Harley Company has sales of $500,000, variable costs are 75% of sales, and income from operations is $40,000. What is Harley's operating leverage?

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
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ISBN:9781259964947
Author:Libby
Publisher:Libby
Chapter1: Financial Statements And Business Decisions
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What is Harley's operating leverage?  3.1, 1.3 or 1.2

**Understanding Operating Leverage: An Example with Harley Company**

**Scenario:**

Harley Company has sales of $500,000, variable costs are 75% of sales, and income from operations is $40,000. What is Harley's operating leverage?

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**Explanation:**

Operating leverage measures how revenue growth translates into growth in operating income. It is crucial for understanding the impact of fixed and variable costs on the profitability of a company. 

**Calculation Steps:**

1. **Determine Contribution Margin:**

   Contribution Margin = Sales - Variable Costs

   Variable Costs = 75% of Sales = 0.75 * $500,000 = $375,000

   Contribution Margin = $500,000 - $375,000 = $125,000

2. **Calculate Operating Leverage:**

   Operating Leverage = Contribution Margin / Income from Operations

   Operating Leverage = $125,000 / $40,000 = 3.125

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**Result:**

Harley Company’s operating leverage is 3.125. This indicates that for every 1% change in sales, the operating income will change by approximately 3.125%. Operating leverage is higher when a company has a greater proportion of fixed costs compared to variable costs.
Transcribed Image Text:**Understanding Operating Leverage: An Example with Harley Company** **Scenario:** Harley Company has sales of $500,000, variable costs are 75% of sales, and income from operations is $40,000. What is Harley's operating leverage? --- **Explanation:** Operating leverage measures how revenue growth translates into growth in operating income. It is crucial for understanding the impact of fixed and variable costs on the profitability of a company. **Calculation Steps:** 1. **Determine Contribution Margin:** Contribution Margin = Sales - Variable Costs Variable Costs = 75% of Sales = 0.75 * $500,000 = $375,000 Contribution Margin = $500,000 - $375,000 = $125,000 2. **Calculate Operating Leverage:** Operating Leverage = Contribution Margin / Income from Operations Operating Leverage = $125,000 / $40,000 = 3.125 --- **Result:** Harley Company’s operating leverage is 3.125. This indicates that for every 1% change in sales, the operating income will change by approximately 3.125%. Operating leverage is higher when a company has a greater proportion of fixed costs compared to variable costs.
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