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Transfer Pricing: True / False Questions
Transfer Pricing: True / False Questions
Transfer Pricing
1. A transfer price is the value assigned to the transfer of goods or services between divisions within
True False
2. Transfer prices are not used to record the exchange between two cost centers within the same
organization.
True False
3. Transfer prices cannot be used for decision making, product costing, or performance evaluation.
True False
4. From an organization's viewpoint, transfer prices have no effect on total profits assuming the
transfer occurs between the two responsibility centers.
True False
15-1
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5. If a transfer has no effect on divisional profit, risk-neutral managers will be indifferent between
making the transfer or not.
True False
6. If an intermediate market exists but divisions are prohibited from buying or selling from the
outside, the intermediate market can be ignored in determining the optimal transfer price.
True False
7. A perfect intermediate market exists if buyers can buy and sellers can sell outside of the
organization.
True False
8. When a perfect intermediate market exists, the optimal transfer price is the intermediate market
price.
True False
9. In general, the optimal transfer price for a division is the sum of its outlay costs and the
True False
10. The use of an optimal transfer price eliminates potential conflicts between an organization's
True False
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11. A market price-based transfer price policy allows the selling division to determine the price for
transfers between divisions within the same organization.
True False
12. A selling division at capacity is indifferent between selling to outsiders and transferring inside at
the market price.
True False
13. When actual costs are used as the basis for a transfer, inefficiencies of the selling division are
True False
14. A transfer made at cost does not motivate the selling division to transfer its goods or services
internally.
True False
15. In general, negotiated transfer prices fall in a range between the selling division's differential
True False
16. In the United States, more companies use cost-based transfer prices than market-based transfer
prices.
True False
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17. In interstate transactions, transfers can reduce an organization's tax liability when the selling
division is in a lower tax jurisdiction than the buying division.
True False
18. Tax avoidance is unethical when inflated transfer prices are used in international transactions to
shift profits from a division in one country to a division in another country.
True False
19. An organization that has significant foreign operations must disclose how its transfer prices are
True False
20. The GAAP financial reporting rules for segments require that all companies use transfer prices
based on market prices.
True False
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21. Which of the following statements is(are) false?
(A) From an organization's viewpoint, transfer prices have no effect on total profits assuming the
(B) A transfer price is the value assigned to the transfer of goods or services between divisions
A. Only A is false.
B. Only B is false.
22. Which of the following responsibility centers is affected by the use of market-based transfer
prices?
A. Cost center.
B. Profit center.
C. Revenue center.
D. Production center.
A. production centers.
B. investment centers.
C. profit centers.
D. cost centers.
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24. A division can sell externally for $60 per unit. Its variable manufacturing costs are $35 per unit,
and its variable marketing costs are $12 per unit. What is the opportunity cost of transferring
internally, assuming the division is operating at capacity?
A. $13.
B. $25.
C. $35.
D. $47.
25. A division can sell externally for $60 per unit. Its variable manufacturing costs are $35 per unit,
and its variable marketing costs are $12 per unit. What is the optimal transfer price for
A. $12.
B. $35.
C. $47.
D. $60.
26. Division A has variable manufacturing costs of $50 per unit and fixed costs of $10 per unit.
Assuming that Division A is operating at capacity, what is the opportunity cost of an internal
A. $20.
B. $25.
C. $50.
D. $60.
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27. Division A has variable manufacturing costs of $50 per unit and fixed costs of $10 per unit.
Assuming that Division A is operating at capacity, what is the optimal transfer price of an internal
transfer when the market price is $75?
A. $20.
B. $25.
C. $50.
D. $75.
28. Division A has variable manufacturing costs of $50 per unit and fixed costs of $10 per unit.
Assuming that Division A is operating significantly below capacity, what is the optimal transfer
A. $20.
B. $25.
C. $50.
D. $60.
29. Division B has variable manufacturing costs of $50 per unit and fixed costs of $10 per unit.
Assuming that Division B is operating significantly below capacity, what is the opportunity cost of
A. $0.
B. $25.
C. $50.
D. $60.
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30. Dockside Enterprises Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and
manages bulk carriers on the Great Lakes and (2) a repair division that operates a dry dock in
Tampa, Florida. The repair division works on company ships, as well as other large-hull ships.
The repair division has an estimated variable cost of $37 per labor-hour. The repair division has a
backlog of work for outside ships. They charge $70.00 per hour for labor, which is standard for
this type of work. The management division complained that it could hire its own repair workers
for $45.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work area.
What is the minimum transfer price per hour that the repair division should obtain for its services,
assuming it is operating at capacity?
A. $33.00.
B. $37.00.
C. $45.00.
D. $70.00.
31. Dockside Enterprises Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and
manages bulk carriers on the Great Lakes and (2) a repair division that operates a dry dock in
Tampa, Florida. The repair division works on company ships, as well as other large-hull ships.
The repair division has an estimated variable cost of $37 per labor-hour. The repair division has a
backlog of work for outside ships. They charge $70.00 per hour for labor, which is standard for
this type of work. The management division complained that it could hire its own repair workers
for $45.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work area.
What is the maximum transfer price per hour that the management division should pay?
A. $33.00.
B. $37.00.
C. $45.00.
D. $70.00.
15-8
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32. Dockside Enterprises Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and
manages bulk carriers on the Great Lakes and (2) a repair division that operates a dry dock in
Tampa, Florida. The repair division works on company ships, as well as other large-hull ships.
The repair division has an estimated variable cost of $37 per labor-hour. The repair division has a
backlog of work for outside ships. They charge $70.00 per hour for labor, which is standard for
this type of work. The management division complained that it could hire its own repair workers
for $45.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work area.
If the repair division had idle capacity, what is the minimum transfer price that the repair division
should obtain?
A. $33.00.
B. $37.00.
C. $45.00.
D. $70.00.
15-9
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33. You have been provided with the following information for Division X of a decentralized company:
Division Y of the same company would like to purchase all of its units internally. Division Y needs
6,000 units each period and currently pays $84 per unit to an outside firm. What is the lowest
price that Division X could accept from Division Y? (Assume that Division Y wants to use a sole
supplier and will not purchase less than 6,000 from a supplier.)
A. $90.
B. $84.
C. $80.
D. $66.
34. When the selling division in an internal transfer has unsatisfied demand from outside customers
for the product that is being transferred, then the lowest acceptable transfer price as far as the
selling division is concerned is:
C. the market price charged to outside customers, less costs saved by transferring internally.
D. the amount that the purchasing division would have to pay an outside seller to acquire a
similar product for its use.
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35. Division A makes a part that it sells to customers outside of the company. Data concerning this
part appear below:
Division B of the same company would like to use the part manufactured by Division A in one of
its products. Division B currently purchases a similar part made by an outside company for $70
per unit and would substitute the part made by Division A. Division B requires 5,000 units of the
part each period. Division A can already sell all of the units it can produce on the outside market.
What should be the lowest acceptable transfer price from the perspective of Division A?
A. $75.
B. $66.
C. $16.
D. $50.
15-11
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36. Part 43X costs the Southern Division of Norris Corporation $26 to make - direct materials are
$10, direct labor is $4, variable manufacturing overhead is $9, and fixed manufacturing overhead
is $3. Southern Division sells Part 43X to other companies for $30. The Northern Division of
Norris Corporation can use Part 43X in one of its products. The Southern Division has enough
idle capacity to produce all of the units of Part 43X that the Northern Division would require. What
is the lowest transfer price at which the Southern Division should be willing to sell Part 43X to the
Northern Division?
A. $30.
B. $26.
C. $23.
D. $27.
37. The Wheel Division of Frankov Corporation has the capacity for making 75,000 wheel sets per
year and regularly sells 60,000 each year on the outside market. The regular sales price is $100
per wheel set, and the variable production cost per unit is $65. The Retail Division of Frankov
Corporation currently buys 30,000 wheel sets (of the kind made by the Wheel Division) yearly
from an outside supplier at a price of $90 per wheel set. If the Retail Division were to buy the
30,000 wheel sets it needs annually from the Wheel Division at $87 per wheel set, the change in
annual net operating income for the company as a whole, compared to what it is currently, would
be:
A. $600,000.
B. $225,000.
C. $750,000.
D. $135,000.
15-12
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38. Division X makes a part that it sells to customers outside of the company. Data concerning this
part appear below:
Division Y of the same company would like to use the part manufactured by Division X in one of
its products. Division Y currently purchases a similar part made by an outside company for $49
per unit and would substitute the part made by Division X. Division Y requires 5,000 units of the
part each period. Division X has ample excess capacity to handle all of Division Y's needs without
any increase in fixed costs and without cutting into outside sales. According to the formula in the
text, what is the lowest acceptable transfer price from the standpoint of the selling division?
A. $50.
B. $49.
C. $46.
D. $30.
15-13
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39. Division A makes a part that it sells to customers outside of the company. Data concerning this
part appear below:
Division B of the same company would like to use the part manufactured by Division A in one of
its products. Division B currently purchases a similar part made by an outside company for $38
per unit and would substitute the part made by Division A. Division B requires 5,000 units of the
part each period. Division A has ample capacity to produce the units for Division B without any
increase in fixed costs and without cutting into sales to outside customers. If Division A sells to
Division B rather than to outside customers, the variable cost be unit would be $1 lower. What
should be the lowest acceptable transfer price from the perspective of Division A?
A. $40.
B. $38.
C. $30.
D. $29.
15-14
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40. The Raisin Division of Trail Mix Foods, Inc. had the following operating results last year:
Profit $10,500
Raisin expects identical operating results this year. The Raisin Division has the ability to produce
Assume that the Peanut Division of Trail Mix Foods wants to purchase an additional 20,000
pounds of raisins from the Raisin Division. Raisin will be able to increase its profit by accepting
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41. The Raisin Division of Trail Mix Foods, Inc. had the following operating results last year:
Profit $10,500
Raisin expects identical operating results this year. The Raisin Division has the ability to produce
Assume that the Raisin Division is currently operating at its capacity of 200,000 pounds of
raisins. Also assume again that the Peanut Division wants to purchase an additional 20,000
pounds of raisins from the Raisin Division. Under these conditions, what amount per pound of
raisins would the Raisin Division have to charge Peanut in order to maintain its current profit?
15-16
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42. The Gear Division makes a part with the following characteristics:
Motor Division of the same company would like to purchase 10,000 units each period from the
Gear Division. The Motor Division now purchases the part from an outside supplier at a price of
$17 each.
Suppose the Gear Division has ample excess capacity to handle all of the Motor Division's needs
without any increase in fixed costs and without cutting into sales to outside customers. If the Gear
Division refuses to accept the $17 price internally and the Motor Division continues to buy from
the outside supplier, the company as a whole will be:
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43. The Gear Division makes a part with the following characteristics:
Motor Division of the same company would like to purchase 10,000 units each period from the
Gear Division. The Motor Division now purchases the part from an outside supplier at a price of
$17 each.
Suppose that the Gear Division is operating at capacity and can sell all of its output to outside
customers. If the Gear Division sells the parts to Motor Division at $17 per unit, the company as a
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44. Division A produces a part with the following characteristics:
Division B, another division in the company, would like to buy this part from Division A. Division B
is presently purchasing the part from an outside source at $28 per unit. If Division A sells to
Division B, $1 in variable costs can be avoided.
Suppose Division A is currently operating at capacity and can sell all of the units it produces on
the outside market for its usual selling price. From the point of view of Division A, any sales to
A. $27.
B. $29.
C. $20.
D. $28.
15-19
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45. Division A produces a part with the following characteristics:
Division B, another division in the company, would like to buy this part from Division A. Division B
is presently purchasing the part from an outside source at $28 per unit. If Division A sells to
Division B, $1 in variable costs can be avoided.
Suppose that Division A has ample idle capacity to handle all of Division B's needs without any
increase in fixed costs and without cutting into its sales to outside customers. From the point of
A. $29.
B. $30.
C. $18.
D. $17.
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46. The Pillar Division of the Gothic Building Company produces basic pillars which can be sold to
outside customers or sold to the Lantern Division of the Gothic Company. Last year, the Lantern
Division bought all of its 25,000 pillars from Pillar at $1.50 each. The following data are available
300,000
Capacity in units
pillars
The total fixed costs would be the same for all the alternatives considered below.
Suppose there is ample capacity so that transfers of the pillars to the Lantern Division do not cut
into sales to outside customers. What is the lowest transfer price that would not reduce the profits
of the Pillar Division?
A. $0.90.
B. $1.35.
C. $1.41.
D. $1.75.
15-21
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47. The Pillar Division of the Gothic Building Company produces basic pillars which can be sold to
outside customers or sold to the Lantern Division of the Gothic Company. Last year, the Lantern
Division bought all of its 25,000 pillars from Pillar at $1.50 each. The following data are available
300,000
Capacity in units
pillars
The total fixed costs would be the same for all the alternatives considered below.
Suppose the transfers of pillars to the Lantern Division cut into sales to outside customers by
15,000 units. What is the lowest transfer price that would not reduce the profits of the Pillar
Division?
A. $0.90.
B. $1.35.
C. $1.41.
D. $1.75.
15-22
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48. The Pillar Division of the Gothic Building Company produces basic pillars which can be sold to
outside customers or sold to the Lantern Division of the Gothic Company. Last year, the Lantern
Division bought all of its 25,000 pillars from Pillar at $1.50 each. The following data are available
300,000
Capacity in units
pillars
The total fixed costs would be the same for all the alternatives considered below.
Suppose the transfers of pillars to the Lantern Division cut into sales to outside customers by
15,000 units. Further suppose that an outside supplier is willing to provide the Lantern Division
with basic pillars at $1.45 each. If the Lantern Division had chosen to buy all of its pillars from the
outside supplier instead of the Pillar Division, the change in net operating income for the company
A. $1,250 decrease.
B. $10,250 increase.
C. $1,000 decrease.
D. $13,750 decrease.
15-23
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49. The Stake Division of the Outdoor Lumination Company produces stakes which can be sold to
outside customers or transferred to the Solar Light Division of the Outdoor Lumination Company.
Last year, the Solar Light Division bought 50,000 stakes from the Stake Division at $2.50 each.
The following data are available for last year's activities in the Stake Division:
400,000
Capacity in units
stakes
350,000
Quantity sold to outside customers
stakes
In order to sell 50,000 stakes to the Solar Light Division, the Stake Division must give up sales of
30,000 stakes to outside customers. That is, the Stake Division could sell 380,000 stakes each
year to outside customers (rather than only 350,000 stakes as shown above) if it were not making
According to the formula in the text, what is the lowest acceptable transfer price from the
A. $2.50.
B. $2.00.
C. $2.60.
D. $3.00.
15-24
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50. The Stake Division of the Outdoor Lumination Company produces stakes which can be sold to
outside customers or transferred to the Solar Light Division of the Outdoor Lumination Company.
Last year, the Solar Light Division bought 50,000 stakes from the Stake Division at $2.50 each.
The following data are available for last year's activities in the Stake Division:
400,000
Capacity in units
stakes
350,000
Quantity sold to outside customers
stakes
In order to sell 50,000 stakes to the Solar Light Division, the Stake Division must give up sales of
30,000 stakes to outside customers. That is, the Stake Division could sell 380,000 stakes each
year to outside customers (rather than only 350,000 stakes as shown above) if it were not making
Suppose that last year an outside supplier would have been willing to provide the Solar Light
Division with the basic stakes at $2.10 each. If the Solar Light Division had chosen to buy all of its
stakes from the outside supplier instead of the Stake Division, the change in net operating income
for the company as a whole would have been:
A. $45,000 increase.
B. $20,000 decrease.
C. $20,000 increase.
D. $25,000 increase.
15-25
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51. Division X makes a part that it sells to customers outside of the company. Data concerning this
part appear below:
Division Y of the same company would like to use the part manufactured by Division X in one of
its products. Division Y currently purchases a similar part made by an outside company for $49
per unit and would substitute the part made by Division X. Division Y requires 5,000 units of the
part each period. Division X can sell all of the units it makes to outside customers. What is the
lowest acceptable transfer price from the standpoint of the selling division?
A. $50.
B. $49.
C. $46.
D. $30.
15-26
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52. Division X of Operandi Corporation makes and sells a single product which is used by
manufacturers of fork lift trucks. Presently it sells 12,000 units per year to outside customers at
$24 per unit. The annual capacity is 20,000 units and the variable cost to make each unit is $16.
Division Y of Operandi Corporation would like to buy 10,000 units a year from Division X to use in
its products. There would be no cost savings from transferring the units within the company rather
than selling them on the outside market. What should be the lowest acceptable transfer price
from the perspective of Division X?
A. $24.00.
B. $21.40.
C. $17.60.
D. $16.00.
53. Division A of Chappelle Company has the capacity for making 3,000 motors per month and
regularly sells 1,950 motors each month to outside customers at a contribution margin of $62 per
motor. The variable cost per motor is $35.70. Division B of Chappelle Company would like to
obtain 1,400 motors each month from Division A. What should be the lowest acceptable transfer
price from the perspective of Division A?
A. $26.57.
B. $51.20.
C. $35.70.
D. $62.00.
15-27
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54. Which of the following statements is(are) true?
(A) If a transfer has no effect on divisional profit, managers will be indifferent between making the
transfer or not.
(B) If an intermediate market exists but divisions are prohibited from buying or selling from the
outside, the intermediate market can be ignored in determining the optimal transfer price.
A. Only A is true.
B. Only B is true.
D. the optimal transfer price is the opportunity cost for the buying division.
C. buyers and sellers can sell any quantity without affecting the market price.
D. buyers and sellers are motivated to make decisions that are consistent with those of the
organization.
15-28
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57. When there is no intermediate market:
58. The general principle on setting transfer prices that are in the organization's best interests is:
A. outlay cost plus opportunity cost of the resource at the point of transfer.
B. variable costs plus opportunity cost of the resource at the point of transfer.
C. lost contribution margin less the allocated fixed costs for the selling division.
D. gross margin for the buying division plus the gross margin for the selling division.
59. If the selling division has excess capacity, the transfer price should be set at its:
B. differential outlay costs plus the foregone contribution to the organization of making the
transfer internally.
D. selling price less the variable costs plus the foregone contribution to the organization of
making the transfer internally.
15-29
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60. Given a competitive outside market for identical intermediate goods, what is the best transfer
price, assuming all relevant information is readily available?
