J.A. Appliance Company has supplied you with the following data regarding working capital and sales for the years 2009, 2008, and 2007.

 

2009

2008

2007

Working capital

$270,000

$260,000

$240,000

Sales

$650,000

$600,000

$500,000

Industry average for the ratio sales to working capital

4.10 times

4.05 times

4.00 times

Required

a. Compute the sales to working capital ratio for each year.

b. Comment on the sales to working capital ratio for J.A. Appliance in relation to the industry average and what this may indicate.