Selected ratios for three different companies that operate in three different industries (merchandising, pharmaceuticals, utilities) are reported in the table below:

Required:
Identify the industry that each of the companies, A, B, and C, operate in. Give at least two reasons supporting each of yourselections.

Ratio Co. A Co. B 0. Gross profit margin ratio Net profit margin ratio . Research and development to sales 53% 14% 17% 4% 18% n.a 0% 0.1% 0.1% 15% 7% 0% 7% 1% Interest expense to sales. Return on assets Accounts receivable turnover Inventory tumover Long-term debt to equity 12% 95 times 5 times 1 times 9 ims 64% 3 times 45% n.a 89%