Tim Hortons Inc. announces 2013 first quarter results:

Global foodservices and beverage leader Marc Caira appointed new President and CEO

New products performing well; first quarter sales constrained by weather and challenging industry conditions

(Unaudited.  All amounts in Canadian dollars and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.)

(All numbers in millions, except EPS and effective tax rate.  All numbers rounded.)

(1)     Adjusted operating income is a non-GAAP measure, and excludes a $9.5 million charge for corporate reorganization expenses in Q1 2013.  Please refer to "Information on non-GAAP Measure" and the reconciliation information in footnote (5) of this release for details of reconciling items.
(2)     The impact of corporate reorganization expenses on EPS was $0.05 in Q1 2013.

(3)     Includes average same-store sales at Franchised and Company-operated locations open for 13 months or more.  Substantially all of our restaurants are franchised.

Highlights

• Global foodservices and beverage executive Marc Caira appointed President and CEO, will commence his duties with the Company on July 2^nd, 2013
• Continued challenges due to economy and weather, but Panini sandwich and single-serve coffee platforms contributed positively to first quarter sales
• Operating income of $127.9 million in the quarter. Operating income and EPS impacted by $9.5 million ($0.05 per share) in corporate reorganization expenses; adjusted operating income⁽¹⁾, which excludes this impact, grew 4.4%
• New 5-year agreement signed to develop up to 100 restaurants in Saudi Arabia
• Announced extension of single-serve coffee offering to include K-Cup^® brewer-compatible capsules

OAKVILLE, ON, May 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Tim Hortons Inc. (TSX: THI, NYSE: THI) today announced results for the first quarter ended March 31^st, 2013.

"While it was a soft quarter as expected, we are taking important steps to continue to expand and enhance our system, improve the guest experience and build value for our shareholders.  I'm delighted that today we have announced Marc Caira will be joining us as our new President and CEO.  Marc, a longtime senior Nestlé executive, has a keen understanding of the global foodservices industry, and specifically the hot beverage and food sectors, that is second to none.  We look forward to his leadership as we continue to hone our strategies to support future growth and fulfill our ongoing commitment to generating strong shareholder returns," said Paul House, executive chairman, president and CEO.

Consolidated Results

All percentage increases and decreases represent year-over-year changes for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012, unless otherwise noted.

Systemwide sales⁽⁴⁾ increased 3.2% on a constant currency basis.  This growth was driven by new restaurant development in Canada and the U.S., with net growth of 246 restaurants systemwide in the past year.

Our total revenues increased 1.4% to $731.5 million, compared to $721.3 million last year. The revenue growth rate was below that of systemwide sales due to a 2.0% decline in distribution sales, the largest component of revenues.

Distribution sales were impacted by lower commodity prices, which were also reflected in lower cost of sales.  We typically pass commodity price increases and decreases on to our owners, but there can be variability in timing of when we pass through these costs quarter-to-quarter.  The decrease was partially offset by the growth in systemwide sales.

Rents and royalties increased 4.0% in the first quarter, driven primarily by growth in the number of systemwide restaurants.  Franchise fees grew 13.5%, due to a higher number of renovations during the quarter, partially offset by fewer restaurant sales, as we opened more restaurants under operating agreements.  Variable interest entities ("VIEs") sales were up 11.2%, driven by an increase in the number of non-owned restaurants, primarily in the U.S., that were consolidated for accounting purposes.

Total costs and expenses were up 2.4%, with increases in operating expenses and corporate reorganization expenses offsetting decreases in cost of sales and general and administrative expenses. Absent the corporate reorganization expenses, total costs and expenses would have increased by 0.8%.

Cost of sales declined by 0.8% due to the reduced commodity prices, partially offset by increased VIE cost of sales.  Operating expenses increased by 14.9%, due largely to increased depreciation and rent expenses associated with the new properties added to the system.  Higher property maintenance expenses and the depreciation impact of the digital menu board program also contributed to the increase.

Franchise fee costs grew by 11.2%, due to increased renovation activity, partially offset by fewer restaurant sales. General and administrative expenses were down 6.7% due to lower salaries and benefits, driven by lower stock-based compensation expense and vacancies expected to be filled in coming months, partially offset by the favourable timing of certain benefit costs in the first quarter of 2012.

At the end of the first quarter of 2013, we completed the implementation of the new organizational structure we began in the second half of 2012.  We incurred $9.5 million of corporate reorganization expenses in the quarter, consisting primarily of termination costs, professional fees and other costs.

