From the data and tables below: what was the comparison? Was it higher, lower, greater, ....etc.?

Worldwide Widget Manufacturing, Inc. Statement of Cash Flows as of December 31, 2015 (in millions of dollars)
Balance of retained earnings. December 31, 2014		$1,142
Plus: Net income for 2015		$30
Preferred stock	$98
Common stock	$219
Total cash dividends paid		$317
Balance of retained earnings, December 31, 2015		$1,489

w. Plus: Net income for 2015 = $30

x. Preferred stock = $98

1. Earnings before taxes for 2015 2 ; $949

2. Gross plant and equipment for 2015 1 ; $3,240

3. Increase in fixed assets, December 31, 2015 3 ; $343

4. Net sales for 2015 2 ; $2,376

5. Balance of retained earnings, December 31, 2015 4 ; $1,489

6. Common stock and paid-in surplus for 2014 1 ; $300

7. Net Cash flow from investing activities, December 31, 2015 3 ; $377

8. Increase in inventory, December 31, 2015 3 ; $18

9. Accrued wages and taxes for 2014 1 ; $257

10. Book value per share (BVPS) for 2015 2 ; $7.16 total off -4.75

Worldwide Widget Manufacturing, Inc.
	Company	Industry	Comparison
Current ratio	1.3	2.2	-0.9
Quick ratio	0.6	1.1	-0.5
Cash ratio	0.36	0.35	0.0
Inventory turnover	0.3	2	-1.7
Days' sales in inventory	125	135	-9.8
Average payment period	185	110	74.7
Sales to working capital	6.6	3	3.6
Total asset turnover	2.1	0.6	1.5
Debt-to-equity	1.1	1.1	0.0
Profit margin	24%	16.50%	7.32%
Gross profit margin	68%	48.13%	20.18%
ROA	13%	8.78%	4.67%
ROE	37%	19.45%	17.05%
Dividend payout	48%	32%	15.74%