Contribution margin for the two unprofitable divisions


Problem: Deskins Manufacturing Company has four operating divisions. During the first quarter of 2010 the company reported total income from operations of $61,000 and the following results for the divisions.

Analysis reveals the following percentages of variable costs in each division.

Division:    Denver       Miami       San Diego     Tacoma
Sales       $455,000    $730,000    $920,000      $515,000

Cost of goods sold                             380,000      480,000     576,000    430,000
Selling and administrative expenses    120,000      207,000     246,000    120,000
Income (loss) from operations           $(45,000)    $ 43,000    $ 98,000    $(35,000)

Denver    Miami    San Diego    Tacoma
Cost of goods sold                          95%    80%    90%    90%
Selling and administrative expenses  80       60       70       60

Discontinuance of any division would save 60% of the fixed costs and expenses for that division.

Top management is deeply concerned about the unprofitable divisions (Denver and Tacoma).The consensus is that one or both of the divisions should be eliminated.

Instructions:

Q1. Compute the contribution margin for the two unprofitable divisions.

Q2. Prepare an incremental analysis concerning the possible elimination of (1) the Denver Division and (2) the Tacoma Division. What course of action do you recommend for each division?

Q3. Prepare a columnar condensed income statement using the CVP format for Deskins Manufacturing Company, assuming (1) the Denver Division is eliminated, and (2) the unavoidable fixed costs and expenses of the Denver Division are allocated 30% to Miami, 50% to San Diego, and 20% to Tacoma.

Q4. Compare the total income from operations with the Denver Division ($61,000) to total income from operations without this division.

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Accounting Basics: Contribution margin for the two unprofitable divisions
Reference No:- TGS01919276

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