreciate all the comments and all the best.

Mark Petrie: Yeah, understood. Okay. Appreciate all the comments and all the best.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Curtis Frank: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Your next question. Comes from the line of Martin Landry. From Stifel Financial. Please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Martin Landry from Stifel Financial. Please go ahead.

Speaker #9: Hi. Good morning. In your prepared remarks, you called out productivity initiatives as a margin growth driver. And I was wondering if you could give a little bit more color around that.

Martin Landry: Hi, good morning. In your prepared remarks, you called out productivity initiatives as a, you know, a margin growth driver. You know, I was wondering if you could give a little bit more color around that, maybe share a few examples that have led to margin expansion.

Speaker #9: Maybe share a few examples that have led to margin expansion.

Speaker #1: Yeah. Thank you, Mark, for your question. The combination of the work we're doing in our fuel for growth initiative which is driving structural cost advantage and in our continuous productivity playbook have both been have both been supportive of the profitability of the business.

Curtis Frank: Thank you, Martin, for your question. The combination of the work we're doing in our Fuel for Growth initiative, which is driving structural cost advantage, and in our continuous productivity playbook, have both been supportive of the profitability of the business. That ranges from everything we do in our SG&A management, which I think, you know, if you look at Q1 specifically, was managed quite well from a cost control perspective in Q1 to the work we continuously do in our procurement function and so on from a continuous productivity point of view. From a Fuel for Growth perspectives, we saw the benefits in the quarter of standardized organizational structures in the plants, which we implemented late last year, and that benefited us in the quarter.

Speaker #1: That ranges from everything we do in our SG&A management, which I think if you look at Q1 specifically, was managed quite well from a cost control perspective in Q1 to the work we continuously do in our procurement function and so on from a continuous productivity point of view.

Curtis Frank: That ranges from everything we do in our SG&A management, which I think, you know, if you look at Q1 specifically, was managed quite well from a cost control perspective in Q1 to the work we continuously do in our procurement function and so on from a continuous productivity point of view. From a Fuel for Growth perspectives, we saw the benefits in the quarter of standardized organizational structures in the plants, which we implemented late last year, and that benefited us in the quarter.

Speaker #1: From a fuel for growth perspective, we saw the benefits in the quarter of standardized organizational structures in the plants, which we implemented late last year.

Speaker #1: And that benefited us in the quarter. And we're also lapping the benefits of the or continuing to see the benefits of the Brantford plant retirement, which happened in Q2 last year.

Curtis Frank: We're also lapping the benefits of the or continuing to see the benefits of the Brantford plant retirement, which happened in Q2 last year. You know, the combination of the structural ongoing components that I think are just good hygiene in the business, good cost management, by good cost managers, combined with the strategic work in the Fuel for Growth platform is really what's supportive overall from a productivity perspective.

Speaker #1: So the combination of the structural ongoing components that I think are just good hygiene in the business, good cost management by good cost managers combined with the strategic work in the fuel for growth platform is really what's supportive overall from a productivity perspective.

Speaker #9: Okay. And then on your fuel for growth initiatives, is there a timing or a completion of that project, or is that ongoing?

Martin Landry: Okay. On your Fuel for Growth initiatives, is there like a timing or like a completion of that project or is that ongoing?

Curtis Frank: It's ongoing. It'll span multiple years. You know, it started with the SG&A work that I mentioned earlier, the retirement of the Brantford facility. We've pivoted to making targeted investments with high returns in technology and automation in the manufacturing facilities, which are yielding great results and will continue to over the next number of years as technology obviously continues to evolve. Our operations team is in the process right now of implementing a standardized operational excellence system across the business that we know is going to generate benefits on the shop floor.

Speaker #1: It's ongoing. It'll span multiple years. It started with the SG&A work that I mentioned earlier, the retirement of the Brantford facility we've pivoted to making targeted investments with high returns in technology and automation in the manufacturing facilities, which are yielding great results.

Speaker #1: And we'll continue to over the next number of years. As technology obviously continues to evolve. Our operations team is in the process right now of implementing a standardized operational excellence system across the business that we know is going to generate benefits on the shop floor.

Speaker #1: And then outside of this year, I think would be the way I would describe it, in 2027 plus, we still believe we have some network optimization work to do that will continue to benefit us as we kind of march towards our 2020 our 2030 financial objectives that we laid out at Investor Day.

