Answer:
a. Red Hot is less efficient than Maverick Cycles in producing goods.
Explanation:
Let's look one by one.
Option B - Since Red Hot's Cost of goods sold/Revenue is 63.4%, therefore, gross margin is (100 - 63.4)% = 36.6%. On the other hand, the cost of goods sold/Revenue of Maverick Cycles is 54.2%. Therefore, gross margin is (100-54.2)% = 45.6%. So, the gross margin is higher in Maverick Cycles. Moreover, We do not have any operating expenses to ensure that Red Hot Inc. has a higher profit margin.
Option C - Competitive parity refers to the economies of scale or optimal expenses required to stay with the competition. Therefore, there is not enough information, as well.
Option D - Since the cost of goods sold is high for Red Hot, they cannot be able to command a higher price premium than Maverick Cycles.
Since B, C, D are not the right choice. We can say that option A is the right answer. Reason: As Red Hot's cost of goods sold is high, the price of the raw materials is also high. On the other hand, the cost of goods sold is just above 50% of its sales revenue. It means the cost is low for Maverick Company.