Business case

Computer Associates International, Inc., the worlds leading business software company, delivers the end-to-end infrastructure to enable e-business through innovative technology, services, and education. The company has 19,000 employees worldwide and recently had revenue of over $6 billion. Presented below is information from the companys annual report.

COMPUTER ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL

Management Discussion

The Company has experienced a business pattern whereby revenue for its third and fourth fiscal quarters reflects an increase over first- and second-quarter revenue. The Company attributes this increase to clients increased spending at the end of their calendar year budgetary periods and the culmination of its annual sales plan. Since the Companys costs do not increase proportionately with the third- and fourth quarters increase in revenue, the higher revenue in these quarters results in greater profit margins and income. Fourth-quarter profitability is traditionally affected by significant new hiring, training, and education expenditures for the succeeding year.

Required:

1. Why dont the companys costs increase proportionately as the revenues increase in the third and fourth quarters? Explain. (3 marks)

2. What type of budgeting seems appropriate for the Computer Associates situation? Explain with justifications. (2 marks)