Carson, Inc

question 23

Essay

Carson, Inc., which produces electronic parts in the United States, has a very strong local market for part no. 54. The variable production cost is $40, and the company can sell its entire supply domestically for $110. The U.S. tax rate is 30%.
Alternatively, Carson can ship the part to a division that is located in Switzerland, to be used in a product that the Swiss division will distribute throughout Europe. Information about the Swiss product and the division's operating environment follows:
Selling price of final product: $400
Shipping fees to import part no. 54: $20
Labor, overhead, and additional material costs of final product: $230
Import duties levied on part no. 54 (to be paid by the Swiss division): 10% of transfer price
Swiss tax rate: 40%
Based on U.S. and Swiss tax laws, the company has established a transfer price for part no. 54 equal to the U.S. market price. Assume that the Swiss division can obtain part no. 54 in Switzerland for $125.
Required:
A. If you were the head of the Swiss division, would you be better off financially to conduct business with your U.S. division or buy part no. 54 locally? Why? Show computations.
B. Carson's accounting department has figured that the company will make $66.40 for each unit transferred and used in the Swiss division's product. Rather than proceed with a transfer, would Carson be better off to sell its goods domestically and allow the Swiss division to acquire part no. 54 in Switzerland? Show computations for both U.S. and Swiss operations to support your answer.
C. Generally speaking, when tax rates differ between countries, what income strategy should a company use in setting its transfer prices? If the seller is in a low tax-rate country, what type of price should it set? Why?

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Definitions:

Mastication

The process of chewing food in preparation for swallowing and digestion.

Orbicularis Oculi

A circular muscle around the eye that enables blinking and closing of the eyelids, playing a role in facial expressions.

Exaggerated Blink

An exaggerated blink is a heightened blinking response that may occur as a reaction to stimuli or due to certain neurological conditions.

Inferior Oblique

A muscle in the eye that contributes to the upward and outward movement of the eyeball.