Interpreting Income Statements: Ratio Analysis

Use the following comparative income statements to evaluate Clarkson Brewery’s performance for the year ended December 31, 1999 and 1998.

1999

1998

Net sales

$405,000

$378,000

Operating expenses:

Cost of goods sold

163,250

154,400

Selling expense

81,000

48,360

General and administrative expense

121,500

102,650

Total operating expenses

365,750

305,410

Operating income

39,250

72,590

Other income:

34,000

Gain on sale of property

73,250

72,590

Income before tax

21,975

21,777

Income tax expense

51,275

50,813

Income before extraordinary item

(25,000)

Extraordinary loss net of tax

$ 51,275

$ 25,813

Required

a. Calculate a horizontal and vertical analysis, using the data from Clarkson Brewery.

b. In which year was the company more successful?

c. What underlying business reasons might have resulted in differences in the company’s gains and losses each year?