Simon Company's year$-$end balance sheets follow. $(1)$ Express the balance sheets in common$-$size percents. Round percents to one decimal. $(2)$ Assuming annual sales have not changed in the last three years, is the change in accounts receivable as a percentage of total assets favorable or unfavorable? $(3)$ Is the change in merchandise inventory as a percentage of total assets favorable or unfavorable?

At December $31$

Current $Yr$

$1$ Yr Ago

$2$ Yrs Ago

Assets

Cash. $...$

Accounts receivable, net

Merchandise inventory $...$

Prepaid expenses

Plant assets, net

Total assets

Llabilities and Equity

Accounts payable...

Long$-$term notes payable $...$

Common stock, $$10$ par value.

Retained earnings.

Total liabilities and equity. $...$

Exercise $17-6$

Common$-$size percents P$2$