During 2015, Spartan Systems reported total sales of $300,000, at a price of $20 and per unit variable expenses of $12, for the sales of their single product.
Total Per Unit
Sales 300,000 20
Variable Expenses 180,000 12
Contribution Margin 120,000 8
Fixed Expenses 100,000
Net Operating Income 20,000
The Company is considering the following 2 options for 2016:
a. Option A: i. Improve the product quality which will increase direct material cost per unit by $2 ii. Invest in a fixed cost marketing campaign which will total $2,500 per month iii. These changes are expected to result in an increase in sales volume by 15%
b. Option B: i. Reduce the product quality which will decrease direct labor costs by $3 per unit ii. Introduce an incentive program to Sales personnel paying them variable compensation 5% of sales (with no change in their fixed base compensation) iii. These changes are expected to result in an increase in sales volume by 18%
Would you implement either of these options the company is considering, why or why not, noting their financial impact on net operating income?