Question

An engineering firm measures its output in standard service hours (SSH) per unit, which is a function of the skill levels of its engineers (skill levels range from an engineering intern to an engineering scientist). The variable cost is $60 per SSH and the fixed cost is $2,000,000 per year. The firm charges $100 for each service per hour. Assume the maximum hours the firm operates (that is the output) is 170,000 per year. a) Compute the break-even point in SSH.b) At what percentage does the break-even occur as compared to the maximum hours the firm operates? c) What is the percentage reduction in the break-even point if the fixed cost can be reduced by 20%? d) Does the break-even point increase or decrease if the charges per service are increased by 10%? e) What is your recommendation? Should the firm reduce the fixed cost or increase the price?

Answer 1

Instructions are below.

Step-by-step explanation:

Giving the following information:

The variable cost is $60 per SSH and the fixed cost is $2,000,000 per year. The firm charges $100 for each service per hour. Assume the maximum hours the firm operates (that is the output) is 170,000 per year.

1) To calculate the break-even point, we need to use the following formula:

Break-even point in units= fixed costs/ contribution margin per unit

Break-even point in units= 2,000,000/ (100 - 60)

Break-even point in units= 50,000 hours

2) %of hours= (50,000/170,000)*100= 29.41%

3) Fixed costs= $1,800,000

Break-even point in units= 1,800,000/40

Break-even point in units= 45,000 hours

The number of units required to cover for fixed costs diminished by 10%.

4) Selling price= $110

Break-even point in units= 2,000,000/(110 - 60)

Break-even point in units= 40,000 hours

The number of units required to cover for fixed costs diminished by 20%.

5) In generals terms, it is easier to increase the selling price compared to decreasing fixed costs. In this case, the best option is to increase the selling price. The effect on income and the break-even analysis is higher than decreasing fixed costs.