CPA Quiz: Perform Horizontal And Vertical Analysis
20 questions · exam conditions
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Perform Horizontal And Vertical AnalysisQuestion 1 of 20

An issuer media company reports the following balance sheet amounts (in $000) at December 31: Total liabilities 20X4 $180,000 and 20X5 $210,000; Total equity 20X4 $220,000 and 20X5 $230,000. Using horizontal analysis and the debt-to-equity ratio, what does the analysis suggest about leverage from 20X4 to 20X5?

Leverage increased because debt-to-equity rose from 0.82 to 0.91.
Leverage decreased because debt-to-equity rose from 0.82 to 0.91.
Liquidity improved because debt-to-equity increased, indicating higher current ratio.
Leverage was unchanged because both liabilities and equity increased.
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CPA Quiz

CPA Quiz: Perform Horizontal And Vertical Analysis

Practice Perform Horizontal And Vertical Analysis in CPA with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Perform Horizontal And Vertical Analysis, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for CPA.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

An issuer media company reports the following balance sheet amounts (in $000) at December 31: Total liabilities 20X4 $180,000 and 20X5 $210,000; Total equity 20X4 $220,000 and 20X5 $230,000. Using horizontal analysis and the debt-to-equity ratio, what does the analysis suggest about leverage from 20X4 to 20X5?

  1. Leverage increased because debt-to-equity rose from 0.82 to 0.91. (correct answer)
  2. Leverage decreased because debt-to-equity rose from 0.82 to 0.91.
  3. Liquidity improved because debt-to-equity increased, indicating higher current ratio.
  4. Leverage was unchanged because both liabilities and equity increased.
Explanation: This question tests horizontal analysis combined with the debt-to-equity ratio to evaluate leverage trends. Key data points show debt-to-equity rising from 0.82 ($180,000 / 220,000)to0.91(220,000) to 0.91 (210,000 / $230,000), indicating increased leverage. This aligns with techniques by using ratios to interpret changes. Choice B is incorrect as higher ratio means increased leverage; choice C confuses with liquidity; choice D ignores the ratio increase. A decision rule is to compute ratios year-over-year. Monitor for risk when leverage rises.

Question 2

A nonissuer retailer reports the following balance sheet amounts (in $000) at December 31: Inventory 20X4 $14,000 and 20X5 $10,500; Total assets 20X4 $70,000 and 20X5 $75,000. Using horizontal analysis of inventory, what trend is indicated from 20X4 to 20X5?

  1. Inventory increased by $3,500, indicating potential overstocking.
  2. Inventory decreased by $3,500, indicating a reduction in inventory levels. (correct answer)
  3. Inventory decreased by 7.0% because total assets increased by $5,000.
  4. Inventory is 14.0% of sales in 20X5 based on vertical analysis, indicating improved profitability.
Explanation: This question tests horizontal analysis of inventory to identify trends in asset management. Key data points are inventory decreasing from $14,000 in 20X4 to $10,500 in 20X5, a $3,500 reduction indicating lower levels. This aligns with horizontal analysis by tracking changes for efficiency insights. Choice A is incorrect as it states an increase; choice C miscalculates percentage as -25%; choice D mixes vertical with sales. A decision rule is (current - prior) calculations. Integrate with turnover ratios for context.

Question 3

A nonissuer healthcare clinic provides the following balance sheet data (in $000) at December 31: Cash 20X4 $2,500 and 20X5 $1,800; Accounts receivable 20X4 $3,000 and 20X5 $4,200; Total current assets 20X4 $6,500 and 20X5 $7,200. Using vertical analysis within each year, which statement best describes the change in current asset composition?

