Foreign Expansion Adds To Tim’s Appeal

Article Excerpt

TIM HORTONS INC. $35 (Toronto symbol THI; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 190.5 million; Market cap: $6.7 billion; SI Rating: Extra risk) is developing overseas partnerships. A leading Irish convenience store chain now has 50 self-serve kiosks that feature Tim Hortons coffee and donuts following a successful test. Licensing income from this venture is small, but it gives Tim Hortons a platform that it can use for future overseas expansion. Meanwhile, Tim Hortons plans to expand in the United States, from 300 stores to 500. Sales at its U.S. stores tend to lag behind its Canadian outlets, due to strong competition from larger coffee and fast-food chains. But the company plans to target areas where it can steadily improve its market share, such as states on the Canadian border. Tim Hortons is a buy. buy…