Problem 4-18 Interpreting a Report-Weighted-Average Method [LO4-2, LO4-3, LO4-4]

Cooperative San Jos of southern Sonora state in Mexico makes a unique syrup using cane sugar and local herbs. The syrup is sold in small bottles and is prized as a flavoring for drinks and for use in desserts. The bottles are sold for $12 each. The first stage in the production process is carried out in the Mixing Department, which removes foreign matter from the raw materials and mixes them in the proper proportions in large vats. The company uses the weighted-average method in its process costing system.

A hastily prepared report for the Mixing Department for April appears below:

Units to be accounted for:
Work in process, April 1 (materials 90% complete; conversion 80% complete)	8,800
Started into production	37,700
Total units to be accounted for	46,500
Units accounted for as follows:
Transferred to next department	37,300
Work in process, April 30 (materials 75% complete; conversion 50% complete)	9,200
Total units accounted for	46,500

Cost Reconciliation
Cost to be accounted for:
Work in process, April 1	$	27,632
Cost added during the month		126,937
Total cost to be accounted for	$	154,569
Cost accounted for as follows:
Work in process, April 30	$	21,781
Transferred to next department		132,788
Total cost accounted for	$	154,569

Management would like some additional information about Cooperative San Joss operations.

Required:

1. What were the Mixing Department's equivalent units of production for materials and conversion for April?

2. What were the Mixing Department's cost per equivalent unit for materials and conversion for April? The beginning inventory consisted of the following costs: materials, $18,920; and conversion cost, $8,712. The costs added during the month consisted of: materials, $84,950; and conversion cost, $41,987.

3. How many of the units transferred out of the Mixing Department in April were started and completed during that month?

4. The manager of the Mixing Department stated, Materials prices jumped from about $1.95 per unit in March to $2.45 per unit in April, but due to good cost control I was able to hold our materials cost to less than $2.45 per unit for the month. Should this manager be rewarded for good cost control?