61. The optimal transfer price when there are intermediate markets is:
A. full cost.
B. outlay costs.
C. variable cost.
D. market prices.
62. A division can sell externally for $40 per unit. Its variable manufacturing costs are $15 per unit,
and its variable marketing costs are $6 per unit. What is the opportunity cost of transferring
A. $15.
B. $19.
C. $21.
D. $25.
15-30
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63. Division A has variable manufacturing costs of $25 per unit and fixed costs of $5 per unit. Division
A is operating at capacity, what is the opportunity cost of an internal transfer when the market
price is $35?
A. $5.
B. $10.
C. $25.
D. $30.
64. Lock Division of Morgantown Corp. sells 80,000 units of part Z-25 to the outside market. Part Z-
25 sells for $40, has a variable cost of $22, and a fixed cost per unit of $10. The Lock Division
has a capacity to produce 100,000 units per period. The Cabinet Division currently purchases
10,000 units of part Z-25 from the Lock Division for $40. The Cabinet Division has been
approached by an outside supplier willing to supply the parts for $36. What is the effect on
Morgantown's overall profit if the Lock Division refuses the outside price and the Cabinet Division
decides to buy outside?
15-31
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65. The Lock Division of Morgantown Corp. sells 80,000 units of part Z-25 to the outside market. Part
Z-25 sells for $40, has a variable cost of $22, and a fixed cost per unit of $10. The Lock Division
has a capacity to produce 100,000 units per period. The Cabinet Division currently purchases
10,000 units of part Z-25 from the Lock Division for $40. The Cabinet Division has been
approached by an outside supplier willing to supply the parts for $36. What is the effect on
Morgantown's overall profit if the Lock Division accepts the outside price and the Cabinet Division
continues to buy inside?
66. Concrete Corporation has two producing centers, Contractor and Retailer. The Contractor
Division has a variable cost of $12 for its products and a total fixed cost of $120,000. The
Contractor Division also has idle capacity for up to 50,000 units per month. The Retailer Division
would like to purchase 20,000 units of the Contractor Division's products per month, but is unable
to convince the Contractor Division to transfer units to the Retailer Division at $16 per unit. The
Contractor Division has consistently argued that the market price of $20 is nonnegotiable. What is
The Contractor Division's opportunity cost of not transferring units to the Retailer Division?
A. $20.
B. $12.
C. $8.
D. $4.
15-32
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67. You have been provided with the following information for the Wool Division of a decentralized
company:
The Blanket Division would like to purchase all of its units internally. The Blanket Division needs
6,000 units each period and currently pays $42 per unit to an outside firm. What is the lowest
price that Wool Division could accept from the Blanket Division? Assuming that the Blanket
Division wants to use a sole supplier and will not purchase less than 6,000 from a supplier, what
is the lowest price that Wool Division could accept from the Blanket Division?
A. $45.
B. $42.
C. $40.
D. $38.
15-33
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68. Given the following data for Keyboard Division:
The Computer Division would like to purchase 15,000 units each period from the Keyboard
Division. The Keyboard Division has ample excess capacity to handle all of the Computer
Division's needs. The Computer Division now purchases from an outside supplier at a price of
$20. If the Keyboard Division refuses to accept an $18 price internally, the company, as a whole,
A. $30,000.
B. $75,000.
C. $90,000.
D. $120,000.
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69. Given the following data for Electrical Cord Division:
Assume that Electrical Cord Division is selling all it can produce to outside customers. If it sells to
the Appliance Division, $1 can be avoided in variable cost per unit. The Appliance Division is
presently purchasing from an outside supplier at $38 per unit. From the point of view of the
company as a whole, any sales to the Appliance Division should be priced at:
A. $40.
B. $39.
C. $38.
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70. Given the following data for Handle Division:
Cabinet Division would like to purchase 10,000 units from the Handle Division at a price of $125
per unit. Handle Division has no excess capacity to handle the Cabinet Division's requirements.
The Cabinet Division currently purchases from an outside supplier at a price of $140. If the
Handle Division accepts a $125 price internally, the company, as a whole, will be better or worse
off by:
A. $600,000
B. $(100,000)
C. $115,000
D. $250,000
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71. Altoona Corporation has two divisions, Hinges and Doors, which are both organized as profit
centers; the Hinge Division produces and sells hinges to the Door Division and to outside
customers. The Hinge Division has total costs of $35, $20 of which are variable. The Hinge
Division is operating significantly below capacity and sells the hinges for $50.
The Door Division has received an offer from an outsider vendor to supply all the hinges it needs
(20,000 hinges) at a cost of $45. The manager of the Door Division is considering the offer but
wants to approach the Hinge Division first.
What would be the profit impact to Altoona Corporation as a whole if the Door Division purchased
the 20,000 hinges it needs from the outside vendor for $45?
72. Altoona Corporation has two divisions, Hinges and Doors, which are both organized as profit
centers; the Hinge Division produces and sells hinges to the Door Division and to outside
customers. The Hinge Division has total costs of $35, $20 of which are variable. The Hinge
Division is operating significantly below capacity and sells the hinges for $50.
The Door Division has received an offer from an outsider vendor to supply all the hinges it needs
(20,000 hinges) at a cost of $45. The manager of the Door Division is considering the offer but
wants to approach the Hinge Division first.
What is the minimum transfer price from the Hinge Division to the Door Division?
A. $20.
B. $35.
C. $45.
D. $50.
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73. Altoona Corporation has two divisions, Hinges and Doors, which are both organized as profit
centers; the Hinge Division produces and sells hinges to the Door Division and to outside
customers. The Hinge Division has total costs of $35, $20 of which are variable. The Hinge
Division is operating significantly below capacity and sells the hinges for $50.
The Door Division has received an offer from an outsider vendor to supply all the hinges it needs
(20,000 hinges) at a cost of $45. The manager of the Door Division is considering the offer but
wants to approach the Hinge Division first.
What is the maximum transfer price from the Hinge Division to the Door Division?
A. $20.
B. $35.
C. $45.
D. $50.
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74. Retro Rides Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and manages
classic automobile rentals in Miami, Florida and (2) a repair division that restores classic
automobiles in Clearwater, Florida. The repair division works on classic motorcycles, as well as
The Repair division has an estimated variable cost of $28.50 per labor-hour. The Repair division
has a backlog of work for automobile restoration. They charge $48.00 per hour for labor, which is
standard for this type of work. The Management division complained that it could hire its own
repair workers for $30.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work area.
What is the minimum transfer price per hour that the Repair division should obtain for its
A. $28.50.
B. $30.00.
C. $39.00.
D. $48.00.
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75. Retro Rides Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and manages
classic automobile rentals in Miami, Florida and (2) a repair division that restores classic
automobiles in Clearwater, Florida. The repair division works on classic motorcycles, as well as
The Repair division has an estimated variable cost of $28.50 per labor-hour. The Repair division
has a backlog of work for automobile restoration. They charge $48.00 per hour for labor, which is
standard for this type of work. The Management division complained that it could hire its own
repair workers for $30.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work area.
What is the maximum transfer price per hour that the Management division should pay?
A. $28.50.
B. $30.00.
C. $39.00.
D. $46.50.
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76. Retro Rides Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and manages
classic automobile rentals in Miami, Florida and (2) a repair division that restores classic
automobiles in Clearwater, Florida. The repair division works on classic motorcycles, as well as
The Repair division has an estimated variable cost of $28.50 per labor-hour. The Repair division
has a backlog of work for automobile restoration. They charge $48.00 per hour for labor, which is
standard for this type of work. The Management division complained that it could hire its own
repair workers for $30.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work area.
If the Repair division had idle capacity, what is the minimum transfer price that the Repair
A. $28.50.
B. $30.00.
C. $39.00.
D. $46.50.
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77. Frocks and Gowns Inc., has two divisions, Day Wear and Night Wear. The Day Wear Division
has an investment base of $750,000 and produces (and sells) 100,000 units of Collars at a
market price of $10.00 per unit. Variable costs total $3.50 per unit, and fixed charges are $4.00
per unit (based on a capacity of 120,000 units). The Night Wear Division wants to purchase
25,000 units of Collars from The Day Wear Division. However, the Night Wear Division is only
willing to pay $6.75 per unit.
What is the contribution margin for the Day Wear Division without the transfer to the Night Wear
Division?
A. $250,000.
B. $650,000.
C. $675,000.
D. $1,000,000.
78. Frocks and Gowns Inc., has two divisions, Day Wear and Night Wear. The Day Wear Division
has an investment base of $750,000 and produces (and sells) 100,000 units of Collars at a
market price of $10.00 per unit. Variable costs total $3.50 per unit, and fixed charges are $4.00
per unit (based on a capacity of 120,000 units). The Night Wear Division wants to purchase
25,000 units of Collars from The Day Wear Division. However, the Night Wear Division is only
What is the contribution margin for the Day Wear Division if it transfers 25,000 units to the Night
Wear Division at $6.75 per unit?
A. $250,000.
B. $650,000.
C. $675,000.
D. $698,750.
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79. Frocks and Gowns Inc., has two divisions, Day Wear and Night Wear. The Day Wear Division
has an investment base of $750,000 and produces (and sells) 100,000 units of Collars at a
market price of $10.00 per unit. Variable costs total $3.50 per unit, and fixed charges are $4.00
per unit (based on a capacity of 120,000 units). The Night Wear Division wants to purchase
25,000 units of Collars from The Day Wear Division. However, the Night Wear Division is only
willing to pay $6.75 per unit.
What is the minimum transfer price for the 25,000 unit order that the Day Wear Division would
A. $3.50.
B. $4.00.
C. $4.80.
D. $6.00.
80. A company is highly centralized. The Cutting Division, which is operating at capacity, produces a
component that it currently sells in a perfectly competitive market for $13 per unit. At the current
level of production, the fixed cost of producing this component is $4 per unit and the variable cost
is $7 per unit. Grinding Division would like to purchase this component from the Cutting Division.
The price that the Cutting Division should charge the Grinding Division per unit for this component
is:
A. $7.
B. $11.
C. $13.
D. $15.
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81. A company has two divisions, Softwoods and Hardwoods, each operating as a profit center. The
Softwood Division charges the Hardwood Division $35 per unit (for each unit transferred to the
Hardwood Division). Other data for the Softwood Division are as follows:
The Softwood Division is planning to raise its transfer price to $50 per unit. The Hardwood
Division can purchase units at $40 per unit from outsiders, but doing so would idle the Softwood
Division's facilities (now committed to producing units for the Hardwood Division). The Softwood
Division cannot increase its sales to outsiders. From the perspective of the company as a whole,
from who should the Hardwood Division acquire the units, assuming the Hardwood Division's
market is unaffected?
A. Outside vendors.
B. The Softwood Division, but only at the variable cost per unit.
C. The Softwood Division, but only until fixed costs are covered, then should purchase from
outside vendors.
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82. Given the following information for Camping Division:
The Lantern Division would like to purchase internally from the Camping Division. The Lantern
Division now purchases 5,000 units each period from outside suppliers at $49 per unit. The
Camping Division has ample excess capacity to handle all of the Lantern Division's needs. What
is the lowest price that Camping Division could accept?
A. $50.00.
B. $49.00.
C. $46.00.
D. $30.00.
83. Accutron, a large manufacturing company, has several autonomous divisions that sell their
products in perfectly competitive external markets as well as internally to the other divisions of the
company. Top management expects each of its divisional managers to take actions that will
maximize the organization's goal as well as their own goals. Top management also promotes a
sustained level of management effort of all of its divisional managers. Under these
circumstances, for products exchanged between divisions, the transfer price that will generally
lead to optimal decisions for Accutron would be a transfer price equal to the: (CIA adapted)
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84. Martin Company currently manufactures all component parts used in the manufacture of various
hand tools. The Extruding Division produces a steel handle used in three different tools. The
budget for these handles is 120,000 units with the following unit cost.
Polishing Division purchases 20,000 handles from the Extruding Division and completes the
hand tools. An outside supplier, Venture Steel, has offered to supply 20,000 units of the handle to
Polishing Division for $1.25 per unit. The Extruding Division currently has idle capacity that
cannot be used.
What is the cost impact to Martin as a whole of purchasing from Venture Steel? (CMA adapted)
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85. Martin Company currently manufactures all component parts used in the manufacture of various
hand tools. The Extruding Division produces a steel handle used in three different tools. The
budget for these handles is 120,000 units with the following unit cost.
Polishing Division purchases 20,000 handles from the Extruding Division and completes the
hand tools. An outside supplier, Venture Steel, has offered to supply 20,000 units of the handle to
Polishing Division for $1.25 per unit. The Extruding Division currently has idle capacity that
cannot be used.
If Martin would like to develop a range of transfer prices, what would be the maximum transfer
A. $1.00.
B. $1.10.
C. $1.25.
D. $1.30.
15-47
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86. Martin Company currently manufactures all component parts used in the manufacture of various
hand tools. The Extruding Division produces a steel handle used in three different tools. The
budget for these handles is 120,000 units with the following unit cost.
Polishing Division purchases 20,000 handles from the Extruding Division and completes the
hand tools. An outside supplier, Venture Steel, has offered to supply 20,000 units of the handle to
Polishing Division for $1.25 per unit. The Extruding Division currently has idle capacity that
cannot be used.
If Martin would like to develop a range of transfer prices, what would be the minimum transfer
A. $1.00.
B. $1.10.
C. $1.25.
D. $1.30.
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87. The Alpha Division of a company, which is operating at capacity, produces and sells 1,000 units
of a certain electronic component in a perfectly competitive market. Revenue and cost data are
as follows: (CIA adapted)
Sales $50,000
The minimum transfer price that should be charged to the Beta Division of the same company for
each component is:
A. $12.
B. $34.
C. $46.
D. $50.
88. The Hinges Division of Altoona Corp. sells 80,000 units of part Z-25 to the outside market. Part Z-
25 sells for $40, has a variable cost of $22, and a fixed cost per unit of $10. The Hinges Division
has a capacity to produce 100,000 units per period. The Door Division currently purchases
10,000 units of part Z-25 from the Hinges Division for $40. The Door Division has been
approached by an outside supplier willing to supply the parts for $36. If Altoona uses a negotiated
transfer pricing system, what is the maximum transfer price that should be charged for this
transaction?
A. $40.
B. $36.
C. $32.
D. $22.
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89. The Hinges Division of Altoona Corp. sells 80,000 units of part Z-25 to the outside market. Part Z-
25 sells for $40, has a variable cost of $22, and a fixed cost per unit of $10. The Hinges Division
has a capacity to produce 100,000 units per period. The Door Division currently purchases
10,000 units of part Z-25 from the Hinges Division for $40. The Door Division has been
approached by an outside supplier willing to supply the parts for $36. If Altoona uses a negotiated
transfer pricing system, what is the minimum transfer price that should be charged for this
transaction?
A. $40.
B. $36.
C. $32.
D. $22.
90. The Eastern Division sells goods internally to the Western Division at Tennessee Company. The
quoted external price in industry publications from a supplier near Eastern is $200 per ton plus
transportation. It costs $20 per ton to transport the goods to Western. Eastern's actual market
cost per ton to buy the direct materials to make the transferred product is $100. Actual per-ton
direct labor is $50. Other actual costs of storage and handling are $40. Tennessee Company's
president selects a $220 transfer price. This is an example of: (CIA adapted)
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91. Which of the following is the most significant disadvantage of a cost-based transfer price? (CIA
adapted)
92. An appropriate transfer price between two divisions of The Fathom Company can be determined
from the following data: (CIA adapted)
Fabricating Division
Market price of
$50
subassembly
Variable cost of
$20
subassembly
Assembling Division
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93. A limitation of transfer prices based on actual cost is that they: (CIA adapted)
A. Product costing.
B. Decision making.
C. Establishing standards.
D. Evaluating performance.
95. An internal transfer between two divisions is in the best economic interest of the entire
organization when:
A. the variable costs plus the opportunity cost of the selling division is greater than the external
price for the buying division.
B. the variable costs plus the opportunity cost of the selling division is less than the external price
for the buying division.
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96. Top management intervention in settling transfer pricing disputes between two divisions should
be avoided unless
97. The transfer price that should be used by top management in evaluating whether a division
should buy within the company or from an outside supplier is:
98. Some managers prefer to use cost rather than market price in controlling transfers between
A. full cost.
B. direct cost.
C. variable cost.
D. standard cost.
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99. Cost-based transfer prices that include a normal markup to the costs act as a surrogate for:
B. opportunity costs.
C. differential costs.
D. market prices.
100.Multinational firms often face conflicting pressures when developing transfer pricing policies. Tax
A. inflated transfer prices are used to reduce the profits of divisions in high tax-rate countries.
B. inflated transfer prices are used to reduce the profits of divisions in low tax-rate countries.
C. cost-based transfer prices are used instead of market transfer prices in high tax-rate countries.
D. cost-based transfer prices are used instead of negotiated market transfer prices in low tax-rate
countries.
101.Which of the following transfer pricing methods must be used in segment reporting by the oil and
gas industry?
A. Absorption cost.
B. Differential cost.
D. Market price.
Essay Questions
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102.Galena Corp. manufactures RD34 in its City Division. This output is sold to the Urban Division as
raw material in Urban's product. City also further processes the RD34 into RD35, and then sells it
to other companies.
The City Division's variable costs for the basic ingredient are $15 per unit. The Urban Division's
variable costs are $5 per unit in addition to what it pays the City Division. The Urban Division has
a capacity of 400,000 units and it can sell everything it produces. The market price for the
finished additive is $40 per unit. If the City Division converts the RD34 into RD35, it can receive
$25 per unit on the open market, but it incurs an additional $4 per unit for this processing.
Required:
a. What is the lowest price the City Division should be willing to transfer RD34 to the Urban
b. What is the lowest price the City Division should be willing to transfer RD34 to the Urban
Division, assuming the City Division is at full capacity?
c. Ignore parts (a) and (b). Assume that the City Division has a capacity of 500,000 units, but can
only sell 300,000 on the open market. How many units should the City Division sell externally and
how many units should it sell to Urban Division at a transfer price of $20?
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103.Shipping Industries is a decentralized company that evaluates its divisions based on ROI. The
North Division has the capacity to produce 2,000 units of a component. The North Division's
variable costs are $85 per unit; fixed costs are $70 per unit.