  1. Cash decreased from 38.5% to 25.0% of current assets, while accounts receivable increased from 46.2% to 58.3%. (correct answer)
  2. Cash increased from 25.0% to 38.5% of current assets, while accounts receivable decreased from 58.3% to 46.2%.
  3. Cash decreased by 38.5% based on vertical analysis, indicating a decline in profitability.
  4. Accounts receivable decreased by $1,200 based on horizontal analysis, indicating improved collections.
Explanation: This question tests vertical analysis within current assets to describe composition changes. Key data points show cash declining from 38.5% ($2,500 / 6,500)to256,500) to 25% (1,800 / $7,200), while receivables rise from 46.2% to 58.3%. This aligns with vertical analysis by highlighting shifts in liquidity components. Choice B reverses the trends; choice C misapplies vertical to percentages as changes; choice D uses horizontal incorrectly for a decrease. A decision rule is to express sub-items as percentages of a category total. Monitor for liquidity risks when less liquid assets increase proportionally.

Question 4

A nonissuer retail company presents the following income statement information for the years ended December 31, 20X4 and 20X5 (in $000): Net sales 20X4 $50,000 and 20X5 $60,000; Cost of goods sold 20X4 $32,500 and 20X5 $40,800; Selling, general, and administrative expenses 20X4 $12,000 and 20X5 $13,800. Using horizontal analysis of net sales, what trend is indicated by the year-over-year comparison?

  1. Net sales decreased by 20% from 20X4 to 20X5.
  2. Net sales increased by 20% from 20X4 to 20X5. (correct answer)
  3. Net sales increased by 10% from 20X5 to 20X4.
  4. Net sales represent 20% of total expenses in 20X5 based on vertical analysis.
Explanation: This question tests horizontal analysis, which examines the percentage change in financial statement items over time to identify trends. The key data points are net sales of $50,000 in 20X4 and 60,000in20X5,resultingina2060,000 in 20X5, resulting in a 20% increase calculated as (60,000 - $50,000) / $50,000. This aligns with horizontal analysis techniques by quantifying year-over-year growth, highlighting positive revenue trends for the retail company. Choice A is incorrect because it states a decrease, which contradicts the calculation showing an increase; choice C is wrong as it reverses the years and miscalculates the percentage; choice D is invalid as it applies vertical analysis to expenses rather than horizontal to sales. A transferable framework for horizontal analysis is to always use the earlier period as the base for percentage change calculations. When interpreting results, consider industry benchmarks to assess if the trend indicates sustainable growth or potential anomalies.

Question 5

An issuer electronics company reports the following income statement data (in $000): Net sales 20X4 $250,000 and 20X5 $275,000; Cost of goods sold 20X4 $175,000 and 20X5 $198,000. Using horizontal analysis of net sales, what trend is indicated by the year-over-year comparison?

  1. Net sales increased by 10%, indicating steady growth. (correct answer)
  2. Net sales increased by 25%, indicating rapid growth.
  3. Net sales decreased by 10%, indicating contraction.
  4. Net sales represent 10% of cost of goods sold in 20X5 based on vertical analysis.
Explanation: This question tests horizontal analysis of net sales to determine growth trends. Key data points are net sales of $250,000 in 20X4 and 275,000in20X5,a10275,000 in 20X5, a 10% increase calculated as (275,000 - $250,000) / $250,000. This aligns with horizontal analysis by measuring revenue expansion. Choice B is incorrect as it's 10%, not 25%; choice C states a decrease; choice D misapplies vertical to costs. A transferable framework is prior-period base calculations. Benchmark against peers for growth evaluation.

Question 6

A nonissuer manufacturing company reports the following income statement amounts (in $000). 20X4: Net sales $100,000; Depreciation expense $4,000; Rent expense $6,000. 20X5: Net sales $95,000; Depreciation expense $4,200; Rent expense $6,000. Based on vertical analysis (expenses as a percentage of sales), which statement best describes the change in cost structure?

