Horton Manufacturing Inc. (HMI) is suffering from the effects of increased local and global competition for its main product, a lawn mower that is sold in discount stores throughout the United States. The following table shows the results of HMI's operations for 2016.

Sales (12,500 units @ $84) ...................... $ 1,050,000

Less variable costs (12,500 @ $63) ................ 787,500

Contribution margin ................................ $ 262,500

Less fixed costs ....................................... 296,000

Operating profit (loss) ............................. ($ 33,500)

Required

1. Compute HMI's breakeven point in both units and dollars. Also, compute the Contribution margin ratio. (Round the number of breakeven units up to a whole number.)

2. What would be the required sales, in units and in dollars, to generate a pretax profit of $30,000?

3. Assume a combined income tax rate of 40%. What would be the required sales volume, in both units and in dollars, to generate an after-tax profit of $30,000? (Round the number of units up to a whole number.)

4. Prepare a contribution income statement as a check for your calculations in requirement 3 above.

5. The manager believes that a $60,000 increase in advertising would result in a $200,000 increase in annual sales. If the manager is right, what will be the effect on the company's operating profit or loss?

6. Refer to the original data. The vice president in charge of sales feels that a 10% reduction in price in combination with a $40,000 increase in advertising will cause unit sales to increases by 25%. What effect would this strategy have on operating profit (loss)?

7. Refer to the original data. During 2016, HMI saved $5 of unit variable costs per lawn mower by buying from a different manufacturer. However, the cost of changing the plant machinery to accommodate the new part cost an additional $50,000 in fixed cost per year. Was this a wise change? Why or why not?