The South Division can use the product as a component in one of its products. The South
Division would incur $65 of variable costs to convert the component into its own product which
sells for $310.
Required:
a. Assume the North Division can sell all that it produces for $185 each. The South Division
needs 100 units. What is the appropriate transfer price?
b. Assume the North Division can sell 1,800 units at $265. Any excess capacity will be unused
unless the units are purchased by the South Division (which can use up to 100 units). What are
the minimum and maximum transfer prices?
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104.Trevor Company operates several investment centers. The manager of the Genesis Division
expects the following results for the coming year.
Profit $150,000
Included in the Genesis Division's variable cost is $7 for a component it buys from an outside
supplier. One of these components is required in each unit of the Genesis Division's product. The
manager of the Genesis Division has just found that she can buy the component from the Solar
Division, another division of Trevor Company. The Solar Division sells 300,000 units of the
component to outsiders at $8 and its variable cost is $4 per unit. The Solar Division offers to sell
the component to Genesis at a price of $6. Solar is operating well below capacity.
Required:
a. If Genesis accepts the offer, what will happen to the income of the Solar Division?
b. If Genesis accepts the offer, what will happen to the income of the Genesis Division?
c. If Genesis accepts the offer, what will happen to the income of the Trevor Company?
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105.The Trevor Company operates several investment centers. The manager of the Genesis Division
expects the following results for the coming year.
Profit $150,000
Included in the Genesis Division's variable cost is $7 for a component it buys from an outside
supplier. One of these components is required in each unit of the Genesis Division's product. The
manager of the Genesis Division has just found that she can buy the component from the Solar
Division, another division of Trevor Company. The Solar Division sells 300,000 units of the
component to outsiders at $8 and its variable cost is $4 per unit. Solar offers to sell the
component to Genesis at a price of $6.
Solar has a capacity of 330,000 units. Assume that Genesis wants to buy all of its needs from
one source, so that Solar must supply all or none of the Genesis Division's need for 50,000 units.
Required:
a. Determine the change in income of the Solar Division of supplying the component to Genesis
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106.The Barrel Division of Chemco Inc. has a capacity of 200,000 units and expects the following
results.
Income $60,000
Tank Division of Chemco Inc. currently purchases 50,000 units of a part for one of its products
from an outside supplier for $4 per unit. The Tank Division's manager believes he could use a
minor variation of the Barrel Division's product instead, and offers to buy the units from the Barrel
Division at $3.50. Making the variation desired by the Tank Division would cost the Barrel
Division an additional $0.50 per unit and would increase the Barrel Division's annual cash fixed
costs by $20,000. Barrel's manager agrees to the deal offered by Tank's manager.
Required:
c. What is the effect of the deal on the income of Chemco Inc. as a whole?
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107.Division A of Spangler Company expects the following results:
To To
Division B Outsiders
Division B has the opportunity to buy its needs of 5,000 units from an outside supplier at $45
each.
Required:
a. Division A refuses to meet the $45 price, sales to outsiders cannot be increased, and Division
B buys from the outside supplier. Compute the effect on the income of Spangler.
b. Division A cannot increase its sales to outsiders, does meet the $45 price, and Division B
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108.Veritron Division of Argos Inc. has a capacity of 100,000 units and expects the following results
for the year.
Income $200,000
Magnatron Division of Argos Inc. currently purchases 20,000 units of a part for one of its products
from an outside supplier at $32 per unit. Magnatron's manager believes she could use a minor
variation of Veritron's product instead, and offers to buy the units from Veritron at $26. Making
the variation desired by Magnatron would cost Veritron an additional $5 per unit and would
increase Veritron's annual cash fixed costs by $80,000. Veritron's manager agrees to the deal
offered by Magnatron's manager.
Required:
c. Find the effect of the deal on the income of Argos Inc. as a whole.
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109.Division A of Spangler Company expects the following results:
To To
Division B Outsiders
Division B has the opportunity to buy its needs of 5,000 units from an outside supplier at $45
each. Assume that Division A cannot increase sales to outsiders.
Required:
b. Assume that Spangler allows the divisional managers to negotiate transfer prices. What would
the maximum transfer price be?
c. Assume that Spangler allows the divisional managers to negotiate transfer prices. What would
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110.Winton Industries evaluates its divisions based on residual income. The Springfield Division has
the capacity to produce 20,000 units of a component. The Springfield Division's variable costs
are $150 per unit; fixed costs are $110 per unit.
The Monnett Division can use the product as a component in one of its products. The Monnett
Division would incur $75 of variable costs to convert the component into its own product which
sells for $300.
Required:
a. Assume the Springfield Division can sell all that it produces for $285 each. The Monnett
Division needs 1,000 units. What is the appropriate transfer price?
b. Assume the Springfield Division can sell 18,000 units at $285. Any excess capacity will be
unused unless the units are purchased by the Monnett Division (which can use up to 1,000
units). What are the minimum and maximum transfer prices?
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111.Table Lake Cruises Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a recreational division that owns and
manages charter boats on the lake and (2) a repair division that operates a division at Rogers.
The repair division works on small gasoline crafts, as well medium size diesel engine boats. The
repair division has an estimated variable cost of $45 per labor-hour. The repair division has a
backlog of work for diesel engines. They charge $125 per hour for labor & overhead, which is
standard for this type of work. The recreational division complained that it could hire its own
repair workers for $85 per hour, including leasing an adequate work area.
Required:
a. What is the minimum transfer price per hour that the repair division should obtain for its
b. What is the maximum transfer price per hour that the recreational division should pay?
c. If the repair division had idle capacity, what is the minimum transfer price that the repair
division should obtain?
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112.The Counter Division can sell externally for $60 per unit. Its variable manufacturing costs are $35
per unit, and its fixed costs are $12 per unit.
Required:
a. What is the optimal transfer price for transferring internally, assuming the division is operating
at capacity?
b. What is the optimal transfer price for transferring internally, assuming the division is operating
at well below capacity?
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113.Salamander Company expects the following results:
Division A Division B
Included in Division A's costs are 10,000 units of a subcomponent purchased from an outside
supplier for $45. The managers have recently initiated negotiations for Division B to supply the
Required:
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114.The Salamander Company expects the following results:
Division A Division B
Included in Division A's costs are 10,000 units of a subcomponent purchased from an outside
supplier for $45. The managers have recently initiated negotiations for Division B to supply the
components to Division A. Division B has a total capacity of 40,000 units.
Required:
a. Prepare a new segment reporting statement for the Salamander Company, assuming an
b. Prepare a new segment reporting statement for the Salamander Company, assuming an
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115.Thai Company has two divisions organized as profit centers: Redmon and Tomlin. Thai expects
the following results:
Redmon Tomlin
Sales
Included in Redmon's costs are 100,000 units of a subcomponent purchased from an outside
supplier for $4.50. The managers have recently initiated negotiations for Tomlin to supply the
Required:
a. Would Thai Company prefer the subcomponent used by Redmon to be purchased internally
from Tomlin or from the outside vendor? What would be the profit impact?
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116.Macon Motor Works has just acquired a new Battery Division. The Battery Division produces a
standard 12-volt battery that it sells to retail outlets at a competitive price of $20. The retail outlets
purchase about 800,000 batteries a year. Since the Battery Division has a capacity of 1,000,000
batteries a year, top management is thinking that it might be wise for the company's Automotive
Division to start purchasing batteries from the newly acquired Battery Division.
The Automotive Division now purchases 300,000 batteries a year from an outside supplier, at a
price of $18 per battery. The discount from the competitive $20 price is a result of the large
quantity purchased.
Direct materials $8
Direct labor 4
Variable overhead 2
Fixed overhead 2
Required:
sales will increase to 1,500,000 batteries, or (b) maintaining the outside price of $20.00 for the
800,000 batteries and transferring the 300,000 batteries to the Automotive Division at some price
that would produce the same income for the Battery Division as option (a). What is the minimum
transfer price you would recommend in this situation?
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117.Chattanooga Inc., has two divisions for its metal fabrication business. The Stamp Division stamps
the objects and then transfers them to the Finish Division, which finishes and sells them. Last
year, the Stamp Division had administrative expenses of $40,000. The Finish Division incurred
additional production costs of $120,000 (exclusive of amounts paid to the Stamp Division for the
stamped steel) to process 120,000 units. The Finish Division sold the finished goods for
Required:
a. Prepare income statements for each division. Use a transfer price of the Stamp Division's total
cost plus 5%. Assume Cost of Goods Sold for the Finish Division is $351,000.
b. Repeat (a), using a transfer price of $2.00 per unit; this is also the market price.
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118.Division S sells its product to unrelated parties at a price of $20 per unit. It incurs variable costs
of $7 per unit and has fixed costs of $50,000 per month. Monthly production is generally 10,000
units.
Division B uses Division S's product in its operations. It can purchase the units from Division S at
$20 per unit, but must pay a $1.50 per unit in shipping costs. Alternatively, Division B can buy
from Division S's competition at a delivered price of $21 per unit.
Required:
a. From the company's perspective, should Division B purchase the units internally or externally?
Assume Division S has ample capacity to handle all of Division B's needs.
b. Would your answer change if Division S can sell everything it produces to outside
customers?
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119.Calvin Machinery Company manufactures heavy-duty equipment used in foundries, mining
operations, and similar operations. The company is very decentralized, with various division
managers having control over capital investments and most production decisions. The Cylinder
Division fabricates a component which is used by the Press Division in its production of metal
presses. The Cylinder Division has been selling to the Press Division at a price of $3,000 per
unit. Because of a cost increase, the Cylinder Division wants to increase its price to $3,200, even
though the Press Division can still purchase an equivalent component externally for $3,000. The
following information has been gathered regarding this issue:
Required:
a. If the Press Division buys its units externally, the Cylinder Division will have idle capacity for
which there are no alternative uses. Will the company as whole benefit if the Press Division
b. If the Press Division buys its units externally, the Cylinder Division will have idle capacity
which can be used to generate a positive cash flow of $40,000. Will the company as whole
benefit if the Press Division purchases its units externally for $3,000 per unit?
c. Refer to (b). Will your answer change if the price at which the Press Division can buy
externally decreases to $2,700 per unit? Support your answer.
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120.The GrowPro Manufacturing Company has a division (Division P) that produces an essential
ingredient used by the Lawn Division in making lawn fertilizer. Historically, 75% of Division P's
output has been purchased by Division L and 25% has been sold to other fertilizer companies.
The transfer price between Division P and Division L has been based on the outside sales price
less selling and administrative expenses directly applicable to the outside sales. Last year, the
transfer price was $35 per ton; Division P would like the same transfer price this year. However,
the general manager of Division L has found an outside supplier who will sell the ingredient for
$30 per ton. She would like to continue buying from Division P, but Division P's manager does
not want to match the $30 price because he thinks that the margin is too small. Top management
does not get involved in transfer pricing disputes, but rather, allows division managers to make
Sales to L External
The information presented above is based on selling 120,000 tons internally and 40,000 tons
externally.
Required:
a. If Division L buys externally, Division P can increase its current external sales by only 20,000
tons. What arguments can the general manager of Division L make to help Division P to match
the $30 price?
b. Division L wants to use only one supplier, so Division P will either sell 120,000 tons to Division
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L or nothing. If Division L's capacity is 160,000 tons, how many units does Division P need to sell
to outsiders at $50 per ton before it is better off selling to outsiders? Ignore any additional
marketing costs which would be incurred to increase sales.
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121.The Measurement Division of Flow Co. produces pumps which it sells for $20 each to outside
customers. The Measurement Division's cost per pump, based on normal volume of 500,000
units per period, is shown below:
Fixed overhead 3
Total $15
Flow has recently purchased a small company which makes sprinkler systems. This new
company is presently purchasing 100,000 pumps each year from another manufacturer. Since
the Measurement Division has a capacity of 600,000 pumps per year and is now selling only
500,000 pumps to outside customers, management would like the new Sprinkler Division to
begin purchasing its pumps internally. The Sprinkler Division is now paying $20 per pump, less a
10% quantity discount. The Measurement Division could avoid $1 per unit in variable costs on
Required:
a. Treating each division as an independent profit center, within what price range should the
internal sales price fall?
b. Now assume that the Measurement Division is selling 600,000 pumps per year on the outside.
(Note: Due to limitations in fonts and word processing software, > and < signs must be used in
this solution rather than "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" signs.)
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122.Finnish Corporation has a Supply Division that does work for other Divisions in the company as
well as for outside customers. The company's Custodial Products Division has asked the Supply
Division to provide it with 10,000 special items each year. The special items would require $15.00
Division would have to cut back production of another product - the H56 that it presently is
producing. The H56 sells for $32.00 per unit, and requires $19.00 per unit in variable production
costs. Packaging and shipping costs of the H56 are $3.00 per unit. Packaging and shipping costs
for the new special part would be only $1.00 per unit. The Supply Division is now producing and
selling 40,000 units of the H56 each year. Production and sales of the H56 would drop by 20% if
the new special item is produced for the Custodial Products Division.
Required:
a. What is the range of transfer prices within which both the Divisions' profits would increase as
a result of agreeing to the transfer of 10,000 special parts per year from the Supply Division to
the Custodial Products Division?
b. Is it in the best interests of Finnish Corporation for this transfer to take place? Explain. (Note:
Due to limitations in fonts and word processing software, > and < signs must be used in this
solution rather than "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" signs.)
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123.Division N has asked Division M of the same company to supply it with 10,000 units of part P782
this year to use in one of its products. Division N has received a bid from an outside supplier for
the parts at a price of $25.00 per unit. Division M has the capacity to produce 50,000 units of part
P782 per year. Division M expects to sell 46,000 units of part P782 to outside customers this
year at a price of $26.00 per unit. To fill the order from Division N, Division M would have to cut
back its sales to outside customers. Division M produces part P782 at a variable cost of $17.00
per unit. The cost of packing and shipping the parts for outside customers is $1.00 per unit.
These packing and shipping costs would not have to be incurred on sales of the parts to Division
N.
Required:
a. What is the range of transfer prices within which both the Divisions' profits would increase as
a result of agreeing to the transfer of 10,000 parts this year from Division N to Division M?
b. Is it in the best interests of the overall company for this transfer to take place? Explain. (Note:
Due to limitations in fonts and word processing software, > and < signs must be used in this
solution rather than "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" signs.)
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124.Farris Yard Equipment Corporation manufactures lawn mowers and snow blowers. It also
manufactures engines that are used by the Lawn Mower Assembly Division (LMAD). The Engine
Division (ED) also sells about 40% of its output to the outside market (these are multipurpose
engines). Its annual capacity is 150,000 units and annual output 135,000 units. All engines sold
Rogers quoted a price of $66.60 for each engine transferred to the SBAD. Jackson White, the
manager of SBAD, was furious to note that the ED was "trying to make money off a sister
division." He argued that the price must include only the cost of materials, as all other costs will
be incurred irrespective of whether or not SBAD places the order for 20,000 engines. Morton
Downey, the production manager of ED, pointed out that the special equipment will be purchased
only for fulfilling this internal order. Moreover, he argued that inspection must also be done just
like on all other engines; therefore, the inspection costs must also be included. Labor is paid a
flat monthly salary. Other manufacturing costs include both variable and fixed components (in
roughly equal proportion).
Required:
(a) Given that excess capacity exists, what is the minimum price that the ED must charge to the
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SBAD?
(b) What are the pros and cons of internal sourcing?
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125.Allentown Division of Sparks Inc. transfers its product to the Youngstown Division. The
Youngstown Division can either buy the item internally or externally (cost = $73 each). The
Allentown Division has just completed its annual cost update as follows:
Variable manufacturing
6.00
overhead
Fixed manufacturing
3.50
overhead
Required:
1) What is the minimum transfer price the Allentown Division should charge for internal
transfers?
2) What is the maximum price the Youngstown Division would be willing to pay?
3) Why should the Allentown Division reduce its price to the Youngstown Division?
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126.The following costs exist for Wiring Division of Corriander Corp.
The output of the Wiring Division, which sells for $10/unit externally, is used by the Electrical
Harness Division.
Required:
Compute the transfer price for a unit of the Wiring Division's output using:
1) market price
4) variable cost
5) total cost plus 10 percent
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127.SEMO Inc. has a division located in Spain and another in the U.S. The Spanish division produces
a part needed for the product made by the U.S. division. There is substantial excess capacity in
the Spanish division. The tax rate of the Spanish division is 35% and U.S. division tax rate is
30%.
The part sells externally for $75 and the Spanish division's manufacturing costs are:
Direct labor 12
Variable overhead 6
Fixed overhead 19
Required:
1) What would be the lowest acceptable transfer price for the Spanish division?
2) What would be the highest acceptable transfer price for the U.S. division?
3) What would be the transfer price that would be the best for SEMO Inc. and why?
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128.The following information is available for the two divisions of MAC Co.:
Division A
Division B
Required:
1) In order to ensure the best use of the productive capacity of A, what transfer price should be
set by Division A and what effect does this transfer price have on the overall margin for the
2) Should Division B accept a special order for its product if the selling price is reduced to $70.
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129.Division X has asked Division K of the Easton Company to supply it with 5,000 units of part L433
this year to use in one of its products. Division X has received a bid from an outside supplier for
the parts at a price of $26.00 per unit. Division K has the capacity to produce 30,000 units of part
L433 per year. Division K expects to sell 26,000 units of part L433 to outside customers this year
at a price of $30.00 per unit. To fill the order from Division X, Division K would have to cut back
its sales to outside customers. Division K produces part L433 at a variable cost of $21.00 per
unit. The cost of packing and shipping the parts for outside customers is $2.00 per unit. These
packing and shipping costs would not have to be incurred on sales of the parts to Division X.
Required:
a. What is the range of transfer prices within which both the Divisions' profits would increase as
a result of agreeing to the transfer of 5,000 parts this year from Division X to Division K?
b. Is it in the best interests of the overall Easton Company for this transfer to take place?
Explain.
