Maryland Manufacturing $($M$2)$ produces a part using an expensive proprietary machine that can only be leased. The leasing company offers two contracts. The first $($unit$-$rate lease$)$ is one where M$2$ would pay $$20$ per unit produced, regardless of the number of units. The second lease option $($flat$-$rate lease$)$ is one where M$2$ would pay $$460,000$ annually, regardless of the number produced. The lease will run one year and the lease option chosen cannot be changed during the lease. All other lease terms are the same.

M$2$ sells the part for $$228$ per unit and unit variable cost $($excluding any machine lease costs$)$ are $$128.$ Annual fixed costs $($excluding any machine lease costs$)$ are $$1,468,000.$

Required:

What is the annual break$-$even level assuming

The unit$-$rate lease?

The flat$-$rate lease?

At what annual volume would the operating profit be the same regardless of the royalty option chosen?

Suppose M$2$ is unsure of the pricing and costs for the part $($other than the costs of the lease under the two payment options$).$ At what annual volume would the operating profit be the same regardless of the lease payment option chosen?

Assume an annual volume of $37,000$ parts. What is the operating leverage assuming

The unit$-$rate lease?

The flat$-$rate lease?

Assume an annual volume of $37,000$ parts. What is the margin of safety assuming

The unit$-$rate lease?

The flat$-$rate lease?