Absorption Income versus Contribution Margin Income

Question

Absorption Income versus Contribution Margin Income

Given the computations for both gross profit on sales and contribution margin, can you give specific benefits to be derived from gross profit on sales as opposed to contribution margin? Is net income always going to be the same regardless of the accounting approach?

Let me give you a simple example. Look at the income statements below before you answer the questions.

ABC Company sells 10,000 widgets. The company has no beginning or ending inventory. Using the absorption approach (GAAP) the net income of the company is as follows:

Sales (10,000 @ $20) $200,000
Cost of goods sold (10,000 @ $12) 120,000
Gross profit $ 80,000
Expenses 20,000
Net income $ 60,000

Using the contribution margin approach the net income of the company is as follows:

Sales (10,000 @ $20) $200,000
Variable cost of goods sold (10,000 @ $8) 80,000
Gross profit $120,000
Fixed expenses 60,000
Net income $ 60,000