Lemon Auto Wholesalers had sales of $1,180,000 last year, and cost of goods sold represented 73 percent of sales. Selling and administrative expenses were 13 percent of sales. Depreciation expense was $12,000 and interest expense for the year was $13,000. The firm’s tax rate is 30 percent.

a. Compute earnings after taxes.

b-1. Assume the firm hires Ms. Carr, an efficiency expert, as a consultant. She suggests that by increasing selling and administrative expenses to 15 percent of sales, sales can be increased to $1,230,100. The extra sales effort will also reduce cost of goods sold to 69 percent of sales. (There will be a larger markup in prices as a result of more aggressive selling.) Depreciation expense will remain at $12,000. However, more automobiles will have to be carried in inventory to satisfy customers, and interest expense will go up to $20,900. The firm’s tax rate will remain at 30 percent. Compute revised earnings after taxes based on Ms. Carr’s suggestions for Lemon Auto Wholesalers. (Round taxes and earnings after taxes to 1 decimal place.)

b-2. Will her ideas increase or decrease profitability?You estimate that you will need $887 thousand in 30 years to buy some cybernetic body enhancements, including infrared vision, retractable claws, and expanded brain storage capacity. To achieve your financial goal, you want to make three equal-sized deposits into an account paying a fixed annual rate of 9.32%. The first deposit will be made right now, the second 10 years from now, and the third 20 years from now. What is the size of each deposit you need to make in order to partake of future cybernetic goodness? (Hint: draw this out on a timeline.)