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130.Pomme Corporation has a Motor Division that does work for other Divisions in the company as
well as for outside customers. The company's Equipment Division has asked the Motor Division
to provide it with 2,000 special motors each year. The special motors would require $17.00 per
unit in variable production costs. The Equipment Division has a bid from an outside supplier for
the special motors at $28.00 per unit. In order to have time and space to produce the special
motor, the Motor Division would have to cut back production of another motor - the J789 that it
presently is producing. The J789 sells for $34.00 per unit, and requires $22.00 per unit in variable
production costs. Packaging and shipping costs of the J789 are $4.00 per unit. Packaging and
shipping costs for the new special motor would be only $0.50 per unit. The Motor Division is now
producing and selling 10,000 units of the J789 each year. Production and sales of the J789
would drop by 10% if the new special motor is produced for the Equipment Division.
Required:
a. What is the range of transfer prices within which both the Divisions' profits would increase as a
result of agreeing to the transfer of 2,000 special motors per year from the Motor Division to the
Equipment Division?
b. Is it in the best interests of Pomme Corporation for this transfer to take place? Explain.
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131.Randolph Company has two divisions organized as profit centers: Redmon and Tomlin.
Randolph expects the following results:
Redmon Tomlin
Sales
Included in Redmon's costs are 100,000 units of a subcomponent purchased from an outside
supplier for $4.50. The managers have recently initiated negotiations for Tomlin to supply the
Required:
a. Prepare a new segment reporting statement for Randolph, assuming an internal transfer at the
b. Prepare a new segment reporting statement for Randolph, assuming an internal transfer at
the minimum transfer price.
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132.Why is transfer pricing only a concern for profit or investment centers and not for cost or revenue
centers?
133.Explain the general principle for determining the optimal transfer price.
134.What is meant by a dual transfer pricing system? What are some advantages and disadvantages
of it?
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135.What are the limitations of market-based transfer prices?
136.What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a negotiated transfer price?
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138.What are the principal items that must be disclosed about each segment and how does this differ
if a company has significant foreign operations?
139.Hartland Company has used market price as its transfer price for the Sterling Division for many
years with no problems. This year, because of changes in the economy, the demand for its final
Required:
Explain the problems of basing the transfer prices on distress market prices and possible
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140.Midland Inc. has two divisions: production and marketing, which it treats as profit centers.
Because the production division has no marketing capabilities, it does not have a traditional
market price to consider and the company does not want to use negotiation.
Required:
Discuss the following cost-based transfer prices along with problems that might exist for each.
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141.Mr. Massee, the Vice President of Production is looking at two of the Divisions that report to him.
These divisions are viewed as profit centers by the company. He has called in the head of Brake
Division A, which provides a part used by Wheel Division, because he has noticed that Wheel
Division is going to an external supplier for the part. Mr. Omsby, the head of the Brake Division,
tells him that he has set the transfer price at $38 per part even though the external price is $33
per part. The standard unit-level cost is $22. "I have set the $38 price because I am operating
with no excess capacity and do not want to have the internal transfer to the Wheel Division. I
have some good external customers and do not want to lose them by selling internally. If I had
excess capacity, I would be willing sell to the Wheel Division at a lower price."
Mr. Massee says that he has to think about this situation because something doesn't seem right
to him. After Mr. Omsby leaves the office, he calls his friend in the controller's department for
some help.
Required:
You are that friend. Explain to Mr. Massee the differences in transfer pricing when there is no
excess capacity and when there is excess capacity and what Mr. Omsby is doing wrong.
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142.Ms. Clarke, one of the marketing managers, has come to the meeting with a number of reports
about one of her products. The Vice President of Marketing sees her agitation and asks her what
the problem is. "Well, the product made by the East Coast Division is losing sales even after the
price had been lowered drastically. The manager of the division is threatening to close because
being covered and he is losing money on every transfer as well as every third-party sale.
Required:
Explain further to the Vice President of Marketing the issues involved in transfer pricing when
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144.During the current year Tuesday Company's foreign Division A incurred production costs of $4
million for units that are transferred to its other foreign Division, B. Costs in Division B, outside of
the costs of production of the final product are $8 million. These are third-party costs. Sales
revenue for the final product for Division B is $30 million. Other companies in the same country
import a similar type of part as Division B at a cost of $7 million. Tuesday has set its transfer
price at $14 million, justifying this price because of the special controls it has on the operations in
Division A as well as its special manufacturing method. The tax rate in the country where Division
A is located is 40% while the tax rate for Division B's country is 70%.
Required:
1) What would Tuesday's total tax liability for both divisions be if it used the $7 million transfer
price?
2) What would the liability be if it used the $14 million transfer price?
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146.Space Inc. has just purchased a foreign subsidiary that makes a component used by one of the
domestic divisions. Ms. Jenner, the controller, has been asked about issues that should be
considered in establishing a transfer price for the new subsidiary. Since this is Space's first foray
into the multinational arena, there is little to no expertise in international issues in the company.
Ms. Jenner has told her boss that she will get back to him with a report as to the issues to be
considered. She then calls a friend of hers at a branch of one of the big-4 CPA firms that deals
with international issues for some help.
Required:
What is the basic information that Ms. Jenner will be given by her friend?
147.Briefly discuss transfer prices in relation to external segment reporting under GAAP.
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Chapter 15 Transfer Pricing Answer Key
1. A transfer price is the value assigned to the transfer of goods or services between divisions
within the same organization.
TRUE
2. Transfer prices are not used to record the exchange between two cost centers within the same
organization.
TRUE
Transfer prices are used for profit and investment centers. Cost centers are not concerned
with profits.
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Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-01 Explain the basic issues associated with transfer pricing.
Topic: What is Transfer Pricing and Why is it Important?
3. Transfer prices cannot be used for decision making, product costing, or performance
evaluation.
FALSE
Transfer pricing is used in decision making, product costing, and performance evaluation.
4. From an organization's viewpoint, transfer prices have no effect on total profits assuming the
TRUE
Total profits are unaffected, divisional profits will have effects but they off-set.
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5. If a transfer has no effect on divisional profit, risk-neutral managers will be indifferent between
making the transfer or not.
TRUE
6. If an intermediate market exists but divisions are prohibited from buying or selling from the
outside, the intermediate market can be ignored in determining the optimal transfer price.
TRUE
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7. A perfect intermediate market exists if buyers can buy and sellers can sell outside of the
organization.
FALSE
A perfect market exists when buyers and sellers can have unlimited transactions with no
impact on prices.
8. When a perfect intermediate market exists, the optimal transfer price is the intermediate
market price.
TRUE
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9. In general, the optimal transfer price for a division is the sum of its outlay costs and the
opportunity cost of not transferring its goods to another division.
FALSE
It is the opportunity cost of the resource at the point of the transfer. Normally this is the lost
contribution by not selling outside.
10. The use of an optimal transfer price eliminates potential conflicts between an organization's
FALSE
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11. A market price-based transfer price policy allows the selling division to determine the price for
transfers between divisions within the same organization.
FALSE
12. A selling division at capacity is indifferent between selling to outsiders and transferring inside
at the market price.
TRUE
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13. When actual costs are used as the basis for a transfer, inefficiencies of the selling division are
transferred to the buying division.
TRUE
The selling division has no incentive to minimize the inefficiencies since they can all be passed
on.
14. A transfer made at cost does not motivate the selling division to transfer its goods or services
internally.
TRUE
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15. In general, negotiated transfer prices fall in a range between the selling division's differential
costs and the buying division's market price.
TRUE
The seller's differential costs are the lowest the seller would accept; the buyer's market price is
the highest the buyer would be willing to pay.
16. In the United States, more companies use cost-based transfer prices than market-based
transfer prices.
TRUE
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17. In interstate transactions, transfers can reduce an organization's tax liability when the selling
division is in a lower tax jurisdiction than the buying division.
TRUE
The transfers can in effect move profits from one jurisdiction to another.
18. Tax avoidance is unethical when inflated transfer prices are used in international transactions
TRUE
The key is "inflated" prices. Market based prices would not be unethical.
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19. An organization that has significant foreign operations must disclose how its transfer prices
are established between domestic and foreign divisions.
TRUE
20. The GAAP financial reporting rules for segments require that all companies use transfer prices
FALSE
GAAP does not specify what method must be used for transfer pricing except for the oil and
gas industry.
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Multiple Choice Questions
(A) From an organization's viewpoint, transfer prices have no effect on total profits assuming
the transfer occurs between the two responsibility centers.
(B) A transfer price is the value assigned to the transfer of goods or services between
A. Only A is false.
B. Only B is false.
Transfer prices do not affect total profits, (B) is the definition of transfer price.
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22. Which of the following responsibility centers is affected by the use of market-based transfer
prices?
A. Cost center.
B. Profit center.
C. Revenue center.
D. Production center.
A. production centers.
B. investment centers.
C. profit centers.
D. cost centers.
Cost centers are not responsible for profits and don't have transfer pricing issues.
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Learning Objective: 15-01 Explain the basic issues associated with transfer pricing.
Topic: What is Transfer Pricing and Why is it Important?
24. A division can sell externally for $60 per unit. Its variable manufacturing costs are $35 per unit,
and its variable marketing costs are $12 per unit. What is the opportunity cost of transferring
A. $13.
B. $25.
C. $35.
D. $47.
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25. A division can sell externally for $60 per unit. Its variable manufacturing costs are $35 per unit,
and its variable marketing costs are $12 per unit. What is the optimal transfer price for
transferring internally, assuming the division is operating at capacity?
A. $12.
B. $35.
C. $47.
D. $60.
26. Division A has variable manufacturing costs of $50 per unit and fixed costs of $10 per unit.
Assuming that Division A is operating at capacity, what is the opportunity cost of an internal
A. $20.
B. $25.
C. $50.
D. $60.
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AICPA: FN Decision Making
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
27. Division A has variable manufacturing costs of $50 per unit and fixed costs of $10 per unit.
Assuming that Division A is operating at capacity, what is the optimal transfer price of an
A. $20.
B. $25.
C. $50.
D. $75.
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28. Division A has variable manufacturing costs of $50 per unit and fixed costs of $10 per unit.
Assuming that Division A is operating significantly below capacity, what is the optimal transfer
price of an internal transfer when the market price is $75?
A. $20.
B. $25.
C. $50.
D. $60.
29. Division B has variable manufacturing costs of $50 per unit and fixed costs of $10 per unit.
Assuming that Division B is operating significantly below capacity, what is the opportunity cost
A. $0.
B. $25.
C. $50.
D. $60.
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Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
30. Dockside Enterprises Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and
manages bulk carriers on the Great Lakes and (2) a repair division that operates a dry dock in
Tampa, Florida. The repair division works on company ships, as well as other large-hull ships.
The repair division has an estimated variable cost of $37 per labor-hour. The repair division
has a backlog of work for outside ships. They charge $70.00 per hour for labor, which is
standard for this type of work. The management division complained that it could hire its own
repair workers for $45.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work area.
What is the minimum transfer price per hour that the repair division should obtain for its
A. $33.00.
B. $37.00.
C. $45.00.
D. $70.00.
When at capacity, the market price of $70 is the appropriate transfer price.
15-111
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31. Dockside Enterprises Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and
manages bulk carriers on the Great Lakes and (2) a repair division that operates a dry dock in
Tampa, Florida. The repair division works on company ships, as well as other large-hull ships.
The repair division has an estimated variable cost of $37 per labor-hour. The repair division
has a backlog of work for outside ships. They charge $70.00 per hour for labor, which is
standard for this type of work. The management division complained that it could hire its own
repair workers for $45.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work area.
What is the maximum transfer price per hour that the management division should pay?
A. $33.00.
B. $37.00.
C. $45.00.
D. $70.00.
15-112
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32. Dockside Enterprises Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and
manages bulk carriers on the Great Lakes and (2) a repair division that operates a dry dock in
Tampa, Florida. The repair division works on company ships, as well as other large-hull ships.
The repair division has an estimated variable cost of $37 per labor-hour. The repair division
has a backlog of work for outside ships. They charge $70.00 per hour for labor, which is
standard for this type of work. The management division complained that it could hire its own
repair workers for $45.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work area.
If the repair division had idle capacity, what is the minimum transfer price that the repair
division should obtain?
A. $33.00.
B. $37.00.
C. $45.00.
D. $70.00.
The selling division's variable cost of $37 is the appropriate transfer price.
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33. You have been provided with the following information for Division X of a decentralized
company:
Division Y of the same company would like to purchase all of its units internally. Division Y
needs 6,000 units each period and currently pays $84 per unit to an outside firm. What is the
lowest price that Division X could accept from Division Y? (Assume that Division Y wants to
use a sole supplier and will not purchase less than 6,000 from a supplier.)
A. $90.
B. $84.
C. $80.
D. $66.
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34. When the selling division in an internal transfer has unsatisfied demand from outside
customers for the product that is being transferred, then the lowest acceptable transfer price
as far as the selling division is concerned is:
C. the market price charged to outside customers, less costs saved by transferring internally.
D. the amount that the purchasing division would have to pay an outside seller to acquire a
similar product for its use.
Unsatisfied demand is the key for the division and firm to maximize profits.
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35. Division A makes a part that it sells to customers outside of the company. Data concerning this
part appear below:
Division B of the same company would like to use the part manufactured by Division A in one
of its products. Division B currently purchases a similar part made by an outside company for
$70 per unit and would substitute the part made by Division A. Division B requires 5,000 units
of the part each period. Division A can already sell all of the units it can produce on the outside
market. What should be the lowest acceptable transfer price from the perspective of Division
A?
A. $75.
B. $66.
C. $16.
D. $50.
Since Division A can sell all of the units it can produce on the outside market ($75 per unit), it
would unfairly penalize Division A to be required to sell to Division B at any price less than it
can sell for on the outside.
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Topic: Applying the General Principle
36. Part 43X costs the Southern Division of Norris Corporation $26 to make - direct materials are
$10, direct labor is $4, variable manufacturing overhead is $9, and fixed manufacturing
overhead is $3. Southern Division sells Part 43X to other companies for $30. The Northern
Division of Norris Corporation can use Part 43X in one of its products. The Southern Division
has enough idle capacity to produce all of the units of Part 43X that the Northern Division
would require. What is the lowest transfer price at which the Southern Division should be
A. $30.
B. $26.
C. $23.
D. $27.
The lowest price the part should be sold for is the total amount of variable costs that would be
incurred ($10 + $4 + $9 = $23).
15-117
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37. The Wheel Division of Frankov Corporation has the capacity for making 75,000 wheel sets per
year and regularly sells 60,000 each year on the outside market. The regular sales price is
$100 per wheel set, and the variable production cost per unit is $65. The Retail Division of
Frankov Corporation currently buys 30,000 wheel sets (of the kind made by the Wheel
Division) yearly from an outside supplier at a price of $90 per wheel set. If the Retail Division
were to buy the 30,000 wheel sets it needs annually from the Wheel Division at $87 per wheel
set, the change in annual net operating income for the company as a whole, compared to what
A. $600,000.
B. $225,000.
C. $750,000.
D. $135,000.
15-118
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Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
38. Division X makes a part that it sells to customers outside of the company. Data concerning this
Division Y of the same company would like to use the part manufactured by Division X in one
of its products. Division Y currently purchases a similar part made by an outside company for
$49 per unit and would substitute the part made by Division X. Division Y requires 5,000 units
of the part each period. Division X has ample excess capacity to handle all of Division Y's
needs without any increase in fixed costs and without cutting into outside sales. According to
the formula in the text, what is the lowest acceptable transfer price from the standpoint of the
selling division?
A. $50.
B. $49.
C. $46.
D. $30.
Since Division X has ample excess capacity, the lowest price the part should be sold for is the
total amount of variable costs that would be incurred, or $30 per unit.
15-119
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Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
15-120
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39. Division A makes a part that it sells to customers outside of the company. Data concerning this
part appear below:
Division B of the same company would like to use the part manufactured by Division A in one
of its products. Division B currently purchases a similar part made by an outside company for
$38 per unit and would substitute the part made by Division A. Division B requires 5,000 units
of the part each period. Division A has ample capacity to produce the units for Division B
without any increase in fixed costs and without cutting into sales to outside customers. If
Division A sells to Division B rather than to outside customers, the variable cost be unit would
be $1 lower. What should be the lowest acceptable transfer price from the perspective of
Division A?
A. $40.
B. $38.
C. $30.
D. $29.
Since Division X has ample excess capacity, the lowest price the part should be sold for is the
total amount of variable costs that would be incurred, or $29 per unit ($30 - $1).
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Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
40. The Raisin Division of Trail Mix Foods, Inc. had the following operating results last year:
Profit $10,500
Raisin expects identical operating results this year. The Raisin Division has the ability to
Assume that the Peanut Division of Trail Mix Foods wants to purchase an additional 20,000
pounds of raisins from the Raisin Division. Raisin will be able to increase its profit by accepting
15-122
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Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
15-123
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41. The Raisin Division of Trail Mix Foods, Inc. had the following operating results last year:
Profit $10,500
Raisin expects identical operating results this year. The Raisin Division has the ability to
produce and sell 200,000 pounds of raisins annually.
Assume that the Raisin Division is currently operating at its capacity of 200,000 pounds of
raisins. Also assume again that the Peanut Division wants to purchase an additional 20,000
pounds of raisins from the Raisin Division. Under these conditions, what amount per pound of
raisins would the Raisin Division have to charge Peanut in order to maintain its current profit?
Profit $18,000
Since the Raisin Division is already operating at capacity, it would have to charge the Peanut
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Division $0.40 per pound to maintain its current profit.
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42. The Gear Division makes a part with the following characteristics:
Motor Division of the same company would like to purchase 10,000 units each period from the
Gear Division. The Motor Division now purchases the part from an outside supplier at a price
of $17 each.
Suppose the Gear Division has ample excess capacity to handle all of the Motor Division's
needs without any increase in fixed costs and without cutting into sales to outside customers.
If the Gear Division refuses to accept the $17 price internally and the Motor Division continues
to buy from the outside supplier, the company as a whole will be:
Differential of 10,000 units at the outside customer price ($17) and the cost price ($11) of $6,
for a total of $60,000 worse off each period.
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43. The Gear Division makes a part with the following characteristics:
Motor Division of the same company would like to purchase 10,000 units each period from the
Gear Division. The Motor Division now purchases the part from an outside supplier at a price
of $17 each.
Suppose that the Gear Division is operating at capacity and can sell all of its output to outside
customers. If the Gear Division sells the parts to Motor Division at $17 per unit, the company
Differential of 10,000 units at the outside supplier price ($18) and the price to Motor Division
($17) of $1, for a total of $10,000 worse off each period.
