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Questions and Answers
When should a company consider replacing equipment?
When should a company consider replacing equipment?
What is the contribution margin of the unprofitable product line Champ?
What is the contribution margin of the unprofitable product line Champ?
What is the total cost to replace the old machine?
What is the total cost to replace the old machine?
What decision should be made regarding the unprofitable segment Champ if fixed costs are unavoidable?
What decision should be made regarding the unprofitable segment Champ if fixed costs are unavoidable?
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What nonfinancial factor should be considered in incremental analysis?
What nonfinancial factor should be considered in incremental analysis?
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What rule applies when deciding whether to process a product further to enhance its value?
What rule applies when deciding whether to process a product further to enhance its value?
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What is the definition of relevant costs in incremental analysis?
What is the definition of relevant costs in incremental analysis?
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In which scenario should a manager typically accept a special price order?
In which scenario should a manager typically accept a special price order?
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Which of the following best describes sunk costs?
Which of the following best describes sunk costs?
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What is the correct approach for making a make-or-buy decision?
What is the correct approach for making a make-or-buy decision?
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What is the incremental income in the Sunbelt Company example when selling 2,000 units at a special price of $11?
What is the incremental income in the Sunbelt Company example when selling 2,000 units at a special price of $11?
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Which of the following costs is NOT considered in incremental analysis?
Which of the following costs is NOT considered in incremental analysis?
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What is the first step in the decision-making process for incremental analysis?
What is the first step in the decision-making process for incremental analysis?
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The income lost from using freed capacity for another product is an example of which type of cost?
The income lost from using freed capacity for another product is an example of which type of cost?
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Study Notes
Incremental Analysis in Managerial Accounting
- Incremental analysis compares costs and revenues of different alternatives to aid decision-making.
Key Concepts
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Relevant Costs: Costs that change based on the decision. Examples include direct materials, variable costs, and opportunity costs.
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Sunk Costs: Past costs that cannot be recovered and are irrelevant to future decisions. An example is a past equipment upgrade cost.
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Opportunity Costs: Potential benefits lost from choosing one alternative over another. Example: revenue that could be earned by using freed-up capacity for another product.
Steps in Decision-Making
- Clearly define the problem and assign responsibility.
- Identify all possible courses of action.
- Analyze the relevant costs and benefits for each alternative.
- Choose the best alternative.
- Review and evaluate the results of the chosen action.
Applications of Incremental Analysis
Accepting a Special Order
- Rule: Accept if incremental revenues exceed incremental costs.
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Example (Sunbelt Company): A special order of 2,000 units at $11/unit. Regular price is $20/unit, variable cost $8/unit. Fixed costs ($400,000) are irrelevant.
- Incremental revenue = 2,000 units * $11/unit = $22,000
- Incremental cost = 2,000 units * $8/unit = $16,000
- Incremental income = $22,000 - $16,000 = $6,000
- Decision: Accept the order (because incremental income is positive).
Make or Buy Decision
- Rule: Choose the lowest-cost alternative, considering opportunity costs.
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Example (Baron Company): Producing ignition switches internally vs. buying them externally.
- Internal cost: $225,000
- External cost: $250,000 (including unavoidable fixed costs)
- Decision: Make the switches internally as external is more costly.
Sell or Process Further
- Rule: Process further if incremental revenue exceeds incremental processing costs.
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Example (Woodmasters Inc.): Unfinished tables at $50/unit vs. finished tables at $60/unit. Incremental processing costs are $8.40/unit.
- Incremental revenue = $60/unit - $50/unit = $10/unit.
- Incremental cost = $8.40/unit
- Incremental income = $10/unit - $8.40/unit = $1.60/unit
- Decision: Process further as it increases profit per unit.
Repair, Retain, or Replace Equipment
- Rule: Replace if cost savings from the new equipment exceed its purchase cost.
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Example (Machine Replacement): Current machine: $640,000 over 4 years. New machine: $120,000, reduced operating cost to $500,000 over 4 years.
- Cost to retain: $640,000
- Cost to replace: $615,000 (new machine cost + reduced operating cost - possible sale of old machine)
- Savings: $25,000
- Decision: Replace the machine due to lower operational costs.
Eliminate an Unprofitable Segment or Product
- Rule: Eliminate a segment only if fixed costs saved exceed contribution margin lost.
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Example (Venus Company): Unprofitable "Champ" product line.
- Sales: $100,000
- Variable costs: $90,000
- Contribution margin: $10,000
- Fixed costs: $30,000
- Decision: Do not eliminate the segment as total income drops by $10,000.
Key Considerations in Incremental Analysis
- Non-financial factors such as employee morale and environmental impact should be considered alongside financial data.
- Accurate and reliable assumptions about incremental revenues and costs are vital.
Graphical Analysis
- Visual tools like bar charts and cost comparison tables can aid in comparing alternatives.
- Tables showcasing revenues, costs, and net income for each alternative can simplify decision making.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of incremental analysis within managerial accounting. It includes relevant costs, sunk costs, and opportunity costs, providing a structured approach to decision-making. Participants will learn how to evaluate alternatives effectively for improved financial decisions.