In 2010, Jennifer (Jen) Liu and Larry Mestas founded Jen and
Larry’s Frozen Yogurt Company, which was based on the idea of
applying the microbrew or microbatch strategy to the production and
sale of frozen yogurt. Jen and Larry began producing small
quantities of unique flavors and blends in limited editions.
Revenues were $600,000 in 2010 and were estimated at $1.2 million
in 2011. Because Jen and Larry were selling premium frozen yogurt
containing premium ingredients, each small cup of yogurt sold for
$3, and the cost of producing the frozen yogurt averaged $1.50 per
cup. Administrative expenses, including Jen and Larry’s salaries
and expenses for an accountant and two other administrative staff,
were estimated at $180,000 in 2011. Marketing expenses, largely in
the form of behind-the-counter workers, in-store posters, and
advertising in local newspapers, were projected to be $200,000 in
2011. An investment in bricks and mortar was necessary to make and
sell the yogurt. Initial specialty equipment and the renovation of
an old warehouse building in lower downtown (known as LoDo) of
$450,000 occurred at the beginning of 2010 along with $50,000 being
invested in inventories. An additional equipment investment of
$100,000 was estimated to be needed at the beginning of 2011 to
make the amount of yogurt forecasted to be sold in 2011.
Depreciation expenses were expected to be $50,000 in 2011, and
interest expenses were estimated at $15,000. The tax rate was
expected to be 25 percent of taxable income. A. How much net
profit, before any financing costs, is the venture expected to earn
in 2011? What would be the net profit if sales reach $1.5 million?
What would be the net profit if sales are only $800,000? B. If
inventories are expected to turn over ten times a year (based on
cost of goods sold), what will be the venture’s average inventories
balance next year if sales are $1.2 million? How much might the
venture be able to borrow if a lender typically lends an amount
equal to 50 percent of the average inventories balance? If the
borrowing rate is 12 percent, how much dollar amount of interest
would have to be paid on the loan? C. How might the venture acquire
and finance the new equipment that is needed? D. Identify potential
government credit resources for the venture. E. Prepare a summary
of the benefits and risks of Jen and Larry’s continued use of
credit card financing. F. Prepare a summary of how the venture
might benefit from receivables financing if commercial customers
are extended credit for thirty days on their purchases. G. Discuss
the impact of potential loan restrictions should the venture seek
commercial loan financing. H. Comment on how the venture might be
evaluated in terms of the five Cs of credit analysis