Question
Simon Teguh is considering investing in a vending machine operation involving 20 vending machines located in various plants around the city. The machine manufacturer reports
Simon Teguh is considering investing in a vending machine operation involving 20 vending machines located in various plants around the city. The machine manufacturer reports that similar vending machine routes have produced a sales volume ranging from 600 to 800 units per machine per month. The following information is made available to Teguh in evaluating the possible profitability of the operation.
- An investment of $45,000 will be required, $9,000 for merchandise and $36,000 for the 20 machines.
- The machines have a service life of five years and no salvage value at the end of that period. Depreciation will be computed on the straight-line basis.
- The merchandise (candy and soft drinks) retails for an average of 75 cents per unit and will cost Teguh an average of 25 cents per unit.
- Owners of the buildings in which the machines are located are paid a commission of 5 cents per unit of candy and soft drinks sold.
- One person will be hired to service the machines. The salary will be $1,500 per month.
- Other expenses are estimated at $600 per month. These expenses do not vary with the number of units sold.
Required:
a. Determine the unit contribution margin and the break-even volume in units and in dollars per month. (Do not round intermediate calculations. Round "Unit contribution margin" to 2 decimal places.)
c. What sales volume in units and in dollars per month will be necessary to produce an operating income equal to a 30 percent annual return on Teguh's $45,000 investment? (Do not round intermediate calculations.)
d. Teguh is considering offering the building owners a flat rental of $30 per machine per month in lieu of the commission of 5 cents per unit sold. What effect would this change in commission arrangement have on his monthly break-even volume in terms of units? (Do not round intermediate calculations.)
Answer is complete but not entirely correct. $ 0.45 6,000 $4,500 36,333 a. Unit contribution margin Break-even volume in units Break-even volume in dollars c. Sales volume in units Sales volume in dollars 27,250 New break-even volume in units d. 6,600
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started