15-127
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44. Division A produces a part with the following characteristics:
Division B, another division in the company, would like to buy this part from Division A.
Division B is presently purchasing the part from an outside source at $28 per unit. If Division A
Suppose Division A is currently operating at capacity and can sell all of the units it produces
on the outside market for its usual selling price. From the point of view of Division A, any sales
A. $27.
B. $29.
C. $20.
D. $28.
Since Division A is already operating at capacity, it would have to charge Division B $29 per
unit ($30 less the $1 in variable cost that can be avoided).
15-128
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45. Division A produces a part with the following characteristics:
Division B, another division in the company, would like to buy this part from Division A.
Division B is presently purchasing the part from an outside source at $28 per unit. If Division A
Suppose that Division A has ample idle capacity to handle all of Division B's needs without
any increase in fixed costs and without cutting into its sales to outside customers. From the
point of view of Division A, any sales to Division B should be priced no lower than:
A. $29.
B. $30.
C. $18.
D. $17.
Since Division A has excess operating capacity, it should charge Division B $17 per unit ($18
variable cost per unit less the $1 in variable cost that can be avoided).
15-129
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Topic: Applying the General Principle
46. The Pillar Division of the Gothic Building Company produces basic pillars which can be sold to
outside customers or sold to the Lantern Division of the Gothic Company. Last year, the
Lantern Division bought all of its 25,000 pillars from Pillar at $1.50 each. The following data
are available for last year's activities of the Pillar Division:
300,000
Capacity in units
pillars
The total fixed costs would be the same for all the alternatives considered below.
Suppose there is ample capacity so that transfers of the pillars to the Lantern Division do not
cut into sales to outside customers. What is the lowest transfer price that would not reduce the
A. $0.90.
B. $1.35.
C. $1.41.
D. $1.75.
Since the Pillar Division has excess operating capacity, it should charge the Lantern Division
the variable cost of $0.90 per unit.
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Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
15-131
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47. The Pillar Division of the Gothic Building Company produces basic pillars which can be sold to
outside customers or sold to the Lantern Division of the Gothic Company. Last year, the
Lantern Division bought all of its 25,000 pillars from Pillar at $1.50 each. The following data
300,000
Capacity in units
pillars
The total fixed costs would be the same for all the alternatives considered below.
Suppose the transfers of pillars to the Lantern Division cut into sales to outside customers by
15,000 units. What is the lowest transfer price that would not reduce the profits of the Pillar
Division?
A. $0.90.
B. $1.35.
C. $1.41.
D. $1.75.
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Division
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48. The Pillar Division of the Gothic Building Company produces basic pillars which can be sold to
outside customers or sold to the Lantern Division of the Gothic Company. Last year, the
Lantern Division bought all of its 25,000 pillars from Pillar at $1.50 each. The following data
300,000
Capacity in units
pillars
The total fixed costs would be the same for all the alternatives considered below.
Suppose the transfers of pillars to the Lantern Division cut into sales to outside customers by
15,000 units. Further suppose that an outside supplier is willing to provide the Lantern Division
with basic pillars at $1.45 each. If the Lantern Division had chosen to buy all of its pillars from
the outside supplier instead of the Pillar Division, the change in net operating income for the
company as a whole would have been:
A. $1,250 decrease.
B. $10,250 increase.
C. $1,000 decrease.
D. $13,750 decrease.
The incremental change in net operating income to the company as a whole would be 25,000
units @ $0.04 per unit, for a total of $1,000 in decreased profits.
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Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
15-135
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49. The Stake Division of the Outdoor Lumination Company produces stakes which can be sold to
outside customers or transferred to the Solar Light Division of the Outdoor Lumination
Company. Last year, the Solar Light Division bought 50,000 stakes from the Stake Division at
$2.50 each. The following data are available for last year's activities in the Stake Division:
400,000
Capacity in units
stakes
350,000
Quantity sold to outside customers
stakes
In order to sell 50,000 stakes to the Solar Light Division, the Stake Division must give up
sales of 30,000 stakes to outside customers. That is, the Stake Division could sell 380,000
stakes each year to outside customers (rather than only 350,000 stakes as shown above) if it
According to the formula in the text, what is the lowest acceptable transfer price from the
viewpoint of the selling division?
A. $2.50.
B. $2.00.
C. $2.60.
D. $3.00.
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contribution margin of $1 ($3.00 - $2.00) ×
30,000 units
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50. The Stake Division of the Outdoor Lumination Company produces stakes which can be sold to
outside customers or transferred to the Solar Light Division of the Outdoor Lumination
Company. Last year, the Solar Light Division bought 50,000 stakes from the Stake Division at
$2.50 each. The following data are available for last year's activities in the Stake Division:
400,000
Capacity in units
stakes
350,000
Quantity sold to outside customers
stakes
In order to sell 50,000 stakes to the Solar Light Division, the Stake Division must give up
sales of 30,000 stakes to outside customers. That is, the Stake Division could sell 380,000
stakes each year to outside customers (rather than only 350,000 stakes as shown above) if it
Suppose that last year an outside supplier would have been willing to provide the Solar Light
Division with the basic stakes at $2.10 each. If the Solar Light Division had chosen to buy all of
its stakes from the outside supplier instead of the Stake Division, the change in net operating
A. $45,000 increase.
B. $20,000 decrease.
C. $20,000 increase.
D. $25,000 increase.
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Additional unit cost ($0.10) of purchasing from outside vendor × 50,000 units ($5,000)
Additional profit on 30,000 units that would have been made to outside customers that had to
be foregone by servicing the requirements of the Solar Light Division at a contribution margin
30,000
of $1 ($3.00 - $2.00) × 30,000 units
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51. Division X makes a part that it sells to customers outside of the company. Data concerning this
part appear below:
Division Y of the same company would like to use the part manufactured by Division X in one
of its products. Division Y currently purchases a similar part made by an outside company for
$49 per unit and would substitute the part made by Division X. Division Y requires 5,000 units
of the part each period. Division X can sell all of the units it makes to outside customers. What
is the lowest acceptable transfer price from the standpoint of the selling division?
A. $50.
B. $49.
C. $46.
D. $30.
(Note: Due to limitations in fonts and word processing software, > and < signs must be used in
this solution rather than "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" signs.)
From the perspective of the selling division, profits would increase as a result of the transfer if,
and only if:
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AACSB: Analytical Thinking
AICPA: FN Measurement
Accessibility: Keyboard Navigation
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
15-141
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52. Division X of Operandi Corporation makes and sells a single product which is used by
manufacturers of fork lift trucks. Presently it sells 12,000 units per year to outside customers at
$24 per unit. The annual capacity is 20,000 units and the variable cost to make each unit is
$16. Division Y of Operandi Corporation would like to buy 10,000 units a year from Division X
to use in its products. There would be no cost savings from transferring the units within the
company rather than selling them on the outside market. What should be the lowest
acceptable transfer price from the perspective of Division X?
A. $24.00.
B. $21.40.
C. $17.60.
D. $16.00.
(Note: Due to limitations in fonts and word processing software, > and < signs must be used
in this solution rather than "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" signs.)
From the perspective of the selling division, profits would increase as a result of the transfer if,
and only if:
The opportunity cost is the contribution margin on the lost sales, divided by the number of
units transferred:
Opportunity cost = [($24 - $16) × 2,000*] ÷ 10,000 = $1.60
*10,000 - (20,000 - 12,000) = 2,000
Therefore, Transfer price > $16 + $1.60 = $17.60.
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Topic: Applying the General Principle
53. Division A of Chappelle Company has the capacity for making 3,000 motors per month and
regularly sells 1,950 motors each month to outside customers at a contribution margin of $62
per motor. The variable cost per motor is $35.70. Division B of Chappelle Company would like
to obtain 1,400 motors each month from Division A. What should be the lowest acceptable
A. $26.57.
B. $51.20.
C. $35.70.
D. $62.00.
(Note: Due to limitations in fonts and word processing software, > and < signs must be used
in this solution rather than "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" signs.)
From the perspective of the selling division, profits would increase as a result of the transfer if,
and only if:
Transfer price > Variable cost per unit + Opportunity cost
The opportunity cost is the contribution margin on the lost sales, divided by the number of
units transferred:
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54. Which of the following statements is(are) true?
(A) If a transfer has no effect on divisional profit, managers will be indifferent between making
(B) If an intermediate market exists but divisions are prohibited from buying or selling from the
outside, the intermediate market can be ignored in determining the optimal transfer price.
A. Only A is true.
B. Only B is true.
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55. In general, if a potential transfer has no effect on divisional profits:
D. the optimal transfer price is the opportunity cost for the buying division.
Managers are motivated by the profits of their division. If there is no effect, managers will be
indifferent.
C. buyers and sellers can sell any quantity without affecting the market price.
D. buyers and sellers are motivated to make decisions that are consistent with those of the
organization.
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Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Determining the Optimal Transfer Price
58. The general principle on setting transfer prices that are in the organization's best interests is:
A. outlay cost plus opportunity cost of the resource at the point of transfer.
B. variable costs plus opportunity cost of the resource at the point of transfer.
C. lost contribution margin less the allocated fixed costs for the selling division.
D. gross margin for the buying division plus the gross margin for the selling division.
Incremental fixed costs may also occur and would be included in outlay costs.
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Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Optimal Transfer Price: A General Principle
59. If the selling division has excess capacity, the transfer price should be set at its:
B. differential outlay costs plus the foregone contribution to the organization of making the
transfer internally.
D. selling price less the variable costs plus the foregone contribution to the organization of
making the transfer internally.
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60. Given a competitive outside market for identical intermediate goods, what is the best transfer
price, assuming all relevant information is readily available?
61. The optimal transfer price when there are intermediate markets is:
A. full cost.
B. outlay costs.
C. variable cost.
D. market prices.
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Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Optimal Transfer Price: A General Principle
62. A division can sell externally for $40 per unit. Its variable manufacturing costs are $15 per unit,
and its variable marketing costs are $6 per unit. What is the opportunity cost of transferring
A. $15.
B. $19.
C. $21.
D. $25.
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63. Division A has variable manufacturing costs of $25 per unit and fixed costs of $5 per unit.
Division A is operating at capacity, what is the opportunity cost of an internal transfer when the
market price is $35?
A. $5.
B. $10.
C. $25.
D. $30.
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64. Lock Division of Morgantown Corp. sells 80,000 units of part Z-25 to the outside market. Part
Z-25 sells for $40, has a variable cost of $22, and a fixed cost per unit of $10. The Lock
Division has a capacity to produce 100,000 units per period. The Cabinet Division currently
purchases 10,000 units of part Z-25 from the Lock Division for $40. The Cabinet Division has
been approached by an outside supplier willing to supply the parts for $36. What is the effect
on Morgantown's overall profit if the Lock Division refuses the outside price and the Cabinet
Division decides to buy outside?
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65. The Lock Division of Morgantown Corp. sells 80,000 units of part Z-25 to the outside market.
Part Z-25 sells for $40, has a variable cost of $22, and a fixed cost per unit of $10. The Lock
Division has a capacity to produce 100,000 units per period. The Cabinet Division currently
purchases 10,000 units of part Z-25 from the Lock Division for $40. The Cabinet Division has
been approached by an outside supplier willing to supply the parts for $36. What is the effect
on Morgantown's overall profit if the Lock Division accepts the outside price and the Cabinet
Division continues to buy inside?
No change since costs have not changed for the Lock Division.
15-152
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66. Concrete Corporation has two producing centers, Contractor and Retailer. The Contractor
Division has a variable cost of $12 for its products and a total fixed cost of $120,000. The
Contractor Division also has idle capacity for up to 50,000 units per month. The Retailer
Division would like to purchase 20,000 units of the Contractor Division's products per month,
but is unable to convince the Contractor Division to transfer units to the Retailer Division at
$16 per unit. The Contractor Division has consistently argued that the market price of $20 is
nonnegotiable. What is The Contractor Division's opportunity cost of not transferring units to
A. $20.
B. $12.
C. $8.
D. $4.
$16 - $12 = $4
15-153
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67. You have been provided with the following information for the Wool Division of a decentralized
company:
The Blanket Division would like to purchase all of its units internally. The Blanket Division
needs 6,000 units each period and currently pays $42 per unit to an outside firm. What is the
lowest price that Wool Division could accept from the Blanket Division? Assuming that the
Blanket Division wants to use a sole supplier and will not purchase less than 6,000 from a
supplier, what is the lowest price that Wool Division could accept from the Blanket Division?
A. $45.
B. $42.
C. $40.
D. $38.
15-154
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68. Given the following data for Keyboard Division:
The Computer Division would like to purchase 15,000 units each period from the Keyboard
Division. The Keyboard Division has ample excess capacity to handle all of the Computer
Division's needs. The Computer Division now purchases from an outside supplier at a price of
$20. If the Keyboard Division refuses to accept an $18 price internally, the company, as a
A. $30,000.
B. $75,000.
C. $90,000.
D. $120,000.
15-155
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69. Given the following data for Electrical Cord Division:
Assume that Electrical Cord Division is selling all it can produce to outside customers. If it
sells to the Appliance Division, $1 can be avoided in variable cost per unit. The Appliance
Division is presently purchasing from an outside supplier at $38 per unit. From the point of
view of the company as a whole, any sales to the Appliance Division should be priced at:
A. $40.
B. $39.
C. $38.
The company as a whole would lose if the transfer was made. It is better off to buy from
outside at $38 and to sell outside at $40. The $1 savings is not enough to make up this
differential.
15-156
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70. Given the following data for Handle Division:
Cabinet Division would like to purchase 10,000 units from the Handle Division at a price of
$125 per unit. Handle Division has no excess capacity to handle the Cabinet Division's
requirements. The Cabinet Division currently purchases from an outside supplier at a price of
$140. If the Handle Division accepts a $125 price internally, the company, as a whole, will be
A. $600,000
B. $(100,000)
C. $115,000
D. $250,000
15-157
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71. Altoona Corporation has two divisions, Hinges and Doors, which are both organized as profit
centers; the Hinge Division produces and sells hinges to the Door Division and to outside
customers. The Hinge Division has total costs of $35, $20 of which are variable. The Hinge
Division is operating significantly below capacity and sells the hinges for $50.
The Door Division has received an offer from an outsider vendor to supply all the hinges it
needs (20,000 hinges) at a cost of $45. The manager of the Door Division is considering the
offer but wants to approach the Hinge Division first.
What would be the profit impact to Altoona Corporation as a whole if the Door Division
purchased the 20,000 hinges it needs from the outside vendor for $45?
Outside price $45 - Selling division's variable costs $20 = $25 higher costs × 20,000 units =
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72. Altoona Corporation has two divisions, Hinges and Doors, which are both organized as profit
centers; the Hinge Division produces and sells hinges to the Door Division and to outside
customers. The Hinge Division has total costs of $35, $20 of which are variable. The Hinge
Division is operating significantly below capacity and sells the hinges for $50.
The Door Division has received an offer from an outsider vendor to supply all the hinges it
needs (20,000 hinges) at a cost of $45. The manager of the Door Division is considering the
offer but wants to approach the Hinge Division first.
What is the minimum transfer price from the Hinge Division to the Door Division?
A. $20.
B. $35.
C. $45.
D. $50.
15-159
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73. Altoona Corporation has two divisions, Hinges and Doors, which are both organized as profit
centers; the Hinge Division produces and sells hinges to the Door Division and to outside
customers. The Hinge Division has total costs of $35, $20 of which are variable. The Hinge
Division is operating significantly below capacity and sells the hinges for $50.
The Door Division has received an offer from an outsider vendor to supply all the hinges it
needs (20,000 hinges) at a cost of $45. The manager of the Door Division is considering the
offer but wants to approach the Hinge Division first.
What is the maximum transfer price from the Hinge Division to the Door Division?
A. $20.
B. $35.
C. $45.
D. $50.
Maximum price would be the market price the buyer would pay: $45
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74. Retro Rides Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and manages
classic automobile rentals in Miami, Florida and (2) a repair division that restores classic
automobiles in Clearwater, Florida. The repair division works on classic motorcycles, as well
The Repair division has an estimated variable cost of $28.50 per labor-hour. The Repair
division has a backlog of work for automobile restoration. They charge $48.00 per hour for
labor, which is standard for this type of work. The Management division complained that it
could hire its own repair workers for $30.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work
area.
What is the minimum transfer price per hour that the Repair division should obtain for its
services, assuming it is operating at capacity?
A. $28.50.
B. $30.00.
C. $39.00.
D. $48.00.
When at capacity, the market price of $48 is the appropriate transfer price.
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75. Retro Rides Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and manages
classic automobile rentals in Miami, Florida and (2) a repair division that restores classic
automobiles in Clearwater, Florida. The repair division works on classic motorcycles, as well
The Repair division has an estimated variable cost of $28.50 per labor-hour. The Repair
division has a backlog of work for automobile restoration. They charge $48.00 per hour for
labor, which is standard for this type of work. The Management division complained that it
could hire its own repair workers for $30.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work
area.
What is the maximum transfer price per hour that the Management division should pay?
A. $28.50.
B. $30.00.
C. $39.00.
D. $46.50.
15-162
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76. Retro Rides Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a management division that owns and manages
classic automobile rentals in Miami, Florida and (2) a repair division that restores classic
automobiles in Clearwater, Florida. The repair division works on classic motorcycles, as well
The Repair division has an estimated variable cost of $28.50 per labor-hour. The Repair
division has a backlog of work for automobile restoration. They charge $48.00 per hour for
labor, which is standard for this type of work. The Management division complained that it
could hire its own repair workers for $30.00 per hour, including leasing an adequate work
area.
If the Repair division had idle capacity, what is the minimum transfer price that the Repair
division should obtain?
A. $28.50.
B. $30.00.
C. $39.00.
D. $46.50.
The selling division's variable cost of $28.50 is the appropriate transfer price.
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77. Frocks and Gowns Inc., has two divisions, Day Wear and Night Wear. The Day Wear Division
has an investment base of $750,000 and produces (and sells) 100,000 units of Collars at a
market price of $10.00 per unit. Variable costs total $3.50 per unit, and fixed charges are
$4.00 per unit (based on a capacity of 120,000 units). The Night Wear Division wants to
purchase 25,000 units of Collars from The Day Wear Division. However, the Night Wear
What is the contribution margin for the Day Wear Division without the transfer to the Night
Wear Division?
