A company that produces a single product had a net operating income of $82,000 using variable costing and a net operating income of $108,790 using absorption costing. Total fixed manufacturing overhead was $54,570 and production was 10,700 units. This year was the first year of operations. Between the beginning and the end of the year, the inventory level:

A) decreased by 26,790 units
B) increased by 26,790 units
C) decreased by 5,253 units
D) increased by 5,253 units

Variable Costing

An accounting method that only considers variable costs (costs that change with production levels) in product pricing and decision making, excluding fixed costs.

Absorption Costing

is an accounting method that includes all manufacturing costs - direct materials, direct labor, and both variable and fixed manufacturing overhead - in the cost of a product.

Fixed Manufacturing Overhead

Costs related to manufacturing that do not vary with the level of production, such as rent, salaries, and utility costs for the factory.