In its 2016 annual report, caterpillar inc. reported the following (in millions): 2016 2015 sales $38,537 $47,011 cost of goods sold 28,309 33,546 as a percentage of sales, did caterpillar's gross profit increase or decrease during 2016? select one: a. gross profit increased from 26.8% to 28.6% b. gross profit decreased from 28.6% to 26.5% c. gross profit increased from 71.4% to 73.2% d. gross profit decreased from 73.2% to 71.4% e. there is not enough information to answer the question.

B. Gross profit decreased from 28.6% to 26.5%

Explanation:

As for the provided information, we have

Particulars                    Year 2016             Year 2015

Sales                              $38,537                $47,011

Cost of goods sold        $28,309               $33,546

Gross Profit                   $10,228                 $13,465

Gross profit as a percentage of sales shall be:

Year 2016 =

Year 2015 =

As the percentage is higher of 2015 by 0.1%

The statement B which states that the gross profit has reduced is correct.

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