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

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)

Required:
1.	Compute the companys CM ratio and its break-even point in both unit sales and dollar sales.

2.	The president believes that a $6,200 increase in the monthly advertising budget, combined with an intensified effort by the sales staff, will result in an $88,000 increase in monthly sales. If the president is right, what will be the effect on the companys monthly net operating income or loss? (Use the incremental approach in preparing your answer.)

3.	Refer to the original data. The sales manager is convinced that a 10% reduction in the selling price, combined with an increase of $30,000 in the monthly advertising budget, will double unit sales. What will the new contribution format income statement look like if these changes are adopted?

4.

Refer to the original data. The Marketing Department thinks that a fancy new package for the laptop computer battery would help sales. The new package would increase packaging costs by $0.50 cents per unit. Assuming no other changes, how many units would have to be sold each month to earn a profit of $4,200? (Do not round intermediate calculations and round your final answer to the nearest whole number.)

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

a.	Compute the new CM ratio and the new break-even point in both unit sales and dollar sales. (Use the CM ratio to calculate your break-even point in dollars. Round your final answers to the nearest whole number.)

b.

Assume that the company expects to sell 20,700 units next month. Prepare two contribution format income statements, one assuming that operations are not automated and one assuming that they are.

PEM, Inc.
Contribution Income Statement
	Not Automated				Automated
	Total	Per Unit	%		Total	Per Unit	%
				%				%
				%				%
				%				%

c.

Would you recommend that the company automate its operations?

	Yes
	No