The Greenback Store’s cost structure is dominated by variable costs with a contribution margin ratio of 0.25 and fixed costs of $40,000. Every dollar of sales contributes 25 cents toward fixed costs and profit. The cost structure of a competitor, One-Mart, is dominated by fixed costs with a higher contribution margin ratio of 0.75 and fixed costs of $440,000. Every dollar of sales contributes 75 cents toward fixed costs and profit. Both companies have sales of $800,000 for the month.

Sales price $ 550 per smoker
Variable costs 330 per smoker
Fixed costs 143,000 per month

Hunter & Sons is subject to an income tax rate of 40 percent.

Required:

a. How many smokers must Hunter & Sons sell every month to break even?

b. How many smokers must Hunter & Sons sell to earn a monthly operating profit of $39,600 after taxes?