Due to erratic sales of its sole producta high-capacity battery for laptop computersPEM, Inc., has been experiencing financial difficulty for some time. The companys contribution format income statement for the most recent month is given below:

5. Refer to the original data. By automating, the company could reduce variable expenses by $3 per unit. However, fixed expenses would increase by $56,000 each month.

a. Compute the new CM ratio and the new break-even point in unit sales and dollar sales.

b. Assume that the company expects to sell 20,400 units next month. Prepare two contribution format income statements, one assuming that operations are not automated and one assuming that they are. (Show data on a per unit and percentage basis, as well as in total, for each alternative.)

c. Would you recommend that the company automate its operations (Assuming that the company expects to sell 20,400)?

Sales (12,800 units $20 per unit)	$	256,000
Variable expenses		153,600
Contribution margin		102,400
Fixed expenses		114,400
Net operating loss	$	(12,000	)