Alvarez Company is facing an $8 increase in the variable costs of producing one of its products for the upcoming year. As a result, the sales manager has made a proposal to increase the sales price of the product while increasing the advertising budget at the same time. The sales price increase will lower sales volume, but the other changes may help the company maintain its profit margin. Alvarez has provided the following information regarding the current year results and the proposal made by the sales manager:
Current Year - Proposal
Unit sales: 27,000 - 18,000
Sales price per unit: $48 - $54
Variable cost per unit: $31 - $40
Fixed cost: $80,000 - $96,000

A) decrease operating income by $324,000
B) increase contribution margin by $196,000
C) decrease the unit breakeven point
D) decrease operating income by $196,000