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Chapter 21: Q1CA (page 1182)

Question: Communication Activity 21-1

In 100 words or fewer, explain the main differences and similarities between variable costing and absorption costing.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer

The main dissimilarity between variable and absorption costing is that one method considers the fixed manufacturing overhead, and the other is not.

Step by step solution

01

Meaning of Variable Costing 

Variable costing is a cost accounting technique that only considers the variable manufacturing overheads while calculating the cost of a product.

02

Main differences between variable costing and absorption costing

In absorption costing,all the manufacturing costs are charged to the cost of the product. While in variable costing, onlydirect costs incurred being the part of the cost of the product.

Absorption costing focuses on giving resultsof gross profit. Variable costingcalculatesthe contribution margin.

03

Similarities between variable costing and absorption costing

Variable and absorption costing techniques both help in calculating operating income. Both methods include material and labor costs as a direct cost.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Preparing variable and absorption costing income statements

Game Source manufactures video games that it sells for \(43 each. The company uses a fixed manufacturing overhead allocation rate of \)5 per game. Assume all costs and production levels are exactly as planned. The following data are from Game Store’s first two months in business during 2018:

October November Sales 1,500 units 2,900 units Production 2,500 units 2,500 units Variable manufacturing cost per game \( 17 \) 17Sales commission cost per game 7 7Total fixed manufacturing overhead12,500 12,500

Total fixed selling and administrative costs 11,500 11,500 Requirements

1. Compute the product cost per game produced under absorption costing and under variable costing.

2. Prepare monthly income statements for October and November, including columns for each month and a total column, using these costing methods:

a. absorption costing.

b. variable costing.

3. Is operating income higher under absorption costing or variable costing in October? In November? Explain the pattern of differences in operating income based on absorption costing versus variable costing.

4. Determine the balance in Finished Goods Inventory on October 31 and November 30 under absorption costing and variable costing. Compare the differences in inventory balances and the differences in operating income. Explain the differences in inventory balances based on absorption costing versus variable costing.

When units produced equal units sold, how does operating income differ between variable costing and absorption costing?

Calculating contribution margin and operating income, variable costing

Calculate the contribution margin and operating income for June using variable costing.

Use the following information for Short Exercises S21-4 and S21-5.

Dracut Company reports the following information for June:

Net Sales Revenue $ 755,000 Variable Cost of Goods Sold 240,000 Fixed Cost of Goods Sold 198,000 Variable Selling and Administrative Costs 168,000 Fixed Selling and Administrative Costs 79,000

Question: Preparing absorption costing income statements, production less than sales

Refer to Exercise E21-19.

Requirements

  1. Prepare the May income statement using absorption costing.
  2. Is operating income using absorption costing higher or lower than variable costing income? Explain why.
  3. Determine the balance in Finished Goods Inventory as of May 31.

Sampson Company operates a manufacturing facility where several products are made. Each product is considered a business segment, and the product managers have the opportunity to receive a bonus based on the profit of the segment. Franco Hopper is the manager for the scissors product line. Production and sales data for the scissors product line for the past three years are shown below:

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Units produced 100,000 units 125,000 units 160,000 units Units sold 100,000 units 100,000 units 100,000 units Sales price per unit \( 12.00 per unit \) 12.00 per unit $ 12.00 per unit Variable manufacturing cost per unit 5.00 per unit 5.00 per unit 5.00 per unit Total fixed manufacturing costs 200,000 per year 200,000 per year 200,000 per year

Hopper’s bonus is 0.5% of the gross profit of the scissors product line, based on absorption costing. Upper management is discussing changing the bonus system so that bonuses are based on operating income using variable costing. Hopper is opposed to this change and has been trying to convince the other product managers to join him in voicing their opposition. There are no beginning inventories in Year 1.

Requirements:

  1. Calculate the fixed cost per unit produced for each year.
  2. Prepare income statements for the three years using absorption costing.
  3. Calculate Hopper’s bonus based on the current plan.
  4. Prepare income statements for the three years using variable costing.
  5. Calculate Hopper’s bonus based on the proposed plan.
  6. Give possible reasons why Hopper is opposed to the proposed bonus plan. Do you think Hopper’s actions have been ethical the past three years? Why or why not?
See all solutions

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