First quarter operating income of $127.9 million was down by 2.8% compared to $131.6 million a year earlier.  The decrease was largely attributable to the corporate reorganization expenses.  Adjusted operating income⁽⁵⁾, which excludes the impact of the corporate reorganization expenses, increased 4.4% to $137.4 million. (Please refer to "Information on non-GAAP Measure" below for a reconciliation of adjusted operating income to operating income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure).

Net income attributable to Tim Hortons Inc. in the first quarter was $86.2 million, a decrease of 2.9% compared to $88.8 million last year.  The decrease resulted from reduced operating income, which was significantly impacted by the corporate reorganization expenses.

EPS of $0.56 was flat compared to the first quarter of last year.  The decrease in net income attributable to THI was largely offset by the positive, cumulative impact of our share repurchase program.  On average we had 2.5% fewer fully-diluted common shares outstanding in the first quarter compared to the same period last year.  The corporate reorganization expenses incurred in the first quarter of 2013 reduced EPS by approximately $0.05.

Segmented Performance Commentary

Changes to Reportable Segments

Effective in the first quarter of 2013, we revised our reportable segments to align with the roles and responsibilities within our new corporate structure.  Our three reportable segments are the Canada business unit, the U.S. business unit, and Corporate services. The two business units comprise restaurant-related operations, including rents and royalties, sales of product through our supply chain and an allocation of supply chain income based on the unit's respective systemwide sales, franchise fees, corporate restaurants, and business-unit-related general and administrative expenses. Our business unit results exclude the effect of VIEs.

Corporate services consists of services supporting the business units, including general and administrative expenses, and manufacturing and distribution activities. The results of our International operations, which are not significant, are included in Corporate services.  Previously, the results of manufacturing and distribution activities were included within their respective geographic segment. Additionally, we have revised the allocation of shared restaurant services between the Canadian and U.S. business units.

We have reclassified the segment data for the first quarter of 2012 to conform to the current period's presentation.  Further details are included in the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2013 ("Form 10-Q"), filed today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian Securities Administrators.

Overall Commentary

The operating environment remained challenging in the first quarter. In Canada, we believe consumer confidence and discretionary spending have been negatively impacted by rising unemployment, high consumer debt and the cooling housing market.  U.S. consumers are also facing elevated unemployment relative to pre-recessionary levels, as well as concerns arising from changes to fiscal policy.  In response to the low-growth environment, competitive activity in the consumer sector remains intense, impacting the performance of many participants in the sector.

Our same-store sales results were negatively affected by the inclusion of both New Year's Day and the Easter weekend in the first quarter of 2013, as these holidays fell within different reporting periods in 2012.  In both Canada and the U.S., we also had very strong prior year comparables in 2012, which benefited in part from unseasonably warm winter weather in our largest markets during the first quarter of last year. In comparison, we experienced more traditional winter weather throughout the first quarter of 2013.

We have a number of initiatives planned for the balance of fiscal 2013 which we believe will help drive same-store sales growth in both Canada and the U.S., including marketing, promotional and operational programs and ongoing menu innovation. We will also continue to focus on our long-term initiatives to increase capacity, such as our drive-thru enhancements currently planned at more than 1,000 locations in Canada including new menu boards and, in some cases, order station relocations and double order stations.

Canada

Same-store sales in our Canadian segment declined by 0.3% in the first quarter.  A higher average cheque, driven by both pricing and product mix, was offset by a decrease in transactions.  Panini sandwiches and single-serve coffee, both introduced late last year, positively contributed to same-store sales in the quarter, helping to offset a decrease in hot beverage sales.  New products introduced in the first quarter, including flatbread Breakfast Panini sandwiches and vanilla bean lattes, were well received, but did not have a significant impact on same-store sales results due to the timing of their launch towards the end of the quarter.

Operating income in the Canadian segment was $145.8 million, a decrease of 1.0% compared to $147.2 million in the first quarter last year.  Systemwide sales growth of 2.5% in Canada led to increased rents and royalties revenues, but this was more than offset by increased operating expenses driven by an overall increase in the number of properties owned or leased, and higher support costs related to property maintenance. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in supply chain income, driven by the growth in systemwide sales. Systemwide transactions experienced a slight decline, due largely, we believe, to general operating conditions.

We opened 24 restaurants in Canada during the quarter.

