With this case, we review the profitability of several restaurant companies. The restaurant companies reviewed and the year-end dates are as follows:
1. Yum Brands, Inc.
(December 30, 2008; December 30, 2007)
‘‘Through the five concepts of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, LJS and A & W (the ‘‘Concepts’’) the company develops, operates, franchises and licenses a world system of restaurants which prepare, package and sell a menu of competitively priced food items.’’ 10-K
2. Panera Bread
(December 30, 2008; December 25, 2007)
‘‘As of December 30, 2008, Panera operated and through franchise agreements with 39 franchisee groups, 1,252 cafes.’’ 10-K
3. Starbucks
(September 28, 2008; September 30, 2007)
‘‘Starbucks Corporation was formed in 1985 and today is the world’s leading roaster and retailer of specialty coffee.’’ 10-K
Required
a. Comment on all the data reviewed for each individual company for 2008 and 2007.
b. Based on the above, which firm would you select?