Updating Our Current Recommendations on Tim Hortons Inc., TransAlta Corp. and The Westaim Corp.

Article Excerpt

TIM HORTONS INC. $33 (Toronto symbol THI; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 181.6 million; Market cap: $6.0 billion; SI Rating: Average) dominates the coffee and donut market in Canada, but has had less success in the United States. The company now aims to improve the profitability of its U.S. division, which accounts for 8% of its sales. It will scale back its U.S. expansion plans, and close money losing locations in New England. Meanwhile, Tim Hortons earned $78.8 million in the three months ended September 28, 2008, up 16.9% from $67.4 million a year earlier. Earnings per share rose 20.2%, to $0.43 from $0.36, on fewer shares outstanding. Sales rose 3.8%, to $509.0 million from $490.5 million. Same-store sales grew 3.8% in Canada, but fell 0.6% in the U.S. Tim Hortons is a hold. TRANSALTA CORP. $22 (Toronto symbol TA; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 197.6 million; Market cap: $4.3 billion; SI Rating: Average) earned $62 million before unusual…