E$6-40.$ Evaluating Grocery Stores Using Efficiency Ratios

Below are data for three publicly traded grocery stores that range in size from local $($Yillage Super Markets$)$

to regional $($Publix$)$ to national $($Kroger$).$ Use the ratios below to answer the requirements. Assume

that the companies sell roughly the same mix of products and face about the same inventory costs.

Fiscal $2018$ Publix Kroger Village Super Market

Gross profit margin $\%................29\mathrm{.}6\%21\mathrm{.}7\%27\mathrm{.}2\%$

Number of stores at year$-$end. $1,2112,76430$

Sales $($$ per square foot$).$ $$639$ $$677$ $$1,165$

Sales per store $($$ millions$).$ $ $30$ $ $44$ $ $54$

Average store size $($thousand square feet$).476546$

COGS $($per square foot$).$ $$450$ $$530$ $ $848$

Days inventory outstanding $.26\mathrm{.}525\mathrm{.}712\mathrm{.}6$

Required

a$.$ On average, which company has the freshest food?

b$.$ Which company is least efficient with its space?

c$.$ Which company has the lowest prices?

d$.$ Which company is busiest?

e$.$ Which company has th e smallest stores?