Lassonde Industries Inc. announces its Q1-2025 results

Core Viewpoint - Lassonde Industries Inc. reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, with significant growth in sales and operating profit despite ongoing market uncertainties [3][4]. Financial Performance - Sales reached $699.7 million, an increase of $129.8 million (22.8%) compared to $569.8 million in Q1 2024 [2]. - Gross profit was $183.2 million, representing 26.2% of sales, up from $149.6 million, a rise of $33.6 million (22.4%) year-over-year [2][4]. - Operating profit increased to $42.7 million, up $8.1 million (23.4%) from $34.6 million in the same quarter last year [2][4]. - Profit attributable to shareholders was $24.5 million, slightly up from $23.8 million, with an EPS of $3.60, reflecting a 2.9% increase [2][7]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $71.5 million, a rise of $19.1 million (36.4%) from $52.4 million in Q1 2024 [2][7]. Sales Growth Drivers - Excluding the impact of Summer Garden and foreign exchange fluctuations, sales grew by 9.3%, driven by U.S. volume recovery and price adjustments in Canada [3][4]. - Canadian brands gained market share due to innovation and effective merchandising, despite overall industry volume contraction [3]. Outlook and Strategy - The company anticipates a sales growth rate of approximately 10% for 2025, driven by a full year of Summer Garden results and planned price adjustments [8]. - Lassonde is focused on executing its strategy, expanding capacity, and leveraging its diversified product portfolio to enhance its presence in the North American food and beverage market [3][8]. Financial Position - As of March 29, 2025, total assets were $2,374.4 million, a 4.2% increase from $2,277.8 million at the end of 2024 [7]. - Long-term debt stood at $612.5 million, with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.99:1, reflecting a $135.0 million increase from the previous year [7][26]. - Operating activities used $60.1 million in cash, compared to $11.3 million generated in the same quarter last year, primarily due to changes in working capital [7]. Dividend Information - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $1.10 per share, payable on June 13, 2025 [17]. Company Overview - Lassonde Industries Inc. is a leader in the North American food and beverage industry, offering a wide range of products including fruit juices, specialty foods, and snacks [28][30].