Curtis Frank: Outside of this year, I think would be the way I would describe it, in 2027 plus, we still believe we have some network optimization work to do that will continue to benefit us and as we kind of march towards our 2030 financial objectives that we laid out at Investor Day.

Speaker #9: Okay. Thank you for the color. That's also best of luck.

Martin Landry: Okay. Thank you for the color. That's all. Best of luck.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Curtis Frank: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of John Sampero. From Scotiabank, please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of John Zamparo from Scotiabank. Please go ahead.

Speaker #10: Thank you. Good morning. I wanted to follow up on the topic of higher inflation or the prospects for higher inflation later this year throughout the supply chain.

John Zamparo: Thank you. Good morning. I wanted to follow up on the topic of higher inflation or the prospects for higher inflation later this year throughout the supply chain. Specific to feed costs, I wonder at this point, I know there's a lot of moving parts, but I wonder at this point when that might be felt by MFI and what magnitude do you think that could be at the moment?

Speaker #10: And specific to feed costs, I wonder at this point I know there's a lot of moving parts, but I wonder at this point when that might be felt by MFI and what magnitude do you think that could be at the moment?

Curtis Frank: I don't know. It'd be delayed for certain, on the feed component side. I mean, the new crop is just really being planted in North America now. A lot of that, John, is dependent on, you know, multiple factors beyond just the inflationary impacts of, say, fuel and fertilizer and some of the things we're familiar with. Even weather to a certain extent and crop yields and how the fall crop conditions materialize, I think will probably play the most material role. Obviously, the duration of the conflict in Iran, I think matters a lot here too. I wish I had a crystal ball on that one.

Speaker #1: I don't know. It would be delayed for certain. On the feed component side, I mean, the new crop is just really being planted in North America now.

Speaker #1: And a lot of that, John, is dependent on multiple factors beyond just the inflationary impacts of, say, fuel and fertilizer and some of the things we're familiar with.

Speaker #1: Even weather to a certain extent and crop yields and how the fall crop conditions materialize. I think we'll probably play the most material role and obviously the duration of the conflict in Iran, I think, matters a lot here too.

Speaker #1: And I wish I had a crystal ball on that one. And by the news this morning, I'm hopeful there'll be perhaps an abrupt end, but I'm not so certain in that area.

Curtis Frank: By the news this morning, I'm hopeful there'll be, perhaps a, you know, an abrupt end, but I'm, you know, I'm not so certain in that area. I think there's lots to play out. We watch this at weekly if not daily, the impacts. As I said earlier, we're prepared to respond quickly, should we need to, but at this stage we feel like we're really well-positioned.

Speaker #1: So I think there's lots to play out. We watched this weekly, if not daily. The impacts. And as I said earlier, we're prepared to respond quickly should we need to.

Speaker #1: But at this stage, we feel like we're really well positioned.

Speaker #10: Okay. Understood. And then my second question is on beef prices. And given where they are and the fact that they're continuing to show inflation, it would be helpful to get your expectation on how that impacts MFI.

John Zamparo: Okay. Understood. Then, my second question is on beef prices. Given where they are and the fact that they're continuing to show inflation, it would be helpful to get your expectation on how that impacts MFI. I know you're not gonna guide on volume growth for poultry or prepared meats, but I wonder just generally, would you agree that this is positive for volume growth for MFI?

Speaker #10: And I know you're not going to guide on volume growth for poultry or prepared meats, but I wonder just generally would you agree that this is positive for volume growth for MFI?

Speaker #1: Yeah. I would. Beef is a small part of our portfolio. If you kind of start there. So I think that's to our benefit. Just kind of the pricing and inflation you've seen in beef is it's part of our portfolio, but a smaller part of our portfolio.

Curtis Frank: Yeah. I would. I, you know, Beef's a small part of our portfolio, like if you know, kind of start there. I think that's to our benefit, just kind of the pricing and inflation you've seen in beef is it's part of our portfolio, but a smaller part of our portfolio. The benefits to the poultry business, you know, I think are more structural than they are beef induced, to be honest. The changing face of demographics in Canada, the strength of demand for poultry, the composition of the bird that's consumed by Canadian consumers today is very favorable. I wouldn't, you know. Said differently, if beef prices came down a little bit, I wouldn't necessarily say that's negative for chicken.

Speaker #1: The benefits to the poultry business I think are more structural than they are beef-induced, to be honest. The changing face of demographics in Canada the strength of demand for poultry the composition of the bird that's consumed by Canadian consumers today very favorable.

