Krispy Kreme Case Study :: Business Analysis Strategy

Krispy Kreme Case Study Question 1. The chief element of Krispy Kreme's strategy is to deliver a better doughnut and to appeal to customers in new ways. They have taken great steps to insure customer satisfaction from the use of their proprietary flour recipe to their automated doughnut making machines. They have chosen to target mainly markets with 100,000 households. They also were exploring smaller-sized stores for secondary markets. Krispy Kremes's strong brand name, highly differentiated products, high-volume production capability and multi-channel market penetration strategy has worked well. With each new store opening there are lines waiting at the door all night to experience the Krispy Kreme quality. In Denver, more than 3000 people stood in a line extending for more than three city blocks on opening day. They have production areas in full view and a neon light that lights up when "Hot Donuts" are actually coming off the line. Krispy Kreme makes customers feel good about indulging. Even Krispy Kreme's name brings a smile to people's faces. Question 2. I think Krispy Kreme's financial performance has been good. Since its initial public offering in April 2000 it has grown from 140 stores to one with 218 locations in 33 states and Canada. Preliminary results for fiscal year 2002 showed sales topping $621 million, up 39% from the previous year. Revenues climbed 30% to $392 million. Krispy Kreme is a product company and the most profitable part of the business is doughnut sales due to the high volume of loyal customers. Many Wall Street analysts considered Krispy Kreme to be overvalued. Analysts said in April 2000 the stock was destined for the $15 to $20 share range at best, which is where most known food related stocks are located. Instead it had been hovering at a value of $40 a share for most of the year. The stock rose to a high of $54 and many analysts doubted Krispy Kreme's strategy and potential growth merited a stock price nearly 70 times projected 2002 earnings per share. I agree with the statement "the numbers just don't work." Question 3. SWOT ANALYSIS