1. Managerial Accounting Weygandt, Kieso, & Kimmel
Prepared by
Karleen Nordquist..
The College of St. Benedict... and St. John’s University...
with contributions by
Marianne Bradford..
The University of Tennessee...
Gregory K. Lowry….
Macon Technical Institute…..
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1

2. Cost-Volume-Profit Relationships
Chapter 5
Cost-Volume-Profit Relationships

3. Chapter 5 Cost-Volume-Profit Relationships
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
1 Distinguish between variable and fixed costs.
2 Explain the meaning and importance of the relevant range.
3 Explain the concept of mixed costs.
4 State the five components of cost-volume-profit analysis.
5 Indicate the meaning of contribution margin and the ways it may be expressed.

4. Chapter 5 Cost-Volume-Profit Relationships
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
6 Identify the three ways that the break-even point may be determined.
7 Define margin of safety and give the formulas for computing it.
8 Give the formulas for determining sales required to earn target net income.
9 Describe the essential features of a cost-volume-profit income statement.

5. COST-VOLUME-PROFIT RELATIONSHIPS
Preview of Chapter 5
Cost Behavior Analysis
Variable Costs
Fixed Costs
Relevant Range
Mixed Costs
Identifying Variable and Fixed Costs
COST-VOLUME-PROFIT RELATIONSHIPS

6. COST-VOLUME-PROFIT RELATIONSHIPS
Preview of Chapter 5
Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis
Basic Components
Contribution Margin
Break-Even Analysis
Margin of Safety
Target Net Income
Changes in Business Environment
CVP Income Statement
COST-VOLUME-PROFIT RELATIONSHIPS

7. Cost Behavior Analysis
Cost behavior analysis is the study of how specific costs respond to changes in the level of activity within a company.
The starting point in cost behavior analysis is measuring the key activities in the company’s business.
Activity levels may be expressed in terms of
sales dollars (retail company),
miles driven (trucking company),
room occupancy (hotel), or
number of dance classes taught (dance studio).

8. Cost Behavior Analysis
For an activity level to be useful in cost behavior analysis, there should be correlation between changes in the level or volume of activity and changes in the costs.
The activity level selected is referred to as the activity (or volume) index.
The activity index identifies the activity that causes changes in the behavior of costs.

9. Distinguish between variable and fixed costs.
Study Objective 1
Distinguish between variable and fixed costs.

10. Variable Costs
Variable costs are costs that vary in total directly and proportionately with changes in the activity level.
A variable cost may also be defined as a cost that remains the same per unit at every level of activity. 9

11. Variable Costs
Damon Company manufactures radios that contain a $10 digital clock. The activity index is the number of radios produced. As each radio is manufactured, the total cost of the clocks increases by $10.
$100 80 60 40 20
Cost (000) 2 4 6 8 10
Radios produced in (000)
(a) Total Variable Costs (Digital Clocks) 5
$25 15
Cost (per unit)
(b) Unit Variable Costs (Digital Clocks)
Illustration 5-1 3

12. Fixed Costs
Fixed costs are costs that remain the same in total regardless of changes in the activity level.
Since fixed costs remain constant in total as activity changes, fixed costs per unit vary inversely with activity. As volume increases, unit cost declines and vice versa.

13. Fixed Costs
Damon Company leases all of its productive facilities at a cost of $10,000 per month. Total fixed costs of the facilities will remain constant at every level of activity.
Illustration 5-2
$25 20 15 10 5
Cost (000) 2 4 6 8
Radios produced in (000)
(a) Total Fixed Costs (Rent Expense) 1 $5 3
Cost (per unit)
(b) Fixed Costs Per Unit (Rent Expense) 3

14. Explain the meaning and importance of the relevant range.
Study Objective 2
Explain the meaning and importance of the relevant range.

