Plant-based sales weakened in 2021

Article Excerpt

MAPLE LEAF FOODS INC. $31 is still a hold. The company (Toronto symbol MFI; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 123.9 million; Market cap: $3.8 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.8; Dividend yield: 2.6%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.mapleleaffoods.com) has expanded beyond processed meat products in the past few years. Under that plan, it has acquired firms that make plant-based protein products under the Lightlife and Field Roast brands. However, sale of plant-based products fell 12.7% to $184.1 million in 2021. In response, the company has launched a review of its plant-based food business. While that could lead to a sale or spinoff, Maple Leaf will probably re-formulate these products to improve their appeal. Despite that setback, the company will raise your quarterly dividend by 11.1%. The new annual rate of $0.80 a share yields 2.6%. Maple Leaf Foods is a hold. hold…