Answer:
Simon Company's
Balance Sheets at December 31L
Current Yr % 1 Yr Ago % 2 Yrs Ago %
Assets
Cash $ 33,817 6 $ 40,739 8 $ 42,420 10
Accounts receivable, net 100,012 17 69,175 14 53,814 13 Merchandise inventory 128,260 22 91,410 18 59,663 14
Prepaid expenses 11,001 2 10,482 2 4,576 1
Plant assets, net 311,773 53 292,386 57 255,527 61
Total assets $ 584,863 100 $ 504,192 100 $ 416,000 100
Liabilities and Equity
Accounts payable $ 141,262 24 $ 85,208 17 $ 56,010 13
Long-term notes payable 108,855 19 118,283 23 91,936 22 Common stock,
$10 par value 163,500 28 163,500 32 163,500 39 Retained earnings 171,246 29 137,201 27 104,554 25
Total liabilities & equity$ 584,863 100 $ 504,192 100 $ 416,000 100
2. Assuming annual sales have not changed in the last three years, the change in accounts receivable as a percentage of total assets is favorable. It is always better to maintain low accounts receivable, thereby reducing credit risk exposures.
3. Assuming annual sales have not changed in the last three years, the change in merchandise inventory as a percentage of total assets is favorable. Less inventory means that working capital is not being tied down to inventory.
Explanation:
Common-size percentages are used in analyzing the balance sheet. The calculations set each line item as a percent of the total assets.
