The best statement that explains Merle Co.'s improved return on assets in the current reporting year is i. Merle made more efficient use of its assets.
By holding its total assets and operating expenses stable and decreasing its debt, Merle Co. was able to make efficient use of its assets, generating more sales.
Merle did not just make more efficient use of its cash flows, increase its outstanding capital, or decrease its operating expenses.
Thus, best explanation is that i. Merle made more efficient use of its assets.
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