15. Nonlinear Behavior of Variable and Fixed Costs
In the previous two slides, the assumption was made that total variable costs and total fixed costs were linear, and straight lines were used to represent both types of costs. A straight-line relationship does not usually exist for variable costs throughout the entire range of activity.
In the real world, the relationship between variable cost behavior and changes in the activity level is often curvilinear, as shown in part (a) on the right. The behavior of total fixed costs through all levels of activity is shown in part (b).
Cost ($)
(b) Total Fixed Costs Nonlinear 20 40 60 80
100
Activity level (%)
(a) Total Variable Costs Curvilinear
Illustration 5-3 9

16. Linear Behavior Within Relevant Range
Operating at zero or at 100% capacity is the exception for most companies. Companies usually operate over a narrower range – such as 40-80% of capacity. The relevant range of the activity index is the range over which a company expects to operate during a year.
Illustration 5-4
Cost ($)
(b) Total Fixed Costs Nonlinear 20 40 60 80
100
Activity level (%)
Relevant Range
(a) Total Variable Costs Curvilinear
Within this range, as shown in both diagrams to the right, a straight-line relationship normally exists for both fixed and variable costs. 9

17. Explain the concept of mixed costs.
Study Objective 3
Explain the concept of mixed costs.

18. Mixed Costs
Mixed costs contain both a variable cost element and a fixed cost element.
Sometimes called semivariable costs, mixed costs change in total but not proportionately with changes in the activity level. 9

19. Behavior of a Mixed Cost
The rental of a U-Haul truck is a good example of a mixed cost.
Local rental terms for a U-Haul truck are $50 per day plus $.50 per mile. The per diem charge is a fixed cost with respect to miles driven, while the mileage charge is a variable cost. The graphic presentation of the rental cost for a one-day rental is shown on the right.
150
$200
100 50
Cost
Total Cost Line
Variable Cost Element
Fixed Cost Element
200
250
300
Miles
Illustration 5-5 9

20. Mixed Cost Classification for CVP Analysis
In CVP analysis, it is assumed that mixed costs must be classified into their fixed and variable elements.
Firms usually ascertain variable and fixed costs on an aggregate basis at the end of a time period, using the company’s past experience with the behavior of the mixed cost at various activity levels.
The high-low method is a mathematical method that uses the total costs incurred at the high and low levels of activity.

21. High minus Low Activity Level
The High-Low Method
The steps in calculating fixed and variable costs under this method are as follows:
1 Determine variable cost per unit from the following formula:
Illustration 5-6
Change in Total Costs
High minus Low Activity Level
Variable Cost per Unit  =
2 Determine the fixed cost by subtracting the total variable cost at either the high or the low activity level from the total cost at that activity level. 9

22. The High-Low Method: Step 1
To illustrate, assume that Metro Transit Company has the following maintenance costs and mileage data for its fleet of busses over a 4-month period:
Month January February
Miles Driven 20,000 40,000
Total Cost $30,000 $48,000
Month March April
Miles Driven 35,000 50,000
Total Cost $49,000 $63,000
Illustration 5-7
The high and low levels of activity are 50,000 miles in April and 20,000 miles in January. The difference in maintenance costs at these levels is $33,000 ($63,000-$30,000) and the difference in miles is 30,000 (50, ,000). Therefore, for Metro Transit, variable cost per unit is $1.10, computed as follows:
$33,000  30,000 = $1.10

23. The High-Low Method: Step 2
Metro Transit Company would compute the fixed portion of its maintenance costs as shown below:
Illustration 5-8
Total Cost Less: Variable costs (50,000 x $1.10) (20,000 x $1.10) Total fixed costs
High $63, ,000 $ 8,000
Low $30, ,000 $ 8,000
Activity Level
Maintenance costs are therefore $8,000 per month plus $1.10 per mile. For example at 45,000 miles, estimated maintenance costs would be $49,500 variable (45,000 x $1.10), and $8,000 fixed.

24. The High-Low Method
The high-low method generally produces a reasonable estimate for analysis.
However, it does not produce a precise measurement of the fixed and variable elements in a mixed cost because other activity levels are ignored in the computation. !

25. State the five components of cost-volume-profit analysis.
Study Objective 4
State the five components of cost-volume-profit analysis.

