Question

Problem 11-11 Calculating Operating Leverage [LO4] At an output level of 62,000 units, you calculate that the degree of operating leverage is 3.7. The output rises to 67,000 units. What will the percentage change in operating cash flow be? (Do not round intermediate calculations and enter your answer as a percent rounded to 2 decimal places, e.g., 32.16.) Will the new level of operating leverage be higher or lower?

Answer 1

Percentage change in sales = [(Ending value - Beginning value) / Beginning value] * 100

Percentage change in sales = [($67,000 - $62,000) / $62,000] * 100

Percentage change in sales = 0.080645

Percentage change in sales = 8.0645%

Percentage change in OCF = Percentage change in sales * Degree of operating leverage

Percentage change in OCF = 8.0645% * 3.7

Percentage change in OCF = 29.84%

Will the new level of operating leverage be higher or lower?

As the sales increase, contribution margin will remain constant but operating margin percentage will rise. Therefore, this leads to fall in operating leverage.