Curtis Frank: The changing face of demographics in Canada, the strength of demand for poultry, the composition of the bird that's consumed by Canadian consumers today is very favorable. I wouldn't, you know. Said differently, if beef prices came down a little bit, I wouldn't necessarily say that's negative for chicken.

Speaker #1: So I wouldn't said differently if beef prices came down a little bit. I wouldn't necessarily say that's negative for chicken. So I'm reluctant to take credit for the positive impact higher beef prices are having today.

Curtis Frank: I'm reluctant to take credit for the positive impact, you know, higher beef prices are having today. Undoubtedly, you know, that of the affordability of poultry relative to beef as a competing protein is positive for us. Yeah.

Speaker #1: But undoubtedly, the affordability of poultry relative to beef as a competing protein is positive for us. Yeah.

Speaker #10: Yeah. Okay. Understood. Thank you very much.

John Zamparo: Yeah. Okay. Understood. Thank you very much.

Speaker #1: Thank you.

Curtis Frank: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Your next question comes from the line of Etienne Ricard. From BMO Capital Markets, please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Etienne Ricard from BMO Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Speaker #10: Thank you. And good morning. Given the continued outperformance of poultry, where do you think the mix between poultry and prepared foods ultimately settles? A few years from now and if you could help quantify the margin impact, that would be helpful.

Etienne Ricard: Thank you, good morning. Given the continued outperformance of poultry, where do you think the mix between poultry and prepared foods ultimately settles a few years from now? If you could help quantify the margin impact, that would be helpful.

Curtis Frank: Well, I'm assuming you mean as a percentage of our total portfolio. You know, I think the best answer I could give you is to point you to our Investor Day materials and the targets we've established for 2030. I mean, both poultry and prepared foods play a meaningful role in our growth story for the future. The 5 core growth platforms we have are certainly focused on both businesses, poultry and prepared foods. Truthfully, we've seen over the last, you know, number of quarters strength in both areas. We're getting outperformance in the poultry today, again, based on the consumer fundamentals that I talked about, but also the quality of the London poultry asset.

Speaker #1: Well, I'm assuming you mean as a percentage of our total portfolio. I think the best answer I could give you is to point you to our investor day materials.

Speaker #1: And the targets we've established for 2030—I mean, both poultry and prepared foods play a meaningful role in our growth story for the future.

Speaker #1: The five core growth platforms we have are certainly focused on both businesses, poultry and prepared foods. And truthfully, we've seen over the last number of quarters strength in both areas.

Curtis Frank: The 5 core growth platforms we have are certainly focused on both businesses, poultry and prepared foods. Truthfully, we've seen over the last, you know, number of quarters strength in both areas. We're getting outperformance in the poultry today, again, based on the consumer fundamentals that I talked about, but also the quality of the London poultry asset.

Speaker #1: We're getting outperformance in poultry today. Again, based on the consumer fundamentals that I talked about, but also the quality of the London poultry asset.

Speaker #1: But I should also note that our leadership in sustainable meats the work we've done from a brand development perspective the innovation platform that we put out into the market last year and our growth in the US have all been if you look at a little bit longer term, last number of quarters, have all been positive and constructive and that we think that will be the same in the future.

Curtis Frank: Our You know, I should also note that our leadership in sustainable meats, the work we've done from a brand development perspective, the innovation platform that we put out into the market last year, and our growth in the US have all been, you know, if you look at a little bit longer term, last number of quarters, have all been positive and constructive, and that we think that will be the same in the future. You know, I expect over the next five years balanced growth between prepared foods and poultry. There was an M&A question earlier. I think some of that will be dependent on how the portfolio is shaped over the long term.

Speaker #1: So I expect over the next five years, balanced growth between prepared foods and poultry. There was an M&A question earlier. I think some of that will be dependent on how the portfolio is shaped over the long term.

Curtis Frank: You know, I expect over the next five years balanced growth between prepared foods and poultry. There was an M&A question earlier. I think some of that will be dependent on how the portfolio is shaped over the long term.

Curtis Frank: Again, we really love both businesses today and the growth strategies that are attached to both the poultry business and the prepared foods business and remain entirely confident, not just in our outlook for the year, but for our 2030 aspirations as well.

Speaker #1: But again, we really love both businesses today and the growth strategies that are attached to both the poultry business and the prepared foods business.

Speaker #1: And remain entirely confident not just in our outlook for the year but for our 2030 aspirations as well.

Speaker #10: Thank you. And on the US market, what initiatives from a distribution standpoint are you focused on for this year?