26. Cost-Volume Profit Analysis
Cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis is the study of the effects of changes of costs and volume on a company’s profits.
CVP analysis involves a consideration of the interrelationships among the following components:
Volume or activity level
Unit selling price
Variable cost per unit
Total fixed costs
Sales mix

27. CVP Assumptions
The following assumptions underlie each CVP application: When these assumptions are not valid, the results of CVP analysis may be inaccurate.
1 The behavior of both costs and revenues is linear throughout the relevant range of the activity index.
2 All costs can be classified as either variable or fixed with reasonable accuracy.
3 Changes in activity are the only factors that affect costs.
4 All units produced are sold.
5 When more than one type of product is sold, total sales will be in a constant sales mix. 17

28. CVP Analysis
In CVP analysis applications, the term cost includes manufacturing costs plus selling and administrative expenses.
We will use Vargo Video Company as an example. Relevant data for the VCRs made by this company are as follows:
Unit selling price Unit variable costs
Total monthly fixed costs
$500 $300
$200,000
Illustration 5-10 9

29. Study Objective 5
Indicate the meaning of contribution margin and the ways it may be expressed.

30. Contribution Margin - =
One of the key relationships in CVP analysis is contribution margin (CM). Contribution margin is the amount of revenue remaining after deducting variable costs. The CM is then available to cover fixed costs and to contribute income for the company.
For example, assume that Vargo Video sells 1,000 VCRs in one month, sales are $500,000 (1,000 x $500) and variable costs are $300,000 (1,000 x $300). Thus, contribution margin is $200,000, computed as follows:
Sales
Variable Costs
Contribution Margin - =
$500,000
$300,000
$200,000
Illustration 5-11 9

31. Unit Contribution Margin
Views differ as to the best way to express contribution margin (CM). Some favor a per unit basis.
At Vargo Video, the contribution margin per unit is $200.
Unit Selling Price
Unit Variable Cost
Contribution Margin per Unit - =
$500
$300
$200
Illustration 5-12
CM per unit indicates that for every VCR sold, Vargo Video will have $200 to cover fixed costs and contribute to income. 9

32. Contribution Margin Ratio
Others prefer to use a contribution margin ratio.
At Vargo Video, the contribution margin ratio is 40%.
Contribution Margin per Unit
Unit Selling Price
Contribution Margin Ratio  =
$200
$500
40%
Illustration 5-13
The CM ratio means that 40 cents of each sales dollar ($1 x 40%) is available to apply to fixed costs and to contribute to income. 9

33. Identify the three ways that the break-even point may be determined.
Study Objective 6
Identify the three ways that the break-even point may be determined.

34. Break-Even Analysis
The second key relationship in CVP analysis is the break-even point, which is the level of activity where total revenues equals total costs, both fixed and variable.
Since no income is involved when the break-even point is the objective, the analysis is often referred to as break-even analysis.

35. Break-Even Analysis The break-even point can be:
Computed from a mathematical equation.
Computed by using contribution margin.
Derived from a CVP graph.
The break-even point can be expressed in either sales dollars or sales units.

36. Break-Even Analysis: Mathematical Equation
In its simplest form, the equation for break-even sales is:
Break-even Sales
Variable Costs
Fixed Costs = +
Illustration 5-14 9

37. Break-Even Analysis: Mathematical Equation for Dollars
The break-even point in dollars is found by expressing variable costs as a percentage of unit selling price.
For Vargo Video, the percentage is 60% ($300  $500). Sales must be $500,000 for Vargo Video to break even. The computation to determine sales dollars at the break-even point is:
Illustration 5-15
X = .60X + $200, X = $200, X = $500,000
where: X = sales dollars at the break-even point = variable costs as a percentage of unit selling price $200,000 = total fixed costs 9

38. Break-Even Analysis: Mathematical Equation for Units
The break-even point in units can be computed directly from the mathematical equation by using unit selling prices and unit variable costs. Vargo must sell 1,000 units to break even. The computation is:
Illustration 5-16
$500X = $300X + $200,000 $200X = $200, X = 1,000 units
where: X = sales volume $500 = unit selling price $300 = variable cost per unit $200,000 = total fixed costs 9

39. Break-Even Analysis: Mathematical Equation Proof
The accuracy of the previous computations can be proved as follows:
Illustration 5-16
$300, ,000
Sales (1,000 x $500) Total costs: Variable (1,000 x $300) Fixed
Net Income
$500, ,000 $ 9

