Maple Leaf Foods Declares Special $0.60 Dividend Amid Strong Financial Performance

2025-12-09 companies

Toronto, Tuesday, 9 December 2025.
Maple Leaf Foods is set to distribute a special dividend of $0.60 per share, reflecting robust financial health and strategic capital management. Shareholders will receive this on December 19, 2025.

Maple Leaf Foods’ Strategic Dividend Announcement

On December 8, 2025, Maple Leaf Foods (TSX: MFI) announced it will pay a special cash dividend of $0.60 per common share, amounting to approximately $75 million in total. This dividend is scheduled for distribution on December 19, 2025, to shareholders of record by the close of business on December 15, 2025 [1][2].

Reflecting Financial Health and Strategic Transition

Curtis Frank, President and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods, emphasized that this special dividend marks the company’s transition from a period of deleveraging to a balanced capital allocation strategy. This strategy aims to bolster shareholder returns while maintaining flexibility for future growth investments [2][3]. Since 2022, the company has returned about $500 million to shareholders, including $400 million in dividends and $100 million in share buybacks [1][3].

Long-term Growth and Capital Allocation

Maple Leaf Foods continues to focus on sustainable and profitable growth, reflecting its strong financial performance. The company plans to share additional details about its long-term growth strategy, 2026 guidance, and capital allocation priorities in the first quarter of 2026 [1][3]. Following this special dividend, Maple Leaf’s leverage is expected to remain within its investment-grade target range [4].

Implications for Shareholders and Market Position

The special dividend will not be eligible for the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP), but regular quarterly dividends will continue to qualify. This move highlights Maple Leaf Foods’ commitment to providing long-term value to its shareholders, supported by a solid history of dividend increases over the past decade [2][4]. Shares of Maple Leaf Foods recently closed at $25.30 on the Toronto Stock Exchange, indicating a 40% increase this year [5][6].

Sources

dividend Maple Leaf Foods