Maple Leaf Foods (MFI.TO) Buy, Sell or Hold

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Maple Leaf Foods (MFI.TO)

27.96

-0.31 (1.10%)

as of Jul 24, 2026, 8:00:00 pm Market Open.

124 watching

Investor Insights

Jul 26, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 7 opinions in the last 12 months.

Maple Leaf Foods (MFI-T) is perceived as a defensive stock that has been undergoing a turnaround, providing potential for margin improvement and delivering a relatively stable dividend yield of around 2.5% to 3%. However, experts express differing views on its resilience, as it operates in the consumer staples sector but is not entirely recession-proof due to its higher-end branding. Following a notable decline in share price of approximately 25% recently, some analysts suggest that the stock is becoming more attractive now, especially after a spin-off that helps mitigate commodity risk. Despite a history of volatility and challenges with rising input costs affecting margins, recent performance shows a recovery, indicating that the company could be gearing up for improved cash flow and returns in the near future. Given the mixed reviews but general optimism about its long-term prospects, many feel that, while MFI is currently undervalued, it could experience growth as market conditions stabilize.

Consensus

Hold

Valuation

Undervalued

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BUY ON WEAKNESS

Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. The stock has shown some weakness recently, but there has been no negative news. The stock is still up year to date and ahead of the tsx average. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

BUY

A solid long term hold. You might need to have patience, as they are investing their cashflow into plant based alternative foods that have good long term potential. However, short-term it does not lead to the profitability investors are looking for. Long term dynamics look good once they realize their investment benefits. A defensive stock since people need to eat regardless of the pandemic.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

He has a $24.78 model price -- about 20% downward price risk. He is recommending going into the US. He would need to see a sizable pullback in price to consider buying.

COMMENT

vs. Loblaw Has exposure to commodity prices so it is a little cyclical. Loblaw is slow growth but stable. MFI is probably getting hit by the coronavirus, but investing in plant-based protein which is promising. He wants to see how this plays out before investing.

PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Feb 05/19, Down 12%) It dropped this past fall over one issue. They have been aggressively expanding into plant based protein. He still holds it and thinks it is very miss-priced. He added to his position last fall. He thinks it will take time for investors to re-price this stock.

BUY

3-year hold? Pays a good yield. They're trying to grow through technology and shifting from animal protein to plant--but all this costs a lot of money. They doubled their EBITDA margins from 2006-on, but are trying to reduce those margins. With their strong brand, they could develop some fine plant-based products. A good opportunity here.

WATCH

They bought a fake meat investment. They were also hurt on the Chinese tariffs on pork and beef. Investors hopes in fake meat seem to be disappearing. Like cannabis, this is the first inning of new market forming. We just don't know who will be the winners. China has made positive moves on taking more Canadian pork.

COMMENT

IPL vs MFI? Maple Leaf foods dividend is 2.2%, well below that of IPL. He has not assessed the MFI earnings miss announced today. He would want to see how things settle out -- three days to let it rebalance. IPL had a big jump about an month ago about a potential takeout bid. IPL has a solid dividend and they are diversifying into other activities and into new pipeline projects, which should allow dividend increases. He would favour IPL.

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DON'T BUY

The last number of months these food companies have been talking about plant-based proteins. Their traditional business has been under pressure for the last couple of years. It is hard to see where growth comes from. They still have an unresolved issue related to bread pricing. Short sellers are coming out against the company.

WATCH

If it breaks above $35, he would add exposure, and it should continue upward. Their recent plant-based protein announcement pushed up the stock.

TOP PICK

Very defensive with a strong brand. They're investing heavily in their chicken and pork business, but also in their plant-based business. MFI's plant-based business is as big as Beyond Meat's, actually, and their valuation is a quarter of BM's. Compelling growth here. It's a food company, and so defensive. (Analysts’ price target is $40.43)

HOLD

The food industries has had a tough time moving the top line. MFI-T has focused on developing vegan alternatives and this could work out for them in the long run. Otherwise, this is a stable and consistent company.

HOLD

MFI-T stock price has followed its fair market value -- currently $33 -- likely a ceiling for now. He needs to see earnings improving to get bullish.

TOP PICK

A well-run blue chip. The price fells after a poor Q3. But it's moving into organics and just announced a new poultry operation with a new facility in London, ON. Trades at only 8x EBITDA. Great value. Solid balance sheet. (Analysts’ price target is $38.22)

WATCH

Still likes. Very well run business. Pulled out based on valuation. Rebranding, organics, acquisitions, alternative meat categories, which at 10x EBITDA is fairly valued. Would look to step back in if there’s a sell off.

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Maple Leaf Foods (MFI.TO)