We Still Like Canada Bread

Article Excerpt

CANADA BREAD COMPANY LTD. $67 (Toronto symbol CBY; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 25.4 million; Market cap: $1.7 billion; SI Rating: Above average) has shot up to record highs lately thanks to strong earnings growth and its expanding international prospects. The company makes a wide range of fresh and frozen baked goods. It also makes specialty pasta and sauces. Major brands include Dempster’s, Olafson’s and Olivieri. Canada Bread is focusing on expanding its operations outside of Canada, which now provide roughly 25% of its total revenue. In August 2007, it paid $40 million for La Fornaia Ltd., which sells premium, hand-crafted breads through major retailers in the UK and Europe. In the United States, Canada Bread recently paid $10 million U.S. for a plant in Washington State. As well, a plan to expand its warehouse in Virginia should cut its distribution costs. In the three months ended September 30, 2007, earnings before unusual items rose 13.7%, to $0.83 a share…