1.
Discuss the benefits from segment reporting for an organization. Evaluate segment reporting with respect to variable-costing basis against absorption-costing.
1.

Explanation of Solution
Segment reporting is beneficial for an organization because segmental reporting focuses on the profitability of each segment. Segment reporting aids in identifying the unprofitable segments that are lost in the overall profit of the company as a whole.
Segmental reporting is better when carried out on variable basis rather than an absorption costing because variable costing does not allow a manager to increase profits by producing for inventory. Moreover, the contribution that a segment makes to earn profit can easily be identified in the variable-costing income statements. Under absorption costing, it is difficult to determine whether an unprofitable segment makes a contribution to profit or not.
2.
Determine the contribution margin, contribution margin volume, and sales mix variances.
2.

Explanation of Solution
Contribution margin variance: Contribution margin variance reflects difference between the actual contribution margin and budgeted contribution margin. It is computed using the given formula:
Determine the contribution margin:
Contribution margin volume variance: Contribution margin volume variance reflects difference between the actual quantity sold and the budgeted quantity sold multiplied by the budgeted average unit contribution margin. It is computed using the given formula:
Determine the contribution margin volume variance:
Given, the actual units sold are 46,000 units
Working note 1: Calculate the budgeted average unit contribution margin:
Sales mix variance: The sales mix represents the part of total sales generated by each product. Sales mix variance is the summation of change in units for each product multiplied by the difference between the budgeted contribution margin and the budgeted average unit contribution margin. It is computed using the given formula:
Determine the sales mix variance for upscale lighting data:
Determine the sales mix variance for mid-range lighting data:
Determine the sales mix variance for timing device data:
Determine the sales mix variance:
3.
Describe the reasons behind the variances.
3.

Explanation of Solution
Since, the actual contribution margin is higher than budgeted the contribution margin variance is favorable. This happened due to the change in sales mix. A higher percentage of sales were possible due to the higher contribution margin of upscale lights, and a lower percentage of sales happened due to the lower contribution margin of mid-range lights.
It is to be noted that fewer units (46,000) were sold than budgeted (50,000). Therefore, it is the sales mix change that led to the higher actual contribution margin.
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Chapter 18 Solutions
Cornerstones of Cost Management
- Which of the following will appear as a negative amount on a statement of cash flows that was prepared using the indirect method? A Decrease In Inventory An Increase In Accounts Payable An Increase In Accounts Receivable Depreciation Expensearrow_forwardWhich of the following will appear as a positive amount on a statement of cash flows that was prepared using the indirect method? An Increase In Accounts Receivable An Increase In Inventory A Decrease In Accounts Payable Depreciation Expensearrow_forwardWhat is usually presented first in the notes to the financial statements? Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Commitments And Contingencies Significant Accounting Policiesarrow_forward
- Which is the annual report to the SEC that contains the financial statements of a publicly-traded corporation? Form 1040 Form 10-K Form 10-Q Schedule Carrow_forwardImportant disclosures regarding likely losses that could not be estimated are found where? General Ledger Accounts Income Statement Notes To The Financial Statementsarrow_forwardOn December 1, your company paid its insurance agent $2,400 for the annual insurance premium covering the twelve-month period beginning on December 1. The $2,400 payment was recorded on December 1 with a debit to the current asset Prepaid Insuranceand a credit to the current asset Cash. Your company prepares monthly financial statements at the end of each calendar month. The following questions pertain to the adjusting entry that should be written by the company. What date should be used to record the December adjusting entry?arrow_forward
- A bank lent $100,000 to a customer on December 1 that required the customer topay an annual percentage rate (APR) of 12% on the amount of the loan. The loan is duein six months and no payment of interest or principal is to be made until the note is dueon May 31. The bank prepares monthly financial statements at the end of each calendarmonth. The following questions pertain to the adjusting entry that the bank will be making for its accounting records. Question: What date should be used to record the December adjusting entry?arrow_forwardTypically an adjusting entry will include which of the following? One Balance Sheet Account And One Income Statement Account Two Balance Sheet Accounts Two Income Statement Accountsarrow_forwardWhich type of adjusting entry is often reversed on the first day of the next accounting period? Accrual Deferral Depreciationarrow_forward
- . In the case of a bank's accrued interest revenues, which occurs first? Earning The Interest Revenues Receiving The Interest From The Borrowerarrow_forwardThe ending balance in the account Prepaid Insurance is expected to report which of the following? The Accrued Amount Of Insurance Expense The Original Amount Of The Insurance Premiums Paid The Expired Portion Of The Insurance Premiums Paid The Unexpired Portion Of The Insurance Premiums Paidarrow_forwardThe adjusting entry that reduces the balance in Deferred Revenues or Unearned Revenues will also include which of the following? A Debit To Cash A Credit To Fees Earned A Debit To Fees Earned A Credit To Fees Receivablearrow_forward
- Cornerstones of Cost Management (Cornerstones Ser...AccountingISBN:9781305970663Author:Don R. Hansen, Maryanne M. MowenPublisher:Cengage LearningManagerial AccountingAccountingISBN:9781337912020Author:Carl Warren, Ph.d. Cma William B. TaylerPublisher:South-Western College Pub

