Here’s Why I’m Still Bullish on This Restaurant Stock

Despite a challenging environment for the Tim Hortons brand, Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR) has a host of compelling reasons for investors to consider, including that it’s now trading at a discounted price.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR) has become a tale of two companies recently.

The company is often hailed as possessing a stellar management that navigated the massive deal that brought together both Burger King, Tim Hortons, and a mountain of debt, becoming a compelling growth pick for investors everywhere.

More recently, Restaurant Brands — or, specifically, Tim Hortons — has been the subject of a fair amount of criticism, ranging from disgruntled franchisees to raging customers.

Restaurant Brands recently announced a plan dubbed “Winning Together,” which is geared to improving profitability through enhancing everything from customer service and communications initiatives to renovating existing restaurants.

The initiative came about as a result of Tim Hortons’s lower-than-expected contribution to the company’s quarterly results.

Quarterly results

Restaurant Brands reported results for the first fiscal quarter of 2018 last month, and while the company still registered growth across all of its segments, the numbers from Tim Hortons were disappointing.

System-wide sales growth for Burger King and Popeyes registered growth of 11.3% and 10.9%, respectively, shattering their performance in the prior year, which was 6.2% and 6.1%. By way of comparison, Tim Hortons managed only 2.1% growth in the quarter, falling behind the 3.3% growth registered in the same quarter last year.

In terms of restaurant growth, Tim Hortons reported 2.8% net growth, again falling behind both Burger King and Popeyes, which registered a 6.9% and 6.7% net growth, respectively.

Total revenue for the quarter across all segments came in at US$1,253.8 million, with net income attributed to common shareholders reaching US$147.8 million, or US$0.59 per diluted share.

Is Restaurant Brands a good investment?

Despite the troubles that have plagued Tim Hortons in recent months, the company is still a great investment for both growth and income investors, which I can attribute to the following reasons:

First, the company is making money and continues to provide viable growth prospects. A prime example of this is the Tim Hortons brand, which, while saturated here at home, is a new and in-demand brand in foreign markets that the company is beginning to capitalize on.

Another worthy point to note is Restaurant Brands’s dividend. The 3.16% yield is a compelling offer for income-seeking investors that is hard to refuse. Even better is the track record that Restaurant Brands has in hiking the dividend, which is, in a word, impressive. Over the course of the past two years, the payout has more than tripled.

The final point to consider has to do with the current sentiment around the company. While long-term prospects remain as strong as ever, the ongoing franchisee issues have led to a change in perception of the company, and, by extension, a drop in stock price. In other words, the current stock price of just over $72 represents an opportunity for potential investors to buy in at a discounted price.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Demetris Afxentiou has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC.

More on Investing

think thought consider
Tech Stocks

Is CGI Stock a Buy Even With No Dividend Yield?

CGI stock may not have a dividend to speak of. But does that necessarily mean you should ignore this top…

Read more »

A robotic hand interacting with a visual AI touchscreen display.
Tech Stocks

Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Canadian AI Stocks

Are you looking for one of the most solid Canadian AI stocks out there? This one is probably your best…

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Tech Stocks

Why AI Stocks Should Be in Every Canadian Investor’s Portfolio

AI stocks continue to be one of the best options out there for long-term investing, especially when considering Canadian options.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Bank Stocks

Canadian Bank Stocks: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

There are opportunities and risks on the horizon for the Canadian banks.

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Stock Market

Is Air Canada Stock a Good Buy After Its Q3 Results

Down almost 60% from all-time highs, Air Canada is an undervalued TSX stock that remains an enticing investment in November…

Read more »

cloud computing
Investing

Where to Invest $10,000 in November

Given their solid underlying businesses and healthy growth prospects, I expect these two defensive stocks to outperform uncertain outlook.

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Retirement

Here’s the Average RRSP Balance at Age 44 for Canadians

Holding stocks like Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) in an RRSP is a good way to build your wealth.

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Want a 7% Yield? The 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

These TSX stocks are offering high yields of over 7%, making them attractive for investors seeking steady passive income.

Read more »