When considering whether or not to buy an extended warranty for a large purchase, what are some factors that you should consider?

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.

Chance company had two operating divisions, one manufacturing farm equipment and the other office supplies. both divisions are considered separate components as defined by generally accepted accounting principles. the farm equipment component had been unprofitable, and on september 1, 2018, the company adopted a plan to sell the assets of the division. the actual sale was completed on december 15, 2018, at a price of $600,000. the book value of the division’s assets was $1,000,000, resulting in a before-tax loss of $400,000 on the sale. the division incurred a before-tax operating loss from operations of $130,000 from the beginning of the year through december 15. the income tax rate is 40%. chance’s after-tax income from its continuing operations is $350,000. required: prepare an income statement for 2018 beginning with income from continuing operations. include appropriate eps disclosures assuming that 100,000 shares of common stock were outstanding throughout the year. (amounts to be deducted should be indicated with a minus sign. round eps answers to 2 decimal places.)

Summarize the specific methods used by interest groups in order to influence governmental decisions making in all three branches of government. provide at least two examples from each branch.