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) $ 1,730,000 693,300 1,036,700 1,140,000 $ (103,300) 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 $ 450,000 47% $288,000 Division Central $700,000 39% $323,000 West $ 580,000 36% $ 210,000 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 17%. 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? Prepare a contribution format income statement segmented by divisions. Division Total Company East Central West Net operating income will by Would you recommend the increased advertising? OYes No