Sales, gross profit, and contribution — choose the correct set of definitions Select the statements that correctly define gross profit, gross profit percentage, contribution ratio, and contribution.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Financial performance analysis separates margin sources: gross profit reflects product-level profitability before overheads; contribution focuses on covering fixed costs and generating operating profit. Correct definitions are crucial in pricing, product mix, and break-even analysis.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sales revenue, cost of goods sold (COGS), variable costs, and fixed costs are defined per standard managerial accounting.
  • Percentages and ratios are computed over consistent periods.
  • No unusual accounting policies distort the basics.


Concept / Approach:
Gross profit isolates manufacturing/merchandising margin: sales – COGS. Contribution measures how much sales exceed variable costs, available to cover fixed costs and profit. The contribution ratio (or P/V ratio) is contribution / sales, useful for break-even and sensitivity analyses.


Step-by-Step Solution:
State gross profit: GP = sales – COGS.Define gross profit percentage: GP% = GP / sales (or per-unit basis) interpreted as average margin on sales.Define contribution: Contribution = sales – variable costs.Define contribution ratio: CR = contribution / sales.All listed statements align, so choose “All of these”.


Verification / Alternative check:
Break-even formula uses contribution: break-even sales = fixed costs / contribution ratio, confirming the definitions are internally consistent.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any single choice is incomplete; “All of these” captures the full, correct set.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing gross profit (after COGS) with contribution (after variable costs, which may differ from COGS if some items are fixed).
  • Mixing percentage bases (per-unit vs total sales) when computing margins.


Final Answer:
All of these

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