JEN AND LARRY’S FROZEN YOGURT COMPANY
In 2009, 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 micro batch strategy to the production and sale of frozen yogurt. Jen and Larry began producing small quantities of unique flavours and blends in limited editions. Turnover was $600,000 in 2009 and is estimated at $1.2 million in 2010.
Since Jen and Larry were selling premium frozen yogurt containing premium ingredients, each small cup of yogurt sold for $3. The cost of producing the frozen yogurt averaged $1.50 per cup. Administrative expenses, including Jen and Larry’s salary and expenses for an accountant and two other administrative staff, were estimated at $180,000 in 2010. Marketing expenses, largely in the form of in-store posters, and advertising in local newspapers, were projected to be $200,000 in 2010.
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 2009 along with $50,000 being invested in opening inventories. An additional equipment investment of $100,000 was estimated to be needed at the beginning of 2010 to make the amount of yogurt forecasted to be sold in 2010. Depreciation expenses were expected to be $50,000 in 2010 and interest expenses were estimated at $15,000. The tax rate was expected to be 25 percent of taxable income. You should assume that interest is tax deductible and that a local tax incentive means that capital allowances (tax depreciation) are available on 100% of the equipment investment in the year of purchase.

A. How much net profit, before any financing costs, is the venture expected to earn in 2010? What would be the net profit if sales reach $1.5 million instead? What would be the net profit if next year’s sales are only $800,000? What are the potential limitations of your calculations and how might these be addressed?

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. Identify potential government credit resources for the venture.

D. Prepare a summary of the benefits and risks of Jen and Larry’s continued use of credit card financing.

E. Prepare a summary of how the venture might benefit from receivables financing if commercial customers are extended credit for thirty days on their purchases.

F. Discuss the impact of potential loan restrictions should the venture seek commercial loan financing.

G. Comment on how the venture might be evaluated in terms of the five C’s of credit analysis.

JEN AND LARRY’S FROZEN YOGURT COMPANY In 2009, Jennifer (Jen) Liu...