Etienne Ricard: Thank you. On the US market, what initiatives from a distribution standpoint are you focused on for this year?

Speaker #1: Well, we're distribution is exactly the right word. We continue to be focused on scaling up the number of items that we have distributed. We're listed at every US retailer.

Curtis Frank: Well, we're distribution is exactly the right word. We continue to be focused on scaling up the number of items that we have distributed or listed at every US retailer. I mean, I've commented in the past that in the Canadian market, we're fortunate to have distribution in an average Canadian grocery store of, you know, well over 100 items on the shelf. In the US market, we have in the vicinity of about 14 in the meat protein and plant protein business combined. The, you know, the lucrative financial opportunity for us, if you will, is really to take that 14 items to a broader distribution of items at every retailer.

Speaker #1: I mean, I've commented in the past that in the Canadian market, we're fortunate to have distribution in an average Canadian grocery store of well over 100 items on the shelf.

Speaker #1: And in the US market, we have in the vicinity of about 14 in the meat protein and plant protein business combined. And the lucrative financial opportunity for us, if you will, is really to take that 14 items to a broader distribution of items at every retailer.

Speaker #1: Now that we've established a supply chain we have a sales and marketing team on the ground in Chicago. And are deepening our customer relationships in the US.

Curtis Frank: Now that we've established a supply chain, we have a sales and marketing team on the ground in Chicago and are deepening our customer relationships in the US. It's really about growing distribution. The Greenfield Natural Meat Co. brand has been a beachhead for that. We continue to grow our distribution. That brand had double-digit growth, or our brands in the US had double-digit growth last quarter in the meat business. We continue to see a lot of runway for growth, obviously, in the US. You're right to point to distribution. You know, there's an innovation component of that. There's a customer alignment component of that, and the consumer demand continues to be strong as well. I think that's the, you know, the US priority for the moment.

Speaker #1: So it's really about growing distribution. The greenfield natural meat company brand has been a beachhead for that. We continue to grow our distribution. That brand had double-digit growth or our brands in the US had double-digit growth last quarter in the meat business.

Speaker #1: And we continue to see a lot of runway for growth, obviously, in the US. So you're right to point to distribution. There's an innovation component of that.

Curtis Frank: We continue to see a lot of runway for growth, obviously, in the US. You're right to point to distribution. You know, there's an innovation component of that. There's a customer alignment component of that, and the consumer demand continues to be strong as well. I think that's the, you know, the US priority for the moment.

Speaker #1: There's a customer alignment component of that. And the consumer demand continues to be strong as well. So I think that's the US priority for the moment.

Speaker #10: Thank you very much.

Etienne Ricard: Thank you very much.

Speaker #3: Your next question. If you would like to ask a question, just press star one. On your touch-tone phone. Again, if you would like to ask a question, just press star one.

Operator: Your next question.

Etienne Ricard: Thank you.

Curtis Frank: Thank you.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Irene Nattel from RBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Speaker #3: On touch-tone phone. Your next question comes from the line of Irene Natel. From RBC Capital Markets, please go ahead.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Irene Nattel from RBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Irene Nattel: Yes. Hello again. Just a quick follow-up question, point of clarification. Earlier on, when you were talking about poultry, did you say that you've actually had an increase in your quota allocation?

Speaker #11: Yes. Hello again. Just a quick follow-up question. Point of clarification. Earlier on, when you were talking about poultry, did you say that you've actually had an increase in your quota allocation?

Curtis Frank: Our amount of quota hasn't changed in any material way, Irene, but the annual, sorry, the allocation process under supply management, which allocates the amount of poultry to be grown every 8 weeks, is increasing along with consumer demand. We and all other processors who own quota are getting more volume to sell in market.

Speaker #1: Our quota our amount of quota hasn't changed in any material way, Irene. But the annual sorry, the allocation process under supply management, which allocates the amount of poultry to be grown every eight weeks, is increasing along with consumer demand.

Speaker #1: So we and all other processors who own quota are getting more volume to sell in market.

Speaker #11: Understood. Can you quantify for us the magnitude of that increase?

Irene Nattel: Understood. Can you quantify for us the magnitude of that increase?

Speaker #1: Yeah. That typically grows I'll give you an average kind of on an annual basis. That typically grows in and around two to three percent a year.