A. $250,000.
B. $650,000.
C. $675,000.
D. $1,000,000.
15-164
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78. Frocks and Gowns Inc., has two divisions, Day Wear and Night Wear. The Day Wear Division
has an investment base of $750,000 and produces (and sells) 100,000 units of Collars at a
market price of $10.00 per unit. Variable costs total $3.50 per unit, and fixed charges are
$4.00 per unit (based on a capacity of 120,000 units). The Night Wear Division wants to
purchase 25,000 units of Collars from The Day Wear Division. However, the Night Wear
What is the contribution margin for the Day Wear Division if it transfers 25,000 units to the
A. $250,000.
B. $650,000.
C. $675,000.
D. $698,750.
15-165
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79. Frocks and Gowns Inc., has two divisions, Day Wear and Night Wear. The Day Wear Division
has an investment base of $750,000 and produces (and sells) 100,000 units of Collars at a
market price of $10.00 per unit. Variable costs total $3.50 per unit, and fixed charges are
$4.00 per unit (based on a capacity of 120,000 units). The Night Wear Division wants to
purchase 25,000 units of Collars from The Day Wear Division. However, the Night Wear
What is the minimum transfer price for the 25,000 unit order that the Day Wear Division would
A. $3.50.
B. $4.00.
C. $4.80.
D. $6.00.
Opportunity cost = 5,000 × $6.50 = $32,500; transfer price: $3.50 + (32,500/25,000) = $4.80
15-166
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80. A company is highly centralized. The Cutting Division, which is operating at capacity, produces
a component that it currently sells in a perfectly competitive market for $13 per unit. At the
current level of production, the fixed cost of producing this component is $4 per unit and the
variable cost is $7 per unit. Grinding Division would like to purchase this component from the
Cutting Division. The price that the Cutting Division should charge the Grinding Division per
A. $7.
B. $11.
C. $13.
D. $15.
Since The Cutting Division is at full capacity, the appropriate transfer price is its market price.
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81. A company has two divisions, Softwoods and Hardwoods, each operating as a profit center.
The Softwood Division charges the Hardwood Division $35 per unit (for each unit transferred
to the Hardwood Division). Other data for the Softwood Division are as follows:
50,000
Annual Sales to Outsiders
units
The Softwood Division is planning to raise its transfer price to $50 per unit. The Hardwood
Division can purchase units at $40 per unit from outsiders, but doing so would idle the
Softwood Division's facilities (now committed to producing units for the Hardwood Division).
The Softwood Division cannot increase its sales to outsiders. From the perspective of the
company as a whole, from who should the Hardwood Division acquire the units, assuming the
Hardwood Division's market is unaffected?
A. Outside vendors.
B. The Softwood Division, but only at the variable cost per unit.
C. The Softwood Division, but only until fixed costs are covered, then should purchase from
outside vendors.
The company as a whole only pays the $30 variable cost which is less than the $40 outside
price. The overall company would like an internal transfer.
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Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
The Lantern Division would like to purchase internally from the Camping Division. The
Lantern Division now purchases 5,000 units each period from outside suppliers at $49 per
unit. The Camping Division has ample excess capacity to handle all of the Lantern Division's
needs. What is the lowest price that Camping Division could accept?
A. $50.00.
B. $49.00.
C. $46.00.
D. $30.00.
The minimum transfer price is the variable costs of the selling division when the selling division
has excess capacity.
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83. Accutron, a large manufacturing company, has several autonomous divisions that sell their
products in perfectly competitive external markets as well as internally to the other divisions of
the company. Top management expects each of its divisional managers to take actions that
will maximize the organization's goal as well as their own goals. Top management also
promotes a sustained level of management effort of all of its divisional managers. Under these
circumstances, for products exchanged between divisions, the transfer price that will generally
lead to optimal decisions for Accutron would be a transfer price equal to the: (CIA adapted)
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84. Martin Company currently manufactures all component parts used in the manufacture of
various hand tools. The Extruding Division produces a steel handle used in three different
tools. The budget for these handles is 120,000 units with the following unit cost.
Polishing Division purchases 20,000 handles from the Extruding Division and completes the
hand tools. An outside supplier, Venture Steel, has offered to supply 20,000 units of the
handle to Polishing Division for $1.25 per unit. The Extruding Division currently has idle
What is the cost impact to Martin as a whole of purchasing from Venture Steel? (CMA
adapted)
Make: $0.60 + 0.40 + 0.10 = $1.10; Buy: $1.25; Differential: Buy $1.25 - Make $1.10 = $0.15
more cost if buying outside
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Topic: Applying the General Principle
85. Martin Company currently manufactures all component parts used in the manufacture of
various hand tools. The Extruding Division produces a steel handle used in three different
tools. The budget for these handles is 120,000 units with the following unit cost.
Polishing Division purchases 20,000 handles from the Extruding Division and completes the
hand tools. An outside supplier, Venture Steel, has offered to supply 20,000 units of the
handle to Polishing Division for $1.25 per unit. The Extruding Division currently has idle
capacity that cannot be used.
If Martin would like to develop a range of transfer prices, what would be the maximum transfer
A. $1.00.
B. $1.10.
C. $1.25.
D. $1.30.
15-172
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Learning Objective: 15-03 Identify the behavioral issues and incentive effects of negotiated transfer prices, cost-based transfer
prices, and market-based transfer prices.
Topic: Negotiating the Transfer Price
86. Martin Company currently manufactures all component parts used in the manufacture of
various hand tools. The Extruding Division produces a steel handle used in three different
tools. The budget for these handles is 120,000 units with the following unit cost.
Polishing Division purchases 20,000 handles from the Extruding Division and completes the
hand tools. An outside supplier, Venture Steel, has offered to supply 20,000 units of the
handle to Polishing Division for $1.25 per unit. The Extruding Division currently has idle
capacity that cannot be used.
If Martin would like to develop a range of transfer prices, what would be the minimum transfer
price that Extruding would be willing to accept?
A. $1.00.
B. $1.10.
C. $1.25.
D. $1.30.
The minimum price would be variable costs plus any opportunity costs: $1.10
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Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 15-03 Identify the behavioral issues and incentive effects of negotiated transfer prices, cost-based transfer
prices, and market-based transfer prices.
Topic: Negotiating the Transfer Price
87. The Alpha Division of a company, which is operating at capacity, produces and sells 1,000
units of a certain electronic component in a perfectly competitive market. Revenue and cost
data are as follows: (CIA adapted)
Sales $50,000
The minimum transfer price that should be charged to the Beta Division of the same company
for each component is:
A. $12.
B. $34.
C. $46.
D. $50.
Since it is a perfect market at full capacity, transfer price is the market price: $50,000/1,000 =
$50
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88. The Hinges Division of Altoona Corp. sells 80,000 units of part Z-25 to the outside market.
Part Z-25 sells for $40, has a variable cost of $22, and a fixed cost per unit of $10. The Hinges
Division has a capacity to produce 100,000 units per period. The Door Division currently
purchases 10,000 units of part Z-25 from the Hinges Division for $40. The Door Division has
been approached by an outside supplier willing to supply the parts for $36. If Altoona uses a
negotiated transfer pricing system, what is the maximum transfer price that should be charged
for this transaction?
A. $40.
B. $36.
C. $32.
D. $22.
Maximum price is the outside market price for the buying division: $36
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89. The Hinges Division of Altoona Corp. sells 80,000 units of part Z-25 to the outside market.
Part Z-25 sells for $40, has a variable cost of $22, and a fixed cost per unit of $10. The Hinges
Division has a capacity to produce 100,000 units per period. The Door Division currently
purchases 10,000 units of part Z-25 from the Hinges Division for $40. The Door Division has
been approached by an outside supplier willing to supply the parts for $36. If Altoona uses a
negotiated transfer pricing system, what is the minimum transfer price that should be charged
for this transaction?
A. $40.
B. $36.
C. $32.
D. $22.
Minimum price is the outlay cost plus any opportunity costs: $22
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90. The Eastern Division sells goods internally to the Western Division at Tennessee Company.
The quoted external price in industry publications from a supplier near Eastern is $200 per ton
plus transportation. It costs $20 per ton to transport the goods to Western. Eastern's actual
market cost per ton to buy the direct materials to make the transferred product is $100. Actual
per-ton direct labor is $50. Other actual costs of storage and handling are $40. Tennessee
Company's president selects a $220 transfer price. This is an example of: (CIA adapted)
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91. Which of the following is the most significant disadvantage of a cost-based transfer price?
(CIA adapted)
Cost-based transfer prices pass on inefficiencies from the selling division so there is no
incentive for improvement.
15-178
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92. An appropriate transfer price between two divisions of The Fathom Company can be
determined from the following data: (CIA adapted)
Fabricating Division
Market price of
$50
subassembly
Variable cost of
$20
subassembly
Assembling Division
The minimum is the variable cost, while the maximum is the market price.
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93. A limitation of transfer prices based on actual cost is that they: (CIA adapted)
There is no motivation for the supplier to work on efficiency since all costs are passed on.
A. Product costing.
B. Decision making.
C. Establishing standards.
D. Evaluating performance.
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Learning Objective: 15-03 Identify the behavioral issues and incentive effects of negotiated transfer prices, cost-based transfer
prices, and market-based transfer prices.
Topic: How to Help Managers Achieve Their Goals While Achieving the Organization's Goals
95. An internal transfer between two divisions is in the best economic interest of the entire
organization when:
A. the variable costs plus the opportunity cost of the selling division is greater than the
external price for the buying division.
B. the variable costs plus the opportunity cost of the selling division is less than the external
price for the buying division.
If the variable cost plus opportunity cost is less than the external price, the company will show
a higher profit.
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96. Top management intervention in settling transfer pricing disputes between two divisions
should be avoided unless
97. The transfer price that should be used by top management in evaluating whether a division
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Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 15-03 Identify the behavioral issues and incentive effects of negotiated transfer prices, cost-based transfer
prices, and market-based transfer prices.
Topic: Top-Management Intervention in Transfer Pricing
98. Some managers prefer to use cost rather than market price in controlling transfers between
divisions. If cost is to be used, then it should be:
A. full cost.
B. direct cost.
C. variable cost.
D. standard cost.
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99. Cost-based transfer prices that include a normal markup to the costs act as a surrogate for:
B. opportunity costs.
C. differential costs.
D. market prices.
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100. Multinational firms often face conflicting pressures when developing transfer pricing policies.
Tax avoidance results when:
A. inflated transfer prices are used to reduce the profits of divisions in high tax-rate countries.
B. inflated transfer prices are used to reduce the profits of divisions in low tax-rate countries.
C. cost-based transfer prices are used instead of market transfer prices in high tax-rate
countries.
D. cost-based transfer prices are used instead of negotiated market transfer prices in low tax-
rate countries.
Taxes are avoided when profits are reduced in a high tax country (and by extension profits
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101. Which of the following transfer pricing methods must be used in segment reporting by the oil
and gas industry?
A. Absorption cost.
B. Differential cost.
D. Market price.
Essay Questions
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102. Galena Corp. manufactures RD34 in its City Division. This output is sold to the Urban Division
as raw material in Urban's product. City also further processes the RD34 into RD35, and then
sells it to other companies.
The City Division's variable costs for the basic ingredient are $15 per unit. The Urban
Division's variable costs are $5 per unit in addition to what it pays the City Division. The Urban
Division has a capacity of 400,000 units and it can sell everything it produces. The market
price for the finished additive is $40 per unit. If the City Division converts the RD34 into RD35,
it can receive $25 per unit on the open market, but it incurs an additional $4 per unit for this
processing.
Required:
a. What is the lowest price the City Division should be willing to transfer RD34 to the Urban
can only sell 300,000 on the open market. How many units should the City Division sell
externally and how many units should it sell to Urban Division at a transfer price of $20?
a. Since City is operating at less than full capacity, the lowest price is the variable cost of $15.
b. Opportunity cost: $25 for RD35 - $15 - $4 = $6. Optimal transfer price = outlay cost $15 +
opportunity cost $6 = $21.
c. Contribution margin is higher for outside sales ($25 - $15 - $4 = $6) than it is for internal
($20 - $15 = $5). Therefore, sell as much outside as possible. Open market 300,000 × $6 =
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Topic: Determining the Optimal Transfer Price
103. Shipping Industries is a decentralized company that evaluates its divisions based on ROI. The
North Division has the capacity to produce 2,000 units of a component. The North Division's
variable costs are $85 per unit; fixed costs are $70 per unit.
The South Division can use the product as a component in one of its products. The South
Division would incur $65 of variable costs to convert the component into its own product which
sells for $310.
Required:
a. Assume the North Division can sell all that it produces for $185 each. The South Division
needs 100 units. What is the appropriate transfer price?
b. Assume the North Division can sell 1,800 units at $265. Any excess capacity will be unused
unless the units are purchased by the South Division (which can use up to 100 units). What
selling price of the final product $310 less incremental variable costs of $65 = $245.
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104. Trevor Company operates several investment centers. The manager of the Genesis Division
expects the following results for the coming year.
Profit $150,000
Included in the Genesis Division's variable cost is $7 for a component it buys from an outside
supplier. One of these components is required in each unit of the Genesis Division's product.
The manager of the Genesis Division has just found that she can buy the component from the
Solar Division, another division of Trevor Company. The Solar Division sells 300,000 units of
the component to outsiders at $8 and its variable cost is $4 per unit. The Solar Division offers
to sell the component to Genesis at a price of $6. Solar is operating well below capacity.
Required:
a. If Genesis accepts the offer, what will happen to the income of the Solar Division?
b. If Genesis accepts the offer, what will happen to the income of the Genesis Division?
c. If Genesis accepts the offer, what will happen to the income of the Trevor Company?
a. 50,000 units × ($6 transfer price - $4 variable cost) = 50,000 × $2 = $100,000 increase in
profit.
b. 50,000 units × ($7 old price - $6 new price) = 50,000 × $1 savings = $50,000 increase in
profit.
c. 50,000 units × ($7 outside price - $4 variable cost) = 50,000 × $3 savings = $150,000
increase.
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Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
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105. The Trevor Company operates several investment centers. The manager of the Genesis
Division expects the following results for the coming year.
Profit $150,000
Included in the Genesis Division's variable cost is $7 for a component it buys from an outside
supplier. One of these components is required in each unit of the Genesis Division's product.
The manager of the Genesis Division has just found that she can buy the component from the
Solar Division, another division of Trevor Company. The Solar Division sells 300,000 units of
the component to outsiders at $8 and its variable cost is $4 per unit. Solar offers to sell the
Solar has a capacity of 330,000 units. Assume that Genesis wants to buy all of its needs from
one source, so that Solar must supply all or none of the Genesis Division's need for 50,000
units.
Required:
a. Determine the change in income of the Solar Division of supplying the component to
Genesis at $6 as opposed to not supplying Genesis.
b. Determine the change in income of Trevor Company if Solar supplies Genesis at $6.
a. Lost sales [300,000 - (330,000 - 50,000)] × ($8 - $4) = $80,000 opportunity cost; 50,000
units × [$6 - $4] - $80,000 opportunity cost = $20,000 increase in profit.
b. 50,000 units × ($7 outside price - $4 variable cost) = 50,000 × $3 savings = $150,000 -
$80,000 opportunity cost = $70,000 increase.
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AACSB: Analytical Thinking
AICPA: FN Decision Making
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
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106. The Barrel Division of Chemco Inc. has a capacity of 200,000 units and expects the following
results.
Income $60,000
Tank Division of Chemco Inc. currently purchases 50,000 units of a part for one of its products
from an outside supplier for $4 per unit. The Tank Division's manager believes he could use a
minor variation of the Barrel Division's product instead, and offers to buy the units from the
Barrel Division at $3.50. Making the variation desired by the Tank Division would cost the
Barrel Division an additional $0.50 per unit and would increase the Barrel Division's annual
cash fixed costs by $20,000. Barrel's manager agrees to the deal offered by Tank's manager.
Required:
a. 50,000 units × ($4 current price - $3.50 new price) = 50,000 × $0.50 = $25,000 increase in
profit.
b. Lost sales [(160,000 + 50,000) -200,000] × ($4 - $2) = $20,000 opportunity cost; 50,000
units × [$3.50 - ($2.00 + $0.50)] - $20,000 increase in fixed - $20,000 opportunity cost =
$10,000 increase in profit.
c. $25,000 + $10,000 = $35,000 increase.
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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
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107. Division A of Spangler Company expects the following results:
To To
Division B Outsiders
relative units
Division B has the opportunity to buy its needs of 5,000 units from an outside supplier at $45
each.
Required:
a. Division A refuses to meet the $45 price, sales to outsiders cannot be increased, and
Division B buys from the outside supplier. Compute the effect on the income of Spangler.
b. Division A cannot increase its sales to outsiders, does meet the $45 price, and Division B
continues to buy from A. Compute the effect on the income of Spangler.
a. 5,000 units × ($45 outside price - $36 variable cost) = $45,000 decrease.
b. No change. Division A will show less profit, but B will show an equal amount of increased
profit.
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Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
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108. Veritron Division of Argos Inc. has a capacity of 100,000 units and expects the following
results for the year.
Income $200,000
Magnatron Division of Argos Inc. currently purchases 20,000 units of a part for one of its
products from an outside supplier at $32 per unit. Magnatron's manager believes she could
use a minor variation of Veritron's product instead, and offers to buy the units from Veritron at
$26. Making the variation desired by Magnatron would cost Veritron an additional $5 per unit
and would increase Veritron's annual cash fixed costs by $80,000. Veritron's manager agrees
to the deal offered by Magnatron's manager.
Required:
c. Find the effect of the deal on the income of Argos Inc. as a whole.
a. 20,000 units × (old price $32 - new price $26) = $120,000 increase.
b. Lost sales by Veritron: 10,000 units × ($30 - $20) = $100,000 opportunity cost; 20,000 units
× [$26 - ($20 + $5)] - added fixed of $80,000 - opportunity cost $100,000 = $160,000
decrease.
c. Argos = Magnatron + Veritron = $120,000 - $160,000 = $40,000 decrease.
