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CIPS L4M5 Exam - Topic 12 Question 15 Discussion
Topic #: 12
Before engaging in a negotiation with a supplier of rechargeable lights, procurement team tries to visualise the breakdown of supplier's costs to calculate its break-even point. They estimate that total fixed expenses related to rechargeable electric light are $270,000 per month and variable expenses involved in manufacturing this product are $126 per unit. The supplier charges its customer $180 per unit. Within its current capacity, this supplier will make a profit at which of the following?
The analysis of cost into fixed and variable enables organisations to determine their break-even point (BE) - the point where total revenue from sales and total cost exactly balance. All costs need to be covered by sale revenue in order for a company to make a profit. If you know your fixed costs and your variable costs then you can work out the minimum quantity of goods or services you need to sell to break even. Break even point is measured in volume and can be worked out graphically or via formulae:
Price - Variable costs = Contribution
Break even point (volume) = Fixed expenses/Contribution margin per unit
In this scenario, the break even point (Q) is: 270,000/(180-126) = 5,000
To make a profit, the supplier needs to sell more than 5,000 units per month.
The BE point is thus an important determinant of flexibility of pricing for suppliers. Before BE is achieved there will be much greater reluctance to offer price concessions to customers than after BE is achieved.
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