40. Break-Even Analysis: CM Technique for Units
Because we know that CM equals total revenues less variable costs, it follows that at the break-even point, contribution margin must equal total fixed costs.
When the CM per unit is used, the formula to compute break-even point in units is shown below:
Once again, the CM per unit for Vargo Video is $200.
Fixed Costs
Contribution Margin per Unit
Break-even Point in Units  =
$200,000
$200
1,000 9

41. Break-Even Analysis: CM Technique for Dollars
When the CM ratio is used, the formula to compute break-even point in dollars is shown below:
Again, the CM ratio for Vargo Video is 40%.
Fixed Costs
Contribution Margin Ratio
Break-even Point in Dollars  =
$200,000
40%
$500,000 9

42. Break-Even Analysis: Graphic Presentation
An effective way to derive the break-even point is to prepare a break-even graph.
The graph is referred to as a cost-volume-profit (CVP) graph since it shows costs, volume, and profits.

43. Break-Even Analysis: Graphic Presentation
The construction of the graph, using the Vargo Video Company data, is as follows:
1 Plot the total revenue line starting at the zero activity level.
2 Plot the total fixed cost by a horizontal line.
3 Plot the total cost line starting at the fixed cost line at zero activity and increasing the amount by the variable cost at each level of activity.
4 Determine the break-even point from the intersection of the total cost line and the total revenue line.
In addition to identifying the break-even point, the CVP graph shows both the net income and net loss areas. Thus, the amount of income or loss at each level of sales can be derived from the total sales and total cost lines.

44. CVP Graph
In the graph to the right, sales volume is shown on the horizontal axis. This axis needs to extend to the maximum level of expected sales. Both total revenues (sales) and total costs (fixed plus variable) are recorded on the vertical axis.
Dollars (000)
Units of Sales
$900
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
1200
800
1000
1400
1600
1800
Break-even Point
Profit Area
Sales Line
Total Cost Line
Fixed Cost Line
Loss Area
Illustration 5-20 14

45. Define margin of safety and give the formulas for computing it.
Study Objective 7
Define margin of safety and give the formulas for computing it.

46. Margin of Safety
The margin of safety is another relationship that may be calculated in CVP analysis. Margin of safety is the difference between actual or expected sales and sales at the break-even point
This relationship measures the “breathing room” or “cushion” that management has in order to break even if actual sales fail to materialize.

47. Margin of Safety
The margin of safety may be expressed in dollars or as a ratio.
Assuming that actual (expected) sales for Vargo Video are $750,000, the computations are:
Actual (Expected) Sales
Break-even Sales
Margin of Safety in Dollars - =
$750,000
$500,000
$250,000
Margin of Safety in Dollars
Actual (Expected) Sales
Margin of Safety Ratio  =
$250,000
$750,000
33% 9

48. Study Objective 8
Give the formulas for determining sales required to earn target net income.

49. Target Net Income
Management usually sets an income objective for individual product lines. This objective, called target net income, is extremely useful to management because it indicates the sales necessary to achieve a specified level of income.
The amount of sales necessary to achieve target net income can be determined from each of the approaches used in determining break-even sales.

50. Target Net Income: Mathematical Equation
We know that at the break-even point no profit or loss results for the company. By adding a factor for target net income to the break-even equation, we obtain the formula shown below for determining required sales.
Illustration 5-23
Required Sales =
Variable Costs +
Fixed Costs
Target Net Income
Required sales may be expressed in either sales dollars or sales units. 9

51. Target Net Income: Mathematical Equation
Assuming the target net income is $120,000 for Vargo Video, the computation of required sales in dollars is as follows:
Illustration 5-24
X = .60X + $200,000 + $120, X = $320, X = $800,000
where: X = required sales = variable costs as a percentage of unit selling price $200,000 = total fixed costs $120,000 = target net income
The sales volume in units at the target income level is found by dividing the sales dollars by the unit selling price.
$800,000  $500 = $1,600 9

52. Target Net Income: CM Technique
As in the case of break-even sales, the sales required to meet a target net income can be computed in either dollars or units.
The formula using the CM ratio for Video Vargo is as follows:
Required Sales
Fixed Costs + Target Net Income
Contribution Margin Ratio 
$320,000
40%
$800,000 = 9

53. Target Net Income: Graphic Presentation
A CVP graph can also be used to derive the sales required to meet target net income.
In the profit area of the graph, the distance between the sales line and the total cost line at any point equals net income. Required sales are found by analyzing the differences between the two lines until the desired net income is found.

