Question

Factory X manufactures steam cleaners for engines and has a high level of sales variability. The units sell for $3,200 each but each unit contains about $1,280 in components and direct labor cost. Factory X also keeps the plant open even when sales are low at a cost of approximately $1,000,000 per year. List some examples of fixed costs for a typical manufacturing plant.
How much are the variable costs in this example?
The cost of the variable costs in this example are
What is the break-even level of units in this example?
What is the break-even level of sales in this example?

Answer 1

Answer:

a. Some examples of fixed costs are; Insurance, utility charges, and Rent.

b. Variable cost=$1,280

c. Fixed costs=$1,000,000

d. Break-even level of units=521 units

e. Break-even level of sales=$1,667,200

Explanation:

a.

Fixed costs are the expenses that do not change with the level of output, while the variable costs depend on the amount of output produced. The fixed costs typically stay the same with the production levels. The variable costs on the other hand change as the production changes.

Some examples of fixed costs in a typical manufacturing plant are;

1. Insurance

2. Utility charges

3. Rent

4. Property taxes

b.

The variable costs are the Material and labor costs, since a higher or a lower level of output will affect the quantity of materials and labor needed. Thus their costs change with the output.

Variable cost=material cost+labor costs=$1,280

c.

The fixed costs=$1,000,000 since they don't vary with the sales. Sales is a direct function of the output.

d. The break even point is the point at which the Revenue from sales equal the costs. This can be expressed as;

Revenue=price per unit×number of units sold

where;

price per unit=$3,200

number of units sold=n

replacing;

Revenue=3,200×n=3,200 n

Total cost=fixed cost+(cost per unit×number of units)

fixed cost=$1,000,000

cost per unit=$1,280

number of units=n

replacing;

Total costs=1,000,000+(1,280×n)=1,280 n+1,000,000

Since at break-even point, revenue equals cost;

3,200 n=1,280 n+1,000,000

3,200 n-1,280 n=1,000,000

1,920 n=1,000,000

n=1,000,000/1,920

n=520.83

n=521

Number of units is approximately 521 at break-even

Break-even level of units=521 units

e.

Break-even sales=price per unit×break-even level of units

where;

price per unit=$3,200

break-even level of units=521 units

replacing;

Break-even level of sales=3,200×521=$1,667,200