Cash management is a very important function of managers. Companies need to manage their operations in a way that they can sustain growth and yet not run out of cash.

Consider the case of the Red Hamster Manufacturing Inc.:

Red Hamster Manufacturing Inc. has forecasted sales of $24,000,000 for next year and expects its cost of goods sold (COGS) to remain at 70% of sales. Currently, the firm holds $3,200,000 in inventories, $2,300,000 in accounts receivable, and $2,600,000 in accounts payable.

Approximately how long does it take Red Hamster Manufacturing to convert its raw materials to its finished products and then to sell those goods? (Note: In all calculations, assume that there are 365 days in a year.)

69.52 days

62.57 days

48.66 days

76.47 days

On average, it takes( Fill in the blank) from the time a sale is made until the time cash is collected from customers.

Red Hamster Manufacturing relies on customer credit when it buys raw materials from its suppliers. On average, it takes (Fill in the blank) after the firm purchases materials before it sends cash to its suppliers.