Question

Minor Electric has received a special one-time order for 1,500 light fixtures (units) at $5 per unit. Minor currently produces and sells 7,500 units at $6.00 each. This level represents 75% of its capacity. Production costs for these units are $4.50 per unit, which includes $3.00 variable cost and $1.50 fixed cost. To produce the special order, a new machine needs to be purchased at a cost of $1,000 with a zero salvage value. Management expects no other changes in costs as a result of the additional production. If Minor wishes to earn $1,250 on the special order, the size of the order would need to be:

Answer 1

A special order for 1,125 units generates $1,250 in extra profit. This order (1,500 units) increases profits by $2,000

Step-by-step explanation:

special order for 1,500 units at $5

regular production 7,500 units at $6

spare capacity 2,500 units (total capacity = 7,500 / 75% = 10,000)

production costs of regular units:

• variable costs = $3 per unit
• fixed costs = $1.50 per unit
• total = $4.50 per unit

new machine is required that costs $1,000

regular fixed costs are not affected by special order

profit from special order:

• total revenue = 1,500 x $5 = $7,500
• relevant costs = 1,500 x $3 = ($4,500)
• new machine = ($1,000)
• additional profit from special order = $2,000

But Minor only wishes to earn $1,250 from special order, so the number of units should be:

($1,000 + $1,250) / ($5 - $3) = $2,250 / $2 = 1,125 units