Problem:

Astro Co. sold 19,000 units of its only product and incurred a $41,300 loss (ignoring taxes) for the current year as shown here. During a planning session for year 2014s activities, the production manager notes that variable costs can be reduced 30% by installing a machine that automates several operations. To obtain these savings, the company must increase its annual fixed costs by $140,000. The maximum output capacity of the company is 40,000 units per year. ASTRO COMPANY Contribution Margin Income Statement For Year Ended December 31, 2013 Sales $ 693,500 Variable costs 554,800 Contribution margin 138,700 Fixed costs 180,000 Net loss $ (41,300 )

Required:

Question 1: Compute the break-even point in dollar sales for year 2013.

Question 2: Compute the predicted break-even point in dollar sales for year 2014 assuming the machine is installed and there is no change in the unit sales price.

Question 3: Prepare a forecasted contribution margin income statement for 2014 that shows the expected results with the machine installed. Assume that the unit sales price and the number of units sold will not change, and no income taxes will be due.

Question 4: Compute the sales level required in both dollars and units to earn $60,000 of after-tax income in 2014 with the machine installed and no change in the unit sales price. Assume that the income tax rate is 40%.

Question 5: Prepare a forecasted contribution margin income statement that shows the results at the sales level computed in part 4.

Note: Be sure to show how you arrived at your answer.