Suppose You Are Analyzing Two Firms in the Same Industry

question 35

True/False

Suppose you are analyzing two firms in the same industry.Firm A has a profit margin of 10% versus a margin of 8% for Firm B.Firm A's total debt to total capital ratio [measured as (Short-term debt + Long-term debt)/(Debt + Preferred stock + Common equity)] is 70% versus one of 20% for Firm B.Based only on these two facts,you cannot reach a conclusion as to which firm is better managed,because the difference in debt,not better management,could be the cause of Firm A's higher profit margin.

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Definitions:

Value Outlet

A retail store that offers products at lower prices by reducing overhead costs and offering goods that provide value for money.

Focused Merchandise Stores

Retail outlets that specialize in a specific type of product or market niche, aimed at catering to specific customer needs.

Specialty Discount Retailer

Retailers that focus on selling a specific category of products at reduced prices, often offering large selections in their niche.

Category Killer

A large retail store specializing in a specific product category, so dominant that it drives out or "kills" smaller competitors.