Question

Problem 4-23
Ratio Analysis

Data for Barry Computer Co. and its industry averages follow.

Barry Computer Company:
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 (In Thousands)
Cash	$153,615		Accounts payable	$167,580
Receivables	516,705		Other current liabilities	139,650
Inventories	391,020		Notes payable	83,790
Total current assets	$1,061,340		Total current liabilities	$391,020
			Long-term debt	$349,125
Net fixed assets	335,160		Common equity	656,355
Total assets	$1,396,500		Total liabilities and equity	$1,396,500

Barry Computer Company: Income Statement for Year Ended December 31, 2014 (In Thousands)
Sales			$2,450,000
Cost of goods sold
Materials	$1,102,500
Labor	661,500
Heat, light, and power	73,500
Indirect labor	196,000
Depreciation	98,000		$2,131,500

Gross profit		$318,500
Selling expenses		171,500
General and administrative expenses		24,500
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)		$122,500
Interest expense		38,404
Earnings before taxes (EBT)		84,096
Federal and state income taxes (40%)		33,638
Net income		$50,458

aCalculation is based on a 365-day year.

Construct the Du Pont equation for both Barry and the industry. Round your answers to two decimal places.

1)	FIRM	INDUSTRY
Profit margin	?%	1.92%
Total assets turnover	?x	1.98x
Equity multiplier	?

2) Outline Barry's strengths and weaknesses as revealed by your analysis.
Select the true statement

a)The firm's days sales outstanding is more than the industry average, indicating that the firm should tighten credit or enforce a more stringent collection policy. The total assets turnover ratio is well above the industry average so sales should be increased, assets increased, or both. While the company's profit margin is higher than the industry average, its other profitability ratios are low compared to the industry - net income should be higher given the amount of equity and assets. However, the company seems to be in an above average liquidity position and financial leverage is similar to others in the industry.

b)The firm's days sales outstanding is comparable to the industry average, indicating that the firm should neither tighten credit nor enforce a more stringent collection policy. The total assets turnover ratio is well below the industry average so sales should be increased, assets increased, or both. While the company's profit margin is higher than the industry average, its other profitability ratios are low compared to the industry - net income should be higher given the amount of equity and assets. However, the company seems to be in a below average liquidity position and financial leverage is similar to others in the industry.

c)The firm's days sales outstanding ratio is more than twice as long as the industry average, indicating that the firm should tighten credit or enforce a more stringent collection policy. The total assets turnover ratio is well below the industry average so sales should be increased, assets decreased, or both. While the company's profit margin is higher than the industry average, its other profitability ratios are low compared to the industry - net income should be higher given the amount of equity and assets. However, the company seems to be in an average liquidity position and financial leverage is similar to others in the industry.

d)The firm's days sales outstanding is more than twice as long as the industry average, indicating that the firm should loosen credit or apply a less stringent collection policy. The total assets turnover ratio is well below the industry average so sales should be increased, assets increased, or both. While the company's profit margin is higher than the industry average, its other profitability ratios are low compared to the industry - net income should be higher given the amount of equity and assets. However, the company seems to be in an average liquidity position and financial leverage is similar to others in the industry.

e)The firm's days sales outstanding is less than the industry average, indicating that the firm should tighten credit or enforce a more stringent collection policy. The total assets turnover ratio is well below the industry average so sales should be increased, assets decreased, or both. While the company's profit margin is lower than the industry average, its other profitability ratios are high compared to the industry - net income should be higher given the amount of equity and assets. However, the company seems to be in an average liquidity position and financial leverage is similar to others in the industry.

3) Suppose Barry had doubled its sales as well as its inventories, accounts receivable, and common equity during 2014. How would that information affect the validity of your ratio analysis? (Hint: Think about averages and the effects of rapid growth on ratios if averages are not used. No calculations are needed.)

Select true statement

a) If 2014 represents a period of supernormal growth for the firm, ratios based on this year will be accurate and a comparison between them and industry averages will have substantial meaning. Potential investors need only look at 2014 ratios to be well informed, and a return to normal conditions in 2013 could help the firm's stock price.

b) If 2014 represents a period of normal growth for the firm, ratios based on this year will be distorted and a comparison between them and industry averages will have little meaning. Potential investors who look only at 2014 ratios will be misled, and a continuation of normal conditions in 2013 could hurt the firm's stock price.

c) If 2014 represents a period of normal growth for the firm, ratios based on this year will be accurate and a comparison between them and industry averages will have substantial meaning. Potential investors who look only at 2014 ratios will be misled, and a return to supernormal conditions in 2013 could hurt the firm's stock price.

d) If 2014 represents a period of supernormal growth for the firm, ratios based on this year will be distorted and a comparison between them and industry averages will have substantial meaning. Potential investors who look only at 2014 ratios will be well informed, and a return to normal conditions in 2013 could hurt the firm's stock price.

e) If 2014 represents a period of supernormal growth for the firm, ratios based on this year will be distorted and a comparison between them and industry averages will have little meaning. Potential investors who look only at 2014 ratios will be misled, and a return to normal conditions in 2013 could hurt the firm's stock price.