The Atlantic Division of Stark Productions Company reported the following results for 2019: Sales $4,000,000
Variable costs 3,200,000
Controllable fixed costs 300,000
Average operating assets 2,500,000
Management is considering the following independent alternative courses of action in 2020 in order to maximize the return on investment for the division.
1. Reduce controllable fixed costs by 10% with no change in sales or variable costs.
2. Reduce average operating assets by 10% with no change in controllable margin.
3. Increase sales $500,000 with no change in the contribution margin percentage.
Compute the return on investment for 2019.

The Atlantic Division of Stark Productions Company

Return on Investment = Net Income/Average operating assets x 100

1. Reduced controllable fixed costs by 10% with no change in sales or variable costs:

Net Income = $530,000 ($500,000 + 30,000)

Return on investment = $530,000/$2,500,000 x 100

= 21.2%

2. Reduced average operating assets by 10% with no change in controllable margin:

Net Income = $500,000 and average operating assets = $2,250,000

Return on Investment = $500,000/$2,250,000 x 100

= 22.22%

3. Increased sales to $4,500,000 with no change in the contribution margin percentage:

Sales                                  $4,500,000

Variable costs                     3,600,000

Contribution                        $900,000

Controllable fixed costs        300,000

Net operating income        $600,000

Average operating assets 2,500,000

Return on Investment = $600,000/$2,500,000 x 100

= 24%

Explanation:

a) Data and Calculations:

Sales                                  $4,000,000

Variable costs                     3,200,000

Contribution                        $800,000

Controllable fixed costs        300,000

Net operating income        $500,000

Average operating assets 2,500,000

Return on investment = Net Income/Average operating assets x 100 = $500,000/$2,500,000 x 100 = 20%

Contribution margin ratio = $800,000/$4,000,000 x 100 = 20%

The Atlantic Division's Return on Investment, as a performance measure, evaluates the efficiency of the investment in Atlantic Division.  This ratio is obtained by dividing the returns or benefits of the investment by the cost of the investment, and then multiplying by 100.