An inadequately diversified product line rather than the poor economy

Official Explanation:

Read the Argument and Extract Necessary Information:

The argument states draws a comparison between two companies to make its claims, which indicates one of the typical argument types the Comparisonl argument.

The assumption in comparison arguments is that the things compared are similar in all ways (except the ways mentioned). This argument assumes there are no other difference between Company A and Company B.

The argument also indicates the cause for the declining sales, which points to another common argument type, the causal argument, which assumes there is no other possible cause for the indicated effect (declining sales).

Formulate an Answer to the Question:
The assumptions are the answer so no need.

Eliminate Answer Choices:
(A) Weakens. An argument will never assume something that will weaken that argument. This statement points out a difference between the two companies thus weakening the comparison made.

(B) Keep. This choice indicates that the author assumes there is no other possible reason (the scandal) for the declining sales).

(C) Not Assumed. The argument makes no mention of nor brings up other competitors.

(D) Not Assumed. The argument makes no mention of nor brings up other competitors.

(E) Not assumed/weakens. The argument does not make assumptions about what is occuring at companies other than A or B. Additional, if the author does assume that A is not the only company experiencing decreased sales that may weaken the argument by possibly pointing to a poor economy causing declines for the entire industry.

Choose B.