According to the mean-variance criterion, portfolio A is better than portfolio B for a risk-averse investor whenever .

Panera bread is a chain of cafes serving sandwiches, soups, and freshly baked breads. the company began in 1981 with stores primarily located along the east coast of the united states. since then, the firm has expanded to over 1,300 locations throughout the united states and canada. the firm has strong earnings and has been designated by business week as a "significant growth company." panera bread executives are considering the idea of expanding globally by opening cafes in asia through a franchising strategy. which of the following, if true, supports the argument that panera bread should expand into asia through franchising? a: the panera bread menu changes rapidly, and each cafe's artisan bread bakers receive regular training on new recipes. b: panera bread executives want fast access to the asian market without a significant investment of capital. c: panera bread executives want to test the asian market with a short-term commitment that allows them to make quick profits. d: the panera bread mission is to make excellent bread available to customers around the world.

Pettijohn inc. the balance sheet and income statement shown below are for pettijohn inc. note that the firm has no amortization charges, it does not lease any assets, none of its debt must be retired during the next 5 years, and the notes payable will be rolled over. balance sheet (millions of $) assets 2016 cash and securities $ 1,554.0 accounts receivable 9,660.0 inventories 13,440.0 total current assets $24,654.0 net plant and equipment 17,346.0 total assets $42,000.0 liabilities and equity accounts payable $ 7,980.0 notes payable 5,880.0 accruals 4,620.0 total current liabilities $18,480.0 long-term bonds 10,920.0 total debt $29,400.0 common stock 3,360.0 retained earnings 9,240.0 total common equity $12,600.0 total liabilities and equity $42,000.0 income statement (millions of $) 2016 net sales $58,800.0 operating costs except depr'n $54,978.0 depreciation $ 1,029.0 earnings bef int and taxes (ebit) $ 2,793.0 less interest 1,050.0 earnings before taxes (ebt) $ 1,743.0 taxes $ 610.1 net income $ 1,133.0 other data: shares outstanding (millions) 175.00 common dividends $ 509.83 int rate on notes payable 1. what is the firm's current ratio? (points : 6) 0.97 1.08 1.20 1.33 2. what is the firm's quick ratio? (points : 6) 0.49 0.61 0.73 0.87 3. what is the firm's total assets turnover? (points : 6) 0.90 1.12 1.40 1.68 4. what is the firm's inventory turnover ratio? (points : 6) 4.38 4.59 4.82 5.06 5. what is the firm's debt ratio? (points : 6) 45.93% 51.03% 56.70% 70.00% 6. what is the firm's roa? (points : 6) 2.70% 2.97% 3.26% 3.59% 7. what is the firm's roe? (points : 6) 8.54% 8.99% 9.44% 9.91%

What is one counter argument to the premise that the wealth gap is a serious problem which needs to be addressed?