Selected summary information is presented below for two companies.

Fasani Enterprises

Thunderbird Corporation

(In millions)

2005

2004

2005

2004

Total assets

$7,446

$6,512

$8,452

$7,786

Net sales

6,812

5,746

8,910

7,388

Net income

414

366

312

816

Depreciation and amortization

366

314

268

244

Decrease (increase) in receivables

12

8

326

262

Decrease (increase) in inventories

174

116

84

32

Increases (decrease) in payables

264

124

114

62

Cash flow from operations

$1,230

$912

$224

$704

a. Calculate the ratios of cash flow from operations to net income and to total assets.

b. Evaluate the success of each company at using assets to generate cash flow from operations.

c. What are the major causes of the difference between net income and cash flow for the two companies?