54. CVP and Changes in the Business Environment
Business conditions change rapidly and management must respond intelligently to these changes.
CVP analysis can be used in responding to change.
The original VCR sales and cost data for Vargo Video Company are shown below.
Unit selling price $
Unit variable cost $
Total fixed costs
$ 200,000
Break-even sales
$ 500,000
or 1,000 units
Illustration 5-26

55. CVP and Changes in the Business Environment: Case I
A competitor is offering a 10% discount on the selling price of its VCRs. Management must decide whether or not to offer a similar discount.
Question: What effect will a 10% discount on selling price have on the break-even point for VCRs?
Answer: A 10% discount on selling price reduces the selling price per unit to $450 [$500 – ($500 x 10%)]. Variable cost per unit remains unchanged at $300. Therefore, the contribution margin per unit is $150. Assuming no change in fixed costs, break-even sales are 1,333 units, calculated as follows:
Fixed Costs ÷
Contribution Margin per Unit =
Break-even Sales
$ 200,000
$ 150
1,333 units (rounded)
Illustration 5-27

56. CVP and Changes in the Business Environment: Case II
Management invests in new robotic equipment that will significantly lower the amount of direct labor required to make the VCRs. It is estimated that total fixed costs will increase 30% and that variable cost per unit will decrease 30%.
Question: What effect will the new equipment have on the sales volume required to break even?
Answer: Total fixed costs become $260,000 [$200,000 + ($200,000 x 30%)], and variable cost per unit is now $210 [$300 – ($300,000 x 30%)]. The new break-even point about 900 units, calculated as follows:
Fixed Costs ÷
Contribution Margin per Unit =
Break-even Sales
$ 260,000
($500 - $210)
900 units (rounded)
Illustration 5-28

57. CVP and Changes in the Business Environment: Case III
An increase in the price of raw materials will increase the unit variable cost of VCRs by an estimated $25. Management is striving to hold the line on the selling price of the VCRs, and plans a cost-cutting program that will save $17,500 in fixed costs per month. Vargo Video Company is currently realizing monthly net income of $80,000 on sales of 1,400 VCRs.
Question: What increase in sales will be needed to to maintain the same level of net income?
Answer: The variable cost per unit increases to $325 ($300 + $25), and fixed costs are reduced to $182,500 ($200,000 – $17,500). Because of the change in variable cost, the variable cost becomes 65% of sales ($325 ÷ $500). Using the equation for target net income, required sales are calculated to be $750,000, as follows:
Required Sales = Variable Costs + Fixed Costs + Target Net Income X = .65X + $182,500 + $80, X = $262, X = $750,000
Illustration 5-29

58. Study Objective 9
Describe the essential features of a cost-volume-profit income statement.

59. CVP Income Statement
The CVP income statement classifies costs and expenses as variable or fixed and specifically reports contribution margin in the body of the statement.
The CVP income statement format is sometimes called the contribution margin format.
This format is for internal management use only.

60. CVP Income Statement
For purposes of illustrating the CVP income statement, assume that Vargo Video Company reaches its target net income of $120,000. From an analysis of the transactions, the following information is obtained on the $680,000 of costs that were incurred in June:
Variable
Fixed
Total
Cost of goods sold
$ 400,000
$ 120,000
$ 520,000
Selling expenses
60,000
40,000
100,000
Administrative expenses
20,000
$ 480,000
$ 200,000
$ 680,000
Illustration 5-30

61. Traditional versus CVP Income Statement
The CVP income statement and the traditional income statement based on this data are shown side-by-side on the next slide.
Note that net income is the same ($120,000) in both of the statements.
The major difference is the format for the expenses.
Also, the traditional statement shows gross profit, whereas the CVP statement shows contribution margin.

