Q1 - CVP Applications: Break-Even Analysis; Cost Structure; Target Sales Northland Company manufactures basketballs. The company has a bar that sells for $25. At present, the ball is manufactured in a small plant that relies heavily on direct labor workers. Thus, variable expenses are high, totaling $15 per ball, of which 60% is direct labor cost. last year, the company sold 30,000 of these balls, with the following results: Sales (30,000 units) $750,000 Variable expenses.. 450,000 Contribution margin.. 300,000 Fixed expenses.. 210,000 Net operating income $ 90,000 Required: 1. Compute (a) the CM ratio and the break-even point in balls, and (b) the degree of operating leverage at last years sales level. 2. Due to an increase in labor rates, the company estimates that variable expenses will increase by $3 per ball next year. 3. Refer to the data in (a) above. If the expected change in the variable expenses takes place, how many balls will have to be sold next year to earn the same and net operating income, $90,000, as last year? 4. Referred again to the data in (2) above. The president feels that the company must raise the selling price of its basketballs. If Northwood Company wants to maintain the same CM ratio as last year, what selling price per ball must it charge for next year to cover the increased labor costs? 5. Refer to the original data. The company is discussing the construction of a new, automated manufacturing plant. The new plant would slash variable expenses per ball by 40%, but it would cost to fix expenses per year to double. If the new plan is built, what would be the companys new CM ratio and the new break- even point in balls? 6. Refer to the data (5) above. a. If the new plant is built, how many balls will have to be sold next year to earn the same net operating income, $90,000, as last year. b. Assume the new plant is built in the next year the company manufactures and sells 30,000 balls (the same number as sold last year). Prepare a contribution format income statement and compute the degree of operating leverage. c. If you were a member of top management, would you have been in favor of constructing the new plant? Explain.