  1. Depreciation increased from 4.0% to 4.4% of sales, while rent increased from 6.0% to 6.3% of sales. (correct answer)
  2. Depreciation decreased from 4.4% to 4.0% of sales because sales declined.
  3. Rent decreased from 6.3% to 6.0% of sales because depreciation increased.
  4. Sales increased by 5.3% based on vertical analysis, indicating improved profitability.
Explanation: This question tests vertical analysis of expenses as percentages of sales to describe cost changes. Key data points show depreciation rising from 4% ($4,000 / 100,000)to4.4100,000) to 4.4% (4,200 / 95,000),andrentfrom695,000), and rent from 6% to 6.3% (6,000 / $95,000). This aligns with vertical analysis by normalizing for sales decline impacts. Choice B reverses depreciation; choice C reverses rent; choice D misuses vertical for sales. A transferable framework is expense-to-sales percentages. Use for detecting cost stickiness in downturns.

Question 7

An issuer manufacturing company reports the following income statement amounts for the year ended December 31 (in $000). In 20X4: Revenue $120,000; Cost of sales $78,000; Research and development $6,000; Selling, general, and administrative expenses $18,000. In 20X5: Revenue $150,000; Cost of sales $105,000; Research and development $6,000; Selling, general, and administrative expenses $19,500. Based on vertical analysis of the income statement (each line item as a percentage of revenue), how does the cost structure change from 20X4 to 20X5?

  1. Cost of sales decreased as a percentage of revenue, indicating improved gross margin.
  2. Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of revenue, indicating reduced operating leverage.
  3. Cost of sales increased as a percentage of revenue, indicating deteriorating gross margin. (correct answer)
  4. Revenue increased by 25% based on vertical analysis, indicating higher profitability.
Explanation: This question tests vertical analysis, which expresses each income statement item as a percentage of revenue to evaluate cost structure changes. Key data points include cost of sales at 65% of revenue in 20X4 ($78,000 / 120,000)increasingto70120,000) increasing to 70% in 20X5 (105,000 / $150,000), indicating a higher proportion of revenue consumed by costs. This aligns with vertical analysis by revealing deteriorating gross margins, a critical insight for assessing profitability trends. Choice A is incorrect as cost of sales increased, not decreased, as a percentage; choice B is wrong because SG&A decreased from 15% to 13%; choice D misapplies vertical analysis by confusing it with horizontal percentage change. A decision rule is to compare percentages year-over-year in vertical analysis to detect shifts in cost efficiency. Always integrate vertical with horizontal analysis for a comprehensive view of financial health.

Question 8

A nonissuer wholesaler provides the following balance sheet data (in $000) at December 31: Current assets 20X4 $18,000 and 20X5 $20,000; Current liabilities 20X4 $12,000 and 20X5 $16,000; Total liabilities 20X4 $20,000 and 20X5 $26,000. Using horizontal analysis and the current ratio, what does the analysis suggest about the company's short-term financial health from 20X4 to 20X5?

  1. Liquidity improved because the current ratio increased from 1.50 to 1.25.
  2. Liquidity deteriorated because the current ratio declined from 1.50 to 1.25. (correct answer)
  3. Profitability deteriorated because total liabilities increased, reducing gross margin.
  4. Liquidity improved because current assets increased by $2,000 regardless of the change in current liabilities.
Explanation: This question tests horizontal analysis combined with the current ratio to evaluate short-term financial health trends. Key data points show the current ratio declining from 1.50 ($18,000 / 12,000)in20X4to1.25(12,000) in 20X4 to 1.25 (20,000 / $16,000) in 20X5, indicating deteriorating liquidity. This aligns with analysis techniques by using ratios to interpret horizontal changes in assets and liabilities. Choice A is incorrect as it states an improvement despite the decline; choice C confuses liquidity with profitability; choice D ignores the larger increase in liabilities. A decision rule is to compute ratios like current ratio alongside horizontal changes for liquidity assessment. Monitor trends where liability growth outpaces assets to anticipate cash flow issues.

