employees, the largest operating expense for most businesses.
12. The gross profit margin gives investors the best indication of how effectively a business is earning a profit from its
normal business operations.
13. A corporation’s earnings per share can only be compared to its earnings per share during prior fiscal years.
14. The current ratio assumes a business could sell its merchandise inventory quickly.
15. Alpha Company’s target range for its total operating expense ratio is between 32.0% and 34.0%. A decline in its
operating expense ratio from thus, from 35.1% to 34.2% is a favorable trend.
16. Income stocks typically have a higher dividend yield than growth stocks.
17. A company has done everything possible to control rising merchandise costs. To maintain its gross margin, its only
alternative is to increase sales.
18. Modifying a benchmark is an option for a business that fails to achieve its benchmark.
Indicate the answer choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
19. Gross margin can be increased by
selling more merchandise.
increasing unit sales prices.
reducing operating expenses.
20. The debt ratio is an example of a
21. To rate the ability of a business to pay its current and long-term liabilities, investors use