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Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
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109. Division A of Spangler Company expects the following results:
To To
Division B Outsiders
relative units
Division B has the opportunity to buy its needs of 5,000 units from an outside supplier at $45
Required:
a. Division A operating at less than capacity, optimal transfer price = variable cost $36.
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Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
110. Winton Industries evaluates its divisions based on residual income. The Springfield Division
has the capacity to produce 20,000 units of a component. The Springfield Division's variable
costs are $150 per unit; fixed costs are $110 per unit.
The Monnett Division can use the product as a component in one of its products. The Monnett
Division would incur $75 of variable costs to convert the component into its own product which
sells for $300.
Required:
a. Assume the Springfield Division can sell all that it produces for $285 each. The Monnett
Division needs 1,000 units. What is the appropriate transfer price?
b. Assume the Springfield Division can sell 18,000 units at $285. Any excess capacity will be
unused unless the units are purchased by the Monnett Division (which can use up to 1,000
Maximum price = incoming market price to Monnett, but this is unknown. The most Monnett
will pay is the selling price of the final product $300 less incremental variable costs of $75 =
$225.
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111. Table Lake Cruises Inc., operates two divisions: (1) a recreational division that owns and
manages charter boats on the lake and (2) a repair division that operates a division at Rogers.
The repair division works on small gasoline crafts, as well medium size diesel engine boats.
The repair division has an estimated variable cost of $45 per labor-hour. The repair division
has a backlog of work for diesel engines. They charge $125 per hour for labor & overhead,
which is standard for this type of work. The recreational division complained that it could hire
its own repair workers for $85 per hour, including leasing an adequate work area.
Required:
a. What is the minimum transfer price per hour that the repair division should obtain for its
b. What is the maximum transfer price per hour that the recreational division should pay?
c. If the repair division had idle capacity, what is the minimum transfer price that the repair
division should obtain?
interest of the company profits for the recreational division to buy outside and repair to
c. If repair has excess capacity, the minimum transfer price is the variable cost of $45.
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112. The Counter Division can sell externally for $60 per unit. Its variable manufacturing costs are
$35 per unit, and its fixed costs are $12 per unit.
Required:
a. What is the optimal transfer price for transferring internally, assuming the division is
operating at capacity?
b. What is the optimal transfer price for transferring internally, assuming the division is
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113. Salamander Company expects the following results:
Division A Division B
Included in Division A's costs are 10,000 units of a subcomponent purchased from an outside
supplier for $45. The managers have recently initiated negotiations for Division B to supply the
components to Division A. Division B has a total capacity of 40,000 units.
Required:
a. Division B variable cost = $900,000/25,000 = $36. Internal purchase: inside cost 10,000
units × variable cost $36 = $360,000; outside: 10,000 × $45 = $450,000.
b. Minimum = variable cost $36; maximum incoming market $45.
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114. The Salamander Company expects the following results:
Division A Division B
Included in Division A's costs are 10,000 units of a subcomponent purchased from an outside
supplier for $45. The managers have recently initiated negotiations for Division B to supply the
Required:
a. Prepare a new segment reporting statement for the Salamander Company, assuming an
a. Division A Division B
B transfer (10,000 ×
450,000
$45)
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Fixed costs 160,000 360,000
b. Division A Division B
B transfer (10,000 ×
360,000
$36)
a. Maximum price = $45; new variable costs for B: ($900,000/25,000) × 35,000 = $1,260,000;
b. Minimum price = variable cost = $36; new variable costs for A: $1,360,000 - old cost
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115. Thai Company has two divisions organized as profit centers: Redmon and Tomlin. Thai
expects the following results:
Redmon Tomlin
Sales
Tomlin: (250,000 ×
$1,800,000
$7.20)
Included in Redmon's costs are 100,000 units of a subcomponent purchased from an outside
supplier for $4.50. The managers have recently initiated negotiations for Tomlin to supply the
Required:
a. Would Thai Company prefer the subcomponent used by Redmon to be purchased internally
from Tomlin or from the outside vendor? What would be the profit impact?
b. What would be the maximum and minimum transfer prices?
a. Internal cost = variable cost = $1,000,000/250,000 units = $4; external price = $4.50; prefer
internal: 100,000 units × ($4.50 - $4) = $50,000 more profit.
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Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
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116. Macon Motor Works has just acquired a new Battery Division. The Battery Division produces a
standard 12-volt battery that it sells to retail outlets at a competitive price of $20. The retail
outlets purchase about 800,000 batteries a year. Since the Battery Division has a capacity of
1,000,000 batteries a year, top management is thinking that it might be wise for the company's
Automotive Division to start purchasing batteries from the newly acquired Battery Division.
The Automotive Division now purchases 300,000 batteries a year from an outside supplier, at
a price of $18 per battery. The discount from the competitive $20 price is a result of the large
quantity purchased.
The Battery Division's cost per battery is shown below:
Direct materials $8
Direct labor 4
Variable overhead 2
Fixed overhead 2
Required:
b. What transfer price would you recommend if the Battery Division is now selling 1,000,000
batteries a year to retail outlets?
c. Suppose the manager of the Battery Division can increase its capacity to 1,500,000 units
for $1,200,000. She then has the option of (a) cutting the retail price to $17.50 with the
certainty that sales will increase to 1,500,000 batteries, or (b) maintaining the outside price of
$20.00 for the 800,000 batteries and transferring the 300,000 batteries to the Automotive
Division at some price that would produce the same income for the Battery Division as option
(a). What is the minimum transfer price you would recommend in this situation?
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a. Any price between the selling division's variable cost ($14 per unit) and the buying division's
b. There is no price that's acceptable in this case since the selling division's external market
price ($20) is greater than the buying division's external market price ($18).
c. [($17.50 - $14) × 1,500,000] = [($20 - $14) × 800,000] + [($X - $14) × 300,000]; X = $15.50
(Note: The increased fixed costs of $1,200,000 are irrelevant to this decision.)
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117. Chattanooga Inc., has two divisions for its metal fabrication business. The Stamp Division
stamps the objects and then transfers them to the Finish Division, which finishes and sells
them. Last year, the Stamp Division had administrative expenses of $40,000. The Finish
Division incurred additional production costs of $120,000 (exclusive of amounts paid to the
Stamp Division for the stamped steel) to process 120,000 units. The Finish Division sold the
finished goods for $500,000 and incurred $80,000 in variable selling and administrative
expenses.
Required:
a. Prepare income statements for each division. Use a transfer price of the Stamp Division's
total cost plus 5%. Assume Cost of Goods Sold for the Finish Division is $351,000.
b. Repeat (a), using a transfer price of $2.00 per unit; this is also the market price.
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Cost of Goods Sold 180,000 348,000
d. In terms of total company income, transfer prices have no impact; i.e., the total profit is
$80,000 regardless of how it is allocated between the two divisions. However, different pricing
systems can provide managers with different incentives, which may have an impact on profits.
a. The Stamp Division = The Finish Division COGS $351,000 - $120,000 added costs =
$231,000; $231,000 = 105% of the Stamp Division costs; The Stamp Division cost =
$231,000/105% = $220,000; $220,000 - $40,000 other costs = $180,000 Stamp Division
COGS.
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118. Division S sells its product to unrelated parties at a price of $20 per unit. It incurs variable
costs of $7 per unit and has fixed costs of $50,000 per month. Monthly production is generally
10,000 units.
Division B uses Division S's product in its operations. It can purchase the units from Division S
at $20 per unit, but must pay a $1.50 per unit in shipping costs. Alternatively, Division B can
buy from Division S's competition at a delivered price of $21 per unit.
Required:
a. From the company's perspective, should Division B purchase the units internally or
externally? Assume Division S has ample capacity to handle all of Division B's needs.
b. Would your answer change if Division S can sell everything it produces to outside
customers?
a. External $21, internal $7 variable cost + $1.50 shipping = $8.50; savings = $21 - $8.50 =
$12.50 × 10,000 units = $125,000 (internal transfer since Division A has ample capacity).
b. Purchase internal: $20 + $1.50 = $21.50 versus $21 external (better to have external
supply).
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119. Calvin Machinery Company manufactures heavy-duty equipment used in foundries, mining
operations, and similar operations. The company is very decentralized, with various division
managers having control over capital investments and most production decisions. The
Cylinder Division fabricates a component which is used by the Press Division in its production
of metal presses. The Cylinder Division has been selling to the Press Division at a price of
$3,000 per unit. Because of a cost increase, the Cylinder Division wants to increase its price to
$3,200, even though the Press Division can still purchase an equivalent component externally
for $3,000. The following information has been gathered regarding this issue:
Required:
a. If the Press Division buys its units externally, the Cylinder Division will have idle capacity for
which there are no alternative uses. Will the company as whole benefit if the Press Division
benefit if the Press Division purchases its units externally for $3,000 per unit?
c. Refer to (b). Will your answer change if the price at which the Press Division can buy
a. External purchase: 100 × $3,000 = $300,000; internal purchase: 100 × $2,400 variable cost
= $240,000; differential in profit = $60,000 decrease. No, the company as a whole will earn
$60,000 in less profit if there is an external transfer.
external transfer.
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internal; differential $10,000 increase in profit. The company would prefer an external
purchase as profits will increase by $10,000.
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120. The GrowPro Manufacturing Company has a division (Division P) that produces an essential
ingredient used by the Lawn Division in making lawn fertilizer. Historically, 75% of Division P's
output has been purchased by Division L and 25% has been sold to other fertilizer companies.
The transfer price between Division P and Division L has been based on the outside sales
price less selling and administrative expenses directly applicable to the outside sales. Last
year, the transfer price was $35 per ton; Division P would like the same transfer price this
year. However, the general manager of Division L has found an outside supplier who will sell
the ingredient for $30 per ton. She would like to continue buying from Division P, but Division
P's manager does not want to match the $30 price because he thinks that the margin is too
small. Top management does not get involved in transfer pricing disputes, but rather, allows
division managers to make their own decisions concerning internal or external purchases and
sales.
The following information has been gathered regarding Division P's operations last year:
Sales to L External
The information presented above is based on selling 120,000 tons internally and 40,000 tons
externally.
Required:
a. If Division L buys externally, Division P can increase its current external sales by only
20,000 tons. What arguments can the general manager of Division L make to help Division P
to match the $30 price?
b. Division L wants to use only one supplier, so Division P will either sell 120,000 tons to
Division L or nothing. If Division L's capacity is 160,000 tons, how many units does Division P
need to sell to outsiders at $50 per ton before it is better off selling to outsiders? Ignore any
additional marketing costs which would be incurred to increase sales.
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a. Drop price internally, overall profit = $1,120,000; lose inside sales, increase outside, overall
profit = $1,020,000.
b. 64,000 tons.
a. internal
Sales to L External Total
price = $30
Contribution
$600,000 $1,000,000 $1,600,000
margin
Operating
$240,000 $880,000 $1,120,000
profit
External Total
Sales $3,000,000
Contribution
$1,500,000 $1,500,000
margin
b. There needs to be $1,600,000 in contribution margin. The contribution margin per ton is $50
- $25 = $25. Volume needed is $1,600,000/$25 = 64,000 tons.
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Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Determining the Optimal Transfer Price
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121. The Measurement Division of Flow Co. produces pumps which it sells for $20 each to outside
customers. The Measurement Division's cost per pump, based on normal volume of 500,000
units per period, is shown below:
Fixed overhead 3
Total $15
Flow has recently purchased a small company which makes sprinkler systems. This new
company is presently purchasing 100,000 pumps each year from another manufacturer. Since
the Measurement Division has a capacity of 600,000 pumps per year and is now selling only
500,000 pumps to outside customers, management would like the new Sprinkler Division to
begin purchasing its pumps internally. The Sprinkler Division is now paying $20 per pump,
less a 10% quantity discount. The Measurement Division could avoid $1 per unit in variable
Required:
a. Treating each division as an independent profit center, within what price range should the
b. Now assume that the Measurement Division is selling 600,000 pumps per year on the
(Note: Due to limitations in fonts and word processing software, > and < signs must be used
in this solution rather than "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" signs.)
Using the transfer pricing formula, the minimum transfer price is:
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Transfer Price > Variable Costs + Lost Contribution Margin > $11 + $0 = $11.
Therefore, the transfer price would be between $11 and $18 per unit.
b. In this case, there is no idle capacity. Therefore, the appropriate transfer price would be:
Transfer Price > Variable Costs + Lost Contribution Margin > $11 + ($20 - $12) = $11 + $8 =
$19.
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122. Finnish Corporation has a Supply Division that does work for other Divisions in the company
as well as for outside customers. The company's Custodial Products Division has asked the
Supply Division to provide it with 10,000 special items each year. The special items would
$29.00 per unit. In order to have time and space to produce the special items, the Supply
Division would have to cut back production of another product - the H56 that it presently is
producing. The H56 sells for $32.00 per unit, and requires $19.00 per unit in variable
production costs. Packaging and shipping costs of the H56 are $3.00 per unit. Packaging and
shipping costs for the new special part would be only $1.00 per unit. The Supply Division is
now producing and selling 40,000 units of the H56 each year. Production and sales of the H56
would drop by 20% if the new special item is produced for the Custodial Products Division.
Required:
a. What is the range of transfer prices within which both the Divisions' profits would increase
as a result of agreeing to the transfer of 10,000 special parts per year from the Supply Division
to the Custodial Products Division?
b. Is it in the best interests of Finnish Corporation for this transfer to take place? Explain.
(Note: Due to limitations in fonts and word processing software, > and < signs must be used in
this solution rather than "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" signs.)
a. From the perspective of the Supply Division, profits would increase as a result of the
transfer if, and only if:
Transfer price > Variable cost + Opportunity cost
The opportunity cost is the contribution margin on the lost sales, divided by the number of
units transferred:
Opportunity cost = [($32.00 - $19.00 - $3.00) × 8,000*]/10,000 = $8.00
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Custodial Products Division, the transfer price must be less than the cost of buying the units
from the outside supplier. Therefore, Transfer price < $29.00.
Combining the two requirements, we get the following range of transfer prices: $24.00 <
b. Yes, the transfer should take place. From the viewpoint of the entire company, the cost of
transferring the units within the company is $24.00, but the cost of purchasing the special
parts from the outside supplier is $29.00. Therefore, the company's profits increase on
average by $5.00 for each of the special items that is transferred within the company, even
though this would cut into production and sales of another product.
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123. Division N has asked Division M of the same company to supply it with 10,000 units of part
P782 this year to use in one of its products. Division N has received a bid from an outside
supplier for the parts at a price of $25.00 per unit. Division M has the capacity to produce
50,000 units of part P782 per year. Division M expects to sell 46,000 units of part P782 to
outside customers this year at a price of $26.00 per unit. To fill the order from Division N,
Division M would have to cut back its sales to outside customers. Division M produces part
P782 at a variable cost of $17.00 per unit. The cost of packing and shipping the parts for
outside customers is $1.00 per unit. These packing and shipping costs would not have to be
incurred on sales of the parts to Division N.
Required:
a. What is the range of transfer prices within which both the Divisions' profits would increase
as a result of agreeing to the transfer of 10,000 parts this year from Division N to Division M?
b. Is it in the best interests of the overall company for this transfer to take place? Explain.
(Note: Due to limitations in fonts and word processing software, > and < signs must be used in
this solution rather than "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" signs.)
a. From the perspective of Division N, profits would increase as a result of the transfer if, and
only if:
Transfer price > Variable cost + Opportunity cost
The opportunity cost is the contribution margin on the lost sales, divided by the number of
units transferred:
Opportunity cost = [($26.00 - $17.00 - $1.00) × 6,000*]/10,000 = $4.80
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Capacity 50,000
$21.80.
From the viewpoint of Division M, the transfer price must be less than the cost of buying the
units from the outside supplier. Therefore,
Transfer price < $25.00. Combining the two requirements, we get the following range of
transfer prices:
b. Yes, the transfer should take place. From the viewpoint of the entire company, the cost of
transferring the units within the company is $21.80, but the cost of purchasing them from the
outside supplier is $25.00. Therefore, the company's profits increase on average by $3.20 for
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124. Farris Yard Equipment Corporation manufactures lawn mowers and snow blowers. It also
manufactures engines that are used by the Lawn Mower Assembly Division (LMAD). The
Engine Division (ED) also sells about 40% of its output to the outside market (these are
multipurpose engines). Its annual capacity is 150,000 units and annual output 135,000 units.
All engines sold internally to the LMAD are priced at cost plus 20% markup.
In January 2016, the Snow Blower Assembly Division (SBAD) approached the ED to 'buy'
20,000 engines. Diane Rogers, the controller of ED, computed the costs of manufacturing
Rogers quoted a price of $66.60 for each engine transferred to the SBAD. Jackson White, the
manager of SBAD, was furious to note that the ED was "trying to make money off a sister
division." He argued that the price must include only the cost of materials, as all other costs
will be incurred irrespective of whether or not SBAD places the order for 20,000 engines.
Morton Downey, the production manager of ED, pointed out that the special equipment will be
purchased only for fulfilling this internal order. Moreover, he argued that inspection must also
be done just like on all other engines; therefore, the inspection costs must also be included.
Labor is paid a flat monthly salary. Other manufacturing costs include both variable and fixed
Required:
(a) Given that excess capacity exists, what is the minimum price that the ED must charge to
the SBAD?
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(a) The costs that are explicitly associated with the manufacture of engines required by the
Materials: $300,000
Inspection: 24,000
Other manufacturing
175,000
costs:
$26.75 per
Total $535,000
unit
Therefore, the minimum price at which the ED can 'sell' to the SBAD would be $32.10 ($26.75
× 1.20).
It is important to note that excess capacity exists; therefore, the ED does not have any
based internal prices may be necessary, but creates complications of creating the price that
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motivates managers to benefit themselves and the company as a whole.
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125. Allentown Division of Sparks Inc. transfers its product to the Youngstown Division. The
Youngstown Division can either buy the item internally or externally (cost = $73 each). The
Allentown Division has just completed its annual cost update as follows:
Variable manufacturing
6.00
overhead
Fixed manufacturing
3.50
overhead
Variable selling
4.00
expenses
Required:
1) What is the minimum transfer price the Allentown Division should charge for internal
transfers?
2) What is the maximum price the Youngstown Division would be willing to pay?
3) Why should the Allentown Division reduce its price to the Youngstown Division?
1) The minimum transfer price should be total variable cost = $25 + $18 + $6 + $4 = $53.