Question 9

An issuer apparel company reports the following income statement amounts (in $000) for the years ended December 31: Net sales 20X4 $500,000 and 20X5 $520,000; Store operating expenses 20X4 $90,000 and 20X5 $104,000; Corporate overhead 20X4 $40,000 and 20X5 $41,600. Based on comparative analysis of operating expenses as a percentage of sales, which area shows the most significant change?

  1. Store operating expenses increased from 18.0% to 20.0% of sales, representing the most significant change. (correct answer)
  2. Corporate overhead decreased from 8.0% to 6.0% of sales, representing the most significant change.
  3. Total operating expenses decreased as a percentage of sales because net sales increased by 4%.
  4. Store operating expenses decreased by 2.0% of sales based on horizontal analysis of net sales.
Explanation: This question tests comparative vertical analysis of expenses as percentages of sales to find the most significant change. Key data points show store operating expenses rising from 18% ($90,000 / 500,000)to20500,000) to 20% (104,000 / $520,000) in 20X5, the most notable shift. This aligns with vertical analysis by revealing cost pressures relative to sales. Choice B is incorrect as corporate overhead stayed at 8%; choice C overlooks the percentage increase; choice D confuses analyses. A transferable framework is to compute expense percentages of sales for comparisons. Prioritize interventions in areas with the largest percentage increases.

Question 10

A nonissuer manufacturing company reports the following balance sheet amounts (in $000) at December 31: Total debt (short-term plus long-term) 20X4 $25,000 and 20X5 $32,500; Total assets 20X4 $70,000 and 20X5 $75,000. Using horizontal analysis of total debt, what trend is indicated from 20X4 to 20X5?

  1. Total debt decreased by $7,500, indicating reduced leverage.
  2. Total debt increased by $7,500, indicating increased leverage. (correct answer)
  3. Total debt increased by 7.1% because total assets increased by $5,000.
  4. Total debt is 43.3% of sales in 20X5 based on vertical analysis, indicating improved profitability.
Explanation: This question tests horizontal analysis of total debt to assess leverage trends. Key data points are total debt increasing from $25,000 in 20X4 to $32,500 in 20X5, a $7,500 rise indicating increased leverage. This aligns with horizontal analysis by tracking absolute and percentage changes in financing. Choice A is incorrect as it states a decrease; choice C miscalculates the percentage as 30%, not 7.1%; choice D inappropriately mixes vertical analysis with sales. A decision rule is to calculate changes as (current - prior) for trend detection. Integrate with ratios like debt-to-assets for comprehensive leverage analysis.

Question 11

An issuer software company reports the following income statement items (in $000). 20X4: Revenue $200,000; Cost of revenue $60,000; Sales and marketing $70,000. 20X5: Revenue $240,000; Cost of revenue $72,000; Sales and marketing $96,000. Based on vertical analysis, how does the cost structure change from 20X4 to 20X5?

  1. Sales and marketing increased from 35.0% to 40.0% of revenue, indicating higher customer acquisition cost intensity. (correct answer)
  2. Cost of revenue increased from 30.0% to 40.0% of revenue, indicating lower gross margin.
  3. Sales and marketing decreased from 40.0% to 35.0% of revenue, indicating improved efficiency.
  4. Revenue increased by 20% based on vertical analysis, indicating improved liquidity.
Explanation: This question tests vertical analysis, expressing costs as percentages of revenue to evaluate structural changes. Key data points show sales and marketing rising from 35% ($70,000 / 200,000)to40200,000) to 40% (96,000 / $240,000) in 20X5, indicating higher intensity. This aligns with vertical analysis by identifying relative cost shifts, crucial for software companies' efficiency. Choice B is incorrect as cost of revenue stayed at 30%; choice C reverses the trend; choice D confuses vertical with horizontal analysis. A transferable framework is to normalize costs to revenue for year-over-year comparisons. Use this to pinpoint areas for cost control when percentages increase disproportionately.

