Medium2 marksMultiple Choice
Performance Measurement and ControlTransfer PricingDual PricingSyllabus Area E
This question is part of a case study — click to read the full scenario(Case 26)

Section B - Case 3: Quantum Nexus

Quantum Nexus is a cross-border tech hardware company.
Division A (located in Country X) manufactures microchips. Division B (located in Country Y) assembles these chips into smartphones.

Division A Data:
Variable cost per chip = $120
Fixed cost per chip = $30
External market selling price = $200

Division B Data:
External purchase price for similar chips = $190
Variable processing cost to assemble phone = $50
Final selling price of smartphone = $300

Division A currently has SPARE CAPACITY and can meet Division B's demand without losing external sales.

What is the minimum transfer price Division A should accept?

ACCA · Question 30 · Performance Measurement and Control

Section B - Case 3: Quantum Nexus

To resolve the conflict between tax optimization and managerial motivation, Quantum Nexus considers implementing a 'Dual Pricing' system.

How does a dual pricing system operate in this context?

Answer options:

A.

Both divisions record the transfer at the external market price, but pay taxes at the variable cost rate.

B.

Division A records the transfer at a high price (e.g., market price) to show profit, while Division B records the purchase at a low price (e.g., variable cost), with Head Office reconciling the difference.

C.

The transfer price is changed every six months to balance the profits between the two divisions.

D.

Division A sells to Division B at variable cost, but receives a year-end cash bonus from Division B.

How to approach this question

Recall the definition of dual pricing: two different prices are used for the same transaction to keep both supplying and receiving managers happy.

Full Answer

B.Division A records the transfer at a high price (e.g., market price) to show profit, while Division B records the purchase at a low price (e.g., variable cost), with Head Office reconciling the difference.✓ Correct
In a dual pricing system, the supplying division records the sale at a high price (e.g., market price or cost-plus) to ensure they show a profit and remain motivated. The receiving division records the purchase at a low price (e.g., marginal cost) to encourage goal-congruent decision making. Head Office maintains a reconciliation account to eliminate the artificial profit upon consolidation.

Common mistakes

Confusing dual pricing with two-part tariffs (a fixed fee plus a variable rate).

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