Northern Apparel Inc. is thinking of making a specialty parka for children. The initial research has determined that the parka could sell for $195. Fixed manufacturing overhead is $140,000 per month. Fixed selling costs are $31,000 per month. Variable costs to manufacture are estimated as follows:
Direct materials | $18.50 |
Direct labour | 6.15 |
Manufacturing overhead | 1.20 |
Variable selling cost is estimated at 3.5% of sales.
Required:
- a) Calculate the break-even point in units and in dollars.
- b) Calculate the new break-even point in units and sales dollars for each of the following independent situations:
- i. Variable manufacturing costs increased by 40%.
- ii. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs increased by 25% and variable manufacturing costs increased by 50%, except for direct materials, which doubled in price due to a problem with importing leather. Variable selling cost increased to 4% of sales.
- iii. The estimated selling price was overestimated, and the actual price is $150.
- c) Using the revised estimates from part (b) (iii) as the best estimate, what is the margin of safety percentage if the company thinks it will sell 2,000 units per month?
- d) The management accountant wants to provide the production department with relevant information for decision-making in relation to the production of this parka. Two of the key decision makers are the assembly supervisor and the vice-president of production. Contrast the information needs of each of these individuals as they relate to the following:
- i. decision type
- ii. information format
- iii. information source