E-books aid Torstar prospects

Article Excerpt

Like most newspaper publishers, Torstar has suffered because of free or low-cost Internet competition in news and ads, as well as the recession. In response, it aggressively cut its costs, which helped it stay profitable, despite the weak economy. Torstar’s lower costs put it in a strong position to gain as the economy rebounds. Rising revenue from its Harlequin subsidiary and its other less-cyclical businesses also helps temper its risk. Moreover, growing demand for electronic books (or e-books) enhances Harlequin’s long-term growth potential. TORSTAR CORP. $9.49 (Toronto symbol TS.B; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 79.1 million; Market cap: $750.7 million; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.5; Dividend yield: 3.9%; SI Rating: Above Average) publishes The Toronto Star, which is Canada’s largest daily newspaper in terms of circulation. The company also publishes three other daily papers and over 100 weeklies, mainly in southern Ontario. Newspapers account for about 70% of Torstar’s revenue, and 65% of its earnings. The company’s other main business is wholly owned…