Real World Case Different numbers for different industries
The following ratios are for four companies in different industries. Some of these ratios have been discussed in the textbook; others have not, but their names explain how the ratio was computed. The four sets of ratios, presented randomly, are
|
Ratio |
Company 1 |
Company 2 |
Company 3 |
Company 4 |
|
Current assets ÷ total assets |
12% |
18% |
20% |
72% |
|
Operating cycle |
42 days |
35 days |
19 days |
409 days |
|
Return on assets |
12% |
19% |
5% |
5% |
|
Gross margin |
35% |
55% |
46% |
24% |
|
Sales ÷ property, plant and equipment |
1.89 times |
38.97 times |
1.97 times |
6.08 times |
|
Sales ÷ number of full time employees |
$540,883 |
$29,942 |
$55,687 |
$413,252 |
The four companies to which these ratios relate, listed in alphabetical order, are
1. Anheuser Bush Companies, Inc., is a company that produces beer and related products. Its fiscal year end was December 31, 2007.
2. Wendy’s International, Inc., operates 1,414 of the 6,645 Wendy’s restaurants in the United States and 19 other countries. Its fiscal year end was December 30, 2007.
3. Deere & Company is a company that manufactures heavy construction equipment. Its fiscal year end was December 31, 2007.
4. Weight Watchers International, Inc., is a company that provides weight loss services and products. Its fiscal year end was December 31, 2007.
Required
Determine which company should be matched with each set of ratios. Write a memorandum explaining the rationale for your decisions.