Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the profit margin ratio is typically true?
A
A lower profit margin always means a company is more efficient.
B
A higher profit margin indicates a company is generating more profit from its sales.
C
Profit margin is calculated by dividing total assets by net income.
D
Profit margin is unaffected by changes in operating expenses.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of the profit margin ratio: The profit margin ratio measures how much profit a company generates from its sales revenue. It is expressed as a percentage and is calculated using the formula: Profit Margin = (Net Income / Sales Revenue) × 100.
Analyze the first statement: 'A lower profit margin always means a company is more efficient.' This is incorrect because a lower profit margin typically indicates less profitability, not necessarily efficiency. Efficiency is better assessed using other metrics like asset turnover or operating efficiency ratios.
Evaluate the second statement: 'A higher profit margin indicates a company is generating more profit from its sales.' This is correct because a higher profit margin shows that the company is retaining more profit relative to its sales revenue, which is a sign of better profitability.
Examine the third statement: 'Profit margin is calculated by dividing total assets by net income.' This is incorrect because the formula for profit margin involves net income and sales revenue, not total assets.
Review the fourth statement: 'Profit margin is unaffected by changes in operating expenses.' This is incorrect because operating expenses directly impact net income, which in turn affects the profit margin ratio.