Refer to the section titled Non-IFRS Financial Measures in this news release. Plant Protein Group sales growth is expected to be broadly in-line with the 30% strategic target, supported by SG&A expense investments similar to 2020.ДЄll financial measures in millions of dollars except Basic and Adjusted Earnings per Share.

Outlook for 2021: Continued pursuit of profitable growth in the Meat Protein Group, with strong sales growth coupled with Adjusted EBITDA Margin expansion towards the 2022 target of 14-16%.

Capital expenditures were $490.7 million and consisted predominantly of Construction Capital (i) of $333.8 million, the majority of which was related to ongoing construction of the London, Ontario poultry facility.

SG&A expenses totaled $144.0 million, with investments focused on advertising, promotion and marketing to build awareness, as well as support brand renovation and new product innovation.

Plant Protein Group sales grew 19.5% or 18.1% excluding foreign exchange impacts, driven by softer growth in the second half of 2020.Growth was driven by successful execution again its strategies, which more than offset significant operating costs associated with mitigating COVID-19 risks. Meat Protein Group results were in-line with expectations with sales growth of 9.0% and an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 12.4%, up 200 bps from 10.4% last year.Total Company sales grew 9.2% to $4,303.7 million, with an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 9.2%, up 110 bps from 8.1% last year.Net earnings were $25.4 million, an increase of 45.2% from $17.5 million last year.These were partially offset by reductions in discretionary spend, resulting in a net impact of approximately $13 million to total Company Adjusted EBITDA. Gross costs associated with COVID-19 were approximately $15 million.Selling, general and administrative ('SG&A') expenses were $32.5 million, in-line with expectations. Plant Protein Group sales grew 5.5% or 6.7% excluding foreign exchange impacts, below expectations due to soft demand in certain retail products and foodservice activity.Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 12.6%, up 120 basis points ('bps') from last year, representing a fifth consecutive quarter of year over year expansion. Meat Protein Group sales grew 11.3% driven by continued execution of strategies in sustainable meats and brand renovation, as well as the impact of an extra week in 2020.Total Company sales grew 11.1% to $1,129.2 million, with an Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ('EBITDA') (i) Margin of 9.7%, up from 7.4% last year.Society underwent incredible dislocation this year and our people bravely met the challenge.' We remain confident in our long-term position supported by innovation and brand investment. 'Momentum softened in Plant Protein, with solid improvement in the core line-up offset by soft fresh and foodservice performance.

We have repositioned our portfolio towards two high-growth categories now representing 20% of our annual sales generating a compounded growth rate in excess of 25% over the last three years,' continued Mr. Our fourth quarter capped off a record performance year, with strong top-line gains coupled with solid Adjusted EBITDA Margin expansion. 'Our people and our strategies were tested and they excelled, demonstrating skill, speed, agility, and clear prioritization of action in protecting our people first while supporting all our stakeholders.' 'We began this unprecedented year with raw optimism from our business momentum, only to pivot in reaction to a global crisis,' said Michael H.

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