$8-7$ Operating Leverage and Fluctuations in Operating Earnings Assume that Jason Kidwell $($from Problem $8-6)$ is able to purchase Toys $$n$$ Things Inc. for $$2\mathrm{.}2$million$.$ Jason estimates that after initiating his changes in the company$$s operations $($i$.$e$.,$ the salary savings plus outsourcing savings described in Problem $8-6),$ the firm$$s cost of goods sold are $55\%$ of firm revenues, and operating expenses are equal to a fixed component of $$250,000$ plus a variable cost component equal to $10\%$ of revenues.

Under these circumstances, estimate the firm$$s net operating income for revenue levels of $$1$ million, $$2$ million, and $$4$ million. What is the percentage change in operating income if revenues go from $$2$ million to $$4$ million? What is the percentage change in operating income if revenues change from $$2$ million to $$1$million$?$

Assume now that Jason is able to modify the firm$$s cost structure such that the fixed component of operating expenses declines to $$50,000$ per year but the variable cost rises to $30\%$ of firm revenues. Answer Problem $8-7($a$)$ under this revised cost structure. Which of the two cost structures generates the highest level of operating leverage? What should be the effect of the change in cost structure on the firm$$s equity beta?