This Canadian stock pick’s sales and earnings declined in 2010

Canada Bread Company Ltd., symbol CBY on Toronto, is Canada’s second-largest producer of baked goods after Weston Bakery. It also makes specialty pastas and sauces. The company’s main brands include Dempster’s, New York Bakery, Tenderflake, and Olivieri. Earnings fell 21.3% to $61.0 million, or $2.40 a share, in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. In 2009, it earned $77.5 million or $3.05 a share. If you exclude one-time items, such as restructuring expenses and costs to build a new bakery in Hamilton, Ontario, earnings per share fell 10.9% to $2.85 from $3.20. The new facility is expected to begin operating by July 1, 2011. Sales fell 6.9% to $1.6 billion from $1.7 billion. The strength of the Canadian dollar against the British pound and the U.S. dollar lowered the contribution of the company’s operations in the U.K. and the U.S. Prices of its ingredients, especially wheat, are also rising. However, the company is increasing its selling prices to offset rising costs. You can get our latest analysis, including our clear buy/sell/hold advice, on Canada Bread and dozens of other Canadian stock picks in The Successful Investor. What’s more, you can get one month free when you subscribe today. Click here to learn how.

Scott is an associate editor at TSI Network. He is the lead reporter and analyst for Dividend Advisor, Power Growth Investor and Canadian Wealth Advisor and a member of the Investment Planning Committee. Scott began his investment and financial career working with Pat McKeough at The Investment Reporter in the 1980s. Subsequently, he worked at the Financial Post Corporation Service for 10 years. He joined TSI Network in 1998. He is a Bachelor of Economics graduate of York University, and he also has an M.B.A. from the Schulich School of Business.