Question 12

An issuer consumer products company reports the following income statement items (in $000). 20X4: Revenue $300,000; Advertising expense $24,000; Other operating expenses $60,000. 20X5: Revenue $330,000; Advertising expense $33,000; Other operating expenses $62,700. Based on vertical analysis (each expense as a percentage of revenue), which area shows the most significant change?

  1. Advertising increased from 8.0% to 10.0% of revenue, the most significant change. (correct answer)
  2. Other operating expenses increased from 20.0% to 25.0% of revenue, the most significant change.
  3. Advertising decreased from 10.0% to 8.0% of revenue because revenue increased.
  4. Revenue increased by 10% based on vertical analysis, which is the most significant change.
Explanation: This question tests vertical analysis, expressing expenses as percentages of revenue to identify the most significant changes. Key data points show advertising rising from 8% ($24,000 / 300,000)to10300,000) to 10% (33,000 / $330,000) in 20X5, the largest shift compared to other expenses at 20% to 19%. This aligns with vertical analysis by highlighting relative cost increases, essential for issuer companies' expense management. Choice B is incorrect as other expenses decreased from 20% to 19%; choice C reverses the advertising trend; choice D misuses vertical analysis for revenue growth, which is horizontal. A transferable framework is to compute each item's percentage of a base like revenue for comparisons. Use this to detect disproportionate expense growth and inform budgeting decisions.

Question 13

A nonissuer construction contractor reports revenue of $25,000 (20X4) and $30,000 (20X5). Gross profit is $5,000 (20X4) and $4,800 (20X5). Using horizontal analysis of revenue and vertical analysis of gross profit margin, what does the analysis suggest about the company's financial health?

  1. Revenue increased, but gross profit margin declined from 20.0% to 16.0%, suggesting margin pressure despite growth. (correct answer)
  2. Revenue decreased by 20% and gross profit margin increased to 24.0%, suggesting improved profitability.
  3. Gross profit increased by 20% based on vertical analysis, suggesting improved liquidity.
  4. Gross profit margin increased from 16.0% to 20.0% because revenue increased by $5,000.
Explanation: This question tests the combination of horizontal analysis for revenue changes and vertical analysis for gross profit margin to assess financial health. Key data points include revenue increasing 20% from $25,000 to 30,000,whilegrossmargindeclinesfrom2030,000, while gross margin declines from 20% (5,000 / 25,000)to1625,000) to 16% (4,800 / $30,000), suggesting margin pressure. This aligns with recognized techniques by integrating growth metrics with profitability ratios to evaluate sustainability. Choice B is incorrect as revenue increased, not decreased, and margin declined; choice C misapplies vertical analysis to absolute changes; choice D reverses the margin trend. A decision rule is to calculate horizontal percentage changes for growth and vertical percentages for margins. Always investigate margin declines amid growth for issues like cost inflation or pricing pressures.

Question 14

An issuer energy services company reports the following balance sheet amounts (in $000) at December 31: Total assets 20X4 $400,000 and 20X5 $420,000; Current liabilities 20X4 $90,000 and 20X5 $120,000; Long-term debt 20X4 $140,000 and 20X5 $130,000. Based on horizontal analysis, which area shows the most significant change?

  1. Current liabilities increased by $30,000, representing the most significant change. (correct answer)
  2. Long-term debt increased by $10,000, representing the most significant change.
  3. Total assets decreased by $20,000, representing the most significant change.
  4. Current liabilities decreased by $30,000 because long-term debt decreased.
Explanation: This question tests horizontal analysis to identify the most significant absolute change in balance sheet items. Key data points show current liabilities increasing by $30,000 from $90,000 to 120,000,thelargestchangecomparedtoassets(120,000, the largest change compared to assets (20,000) and long-term debt (-$10,000). This aligns with horizontal analysis by comparing absolute differences for significance. Choice B is incorrect as long-term debt decreased; choice C states assets decreased, but they increased; choice D reverses the liability change. A transferable framework is to compute absolute changes for ranking significance. Use percentages for relative impact in conjunction.

