George Weston Limited Reports Adjusted Diluted Net Earnings Per Common Share Growth of 12.2% in the First Quarter

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TORONTO, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ - George Weston Limited (TSX: WN) ("GWL" or the "Company") today announced its consolidated unaudited results for the 12 weeks ended March 22, 2025(2).

George Weston Limited Logo (CNW Group/George Weston Limited)
George Weston Limited Logo (CNW Group/George Weston Limited)

GWL's 2025 First Quarter Report has been filed on SEDAR+ and is available at www.sedarplus.ca and in the Investor Centre section of the Company's website at www.weston.ca.

"Loblaw and Choice Properties delivered strong results in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the stability of their businesses and commitment to operational excellence," said Galen G. Weston, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, George Weston Limited. "Our operating companies are offering customers and tenants exceptional value and service, driving their strategies and positioning George Weston for continued success."

Loblaw Companies Limited ("Loblaw") continued its focus on providing Canadians with quality, value, service, and convenience, across its coast-to-coast network of stores and digital platforms during the quarter. Strong customer response to everyday value offerings, personalized PC Optimum™ loyalty offers, and impactful promotions drove continued sales momentum and market share gains, underpinned by positive unit sales and larger baskets in food retail. In drug retail, pharmacy and healthcare services performed well, reflecting continued strong growth in prescription volumes and specialty drugs. Front store sales were strong across beauty categories and reflected an extended cough, cold and flu season, partially offset by the exit from certain items in the electronics category. Delivering against its capital investment plans to open approximately 80 new stores and 100 new clinics in 2025, Loblaw brought hard discount banners to five new communities and opened four new pharmacies with expanded clinics in the quarter, and opened a second T&T Supermarket in downtown Toronto.

Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust ("Choice Properties") delivered a solid first quarter of 2025. Occupancy remained high, and same-asset NOI growth and leasing spreads continued to be strong. Supported by a resilient tenant base and its industry leading balance sheet, Choice Properties continues to pursue growth opportunities, including the acquisition of $340 million of investment properties subsequent to quarter end.

2025 FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Revenue was $14,285 million, an increase of $550 million, or 4.0%.

  • Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $1,690 million, an increase of $67 million, or 4.1%.

  • Net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company were $83 million ($0.62 per common share), a decrease of $153 million ($1.11 per common share). The decrease was primarily due to the unfavourable year-over-year impact of the fair value adjustment of the Trust Unit liability as a result of the increase of Choice Properties' unit price in the quarter, partially offset by an improvement in the consolidated underlying operating performance of the Company.

  • Adjusted net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company(1) were $339 million, an increase of $27 million, or 8.7%.

  • Adjusted diluted net earnings per common share(1) were $2.58, an increase of $0.28 per common share, or 12.2%.

  • Repurchased for cancellation 0.8 million common shares at a cost of $181 million.

  • GWL Corporate free cash flow(1) was $34 million.

  • The quarterly common share dividend to be increased by $0.0738, or 9.0%, from $0.820 per common share to $0.8938 per common share.