2) The maximum transfer price = market price = $73.
3) The Allentown Division should reduce its price because it has excess capacity. Under the
general rule, even though it doesn't work well with excess capacity, only costs incurred
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because of production necessitated by the internal transfer should be considered—therefore,
only variable costs should make up the transfer price. The price also does not reflect that
actual fixed cost per unit will decrease as more units are produced and, with an internal sale,
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126. The following costs exist for Wiring Division of Corriander Corp.
The output of the Wiring Division, which sells for $10/unit externally, is used by the Electrical
Harness Division.
Required:
Compute the transfer price for a unit of the Wiring Division's output using:
1) market price
4) variable cost
5) total cost plus 10 percent
$255,750/30,000 = $8.525.
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AACSB: Analytical Thinking
AICPA: FN Decision Making
AICPA: FN Measurement
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Determining the Optimal Transfer Price
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127. SEMO Inc. has a division located in Spain and another in the U.S. The Spanish division
produces a part needed for the product made by the U.S. division. There is substantial excess
capacity in the Spanish division. The tax rate of the Spanish division is 35% and U.S. division
Direct labor 12
Variable overhead 6
Fixed overhead 19
Required:
1) What would be the lowest acceptable transfer price for the Spanish division?
2) What would be the highest acceptable transfer price for the U.S. division?
3) What would be the transfer price that would be the best for SEMO Inc. and why?
overall since less would be taxed at the 35% level and, while there would be more profit for the
U.S. division, the U.S. tax rate is lower.
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128. The following information is available for the two divisions of MAC Co.:
Division A
Division B
Required:
1) In order to ensure the best use of the productive capacity of A, what transfer price should
be set by Division A and what effect does this transfer price have on the overall margin for the
company? Is the answer goal congruent under the general rule?
2) Should Division B accept a special order for its product if the selling price is reduced to
1)
Contribution
$20 Division A $35
Margin
Division B 25 60
Contribution $35
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Margin
The appropriate transfer price should be $55 which fits in with the transfer price from the
general rule so it is goal congruent. This would be in the best interest of the company and
would still encourage Division B to purchase internally. B's contribution margin would be $15
($95 - $55 - $25).
2)
Division Company-after
B transfer
Selling price-special
$70 $70
order
Standard unit-level
costs
Division B 25 80 25 60
No. Division B would lose $10 per unit if the special order were accepted. The company will
make more if Division A would sell directly to the external market with a $20 contribution. A
decision to sell the part externally is still goal congruent under the general rule.
(3) Under the general rule the transfer price when there is excess capacity would be $35. The
overall contribution would be $10 per unit and Division B's contribution would also be $10. It
would be in the best interests of the company to accept the special order and under the
general rule goal congruent behavior still continues.
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Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Determining the Optimal Transfer Price
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129. Division X has asked Division K of the Easton Company to supply it with 5,000 units of part
L433 this year to use in one of its products. Division X has received a bid from an outside
supplier for the parts at a price of $26.00 per unit. Division K has the capacity to produce
30,000 units of part L433 per year. Division K expects to sell 26,000 units of part L433 to
outside customers this year at a price of $30.00 per unit. To fill the order from Division X,
Division K would have to cut back its sales to outside customers. Division K produces part
L433 at a variable cost of $21.00 per unit. The cost of packing and shipping the parts for
outside customers is $2.00 per unit. These packing and shipping costs would not have to be
incurred on sales of the parts to Division X.
Required:
a. What is the range of transfer prices within which both the Divisions' profits would increase
as a result of agreeing to the transfer of 5,000 parts this year from Division X to Division K?
b. Is it in the best interests of the overall Easton Company for this transfer to take place?
Explain.
(Note: Due to limitations in fonts and word processing software, > and < signs must be used in
this solution rather than "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" signs).
a. From the perspective of Division X, profits would increase as a result of the transfer if, and
only if:
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Capacity 30,000
Therefore, Transfer price > $21.00 per unit + $1.40 per unit = $22.40 per unit.
From the viewpoint of Division K, the transfer price must be less than the cost of buying the
b. Yes, the transfer should take place. From the viewpoint of the Easton Company, the cost of
transferring the units within the company is $22.40, but the cost of purchasing them from the
outside supplier is $26.00. Therefore, the company's profits increase on average by $3.60 for
each of the special parts that is transferred within the Easton Company.
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130. Pomme Corporation has a Motor Division that does work for other Divisions in the company as
well as for outside customers. The company's Equipment Division has asked the Motor
Division to provide it with 2,000 special motors each year. The special motors would require
$17.00 per unit in variable production costs. The Equipment Division has a bid from an outside
supplier for the special motors at $28.00 per unit. In order to have time and space to produce
the special motor, the Motor Division would have to cut back production of another motor - the
J789 that it presently is producing. The J789 sells for $34.00 per unit, and requires $22.00 per
unit in variable production costs. Packaging and shipping costs of the J789 are $4.00 per unit.
Packaging and shipping costs for the new special motor would be only $0.50 per unit. The
Motor Division is now producing and selling 10,000 units of the J789 each year. Production
and sales of the J789 would drop by 10% if the new special motor is produced for the
Equipment Division.
Required:
a. What is the range of transfer prices within which both the Divisions' profits would increase
as a result of agreeing to the transfer of 2,000 special motors per year from the Motor Division
to the Equipment Division?
b. Is it in the best interests of Pomme Corporation for this transfer to take place? Explain.
(Note: Due to limitations in fonts and word processing software, > and < signs must be used in
this solution rather than "greater than or equal to" and "less than or equal to" signs.)
a. From the perspective of the Motors Division, profits would increase as a result of the
transfer if, and only if:
Transfer price > Variable cost + Opportunity cost.
The opportunity cost is the contribution margin on the lost sales, divided by the number of
units transferred:
Opportunity cost = [($34.00 per unit - $22.00 per unit - $4.00 per unit) × 1,000 units*]/2,000
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Therefore, Transfer price > ($17.00 per unit + $0.50 per unit) + $4.00 per unit = $21.50 per
unit.
From the viewpoint of the Equipment Division, the transfer price must be less than the cost of
buying the units from the outside supplier. Therefore, Transfer price < $28.00.
Combining the two requirements, we get the following range of transfer prices: $21.50 <
Transfer price < $28.00.
b. Yes, the transfer should take place. From the viewpoint of the entire company, the cost of
transferring the units within the company is $21.50, but the cost of purchasing the special
parts from the outside supplier is $28.00. Therefore, the company's profits increase on
average by $6.50 for each of the special motors that is transferred within the company, even
though this would cut into production and sales of another product.
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131. Randolph Company has two divisions organized as profit centers: Redmon and Tomlin.
Randolph expects the following results:
Redmon Tomlin
Sales
Tomlin: (250,000 ×
$1,800,000
$7.20)
Included in Redmon's costs are 100,000 units of a subcomponent purchased from an outside
supplier for $4.50. The managers have recently initiated negotiations for Tomlin to supply the
Required:
a. Prepare a new segment reporting statement for Randolph, assuming an internal transfer at
the maximum transfer price.
b. Prepare a new segment reporting statement for Randolph, assuming an internal transfer at
the minimum transfer price.
a. Redmon Tomlin
Sales
Tomlin: (250,000 ×
$1,800,000
$7.20)
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Transfer (100,000 ×
450,000
$4.50)
b. Redmon Tomlin
Sales
Tomlin: (250,000 ×
$1,800,000
$7.20)
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132. Why is transfer pricing only a concern for profit or investment centers and not for cost or
revenue centers?
A cost center is not concerned with making a profit, only with controlling costs. Similarly, a
revenue center is also not concerned with profits, only with revenues. Transfer prices consider
the profit impact of making a decision as to the source of a product.
133. Explain the general principle for determining the optimal transfer price.
The general principle for an optimal transfer price is to set the price equal to the outlay cost for
the supplier up to the point of transfer and opportunity cost of the resources of the supplier.
This principle should result in a transfer price that leads managers to make decisions in the
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134. What is meant by a dual transfer pricing system? What are some advantages and
disadvantages of it?
A dual transfer pricing system is one where the selling division is awarded a price that includes
profits while the buying division is charged only for costs. The advantage is this type of system
encourages transfers. Disadvantages include the transfer price will not serve as a signal as to
the value of the good to the firm. Performance evaluation is also more difficult under this
system.
A perfect intermediate market may not exist, there may be differences between the internal
products and those available on the market with respect to distribution costs, quality, or
product characteristics.
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136. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a negotiated transfer price?
The major advantage of a negotiated transfer price is that it preserves the autonomy of the
divisional managers. The disadvantages include 1) a great deal of management time may be
consumed by the negotiating process and 2) the final price and its implications for
performance measurement could depend more on the manager's ability to negotiate than on
Transfer pricing is important in tax accounting, because transfers of goods or services often
occurs across different tax jurisdictions (countries, for example). The transfer price affects the
revenue (income) and cost (income) that are reported in the different jurisdictions. If the
different jurisdictions have different income tax rates, the total tax liability across all
jurisdictions will depend on the transfer price.
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138. What are the principal items that must be disclosed about each segment and how does this
differ if a company has significant foreign operations?
The following are the principal items that must be disclosed about each segment:
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139. Hartland Company has used market price as its transfer price for the Sterling Division for
many years with no problems. This year, because of changes in the economy, the demand for
its final product has dropped along with the price.
Required:
Explain the problems of basing the transfer prices on distress market prices and possible
solutions to the problems.
Under such extreme situations, basing transfer prices on market prices can lead to decisions
that are not in the best interests of the overall company. Basing transfer prices on artificially
low "distress" prices can lead the producing division to sell or close the productive resources
devoted to producing the product for transfer to switch to a more profitable product. This might
provide a short-run improvement in divisional profit but might not be in the best interests of the
company overall. The company might be better off if no productive resources are sold off and
it rides out the period of market distress. To encourage managers to act in this more
appropriate way of transfer pricing, some companies set the transfer prices equal to a long-run
average external market price rather than the current market price.
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140. Midland Inc. has two divisions: production and marketing, which it treats as profit centers.
Because the production division has no marketing capabilities, it does not have a traditional
market price to consider and the company does not want to use negotiation.
Required:
Discuss the following cost-based transfer prices along with problems that might exist for each.
1) Standard unit-level cost: the selling division's contribution margin would be zero which
would give no incentive to make the transfer. This problem can be avoided by using standard
unit-level cots plus a markup to give the selling division a positive contribution margin.
2) Absorption (full) cost: unit-level cost plus an assigned portion of higher-level costs. This can
lead to dysfunctional decision making behavior. Full cost-based transfer prices leads the
buying division to view costs that are non-unit-level costs for the company as a whole as unit-
level costs to the buying division which can cause problems with decision making.
3) Actual cost: actual cost-based transfer prices allow an inefficient producing division to pass
the excess production costs on to the buying division via the transfer price. Also, the selling
division has no incentives to control costs since the cost of inefficiency are passed on.
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141. Mr. Massee, the Vice President of Production is looking at two of the Divisions that report to
him. These divisions are viewed as profit centers by the company. He has called in the head
of Brake Division A, which provides a part used by Wheel Division, because he has noticed
that Wheel Division is going to an external supplier for the part. Mr. Omsby, the head of the
Brake Division, tells him that he has set the transfer price at $38 per part even though the
external price is $33 per part. The standard unit-level cost is $22. "I have set the $38 price
because I am operating with no excess capacity and do not want to have the internal transfer
to the Wheel Division. I have some good external customers and do not want to lose them by
selling internally. If I had excess capacity, I would be willing sell to the Wheel Division at a
lower price."
Mr. Massee says that he has to think about this situation because something doesn't seem
right to him. After Mr. Omsby leaves the office, he calls his friend in the controller's department
for some help.
Required:
You are that friend. Explain to Mr. Massee the differences in transfer pricing when there is no
excess capacity and when there is excess capacity and what Mr. Omsby is doing wrong.
When there is no excess capacity, sales to third parties are given up in order to make the
internal transfers so a transfer price equal to outlay costs plus opportunity cost is appropriate.
This usually is market price or very close to market price. The market-based transfer price
allows both divisions to be no worse off with the transfer inasmuch as the same dollar figures
are involved as if they each went to outside parties. Mr. Omsby, in charging as a transfer price
$38 instead of $33 is not operating in a goal congruent manner. It is in the company's best
interests to have the internal transfer. The most he should be charging the Wheel Department
is $33. Where there is excess capacity, the transfer price usually is set around variable cost. If
one can use the results of the general rule in this situation, the opportunity cost would be
equal to zero because no sales to third-parties would be given up and only the variable costs
increase as more units are produced.
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AACSB: Analytical Thinking
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
AICPA: FN Decision Making
AICPA: FN Measurement
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-02 Explain the general transfer pricing rules and understand the underlying basis for them.
Topic: Applying the General Principle
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142. Ms. Clarke, one of the marketing managers, has come to the meeting with a number of reports
about one of her products. The Vice President of Marketing sees her agitation and asks her
what the problem is. "Well, the product made by the East Coast Division is losing sales even
after the price had been lowered drastically. The manager of the division is threatening to
close because of the reduced demand."
The Vice President of Marketing asks why the lowered prices are a problem and Ms. Clarke
says that, according to the manager, the price used to transfer the goods to Southern Division
are based on market price and, with the lowered market price, the unit-level costs are no
longer being covered and he is losing money on every transfer as well as every third-party
sale.
Required:
Explain further to the Vice President of Marketing the issues involved in transfer pricing when
Under such extreme situations, basing transfer prices on market prices can lead to decisions
that are not in the best interests of the overall company. Basing transfer prices on artificially
low "distress" prices can lead the producing division to sell or close the productive resources
devoted to producing the product for transfer or to switch to a more profitable product. This
might provide a short-run improvement in divisional profit but might not be in the best interests
of the company overall. The company might be better off if no productive resources are sold
off and it rides out the period of market distress. To encourage managers to act in this more
appropriate way of transfer pricing, some companies set the transfer price equal to a long-run
average external market price rather than the current market price.
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Topic: Applying the General Principle
143. Briefly discuss some of the general issues of multinational transfer pricing.
In international transactions, transfer prices may affect tax liabilities, royalties, and other
payments because of different laws in different countries (or states). Because tax rates vary
among countries, companies have incentives to set transfer prices that will increase revenues
(and profits) in low-tax countries and increase costs (thereby reducing profits) in high-tax
countries. There is a feeling by some that the tax avoidance caused by foreign companies
selling goods to their U.S. subsidiaries at inflated transfer prices artificially reduces the profits
of the U.S. subsidiaries and reduces the taxes collected in the U.S. International taxing
authorities look closely at transfer prices for companies engaged in related-party transactions
that cross national boundaries and frequently companies have to support the transfer price
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144. During the current year Tuesday Company's foreign Division A incurred production costs of $4
million for units that are transferred to its other foreign Division, B. Costs in Division B, outside
of the costs of production of the final product are $8 million. These are third-party costs. Sales
revenue for the final product for Division B is $30 million. Other companies in the same
country import a similar type of part as Division B at a cost of $7 million. Tuesday has set its
transfer price at $14 million, justifying this price because of the special controls it has on the
operations in Division A as well as its special manufacturing method. The tax rate in the
country where Division A is located is 40% while the tax rate for Division B's country is 70%.
Required:
1) What would Tuesday's total tax liability for both divisions be if it used the $7 million transfer
price?
2) What would the liability be if it used the $14 million transfer price?
1)
Division A Division B
2)
Division A Division B
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Third-party costs (4,000,000) (8,000,000)
Import duties, or tariffs, are fees charged to an importer, generally on the basis of reported
value of the goods being imported. If a company has divisions in two countries and Country A
imposes an import duty on goods transferred in from Country B, the company has an incentive
to set a relatively low transfer price on the transferred goods. This will minimize the duty to be
paid and maximize the overall profit for the company as a whole. Countries sometimes pass
laws to limit a multinational ability in setting transfer prices for the purpose of maximizing
import duties.
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Learning Objective: 15-04 Explain the economic consequences of multinational transfer prices.
Topic: Multinational Transfer Pricing
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146. Space Inc. has just purchased a foreign subsidiary that makes a component used by one of
the domestic divisions. Ms. Jenner, the controller, has been asked about issues that should be
considered in establishing a transfer price for the new subsidiary. Since this is Space's first
foray into the multinational arena, there is little to no expertise in international issues in the
company. Ms. Jenner has told her boss that she will get back to him with a report as to the
issues to be considered. She then calls a friend of hers at a branch of one of the big-4 CPA
firms that deals with international issues for some help.
Required:
What is the basic information that Ms. Jenner will be given by her friend?
In international transactions, transfer prices may affect tax liabilities, royalties, and other
payments because of different laws in different countries (or states). Because tax rates vary
among countries, companies have incentives to set transfer prices that will increase revenues
(and profits) in low-tax countries and increase costs (thereby reducing profits) in high-tax
countries. There is a feeling by some that the tax avoidance caused by foreign companies
selling goods to their U.S. subsidiaries at inflated transfer prices artificially reduces the profits
of the U.S. subsidiaries and reduces the taxes collected in the U.S. International taxing
authorities look closely at transfer prices for companies engaged in related-party transactions
that cross national boundaries and frequently companies have to support the transfer price
paid and maximize the overall profit for the company as a whole. Countries sometimes pass
laws to limit a multinational firm's ability in setting transfer prices for the purpose of maximizing
import duties.
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AICPA: FN Decision Making
AICPA: FN Measurement
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 15-04 Explain the economic consequences of multinational transfer prices.
Topic: Multinational Transfer Pricing
147. Briefly discuss transfer prices in relation to external segment reporting under GAAP.
The FASB requires companies engaged in different lines of business to report certain
information about segments that meet the FASB's technical requirements. This reporting
requirement is intended to provide a measure of the performance of those segments of a
business that are significant to the company as a whole. Among the principal items that must
Negotiated transfer prices are not generally acceptable for external segment reporting. In
general, the accounting profession has indicated a preference for market-based transfer prices
because the purpose of the segment disclosure is to enable an investor to evaluate a
company's divisional sales as though they were free-standing enterprises. While this is sound
conceptually, in reality it may not work because the segments are interdependent and market
prices may not really reflect the same risk in an intracompany sale that they do in third-party
sales.
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