(Comparison of Alternative Forms of Financing) Shown below is the liabilities and stockholders’
equity section of the balance sheet for Jana Kingston Company and Mary Ann Benson Company.
Each has assets totaling $4,200,000.

For the year each company has earned the same income before interest and taxes.

At year end, the market price of Kingston’s stock was $101 per share, and Benson’s was $63.50.
| Instructions

(a) Which company is more profitable in terms of return on total assets?

(b) Which company is more profitable in terms of return on stockholders’ equity?

(c) Which company has the greater net income per share of stock? Neither company issued or reac-
| quired shares during the year.

(d) From the point of view of net income, is it advantageous to the stockholders of Jana Kingston Co.
to have the long-term debt outstanding? Why?

(e) What is the book value per share for each company?

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Jana Kingston Co. Mary Ann Benson Co. $ 600,000 Current liabilities $ 300,000 Current liabilities Long-term debt, 10% Common stock ($20 par) 1,200,000 2,000,000 Common stock ($20 par) Retained earnings (Cash Retained earnings (Cash dividends, $220,000) dividends, $328,000) 700,000 $4,200,000 2,900,000 700,000 $4,200,000