Tim Hortons Profitability

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Is the quick service restaurant industry a profitable industry to be in?

When assessing profitability within the US, companies make calculations according to General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). However, when evaluating profitability that spans across international boundaries, non-GAAP calculations are made. Companies usually measure profitability by two factors, Operating income and net income (profit). Though there may be slight differences in the calculations between US and international principles, they both are integral when analyzing an industry’s profitability. According to Scharr and Rowe (p2, para 6), the overall restaurant industry’s after-tax net profit margin ranges from 3% to 6%. The quick service (or fast food) …show more content…

A key consideration is whether the privately-owned establishment uses storefront, food truck or kiosk positioning. These private establishments pose a threat and can often compete with any fast food chain, on a local level with as little as a unique concept. There has been an emergence of “fusion” foods taking over the Southland (So Cal) during the past decade, or so that can be a threat as well. The costs of switching from Tim Hortons to some “mom and pop” fast food establishment is meager. Consumers want quality and convenience at a low price. Typically, where private-owned establishments lack in economies of scale and brand recognition, they make up by carrying low overhead/low costs and product differentiation that attracts consumers, which can agitate the financial performance of Tim Hortons in those circumstances. Also, entering the market through a franchise, I many cases is affordable. Tim Hortons is Franchising fee is $500k (Scharr and Rowe p. 5). Franchises offer business support and training, which allows almost anyone to enter and manage a fast food restaurant’s operations (IBIS World, …show more content…

Also, from 2013 to 2014, there has been significant growth in Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Asset metrics (ROA), 22% and 14%, respectively (appendix Analysis, Income Statement tab). The same holds true for its operational profits. It is apparent that Tim Hortons understands its internal processes regarding food waste minimization, human capital management and the exercising of economies of scale within their supplier relationships. Unfortunately, in the fast food restaurant industry, companies must also sell high volumes of product to sustain their competitive advantage. Tim Hortons must focus on bringing its percentage share of consumer traffic in alignment with its share in dollars in Canada then mirror those results within their US market strategies (data supplied by Scharr and Rowe p. 11-13). The appendix (competitive strategy tab) illustrates the competitive location and structure of Tim Hortons through strategic mapping and Porter’s Five Business-Level-Strategies matrix (Asynch 6.6 Generic Strategy

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