Curtis Frank: Yeah. That typically grows I'll give you an average, kind of on an annual basis. That typically grows in and around 2% to 3% a year, I think, on a historical basis. you know, we're seeing, in the moment, increases in the 4% to 5% range, which, you know, would be a little more outsized than we would have seen historically, which just speaks to the, you know, continued strength in consumer demand and the allocation process matching that consumer demand. you know, what we always want to see is balance in supply and demand, obviously. I think we're seeing that in a pretty fruitful way right now or a productive way right now for the industry.

Speaker #1: I think on a historical basis. And we're seeing in the moment increases in the four to five percent range which would be a little more outsized than we would have seen historically which just speaks to the continued strength in consumer demand and the allocation process matching that consumer demand.

Speaker #1: And what we always want to see is balance in supply and demand, obviously. And I think we're seeing that in a pretty fruitful way right now.

Curtis Frank: you know, what we always want to see is balance in supply and demand, obviously. I think we're seeing that in a pretty fruitful way right now or a productive way right now for the industry.

Speaker #1: Our productive way right now for the industry.

Irene Nattel: Absolutely. Sorry, final question on this topic. Can you please remind us how much more volume you can put through the London Poultry facility?

Speaker #11: Absolutely. And sorry, final question on this topic. Can you please remind us how much more volume you can put through the London poultry facility?

Speaker #1: We had when we completed the startup and the business case for poultry, we had protected for about a 10-year growth span, Irene, for those average kind of growth in the two to three percent range.

Curtis Frank: We had When we completed the start-up and the business case for poultry, we had protected for about a 10-year growth span, Irene, for, you know, those average kind of growth in the 2% to 3% range. We're running a little bit ahead of that right now. That's positive and good news. We also see the potential for operational improvements to unlock more capacity beyond what we had originally contemplated. I think to summarize, two important takeaways, maybe three. We have space protected for growth for a decade. We are running ahead of that today, which on the surface is positive, but might be a concern.

Speaker #1: We're running a little bit ahead of that right now. That's positive and good news. But we also see the potential for operational improvements to unlock more capacity beyond what we had originally contemplated.

Speaker #1: So I think to summarize, two important takeaways. Maybe three. We had space protected for growth for a decade. We are running ahead of that today, which on the surface is positive, but might be a concern.

Speaker #1: And we've already identified operational opportunities to improve beyond the current performance we have in the plant that we're confident will give us many years of growth out of London.

Curtis Frank: We've already identified operational opportunities to improve beyond the current performance we have in the plant that we're confident will give us many years of growth out of London. All to say, I think we're really well-positioned.

Speaker #1: So all to say, I think we're really well positioned.

Speaker #11: That's great. Thank you.

Irene Nattel: That's great. Thank you.

Curtis Frank: Yeah.

Operator: The last question comes from the line of Mark Petrie from CIBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead. Mark Petrie, please go ahead.

Speaker #3: Last question comes from the line of Mark Pitree. From CIBC Capital Markets. Let's go ahead. Mark Pitree, please go ahead.

Speaker #12: Oh, sorry about that. It was just on mute. So I just wanted to follow up on the whole opportunity for broadening the skew base in the US.

Mark Petrie: Sorry about that. It was just on mute. I just wanted to follow up on the whole opportunity for broadening the SKU base in the US, 'cause obviously there is a massive gap, but there's also a gap in the portfolio of brands that you have a presence in each market. What would be the equivalent distribution of the 14 SKUs that you have in the US for the same brands in Canada?

Speaker #12: Because obviously, there is a massive gap. But there's also a gap in the portfolio of brands that you have a presence in each market.

Speaker #12: So what would be the equivalent distribution of the 14 skews that you have in the US for the same brands in Canada?

Speaker #1: Oh, it's a that's our primary focus in the US is the greenfield natural meat company brand. And that is an important question and distinction, Mark, because really, that's what gives us a strategic point of difference and a beachhead into the US.

Curtis Frank: That's our primary focus in the US is the Greenfield Natural Meat Co. brand. That is an important question and distinction, Mark, because really that's what gives us a strategic point of difference and a beachhead into the US. We're not focused on kind of participating in the mainstream components of the category in the United States. Crossing the border as a Canadian supplier without a meaningful dip point of difference is a very difficult venture, and that's not our area of focus. We're focused on the sustainable meats business, I think in two areas actually. On the sustainable meats business, the premium end of the category, where there's a large market to access, and we only need to access a small component of the category.

Speaker #1: We're not focused on kind of participating in the mainstream components of the category in the United States. A crossing the border as a Canadian supplier without a meaningful point of difference is a very difficult venture.

