Topic: How To Invest

Pat: Can I have your opinion on MTY Food Group? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

MTY Food Group, $24.25, symbol MTY on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 19.1 million; Market cap: $459.7 million; www.mtygroup.com), franchises and operates quick-service restaurants. Its outlets operate under a number of banners, including La Crémière, Panini Pizza Pasta, Chick ‘n’ Chick, Cultures, Thai Express, Vanellis, TCBY, Yogen Früz, Sushi Shop, Koya Japan, Tutti Frutti, Taco Time, Country Style, Valentine, Jugo Juice, Mr. Sub and Mr. Souvlaki. MTY’s locations can be found in food courts and shopping malls; on streets; and in non-traditional locations, such as gas stations, convenience stores, cinemas and amusement parks. The street-front shops are mostly made up of the Country Style, La Crémière, TCBY, Sushi Shop, Taco Time, Tutti Frutti, Valentine and Mr. Sub banners. La Crémière (ice cream) and TCBY (frozen yogurt) mainly operate from April to September, while the other chains are open year-round. On February 28, 2013, MTY had 2,214 outlets, 2,195 of which were franchised. The company operates the remaining 19. MTY has just agreed to buy Extreme Brandz,…