Feedback is a critical facet of the control function. It is here that accounting once again plays a vital role. Accounting reports that provide feedback by comparing planned( budgeted) data with actual data are called performance reports. Exhibit 1.2 shows a performance report that compares budgeted sales and cost of goods sold with the actual amounts for the month of August. Deviations from the planned amounts that increase profits are labeled "favorable," while those that decrease profits are called" unfavorable." These performance reports can have a dramatic impact on managerial actions- but they must be based(as closely as possible) on actual operating conditions.