Question

An electronics firm is currently manufacturing an item that has a variable cost of $.50 per unit and a selling price of $1.00 per unit. Fixed costs are $14,000. Current volume is 30,000 units. The firm can substantially improve the product quality by adding a new piece of equipment at an additional fixed cost of $6,000. Variable cost would increase to $.60, but volume should jump to 50,000 units due to a higherquality product. Should the company buy the new equipment

Answer 1

Answer: The company should not buy the new equipment

Explanation:

For the 1st case:

Revenue = Selling price × Number of units

= 1 × 30000

= $30,000

Total cost = Fixed cost + Variable cost

= 14000 + (0.5 × 30000)

= 14000 + 15000

= $29000

Profit = Revenue - Cost

= $30000 - $29000

= $1000

For the 2nd case:

Revenue = Selling price × Number of units

Revenue = Selling price × Number of units

= 1 × 50000

= $50,000

Total cost = Fixed cost + Variable cost

= 20000 + (0.6 × 50000)

= 20000 + 30000

= $50000

Profit = Revenue - Cost

= $50000 - $50000

= $0

Based on the calculation above, the company should not buy the new equipment as no profit will be made while currently a profit of $1000 is made.