Question 15

An issuer pharmaceutical company reports the following income statement amounts (in $000) for the years ended December 31: Revenue 20X4 $800,000 and 20X5 $920,000; Research and development expense 20X4 $120,000 and 20X5 $165,600. Based on comparative analysis of operating expenses as a percentage of sales, which conclusion is most appropriate?

  1. Research and development increased from 15.0% to 18.0% of revenue, indicating higher investment intensity relative to sales. (correct answer)
  2. Research and development decreased from 18.0% to 15.0% of revenue, indicating improved gross margin.
  3. Research and development increased by 3.0% based on horizontal analysis, indicating stable expense control.
  4. Research and development is a liquidity measure, and the increase indicates a higher current ratio.
Explanation: This question tests comparative vertical analysis of R&D expense as a percentage of revenue. Key data points show R&D rising from 15% ($120,000 / 800,000)to18800,000) to 18% (165,600 / $920,000) in 20X5, indicating higher intensity. This aligns with analysis by assessing investment relative to sales. Choice B reverses the trend; choice C uses horizontal incorrectly; choice D misinterprets as liquidity. A decision rule is to percentage expenses to revenue. Evaluate for innovation strategy impacts.

Question 16

A nonissuer transportation company provides the following balance sheet amounts (in $000) at December 31: Total assets 20X4 $60,000 and 20X5 $66,000; Inventory 20X4 $6,000 and 20X5 $9,900; Accounts payable 20X4 $7,500 and 20X5 $7,260. Based on vertical analysis of the balance sheet, which metric is most affected by the change in asset structure?

  1. Inventory increased from 10.0% to 15.0% of total assets, indicating a larger portion of assets tied up in inventory. (correct answer)
  2. Accounts payable increased from 12.5% to 15.0% of total assets, indicating higher profitability.
  3. Inventory decreased by $3,900 based on horizontal analysis, indicating improved turnover.
  4. Total assets decreased by 10.0% based on vertical analysis, indicating contraction.
Explanation: This question tests vertical analysis on the balance sheet to assess asset structure changes. Key data points show inventory rising from 10% ($6,000 / 60,000)to1560,000) to 15% (9,900 / $66,000) in 20X5, indicating more assets in inventory. This aligns with vertical analysis by revealing potential efficiency issues. Choice B is incorrect as payables are liabilities, not assets, and decreased; choice C uses horizontal incorrectly; choice D misapplies vertical to totals. A decision rule is to percentage assets to totals. Examine increases for turnover implications.

Question 17

A nonissuer hospitality company reports the following income statement amounts (in $000). 20X4: Revenue $90,000; Payroll and benefits $36,000; Occupancy costs $18,000. 20X5: Revenue $100,000; Payroll and benefits $43,000; Occupancy costs $19,000. Based on vertical analysis, how does the interpretation of cost structure change from 20X4 to 20X5?

  1. Payroll and benefits increased from 40.0% to 43.0% of revenue, indicating rising labor cost intensity. (correct answer)
  2. Occupancy costs increased from 20.0% to 25.0% of revenue, indicating substantial fixed cost pressure.
  3. Payroll and benefits decreased from 43.0% to 40.0% of revenue due to revenue growth.
  4. Revenue increased by 11.1% based on vertical analysis, indicating improved liquidity.
Explanation: This question tests vertical analysis to interpret cost structure changes as percentages of revenue. Key data points show payroll and benefits rising from 40% ($36,000 / 90,000)to4390,000) to 43% (43,000 / $100,000) in 20X5, indicating rising intensity. This aligns with vertical analysis by highlighting labor cost pressures in hospitality. Choice B is incorrect as occupancy decreased from 20% to 19%; choice C reverses the trend; choice D misuses vertical for growth. A decision rule is to normalize to revenue for comparisons. Focus on controlling costs with increasing percentages.

