iRobot states "We anticipate that research and development expenses will increase in absolute dollars but remain relatively consistent as a percentage of revenue in the foreseeable future".

If 2017 sales are expected to be $699954, calculate research and development expense for 2017. Use 2016 financial data as the basis for this calculation, assuming that research and development expense as a percentage of sales will remain the same in 2017 as 2016.

NOTE: Round any percentages to two decimal places before using them to determine the final answer (for example the number .156789 would be rounded to .1568 or 15.68%)

Round your final answer to the nearest whole dollar.

part 2

One of the risks listed in the iRobot report was as follows:

We face intense competition from other providers of robots, including diversified technology providers, as well as competition from providers offering alternative products, which could negatively impact our results of operations and cause our market share to decline.

Suppose in 2016 iRobot's competitor came out with a new robotic vacuum that cleans house better and also dusts as well. It also can hold a decent conversation. Sales of the Roomba plummet. Units sold decrease by 25%. Assume that unit sales price for their products is $240 and unit product cost is $121. How much would gross margin change in 2016 if these events had happened?

HINT: Analyze this change in gross margin just from the information above, you do not need to go back to the financial statements. The sales and cost data from the financial statements reflect different unit sales price and cost information so that will throw your calculations off.

No need to put a negative sign on your answer - it is assumed that whatever number you input will be a decrease.

Assume all other data is as presented in the financial statements. Round your answer to the nearest whole dollar.

Balance Sheet for iRobot
All numbers in thousands
	12/31/2016	12/31/2015
Cash	214,523	179,915
Short Term Investments	39,930	33,124
AR	72,909	104,679
Unbilled Revenue	139	452
Raw Materials	4,717	9,082
Work in Process	0	0
Finished Goods	45,861	52,596
Other Current Assets	5,591	9,501
Total Current Assets	383,670	389,349
PP&E	27,532	26,850
Goodwill	41,041	48,751
Intangible Assets	12,207	15,664
Other assets	43,462	41,129
	507,912	521,743
AP	67,281	61,655
Accrued Expenses	19,854	15,954
Salaries Payable	21,015	15,752
Unearned Revenue	4,486	3,265
Total Current Liabilities	112,636	96,626
Long Term Liabilities	6,310	7,706
Common Stock	162,016	232,400
Retained Earnings	226,950	185,011
Total Stockholder's Equity	388,966	417,411
Total Liab & SE	507,912	521,743
Income Statement for iRobot
Sales	660,604	616,778
COGS	341,289	327,852
Gross Margin	319,315	288,926
Operating Expenses:
Research and Development	79,805	76,071
Selling & Marketing	115,125	97,772
General and Admin	66,828	54,465
Total Operating Expenses	261,758	228,308
Operating Income	57,557	60,618
Other income	3,804	2,353
Income Before Taxes	61,361	62,971
Income Tax Expense	19,422	18,841
Net Income	41,939	44,130
Units Shipped (sold)	2,943	2,436