Core Viewpoint - Maple Leaf Foods is forecasting an improvement in adjusted EBITDA for the upcoming year, but growth is expected to be slower compared to fiscal 2025, with an adjusted EBITDA target of C$520-540 million ($381-395 million), indicating a potential 13% increase from fiscal 2025 [1] Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for the previous year rose by 21% to C$476 million, with the margin increasing by 140 basis points to 12.2% [1] - Net income surged to C$541.6 million from C$96.6 million a year earlier, and adjusted EPS climbed to C$1.09 from C$0.15 [3] Revenue and Sales Growth - Revenue growth for the new year is projected to be in the mid-single-digit range, which is lower than the 7.7% increase in the 2025 financial year, with total sales expected to reach C$3.91 billion [2] - Prepared foods sales increased by 6.5%, driven by pricing, improved mix, and volume growth, while poultry sales rose by 10.8% due to improved channel mix linked to retail and foodservice volume growth and pricing [4] Strategic Initiatives - The company attributes the expected EBITDA increase to revenue growth and margin improvement from operational discipline and the 'Fuel for Growth' initiative [2] - The transformation into a simpler, purpose-driven, protein-centric, brand-led consumer packaged goods (CPG) company is yielding tangible benefits, according to the President and CEO [4] Market Challenges - Maple Leaf Foods acknowledges that macro-economic factors may continue to influence the operating environment, creating uncertainty and potential volatility [5] - The company highlights that these dynamics can affect consumer sentiment, supply chain activity, market access, trade barriers, and foreign-exchange rates [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDAre for Q3 2025 was $319 million, a decrease of 3.3% year-over-year, while adjusted FFO per share was $0.35, down 2.8% compared to Q3 2024 [4][5] - Year-to-date, Adjusted EBITDAre and adjusted FFO per share were up 2.2% and 60 basis points, respectively, compared to 2024 [4] - Comparable hotel total RevPAR improved by 80 basis points compared to Q3 2024, driven by better-than-expected transient demand and higher rates [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Transient revenue grew by 2%, with double-digit growth at resort properties, particularly in Maui, San Francisco, New York, and Miami [6][7] - Group room revenue decreased approximately 5% year-over-year due to renovation disruptions and the Jewish holiday calendar shift, although definite group room nights on the books increased to 4 million for 2025 [7][22] - F&B revenue was flat, with outlet revenue growing 6% but banquet and catering revenue declining due to lower group business volume [18][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Maui experienced a 20% RevPAR growth driven by increased occupancy and strong out-of-room spending [7] - San Francisco's total group revenue pace for 2026 is up over 20%, indicating a strong recovery [56] - The overall transient revenue for resorts was up approximately 2%, with significant growth in luxury leisure travel [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on capital allocation decisions that enhance long-term shareholder value, including transformational renovations and strategic asset sales [10][11] - A second agreement with Marriott for transformational renovations at four properties is expected to enhance long-term performance and market competitiveness [11] - The company aims to leverage its investment-grade balance sheet and diversified portfolio to outperform in the current environment [16][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the continued recovery of leisure travel and the performance of upper-upscale and luxury hotels [16] - The company raised its full-year 2025 guidance for comparable hotel RevPAR and total RevPAR to approximately 3% and 3.4%, respectively, reflecting strong performance year-to-date [15][24] - Management noted that the bifurcation of consumer spending is likely to benefit the company due to its focus on higher-end properties [16] Other Important Information - The company collected $5 million in business interruption proceeds for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, bringing the total for the year to $24 million [9] - Capital expenditure guidance for 2025 is set at $605 million to $640 million, including significant investments for redevelopment and repositioning projects [13][26] - The company has a strong liquidity position with $2.2 billion in total available liquidity and a leverage ratio of 2.8 times [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can we expect more asset trading in the market based on current performance? - Management indicated they will be opportunistic with capital allocation regarding dispositions and acquisitions, highlighting successful asset sales this year [33][34] Question: How are you selecting hotels and markets for investment? - The company screens assets to determine where to invest capital, focusing on transformational renovations that reposition properties for better performance [42][44] Question: What is the outlook for group booking pace in 2026? - Group revenue pace for 2026 is up 13% compared to last year, with strong bookings already in place [48] Question: How is the company managing wage and benefits increases? - Wage rate growth is expected to be around 6% for 2025, with a potential decrease in growth for 2026 [82] Question: What are the expectations for growth potential in 2026 without major storms? - Management expressed optimism about performance in 2026, particularly for properties like The Don CeSar and the Ritz Naples, which are expected to benefit from strong consumer demand [90]