Lemon Auto Wholesalers had sales of $1,000,000 last year, and cost of goods sold represented 78 percent of sales. Selling and administrative expenses were 12 percent of sales. Depreciation expense was $11,000 and interest expense for the year was $8,000. The firm’s tax rate is 30 percent.

a. Compute earnings after taxes.
b. Assume the firm hires Ms. Carr, an efficiency expert, as a consultant. She suggests that by increasing selling and administrative expenses to 14 percent of sales, sales can be increased to $1,050,900. The extra sales effort will also reduce the cost of goods sold to 74 percent of sales. (There will be a larger markup in prices as a result of more aggressive selling.) Depreciation expenses will remain at $11,000. However, more automobiles will have to be carried in inventory to satisfy customers, and interest expenses will go up to $15,800. The firm’s tax rate will remain at 30 percent. Compute revised earnings after taxes based on Ms. Carr’s suggestions for Lemon Auto Wholesalers. Will her ideas increase or decrease profitability?