Wingate Company, a wholesale distributor of electronic equipment, has been experiencing losses for some time, as shown by its most recent monthly contribution format income statement: Sales $ 1,546,000
Variable expenses 573,480
Contribution margin 972,520
Fixed expenses 1,070,000
Net operating income (loss) $ (97,480)
In an effort to resolve the problem, the company would like to prepare an income statement segmented by division. Accordingly, the Accounting Department has developed the following information:

Division

East Central West
Sales $ 416,000 $ 630,000 $ 500,000
Variable expenses as a percentage of sales 48 % 26 % 42 %
Traceable fixed expenses $ 282,000 $ 324,000 $ 206,000
Required:

1. Prepare a contribution format income statement segmented by divisions.

2-a. The Marketing Department has proposed increasing the West Division's monthly advertising by $28,000 based on the belief that it would increase that division's sales by 13%. Assuming these estimates are accurate, how much would the company's net operating income increase (decrease) if the proposal is implemented?

2-b. Would you recommend the increased advertising?