I know headquarters wants us to add that new product line, said Fred Holloway, manager of Kristi Products West Division. But I want to see the numbers before I make a move. Our divisions return on investment (ROI) has led the company for three years, and I dont want any letdown.

Kristi Products is a decentralized wholesaler with four autonomous divisions. The divisions are evaluated on the basis of ROI, with year-end bonuses given to divisional managers who have the highest ROI. Operating results for the companys West Division for the last year are given below:

Sales. $21,000,000

Variable expenses. 13,400,000

Contribution margin. 7,600,000

Fixed expenses. 5,920,000

Net Operating Income.. $ 1,680,000

Divisional Operating Assets. $ 5,250,000

The company had an overall ROI of 18% last year (considering all divisions). The companys West division has an opportunity to add a new product line that would require an investment of $3,000,000. The cost and revenue characteristics of the new product line per year would be as follows:

Sales $9,000,000

Variable expenses... 65% of sales

Fixed expenses $2,520,000

Required:

(2 points) Compute the West Divisions ROI for last year; also compute the ROI as it would appear if the company duplicated the same performance as last year and also added the new product line.

(2 points) If you were in Fred Holloways position, would you accept or reject the new product line? Explain.

(2 points) Why do you suppose headquarters is anxious for the West Division to add the new product line?

Suppose that the companys minimum required rate of return on operating assets is 15% and that the performance is evaluated using residual income.

(2 points) Compute the West Divisions residual income for the last year; also compute the residual income as it would appear if the company duplicated the same performance as last year and also added the new product line.

(2 points) Under these circumstances, if you were in Fred Holloways position would you accept or reject the new product line? Explain.