Topic: Growth Stocks

This growth stock pick’s earnings rose sharply in 2010

Tim Hortons, symbol THI on Toronto symbol THI, sold its half of Maidstone Bakeries business to Aryzta AG of Switzerland last year for $475 million. That helped the company buy back $341.1 million of its stock under its current repurchase program, which ended February 17, 2011. Under its new program, the company plans to spend up to $445 million on share repurchases over the next year.

Meanwhile, the growth stock pick’s sales rose 4.0%, to $2.5 billion in 2010 from $2.4 billion in 2009. During the year, the company opened 149 new restaurants in Canada. That brings its total number of Canadian stores up to 3,148. Same-stores sales in Canada rose 4.9%. In the U.S., Tim Hortons opened 44 restaurants and 52 self-serve kiosks. It now has 602 U.S. outlets. Same-store sales in the U.S. rose 3.9%.

The company’s earnings for 2010 jumped 110.5%, to $624.0 million from $296.4 million in 2009. Earnings per share rose 118.3%, to $3.58 from $1.64, on fewer shares outstanding. This was mostly due to a $361.1-million gain on the sale of Maidstone. New restaurants and menu items also contributed to the higher earnings.

The company expects same-store sales gains of 3% to 5% in both Canada and the U.S. in 2011. It also expects to open more than 160 restaurants in Canada, and more than 35 restaurants and 35 kiosks in the U.S. this year.

You can get our latest analysis, including our clear buy/sell/hold advice, on Tim Hortons and dozens of other growth stock picks you may be considering buying in The Successful Investor. What’s more, you can get one month free when you subscribe today. Click here to learn how.

Comments

Tell Us What YOU Think

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please be respectful with your comments and help us keep this an area that everyone can enjoy. If you believe a comment is abusive or otherwise violates our Terms of Use, please click here to report it to the administrator.