The branded operating benchmarking data on p$.7$ of each issue of the Footwear Industry Report showing the industry$-$low, industry$-$average, and industry$-$high values for operating profit per branded pair sold in each geographic region

always merit close attention because when these benchmarks reveal that a company's operating profits are negative or unattractively small in one or more geographic regions, managers are well$-$advised to pursue immediate corrective actions in the upcoming decision round.

have little$-$decision$-$making value because the benchmarking data do not identify which companies have the lowest$/$highest operating profit margins per branded pair sold.

are most valuable to the managers of companies whose ROE was well below the reported ROE industry$-$average benchmark in one or more regions.

are of considerable value to the managers of companies looking for strong evidence that their company needs to cut branded footwear prices in the internet and wholesale segments and$/$or spend more money on marketing efforts so as to increase branded sales and market share in one or more geographic regions.

have the greatest value to the managers of companies whose market share outcomes were below the reported industryaverage benchmark for market share in one or more geographic regions.