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Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: Not the treat it once was

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Here's a quote from the CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE: KKD), Jim Morgan, on the company's latest quarterly results: "We are not satisfied with our financial results for the second quarter." That quote can be found in the earnings press release issued by the pastry maker earlier in the week. He's right. Things could be better.

Net sales for Q2 declined over 9%. The net loss for the quarter was $0.03 per diluted share. Granted, this was a vast improvement on a year-over-year basis. In last year's Q2, the red ink was pegged at $0.42 per diluted share (which included impairment charges and lease terminations to the tune of $0.35 per share). As I pointed out in my earnings preview, the expectation was for a loss of a penny.

Now, here's something interesting. When it comes to cash flow, Krispy Kreme actually did all right. On a six-month basis, management reported approximately $9.5 million in cash from operations. In the comparable period twelve months ago, the company generated $1.9 million from operations. But, you know, somehow I don't think the operational cash flow is going to do much for me this time around. When I gaze at the overall picture, see where this company has been and where it is now, look at the comps, etc., I can't say I'm moved to take it seriously as a potential investment idea. Obviously traders are having a ball with it. I can't, however, say that I even want to use it as a trading vehicle.

The stock plunged this week, and I can honestly say that it isn't any sort of bargain. And just think of all the better alternatives out there. Want to invest in a chain of stores that sells food? Why limit yourself to doughnuts? You could look at McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) or Burger King (NYSE: BKE). I know those two aren't really direct competitors of Krispy Kreme, but truth be told, they came up in my mind as I was writing this in terms of companies I would look at first before Krispy Kreme. I'd even consider Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) before the down-on-its-luck doughnut shop.

Bottom line: I say don't be tempted to trade this one. Low-priced stocks of big names do hold the allure of fast money. Not in this case. You could lose a lot here. I'll echo my earnings preview by saying that staying away from Krispy Kreme continues to be the wise move.

Disclosure: I don't own any company mentioned; positions can change at any time.

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Last updated: July 05, 2009: 12:58 PM

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