United States

U.S. same-store sales declined by 0.5%.  A higher average cheque, due primarily to pricing, was offset by a decline in same-store transactions. Systemwide transactions continued to increase, reflecting the ongoing development of new restaurants, which also drove systemwide sales growth of 7.8%.

In the U.S., the weather had a negative effect on sales of both our cold specialty drinks and our Cold Stone Creamery products.

Operating income in the U.S. segment was $0.9 million, a decrease of $0.7 million from the first quarter of 2012.  Rents and royalties revenues increased, driven by systemwide sales growth, but were more than offset by an increase in relief primarily related to restaurants opened in fiscal 2012 and higher operating expenses resulting from the expansion of the system and increased renovation activity. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in supply chain income, driven by the growth in systemwide sales.

We opened 8 restaurants in the U.S. during the quarter.

Corporate services

The Corporate services segment incurred an operating loss of $10.7 million, compared to a loss of $18.8 million in the first quarter of 2012.  The improvement was driven by income from distribution services, resulting from operational improvements, the timing of certain expenses, and variability related to commodity cost volatility which is expected to reverse in the latter part of fiscal 2013.  Also contributing to the reduced operating loss were lower general and administrative expenses, as described above.  Other income, related primarily to a corporate property sale in the first quarter of 2013, was also recognized in Corporate services.

We opened 3 restaurants in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during the quarter.

Significant Developments & Initiatives

Marc Caira appointed President and CEO, related board changes announced

Marc Caira has been appointed President and CEO effective July 2nd, 2013.  Mr. Caira, a Canadian, 59, was most recently Global CEO of Nestlé Professional and a member of the Executive Board of Nestlé SA, the world's largest food and beverage company, and recognized leader in nutrition, health and wellness. Nestlé Professional is one of the world's largest organizations in the hot and cold beverage and food industry, operating in approximately 100 countries.

He will replace Paul House, who will become non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at the effective time of Mr. Caira's appointment.  Mr. House has led the Company since May of 2011 serving as Executive Chairman, President and CEO.  Mr. Caira will be nominated for election as a director at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 9^th, 2013, in accordance with applicable requirements, instead of Mr. Ronald Osborne, who sadly passed away on April 9^th.  The Board of Directors has commenced a search process for two replacement directors, and has retained a highly-regarded search firm to conduct the process.

"We are delighted to announce Marc's appointment as President and CEO.  His knowledge and experience in the global foodservices and beverage industry, and his strong leadership, make him the ideal person to lead the Company into the future.  We are also indebted to Paul House for his significant ongoing commitment and contributions to the organization, and are pleased that he will take on the exclusive role of Chairman," said Frank Iacobucci, lead director.

Saudi Arabia area development agreement signed

The Company has signed an area development agreement (ADA) with Apparel FZCO ("Apparel") to develop up to 100 Tim Hortons multi-format restaurants in Saudi Arabia over the next 5 years.  This ADA complements the existing agreement with Dubai-based Apparel to open up to 120 restaurants over 5 years in the GCC including United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.  A total of 27 restaurants have been opened in these markets, with a total of 20 locations planned in 2013.  Development in Saudi Arabia will be managed by Apparel and will focus on major urban markets, with opportunity for development beyond the initial 100 targeted locations. We continue to assess additional international markets for development in various regions of the world as part of our international strategy.

Tim Hortons to launch new K-Cup^® compatible single-serve coffee platform

Following the successful 2012 launch of the Company's single-serve coffee offering on the TASSIMO^® system, we have reached an agreement to introduce premium Tim Hortons coffee on the Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee RealCup™ platform.  The RealCup™ system uses a unique filter design that is compatible with K-Cup^® brewers, but is not affiliated with K-Cup^® or Keurig^®.  Under the terms of the agreement, Tim Hortons premium-blend coffee and decaf coffee will be sold in Tim Hortons restaurants in Canada and the U.S., and online in a single-serve format. This market introduction, anticipated in July of this year, will provide access to approximately half of the Canadian market not currently reached by our existing single-serve coffee offering.

Board declares dividend payment of $0.26 per common share 

The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per common share, payable on June 7^th, 2013 to shareholders of record as of May 23^rd, 2013.  Dividends are declared and paid in Canadian dollars to all shareholders with Canadian resident addresses. For U.S. resident shareholders, dividends paid will be converted to U.S. dollars based on prevailing exchange rates at the time of conversion by Tim Hortons for registered shareholders and by Clearing and Depository Services Inc. for beneficial shareholders.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

The Tim Hortons annual meeting of shareholders will be held on Thursday, May 9^th, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. (EDT). A live web cast of the meeting, including presentation material, will be available at www.timhortons-invest.com in the Events and Presentations section, where an archive of the web cast and presentation material will also be available for a period of one year.

