Reference no: EM132657173
Three years ago, Dana Mann and her brother-in-law Eric Boldt opened Family Department Store. For the first two years, business was good, but the following condensed income results for 2019 were disappointing.
Family Department Store
Income Statement
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019
Net sales $700,000
Cost of goods sold 553,000
Gross profit 147,000
Operating expenses
Selling expenses $100,000
Administrative expenses 20,000
120,000
Net income $ 27,000
Dana believes the problem lies in the relatively low gross profit rate (gross profit divided by net sales) of 21%. Eric believes the problem is that operating expenses are too high.
Dana thinks the gross profit rate can be improved by making both of the following changes. She does not anticipate that these changes will have any effect on operating expenses.
1. Increase average selling prices by 17%. This increase is expected to lower sales volume so that total sales will increase only 6%.
2. Buy merchandise in larger quantities and take all purchase discounts. These changes to selling prices and purchasing practices are expected to increase the gross profit rate from 21% to 24%.
Eric thinks expenses can be cut by making both of the following changes. He feels that these changes will not have any effect on net sales.
1. Cut sales salaries (selling expense) of $60,000 in half and give sales personnel a commission of 2% of net sales.
2. Reduce store deliveries to one day per week rather than twice a week. This change will reduce delivery expenses (selling expense) of $30,000 by 40%.
Dana and Eric come to you for help in deciding the best way to improve net income.
Question a. a condensed income statement for 2020, assuming (1) Dana's changes are implemented and (2) Eric's ideas are adopted.
Question b. What is a recommendation to Dana and Eric?
Question c. a condensed income statement for 2020, assuming both sets of proposed changes are made.