The Greenback Store’s cost structure is dominated by variable costs with a contribution margin ratio of 0.25 and fixed costs of $40,000. Every dollar of sales contributes 25 cents toward fixed costs and profit. The cost structure of a competitor, One-Mart, is dominated by fixed costs with a higher contribution margin ratio of 0.75 and fixed costs of $440,000. Every dollar of sales contributes 75 cents toward fixed costs and profit. Both companies have sales of $800,000 for the month. Required: a. Compare the two companies’ cost structures. b. Suppose that both companies experience a 15 percent increase in sales volume. By how much would each company’s profits increase?

                                Greenback Store            One-Mart

                                      Amount      %           Amount    %

a.  Sales                       $800,000   100%     $800,000   100%

Variable cost               $600,000    75%      $200,000    25%      

Contribution margin    $200,000    25%      $600,000    75%

Fixed cost                    $40,000       5%        $440,000    55%

Operating profit           $160,000     20%      $160,000     20%

Break even point         $160,000                  $586,666.67

Workings

Greenback Store Break even point = Fixed cost / Contribution margin ratio = 40,000 / 0.25 = 160,000

One-Mart Break even point = Fixed cost / Contribution margin ratio = 440,000 / 0.75 = 586,666.67

b. Greenback Store

Increase in sales = $800,000*15% = $120,000

Company profit Increase by + (Increase in sales * Contribution margin ratio = 120,000 * 25% = $30,000

Thus, with the increase in 15% of sales of Greenback Store, the profit of the   company increase by $30,000

One-Mart

Increase in sales = $800,000*15% = $120,000

Company profit Increase by + (Increase in sales * Contribution margin ratio = 120,000 * 75% = $90,000

Thus, with the increase in 15% of sales of One-Mart , the profit of the   company increase by $90,000.

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