Question

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 $ 1,500,000 Variable expenses 655,500 Contribution margin 844,500 Fixed expenses 929,000 Net operating income (loss) $ (84,500) 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: Division East Central West Sales $ 350,000 $ 620,000 $ 530,000 Variable expenses as a percentage of sales 44 % 39 % 49 % Traceable fixed expenses $ 294,000 $ 329,000 $ 196,000 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 $29,000 based on the belief that it would increase that division's sales by 14%. Assuming these estimates are accurate, how much would the company's net operating income increase (decrease) if the proposal is implemented

Answer 1

Wingate Company

1. Contribution format income statement segmented by divisions:

Company East Central West

Sales $ 1,500,000 $350,000 $620,000 $530,000

Variable expenses 655,500 154,000 241,800 259,700

Contribution margin 844,500 $196,000 $378,200 $270,300

Traceable fixed expenses 819,000 294,000 329,000 196,000

Non-traceable fixed expenses 110,000

Net operating income (loss) $ (84,500) $(98,000) $49,200 $74,300

2. Decrease in net operating loss = $45,200

Step-by-step explanation:

a) Data and Calculations:

Wingate's most recent monthly contribution format income statement:

Sales $ 1,500,000

Variable expenses 655,500

Contribution margin 844,500

Fixed expenses 929,000

Net operating income (loss) $ (84,500)

Additional data:

Division East Central West

Sales $ 350,000 $ 620,000 $ 530,000

Variable expenses as

a percentage of sales 44 % 39 % 49 %

Traceable fixed expenses $ 294,000 $ 329,000 $ 196,000

Implementation of the proposal:

Sales for West = $604,200 ($530,000 * 1.14)

Traceable fixed expenses for West = $225,000 ($196,000 + 29,000)

Contribution format income statement segmented by divisions:

Company East Central West

Sales $ 1,574,200 $350,000 $620,000 $604,200

Variable expenses 655,500 154,000 241,800 259,700

Contribution margin 918,700 $196,000 $378,200 $344,500

Traceable fixed expenses 848,000 294,000 329,000 225,000

Non-traceable fixed expenses 110,000

Net operating income (loss) $ (39,300) $(98,000) $49,200 $119,500

Decrease in net operating loss = $45,200 ($84,500 - 39,300)