What was the value of Ben Jerrys' retained earnings at the end of 2022?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| BEN & JERRY'S FRANCHISING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY | ||
|---|---|---|
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||
| (In Thousands) | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| Shareholder's equity | ||
| Common stock ($1 par value, authorized 1,000 shares; | ||
| issued and outstanding, 100 shares) | - | - |
| Additional paid-in capital | 14,311 | 14,311 |
| Retained earnings | 3,409 | 2,248 |
| Total equity | 17,720 | 16,559 |
Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD pages 89–133)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company's retained earnings at the end of 2022 were $2,248,000. This figure represents the accumulated net profits that Ben Jerrys has kept within the business rather than distributing as dividends to its parent company. Retained earnings are a key component of the company's equity and reflect its financial health and ability to reinvest in future growth.
For a prospective Ben Jerrys franchisee, understanding the retained earnings is important as it provides insight into the financial stability and profitability of the franchisor. A healthy level of retained earnings suggests that Ben Jerrys is well-managed and has a track record of generating profits. This can be reassuring for franchisees who are considering investing in the brand.
However, it's also important to consider retained earnings in conjunction with other financial metrics, such as assets, liabilities, and cash flow. A comprehensive analysis of Ben Jerrys's financial statements will provide a more complete picture of its financial condition and prospects. Franchisees should consult with a financial advisor to fully understand the implications of these figures for their investment decision.