Question

Due to erratic sales of its sole product—a high-capacity battery for laptop computers—PEM, Inc., has been experiencing financial difficulty for some time. The company’s contribution format income statement for the most recent month is given below:

  

Sales (13,100 units × $20 per unit)	$	262,000
Variable expenses		157,200
Contribution margin		104,800
Fixed expenses		116,800
Net operating loss	$	(12,000	)

Required :

2. The president believes that a $6,200 increase in the monthly advertising budget, combined with an intensified effort by the sales staff, will result in an $81,000 increase in monthly sales. If the president is right, what will be the increase (decrease) in the company’s monthly net operating income?

3. Refer to the original data. The sales manager is convinced that a 10% reduction in the selling price, combined with an increase of $34,000 in the monthly advertising budget, will double unit sales. If the sales manager is right, what will be the revised net operating income (loss)?

Answer 1