Answer to Question 1
Strengths:
Current and quick ratios are above industry average and increasing
Accounts payable are paid in a timely manner
Overall debt has declined significantly and is well below the industry average
Interest is covered by profits as are lease payments and the number of times covered has increased each year
Profitability is excellent with gross, operating and net profit margins above industry average and increasing all years with the exception of gross profit margin which decreased slightly in 2015
Weaknesses:
The average collection period is increasing and is now above industry average
Inventory turnover is below industry average and is extremely low indicating the firm does not move inventory well
Fixed asset turnover, while increasing, is still below industry average
Total asset turnover is decreasing which implies sales are declining and/or investments in assets are too high relative to sales
Fixed charge coverage is below industry average and implies that the firm has significant operating leases
Return on investment is declining due to significant investment in assets
Return on equity is declining, but this is also positive as it is partially due to the significant decline in debt
Answer to Question 2
d