As 2007 drew to a close, Panera Bread Company faced a new challenge. To date, it had relied on retained earnings and minor equity infusions to finance operations. But a decline in margins would limit future financing from internally generated funds. Complicating matters was the fact that its stock price was at a historic low and management was contemplating a large equity repurchase. This case can be used to discuss multiperiod financial forecasts and the relative desirability of various financing sources. A teaching note and instructor and student spreadsheets are available.
