Wingate Company, a wholesale distributor of electronic equipment, has been experiencing losses for some time, as shown by its most recent monthly contribution format income statement: Sales Variable expenses Contribution margin Fixed expenses Net operating income (loss) $ 1,510,000 702,500 807,500 888,000 $ (80,500) In an effort to resolve the problem, the company would like to prepare an income statement segmented by division. Accordingly, the Accounting Department has developed the following information: Sales Variable expenses as a percentage of sales Traceable fixed expenses East $370,000 61% $288,000 Division Central $640,000 37% $334,000 West $500,000 48% $190,000 Required: 1. Prepare a contribution format income statement segmented by divisions. 2-a. The Marketing Department has proposed increasing the West Division's monthly advertising by $24,000 based on the belief that it would increase that division's sales by 18%. Assuming these estimates are accurate, how much would the company's net operating income increase (decrease) if the proposal is implemented? 2-b. Would you recommend the increased advertising