Updating TIM HORTONS, LEON’S FURNITURE, and NORTHBRIDGE FINANCIAL CORP.

Article Excerpt

TIM HORTONS $33.75 (Toronto symbol THI; SI Rating: Average) (905-845-6511; www.timshortons.com; Shares outstanding: 186.8 million; Market cap: $6.3 billion) reports that revenues rose 10.5% in the three months ended December 31, 2007, to $515.4 million from $466.5 million. Canadian same-store sales rose 3.4%, and U.S. same-store sales rose 4.2%. Earnings per share rose 17.1%, to $0.41 from $0.35. The improved results came despite heavy snow in key markets in December, as well as a promotional focus on its TimCard, rather than holiday merchandise. The TimCard is a reloadable electronic payment card. The company will realize the benefits of robust TimCard sales in subsequent quarters. The company has raised its quarterly dividend by 28.6%, to $0.09 a share from $0.07. The shares now yield 1.1%. Tim Hortons is a buy. LEON’S FURNITURE $11.45 (Toronto symbol LNF; SI Rating: Average) (416-243-7880; www.leons.ca; Shares outstanding: 70.7 million; Market cap: $809.5 million) reports that sales rose 3.2% in the three months ended December 31, 2007, to $185.9 million…