Analyzing and Interpreting Return on Assets – Tiffany & Co. is one of the world’s premier jewelers and a designer of other fine gifts and housewares. Presented here are selected income statement and balance sheet amounts (dollars in thousands).

Current Year

Prior Year

Net sales

$2,859,997

$2,938,771

Net income

220,022

323,478

Average shareholders’ equity

1,652,243

1,721,131

Average total assets

3,051,594

2,883,833

Required:

1. Compute ROA for the current and prior years and explain the meaning of the change.

2. Explain the major cause(s) of the change in ROA using ROA profit driver analysis.