Your comparison of the gross margin percent for Jones Drugs for the years $2008$ through $2011$ indicates a significant decline. This is shown by the following information:

$201120120092008$

Sales $000$ $ $14,211$ $ $12,916$ $ $11,462$ $ $10,351$

CGS $0009,2238,2667,3136,573$

Gross Margin $4,9884,6504,1493,778$

GM $\%35\mathrm{.}1\%36\mathrm{.}0\%36\mathrm{.}2\%36\mathrm{.}5\%$

A discussion with Marilyn Adams, the controller, brings to light two possible explanations. She informs you that the industry gross profit percent in the retail drug industry declined fairly steadily for $3$ years, which accounts for part of the decline. A second factor was the declining percent of the total volume resulting from the pharmacy part of the business. The pharmacy sales represent the most profitable portion of the business, yet the competition from discount drugstores prevents it from expanding as fast as the nondrug items such as magazines, candy, and many other items sold. Adams feels strongly that these two factors are the cause of the decline.

The following additional information is obtained from independent sources and the client$$s records as a means of investigating the controller$$s explanations:

Jones Drugs $($$ in thousands$)$

Industry Gross

$\_$

Drug Sales

Non$-$drug sale

Drug cost of sales

Non$-$drug cost of sale Industry Gross Profit Percent for Retailers of Drugs and Related Products

$20115,1269,0853,0456,17832\mathrm{.}7$

$20105,0517,8652,9195,34732\mathrm{.}9$

$20094,8216,6412,7914,52233\mathrm{.}0$

$20084,6195,7322,6653,90833\mathrm{.}2$

a$.$ Evaluate the explanation provided by Adams. Show calculations to support your conclusions.

b$.$ Which specific aspects of the client$$s financial statements require intensive investigation in this audit?