Curtis Frank: Crossing the border as a Canadian supplier without a meaningful dip point of difference is a very difficult venture, and that's not our area of focus. We're focused on the sustainable meats business, I think in two areas actually. On the sustainable meats business, the premium end of the category, where there's a large market to access, and we only need to access a small component of the category.

Speaker #1: And that's not our area of focus. We're focused on the sustainable meats business. I think in two areas, actually. On the sustainable meats business, the premium end of the category where there's a large market to access and we only need to access a small component of the category.

Speaker #1: So think about sustainable meats, raised without antibiotics, gestation, crate-free, made by a carbon-neutral company. So the suite of those claims has been a fundamental to our entry into the United States, giving us a competitive point of difference.

Curtis Frank: Think about sustainable meats, raised without antibiotics, gestation, crate-free, made by a carbon-neutral company. The suite of those claims has been fundamental to our entry into United States, giving us a competitive point of difference. You know, at the top end of the category. We also have a strategy to participate in the US market for capacity utilization purposes, wherever we have excess capacity in our manufacturing facilities in Canada and in the United States as a way to drive efficiency in the manufacturing plant. Those would be the two predominant areas, and that's purposeful and strategic in nature.

Speaker #1: And then so at the top end of the category. And then we also have a strategy to participate in the US market for capacity utilization purposes.

Curtis Frank: We also have a strategy to participate in the US market for capacity utilization purposes, wherever we have excess capacity in our manufacturing facilities in Canada and in the United States as a way to drive efficiency in the manufacturing plant. Those would be the two predominant areas, and that's purposeful and strategic in nature.

Speaker #1: Wherever we have excess capacity in our manufacturing facilities, in Canada and in the United States. As a way to drive efficiency in the manufacturing plant.

Speaker #1: So those would be the two predominant areas. And that's purposeful and strategic in nature.

Speaker #12: Yeah. Understood. Okay. But just to clarify, so the 14 skews today, versus the 100 that are distributed in Canada, those would be in the same brands.

Mark Petrie: Yeah. Understood. Okay. Just to clarify, the 14 SKUs today versus the 100 that are distributed in Canada, those would be in the same brands that are existing in the US today?

Speaker #12: That are existing in the US today.

Curtis Frank: No.

Speaker #1: No. That would just be that would just be the number of branded items we have in an average grocery store in Canada across all our brands.

Curtis Frank: No.

Mark Petrie: That would-

Curtis Frank: That would just be the number of branded items we have in an average grocery store in Canada across all our brands and the number of.

Speaker #1: And the number of average items we have in the United States across all of our brands.

Mark Petrie: Yeah

Curtis Frank: average items we have in the United States across all of our brands.

Speaker #12: Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Understood. Okay. Thank you.

Mark Petrie: Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Understood. Okay. Thank you.

Speaker #3: There are no further questions. I'll turn the call back over to Mr. Frank.

Operator: There are no further questions. I will turn the call back over to Mr. Frank.

Speaker #1: Okay. Great. Thank you. Appreciate your engagement and your questions today. I think I would close with just a couple of brief comments, which is we're obviously coming off a strong first quarter, over 6% growth.

Curtis Frank: Okay. Great. Thank you. Appreciate your engagement and your questions today. I think I would close with just a couple of brief comments, which is, we're obviously coming off a strong Q1, over 6% growth, a sequential improvement in our margins as we had expected, and the return of CAD 36 million of capital in the quarter. We are reaffirming our outlook for the year, I think is the key message for today, despite all the noise in the market. That's something we're entirely confident in, and we look forward to speaking with you at the end of Q2 to give you an update on our progress on the journey. Thank you again for your time today, and look forward to talking to you again.

Speaker #1: A sequential improvement in our margins, as we had expected. And the return of $36 million of capital in the quarter. We are reaffirming our outlook for the year—I think that's the key message for today—despite all the noise in the market.

Curtis Frank: We are reaffirming our outlook for the year, I think is the key message for today, despite all the noise in the market. That's something we're entirely confident in, and we look forward to speaking with you at the end of Q2 to give you an update on our progress on the journey. Thank you again for your time today, and look forward to talking to you again.

Speaker #1: And that's something we're entirely confident in. And we look forward to speaking with you at the end of Q2 to give you an update on our progress on the journey.

Speaker #1: So thank you again for your time today. And look forward to talking to you again.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's conference call. Thank you for participating. You may now disconnect.