Note: To answer some of the detailed questions below, you will need to use the "Notes to Financial Statements" and/or the "Accounting Policies" sections of your 10-K. You may have to dig in pretty hard to find what you are looking for. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE to answer these questions. I want your interpretation of what you are reading.
1. Find the discussion of depreciation methods in the notes section (sometimes it hides out under a "property, plant, and equipment" heading) in your 10-K. What methods are used? Discuss why that method/those methods were selected by your company, and whether or not you agree with those selections.
2. The Balance Sheet just has one line for net property, plant, and equipment. Find the detail behind this number in the notes section. What assets are included in this number? Which of these assets is the largest? Does it surprise you, or does it seem consistent with what this company does? How much is accumulated depreciation at the recent year-end? How much is your accumulated depreciation as a percent of gross property, plant, and equipment? Is that percentage high or low, good or bad (there is no right answer - just discuss your thoughts on this percentage).
2. Does this company have any unearned revenue (also called deferred revenue)? If so, on what financial statement did you find it? What did the Notes or Accounting Policies sections tell you about it? Were you able to ascertain at what point the unearned (deferred) revenue turns into revenue?
3. Take a look at the financial statements. What is your opinion on how Starbucks is performing? Are they doing better this year than last year? Is there anything surprising to you in their financial statements?