Chapter 7, Problem 5PB

Variable costing income statement and effect on income of change in operations

Kimbrell Inc. manufactures three sizes of utility tables—small (S), medium (M), and large (L). The income statement has consistently indicated a net loss for the M size, and management is considering three proposals: (1) continue Size M, (2) discontinue Size M and reduce total output accordingly, or (3) discontinue Size M and conduct an advertising campaign to expand the sales of Size S so that the entire plant capacity can continue to be used.

If Proposal 2 is selected and Size M is discontinued and production curtailed, the annual fixed production costs and fixed operating expenses could be reduced by $142,500 and $28,350, respectively. If Proposal 3 is selected, it is anticipated that an additional annual expenditure of $85,050 for the salary of an assistant brand manager (classified as a fixed operating expense) would yield an additional 130% in Size S sales volume. It is also assumed that the increased production of Size S would utilize the plant facilities released by the discontinuance of Size M.

The sales and costs have been relatively stable over the past few years, and they are expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. The income statement for the past year ended December 31, 20Y8, is as follows:

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare an income statement for the past year in the variable costing format. Use the following headings:

Data for each size should be reported through contribution margin. The fixed costs should be deducted from the total contribution margin, as reported in the “Total” column, to determine operating income.

1. 2. Based on the income statement prepared in (1) and the other data presented above, determine the amount by which total annual operating income would be reduced below its present level if Proposal 2 is accepted.
2. 3. Prepare an income statement in the variable costing format, indicating the projected annual operating income if Proposal 3 is accepted. Use the following headings:

Data for each style should be reported through contribution margin. The fixed costs should be deducted from the total contribution margin as reported in the “Total” column. For purposes of this problem, the additional expenditure of $85,050 for the assistant brand manager’s salary can be added to the fixed operating expenses.

1. 4. By how much would total annual operating income increase above its present level if Proposal 3 is accepted? Explain.