What was the total value of Ben Jerrys' liabilities as of the end of 2023?

According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the total liabilities for Ben & Jerry's Franchising, Inc. and its subsidiary as of December 31, 2023, amounted to $9,790,000. This figure is derived from the consolidated balance sheets presented in the FDD, which provide a snapshot of the company's financial position at that specific point in time. The liabilities include both current and non-current obligations.

Breaking down the liabilities, the total current liabilities were $9,355,000, encompassing accounts payable ($541,000), accrued liabilities ($1,244,000), amounts due to a related party ($7,282,000), current tax liabilities ($165,000), the current portion of operating lease liability ($76,000), the current portion of financing lease liability ($-0-), and deferred revenue ($47,000). The non-current liabilities totaled $435,000, consisting of deferred revenue ($147,000), the non-current portion of the operating lease liability ($288,000), and the non-current portion of the financing lease liability ($-0-).

For a prospective Ben Jerrys franchisee, understanding the liabilities of the franchising entity can provide insight into the financial stability and obligations of the company. While franchisees are not directly liable for these debts, the franchisor's financial health can impact the support and services they provide. It's important to note that a significant portion of the current liabilities is due to a related party, which could indicate inter-company financial arrangements that a franchisee should be aware of. Reviewing these figures in context with Ben Jerrys's assets and equity offers a more complete picture of its financial standing.