ssume a retailing company has two departments—Department A a…
ssume a retailing company has two departments—Department A and Department B. The company’s most recent contribution format income statement follows: Total Department A Department B Sales $ 800,000 $ 350,000 $ 450,000 Variable expenses 320,000 120,000 200,000 Contribution margin 480,000 230,000 250,000 Fixed expenses 400,000 140,000 260,000 Net operating income (loss) $ 80,000 $ 90,000 $ (10,000 ) The company says that $130,000 of the fixed expenses being charged to Department B are sunk costs or allocated costs that will continue if the segment is discontinued. However, if Department B is discontinued the sales in Department A will drop by 8%. What is the financial advantage (disadvantage) of discontinuing Department B? Hint: compare the lost contribution margin to the savings of fixed costs.