In: Accounting
Exercise 20-6
Compute break-even point in sales dollars and units under varying
assumptions; comment on results
(L.O. 3, 4)
Never Late Delivery currently delivers packages for $9 each. The
variable cost is $3 per package, and fixed costs are $60,000 per
month. Compute the break-even point in both sales dollars and units
under each of the following independent assumptions. Comment on why
the break-even points are different.
a. The costs and selling price are as just
given.
b. Fixed costs are increased to $75,000.
c. Selling price is increased by 10%. (Fixed costs are
$60,000.)
d. Variable cost is increased to $4.50 per unit. (Fixed
costs are $60,000 and selling price is $9.)
Solution:
selling price = $9
variable cost per unit = $3
Contribution margin per unit = 9 - 3 = 6
Fixed costs = $60,000
Break even point (dollars) = (fixed costs / contribution margin per unit) x selling price per unit
= (60,000 / 6) x 9 = $90,000
Break even point (units) = (fixed costs / contribution margin per unit) = (60000 / 6 ) = 10,000 units
b.
Fixed costs are increased to 75,000
Break even point (units) = 75,000 / 6 = 12,500 units
Break even dollars = (75000 / 6) x 9 = $112,500
c.
selling price is increased by 10% = 9 + (9 x 10%) = 9 + 0.9 = 9.9
Vairble cost per unit = 3
Contribution marginper unit = 9.9 - 3 = 6.9
fixed cost = 60,000
Break even units = 60,000 / 6.9 = 8696 units
Break even dollars = (60000 / 6.9) x 9.9 = $86086.95
d.
Variable cost is increased to 4.5 per unit (fixed cost = 60,000) and selling price is $9
Contribution margin per unit = 9 -4.5 = 4.5
Break even units = 60,000 / 4.5 = 13,333 units
Break even dollars = (60,000 / 4.5) x 9 = $120,000
Comment:
Here I comment on the break even points are different due to change in contribution margin and fixed cost which are two components for computing break even point and see which option are best. The 3rd option would be best because it's lower break even point therfore gives the least amount of risk.