Paul Swanson has an opportunity to acquire a franchise from The Yogurt Place, Incorporated, to dispense frozen yogurt products under The Yogurt Place name. Mr. Swanson has assembled the following information relating to the franchise:

A suitable location in a large shopping mall can be rented for $3,100 per month. Remodeling and necessary equipment would cost $294,000. The equipment would have a 20-year life and a $14,700 salvage value. Straight-line depreciation would be used, and the salvage value would be considered in computing depreciation. Based on similar outlets elsewhere, Mr. Swanson estimates that sales would total $340,000 per year. Ingredients would cost 20% of sales. Operating costs would include $74,000 per year for salaries, $3,900 per year for insurance, and $31,000 per year for utilities. In addition, Mr. Swanson would have to pay a commission to The Yogurt Place, Incorporated, of 14.5% of sales.

Required:

1. Prepare a contribution format income statement that shows the expected net operating income each year from the franchise outlet.

2-a. Compute the simple rate of return promised by the outlet.

2-b. If Mr. Swanson requires a simple rate of return of at least 18%, should he acquire the franchise?

3-a. Compute the payback period on the outlet.

3-b. If Mr. Swanson wants a payback of three years or less, will he acquire the franchise?