Question 18

A nonissuer e-commerce company reports (in $000) for the years ended December 31: Net sales 20X4 $15,000 and 20X5 $21,000; Fulfillment expense 20X4 $3,000 and 20X5 $5,250; Customer service expense 20X4 $900 and 20X5 $1,050. Based on vertical analysis, how does the cost structure change from 20X4 to 20X5?

  1. Fulfillment expense increased from 20.0% to 25.0% of sales, indicating higher variable cost intensity. (correct answer)
  2. Customer service expense increased from 6.0% to 10.0% of sales, indicating a major cost shift.
  3. Fulfillment expense decreased from 25.0% to 20.0% of sales because sales increased.
  4. Net sales increased by 40% based on vertical analysis, indicating improved liquidity.
Explanation: This question tests vertical analysis to evaluate cost structure changes relative to sales. Key data points show fulfillment expense rising from 20% ($3,000 / 15,000)to2515,000) to 25% (5,250 / $21,000) in 20X5, indicating higher intensity. This aligns with vertical analysis by detecting variable cost shifts in e-commerce. Choice B is incorrect as customer service rose from 6% to 5%; choice C reverses the trend; choice D confuses with horizontal. A decision rule is to calculate percentages of sales for costs. Investigate increases for operational inefficiencies.

Question 19

An issuer industrial company reports the following income statement amounts (in $000): Revenue 20X4 $1,000,000 and 20X5 $950,000; Operating income 20X4 $80,000 and 20X5 $76,000. Using horizontal analysis of revenue, what trend is indicated by the year-over-year comparison?

  1. Revenue increased by 5%, indicating growth.
  2. Revenue decreased by 5%, indicating contraction. (correct answer)
  3. Revenue decreased by 7.6% because operating income decreased by $4,000.
  4. Revenue is 95% of total expenses in 20X5 based on vertical analysis, indicating improved margins.
Explanation: This question tests horizontal analysis of revenue to identify year-over-year trends. Key data points are revenue of $1,000,000 in 20X4 and 950,000in20X5,a5950,000 in 20X5, a 5% decrease calculated as (950,000 - $1,000,000) / $1,000,000. This aligns with horizontal analysis by quantifying contraction, important for industrial companies. Choice A is incorrect as it states an increase; choice C miscalculates to 7.6% tied to income; choice D misuses vertical analysis. A transferable framework is to base calculations on the prior period. Compare to operating income changes for profitability insights.

Question 20

A nonissuer professional services firm provides comparative balance sheet data (in $000) at December 31, 20X4 and 20X5: Total assets 20X4 $10,000 and 20X5 $12,500; Cash 20X4 $1,200 and 20X5 $900; Accounts receivable 20X4 $2,000 and 20X5 $3,500; Property and equipment, net 20X4 $4,000 and 20X5 $4,200. Using balance sheet comparison (vertical analysis within each year), which metric is most affected by the change in asset structure?

  1. Accounts receivable as a percentage of total assets increased materially, indicating a shift toward less liquid working capital. (correct answer)
  2. Property and equipment as a percentage of total assets increased materially, indicating higher capital intensity.
  3. Cash as a percentage of total liabilities increased materially, indicating improved profitability.
  4. Total assets decreased by 25% based on vertical analysis, indicating contraction.
Explanation: This question tests vertical analysis on the balance sheet, which expresses each asset as a percentage of total assets to assess composition changes. Key data points show accounts receivable rising from 20% ($2,000 / 10,000)in20X4to2810,000) in 20X4 to 28% (3,500 / $12,500) in 20X5, indicating a material shift toward less liquid assets. This aligns with vertical analysis by highlighting potential liquidity risks from increased receivables relative to total assets. Choice B is incorrect as property and equipment decreased from 40% to 33.6%; choice C misapplies vertical analysis to liabilities and confuses it with profitability; choice D wrongly introduces horizontal analysis and a contraction that did not occur. A transferable framework is to use vertical analysis to monitor asset allocation for liquidity implications. When changes are material, investigate underlying causes like credit policy shifts.