Basic Electric Motors is a division of Basic Electric Products Corporation. The division manufactures and sells an electric motor used in a wide variety of applications.
During the coming year it expects to sell 50,000 units for $30 per unit. Kerry Tharp is the division manager. She is considering producing either 50,000 or 80,000 units during the period. Other information is presented in the schedule.

Instructions
(a) Prepare an absorption costing income statement, with one column showing the results if 50,000 units are produced and one column showing the results if 80,000 units are produced.
(b) Prepare a variable costing income statement, with one column showing the results if 50,000 units are produced and one column showing the results if 80,000 units are produced.
(c) Reconcile the difference in net incomes under the two approaches and explain what accounts for this difference.
(d) Discuss the relative usefulness of the variable costing income statements versus the absorption costing income statements for decision making and for evaluating the manager€™sperformance.

Division Information for 2011 Beginning inventory Expected sales in units Selling price per unit Variable manufacturing costs per unit Fixed manufacturing overhead costs (total) Fixed manufacturing overhead costs per unit: 50,000 30 12 $400,000 Based on 50,000 units Based on 80,000 units $8 per unit ($400,00050,000) $5 per unit ($400,000 80,000) Manufacturing cost per unit: Based on 50,000 units Based on 80,000 units $20 per unit ($12 variable $8 fixed) $17 per unit ($12 variable $5 fixed) $2 $40,000 Variable selling and administrative expenses Fixed selling and administrative expenses (total)