Myman Pharmaceuticals uses centrifuges in its labs to remove product solids from its finishing processes. The labs
Question:
Myman Pharmaceuticals uses centrifuges in its labs to remove product solids from its finishing processes. The labs five engineers are responsible for running the machines and each of the ten machines is closely monitored with digital control displays. The centrifuges cost $500,000 each and the engineers are paid an average annual salary of $125,000, including benefits. On October 14, without warning the machines begin to self-destruct. Six of the centrifuges are shut down before they are damaged, but the other four are destroyed. An investigation determined that the Stuxnet worm had infected the software running the machines and caused them to spin out of control while hiding these effects from appearing on the display monitors. The lab engineers will lose 50 percent of their productivity over the next six months as it will take that long to replace the destroyed centrifuges. In estimating the loss from the cyberattack, the CFO assigned an annual revenue (sales) to each centrifuge of $2.5M. In recent years, Myman had earned a 15-percent return on its sales (net income ÷ sales). Vendors have indicated that the replacement cost of new machines will be approximately $600,000. The engineers will not lose their jobs and will continue to be paid their full salaries.
Estimate the loss from the attack and whether any other factors need to be considered.
Cornerstones of Managerial Accounting
ISBN: 978-0324660135
3rd Edition
Authors: Mowen, Hansen, Heitger