I know headquarters wants us to add that new product line, said Bella Troung, manager of Haley Companys Office Products Division. But I want to see the numbers before I make any move. Our divisions return on investment (ROI) has led the company for three years, and I dont want any letdown. Haley Company is a decentralized wholesaler with five autonomous divisions. The divisions are evaluated on the basis of ROI, with year-end bonuses given to the divisional managers who have the highest ROIs.

Selected operating activities for the companys Office Products Division for the most recent year are given below:

Sales $20,000,000

Variable Expenses 12,000,000

Fixed Expenses 6,400,000

Division Operating Assets 8,000,000

The Haley Company had an overall return on investment (ROI) of 15% last year (considering all divisions). The Office Products Division has an opportunity to add a new product line that would require an additional investment in operating assets of $2,000,000.

The cost and revenue characteristics of the new product line per year would be:

Sales $4,000,000

Variable Expenses 55% of sales

Fixed Expenses 1,450,000

1. Compute the Office Products Divisions ROI for the most recent year; also compute the ROI as it would appear if the new product line is added.

2. If you were in Bellas position, would you accept or reject the new product line? Explain.

3. Why do you suppose headquarters is anxious for the Office Products Division to add the new product line?

4. Suppose that the companys minimum required rate of return on operating assets is 15% and that performance is evaluated using residual income. a. Compute the Office Products Divisions residual income for the most recent year; also compute the residual income as it would appear if the new product line is added. b. Under these circumstances, if you were in Bellas position, would you accept or reject the new product line? Explain.