Composition of Noncurrent Assets

The following schedule summarizes the noncurrent assets reported in the 1997 balance sheets of Wendy’s and Reebok:

Current assets (total)

$ 382

$1,465

Noncurrent assets

Property, plant, and equipment (at cost)

1,803

354

Less: Accumulated depreciation

(538)

(197)

Net

1,265

157

Other long term receivables

179

Goodwill, net

51

68

Other noncurrent assets

65

66

Total noncurrent assets

1,560

291

Total assets

$1,942

$1,756

Required

a. Identify the major differences between these two firms in their composition of noncurrent assets. Try to explain these differences based on the types of products that each company produces.

b. Based solely on the information provided here, which company appears to have the older assets? Calculate the asset management ratios. Evaluate the results.