(3-a) Return on total assets. (3-b) Based on return on total assets, did Simon's operating efficiency improve or worsen in the Current Year versus 1 Year Ago?

Simon Company's year-end balance sheets follow. Current Yr 1 Yr Ago 2 Yrs Ago At December 31 Assets Cash Accounts receivable, net Merchandise inventory Prepaid expenses Plant assets, net Total assets Liabilities and Equity Accounts payable Long-term notes payable secured by mortgages on plant assets Common stock, $10 par value Retained earnings Total liabilities and equity $ 30,800 89,600 112,500 10,900 281,000 $524,800 $ 35, 750 $ 38, 600 62,500 49,500 83,400 54,000 9,500 4,800 255,500 231,000 $ 446,650 $ 377,900 $ 129,200 $ 75,000 $ 51,000 95,000 161,000 139,600 $524,800 100,500 83,000 161,000 161,000 110,150 82,900 $ 446,650 $ 377,900 The company's income statements for the Current Year and 1 Year Ago, follow. For Year Ended December 31 Sales Cost of goods sold Other operating expenses Interest expense Income tax expense Total costs and expenses Net income Earnings per share Current Yr $ 715,000 $ 429,000 221,650 11,500 9,550 671,700 $ 43,300 1 Yr Ago $ 590,000 $377,600 141,600 12,800 8,925 540, 925 $ 49,075 $ 2.69 $ 3.05 For both the Current Year and 1 Year Ago, compute the following ratios: (3-a) Return on total assets. (3-b) Based on return on total assets, did Simon's operating efficiency improve or worsen in the Current Year versus 1 Year Ago? Complete this question by entering your answers in the tabs below. Required 3A Required 3B Return on total assets Return On Total Assets Choose Numerator: | Choose Denominator: = Return On Total Assets / Return on total assets Current Year: % 1 Year Ago: = %