INVENTORY RESEARCH EXERCISE

Examine the annual report (form 10-K) of one of the following companies and answer the following five questions. Highlight the company you selected. Use the space below each question to complete your answer.

• Big Lots, Inc.
• Burlington Stores, Inc.
• Dollar General Corp.
• Target Corp.
• Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

You may find the information by going to the companys website and selecting the link for Investor Relations. Look for Annual Reports or Form 10-K. You may also go to www.sec.gov and search for the company. You should look for Form 10-K.

1. Calculate the percentage increase or decrease of net sales in each of the three years presented. (use the income statement)

2. What was the gross profit rate (percentage) for each of the three years reported? (use the income statement)

3. What was the dollar amount of inventory reported in the companys most recent balance sheet? (use the balance sheet)

4. What were the companys sales per square foot of selling space for each of the three years reported? (find this in the Management Discussion and Analysis section of the annual report)

5. For the most recent year reported, how many new stores were opened? How many existing stores, if any, were closed? (find this in the Management Discussion and Analysis section of the annual report)