Evaluating Grocery Stores Using Efficiency Ratios Below are data for three publicly traded grocery stores that range in size from local (Village 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 %	31.1%	22.8%	28.6%
Number of stores at year-end	1,272	2,902	32
Sales ($ per square foot)	$671	$711	$1,223
Sales per store ($ millions)	$32	$46	$57
Average store size (thousand square feet)	47	65	46
COGS (per square foot)	$473	$557	$890
Days inventory outstanding	27.8	27.0	13.2

Required a. On average, which company has the freshest food? AnswerPublixKrogerVillage Super Market b. Which company is least efficient with its space? AnswerPublixKrogerVillage Super Market c. Which company has the lowest prices? AnswerPublixKrogerVillage Super Market d. Which company is busiest? AnswerPublixKrogerVillage Super Market e. Which company has the smallest stores? Answer