Here are comparative statement data for Silver Company and Gold Company, two competitors. All balance sheet data are as of December 31, 2012, and December 31, 2011.

Silver Company

Gold Company

2012

2011

2012

2011

Net sales

$1,849,000

$546,000

Cost of goods sold

1,063,200

289,000

Operating expenses

240,000

82,000

Interest expense

6,800

3,600

Income tax expense

62,000

28,000

Current assets

325,975

$312,410

83,336

$ 79,467

Plant assets (net)

526,800

500,000

139,728

125,812

Current liabilities

66,325

75,815

35,348

30,281

Long-term liabilities

113,990

90,000

29,620

25,000

Common stock, $10 par

500,000

500,000

120,000

120,000

Retained earnings

172,460

146,595

38,096

29,998

Instructions

(a) Prepare a vertical analysis of the 2012 income statement data for Silver Company and Gold Company.

(b) Comment on the relative profitability of the companies by computing the 2012 return on assets and the return on common stockholders’ equity ratios for both companies