Last year Publix Supermarkets generated the following results: return on equity $($ROE$)$ of $27\mathrm{.}05\%,$ which was comprised of a net profit margin of $8\mathrm{.}85\%,$ total asset turnover of $1\mathrm{.}71,$ and a financial leverage multiplier of $1\mathrm{.}79.$ During the same time period, Kroger generated the following results: ROE of $28\mathrm{.}44\%,$ which was comprised of a net profit margin of $1\mathrm{.}95\%,$ total asset turnover of $2\mathrm{.}82,$ and a financial leverage multiplier of $5\mathrm{.}17.$ Which of the following is the most likely conclusion an analyst would make when reviewing these results?

As is evidenced by the differences found between the two companies$$ financial leverage multipliers, companies with higher multipliers will always exhibit higher ROEs.

Publix uses a higher percentage of debt in financing its operations, so even though it was much less effective in generating revenues from its investment in assets as noted by the total asset turnover, it is still able to generate a similar return for its shareholders as did Kroger.

There is not enough information to make any sort of a comparison between the two companies.

Despite having a much lower profit margin, due to its higher total asset turnover and greater use of leverage, Kroger has a marginally higher ROE.

As indicated by its higher ROE, Kroger has better control over its expenses.