62. Traditional versus CVP Income Statement
Traditional Format
Sales
$ 800,000
Cost of goods sold
520,000
Gross profit
280,000
Operating expenses
Selling expenses
$ 100,000
Administrative expenses
60,000
Total operating expenses
160,000
Net income
$ 120,000
CVP Format
Variable expenses
$ 400,000
20,000
Total variable expenses
480,000
Contribution margin
320,000
Fixed expenses
120,000
40,000
Total fixed expenses
200,000
Illustration 5-31

63. Appendix 5A
Variable Costing

64. Appendix 5A Study Objective 10
Explain the difference between absorption costing and variable costing.

65. Absorption versus Variable Costing
All manufacturing costs are charged to and absorbed by the product under full or absorption costing. This is how costs were handled in previous chapters.
Under variable costing only direct materials, direct labor, and variable manufacturing overhead costs are considered product costs. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are recognized as period costs when incurred.
The difference between absorption costing and variable costing is graphically shown below.
Fixed Manufacturing Overhead
Illustration 5A-1
Product Cost
Absorption Costing
Period Cost
Variable Costing

66. Absorption versus Variable Costing: An Illustration
As an illustration, Premium Products Corporation manufactures a polyurethane sealant called Fix-it for car windshields. Relevant data for Fix-it in January 1996, the first month of production, is as follows:
Selling Price: $20 per unit.
Units: Produced 30,000; sold 20,000; beginning inventory zero.
Variable unit costs: Manufacturing $9 (direct materials $5, direct labor $3, and variable overhead $1) and selling and administrative expenses $2.
Fixed costs: Manufacturing overhead $120,000, and selling and administrative expenses $15,000.

67. Absorption versus Variable Costing: Unit Production Cost
The per unit production cost under each costing approach is:
Absorption
Variable
Type of Cost
Costing
Direct materials
$ 5
Direct labor 3
Variable manufacturing overhead 1
Fixed manufacturing overhead ($120,000 ÷ 30,000 units produced) 4
Total unit cost
$ 13
$ 9
Illustration 5A-2
The difference in total unit cost of $4 ($13 - $9) occurs because fixed manufacturing costs are a product cost under absorption costing and a period cost under variable costing.

68. Absorption versus Variable Costing: Effects on Income
The income statements under the two costing approaches are shown on the next two slides.
Income from operations under absorption costing is $40,000 higher than under variable costing ($85,000 – $45,000). There is a $40,000 difference in the ending inventories ($130,000 under absorption costing and $90,000 under variable costing).
Under absorption costing, $40,000 of the fixed overhead costs have been deferred to a future period as a product cost.

69. Absorption Costing Income Statement
Sales (20,000 units X $20)
$ 400,000
Cost of goods sold
Inventory, January 1
$ –0–
Cost of goods manufactured (30,000 units X $13)
390,000
Cost of goods available for sale
Inventory, January 31 (10,000 units X $13)
130,000
Cost of goods sold (20,000 units X $13)
260,000
Gross profit
140,000
Selling and administrative expenses
(Variable 20,000 units X $2 + fixed $15,000)
55,000
Income from operations
$ 85,000
Illustration 5A-3

70. Variable Costing Income Statement
Sales (20,000 units X $20)
$ 400,000
Variable expenses
Variable cost of goods sold
Inventory, January 1
–0–
Variable manufacturing costs (30,000 units X $9)
270,000
Cost of goods available for sale
Inventory, January 31 (10,000 units X $9)
90,000
180,000
Variable selling and administrative expenses
(20,000 units X $2)
40,000
Total variable expenses
220,000
Contribution margin
Fixed expenses
Manufacturing overhead
120,000
Selling and administrative expenses
15,000
Total fixed expenses
135,000
Income from operations
$ 45,000
Illustration 5A-4

71. Summary of Income Effects=
>
<
Illustration 5A-5

72. Rationale for Variable Costing
The rationale for variable costing focuses on the purpose of fixed manufacturing costs, which is to have productive facilities available for use.
Defenders of absorption costing justify the assignment of fixed manufacturing overhead costs to inventory on the basis that these costs are as much a cost of getting a product ready for sale as direct materials or direct labor.
The use of variable costing in product costing is acceptable only for internal use by management.

73. Copyright
Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of this work beyond that named in Section 117 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act without the express written permission of the copyright owner is unlawful. Request for further information should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. The purchaser may make back-up copies for his/her own use only and not for distribution or resale. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or damages, caused by the use of these programs or from the use of the information contained herein.

74. Chapter 5 Cost-Volume-Profit Relationships34