Tim Hortons Is Expanding Internationally Again: Will This Solve its Growth Problems?

Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR) could be a great buy if Tim Hortons can turns things around.

The Tim Hortons brand is struggling to grow, and the popular coffee shop has been looking for opportunities across the globe in an effort to generate sales growth in new markets. With the brand being very saturated in Canada and it losing some of its popularity with consumers, it’s clear that if it is going be able to grow, it won’t be domestically.

Last year, the company that owns Tim Hortons, Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR), announced that the popular chain would be expanding into Spain. Over the years, we’ve seen Tim Hortons make its way into many different parts of the world, including the U.S. and the U.K.

A new venture

It was announced this week that China is the latest market that Tim Hortons will expand to through a joint venture with Cartesian Capital Group. It is expected that as many as 1,500 locations could be opened over the course of the next 10 years.

Tim Hortons president Alex Macedo was excited about the opportunity, stating in the release, “China’s population and vibrant economy represent an excellent growth opportunity for Tim Hortons in the coming years. We have already seen Canada’s Chinese community embrace Tim Hortons and we now have the opportunity to bring the best of our Canadian brand to China with established partners who have expertise in the industry and the country.”

Expansion into China is appealing to many Canadian brands, especially since many Chinese locals visit Canada, and it’s easy for companies to gauge the popularity of their brand with that part of the world.

Tim Hortons won’t be alone

Many Canadian companies have gone into the Far East in the hopes of driving up sales, as the market has tremendous opportunities just by sheer population alone.

Canada Goose Holdings Inc. (TSX:GOOS)(NYSE:GOOS) recently announced it would be expanding into China ahead of the upcoming Olympics; it hopes its cold-weather apparel will continue its terrific growth there.

Magna International Inc. (TSX:MG)(NYSE:MGA) also recently struck a deal to produce electric vehicles in China, in a market where pollution has become a big problem, and the demand for more environmentally friendly options could soar in the years to come.

Is the stock a buy?

Today, Tim Hortons is a bit of a damaged brand in this country, and until that is fixed, expansion won’t really matter. It would be hard to imagine the restaurant doing as well in other parts of the world as it has done in Canada, and that’s why the domestic market cannot be ignored.

And to his credit, in the release, the Tim Hortons president did say that in addition to growing the brand globally, it is also priority to strengthen it in Canada.

Over the long term, it’s likely that Tim Hortons will rebound, as consumers have proven to have short memories. And as long as it can avoid further bad press and make some progress with franchisees and customers, it’s bound to recover, and that could make Restaurant Brands a very attractive buy over the long term.

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 David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC. Magna is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Investing

The virtual button with the letters AI in a circle hovering above a keyboard, about to be clicked by a cursor.
Tech Stocks

Emerging Canadian AI Companies With Big Potential

These tech stocks are paving the way to an AI-filled future, but still offer enough growth ahead for a strong…

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Tech Stocks

Is Constellation Software Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

CSU stock has long been a strong option for high growth, high value stocks. But are there now too many…

Read more »

rising arrow with flames
Investing

2 Riskier Stocks With High Potential for Canadian Investors in November

Risky stocks such as Well Health Technologies have the potential to provide life-changing long-term returns.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These three high-yield dividend stocks still have some work to do, but each are in steady areas that are only…

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: 2 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Here are 2 TFSA-worthy Canadian stocks. Which one is a good buy for your TFSA today?

Read more »

Canada day banner background design of flag
Investing

Got $500? 5 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold

These top Canadian stocks have solid fundamentals with potential to outperform the benchmark index by a wide margin.

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Energy Stocks

1 No-Brainer Energy Stock to Buy With $500 Right Now

Should you buy a cyclical energy stock at its decade-high? Probably not. But read this before you make a decision.

Read more »

Asset Management
Stocks for Beginners

TFSA: 4 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Thinking about what to buy with the new TFSA contribution space in 2025? These four Canadian stocks are worth holding…

Read more »