Question

Pear Corporation is considering Alternative A and Alternative B. Costs associated with the alternatives are listed below:

Alternative A Alternative B
Materials costs $ 40,000 $ 56,000
Processing costs $ 37,000 $ 37,000
Equipment rental $ 13,000 $ 13,000
Occupancy costs $ 15,000 $ 22,000
Are the materials costs and processing costs relevant in the choice between alternatives A and B?
Multiple Choice
A) Only processing costs are relevant
B) Only materials costs are relevant
C) Both materials costs and processing costs are relevant
D) Neither materials costs nor processing costs are relevant

Answer 1

Answer: B) Only materials costs are relevant

Step-by-step explanation:

When choosing between alternatives, the main decider is the difference in costs. The costs that are different are the ones to decide whether a company takes on a project as it will signal the financial viability of a project.

In both alternatives, the Processing costs remain at $37,000 therefore the alternative chosen is irrelevant to these costs as they will be incurred regardless of the company's choice. They are therefore not to be considered.

Material costs on the other hand vary by the alternatives and so should be considered.