-8] 9-43 CVP Analysis; Commissions; Ethics Lionel Corporation manufactures pharmaceutical products sold through a network of sales agents in the United States and Canada. The agents are currently paid an 18% commission on sales, that percentage was used when Lionel prepared the following budgeted income statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019: Lionel Corporation Budgeted Income Statement For the Year Ending June 30, 2019 ($000 omitted) $28,500 $12,825 3,500 16,325 $12,175 Sales Cost of goods sold Variable Fixed Gross profit Selling and administrative costs Commissions Fixed advertising cost Fixed administrative cost Operating income Fixed interest cost Income before income taxes Income taxes (30%) Net income $ 5,130 800 2,150 8,080 $ 4,095 705 $ 3,390 1,017 $ 2,373 Since the completion of the income statement, Lionel has learned that its sales agents are requir- ing a 5% increase in their commission rate (to 23%) for the upcoming year. As a result, Lionel's president has decided to investigate the possibility of hiring its own sales staff in place of the network of sales agents and has asked Alan Chen, Lionel's controller, to gather information on the costs asso- ciated with this change. Alan estimates that Lionel must hire eight salespeople to cover the current market area, at an average annual payroll cost for each employee of $80,000, including fringe benefits expense. Travel and entertainment expenses is expected to total $600,000 for the year, and the annual cost of hiring a sales manager and sales secretary will be $150,000. In addition to their salaries, the eight salespeople will each earn commissions at the rate of 10% of sales. The president believes that Lionel also should increase its advertising budget by $500,000 if the eight salespeople are hired. Required 2. If Lionel continues to sell through its network of sales agents and pays the higher commission rate, determine the estimated volume in sales dollars that would be required to generate the operating profit as projected in the budgeted income statement. 3. Describe the general assumptions underlying breakeven analysis that may limit its usefulness. 4. What is the indifference point in sales for the firm to either accept the agents' demand or adopt the pr posed change? Which plan is better for the firm? Why? 5. What are the ethical issues, if any, that Alan should consider? (CMA Adapted) sitivity Analysis Don Carson and two colleagues are ce mencive legal services ava