Burger Chain’s Profits Tumble 14 Percent

Wendy’s International Inc. fourth-quarter profits fell 14 percent due to higher labor expenses and the costs of merging with Tim Hortons, a restaurant chain, Wendy’s said Thursday.

Net income for the three months ended Dec. 31 was $18 million, or 15 cents per share. A year earlier, the company earned $21 million, or 18 cents per share.

In December, the company merged with Tim Hortons, and recorded special charges of $8.8 billion to cover costs associated with the deal.

Net income for the year was $110 million, or 90 cents per share. In 1994, it was $97 million, or 81 cents per share.