Consolidated Industries is studying the addition of a new valve to its product line. The valve would be used by manufacturers of irrigation equipment. The company anticipates starting with a relatively low sales volume and then boosting demand over the next several years. A new salesperson must be hired because Consolidateds current sales force is working at capacity. Two compensation plans are under consideration:

Plan A: An annual salary of $22,000 plus a 10% commission based on gross dollar sales.

Plan B: An annual salary of $66,000 and no commission.

Consolidated Industries will purchase the valve for $50 and sell it for $80. Anticipated demand during the first year is 6,000 units. (In the following requirements, ignore income taxes.)

1. Compute the break-even point in units for Plan A and Plan B.

3-a. Compute the operating leverage factor of both plans at the anticipated demand of 6,000 units. (Round your answers to 2 decimal places.)

4. Assume that a general economic downturn occurred during year 2, with product demand falling from 6,000 to 5,000 units. Determine the percentage decrease in company net income if Consolidated had adopted Plan A.

Plan A Profitability decrease by ________%

5. Assume that a general economic downturn occurred during year 2, with product demand falling from 6,000 to 5,000 units. Determine the percentage decrease in company net income if Consolidated had adopted Plan B. (Round your answer to 1 decimal place.)

Plan B profitability decrease by _______%