CEO: Over the past several years

CEO: Over the past several years, we have more than doubled our revenues but
profits have steadily declined because an increasing number of customers have
failed to pay their balances. In order to compensate for these higher default rates,
we will increase the interest charged on outstanding balances from an annual
percentage rate (APR) of 9.5% to an APR of 12%. This increase will be sufficient to
compensate for the current rate of defaults and allow us to increase our profits.

Which of the following statements, if true, would most seriously undermine a plan
to increase interest rates in order to spur profitable growth?

(A) Many other companies have experienced a similar trend in their default
rates.

(B) The company's operating expenses are above the industry average and can
be substantially reduced, thus increasing margins.

(C) The increase in default rates was due to a rise in unemployment, but unemployment
rates are expected to drop in the coming months.

(D) The proposed increase in the APR will, alone, more than double the company's
profit margins.

(E) An increase in the APR charged on credit card balances often results in
higher rates of default.