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149. Anderson Co. manufactures and sells adjustable windows for remodeling homes and new
housing. Anderson developed its budget for the current year assuming that the windows would
sell at a price of $400 each. The variable costs for each window were forecasted to be $200 and
the annual fixed costs were forecasted to be $100,000. Anderson had targeted a profit of
$400,000.
While Anderson’s sales usually rise during the second quarter, the May financial statements
reported that sales were not meeting expectations. For the first five months of the year, only 350
units had been sold at the established price, with variable cost as planned, and it was clear that
the target profit for the year would not be reached unless some actions were taken. Anderson’s
president assigned a management committee to analyze the situation and develop several
alternative courses of action. The following three alternatives were presented to the president,
only one of which can be selected.
1. Reduce the selling price by $40. The marketing department forecasts that with the lower price,
2,700 units could be sold during the remainder of the year.
2. Lower variable costs per unit by $25 through the use of less expensive materials. Because of
the difference in materials, the selling price would have to be lowered by $30 and sales of 2,200
units for the remainder of the year are forecast.
3. Cut fixed costs by $10,000 and lower the selling price by 5 percent. Sales of 2,000 units would
be expected for the remainder of the year.
Required:
a. If no changes are made to the selling price or cost structure, estimate the number of units that
must be sold during the year to break-even.
b. If no changes are made to the selling price or cost structure, estimate the number of units that
must be sold during the year to attain the target profit of $400,000.
c. Determine which of the alternatives Anderson’s president should select to maximize profit.