Beth Howard is the advertising manager for Payless Shoe Store. She is currently working on a major promotional campaign. Her ideas include the installation of a new lighting system and increased display space that will add $24,000 in fixed costs to the $210,000 currently spent. In addition, Beth is proposing that a 6⅔% price decrease (from $30 to $28) will produce an increase in sales volume from 16,000 to 20,000 units. Variable costs will remain at $15 per pair of shoes. Management is impressed with Beth’s ideas but concerned about the effects that these changes will have on the break-even point and the margin of safety.

Instructions

(a) Compute the current break-even point in units, and compare it to the break-even point in units if Beth’s ideas are used.

(b) Compute the margin of safety ratio for current operations and after Beth’s changes are introduced. (Round to nearest full percent.)

(c) Prepare a CVP income statement for current operations and after Beth’s changes are introduced. Would you make the changes suggested?