In each of the past five years, the net sales of Plaza Co. have increased at about half the rate of inflation, but net income has increased at approximately twice the rate of inflation. During this period, the company's total assets, liabilities, and equity have remained almost unchanged; dividends are approximately equal to net income. These relationships sug- gest (indicate all correct answers):

a. Management is successfully controlling costs and expenses.

b. The company is selling more merchandise every year.

c. The annual return on assets has been increasing.

d. Financing activities are likely to result in a net use of cash.