Maple Leaf Foods Q4 revenue tops estimates on poultry growth
Company forecasts mid-single-digit revenue growth for 2026
6 March 2026
1 minute read
By: Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods reported an 8.1% increase in fourth-quarter revenue, slightly beating analyst expectations as strong poultry sales supported results, Reuters reported, citing Maple Leaf as its source.
Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter also exceeded analyst forecasts.
Sales in the company’s Prepared Foods segment increased by 6.1%, driven by pricing and an improved product mix, though the gains were partially offset by increased trade promotions.
Poultry sales rose by 13.1% compared with the same period a year earlier. The increase was supported by improved channel mix and pricing, despite higher trade promotions.
The company said gross profit expanded due to a favourable poultry channel mix, operating efficiencies and pricing impacts.
Looking ahead, Maple Leaf Foods expects revenue to grow in the mid-single digits in 2026 compared with 2025. The company also projects adjusted EBITDA of C$520 million to C$540 million.
Capital investments are expected to range from C$160 million to C$180 million in 2026.
Analyst sentiment toward the company remains positive. The current average rating on Maple Leaf Foods shares is “buy,” with seven analysts recommending “strong buy” or “buy,” one recommending “hold,” and none recommending “sell” or “strong sell.”
Across the broader food processing peer group, the average consensus recommendation is also “buy.”
Wall Street’s median 12-month price target for Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is C$33.00, about 23.1 per cent above its March 4 closing price of C$26.81.
The stock recently traded at 18 times expected earnings over the next 12 months, compared with a price-to-earnings ratio of 17 three months earlier.
