Y plc has noticed that its return on capital employed $($ROCE$)$ has fallen significantly over the last twelve months. One of the junior management accountants has made the following statements regarding this.

$($i$)$ Y$\text{'}$s gearing must have risen in the year

$($ii$)$ The ROCE may have fallen due to reductions in Y$\text{'}$s gross profit margins

$($iii$)$ The ROCE may have fallen due to large dividends paid out during the last year

Which of the above statements is$/$are correct?

A $($i$)$

B $($ii$)$

Unvisited option

C $($iii$)$

D None of the above