B2 Flashcards
Cost-volume profit (CVP) analysis
Used by managers to forecast profits at different levels of sales and production volume. The point at which revenues equal total costs is called the breakeven point.
General assumptions used under CVP analysis
- All costs can be separated into either variable or fixed
- Volume is the only relevant factor affecting cost
- All costs behave in a linear fashion in relation to production volume.
- Cost behaviors remain constant over the relevant range
- Costs show greater variability over time.
Contribution approach (direct costing)
Identifies each element of cost as fixed or variable
Absorption approach
- Required for financial reporting under U.S. GAAP
- Does not segregate fixed and variable costs
Contribution margin ratio
Contribution margin/revenue
Contribution vs. absorption
Production is greater than sales
Absorption net income > variable net income
Contribution vs. absorption
Sales greater than production
Absorption net income
BEP in units
Total fixed costs/CM per unit
BEP in dollars (2 ways)
- BEP in units * SP/unit
2. Total fixed costs/CM ratio
Contribution margin ratio
Contribution margin/sales
Target costing
A technique used to establish the product cost allowed to ensure both profitability per unit and total sales volume
Marginal analysis
Used when analyzing business decisions such as the introduction of a new product or changes in output levels of existing products, acceptance or rejection of special orders, making or buying a product or service, selling or processing further, and adding or dropping a segment. Focuses on the relevant revenues and costs that are associated with a decision.
Discretionary costs
Costs arising from periodic (usually annual) budgeting decisions by management to spend in areas not directly related to manufacturing; generally relevant
Incremental costs
The additional costs incurred to produce an additional amount of the unit over the present output; relevant costs and include all variable costs and any avoidable fixed costs associated with the decision
Opportunity costs
The cost of foregoing the next best alternative when making a decision; relevant costs
Operational and tactical planning
The process of determining the specific objectives and means by which strategic plans will be achieved. They are short-term and cover periods up to 18 months
Ideal standards
- Represent the costs that result from perfect efficiency and effectiveness in job performance. Generally not historical; they are forward-looking and no provisions is made for normal spoilage or downtime.
- Advantage: emphasis on continuous quality improvement
- Disadvantage: Demotivation of EEs by the use of unattainable standards
Currently attainable standards
- Represent costs that result from work performed by EEs with appropriate training and experience but w/o extraordinary effort. Provisions are made for normal spoilage and downtime.
- Advantage: Fosters the perception that standards are reasonable
- Disadvantage: Required use of judgment and potential manipulation