Rising costs make Tim’s a hold

Article Excerpt

TIM HORTONS INC. $32 (Toronto symbol THI; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 184.7 million; Market cap: $5.9 billion; SI Rating: Average) continues to implement its management restructuring program. Some members of the company’s senior management will take on additional responsibilities. Others will leave the company. Tim Hortons will take a $3.8 million charge in the next quarter for the restructuring, but it should result in cost savings of $1.5 million a year. Tim Hortons faces a number of challenges, including weaker consumer spending and higher operating costs. High gas prices may well cut road traffic, a major source of customers for the company. The company also faces higher labour costs, particularly in Ontario, where it has about half of its 2,800 Canadian stores. The minimum wage in Ontario has risen to $8.75 an hour from $8. The minimum wage will rise further to $10.25 by March, 2010. Labour costs are also rising in Alberta. Tim Hortons is now a hold…