Tim Hortons conference call today at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) Wednesday, May 8^th, 2013

Tim Hortons will host a conference call today to discuss first quarter results, scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. (EDT). The dial-in number is (416) 641-6712 or (800) 773-0497. No access code is required. A simultaneous web cast of the call, including presentation material, will be available at www.timhortons-invest.com. A replay of the call will be available until May 15^th, 2013 and can be accessed at (416) 626-4100 or (800) 558-5253. The call replay reservation number is 21655853. The call and presentation material will also be archived for a period of one year in the Events and Presentations section.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain information in this news release, particularly information regarding future economic performance, finances, and plans, expectations and objectives of management, and other information, constitutes forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  We refer to all of these as forward-looking statements. Various factors including competition in the quick service segment of the food service industry, general economic conditions and others described as "risk factors" in the Company's 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 21^st, 2013, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to be filed on May 8^th, 2013 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian Securities Administrators, could affect the Company's actual results and cause such results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release, which speak only as to management's expectations as of the date hereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions about: the absence of an adverse event or condition that damages our strong brand position and reputation; the absence of a material increase in competition or in volume or type of competitive activity within the quick service restaurant segment of the food service industry; general worldwide economic conditions; cost and availability of commodities; the ability to retain our senior management team or the inability to attract and retain new qualified personnel; continuing positive working relationships with the majority of the Company's restaurant owners; the absence of any material adverse effects arising as a result of litigation; and there being no significant change in the Company's ability to comply with current or future regulatory requirements.

We are presenting this information for the purpose of informing you of management's current expectations regarding these matters, and this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose.  We assume no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements after they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.  Please review the Company's Safe Harbor Statement at www.timhortons.com/en/about/safeharbor.html.

⁽⁴⁾ Total systemwide sales growth includes restaurant level sales at both Company and Franchised restaurants. Approximately 99.6% of our systemwide restaurants were franchised as at March 31^st, 2013. Systemwide sales growth is determined using a constant exchange rate where noted, to exclude the effects of foreign currency translation. U.S. dollar sales are converted to Canadian dollar amounts using the average exchange rate of the base year for the period covered.  For the first quarter of 2013, systemwide sales on a constant currency basis increased 3.2% compared to the first quarter of 2012. Systemwide sales are important to understanding our business performance as they impact our franchise royalties and rental income, as well as our distribution income. Changes in systemwide sales are driven by changes in average same-store sales and changes in the number of systemwide restaurants, and are ultimately driven by consumer demand.

We believe systemwide sales and same-store sales growth provide meaningful information to investors regarding the size of our system, the overall health and financial performance of the system, and the strength of our brand and restaurant owner base, which ultimately impacts our consolidated and segmented financial performance. Franchised restaurant sales are not generally included in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (except for certain non-owned restaurants consolidated in accordance with applicable accounting rules). The amount of systemwide sales impacts our rental and royalties revenues, as well as distribution revenues.

⁽⁵⁾ Information on non-GAAP Measure 

Adjusted operating income is a non-GAAP measure. See below reconciliations for adjusting items to calculate adjusted operating income. Management uses adjusted operating income to assist in the evaluation of year-over-year performance, and believes that it will be helpful to investors as a measure of underlying operational growth rates. This non-GAAP measure is not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. The Company's use of the term adjusted operating income may differ from similar measures reported by other companies. The reconciliation of operating income, a GAAP measure, to adjusted operating income, a non-GAAP measure, is set forth in the table below:

Reconciliation of Adjusted Operating Income

______________

All numbers rounded
(i)     Includes operating income for non-owned restaurants consolidated pursuant to applicable accounting rules and from the Tim Hortons Advertising and Promotion Fund (Canada) of $1.3 million and $1.5 million in the first quarters of 2013 and 2012, respectively, which decreased adjusted operating income growth by 0.2%.

Tim Hortons Inc. Overview

Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots, specialty teas and fruit smoothies, home-style soups, fresh Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including our trademark donuts. As of March 31^st, 2013, Tim Hortons had 4,288 systemwide restaurants, including 3,453 in Canada, 808 in the United States and 27 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com.

SOURCE Tim Hortons Inc.

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